Multi-Wavelength Flow Cytometry Detection via Segmented Optical Filters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow-based analysis systems are limited in their ability to simultaneously detect emission intensity or images at multiple distinct emission wavelengths for parallel sample streams, requiring improvements in spectral filtering and imaging detection techniques to effectively analyze particles of varying sizes and labels.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating multiple replica images, each passing through distinct spectral filters positioned side-by-side on an imaging detector, utilizing beam-shaping optics and partially reflective filters to separate and recombine light emissions from particles, allowing for simultaneous detection of multiple colors of light from parallel flowing streams, which can include particles labeled with different chromophores or reporter labels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spectral filters are used to detect multiple emission wavelengths simultaneously, then spectral analysis capability is improved, but optical losses increase and sensitivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into multiple independent detection channels, each equipped with a specific spectral filter. This allows simultaneous detection of multiple emission wavelengths through parallel processing of light signals from flowing particle streams, improving spectral analysis capability while maintaining optical efficiency through dedicated pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by arranging multiple spectral filters in a configured array and using a two-dimensional detector array. This dimensional transformation enables simultaneous multi-wavelength detection without sequential filtering, reducing optical losses by eliminating repeated light path traversals through filters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple spectral filters and imaging detectors are implemented, then multi-wavelength detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a universal detection architecture where a single flow cell, light source, and detector assembly serve multiple detection functions across different wavelengths. The configurable array of spectral filters allows the same hardware platform to be adapted for various multi-wavelength detection applications, reducing overall device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multiple optical copies of the particle stream image, each filtered for a specific wavelength range. These replica images are simultaneously captured on a two-dimensional detector array, enabling multi-wavelength detection without requiring separate physical detection paths for each wavelength, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture.
3Productivity
If parallel particle streams are analyzed simultaneously, then analysis throughput is improved, but spatial resolution requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from one-dimensional linear detection to two-dimensional detector array detection. This dimensional enhancement allows simultaneous spatial resolution of multiple parallel particle streams while maintaining the ability to distinguish individual particles within each stream, resolving the conflict between throughput and spatial resolution through increased detection dimensionality.
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 enables efficient and rapid differentiation and identification of variously labeled particles by producing low-resolution replica images for each wavelength range, facilitating multi-spectral analysis of particles in parallel streams, such as in imaging cytometry, with reduced optical losses and improved sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
each image passing through distinct spectral filters
Implementation Method 2
partially reflective filters to separate and recombine light emissions
Implementation Method 3
fluorescence or luminescence emission from one or more reporter labels
Implementation Method 4
fluorescence or luminescence emission from one or more chromophores
Data Source
AI summary
A method to simultaneously detect emission intensity or images at multiple distinct emission wavelengths in the analysis of parallel sample streams in a flow-based analysis system and apparatus for performing the described method.