Parametric Reflector for Bioluminescence Light Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ATP detection devices face challenges in measuring low concentrations due to very small amounts of emitted light, making them difficult to transport and handle outside a laboratory, and are often expensive and fragile.
Innovation Solution
A device with a reflector having a parametric form that surrounds the sample container to collect and reflect light onto a photosensitive portion, combined with a robust and portable photo sensor, such as a photodiode or silicon photomultiplier, to enhance light detection sensitivity and reduce the impact of ambient light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a photomultiplier tube is used to detect small amounts of light, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the photomultiplier tube (which requires high voltage power supply and complex mechanical structure) with a silicon photomultiplier or other solid-state photodetector. This substitution maintains light detection sensitivity while eliminating the need for high voltage power supply and complex mechanical components, thereby improving portability and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the detection system by using silicon photomultipliers that operate at low voltage instead of traditional photomultiplier tubes requiring high voltage. This parameter change enables the device to be portable while maintaining measurement precision for detecting small amounts of light from bioluminescence reactions.
2Measurement precision
If a photomultiplier tube is used to detect small amounts of light, then measurement precision is improved, but cost and fragility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs silicon photomultipliers and other solid-state photodetectors that are cheaper and more durable than traditional photomultiplier tubes. These solid-state devices eliminate the fragility issues associated with vacuum tube structures and high voltage components, reducing both cost and fragility while maintaining the ability to detect small amounts of light.
3Ease of operation
If ambient light is present during measurement, then ease of operation in field is improved, but measurement precision is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical filters with specific spectral characteristics that allow only the wavelength range of bioluminescence emission to pass through to the photodetector. This local quality control in the optical path enables field measurements under ambient light conditions while maintaining measurement precision by blocking unwanted ambient light wavelengths.
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
The device effectively detects small amounts of ATP by increasing light collection and reflection, allowing for accurate measurements in the field with improved portability and reduced costs compared to traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
the light emitted from the sample due to the bioluminescence reaction is reflected by the reflecting portion onto the photosensitive portion of the photo sensor
Implementation Method 2
The swab is introduced into a luciferin/luciferase reagent in a buffered solution to constitute a sample and, if there is ATP included within the sample light is emitted (bioluminescence) that can be detected by a luminometer
Implementation Method 3
a photo sensor with a photosensitive portion, wherein the reflector has an opening through which the sample container can be inserted to a position where the sample container is held in the receptacle
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 2b
AI summary
A device (10) for imaging a bioluminescence reaction of a sample is provided, comprising a reflector (11) having a parametric form and extending about a first longitudinal axis (C), a receptacle (12) into which a sample container with a second longitudinal axis can be inserted to be held therein, and a photo sensor (13) with a photosensitive portion. The reflector (11) has an opening (14) through which the sample container can be inserted to a position where the sample container is held in the receptacle (12). The receptacle (12) is arranged such that, when the sample container with the sample is held in the receptacle (12), the sample is surrounded by the reflector (11) so that the light emitted from the sample due to the bioluminescence reaction is reflected by the reflector (11) onto the photosensitive portion of the photo sensor (13)). And an apparatus (1) is provided including the device (10).