Particle Imaging Device Light Sheet Inclination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing particle imaging devices face challenges in capturing high-resolution images due to the disruption of light sheets when they pass through flow cells, leading to reduced image accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A particle imaging device with an optical system that includes a cylindrical optical lens capable of rotating to converge light in a specific manner, forming a light sheet with a narrow width in one direction and a parallel shape in the other, which is inclined relative to the sample flow direction to minimize beam distortion and maintain image precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a light sheet is emitted through a flow cell to image particles, then imaging is enabled, but the light sheet thickness increases and beam shape is disrupted due to refraction at the flow cell interface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage accuracyVSAvoidlight sheet beam shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by inclining the light sheet at a specific angle (θ) relative to the normal of the flow cell interface. This asymmetric arrangement allows the light sheet to pass through the interface at an angle that minimizes refraction effects on the beam shape, thereby maintaining image accuracy while enabling flow cell imaging

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the geometric parameters of the light sheet configuration by adjusting the inclination angle θ and the position of the light sheet relative to the flow cell. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves minimal beam distortion and maintains consistent light sheet thickness throughout the imaging process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the light sheet is inclined relative to the flow direction to reduce refraction effects, then beam shape is maintained, but the imaging system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage accuracyVSAvoidoptical system configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow the light sheet inclination angle and position to be optimized for different imaging conditions. This dynamic flexibility enables the system to maintain high image accuracy while adapting to various flow cell configurations and particle types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 allows for the capture of high precision 2D and 3D images by preventing beam collapse and refractive issues, enhancing imaging accuracy and reducing noise, while enabling the acquisition of all cross-sectional images with suppressed background noise.

Implementation Method 1

an optical system including a cylindrical optical lens capable of rotating, and configured to converge light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight convergence: Lens

Implementation Method 2

when the light sheet passes through the flow cell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Refraction

Implementation Method 3

the fluorescent light given off by the sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence emission: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP3144662B1Particle imaging device and particle imaging method
Publication Date: 2022.06.15 SYSMEX CORP
  • EP3144662B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3144662B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(d)
  • EP3144662B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(d)

AI summary

A particle imaging device (10) comprises a flow cell (40), a light source (20), an irradiation optical system (30) configured to form a light sheet (11) on the flow cell, a light collecting optical system (50) and an imaging element (60). The sheet surface of the light sheet is perpendicular to the exterior side surface of the flow cell to which the light is entered from the light source. The sheet surface of the light sheet is inclined at a predetermined angle that is not perpendicular to the flow direction of the sample.