Optical Illumination System for Homogeneous Sample Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laboratory equipment for optogenetics lacks the ability to provide reproducible and homogeneous illumination of chemical and biological samples, particularly in multiwell plates, due to cross-talk between samples and inhomogeneous light intensity distribution.
Innovation Solution
The use of a combination of light guiding elements, including an Absorbing Tunnel and a Reflecting Tunnel, to direct and focus light beams, eliminating flat inclination angles and enhancing illumination intensity at the periphery of the samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple samples are illuminated simultaneously using conventional LED arrays, then productivity is improved, but cross-talk between samples occurs and illumination homogeneity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is divided into separate illumination channels, with each sample or group of samples receiving light through dedicated optical paths. This segmentation prevents cross-talk between adjacent samples while maintaining the ability to illuminate multiple samples simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between productivity and illumination homogeneity.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical elements such as beam splitters, mirrors, and optical fibers are introduced as intermediaries between the light source and samples. These intermediaries direct light precisely to intended targets while blocking stray light that would cause cross-talk, enabling simultaneous illumination of multiple samples without compromising homogeneity or increasing cross-talk.
2Illumination intensity
If light intensity is increased to improve illumination effectiveness, then illumination intensity is improved, but cross-talk between samples increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system provides different light distribution characteristics to different locations. High intensity light is directed precisely to the intended sample area through focused optical paths, while adjacent areas receive minimal or no light. This local differentiation allows high illumination intensity at target samples without increasing cross-talk to neighboring samples.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical intermediaries such as optical fibers and precision mirrors act as conduits that transmit light intensity to specific locations while isolating the light path from surrounding areas. These intermediaries enable high intensity illumination at the target without allowing the increased light intensity to spill over and cause cross-talk to adjacent samples.
3Device complexity
If conventional LED arrays are used for illumination, then device complexity is reduced, but illumination homogeneity deteriorates due to directional emission characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
Optical intermediaries such as diffusers, beam splitters, and optical fibers are introduced between the LED array and samples. These intermediaries transform the directional emission characteristics of LEDs into more uniform light distribution patterns, achieving illumination homogeneity while adding only moderate complexity to the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination system transitions from direct one-dimensional LED emission to multi-dimensional light distribution through optical elements. By introducing optical paths in multiple dimensions (reflection, refraction, scattering), the system achieves homogeneous illumination across samples without requiring complex modulation of the LED array itself, thus balancing homogeneity with acceptable device 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
This approach ensures effective, reproducible, and homogeneous illumination of individual samples, preventing cross-talk and improving light intensity distribution, especially at the periphery, thereby enhancing the reliability of optogenetic control and other photonic processes.
Implementation Method 1
at least one first light guiding element comprising means for absorbing light (in the following also referred to as 'Absorbing Tunnel') is arranged proximal to the illumination means
Implementation Method 2
at least one second light guiding element comprising means for reflecting light (in the following also referred to as 'Reflecting Tunnel') is arranged proximal to the internal space
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device 1 and related methods for illuminating at least one chemical and/or biological sample 4, comprising at least one internal space 3 which is designed to hold the chemical and/or biological sample 4 or which is designed to comprise at least one container 20 designed to hold at least one chemical and/or biological sample 4, and at least one illumination means 9 for illuminating the chemical and/or biological sample 4 in the internal space 3, wherein at least two light guiding elements 11, 12 comprising means for directing light at least in one direction are disposed between the illumination means 9 and the internal space 3, and wherein at least one first light guiding element 11 comprising means for absorbing light is arranged proximal to the illumination means 9 and at least one second light guiding element 12 comprising means for reflecting light is arranged proximal to the internal space 3.