Optical Detection System Absorber for DNA Sequencing Noise Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In DNA sequencing, about 95% of the excitation signal in optical detection systems is not absorbed by fluorescent dyes, leading to background signals and noise that negatively impact sequencing accuracy, and existing solutions like mirrors and collectors consume space and increase costs.
Innovation Solution
An optical detection system that includes an absorber material, such as silicon, oriented at a specific angle to absorb at least 95% of the excitation signal traversing the sample carrier, reducing background noise and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a mirror and collector are used to trap excitation signal traversing the sample carrier, then background noise is reduced, but system size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful excitation signal that traverses the sample carrier using a dedicated absorber component. This absorber is positioned to intercept only the unwanted transmitted light, separating the noise reduction function from the main optical path components, thereby reducing background noise without requiring large mirror-collector assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive absorber material (such as black anodized aluminum or similar dark materials) that can be easily manufactured and integrated. This disposable-like component replaces expensive, space-consuming mirror and collector systems, achieving noise reduction through a low-cost, compact solution
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a mirror and collector are used to trap excitation signal traversing the sample carrier, then background noise is reduced, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive optical components (mirrors and collectors) with inexpensive absorber materials such as black anodized aluminum, Vantablack coatings, or similar dark materials. These materials can be applied as simple coatings or thin layers, dramatically reducing manufacturing costs while effectively absorbing the excitation signal to reduce background noise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the noise reduction function into a dedicated, simple absorber component that can be manufactured independently and integrated into the system. This modular approach allows for cost-effective production using standard manufacturing techniques rather than requiring precision-machined optical components
3Measurement precision
If excitation signal traverses the sample carrier without being absorbed, then measurement precision deteriorates, but no additional components are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary absorber component positioned between the sample carrier and the surrounding environment. This absorber mediates the interaction by capturing the traversing excitation signal that would otherwise contribute to background noise, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring complex mirror-collector systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful effect of traversing excitation light by placing a simple absorber in the optical path. This removes the source of background noise in the most direct manner possible, improving DNA sequencing accuracy by eliminating stray light without adding significant system complexity
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 absorber effectively minimizes background noise and stray light, improving DNA sequencing accuracy while reducing system size and cost compared to conventional solutions.
Implementation Method 1
an absorber that absorbs the excitation signal traversing the sample carrier without being absorbed by the sample or sample carrier. The absorber absorbs at least 95% of the excitation signal traversing the sample carrier.
Implementation Method 2
The DNA in the sample is lysed, producing fragments of sequences of the four nucleotides. The fragments are replicated through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and labeled with target specific fluorescent dyes (e.g., one for each nucleotide base), each dye having a different spectral emission characteristic (e.g., wavelength, frequency, energy and color).
Data Source
AI summary
An optical detection system includes a sample carrier receiving region that receives a sample carrier carrying a sample. The system further includes a source that emits an excitation signal having a wavelength within a predetermined wavelength range. The excitation signal illuminates the sample carrier. A first sub-portion of the excitation signal is absorbed by the sample, which emits characteristic radiation in response thereto. A second sub-portion of the excitation signal traverses the sample carrier. The system further includes a detector that detects the characteristic radiation. The system further includes an absorber that absorbs the excitation signal traversing the sample carrier without being absorbed by the sample or sample carrier. The absorber absorbs at least 95% of the excitation signal traversing the sample carrier.