Multi-Position Fiber-Optic Laser Propagation for Flow Cytometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow cytometry systems face challenges in efficiently characterizing and sorting particles in a flow stream due to variations in light scattering and emission caused by sample components, which affect the accuracy and reliability of data collection.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a light propagator with multiple fiber optics coupled to lasers, irradiating the flow stream at multiple positions and employing a light detection component with photodetectors to collect and analyze light from these positions, allowing for precise characterization and sorting of particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single laser and single fiber optic are used to irradiate the flow stream, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and ability to characterize multiple particle properties simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The light propagation system is segmented into multiple independent fiber optics (first fiber optic, second fiber optic, etc.), each capable of conveying light from separate lasers to different positions on the flow stream. This segmentation enables simultaneous multi-position irradiation, allowing characterization of multiple particle properties in parallel without requiring a single complex system to sequentially perform all measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-position irradiation to multi-position irradiation by adding the spatial dimension along the flow stream. Multiple fiber optics are positioned at different locations along the flow stream, enabling simultaneous measurement at multiple positions. This dimensional expansion allows parallel characterization of particle properties such as size, complexity, and refractive index without time sequential limitations.
2Productivity
If multiple lasers and multiple fiber optics are used to irradiate multiple positions on the flow stream, then the productivity and measurement precision are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the illumination function into multiple independent segments - separate lasers and separate fiber optics for each position. Each fiber optic acts as an independent channel that can be optimized for its specific position, allowing simultaneous multi-position irradiation and enabling parallel processing of particle characterization data.
Solution Approach 2:
Each fiber optic in the system serves multiple functions: it conveys light from its associated laser, enables irradiation at its specific position along the flow stream, and can be independently optimized for its location. This multi-functionality allows a single component to perform multiple roles, reducing the need for additional specialized components.
3Measurement precision
If light is irradiated at multiple positions along the flow stream, then the measurement precision for characterizing different particle properties is improved, but the loss of time for light propagation and detection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optics are pre-positioned and pre-aligned at specific locations along the flow stream before the measurement process begins. This preliminary arrangement of the light propagation system eliminates the need for real-time positioning adjustments during particle flow, reducing time losses while maintaining precise multi-position irradiation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous irradiation at multiple positions simultaneously as particles flow through the flow stream. Rather than sequentially measuring particles at different positions, the multi-position fiber optic arrangement allows continuous parallel measurement, maintaining useful action throughout the particle flow without interruption or significant time delays.
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
Enhances the accuracy and reliability of particle characterization by providing continuous or discrete irradiation with controlled beam profiles, enabling effective sorting and data collection from the flow stream.
Implementation Method 1
a first fiber optic operably coupled to a first laser and configured to receive light from the first laser at a proximal end and to convey the laser light from a distal end to a first position on the flow stream
Implementation Method 2
a first laser and configured to receive light from the first laser at a proximal end
Implementation Method 3
a light detection component having one or more photodetectors configured to detect light from the first position on the flow stream and the second position on the flow stream
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure include systems for irradiating a sample in a flow stream. Systems according to certain embodiments include a light propagator having a first fiber optic operably coupled to a first laser and configured to receive light from the first laser at a proximal end and to convey the laser light from a distal end to a first position on the flow stream and a second fiber optic operably coupled to a second laser and configured to receive light from the second laser at a proximal end and to convey the laser light from a distal end to a second position on the flow stream. Methods for irradiating a sample in a flow stream with the subject systems and detecting light from two or more positions on irradiated flow stream are also provided.