Multi-Plane Imaging System for Simultaneous Biochip Surface Sequencing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In gene sequencing, it is challenging to acquire sharp images simultaneously from multiple surfaces of a biochip, which reduces sequencing efficiency and throughput.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system is designed with a configuration that allows simultaneous imaging of two surfaces using a combination of an objective lens, tube lenses, and image sensors, each set optimized for specific depth of field ranges to prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single imaging system is used to detect multiple surfaces of a biochip, then the device complexity is reduced, but the imaging precision deteriorates because sharp images of multiple surfaces cannot be acquired simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple independent imaging channels, with each channel dedicated to imaging a specific surface of the biochip. Each channel includes its own objective lens, tube lens, and image sensor, allowing independent optimization of imaging parameters for each surface while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-plane imaging approach to a multi-plane imaging approach by stacking multiple imaging channels at different depths. This dimensional expansion allows simultaneous imaging of multiple surfaces at different z-positions without compromising image sharpness in any single plane.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the depth of field is increased to capture multiple surfaces, then the imaging range is improved, but the imaging precision deteriorates because optical signals from different surfaces interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system divides the depth range into separate zones, with each imaging channel responsible for a specific depth range. By segmenting the depth dimension and assigning dedicated channels to specific surfaces, the system achieves both extended imaging range and maintained signal accuracy through isolated optical paths.
Solution Approach 2:
Tube lenses are introduced as intermediary optical elements between the objective lens and image sensor. These tube lenses act as mediators that condense optical signals from specific depth planes onto the image sensors, preventing cross-contamination of signals from different surfaces while maintaining the overall imaging range.
3Productivity
If simultaneous imaging of multiple surfaces is implemented, then the sequencing throughput is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple sets of tube lenses and image sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system employs universal optical components that serve multiple functions. The tube lenses and objective lenses are designed to work across multiple imaging channels, and the system architecture allows the same basic optical module to be reused for different surfaces with appropriate positioning and focusing adjustments, thereby reducing overall component variety.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system adopts a nested architecture where multiple imaging channels are integrated within a unified optical platform. The tube lenses and optical paths are arranged in a compact, nested configuration that allows multiple surfaces to be imaged simultaneously without proportionally increasing the overall system footprint or component complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enables efficient detection and sequencing of biomolecules on multiple surfaces, reducing detection time and improving sequencing throughput by allowing simultaneous acquisition of optical signals from both surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
A first set of tube lenses are arranged between the objective lens and the first set of image sensors and are configured for enabling the imaging system to have a first depth of field when imaging a first surface; a second set of tube lenses are arranged between the objective lens and the second set of image sensors and are configured for enabling the imaging system to have a second depth of field when imaging a second surface
Implementation Method 2
The optical signals are detected by an imaging system to give images, and the relevant biological information of the biomolecules may be acquired by analysis of the images
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses an imaging system and a sequencing system. The imaging system comprises an objective lens and image sensors. The image sensor comprises a first set of image sensors and a second set of image sensors. A first set of tube lenses are arranged between the objective lens and the first set of image sensors and are configured for enabling the imaging system to have a first depth of field when imaging a first surface; a second set of tube lenses are arranged between the objective lens and the second set of image sensors and are configured for enabling the imaging system to have a second depth of field when imaging a second surface. The first depth of field and the second depth of field are both smaller than a distance of displacement from the first surface to the second surface along the optical axis of the objective lens. The imaging system of the present disclosure can simultaneously achieve the acquisition of optical signals on two surfaces of a sample of interest and imaging. This allows the imaging system to detect biomolecules on the two surfaces of the sample of interest, identify the type of bases in the biomolecules, and acquire the base sequences, thus reducing the detection time and improving the detection efficiency and the sequencing throughput.