Optical Coupling System with Integrated Sample Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical coupling systems face inefficiencies in irradiating samples with excitation light and collecting fluorescence due to dispersion, large distances between the sample and coupling lens, and the use of large-diameter optical fibers, which lead to low radiation density and increased system size.
Innovation Solution
An optical coupling system with a coupling lens positioned between an excitation light optical fiber and a receiving light optical fiber, and a lens portion integrated into the sample container, which converges or collimates excitation light to enhance radiation density and facilitate efficient fluorescence collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a large-diameter optical fiber is employed to increase the intensity of excitation light, then the intensity of excitation light is improved, but the radiation density is lowered and the system size is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical fiber into two separate components: an excitation light optical fiber for delivering excitation light and a receiving light optical fiber for collecting fluorescence. This segmentation allows each fiber to be optimized independently, with the excitation fiber having appropriate diameter for intensity while the receiving fiber is positioned to collect emitted light efficiently, resolving the contradiction between intensity and radiation density
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coupling lens as an intermediary component between the optical fiber and the sample. This coupling lens focuses the excitation light from the optical fiber onto a small area of the sample, thereby increasing the radiation density without requiring a larger optical fiber diameter. The coupling lens acts as a mediator that transforms the light distribution to achieve high radiation density
2Area of stationary object
If the distance between the sample and the coupling lens is increased, then the excitation light can cover a larger area, but the fluorescence collection efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the distance parameter between the coupling lens and the sample to achieve the best balance between irradiation area and fluorescence collection efficiency. By carefully selecting this parameter, the system achieves both adequate coverage area and high collection efficiency without requiring extreme values
3Productivity
If multiple lenses are used to connect excitation light with fluorescence, then the light coupling efficiency is improved, but the system size is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions into a single coupling lens. This lens simultaneously performs excitation light focusing and fluorescence collection, eliminating the need for separate lenses for each function. The integration of these functions into one component maintains high light coupling efficiency while minimizing system size
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling lens is designed to perform multiple functions: it focuses excitation light onto the sample and also collects the emitted fluorescence. This multi-functional design allows a single lens to replace what would traditionally require multiple lenses, reducing system complexity while maintaining efficiency
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 configuration increases the radiation density of excitation light, improves fluorescence detection sensitivity, and reduces system size by concentrating light and minimizing dispersion, allowing for more efficient extraction and detection of fluorescence.
Implementation Method 1
a coupling lens arranged on a sample side of the excitation light optical fiber and the receiving light optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
a lens portion integrally formed on a bottom of the cylindrical body for collecting the excitation light and the light emitted from the sample
Implementation Method 3
measures the intensity of fluorescence generated by the excited sample
Data Source
AI summary
A light measuring device is designed, so that excitation light, emitted by a light source, is guided through an excitation light optical fiber to irradiate a sample, and that fluorescence discharged by the sample is guided to an optical detection system through a receiving light optical fiber. A coupling lens is arranged ahead of the excitation light optical fiber and ahead of the receiving light optical fiber on the sample side. A sample container for retaining a sample is so designed that a lens portion, for collecting excitation light and fluorescence, is integrally formed with the cylindrical bottom. According to this arrangement, excitation light is changed to parallel light or converged light by the coupling lens, and is collected at the sample by the lens portion integrally formed with the bottom of the sample container.