Rectangular Fiber Optic Light Collectors for Multiplexed Flow Cytometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow cytometric systems with multiple lasers and circular fibers face strict tolerances and reduced light collection due to the curvature of the fiber, leading to a decrease in collected signal when light is collected closer to the perimeter rather than the center, especially in multiplexed systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of a fiber optic light collector with a collection surface having opposing edges parallel and perpendicular to the core stream, along with an objective lens and refractive optical element, to enhance light collection and improve fluidic tolerances, allowing for increased light collection area and the implementation of multiple multiplexed lasers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a circular fiber optic light collector is used in conventional flow cytometric systems, then the system can collect scattered and fluorescent light, but the curvature of the fiber reduces the available collection area when light is collected closer to the perimeter rather than the center, resulting in strict tolerances and reduced light collection efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by transitioning from a circular fiber optic light collector to a rectangular fiber optic light collector. The rectangular geometry provides parallel opposing edges that create a larger effective collection area and more uniform light collection across the entire surface, eliminating the curvature-related area reduction present in circular fibers. This asymmetric shape change directly addresses the contradiction by providing both increased collection area and improved tolerance to fluidic variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the fiber optic light collector from circular to rectangular cross-section. This parameter change in the collector geometry fundamentally alters the light collection characteristics, providing enhanced collection efficiency and relaxed fluidic tolerances simultaneously, thereby resolving the technical contradiction between collection area and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lasers are implemented in a multiplexed system with circular fibers, then the system can perform multi-parameter analysis, but the curvature of the fiber causes strict tolerances in laser beam positioning relative to the flow cell
Solution Approach 1:
The rectangular fiber optic light collector with parallel opposing edges provides a geometry that is more tolerant to variations in laser beam positioning. The straight edges and uniform cross-section allow for consistent light collection across a broader range of beam positions, reducing the strict tolerances required when using multiple multiplexed lasers with circular fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
The rectangular fiber optic light collector serves multiple functions: it collects light from multiple multiplexed lasers simultaneously, provides relaxed positioning tolerances for all lasers, and maintains efficient light collection across the entire collection surface. This universal design supports the multi-parameter analysis capability while eliminating the positioning precision constraints.
3Area of stationary object
If light is collected closer to the perimeter of a circular fiber, then the collection area is reduced due to fiber curvature, but this positioning may be necessary for certain optical configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The rectangular fiber optic light collector eliminates the curvature problem inherent in circular fibers. The parallel opposing edges create a uniform collection surface where the full area is effectively utilized regardless of the collection position. This asymmetric geometry provides both maximum collection area and flexibility in optical alignment, resolving the contradiction between area and ease of operation.
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 increases the light collection area and improves fluidic tolerances, enabling effective collection of particle-modulated light from multiple lasers, enhancing the performance of flow cytometers by increasing the number of lasers that can be implemented in a multiplexed system.
Implementation Method 1
an objective lens positioned between the flow cell and the fiber optic light collector that is configured to focus particle-modulated light emitting from the irradiated particles in the core stream
Implementation Method 2
a refractive optical element (e.g., a prism) positioned between the objective lens and the fiber optic light collector that is configured to direct objective lens focused light onto the collection surface of the fiber optic light collector
Implementation Method 3
a single fiber optic light conveyor configured to convey light from each of the plurality of lasers to the flow cell
Implementation Method 4
the light source includes a laser
Data Source
AI summary
Flow cytometers having fiber optic light collectors are provided. Aspects of the subject flow cytometers involve a flow cell configured to transport particles in a core stream, a light source configured to produce a beam for irradiating the particles in the core stream and a fiber optic light collector for receiving particle-modulated light from the irradiated particles and conveying collected light to a detector. In some cases, the fiber optic light collector is optically aligned to the core stream and includes a collection surface having opposing edges running parallel to the direction of the core stream. Methods of analyzing a sample are also provided.