Multi-Track Raman Analyzer Parallel Probe Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Raman well plate readers are limited by slow throughput due to single well readout modes using low-power lasers and low sensitivity CCDs, and they often struggle with background contributions from well plate materials, leading to reduced sensitivity and increased acquisition time.
Innovation Solution
A multi-track Raman analyzer system that employs at least two Raman probes with corresponding lasers, each positioned to illuminate and collect light from specific spots on a sample, and an imaging spectrometer with a shared two-dimensional sensor to simultaneously acquire Raman data from multiple spots, thereby generating associated Raman spectra.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single well readout mode using low-power laser and low sensitivity CCDs is used, then device complexity is reduced, but throughput is reduced and sensitivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sample analysis into multiple parallel tracks, each with its own laser and probe, allowing simultaneous measurement of multiple samples. This segmentation enables high throughput while maintaining individual track simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple Raman probes and lasers are combined and directed to a single shared imaging spectrometer with a two-dimensional sensor. This merging approach increases throughput by measuring multiple samples simultaneously while avoiding the complexity of separate detection systems for each sample
2Device complexity
If a single well readout mode using low-power laser and low sensitivity CCDs is used, then device complexity is reduced, but sensitivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple high-power lasers are combined and directed to a single shared imaging spectrometer with a two-dimensional sensor. This merging approach increases sensitivity by accumulating signal from multiple tracks while maintaining a unified detection system, avoiding the complexity of separate detection systems for each sample
3Productivity
If multiple Raman probes with corresponding lasers are used to simultaneously acquire data from multiple spots, then throughput is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple Raman probes and lasers are combined and directed to a single shared imaging spectrometer with a two-dimensional sensor. This merging approach increases throughput by measuring multiple samples simultaneously while avoiding the complexity of separate detection systems for each sample
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging spectrometer with two-dimensional sensor serves as a universal detection system that can simultaneously receive and process signals from multiple Raman probes. This multi-functional approach enables high throughput without requiring separate specialized detectors for each probe
4Productivity
If well plate readers are used for high throughput testing, then productivity is improved, but background contributions from well plate materials increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses localized Raman probes that can be positioned to illuminate specific spots on the sample, allowing the background to be minimized by focusing only on the area of interest. The shared imaging spectrometer can then process only the relevant signal from each localized spot
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts and separates the Raman signal from the background by using spatial filtering through the imaging spectrometer's two-dimensional sensor, which can distinguish signals from different locations. This allows high throughput measurement while removing background contributions from well plate materials
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
This system enables high-throughput Raman measurements by simultaneously analyzing multiple spots or samples, reducing acquisition time and improving sensitivity by minimizing background contributions and increasing signal-to-noise ratio.
Implementation Method 1
at least two Raman probes positioned to simultaneously acquire Raman spectra of the sample
Implementation Method 2
an imaging spectrometer with a diffraction grating that redirects light at a wavelength-dependent angle to a shared sensor
Implementation Method 3
a shared two-dimensional sensor to simultaneously acquire Raman data from multiple spots
Data Source
AI summary
A spectroscopy system simultaneously obtains Raman measurements from multiple samples or multiple areas of a liquid or solid sample. At least two Raman probes simultaneously acquire spectra from the sample(s) using an imaging spectrometer having a single shared two-dimensional scientific CMOS sensor. Each probe is coupled to a laser, which may be integrated into the probe, and the spectrometer and includes a lens focusing laser light within or on the sample and collecting light from the sample for the spectrometer. The spectrometer images light from multiple probes simultaneously on the scientific CMOS sensor, spaced from one another to reduce crosstalk. A sample positioning device and a probe positioning mechanism may provide relative movement between samples or sample areas and the probes to acquire data from a different subset of samples or sample areas, and may also adjust probe distance from the sample(s) for desired laser focus spot size and location.