Photothermal Microscopic Object Collection via Convection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for collecting microscopic objects in liquids rely heavily on electrical methods, which require continuous voltage application to maintain object position, and lack effective optical alternatives for broader scope collection and trapping.
Innovation Solution
A collecting device and method utilizing a light source and a holding member with a photothermal conversion area that converts light into heat, causing convection in the liquid to trap microscopic objects within a honeycomb polymer film structure, allowing for efficient collection and trapping without continuous electrical input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical voltage is applied between electrodes to collect microscopic objects, then collection is achieved, but continuous voltage application is required to maintain object positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical field-based collection mechanism with a thermal field-based mechanism. A light source irradiates a photothermal conversion member, generating heat that creates convection currents in the liquid, causing microscopic objects to move and collect on the inner wall portions without requiring continuous electrical voltage application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for collection from electrical voltage to thermal energy. By irradiating light with a specific wavelength onto the photothermal conversion member, the system converts optical energy to thermal energy, creating temperature differences that drive convection and object collection, thereby eliminating the need for continuous electrical input.
2Reliability
If electrical methods are used for collecting microscopic objects, then collection is achieved, but the scope of collecting techniques is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical method as an alternative to electrical methods for collecting microscopic objects. By using a light source and photothermal conversion member, the system creates thermal convection currents that collect objects without requiring electrodes or voltage application, thereby expanding the scope of collecting techniques to include optical-based methods.
3Reliability
If light irradiation is used to collect microscopic objects, then collection and trapping are achieved, but thermal damage to objects may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the photothermal conversion member with specific structural features (such as honeycomb polymer film with partition walls) that localize heat generation to specific areas. The light is irradiated onto the photothermal conversion member, creating localized convection currents that collect objects on the inner wall portions while minimizing overall thermal exposure to the microscopic objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the photothermal conversion member as an intermediary between the light source and the microscopic objects. This intermediary converts optical energy to thermal energy in a controlled manner, creating convection currents that collect objects without requiring direct high-intensity light exposure to the objects themselves, thereby reducing thermal damage.
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 the collection and trapping of microscopic objects at high density with a high survival rate, reducing the time required for collection and maintaining trapped objects even after light irradiation is stopped, while minimizing thermal damage.
Implementation Method 1
a photothermal conversion area for converting light from the light source into heat is formed. Photothermal conversion area, by heating the liquid via converting light from the light source to heat, causes a convection in the liquid.
Implementation Method 2
Photothermal conversion area, by heating the liquid via converting light from the light source to heat, causes a convection in the liquid.
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to collect a plurality of microscopic objects dispersed in a liquid by light irradiation, and also trap them. A collecting device for bacteria collects a plurality of bacteria dispersed in a sample liquid. The collecting device is provided with a laser beam source that emits laser beam and a honeycomb polymer film constituted so as to be able to hold the liquid. Walls prescribing pores for trapping the plurality of bacteria dispersed in the liquid are formed on the honeycomb polymer film, and also a thin film that includes a material for converting light from the laser beam source to heat is formed on the honeycomb polymer film. The thin film heats the liquid of the sample through the conversion of the laser beam from the laser beam source to heat, thereby causing a convection in the liquid.