Optical System for Chemical Reactions Using Masking Element and Waveguides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current PCR systems face challenges in distinguishing and detecting different wavelengths of light from multiple reaction vessels simultaneously due to the complexity of overlapping signals from multiple fluorophores, which increases instrument size, cost, and reduces time resolution of measurements.
Innovation Solution
An optical system with a masking element having small apertures and light waveguides guiding light to a light dispersing device, allowing for simultaneous detection of spectra from multiple reaction vessels using a light detecting device, which includes a prism or diffraction grating for dispersing light into specific wavebands and filters for precise detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If external means of separating or filtering light into different wavebands are used, then light detection capability is improved, but instrument size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the light separation and detection functions within the reaction vessel structure itself. The reaction vessel contains integrated optical elements (prism or diffraction grating) and waveguides that channel light to detectors, eliminating the need for external optical separation means and reducing overall instrument size while maintaining spectral detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The reaction vessel serves multiple functions: it contains the chemical reaction, provides optical path guidance through integrated waveguides, and houses the light detection apparatus. This multi-functionality eliminates separate external optical components, reducing instrument complexity while improving light detection capability.
2Measurement precision
If external means of separating or filtering light into different wavebands are used, then light detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the optical detection system within the reaction vessel, the patent eliminates the need for separate external optical components that would increase manufacturing complexity and cost. The integrated design allows for more straightforward assembly and reduces the need for precise external alignment and mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the reaction vessel, optical waveguides, light dispersing elements, and detectors into a single integrated unit. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining detection capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reconfiguration of optical apparatus is performed to read different wavebands or vessels, then measurement flexibility is improved, but time resolution of measurements decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The reaction vessel is designed to simultaneously accommodate multiple wavebands and multiple vessels through integrated optical pathways. The light dispersing element and waveguides are configured to route different wavelengths and vessels to appropriate detectors without requiring reconfiguration, enabling simultaneous multi-parameter measurement and maintaining high time resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is segmented into separate pathways for different wavebands and vessels within the integrated reaction vessel. This segmentation allows simultaneous, independent detection of multiple parameters without interference or reconfiguration delays, maintaining high time resolution while providing measurement flexibility.
4Measurement precision
If complex signal resolution is used to distinguish multiple fluorophore signals, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signal separation function from complex post-processing algorithms and implements it through simple physical optical elements (prism or diffraction grating) that spatially separate different wavebands. This physical separation reduces the computational complexity required for signal analysis while maintaining or improving measurement precision through direct optical discrimination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical waveguides and light dispersing elements as intermediaries between the reaction vessel and detectors. These intermediaries physically separate and route different wavebands to appropriate detectors, simplifying the overall optical system architecture while enabling precise discrimination between multiple fluorophore signals through optical rather than computational means.
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 concurrent acquisition of multiple wavebands from each vessel, reducing the need for reconfiguration and alignment, thus enhancing measurement speed and accuracy, and improving signal-to-noise ratio by preventing spectral overlap and allowing for continuous monitoring of reactions.
Implementation Method 1
a light dispersing device for dispersing the light that escapes from the small apertures in the masking element into a dispersed spectrum
Implementation Method 2
which includes a prism or diffraction grating for dispersing light into specific wavebands
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of light waveguides arranged to guide light from the small apertures in the masking element to the light dispersing device
Implementation Method 4
Many chemical and biochemical reactions are carried out which produce a detectable light signal, such as a fluorescent, chemiluminescent or bioluminescent signal
Implementation Method 5
Many chemical and biochemical reactions are carried out which produce a detectable light signal, such as a fluorescent, chemiluminescent or bioluminescent signal
Implementation Method 6
Many chemical and biochemical reactions are carried out which produce a detectable light signal, such as a fluorescent, chemiluminescent or bioluminescent signal
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for detecting spectra in light emanating from chemical or biochemical reactions occurring in at least one reaction vessel (3) of a plurality of reaction vessels is disclosed. Each reaction vessel (3) has a receptacle portion having an emitting area from which light can emanate. The apparatus may include a masking element (5) having an array of apertures (6) through which light from each reaction vessel (3) can escape. A plurality of light waveguides (7) are arranged to guide light from the apertures (6) in the masking element (5) to a light detecting device (10) for detecting the spectra of light substantially simultaneously. One or more further light waveguides (31) may be provided for each reaction vessel (3) for directing excitation light from one or more excitation light sources (32, 33) to the reaction vessels (3).