Multimode Reader Optical Path Reconfiguration via Sliding Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multimode readers face challenges in expanding capabilities to perform new assays and applications, particularly for fluorescence-based and luminescence-based measurements, due to limitations in accommodating monochromator-based technologies within standard cartridges, which require significant redesign and retrofitting.
Innovation Solution
A system that integrates an excitation light source, monochromator-based detectors, and a cartridge carrier supporting removable cartridges with a common form factor, along with a sliding switch mechanism to reconfigure optical paths, enabling flexible alignment of excitation and emission light paths for various applications, including the use of dual-monochromators and interface cartridges for beam shaping and wavelength selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard cartridges with fixed optical paths are used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability deteriorates when trying to accommodate monochromator-based technologies
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path is divided into modular segments: fixed optical paths for filter-based measurements and movable optical paths with sliding switches for monochromator-based measurements. This segmentation allows each segment to be independently configured, enabling the system to maintain ease of operation for standard applications while providing adaptability for specialized monochromator applications through selective activation of movable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates movable optical paths with sliding switches that can dynamically reconfigure the optical configuration between fixed and movable states. This dynamic capability allows the optical path to adapt its structure based on the measurement requirements, enabling both filter-based and monochromator-based technologies to function within the same cartridge platform.
2Adaptability or versatility
If monochromator-based technology is integrated into standard cartridges, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to reconfiguration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into distinct fixed and movable path sections, each with dedicated sliding switches. This segmentation isolates the complexity of monochromator reconfiguration to specific movable segments, preventing it from propagating through the entire optical system. The fixed segments remain simple and stable, while only the necessary movable segments incur reconfiguration complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Sliding switches act as intermediary components between the fixed optical paths and monochromator-based measurements. These intermediaries manage the complexity of optical path reconfiguration by providing standardized interfaces and control mechanisms, thereby reducing the overall system complexity while enabling adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical paths are provided for different applications, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The movable optical paths with sliding switches are designed to serve multiple functions: they can accommodate monochromator-based measurements, filter-based measurements, and hybrid configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for entirely separate optical paths for different applications, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical paths are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable rather than statically fixed. The sliding switches enable a single optical path structure to adapt its configuration for different measurement types, reducing the need for multiple dedicated optical paths and their associated components.
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 allows for the expansion of multimode readers to support new applications without significant redesign, enhancing their versatility and ease of use by enabling selective positioning of optical components and light paths, thereby facilitating the integration of monochromator-based technologies alongside filter-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
an excitation light source configured to generate an excitation light... when the target in the sample generates the emitted light in response to the excitation light
Implementation Method 2
an emission monochromator configured to receive the emitted light from the sample along a main measurement optical axis, and to output a selected wavelength component of the emitted light
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A fluorescent microscopy system (810) is provided, comprising: a microscope element (820) having a field of view; a fluorescent excitation apparatus (812) comprising a light source (814) to output a light, and an optical system (818) configured to convert the light into an excitation beam for exciting a specimen in the sample plane, the excitation beam having a distribution of light flux suitable for simultaneously lighting substantially all of the field of view of the microscope element (820); a detector (840) configured to detect an imaging light from a specimen; the microscope element (820) comprising an objective lens (830) adjustably positioned to receive imaging light from the specimen and to focus the imaging light along a path to the detector (840); a mirror (824) positioned to direct the excitation beam along an excitation beam path substantially in parallel with the path for the imaging light to the detector (840); and an objective bypass (900) disposed in the excitation beam path (906) to receive the excitation beam, to focus excitation beam, and to direct the excitation beam to focus on a sample plane of the specimen.