Multi-Laser Beam Shaping for Uniform Flow Cytometry Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Flow cytometry systems face limitations in characterizing analytes in biological fluids due to variations in light sources and beam profiles, which affect the accuracy of particle characterization and separation in flow streams.

Innovation Solution

The use of multiple lasers with a beam shaping component that combines and modifies the beam profiles to produce an output beam with a predetermined intensity profile along a horizontal axis, enhancing the characterization and separation of particles in flow streams.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple lasers with different beam profiles are used to irradiate the flow stream, then the versatility and characterization capability are improved, but the beam profile variations cause inaccuracies in particle characterization and separation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharacterization capabilityVSAvoidparticle characterization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a uniform intensity region within the flow stream where particles are characterized. The beam shaping component modifies the laser beams to produce a predetermined intensity profile with a uniform central region, ensuring that particles passing through this region are illuminated consistently regardless of their precise position, thereby resolving the measurement precision issue while maintaining multi-laser versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the intensity distribution parameter of the laser beams by using beam shaping components (such as aspheric lenses or diffractive optical elements) to transform the conventional Gaussian intensity profiles into customized profiles with uniform central regions. This parameter transformation allows multiple lasers with different wavelengths to maintain consistent illumination characteristics across the flow stream

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If conventional Gaussian beam profiles are used from multiple lasers, then the system complexity is reduced, but the non-uniform intensity distribution decreases the accuracy of particle analysis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical system complexityVSAvoidparticle analysis accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the intensity distribution parameter of conventional Gaussian laser beams into customized profiles with uniform central regions using beam shaping components. This parameter transformation maintains relatively simple optical system architecture while significantly improving particle analysis accuracy through controlled intensity uniformity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces beam shaping components (aspheric lenses, diffractive optical elements) as intermediary elements between the lasers and the flow stream. These intermediaries modify the beam profiles to achieve uniform intensity distribution without requiring complex optical arrangements or multiple adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If beam profiles are modified using beam shaping components, then the intensity profile uniformity is improved, but the device complexity and alignment requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintensity profile uniformityVSAvoidoptical component complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses beam shaping components as intermediary elements that passively transform Gaussian beam profiles into uniform intensity profiles through their inherent optical properties (aspheric surfaces or diffractive patterns). These intermediaries maintain intensity uniformity without requiring active control systems or complex alignment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The beam shaping components perform self-service by inherently transforming the beam profiles through their designed optical characteristics. The aspheric lenses or diffractive elements automatically produce the desired uniform intensity distribution without requiring external adjustment or control systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Productivity

If multiple lasers are combined at the same position from different angles, then the beam combination efficiency is improved, but the alignment precision and positional accuracy requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebeam combination efficiencyVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by directing multiple laser beams to converge at a specific location within the flow stream where particle characterization occurs. The beam shaping components ensure that despite different angles of incidence, all beams produce uniform intensity distribution at the convergence point, thereby achieving efficient beam combination with manageable alignment requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 approach improves the accuracy and efficiency of particle characterization and separation by maintaining a consistent intensity profile across the flow stream, allowing for better identification and analysis of cells and extracellular vesicles.

Implementation Method 1

a beam shaping component that receives the first beam of light and the second beam of light at substantially the same position from different angles of incidence and is configured to generate from the first beam of light and the second beam of light an output beam of light having a predetermined intensity profile

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Implementation Method 3

a mirror component that includes a first mirror and a second mirror positioned to propagate light from the first mirror to a beam combiner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

In some instances, the first beam of light and second beam of light are combined with a dichroic beam combiner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDichroic filtering: Dichroic Filter

Data Source

PatentUS20250093671A1Multi-Laser Systems Having Modified Beam Profiles and Methods of Use Thereof

Publication Date: 2025.03.20 BECTON DICKINSON & CO

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure include systems with multiple lasers having modified beam profiles. Systems according to certain embodiments include a first laser that produces a first beam of light, a second laser that produces a second beam of light and a beam shaping component that receives the first beam of light and the second beam of light at substantially the same position from different angles of incidence and is configured to generate from the first beam of light and the second beam of light an output beam of light having a predetermined intensity profile along a horizontal axis. Methods for irradiating a sample in a flow stream with the output beam of light are also described. Kits having one or more lasers and a beam shaping component configured to generate from a first beam of light and a second beam of light an output beam of light having a predetermined intensity profile along a horizontal axis are also provided.