Variable Curvature Field Lens Array for Nucleic Acid Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lens systems for nucleic acid amplification instruments are complex and costly, requiring multiple lenses for signal gain, which can lead to reduced efficiency and increased crosstalk between reaction sites, especially for samples further from the optical center.
Innovation Solution
A lens system utilizing a variable curvature, thickness, and position of field lens array elements to image a pupil stop to a pupil plane, allowing for a single field lens array to achieve high signal gain, reduce complexity, and enhance emission light detection from all reaction regions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple lenses are used for signal gain, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lens functions into a single field lens array, where each element performs both field correction and pupil imaging simultaneously. This merging eliminates the need for separate field lenses and pupil lenses, reducing system complexity while maintaining detection sensitivity through the array's collective optical power.
Solution Approach 2:
Each field lens array element serves multiple functions: it acts as a field lens for its corresponding reaction site, images the pupil stop to the pupil plane, and contributes to overall signal gain. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed while achieving the required optical performance.
2Measurement precision
If multiple lenses are used for signal gain, then detection sensitivity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple lens elements into a single integrated field lens array, the patent reduces the number of manufacturing steps, alignments, and assemblies required. This single array can be manufactured as one piece or pre-aligned unit, significantly reducing labor and assembly costs compared to assembling multiple separate lenses.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the curvature radius, thickness, and position of the center of curvature among different field lens array elements to optimize optical performance. These parameter variations allow each element to be tailored for its specific position in the array, achieving uniform detection sensitivity across all reaction sites while maintaining manufacturability through systematic design.
3Device complexity
If a simple lens system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but crosstalk between reaction sites increases
Solution Approach 1:
The field lens array segments the optical path into independent channels, with each field lens array element handling light from its corresponding reaction site. This segmentation prevents light from one reaction site from interfering with detection of another, eliminating crosstalk while maintaining a relatively simple overall system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The field lens array acts as an intermediary optical element that properly images the pupil stop to the pupil plane for each reaction site. This intermediary function ensures that light paths from different reaction sites remain spatially separated and properly directed to their respective detection regions, preventing crosstalk without requiring complex additional optics.
4Device complexity
If a simple lens system is used, then device complexity is reduced, but detection reliability for peripheral samples decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the curvature radius, thickness, and center of curvature position for each field lens array element based on its position in the array. Elements at different locations have optimized parameters tailored to their specific optical path requirements, ensuring uniform detection reliability from the center to the periphery of the reaction block.
Solution Approach 2:
The field lens array serves as an intermediary that properly directs and focuses light from all reaction sites, including peripheral ones, to their corresponding detection regions. By imaging the pupil stop to the pupil plane for each element, it ensures that even peripheral samples receive adequate light collection and focusing, maintaining detection reliability without requiring complex additional optics.
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 simplifies the lens system, reduces costs, and improves detection reliability by focusing emission light beams from all reaction regions, including those further from the optical center, resulting in stronger and more reliable light detection.
Implementation Method 1
any one of said field lens array elements is capable of imaging a pupil stop located between said light source and said field lens array to a pupil located on said pupil plane
Implementation Method 2
said objective lens system is disposed between the light source and the plurality of reaction regions
Implementation Method 3
said lens system additionally comprises an emission light objective between said field lens array and said detector such that the reaction regions are imaged onto the detector
Implementation Method 4
reacting any one of said analytes with a molecule comprising a dye... illuminating said dye with an excitation light beam... detecting an emission light beam emitted by said dye
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument is disclosed with a lens system including an objective lens system. The objective lens system is disposed between a light source and the plurality of reaction regions. The objective lens system includes a field lens array, and a pupil plane, wherein the pupil plane and the light source are located on opposite sides of the field lens array. The field lens array is disposed between the light source and the plurality of reaction regions, the field lens array including a plurality of field lens array elements, wherein the radius of the curvature, the thickness and the position of the center of the curvature of any one field lens array element in the field lens array is variable and is disposed in a light beam path between the light source and the reaction regions such that any one of the field lens array elements is capable of imaging a pupil stop located between the light source and the field lens array to a pupil located on the pupil plane, wherein an array of pupils located on the pupil plane is generated by the field lens array.