Patterned Optic With HR and AR Regions for Fluorescence Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional epi-fluorescence devices face inefficiencies in fluorescence light collection due to angle-dependent transmission spectra of dichroic filters, limited excitation sources, and high costs associated with multi-band dichroic filters, which restrict collection efficiency and compatibility with multiple excitation wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
Employing an optical element with a broadband anti-reflective coating covering the fluorescence range and high-reflectivity coating regions, allowing simultaneous interrogation with multiple excitation lasers and efficient fluorescence collection, using metallic coatings like sputtered aluminum or gold, and patterned HR regions for scanning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dichroic filters are used for epi-fluorescence collection, then excitation light can be separated from fluorescence emission, but the transmission spectrum is angle-dependent which reduces collection efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element is segmented into distinct functional regions: a first region with high reflectivity coating for excitation light separation and a second region with anti-reflective coating for broadband fluorescence transmission. This segmentation allows each region to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, eliminating the angle-dependency issue of conventional dichroic filters.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical element have different optical properties tailored to their specific functions. The first region has high reflectivity at excitation wavelengths to separate excitation light, while the second region has broadband anti-reflective properties to maximize fluorescence collection across all emission wavelengths, regardless of angle.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multi-band dichroic filters are used to support multiple excitation wavelengths, then compatibility with multiple excitation sources is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element is designed with a broadband anti-reflective coating on the second region that transmits all fluorescence emission wavelengths across the entire visible spectrum. This universal design allows the same optical element to work with multiple excitation wavelengths (e.g., 405nm, 488nm, 561nm, 640nm) without requiring different filters, significantly reducing cost while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive multi-band dichroic filters with a simpler, more cost-effective optical element design that uses standard anti-reflective coatings and high-reflectivity coatings that can be manufactured at lower cost, making the system more economically viable.
3Productivity
If conventional epi-fluorescence devices are used, then fluorescence collection can be performed, but the system complexity and cost are high due to multiple optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of excitation light separation and broadband fluorescence transmission into a single integrated optical element. This merging eliminates the need for separate dichroic mirrors, beam splitters, and filters, reducing system complexity while maintaining full fluorescence collection capability across multiple 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
Enables cost-effective, high-efficiency fluorescence collection with multiple excitation wavelengths, reducing system complexity and cost, and facilitating rapid data acquisition in devices like flow cytometry and digital pathology systems.
Implementation Method 1
a broadband anti-reflective (AR) coating that covers the entire fluorescence range of interest
Implementation Method 2
a high-reflectivity (HR) coating operable to reflect excitation light wavelengths
Implementation Method 3
The sample includes a fluorophore that emits emission light in response to the excitation light
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for epi-fluorescence collection. An example system includes an optical element, one or more light sources, and an image sensor. The optical element includes at least one high reflectivity (HR) coating portion and at least one anti-reflection (AR) coating portion. The light source(s) is/are optically-coupled to the optical element along a first optical axis. The one or more light sources emit excitation light, which interacts, via the optical element, with a sample. The sample includes a fluorophore that emits emission light in response to the excitation light. The image sensor is optically-coupled to the optical element along a second optical axis. The image sensor detects the emission light via the optical element.