Segmented Filter Member for Microparticle Fluorescence and Depth of Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
In microparticle measurement apparatuses, achieving a sufficient depth of field for droplet images while maintaining high fluorescence intensity is challenging due to differences in ejection angles from microchips, leading to blurry images and reduced fluorescence signals.
Innovation Solution
A microparticle measurement apparatus is designed with a filter member having a first area for passing fluorescence and illumination light, and a second area with wavelength selectivity that blocks illumination light, allowing for high fluorescence detection at high numerical aperture and deep field imaging at low numerical aperture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If the aperture number (NA) of the optical system is set high to ensure sufficient fluorescence signal from calibration beads, then fluorescence intensity is improved, but the depth of field decreases resulting in blurry droplet images
Solution Approach 1:
The filter member is divided into two distinct functional areas: a first area (central region) that allows both fluorescence and illumination light to pass, and a second area (peripheral region) that selectively blocks illumination light while allowing fluorescence to pass. This segmentation enables different regions of the optical system to operate at different effective NA values, resolving the contradiction between fluorescence intensity and depth of field.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the filter member are assigned different optical properties: the central first area has high transmission for both fluorescence and illumination light to maximize fluorescence signal, while the peripheral second area has wavelength-selective blocking properties to provide depth of field. This local differentiation of optical characteristics allows simultaneous optimization of both fluorescence intensity and depth of field.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustment is performed to correct fluid stream deviation, then image clarity is improved, but operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter member's second area automatically compensates for fluid stream deviation by selectively blocking illumination light from偏离ed regions while allowing fluorescence from the central detection region to pass. The system self-corrects for ejection angle variations without requiring manual intervention, maintaining image clarity while simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter member acts as an intermediary optical element that mediates between the deviating fluid stream and the detection system. By selectively transmitting and blocking light based on spatial position and wavelength, it compensates for stream deviation automatically, eliminating the need for manual focus or position adjustments.
3Quantity of substance
If the aperture number (NA) is set high to maximize fluorescence detection, then fluorescence signal is improved, but the field of depth decreases causing droplet image blur
Solution Approach 1:
The filter member is divided into two distinct functional areas: a first area (central region) that allows both fluorescence and illumination light to pass, and a second area (peripheral region) that selectively blocks illumination light while allowing fluorescence to pass. This segmentation enables different regions of the optical system to operate at different effective NA values, resolving the contradiction between fluorescence intensity and depth of field.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the filter member are assigned different optical properties: the central first area has high transmission for both fluorescence and illumination light to maximize fluorescence signal, while the peripheral second area has wavelength-selective blocking properties to provide depth of field. This local differentiation of optical characteristics allows simultaneous optimization of both fluorescence intensity and depth of field.
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 enables simultaneous acquisition of sufficient fluorescence intensity and depth of field, eliminating the need for manual focus adjustments and reducing apparatus size and costs.
Implementation Method 1
a second area that is provided around the first area and that has a wavelength selectivity which lets the fluorescence pass through but blocks the illumination light
Implementation Method 2
a light receiving element configured to detect fluorescence generated from the microparticle due to the irradiation of the excitation light
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a microparticle measurement apparatus including a first light source configured to irradiate excitation light on a droplet containing a microparticle, the droplet being discharged from an orifice, a second light source configured to irradiate illumination light on the droplet for acquiring an image of the droplet, a light receiving element configured to detect fluorescence generated from the microparticle due to the irradiation of the excitation light, and to acquire an image of the droplet, and a filter member configured to be arranged between the droplet and the light receiving element. The filter member includes a first area through which the fluorescence and the illumination light pass, and a second area that is provided around the first area and that has a wavelength selectivity which lets the fluorescence pass through but blocks the illumination light.