Nanoparticle Sizing via Rotating Single Detector and Multi-Wavelength Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical methods for determining particle size in the nanoscopic range are expensive and do not allow for time-resolved measurements, making them inefficient for quickly and reliably determining particle density and size, particularly in heparinized blood or blood serum samples.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device using multiple radiation sources with a multi-wavelength spectrum, where the radiation sources are fixed and emit bundles of essentially parallel rays at different angles to the sample, allowing for the determination of particle size, distribution, and concentration through wavelength- and scattering angle-dependent intensity measurements, enabling time-resolved analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple detectors arranged at different angles are used to measure scattered light at a fixed wavelength, then particle size distribution can be determined, but the device becomes expensive and cannot perform time-resolved measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the measurement task by using a single detector that sequentially measures scattered light at different angles and wavelengths during rotation, rather than using multiple detectors simultaneously. This divides the complex measurement into temporal segments, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces dynamic elements (rotation of the detector or sample holder) to enable time-resolved measurements. By rotating the detection system, the same detector can access multiple scattering angles at different time points, enabling both angular resolution and time-resolved capability without requiring multiple fixed detectors
2Measurement precision
If monochromatic light source and multiple detectors are used, then particle size can be measured, but the measurement process is time-consuming and not rapid
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the wavelength parameter by using a broadband light source and measuring scattered light at multiple wavelengths sequentially. This allows the system to gather comprehensive scattering data across the spectrum during rotation, enabling accurate particle size determination while maintaining rapid measurement capability through the temporal multiplexing of wavelength measurements
3Loss of time
If fixed radiation sources emitting parallel rays at different angles are used, then time-resolved analysis becomes possible, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs periodic rotation of the detection system to sequentially present different scattering angles to the detector. This periodic motion enables time-resolved measurements by capturing scattering data at regular angular intervals, transforming a potentially complex multi-detector setup into a simpler rotating single-detector system that achieves the same temporal resolution
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 provides a simple, reliable, and cost-effective method for determining particle size and concentration in nanoscopic samples, including heparinized blood, enabling precise and rapid heparin content measurement.
Implementation Method 1
Optical methods for determining the size of particles are already widely used. Light scattering occupies no small place among these methods. Here one makes use of the findings of the Rayleigh, Mie, Debye, Rayleigh-Gans and Fraunhofer scattering theories.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a measuring device for determining the size, size distribution and/or concentration of nanoscopic particles or cavities in a sample for measurement, the turbidity of said samples or the roughness of surfaces, by means of determining the wavelength- and scattering angle-dependent intensities of a measurement beam dispersed from a sample for measurement, comprising a housing for a sample for measurement, a detector, with at least one detector input, an analyser and at least two radiation sources at a separation from each other and from the sample with a multi-wavelength spectrum or a continuous spectrum, the radiation intensities of which are adjustable and/or may be fixed, wherein each radiation source emits an essentially parallel radiation beam in the direction of a sample for measurement and the radiation beams from different radiation sources directed at the sample for measurement may be directed or aimed at the sample for measurement at differing angles with relation to the axis between the detector inlet and the sample for measurement. The invention also relates to a method for determining the heparin fraction in blood or blood serum samples.