Multi-Spot Fluorescence Detection Using Non-Parallel Optical Axes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fluorescence detection systems struggle to differentiate extremely weak fluorescence signals from background noise, particularly in high-speed biological applications like gene sequencing and flow cytometry.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method utilizing multiple light sources and optical collection elements with non-parallel optical axes to collect fluorescence light from different observation spots into separate measurement channels, preventing excitation light from entering these channels and using dedicated detectors for each spot, allowing flexible excitation wavelengths, shapes, and timing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single optical collection element is used to collect fluorescence light from multiple observation spots, then the device complexity is reduced and multiple spots can be monitored, but the excitation light may follow the fluorescence light into the measurement channels increasing background noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical collection systemVSAvoidbackground noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The optical collection element is designed with asymmetric optical paths where the collection optical axis is non-parallel to the excitation optical axis. This asymmetric geometry allows the fluorescence light from multiple observation spots to be collected into separate measurement channels while preventing the excitation light from following the fluorescence light into these channels, thereby reducing background noise while maintaining device simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The optical collection element segments the fluorescence light from different observation spots into separate measurement channels with non-parallel optical axes. This segmentation allows each channel to detect fluorescence from a specific observation spot independently, preventing cross-contamination of excitation light while using a single integrated optical collection element

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If multiple light sources are used for different observation spots, then dedicated excitation can be provided for each spot improving detection precision, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluorescence detectionVSAvoidlight source configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each observation spot is provided with dedicated excitation light sources configured specifically for that location. The light sources can be positioned and oriented to provide optimal excitation for fluorophores at each specific observation spot, improving measurement precision while the modular design allows this to be achieved without proportionally increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Use of energy by moving object

If excitation light is directed straight to observation spots without changing direction, then the excitation efficiency is improved, but it becomes difficult to separate excitation light from fluorescence light in the detection path

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexcitation light efficiencyVSAvoidexcitation light contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses non-parallel optical axes for excitation and fluorescence collection, introducing an angular dimension to separate the light paths. By collecting fluorescence at angles non-parallel to the excitation optical axis, the system maintains efficient straight-line excitation light delivery to observation spots while preventing excitation light from entering the fluorescence detection channels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enhances sensitivity by reducing background noise and enabling simultaneous, high-speed detection and analysis of multiple observation spots, improving signal-to-noise ratio and enabling high-speed parallel processing of biological samples.

Implementation Method 1

one or more light sources for providing excitation light for fluorescence excitation at an observation spot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

an optical collection element for collecting fluorescence light generated by the excitation light at two or more different observation spots

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentUS12449360B2Apparatus and method for fluorescence excitation and detection

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 MODULIGHT CORP

AI summary

Disclosed is an apparatus and method for fluorescence excitation and detection. The apparatus comprises one or more light sources for providing excitation light for fluorescence excitation at an observation spot along an optical axis for excitation, an optical collection element for collecting fluorescence light generated by the excitation light at two or more different observation spots into two or more different measurement channels with an optical axis for collecting non-parallel to the optical axis for excitation of each of the one or more light sources, and, for each of the two or more measurement channels and thereby for each of the two or more observation spots, a dedicated optical detector for detecting fluorescence from the fluorescence light collected by the optical collection element.