Super Resolution Imaging via Temporal Pad Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluorescent-detection protocols face limitations in resolution due to the number of pixels available, leading to increased costs and decreased accuracy in biological or chemical analysis, particularly in detecting nucleic acid arrays.
Innovation Solution
A detection apparatus featuring an array of responsive pads on a substrate surface, with each pixel having a detection zone that includes a subset of pads, and an activation module to alter the characteristics of these pads, allowing for differential treatment and super resolution imaging by selectively applying electric fields or other forces to distinguish multiple analytes within a single pixel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard imaging techniques with limited pixels are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the detection process into multiple temporal phases, where each phase activates a different subset of pads within a pixel's detection zone. By sequentially activating pads and capturing signals at different times, the system effectively multiplies the information capacity of each pixel, achieving super-resolution without proportionally increasing optical hardware complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a temporal dimension to the spatial detection process. Instead of only using spatial arrangement of pixels to differentiate analytes, the system introduces time as an additional degree of freedom by sequentially activating pads. This transforms a 2D spatial problem into a 3D space-time problem, enabling resolution beyond the physical pixel density.
2Measurement precision
If more pixels are used to improve resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the pad activation dynamic and controllable through an activation module that can selectively activate different pads in different time phases. This dynamic control allows the same physical pixel to effectively detect multiple analytes by receiving signals at different times, replacing the need for additional static pixels with temporal multiplexing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic activation of pads in a cyclic manner, where each pad is activated in sequence during different phases of a detection cycle. This periodic action allows the same detection zone to repeatedly detect different analytes over time, achieving high resolution with fewer physical pixels by utilizing time-based multiplexing.
3Productivity
If multiple analytes are detected simultaneously in a single pixel, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies preliminary action by pre-activating specific pads before signal detection occurs. By controlling which pads are active during each detection phase, the system ensures that only the intended analyte produces a signal at any given time, preventing signal overlap and maintaining measurement precision while increasing detection throughput through temporal multiplexing.
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 breaks the one-pixel-per-feature barrier, reducing the need for extensive optics hardware, lowering costs, and enhancing resolution beyond the capabilities of standard imaging techniques, enabling the detection of multiple analytes with higher precision and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an activation module to alter a characteristic of a first pad in the subset and of a second pad in the subset, wherein the activation module is configured to apply a different characteristic at the first pad compared to the second pad
Implementation Method 2
conventional fluorescent-detection protocols, an optical system is used to direct an excitation light onto fluorescently-labeled analytes and to also detect the fluorescent signals that may emit from the analytes
Data Source
AI summary
A detection apparatus that includes (a) an array of responsive pads on a substrate surface; (b) an array of pixels, wherein each pixel in the array has a detection zone on the surface that includes a subset of at least two of the pads; and (c) an activation circuit to apply a force at a first and second pad in the subset, wherein the activation circuit is configured to apply a different force at the first pad compared to the second pad, and wherein the activation circuit has a switch to selectively alter the force at the first pad and the second pad.