Multifunction Mirror Optical Assembly for PCR Fluorescence Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical systems for directing light to sample plates in thermocyclers are not effective and efficient in transferring excitation light and detecting emitted fluorescence, leading to suboptimal performance in PCR and other molecular biology applications.
Innovation Solution
A system with a multifunction mirror and optical assembly that directs excitation energy to the sample plate and emission energy back to a detector, using LED arrays and emission filters to enhance light transfer and detection efficiency, while maintaining temperature uniformity and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional optical systems are used to direct light to sample plates, then the system structure is simple, but light transfer efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional single-plane optical path to a three-dimensional optical system using a dichroic mirror positioned at 45 degrees. The excitation light travels along a first optical path while emission light returns along a second optical path in a different plane, utilizing spatial dimensionality to separate excitation and emission paths and improve light transfer efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The dichroic mirror serves as an intermediary optical element that selectively reflects excitation light toward the sample plate while allowing emission light to pass through to the detector. This intermediary component enables efficient light management by mediating between the light source and detector without direct mechanical movement
2Productivity
If a multifunction mirror is used to direct both excitation and emission light, then light transfer efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dichroic mirror performs multiple functions simultaneously: it reflects excitation light toward the sample plate, transmits emission light to the detector, and blocks direct light paths that would cause noise. This multi-functional optical element improves detection efficiency while minimizing the need for additional moving parts or complex mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical moving parts (such as rotating mirrors or movable filters) with a stationary dichroic mirror that uses optical properties to achieve the same functional outcomes. This substitution eliminates mechanical complexity while maintaining high detection efficiency through fixed optical paths
3Measurement precision
If LED arrays with emission filters are used, then measurement precision improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses individual LEDs positioned to correspond to specific wells on the sample plate, with each LED emitting at a wavelength optimized for exciting fluorophores in that particular well. Emission filters are placed in the detection path to selectively transmit only the relevant emission wavelengths. This localized optimization improves measurement precision for each well while minimizing energy consumption by activating only the necessary LEDs and filters for each detection event
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 configuration improves light transfer efficiency, reduces noise, and enhances the accuracy of fluorescence measurements, enabling better performance in PCR and other molecular biology applications by ensuring precise temperature control and efficient light management.
Implementation Method 1
The optical assembly includes at least one array of excitation sources configured to emit excitation energy along an excitation optical path
Implementation Method 2
The document discloses a detection system comprising a light source that generates excitation light having a wavelength sufficient to excite a fluorophore in a sample
Implementation Method 3
A beam splitter is designed such that the fluorescence signal is reflected laterally. A dichroic mirror is preferably used as the beam splitter and will transmit the excitation light while reflecting the emitted, longer wavelength fluorescence signal
Implementation Method 4
an emission filter positioned along the second line, or a second side of the beam splitter, and a detector that detects the emitted light transmitted by the emission filter
Data Source
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AI summary
Optical systems, and corresponding methods, for multiple reactions are provided. The optical systems are in a fixed position relative to a thermal assembly and include at least one array of excitation sources (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs)) (102) configured to output excitation energy along an excitation optical path. In addition, a detector configured to receive emission energy along a detection optical path in the same plane as the excitation optical path is also provided.