Stationary Fluorescence Photometer Array for Vibration-Free Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluorescence photometry systems face challenges in achieving precise, reliable, and repeatable data acquisition due to mechanical vibrations caused by 'jerk' during scanning operations, especially when using moving scanning heads, which affects the quality of multi-dye fluorescence measurements, particularly in high-throughput applications with array tapes.
Innovation Solution
A multi-dye fluorescence photometer with first and second fluorophore excitation sources, an objective lens, and a common emission detector, supported by a scanning rail carriage for reversible travel at constant velocity, along with additional excitation and emission energy conditioning elements, allows for simultaneous or pulsed excitation and detection of fluorophore emissions, minimizing jerk-related vibrations and ensuring precise data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a moving scanning photometer is used to increase processing throughput, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to mechanical vibrations from jerk
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the photometer (scanner), the invention inverts the approach by keeping the photometer stationary and moving the specimen medium (array tape) through the scanning region. This eliminates jerk-related vibrations in the photometer while maintaining high throughput through continuous specimen transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the measurement process by using multiple stationary photometers arranged in a scanning array, each dedicated to specific detection tasks. This allows simultaneous measurements across multiple positions without requiring a single moving photometer, thereby maintaining precision while achieving high throughput.
2Measurement precision
If a stationary photometer is used to eliminate jerk-related vibrations, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to impracticality with continuously spooled array tape
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamics by implementing a continuously moving array tape that passes through the stationary scanning array. This allows the system to process continuously spooled tapes at high speed while maintaining stationary photometers for vibration-free measurements, resolving the contradiction between precision and throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables continuous measurement action by arranging multiple stationary photometers in a scanning array that simultaneously detect fluorescence from different positions on the moving array tape. This continuous detection process maintains high throughput without compromising measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If multiple fluorophore excitation sources are used for multi-dye fluorescence assessment, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple excitation optical paths and emission detection paths into a single integrated scanning array configuration. Multiple fluorophore excitation sources are combined with their respective optical paths and detectors into unified stationary modules, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the capability for multi-dye fluorescence assessment.
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 solution enables high-speed, precise, and repeatable data acquisition by minimizing mechanical vibrations and maintaining consistent alignment, improving the accuracy and reliability of multi-dye fluorescence measurements, even in high-throughput settings.
Implementation Method 1
Fluorescence photometry is premised upon the adsorption and subsequent re-radiation of light, i.e., electromagnetic radiation, by organic and inorganic specimens
Implementation Method 2
a fluorophore (a/k/a, a fluorochrome), i.e., a functional group of a molecule which absorbs energy of a specific wavelength and re-emits energy at a different, but equally specific wavelength
Implementation Method 3
an objective lens, and means for transmitting energy from at least two fluorophore excitation sources through an optical path of the objective lens
Implementation Method 4
a common emission detector for the detection of first and second fluorophore emissions
Data Source
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AI summary
A scanning photometer and attendant methods are provided. The scanning photometer is generally characterized by first and second fluorophore excitation sources, an objective lens, and a common emission detector for the detection of first and second fluorophore emission originating from the excitation of the fluorophores via passage of excitation energy, via an optical path of the objective lens, from the excitation sources. Excitation energy and emission energy conditioning elements are likewise provided, operatively interposed before or after the objective lens as the case may be.