Prismatic Optical Divider for Multi-Well Plate Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical systems for measuring fluorescence in multi-well plates are inefficient and require multiple light sources, leading to heat management issues and suboptimal light utilization, making it difficult to monitor reactions like PCR without transferring samples from thermal cycling systems.
Innovation Solution
An optical system with an array of light sources and a prismatic optical divider that divides light into multiple beams, allowing fewer light sources to illuminate multiple sample vessels efficiently, combined with a thermal control unit for precise temperature management during PCR reactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to illuminate multiple sample vessels, then each vessel receives adequate light, but the system becomes complex and heat management becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single light source into multiple beams using a beam splitting element, creating separate light paths for each sample vessel. This segmentation allows one light source to serve multiple vessels simultaneously, reducing the total number of light sources while maintaining adequate illumination for each vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
The single light source is designed to perform multiple functions by illuminating multiple sample vessels through beam splitting. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity compared to using separate light sources for each vessel, while still providing adequate light delivery to all samples.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are used to ensure adequate illumination, then light coverage is improved, but heat generation increases and temperature uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the light paths from a single light source using beam splitting elements, the system illuminates multiple sample vessels without adding multiple heat-generating light sources. This maintains temperature uniformity across the sample plate while still providing adequate light coverage to all samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the illumination function for multiple sample vessels into a single light source system. This combining approach reduces total heat generation compared to using multiple separate light sources, while still achieving comprehensive light coverage across all samples through optical beam splitting.
3Quantity of substance
If traditional optical systems are used with multiple light sources, then each sample can be illuminated, but light utilization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitting element segments the light output from a single light source into multiple directed beams, ensuring that light is efficiently distributed to multiple sample vessels. This segmentation maximizes light utilization by directing each beam precisely where needed, reducing waste compared to systems where light from multiple sources must be individually managed.
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 solution enables effective optical interrogation of multiple samples within multi-well plates during thermal cycling without removing them, improving temperature uniformity and light utilization, thus enhancing the monitoring of PCR and other biochemical reactions.
Implementation Method 1
an optical divider arranged such that light from each light source is divided into x light beams
Implementation Method 2
the samples comprise a fluorescent agent, wherein the beams excite the fluorescent agent to produce fluorescent light
Implementation Method 3
the holder adapted to mate with the sample plate comprises a heating element in thermal contact with the sample vessels
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to optical systems and methods for measurement of samples in multiple sample vessels using an array of light sources where the light from the light sources is divided into multiple light beams, and each beam is directed to a sample vessel.