Multi-Point Laser Irradiation for Gentle Microscopic Object Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current microscopic object collection systems that use light irradiation to collect objects in liquids face inefficiencies and thermal damage issues, as increasing light output for faster collection can harm sensitive microorganisms like bacteria.
Innovation Solution
A microscopic object collection system with a holder, laser beam source, condenser lens, and adjustment mechanism that allows switching between single-point and multi-point irradiation modes, controlling the focal point and laser beam distribution to manage thermal effects and enhance collection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical output is increased to collect microscopic objects more efficiently, then collection speed and productivity are improved, but temperature increase in the vicinity of the irradiated position becomes large causing thermal damage to microscopic objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single light source into multiple light sources (first light source and second light source) that emit light to different regions (first region and second region) of the photothermal conversion region. This segmentation allows simultaneous multi-point irradiation, increasing collection productivity while distributing thermal load across multiple lower-power sources, thereby reducing thermal damage to microscopic objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point irradiation to multi-point irradiation by adding spatial distribution of light sources. Multiple light sources are arranged at different positions and angles to irradiate different regions of the photothermal conversion region simultaneously, creating a three-dimensional irradiation pattern that enhances collection efficiency while managing thermal effects.
2Productivity
If multiple light sources are used to increase collection efficiency, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit provides universal control functionality by managing multiple light sources, the holder, and the adjustment mechanism through a single control interface. This multi-functional control approach coordinates the complex multi-point irradiation system while maintaining ease of operation, allowing the system to switch between single-point and multi-point irradiation modes and adjust various parameters without requiring separate control systems for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism acts as an intermediary between the multiple light sources and the photothermal conversion region. It automatically adjusts the relative positional relations among the first light source, second light source, and holder to achieve proper alignment and focus, thereby simplifying the overall system complexity by providing automatic positioning rather than requiring manual adjustment of multiple 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
Enables efficient collection of microscopic objects while minimizing thermal damage by allowing users to select between modes based on object sensitivity, achieving higher yields with reduced thermal stress in the multi-point irradiation mode.
Implementation Method 1
As a photothermal conversion region where light is converted to heat is irradiated with light, the liquid in the vicinity of a position irradiated with light is locally heated.
Implementation Method 2
a condenser lens that condenses the plurality of laser beams to an identical focal point
Data Source
AI summary
A laser module includes a plurality of light emission regions and the plurality of light emission regions emit a plurality of laser beams. An optical waveguide and a lens condense the plurality of laser beams to an identical focal point. An adjustment mechanism is configured to adjust relative positional relation between the sample stage and a condenser lens (the optical waveguide and the lens). A controller is configured to switch between a single-point irradiation mode and a multi-point irradiation mode. The single-point irradiation mode refers to a mode in which the adjustment mechanism is controlled such that the focal point of the plurality of laser beams falls on the thin film. The multi-point irradiation mode refers to a mode in which the adjustment mechanism is controlled such that the focal point does not fall on the thin film.