SPFS Apparatus Dynamic Range Expansion via Fluorescence Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Surface plasmon-field enhanced fluorescence spectroscopic measurement apparatuses face challenges with large fluctuations in fluorescence signals due to high analyte concentrations, leading to saturation and count loss in light detection, limiting dynamic range and measurement precision.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus includes a fluorescence amount adjusting mechanism, such as a neutral density filter, to control the light intensity received by the light detection means, allowing for precise measurement across a wide dynamic range by comparing and correcting fluorescence signals, and adjusting the excitation light or fluorescence emission to prevent saturation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the light detection means receives fluorescence from high concentration analytes, then the sensitivity is improved, but the dynamic range is exceeded causing saturation and count loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection sensitivityVSAvoiddynamic range
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the measurement system adaptable through variable measurement conditions. The light detection means can operate under different exposure times or gain settings depending on the analyte concentration, allowing the system to dynamically adjust its sensitivity range to accommodate both low and high concentration measurements without saturation or count loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying measurement parameters such as exposure time, gain, or integration time based on the detected signal intensity. When high concentration analytes are detected, the system adjusts these parameters to reduce the effective signal level, thereby preventing saturation and count loss while maintaining measurement precision across a wide dynamic range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If the fluorescence signal intensity is increased for high concentration analytes, then the detection capability is improved, but saturation and count loss occur in the light detection means

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalyte concentration detectionVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the fluorescence signal intensity and automatically adjusting measurement parameters when saturation or count loss is detected. The system compares the detected signal against predefined thresholds and modifies exposure time or gain accordingly, ensuring reliable and accurate measurements across varying analyte concentrations without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial or excessive action by intentionally allowing the fluorescence signal to exceed the optimal measurement range for high concentration analytes, then using feedback mechanisms to correct the resulting saturation or count loss. This approach enables the system to capture sufficient signal from high concentration samples while maintaining measurement accuracy through post-detection correction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive 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

This configuration enables precise detection of analytes with high concentrations and low concentrations, expanding the dynamic range and ensuring accurate measurements regardless of the light detection method used, thereby overcoming the limitations of saturation and count loss.

Implementation Method 1

by generating a surface plasmon light (a crude density wave) on a surface of a metallic thin film, a photon amount that is included in an excitation light that has been applied from the light source is increased by several ten times to several hundred times to obtain an electric field enhancement effect of a surface plasmon light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface plasmon resonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

under the condition of the attenuated total reflectance (ATR) of an excitation light such as a laser light that has been applied from the light source on a surface of a metallic thin film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAttenuated total reflectance: Total Internal Reflection

Implementation Method 3

a fluorescence substance that has been coupled (labeled) with an analyte that has been captured near a metallic thin film is excited in an efficient manner. By observing the fluorescence while using a light detection means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Data Source

PatentEP2722665B1Surface plasmon-field enhanced fluorescence spectroscopic measurement method
Publication Date: 2017.11.08 KONICA MINOLTA INC
  • EP2722665B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2722665B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2722665B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Technical Problem] It is an object to provide a surface plasmon-field enhanced fluorescence spectroscopic measurement method and a surface plasmon-field enhanced fluorescence spectroscopic measurement apparatus that are capable of measuring a fluorescence signal in a precise manner regardless of a type of a light detection means by adjusting a dynamic range of an SPFS apparatus even in the case in which a concentration of an analyte is high. [Solution of Problem] For a surface plasmon-field enhanced fluorescence stereoscopic measurement method wherein an analyte that has been labeled with a fluorescence substance is excited by surface plasmon light that has been generated by applying an excitation light to a metallic thin film and the generated fluorescence is received by a light detection means to thereby detect the analyte, a dynamic range is expanded by adjusting a light amount of the fluorescence that is received by the light detection means.