Multiplexed Amplitude Modulation Photometer for Fluorophore Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cytometers face challenges in accurately characterizing geometric factors associated with signal collection due to optical configuration and flow control issues, leading to uncertainties in fluorophore count and inability to repeat measurements at the same time or location.
Innovation Solution
A multiplexed amplitude modulation photometer that multiplexes optical signals in the frequency domain, allowing a single optical detector to simultaneously detect signals from multiple locations, reducing the need for precise alignment and calibration, and increasing the collection of signal magnitude while separating AC and DC components for multiple measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional cytometers use optical configuration and flow control to detect analytes, then they can perform measurements, but they face uncertainties in fluorophore count and cannot repeat measurements at the same time or location
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple spatially separated optical regions along the microchannel, with each region capable of independent illumination and detection. This allows simultaneous measurements at multiple locations, enabling repeat measurements at the same time and location by controlling which optical regions are active.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic illumination of optical regions in a controlled sequence. By periodically activating specific optical regions and detecting signals at corresponding locations, the system enables repeatable measurements at the same time and location through synchronized illumination-detection cycles.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical detectors are used to detect signals from multiple locations, then measurement coverage increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical detectors are merged into a single detector that can sequentially or simultaneously detect signals from multiple optical regions. The single detector integrates signals from different spatial locations through controlled illumination patterns, reducing the number of detectors while maintaining comprehensive signal collection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical detector is designed with multi-functionality to detect signals from multiple optical regions. By controlling which optical regions are illuminated and detecting signals at corresponding locations, the single detector performs the function of multiple detectors, reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.
3Measurement precision
If precise alignment and calibration are performed to characterize geometric factors, then measurement accuracy improves, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-characterization of geometric factors through controlled illumination and detection at known spatial positions. The microchannel geometry and optical region positions are encoded in the measurement process itself, allowing the system to automatically determine geometric parameters without external alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical regions and microchannel geometry are pre-configured with known spatial relationships during device fabrication. This preliminary encoding of geometric information eliminates the need for time-consuming alignment and calibration procedures, as the geometric factors are inherently built into the device structure.
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 significantly reduces uncertainties in fluorophore counting, enables repeat measurements at the same location and time, and improves the accuracy of biomedical research tools by standardizing and uniformizing measurements.
Implementation Method 1
subjecting the first analyte to a first modulated light... producing, from the first analyte, first output light in response to subjecting the first analyte to the first modulated light
Implementation Method 2
producing, from the first analyte, first output light in response to subjecting the first analyte to the first modulated light
Implementation Method 3
propagating the first output light to an optical detector from the first optical region; receiving, by the optical detector, the first output light
Data Source
AI summary
A multiplexed amplitude modulation photometer includes a microchannel; a first input light path that: receives a first modulated light at a first modulation frequency; and communicates the first modulated light to a first optical region that receives the first analyte that produces a first output light including the first modulation frequency communicated to a first detection light path; the first optical region; the first detection light path that receives the first output light; a second input light path that: receives a second modulated light with a second modulation frequency; and communicates second modulated light to a second optical region that receives the second analyte that produces a second output light with the second modulation frequency communicated to a second detection light path; the second optical region; and the second detection light path that receives the second output light from the second optical region.