Solid Fluorescent Calibration Target for Laser-Stable Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing calibration targets for optoelectronic devices used in biomolecule analysis suffer from short service life due to dye degradation under laser light irradiation, requiring complex dye exchange processes and necessitating multiple materials for narrow-band emission, which is unsuitable for detectors needing sensitivity near the excitation wavelength.

Innovation Solution

A calibration target comprising a solid fluorescent layer on a substrate with a transparent matrix and carbon-based components like graphene or graphene oxide, excitable by laser light, ensuring long-term stability and broadband fluorescence for detector calibration across multiple wavelengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If organic dyes are used in calibration targets, then defined fluorescence signals at different wavelengths can be achieved, but the dyes degrade under laser light irradiation resulting in short service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluorescence signal definitionVSAvoidservice life of calibration target
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameter of the fluorescent material from organic dyes to inorganic nanocrystals (quantum dots). This fundamental material parameter change eliminates photodegradation while maintaining broadband fluorescence emission across multiple wavelengths, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite structures: inorganic nanocrystals embedded in a transparent matrix material. This composite approach combines the broadband emission properties of quantum dots with the structural stability and optical clarity of the matrix, achieving both precise fluorescence signals and long-term stability under laser irradiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Duration of action of stationary object

If nanocrystalline solids like metal sulfides are used for calibration, then dye degradation is prevented, but the narrow-band emission requires four different materials to cover calibration wavelengths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice life of calibration targetVSAvoidnumber of materials required
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the inorganic nanocrystal material universal by selecting quantum dots with broadband emission characteristics that can cover multiple calibration wavelengths simultaneously. This single material performs the function previously requiring four different narrow-band materials, reducing device complexity while maintaining long service life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If nanocrystals with large Stokes shift are used, then dye degradation is avoided, but calibration near the excitation wavelength becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice life of calibration targetVSAvoiddetector calibration range
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the Stokes shift parameter of the nanocrystal material to a small value, enabling emission wavelengths close to the excitation wavelength. This parameter change allows calibration of detectors requiring sensitivity near the excitation wavelength while still preventing dye degradation through the use of stable inorganic nanocrystals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 proposed calibration target provides stable, long-term calibration capabilities with high laser power, enabling permanent installation and efficient calibration of detectors for various wavelengths without dye degradation.

Implementation Method 1

a carbon-based component excitable to emit light. The component is graphene, graphene oxide, or reduced graphene oxide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

The fluorescent layer comprises an optically inactive, transparent matrix with a refractive index greater than 2 and a carbon-based component excitable to emit light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 3

an optically inactive, transparent matrix with a refractive index greater than 2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3926022B1Use of a calibration target
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 IMT MASKEN & TEILUNGEN AG
  • EP3926022B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3926022B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

A calibration target for calibrating an optoelectronic device for analyzing biomolecules by detecting fluorescence signals from a sample is disclosed. The target comprises a solid, laser-excitable fluorescent layer (3) arranged on a substrate (1). The fluorescent layer (3) includes an optically inactive matrix with a carbon-based component that can be excited to emit light. Such a calibration target (T) is stable over the long term and enables the calibration of detectors for different wavelengths of light.