Rotating Luminescence Measurement Chamber Stray Light Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample analysis techniques face challenges in detecting low-concentration components due to weak luminescence signals, requiring high sensitivity measurements to accurately quantify subtle luminescence.

Innovation Solution

A sample analysis device and system that rotates a substrate with a measurement chamber and shading portion, using a motor, drive circuit, photodetector, and control circuit to measure luminescence by counting photons and correcting for stray light and temperature influences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional luminescence measurement methods are used, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to accurately detect weak luminescence signals from low-concentration components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveluminescence detection sensitivityVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement chamber is rotated at a constant angular velocity to dynamically position it alternately in the light-receiving direction and the shaded direction. This dynamic positioning enables the photodetector to measure luminescence signals while subtracting stray light background, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring complex static shielding structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement chamber undergoes periodic rotation between light-receiving position and shaded position. During each rotation cycle, luminescence measurements are taken when the chamber is in the light-receiving direction, and stray light measurements are taken when in the shaded direction. This periodic action allows differential measurement that enhances detection sensitivity for weak luminescence signals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If rotation speed is increased to improve measurement efficiency, then productivity increases, but measurement precision deteriorates due to reduced measurement time per position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement throughputVSAvoidluminescence signal accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit continuously monitors the rotation angle of the measurement chamber and dynamically adjusts the integration time of the photodetector based on the actual angular position. This feedback mechanism ensures that sufficient measurement time is allocated at each position (light-receiving and shaded) regardless of rotation speed, maintaining measurement precision while enabling high-speed operation through multiple rotation cycles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If measurement time is extended to improve precision, then measurement precision improves, but productivity deteriorates due to slower measurement speed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveluminescence intensity accuracyVSAvoidanalysis throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement chamber rotates continuously at constant angular velocity without stopping, performing both luminescence measurements (in light-receiving direction) and stray light measurements (in shaded direction) during uninterrupted rotation. This continuous operation eliminates idle time between measurements, allowing extended total measurement time to be achieved through multiple rotation cycles while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures the measurement protocol to alternate between luminescence measurement phases and stray light measurement phases during continuous rotation. By planning the measurement sequence in advance and maintaining constant rotation, the system ensures that both types of measurements are performed efficiently without requiring additional setup or stopping time, thereby achieving high precision through extended measurement while preserving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 highly sensitive measurement of subtle luminescence, reducing temperature and stray light effects, and allowing for accurate detection of low-concentration components.

Implementation Method 1

a photodetector to measure a number of photons associated with the luminescence from the sample being transmitted through the window of the measurement chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a motor to rotate the sample analysis substrate with the sample introduced thereon around a rotation axis of the sample analysis substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS11313858B2Sample analysis device, sample analysis system, and method of measuring luminescence of a sample

Publication Date: 2022.04.26 PHC HLDG CORP

AI summary

A sample analysis device includes: a motor to rotate a sample analysis substrate with a sample introduced thereon around a rotation axis of the sample analysis substrate; a drive circuit to drive the motor; a photodetector to measure a number of photons associated with a luminescence from the sample being transmitted through a window of a measurement chamber of the sample analysis substrate; and a control circuit to calculate a measurement value of the luminescence of the sample by using a number of photons measured by the photodetector while the motor rotates the sample analysis substrate.