Tunable Optical Element Compensates Liquid Surface Distortion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical measurement systems face challenges in detecting forward scatter signals and fluorescence signals in microplate wells due to beam distortion caused by the free surface of liquid samples, limiting the ability to determine particle size, quantity, and concentration effectively.
Innovation Solution
An optical measurement system with a tunable optical element that corrects beam distortion by shaping the input beam to be collimated or focused, combined with a single detector array capable of receiving backscatter, low-angle forward scatter, fluorescence, and absorbance signals, and an input-beam attenuator to block the transmitted portion of the input beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If forward scatter detection is implemented in microplate wells, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but beam distortion from the free liquid surface causes detection difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional detection approach by detecting scatter signals at angles greater than 90 degrees relative to the incident beam direction. Instead of detecting forward scatter at low angles where the beam distortion is most severe, the system detects backscatter and side-scatter signals where the distorted beam has already passed through the sample, thereby resolving the contradiction between detection sensitivity and beam distortion interference
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from detecting scatter signals in the forward direction (low angles) to detecting signals in the backward and side directions (angles greater than 90 degrees). This dimensional change in detection angle allows the system to avoid the region of maximum beam distortion while still obtaining sensitive particle characterization data
2Measurement precision
If fluorescence detection is performed in the input-beam direction, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but the transmitted input beam interferes with detector reception
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the detection geometry by collecting fluorescence signals at angles greater than 90 degrees relative to the incident beam. This inversion allows the detector to receive emitted fluorescence photons while the highly intense transmitted excitation beam travels in a different direction, eliminating the harmful interference while maintaining high detection sensitivity
3Object-generated harmful factors
If multiple detectors are used to collect emitted light from opposite or normal directions, then excitation light extinction is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection functions into a single detector by collecting scatter and fluorescence signals at angles greater than 90 degrees. This single detector simultaneously receives both scatter signals from particles and fluorescence signals from the sample, eliminating the need for multiple detectors and complex optical paths while achieving effective excitation light extinction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal detection system where a single detector performs multiple functions: detecting scatter signals for particle size and concentration, detecting fluorescence signals for molecular characterization, and achieving excitation light extinction. This multi-functional approach simplifies the optical layout while maintaining comprehensive analytical capability
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
Enables high-sensitivity detection of forward scatter and fluorescence signals, allowing for accurate determination of particle characteristics in microplate wells, overcoming the limitations of beam divergence and distortion caused by the liquid's free surface.
Implementation Method 1
compensate for distortion of the free liquid surface
Implementation Method 2
forward scatter signals and/or forward fluorescence signals
Implementation Method 3
forward scatter signals and/or forward fluorescence signals
Implementation Method 4
input-beam attenuator for blocking the transmitted portion of the input beam from impinging upon the detector
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
The present invention is an optical measurement system for measuring a liquid sample within a well. The system comprises a light source configured to transmit light though the well, a detector configured to measure optical signals derived from the transmitted light, and a tunable optical element. The tunable optical element is positioned between the light source and the well. The tunable optical element is operable to shape the light to compensate for distortions induced by a surface of the liquid sample. The detector is preferably located below the well for receiving a forward scatter signal indicative of at least one characteristic of the particles within the liquid sample.