Compact Particle Detector Using Parabolic Reflector for Fluorescence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional particle detectors face challenges in detecting and classifying particles in fluids with high refractive indices, such as water, due to reduced scattered and fluorescent light signals caused by wave guiding, Fresnel reflections, and optical aberrations, which degrade signal-to-noise ratios.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a parabolic reflector to collect and collimate fluorescence light, combined with a scattered light collector lens and a long-pass filter to enhance light collection and separation from noise, allowing for efficient detection of particle size and biological classification in fluids with refractive indices greater than air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional particle detectors are used to detect particles in fluids with high refractive indices, then the detection system is simple, but the scattered and fluorescent light signals are reduced due to wave guiding, Fresnel reflections, and optical aberrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from detecting light in a planar configuration to collecting light along a three-dimensional axial path. The detection system is arranged along a common axis with the light source, allowing light to be collected from multiple angular directions and projected onto detectors, effectively utilizing spatial dimensionality to overcome wave guiding and reflection effects
Solution Approach 2:
The detectors are positioned to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they detect both scattered light for particle sizing and fluorescent light for biological classification. This multi-functional detection approach maximizes the utility of the detection system while overcoming the limitations of high refractive index fluids
2Device complexity
If a compact detector design is used, then the system size is reduced, but the collection of fluorescent light from particles in high refractive index fluids is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the scattered light detection and fluorescent light detection paths into a single compact configuration. Both types of light are collected along the same axial direction from the sampling area, allowing both measurements to be performed in a compact detector design without sacrificing fluorescence collection efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system collects light along the axial dimension rather than relying solely on lateral collection. This axial collection approach enables compact design while maintaining effective fluorescence light gathering from particles in high refractive index fluids
3Adaptability or versatility
If simultaneous scattering and fluorescence measurements are performed, then particle classification capability is improved, but the signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates due to electrical and optical noise
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system segments the detection function into specialized detectors: one for scattered light measurement and another for fluorescent light measurement. This segmentation allows each detector to be optimized for its specific function, improving signal-to-noise ratio while maintaining simultaneous measurement capability for comprehensive particle classification
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the detection system are optimized for different measurement types. The optical path and detector characteristics are locally tailored to maximize sensitivity for scattered light in one region and fluorescent light in another, enabling high-quality simultaneous measurements with improved signal-to-noise ratios
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 configuration improves the detection efficiency of particles in liquids by maximizing light collection along a single axis, reducing noise, and enabling compact, aligned optical systems that effectively classify particles as biological or non-biological.
Implementation Method 1
a parabolic reflector for collecting light emitted by particle fluorescence and for collimating the collected light
Implementation Method 2
measuring the amount and directionality of light scattered by particles in a sampling area
Implementation Method 3
a scattered light collector lens and a long-pass filter to enhance light collection and separation from noise
Implementation Method 4
a scattered light collector lens and a long-pass filter to enhance light collection and separation from noise
Implementation Method 5
Some of these detectors, for example the detectors described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,430,046 to Jiang et al., also use the measurement of fluorescence exited in measured particles by illumination with source light
Data Source
AI summary
A particle detection and classification system is disclosed. The system determines the size of measured particles by measuring light scattered by the particles. The system simultaneously determines whether measured particles are biological or non-biological by measuring fluorescent light from the particles. The system uses a parabolic reflector, and optionally, a spherical reflector to collect fluorescence light.