Wedged Beam Splitter for Light Distribution in Flow Cytometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light detection systems in flow cytometry face challenges in effectively quantifying light variations from samples, particularly in distinguishing between different components like cells, due to variations in morphologies and absorptivity, which affects the quality of optical signals.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a light detection system comprising a light scatter detector and a brightfield photodetector, coupled with an optical adjustment component such as a wedged beam splitter, to optimize light distribution and enhance the detection of light scattered and transmitted signals, allowing for improved characterization of sample components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a beam splitter is used to convey light to both the brightfield photodetector and the scatter detector, then the ability to differentiate between particle types is improved, but the light intensity reaching the scatter detector decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a wedged beam splitter with specific wedge angles (5-120 arc minutes) to optimize the light distribution parameters. By adjusting the wedge angle parameter, the system achieves optimal balance between light transmission to the brightfield detector and light scattering to the scatter detector, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and illumination intensity
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter acts as an intermediary optical component that divides the incident light into two paths: one to the brightfield photodetector and another to the scatter detector. This intermediary device enables simultaneous measurement of both transmitted and scattered light, improving particle differentiation while managing light intensity distribution
2Reliability
If the surface area of the detector is increased to collect more light, then the optical signal quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple detection functions (brightfield detection and scatter detection) into a single integrated optical path using a beam splitter. This merging approach allows both detectors to share the same light source and optical pathway, improving signal quality without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it directs light to the brightfield photodetector for transmission measurement, directs scattered light to the scatter detector for scattering measurement, and maintains optical path alignment. This multi-functionality improves reliability while avoiding the need for separate, complex detector systems
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 configuration enhances the ability to differentiate between types of particles, particularly cells, by optimizing light distribution, leading to improved image generation and cell identification in flow cytometry applications.
Implementation Method 1
the optical adjustment component is a beam splitter that is configured to propagate light to the light scatter detector and the brightfield photodetector
Implementation Method 2
Light from the light source can be detected as scatter or by transmission spectroscopy or can be absorbed by one or more components in the sample and re-emitted as luminescence
Implementation Method 3
the light obscuration component may be a scatter bar, an obscuration disc or an optical aperture, such as a slit or a pinhole
Data Source
AI summary
Light detection systems for measuring light (e.g., in a flow stream) are described. Light detection systems according to embodiments include a light scatter detector, a brightfield photodetector and an optical adjustment component configured to convey light to the light scatter detector and to the brightfield photodetector. Systems and methods for measuring light emitted by a sample (e.g., in a flow stream) and kits having a light scatter detector, a brightfield photodetector and a beam splitter component are also provided.