Particle Detector Using Semispherical Film and Elliptical Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
The production cost of particle detectors increases due to the need for high-numerical-aperture lenses, which also limits flexibility in optical system arrangement and are impractical to achieve in reality.
Innovation Solution
A particle detector design that uses a semispherical reflective film and elliptical mirror to efficiently detect fluorescence and scattered light without requiring a high-numerical-aperture lens, allowing for omnidirectional emission and condensation of reaction light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a high-numerical-aperture lens is used to condense reaction light, then light condensation efficiency is improved, but production cost increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell is divided into multiple regions with different functions: a semispherical reflective film region for reflecting reaction light, a semispherical lens portion for light condensation, and a through hole for fluid flow. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, replacing the need for a single complex high-numerical-aperture lens with multiple simpler components working together.
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective film and lens portion are merged into a single flow cell structure, where the lens portion is formed by a transparent material and the reflective film is formed on the inner surface. This combination integrates light collection and condensation functions within the flow cell itself, simplifying the overall optical system while maintaining high light condensation efficiency.
2Measurement precision
If a high-numerical-aperture lens is used to condense reaction light, then light condensation efficiency is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell with integrated lens portion and reflective film serves as a disposable or replaceable component that can be manufactured at low cost using conventional techniques. This replaces expensive, precision-manufactured high-numerical-aperture lenses, significantly reducing production costs while maintaining adequate light condensation efficiency for particle detection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a lens with extremely high numerical aperture parameters, the invention changes the approach by using a semispherical geometry with moderate numerical aperture combined with a reflective film. This parameter change allows achieving comparable or superior light collection efficiency through a different optical path (reflection + refraction) rather than relying solely on high refractive index and aperture parameters.
3Measurement precision
If a high-numerical-aperture lens is used, then light condensation efficiency is improved, but flexibility in optical system arrangement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a lens to actively collect and condense light from all directions, the invention uses a reflective film to redirect light that would otherwise be lost, combined with a semispherical lens portion. This inverted approach of using reflection to enhance light collection provides greater flexibility in optical system arrangement while achieving efficient light condensation.
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 design reduces production costs and maintains or exceeds the efficiency of light condensation compared to traditional lens systems, facilitating easier arrangement and reducing the complexity of the optical system.
Implementation Method 1
a semispherical reflective film that reflects reaction light generated by the particle irradiated with the inspection light
Implementation Method 2
a semispherical lens portion through which the reaction light reflected by the semispherical reflective film passes
Implementation Method 3
an elliptical mirror that has a first focus at a position of the flow cell, and that is configured to reflect the reaction light having passed through the semispherical lens portion of the flow cell
Data Source
AI summary
A particle detector that includes an inspection light source that irradiates a flow cell with inspection light, the flow cell that allows a fluid containing a particle to flow therethrough, the flow cell including a semispherical reflective film that reflects reaction light generated by the particle irradiated with the inspection light, and a semispherical lens portion through which the reaction light reflected by the semispherical reflective film passes, an elliptical mirror that has a first focus at a position of the flow cell, and that reflects the reaction light having passed through the semispherical lens portion of the flow cell, and an optical detector that is disposed at a second focus of the elliptical mirror and that detects the reaction light reflected by the elliptical mirror.