Optical System Alignment Verification for DNA Sequencers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The performance of optical systems in DNA sequencers is often unknown and may not meet performance criteria due to issues like optical misalignment and mismatched components, necessitating a method to determine and improve optical performance.
Innovation Solution
An optical system with a sample carrier receiving region, an excitation signal source, optical components for directing signals, a detector, and a power meter to measure and calculate optical excitation and collection efficiencies, ensuring that the system meets predetermined performance criteria.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an optical system is installed in a DNA sequencer without performance verification, then the system can operate, but the optical performance is unknown and may not satisfy performance criteria
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by measuring optical performance parameters (excitation efficiency, collection efficiency, signal-to-noise ratio) before the optical system is used for DNA sequencing. This pre-verification process ensures that optical components are properly aligned and functioning within specified tolerances, preventing unreliable operation during actual sequencing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces subjective visual alignment checks with objective optical measurements. Instead of relying on mechanical adjustment procedures alone, the system uses photodetectors to quantitatively measure excitation efficiency, collection efficiency, and signal-to-noise ratio, providing reliable data-driven verification of optical performance.
2Manufacturing precision
If optical components are misaligned or mismatched, then the device complexity is reduced, but the optical performance does not meet criteria
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by measuring actual optical performance parameters (excitation efficiency, collection efficiency, signal-to-noise ratio) and comparing them against predetermined specifications. This feedback mechanism identifies misaligned or mismatched optical components, enabling corrective adjustments to achieve proper alignment precision without excessive manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by measuring multiple optical parameters (excitation efficiency, collection efficiency, signal-to-noise ratio) to comprehensively evaluate optical system performance. These measurable parameters provide quantitative criteria for determining whether optical components are properly aligned and matched, enabling precise adjustment verification.
3Measurement precision
If optical performance measurement is implemented, then the reliability of DNA sequencing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical performance measurement function as a separate, dedicated process. Rather than attempting to verify optical alignment through the complex DNA sequencing workflow, the system uses a simplified measurement mode with test samples and photodetectors to specifically assess excitation efficiency, collection efficiency, and signal-to-noise ratio, providing precise measurement without adding excessive complexity to the main sequencing system.
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 allows for precise measurement and optimization of optical performance, ensuring that the optical system in DNA sequencers meets performance criteria, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of DNA sequencing processes.
Implementation Method 1
The excitation signal is absorbed by the dyes of the fragments, and the dyes fluoresce based on their respective fluorescent emission characteristics
Implementation Method 2
a first set of optical components that direct the excitation signal along an excitation path to the sample carrier receiving region
Implementation Method 3
a second set of optical components that directs the emitted radiation along a collection path to the detector
Implementation Method 4
a detector configured to detect the emitted radiation and generates a signal indicative of a power of the detected radiation
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system includes a sample carrier receiving region configured to receive a carrier carrying a sample for processing, a source that emits an excitation signal having a wavelength within a first predetermined wavelength range, and a first set of optical components that direct the excitation signal along an excitation path to the sample carrier receiving region, wherein radiation having a wavelength within a second predetermined wavelength range is emitted from the sample carrier receiving region in response to receiving the excitation signal. The system further includes a detector configured to detect the emitted radiation and generates a signal indicative of a power of the detected radiation and a second set of optical components that directs the emitted radiation along a collection path to the detector and a power meter that measures a power of the radiation emitted from the sample carrier receiving region and generates a signal indicative thereof.