Time-of-Flight Sensor for Nanosecond Fluorescent Lifetime Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biomedical analysis techniques face limitations in measuring fluorescent lifetimes of biological samples, particularly at the nanosecond scale, which is crucial for accurate pH measurements and other biological parameter assessments, due to constraints in measurement speed and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating LiDAR technology with a time-of-flight sensor into biological systems to detect fluorescent emissions, enabling precise measurements of fluorescent lifetimes down to nanosecond scales, and allowing for simultaneous analysis of multiple samples and parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional biomedical analysis techniques are used to measure fluorescent lifetimes, then the measurement process is simpler and less costly, but the measurement precision and speed are insufficient for nanosecond-scale biological parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/timing-based measurement systems with a time-of-flight sensor system that uses photon flight time measurement. This substitution enables nanosecond-scale fluorescent lifetime measurements by detecting the time it takes for photons to travel from the excitation source through the sample to the detector, achieving high precision without complex mechanical timing mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from intensity-based detection to time-of-flight detection. By measuring the temporal characteristic (flight time) of photons rather than their intensity, the system achieves nanosecond-scale resolution for fluorescent lifetime measurements, fundamentally improving measurement precision through parameter transformation
2Productivity
If conventional measurement methods are used, then the system cost is lower, but the measurement speed is too slow for rapid biological process monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow conventional scanning or sequential measurement methods with a parallel time-of-flight detection system. The sensor captures temporal information from all pixels simultaneously, enabling rapid acquisition of fluorescent lifetime data across multiple samples at once, thereby dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining nanosecond precision
3Measurement precision
If LiDAR technology with time-of-flight sensor is incorporated, then nanosecond-scale fluorescent lifetime measurements are achieved, but the device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a time-of-flight sensor originally designed for LiDAR applications to a new fluorescent lifetime measurement function. This multi-functionality approach allows the use of commercially available, mass-produced sensors that have already undergone manufacturing optimization, thereby reducing the actual manufacturing difficulty despite the advanced functionality required for nanosecond measurements
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 provides rapid, accurate, and cost-effective measurements of fluorescent lifetimes, enhancing the ability to monitor biological processes and parameters like pH, thereby improving diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
Implementation Method 1
The excitation light has a wavelength that causes a fluorophore associated with the biological material to undergo a fluorescent emission
Implementation Method 2
LiDAR technology can generate a three dimensional point cloud in real time of the vehicle's surroundings under all kinds of weather conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A system and process is disclosed for measuring a fluorophore in a sample, such as a sample of a biological material. The process and system is particularly well suited to measuring fluorescent lifetimes of many different biological parameters. The system includes a time-of-flight sensor that can operate at a modulation rate capable of measuring fluorescent lifetimes that are extremely short, such as lasting only a few nanoseconds. Although the system and process have broad applicability, the system and process are particularly well suited for measuring metabolic characteristics of cells, such as pH, oxygen, and temperature.