Wavelength Dispersive Microscope Spectrofluorometer for Particle Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current particle detection technologies face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively characterizing a wide range of biological particles based on optical properties, particularly in distinguishing between different types of biological particles and detecting their presence and concentration in various environments, including healthcare and environmental monitoring.
Innovation Solution
The development of methods and devices that simultaneously measure scattering, emission, or Raman spectra of multiple particles using wavelength dispersive elements, allowing for the characterization of particles' size, type, and fluorescence properties, and enabling the use of smartphones for data processing and analysis to reduce costs and increase accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional particle detection methods are used to characterize biological particles, then detection capability is achieved, but the systems are expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the particle analysis function across multiple wavelengths, with each wavelength detecting specific particle types based on their unique spectral signatures. This allows parallel detection of different particle categories (biological vs. non-biological, specific pathogens) simultaneously, achieving comprehensive characterization without requiring a single complex instrument
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal particle detection system that can identify multiple types of particles (bacteria, viruses, pollen, dust, smoke) using a single multi-wavelength optical platform. The system performs multiple functions including size measurement, composition analysis, and classification across different particle categories, replacing multiple specialized instruments
2Measurement precision
If conventional particle detection systems are deployed, then detection accuracy is achieved, but the cost is high limiting widespread deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple detection functions (size measurement, spectral analysis, particle classification) into a single integrated optical system. By combining wavelength-dispersive spectroscopy with particle detection, the system achieves comprehensive analysis capabilities while reducing overall cost compared to deploying multiple separate instruments
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses optical copying of particle spectral signatures at different wavelengths to identify particle types. Rather than requiring physical separation or multiple sensing mechanisms, the system creates spectral copies that reveal particle composition and identity, enabling accurate detection with simpler, more affordable hardware
3Measurement precision
If single-particle analysis is performed sequentially, then detailed characterization is achieved, but throughput is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous multi-wavelength illumination of the particle sample, with all wavelength channels operating simultaneously to detect scattered light. This continuous parallel measurement approach eliminates sequential scanning delays, maintaining high detection throughput while gathering comprehensive spectral data from each particle
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-wavelength detection to multi-wavelength spectral detection, adding the wavelength dimension to particle analysis. This spectral dimension enables simultaneous extraction of multiple particle properties (size, composition, type) from each particle's wavelength-dependent scattering signature, achieving detailed characterization without sequential 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 enables rapid and affordable characterization of biological particles, including mold spores, pollen, and bacteria, facilitating health and environmental monitoring, while also allowing for the deployment of a denser network of particle detecting systems and involving a broader range of scientists.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength dispersive optical element for generating spatially dispersed scattered or emitted electromagnetic radiation from each particle
Implementation Method 2
exposing the plurality of particles to electromagnetic radiation from an optical source, such that all of the plurality of particles, or all of the particles of interest, are simultaneously exposed to electromagnetic radiation from the optical source, where interactions between each particle and the electromagnetic radiation from the optical source generates scattered or emitted electromagnetic radiation from each particle
Implementation Method 3
detecting at least a portion of the spatially dispersed scattered or emitted electromagnetic radiation from each particle using an imaging device, such as a digital imaging device, thereby generating an image, such as a digital image, of the spatially dispersed scattered or emitted electromagnetic radiation from each particle
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are inexpensive devices and methods for obtaining emission or scattering spectra of multiple particles simultaneously and for characterizing the particles based on their emission or scattering spectra. The disclosed devices and methods are useful for analyzing multiple particles to determine one or more characteristics of the particles, such as size, type, elastic scattering, fluorescence and/or Raman characteristics, for distinguishing between biological and non-biological particles, and for biomedical assaying applications. Laboratory or research grade spectroscopic devices are described. Smartphone-based spectroscopic devices are also described, where various components of a smartphone are used for data collection and analysis purposes.