Thin Lens Substrate for Compact Cytometry Signal Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cytometry devices are bulky and inefficient for compact, portable applications due to the need for expensive free-space optics to detect weak fluorescence signals, which are often overshadowed by forward scattering and excitation signals, making them unsuitable for point-of-care testing and integrated chip systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular, compact optical excitation system with a thin lens system integrated into a substrate, allowing for efficient collimation of radiation from a region of interest to a remote detection system, enabling effective fluorescence and scattering detection in a compact, integrated circuit format, suitable for microfluidic devices and disposable medical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If free-space optics are used to detect weak fluorescence signals, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: an integrated circuit substrate containing microfluidic channels and electronics, and a separate optical module containing the lens system and detector. This segmentation allows the optical detection system to be optimized for sensitivity while the integrated circuit remains compact, resolving the contradiction between detection sensitivity and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
A lens system acts as an intermediary component between the region of interest (where fluorescence occurs) and the detector. The lens collects and focuses weak fluorescence signals onto the detector, improving detection sensitivity without requiring the detector to be in direct contact with the sample, thus enabling compact integration.
2Measurement precision
If free-space optics are used for fluorescence detection, then detection sensitivity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical detection system with the integrated circuit substrate by integrating the lens system and detector onto or near the chip. This integration reduces the need for separate optical components and alignment mechanisms, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining detection sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses standard integrated circuit fabrication techniques to create optical components (such as waveguides and lenses) directly on the chip substrate. This copying of optical functions using semiconductor manufacturing processes enables cost-effective production compared to traditional free-space optics assembly.
3Loss of energy
If wide-angled radiation collectors are used to collect incoherent light, then light collection efficiency is improved, but integration with narrow waveguide systems becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar waveguide coupling to three-dimensional optical collection using lenses positioned above the chip surface. The lens system collects light from a wide angular range in three-dimensional space and focuses it onto the waveguide or detector, achieving high light collection efficiency while maintaining compatibility with planar integrated circuit architecture.
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 provides a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective means for detecting particles in cytometry, allowing for compact integration, reduced manufacturing costs, and improved signal collection, while maintaining alignment flexibility and sensitivity, even in the presence of scattered light.
Implementation Method 1
a thin lens system, in particular a thin film lens system, comprising at least a first thin lens integrated in or on the substrate, for collimating radiation from the at least one region of interest to a remote detection system
Implementation Method 2
at least one radiation carrier for carrying radiation and directing at least one radiation beam from the at least one radiation carrier into the at least one region of interest
Implementation Method 3
In case of fluorescence cytometry, fluorescence either from the analytes themselves or from fluorescent compounds attached to the analytes may be detected
Implementation Method 4
detectors can receive and measure the light absorption or scattering properties of the analytes
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical excitation system comprises a substrate (105) comprising at least one delivery means (104), for delivering analytes (109) into at least one region of interest (103), at least one radiation carrier (101) for directing at least one radiation beam from the at least one radiation carrier (101) into the at least one region of interest (103). The substrate (105) includes a thin lens system (120) comprising at least a first thin lens (121), for collimating radiation from the at least one region of interest (103) to a remote detection system (130). A particle sensor and sensing system comprising the excitation system are also provided, for example a modular particle sensor and modular sensing system, wherein the optical excitation system may be single use and disposable.