Optical Signal Encoding for Single-Photodetector Flow Cytometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow cytometry systems face challenges in efficiently sorting particles due to the complexity of multiple photodetectors for optical signal detection, which increases cost and bulkiness, and the need for improved methods to encode and decode optical signals for precise particle sorting.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a system that uses optical signal structures to produce unique codes in optical signals, allowing a single optical detector to collect and process signals using digital signal processing to separate information, and the integration of piezoelectric actuators for precise fluid direction control in microfluidic channels for particle sorting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple photodetectors are used for optical signal detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions into a single photodetector by using optical encoding. Multiple optical signals from different locations are encoded with unique codes and detected by one photodetector, eliminating the need for multiple detectors while maintaining the ability to distinguish signals from different positions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of optical signal detection from spatial separation (multiple detectors at different positions) to temporal/code separation (single detector with encoded signals). By encoding optical signals with unique codes and using digital signal processing to decode them, the system achieves precise particle sorting with a single detector
2Measurement precision
If multiple photodetectors are used for optical signal detection, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single photodetector through optical encoding. By assigning unique codes to optical signals from different locations and using one detector to capture all encoded signals, the system reduces component count and manufacturing cost while preserving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical approach of using multiple physical detectors with a signal processing approach. Digital signal processing algorithms decode the encoded optical signals from a single detector, substituting computational complexity for hardware complexity and reducing manufacturing costs
3Loss of information
If optical signals are encoded with unique codes, then information separation is improved, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the problem of spatial signal separation into temporal/code-based separation. By encoding optical signals with unique codes and using digital signal processing to decode them, the system achieves accurate information separation while managing complexity through software rather than hardware
4Manufacturing precision
If piezoelectric actuators are used for fluid direction control, then sorting precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sorting mechanisms with piezoelectric actuators that use electrical fields to control fluid direction. The piezoelectric effect allows precise, rapid actuation with simple electrical signals, improving sorting precision while reducing mechanical complexity compared to traditional mechanical sorting systems
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 enables efficient, high-throughput cell sorting with reduced costs and complexity, achieving precise control over particle direction and sorting accuracy, while also allowing for the detection of multiple fluorescent wavelengths using a single detector.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator is a piezoelectric actuator that generates mechanical stress or pressure changes in response to an applied voltage
Implementation Method 2
optical signals from such particles can be collected by an optical detector, such as a photomultiplier tube (PMT), and are analyzed or processed to extract information carried by the optical signals on the particles. The optical signals from the particles can be caused by one or more interactions between the input light and the particles such as forward scattering (FSC), side scattering (SSC), and fluorescence.
Implementation Method 3
The optical signals from the particles can be caused by one or more interactions between the input light and the particles such as forward scattering (FSC), side scattering (SSC), and fluorescence.
Data Source
AI summary
Microfluidic devices, systems and techniques in connection with particle sorting in liquid, including cytometry devices and techniques and applications in chemical or biological testing and diagnostic measurements.