Optical Interrogation Device with Fixed Light Paths
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional optical interrogation systems face challenges in rapidly switching between different excitation and detection wavelengths, leading to increased downtime and complexity, especially in applications like real-time PCR systems where multiple fluorophores with specific spectral profiles need to be analyzed.
Innovation Solution
An optical interrogation device with multiple light source assemblies emitting excitation light at individual spectral contents, combined with an optical assembly that defines distinct and fixed excitation light paths and a shared luminescence light path, allowing for rapid detection of luminescent light from multiple fluorophores while preventing parasitic light from reaching the detector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical switching between different light sources or fluorescence filters is used, then different excitation wavelengths can be achieved, but substantial delays are introduced in the acquisition process
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple fixed optical paths, each dedicated to a specific excitation wavelength with its own light source and filter combination. This eliminates the need for mechanical switching between wavelengths, as each path operates independently and simultaneously, thereby reducing acquisition time while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which optical paths to activate based on the specific fluorophores being analyzed. Rather than physically switching components, the system dynamically enables or disables specific light sources and filters through electronic control, allowing rapid wavelength selection without mechanical delays.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical interrogation devices are used for different wavelengths, then comprehensive spectral analysis is achieved, but system cost and complexity greatly increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical interrogation paths for different wavelengths are merged into a single integrated device. The system combines multiple light sources, filters, and detection paths within one housing, sharing common components such as the sample chamber, detector, and control electronics. This reduces system complexity and cost while maintaining the capability to perform comprehensive spectral analysis across multiple wavelengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical device is designed with multi-functionality, where a single device can interrogate multiple fluorophores at different wavelengths. By incorporating multiple excitation paths and a shared detection system, the device serves universal purposes across various spectral ranges, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices for each wavelength.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mechanical switching systems are used, then wavelength flexibility is provided, but the system requires substantial time for switching operations
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple excitation wavelengths are prepared in advance with dedicated light sources and filters for each wavelength. The system pre-configures all necessary optical components for each wavelength path, so when a wavelength change is needed, no mechanical switching or reconfiguration is required - the desired wavelength path is already prepared and can be activated immediately, thus maintaining wavelength flexibility while maximizing acquisition speed.
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 solution enables efficient and rapid detection of luminescent light from multiple fluorophores, reducing acquisition time and overall system complexity, and is applicable in various applications such as real-time PCR, nucleic acid sequencing, and protein analysis.
Implementation Method 1
multiple light source assemblies each emitting excitation light with individual spectral contents
Implementation Method 2
fluorophores are compounds which generate light as a result of optical excitation
Implementation Method 3
detect luminescent light from analytes in a sample resulting from various optical phenomena such as phosphorescence, fluorescence
Implementation Method 4
The luminescence light path is provided with means for filtering to isolate the spectral content of interest from parasitic light (such as excitation light)
Implementation Method 5
an optical assembly defining different excitation light paths for each of the excitation light beams from the light source assembly to a common excitation site on the sample and defining a luminescence light path for the luminescent light from the excitation site on sample to the at least one detector
Data Source
AI summary
An interrogation device for detecting luminescent light produced by analytes in a sample excited by multiple excitation light beams each having individual spectral contents, comprising a plurality of light sources each generating an excitation light beam; at least one detector for detecting the luminescent light produced by the sample; and an optical assembly defining distinct and fixed excitation light paths for each of the excitation light beams from the light sources to a common excitation site on the sample and defining a shared luminescence light path for the luminescent light from the excitation site on sample to the at least one detector, the excitation light paths and the luminescence light path being on a same side of the sample, the optical assembly including sample-side optics projecting the excitation light towards the sample and collecting luminescent light from the sample.