Particle Analysis Device Laser Output Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current particle analysis methods using flow cytometry face reliability issues due to mode hopping noise, which requires high-speed laser blinking and increased peak output, leading to unnecessary radiation and instability in laser output power.

Innovation Solution

A particle analysis apparatus and method that corrects detection signals based on output fluctuations of the laser light detector by multiplying the output voltage with a gain value, eliminating the need for high frequency superimposition, thereby stabilizing laser output without increasing radiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If high frequency superimposition is used to reduce mode hopping noise, then laser output stability is improved, but peak output increases and unnecessary radiation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser output stabilityVSAvoidunnecessary radiation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the harmful high-frequency superimposition component from the laser control system and replaces it with a simple detection-correction mechanism using a light detector and signal processing unit. This removes the source of unnecessary radiation while maintaining laser output stability through post-detection correction rather than pre-modulation control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where a light detector monitors the actual laser output and a signal processing unit corrects detection signals based on detected output fluctuations. This closed-loop feedback system stabilizes laser output without requiring high-frequency superimposition, thereby eliminating unnecessary radiation while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If high frequency superimposition is used to reduce mode hopping noise, then detection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a feedback approach where the light detector monitors laser output fluctuations and the signal processing unit applies corrections based on detected variations. This feedback mechanism improves detection reliability by compensating for mode hopping noise without requiring complex high-frequency superimposition circuitry, achieving simplicity through intelligent post-processing rather than complex pre-control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a light detector and signal processing unit as intermediary components between the laser and the detection system. These intermediaries monitor and correct for laser output fluctuations, improving reliability by mediating the effect of mode hopping noise without requiring direct complex control of the laser itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Stability of the object's composition

If laser output adjustment system (APC) is used to prevent laser output fluctuation, then laser output stability is improved, but response speed is too slow to cope with mode hopping noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser output stabilityVSAvoidresponse speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary correction to detection signals based on detected laser output fluctuations. By correcting the detection signals in advance based on monitored laser variations, the system compensates for mode hopping noise effects without requiring fast feedback control of the laser itself, achieving effective response without the speed limitations of traditional APC systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by monitoring laser output with a light detector and using this information to correct detection signals. This feedback approach responds to actual laser fluctuations in real-time, overcoming the slow response of traditional APC while maintaining stability through signal correction rather than laser control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 allows for high-reliability detection data acquisition using a laser with a low maximum rating, reducing unnecessary radiation and stabilizing laser output power fluctuations, without the need for high frequency superimposition.

Implementation Method 1

a laser light detector 15 that detects the laser light 6

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a laser 11 that generates laser light 6

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 3

part of the laser light 6 output form the laser 11 is reflected on, for example, a beam splitter 13, to be input to the laser light detector 12

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

The lens 14 collects the laser light 6 toward the microparticles 3

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Implementation Method 5

detect fluorescence 7 or scattered light 8 that is emitted from the microparticles 3 irradiated with the light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 6

detect fluorescence 7 or scattered light 8 that is emitted from the microparticles 3 irradiated with the light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP3026418B1Particle analysis device and particle analysis method
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3026418B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3026418B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~3B
  • EP3026418B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

There are provided a particle analysis apparatus and a particle analysis method that are capable of acquiring detection data with high reliability without performing high frequency superimposition. A particle analysis apparatus is configured to include: a light irradiation unit that irradiates particles flowing within a flow path with laser light; a light detection unit that detects fluorescence or scattered light or both the fluorescence and the scattered light, the fluorescence and the scattered light being emitted from the particles irradiated with the laser light; and a signal processing unit that processes a detection signal of the fluorescence or the scattered light or detection signals of both the fluorescence and the scattered light, the fluorescence and the scattered light being output from the light detection unit, the light irradiation unit including at least a light source that generates laser, and a laser light detector that detects part of laser light emitted from the light source, the signal processing unit correcting the detection signal of the fluorescence or the scattered light or the detection signals of both the fluorescence and the scattered light, based on a detection result in the laser light detector.