Sample Plate Waveguide Supercritical Angle Fluorescence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample analysis methods using fluorescence detection are limited by complex sample treatment, high costs, and inability to perform real-time measurements due to inefficient light collection and high background signals from unbound fluorescent labels.
Innovation Solution
A sample plate with integrated fluidic channels and optical waveguides that utilize total internal reflection excitation and supercritical angle fluorescence detection, allowing for efficient excitation and collection of surface-bound fluorescence signals, reducing background noise and enabling real-time measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fluorescence detection methods are used, then sample analysis can be performed, but the methods suffer from high background signals, complex sample treatment, and inability to perform real-time measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the detection space by creating distinct excitation and detection zones using optical waveguides. The excitation waveguide delivers light to a specific region while the detection waveguide collects fluorescence from a different angular range, effectively separating the excitation path from the emission path and reducing background interference from unbound labels
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional planar detection to three-dimensional angular space utilization by implementing supercritical angle fluorescence detection. This involves collecting fluorescence photons at angles greater than the critical angle for total internal reflection, thereby accessing a previously unused angular dimension for signal collection while rejecting background signals that propagate at different angles
2Productivity
If conventional light collection methods are used, then fluorescence signals can be detected, but real-time measurements cannot be performed due to inefficient light collection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention prepares the optical detection system in advance by configuring waveguides with specific refractive indices and geometric arrangements that are pre-optimized for supercritical angle fluorescence collection. This preliminary optical configuration ensures that when fluorescence occurs, the detection system is already positioned to efficiently collect photons at the critical angle, enabling immediate real-time measurement without additional alignment or adjustment steps
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces optical waveguides as intermediary structures between the sample and detector. These waveguides act as mediators that selectively transmit fluorescence photons while blocking background light, using the principle of total internal reflection to guide only the desired angular range of photons to the detector, thereby improving light collection efficiency and enabling rapid real-time detection
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 approach enhances sensitivity and selectivity, allowing for rapid, cost-effective, and real-time analysis with minimal sample treatment, achieving reliable results in minutes and enabling use in portable, low-cost diagnostic applications.
Implementation Method 1
utilize total internal reflection excitation
Implementation Method 2
generate an evanescent field for exciting the at least one sensor site
Implementation Method 3
utilizing a supercritical angle fluorescence detection
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A sample plate (1) and an analysing method, wherein the sample plate (1) comprises a substrate (2), at least one sensor site (5) on a first surface (3) of the substrate (2) and at least one optical element (6) on a second surface (4) of the substrate (2). The sample plate (1) is further provided with a waveguide (7) on the second surface (4) for guiding an excitation signal to interact with the at least one sensor site (5). The method comprises bringing the sample in contact with at least one sensor site (5), exciting the sensor site (5) in order to obtain an emitted signal, and selectively collecting the emitted signal by means of at least one optical element (6) and utilizing a supercritical angle fluorescence method; and detecting the collected emitted signals by a detector. In the method, the sensor site (5) is excited by means of an evanescent field generated by the excitation signal propagating in a waveguide (7).