Optical Measuring Device Spectral Dispersion Angle Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multispot type flow cytometers, the overlapping of dispersed fluorescent rays from irradiation spots due to their alignment with the spectral direction of the spectroscopic optical system complicates accurate specimen analysis, leading to reduced wavelength resolution.
Innovation Solution
An optical measuring device with a spectroscopic optical system that spectrally disperses fluorescent rays emitted from irradiation spots in a direction inclined relative to the array direction of the spots, combined with an image sensor that generates image data, enhancing wavelength resolution and specimen analysis accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the spectral direction of the spectroscopic optical system is aligned with the array direction of irradiation spots, then the dispersed fluorescent rays from multiple spots can be simultaneously detected, but the rays overlap each other causing reduced wavelength resolution and inaccurate specimen analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an asymmetric angular relationship between the spectral dispersion direction and the irradiation spot array direction. By setting the spectral direction to be inclined at a specific angle (not parallel or perpendicular) to the spot array direction, the dispersed rays from multiple spots are spatially separated on the image sensor, preventing overlap while maintaining simultaneous detection capability. This asymmetric configuration resolves the contradiction between detection efficiency and wavelength resolution.
2Ease of operation
If the spectral direction is set orthogonal to the irradiation spot array direction, then the fluorescent rays are dispersed along the beam cross-section, but the wavelength resolution is lowered making accurate specimen analysis difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the angular parameter (inclination angle) between the spectral direction and the irradiation spot array direction from conventional values (0° or 90°) to a specific intermediate value. This parameter optimization ensures that the dispersed rays from multiple spots are sufficiently separated spatially while maintaining adequate wavelength resolution, thereby improving specimen analysis accuracy without complicating the optical system configuration.
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 solution improves wavelength resolution and facilitates more accurate specimen analysis by avoiding the overlap of fluorescent rays, thereby enhancing the analytical capabilities of the flow cytometer.
Implementation Method 1
a spectroscopic optical system that spectrally disperses a fluorescent ray emitted from a specimen that passes through each of a plurality of irradiation spots
Implementation Method 2
an image sensor that receives the fluorescent ray spectrally dispersed by the spectroscopic optical system and generates image data
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided an optical measuring device according to an embodiment which includes a spectroscopic optical system that spectrally disperses a fluorescent ray emitted from a specimen that passes through each of a plurality of irradiation spots arrayed in a first direction in a second direction included in a plane parallel to the first direction and an image sensor that receives the fluorescent ray spectrally dispersed by the spectroscopic optical system and generates image data. The second direction is inclined with respect to a plane vertical to the first direction.