Optical Particle Sensing with Multi-Angle Light Scattering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for characterizing biological particles are limited in their ability to detect and analyze particles smaller than microparticles, particularly nanoparticles, and lack the accuracy and precision needed for diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of focused light scattering techniques with multiple laser sources and advanced algorithms to measure and analyze particles in the size range of 0.1 to 100 μm, including nanoparticles, by passing a sample through a focused light beam and detecting scattered light, allowing for the determination of particle size, distribution, and shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional light scattering methods are used, then microparticles (0.1-100 μm) can be detected, but nanoparticles and smaller particles cannot be detected with sufficient accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light detection function into multiple detectors positioned at different angles and configurations. Each detector is optimized for specific particle size ranges, enabling the system to accurately detect particles from nanoparticles (1 nm) to microparticles (100 μm) by dividing the detection task across multiple specialized components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends detection into the angular dimension by positioning detectors at multiple scattering angles (including forward, side, and back scattering geometries). This multi-dimensional angular detection approach enables resolution of particles across a vastly extended size range, from nanoparticles to microparticles, by capturing scattering patterns that are sensitive to different particle dimensions
2Measurement precision
If multiple detectors and complex optical paths are used to detect smaller particles, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical system with multi-functional components that serve multiple detection purposes. The same optical path and detectors are used to characterize different particle properties (size, shape, refractive index) across different size ranges, reducing the need for separate specialized systems while maintaining high measurement precision for nanoparticles and microparticles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single integrated instrument. By merging light scattering, light absorption, and fluorescence detection capabilities into one system with a unified optical path and shared detectors, the patent achieves high measurement precision for particles across an extended size range while minimizing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device architecture
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
Enables the accurate detection and characterization of smaller biological particles, including nanoparticles, with improved resolution and precision, facilitating diagnostic and therapeutic applications such as disease diagnosis and personalized medicine.
Implementation Method 1
focused light scattering techniques with multiple laser sources and advanced algorithms to measure and analyze particles in the size range of 0.1 to 100 μm, including nanoparticles, by passing a sample through a focused light beam and detecting scattered light
Data Source
AI summary
Devices for detecting particle sizes and distributions using focused light scattering techniques, by passing a sample through a focused beam of light, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the devices include one or more lasers, whose light is focused into a narrow beam and into a flow cell, and dispersions are passed through the flow cell using hydrodynamic sample injection. In another embodiment, a plurality of lasers is used, optionally with hydrodynamic sample injection. Particles pass through and scatter the light. The scattered light is then detected using scatter and extinction detectors, and, optionally, fluorescence detectors, and the number and size of the particles is determined. Particles in the size range of 0.1 to 10 μm can be measured. Using the device, significantly smaller particles can be detected than if techniques such as EQELS, flow cytometry, and other conventional devices for measuring biological particles.