Radiation Carrier Grating for Compact Optical Sensor Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing particle detection systems, particularly in flow cytometry, face challenges with bulky designs due to the need for complex washing processes to remove unbound fluorescent markers, which increases noise and reduces sensitivity, and require precise alignment of optical systems for efficient luminescent detection.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical sensor system utilizing a radiation carrier with an excitation grating to direct a radiation beam and an emission grating or planar optics to redirect and collimate or focus emission radiation, simplifying alignment and improving sensitivity by ensuring more radiation reaches the detector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex washing processes are used to remove unbound fluorescent markers, then noise is reduced and sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and size increase due to additional washing steps and flow control elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the washing step entirely from the detection process. By using a microfluidic channel design where particles flow directly through the detection zone and unbound markers remain in the flow, the system avoids the need for separate washing chambers and flow control mechanisms, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining detection sensitivity through optimized optical detection of bound markers only
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is segmented into distinct functional zones within the microfluidic channel: a labeling zone where markers bind to particles, and a detection zone where optical detection occurs. This segmentation allows continuous flow detection without requiring back-flow or washing steps, simplifying the overall process while maintaining measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If laser and optical systems are precisely aligned for sensitive detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the laser source, optical path, and detector into a single integrated microfluidic detection device. The laser is positioned to illuminate particles directly as they flow through the channel, and the detector is aligned with the flow path to collect emitted light, eliminating the need for separate alignment procedures and simplifying operation while maintaining high detection sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The microfluidic channel structure itself serves as the optical alignment reference. The fixed geometry of the channel and the controlled flow path automatically position particles at the optimal detection location, and the optical components are designed to work with this fixed geometry, making the system self-aligning and eliminating manual alignment requirements
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
The solution enables a compact, sensitive, and efficient luminescent or Raman scattering detection system with reduced noise and complexity, allowing for reliable particle analysis with improved throughput and resolution.
Implementation Method 1
The radiation carrier comprises at least one excitation grating on the surface of the at least one radiation carrier, positioned and adapted to couple an excitation radiation beam directionally out of the radiation carrier
Implementation Method 2
at least one structure positioned and adapted for redirecting, for instance for receiving and redirecting, such as for collecting and redirecting, e.g. for reflecting, emission radiation emanating from the region of interest
Implementation Method 3
an excitation grating in optical contact with the region of interest for outcoupling radiation from the radiation carrier and for focusing the radiation in a volume
Implementation Method 4
luminescent, e.g. fluorescent, detection of particles is a technique whereby a particle of interest in a fluid sample is stained or labeled with one or more luminophores, e.g. fluorophores
Implementation Method 5
luminescence, e.g. fluorescence, from the luminophores, e.g. fluorophores, is then detected by an optical detector
Implementation Method 6
detection of particles based on Raman scattering
Data Source
AI summary
A radiation carrier for carrying at least a radiation beam has, on a surface thereof, at least one excitation grating, for directing at least an excitation radiation beam directionally out of the radiation carrier, thereby illuminating a region of interest; and at least one structure for redirecting emission radiation emanating from the region of interest. Further a sensor is provided comprising at least one such radiation carrier and at least one detector, the structure being adapted for redirecting radiation from the region of interest into the at least one detector.