Transmission-Based Particle Measurement System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current particle sizing and counting techniques, particularly scattering-based methods, face limitations in sensitivity and resolution, especially when measuring small particles like viruses and proteins, and struggle to accurately determine the absolute number and distribution of particles in complex solutions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of transmission-based particle measurement systems using variable wavelength lasers and balance measuring techniques to measure particle sizes down to 10 nm, providing absolute particle counts and geometric information by analyzing light transmission at multiple wavelengths, eliminating errors through balanced measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scattering-based techniques are used to measure particles, then the measurement process can be performed with standard equipment, but sensitivity and resolution are limited especially for small particles like viruses and proteins
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of measuring scattered light to infer particle properties, the patent inverts the approach by measuring transmitted light directly through the particle suspension. This transmission-based method provides more accurate and sensitive measurements of particle size, concentration, and distribution, especially for small particles like viruses and proteins, while maintaining the ability to use standard optical equipment.
2Loss of information
If scattering techniques with multiple detectors are used, then some particle information can be obtained, but only a fraction of scattered light is collected limiting resolution and sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement of transmitted light from the complex scattering measurement process. By directly measuring the light that transmits through the particle suspension rather than analyzing scattered light angles, the system captures complete optical information about particle concentration, size distribution, and morphology without the losses inherent in scattering-based approaches.
3Measurement precision
If transmission-based measurement systems with variable wavelength lasers are used, then sensitivity and resolution are enhanced for measuring particles down to 10 nm, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission-based measurement system is designed to perform multiple functions using a unified approach. By measuring light transmission at multiple wavelengths, the system simultaneously determines particle size, concentration, size distribution, and geometric information about non-spherical particles, all within a single measurement framework that enhances sensitivity down to 10 nm while managing system complexity through integrated design.
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 enhances sensitivity and resolution, allowing for precise measurement of particle sizes and distributions, including non-spherical particles, with improved accuracy compared to scattering-based techniques, enabling better analysis of biological samples and other applications.
Implementation Method 1
measuring techniques that utilize transmission of laser light through a particle sample
Implementation Method 2
utilize a variable wavelength laser to emit laser light at a plurality of wavelengths
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods and apparatus for obtaining suspended particle information are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes emitting light from a light source, dividing the light source into a first path and a second path, and directing the first path to a first container comprising a plurality of particles in a suspension material. The example method also includes directing the second path to a second container containing a suspension material devoid of particles, retrieving a first transmission value of the first path through the first container, and retrieving a second transmission value of the second path through the second container. The example method further includes directing the first and second paths to the second and first containers, respectively, retrieving a third transmission value of the first path a through the second container, retrieving a fourth transmission value of the second path through the first container, and calculating a ratio of the first and second transmission values to the third and fourth transmission values to determine an indication of transmissivity for a given wavelength.