Multispectral Illumination Device Using Color Splitters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluorescence examination devices face challenges with low fluorescence intensities, interference from other optical radiation, and the need for mechanical moving parts to switch between different excitation and emission spectra, leading to delayed sample examination, complex structures, and high costs.
Innovation Solution
A multispectral lighting device using at least four semiconductor radiation sources with corresponding color splitters to generate optical illumination radiation with predetermined spectra, eliminating the need for mechanical movement and allowing quick switching between wavelength ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical filter wheels or moving parts are used to switch between different excitation and emission spectra, then the device can examine multiple fluorescent dyes, but the examination time increases and the structure becomes more complex and wear-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical filter wheels and moving parts with a fixed optical path design. Multiple semiconductor radiation sources (LEDs) with different emission spectra are arranged in a fixed configuration with corresponding color splitters and emission filters, allowing spectral switching without mechanical movement. This eliminates wear, reduces complexity, and enables rapid examination of multiple fluorescent dyes.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination device is segmented into multiple independent semiconductor radiation sources, each with its own color splitter and emission filter combination. This segmentation allows each wavelength range to be independently controlled and optimized, enabling rapid switching between different fluorescent dye examinations without moving parts.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical filter wheels or moving parts are used to switch between different excitation and emission spectra, then the device can examine multiple fluorescent dyes, but the device complexity and susceptibility to wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical filter wheels, motors, and moving parts by using a fixed optical path design. Multiple semiconductor radiation sources are arranged in a stationary configuration with corresponding color splitters and emission filters mounted on a fixed carrier. This substitution of mechanical systems with a fixed optical arrangement reduces complexity and eliminates wear while maintaining the ability to examine multiple fluorescent dyes.
3Measurement precision
If narrow excitation spectrum lighting is used to reduce interference, then the signal-to-noise ratio improves, but the examination of different fluorescent dyes requires multiple lighting devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple semiconductor radiation sources with different emission spectra into a single illumination device. Each source is paired with corresponding color splitters and emission filters to maintain narrow spectral bandwidths for high signal-to-noise ratios. This merging of multiple lighting functions into one device eliminates the need for multiple separate lighting devices while preserving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination device is designed with multi-functionality to support examination of multiple fluorescent dyes. By integrating multiple semiconductor radiation sources with different emission spectra and corresponding emission filters, a single device can perform examinations for various fluorescent dyes, each with optimized narrow spectral bandwidths for high signal-to-noise ratios.
4Adaptability or versatility
If sequential examination with filter wheels is used, then different fluorescent dyes can be detected, but the switching time and mechanical wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sequential mechanical filter wheel switching with simultaneous or rapid electronic switching between multiple semiconductor radiation sources. The fixed optical path with multiple LED sources and corresponding emission filters allows immediate switching between wavelength ranges without mechanical movement, eliminating switching delays and increasing examination speed while maintaining the ability to detect different fluorescent dyes.
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
The solution provides high lighting radiation power with minimal wear and complexity, enabling rapid examination of multiple fluorescent dyes with improved signal-to-noise ratio and reduced radiation exposure, while avoiding mechanical shutter and filter changes.
Implementation Method 1
at least four semiconductor radiation sources (18.1 to 18.4; 36.1 to 36.5), in particular light-emitting diodes (LEDs), which are designed to emit optical radiation in different wavelength ranges
Implementation Method 2
corresponding color splitters (22.1 to 22.3; 37.1 to 37.4), via which the radiation from the semiconductor radiation sources is coupled into a common illumination beam path section
Implementation Method 3
the sample is irradiated with excitation radiation with a suitable excitation spectrum, which is selected as a function of one or more fluorescent dyes. If these fluorescent dyes are in the sample, they interact with the excitation radiation and emit fluorescent radiation that is characteristic of the fluorescent dye
Data Source
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AI summary
An illumination device comprises at least four semiconductor radiation sources (18) for emitting optical radiation in respectively different emission wavelength ranges, wherein at least one colour splitter (22.1, 22.2, 22.3), which is reflective for optical radiation of the respective semiconductor radiation source (18), is assigned to each of at least three of the semiconductor radiation sources (18), wherein the semiconductor radiation sources (18) and the colour splitters (22.1, 22.2, 22.3) are arranged such that the optical radiation which is emitted in each case from each of the semiconductor radiation sources (18) is coupled into a shared illumination beam path section (24) and wherein in each case one collimation apparatus (20.1, 20.2, 20.3, 20.4), which collimates the optical radiation emitted by the respective semiconductor radiation source (18), is arranged in the beam path sections from the semiconductor radiation sources (18) to the colour splitters (22.1, 22.2, 22.3).