Wedged Window Laser Alignment in Flow Cytometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow cytometry systems face challenges in accurately aligning lasers with flow streams, leading to inefficiencies in characterizing and sorting biological materials, particularly due to variations in laser beam positioning and deviation.
Innovation Solution
The use of a wedged window with a spatially adjustable wedge angle to align the laser with the flow stream by detecting light signals and adjusting the window's orientation or position, ensuring precise alignment and minimal beam deviation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a standard flat window is used for laser irradiation, then the system structure is simple, but the laser beam positioning accuracy deteriorates due to beam deviation
Solution Approach 1:
A wedged window is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the laser source and the flow stream. The wedge shape refracts the laser beam in a controlled manner, compensating for alignment errors and maintaining accurate beam positioning on the flow stream despite variations in laser position or angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The window is designed with a specific wedge angle parameter (typically 5-10 degrees) that transforms the laser beam's propagation characteristics. By changing the optical parameter (wedge angle) of the window, the system compensates for beam deviation and maintains positioning accuracy without requiring complex alignment mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If manual alignment methods are used, then the device complexity is low, but the alignment precision and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wedged window provides self-aligning functionality through its optical properties. As the laser beam passes through the wedge, the refraction automatically compensates for minor misalignments, reducing the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms while maintaining consistent alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates detection of light signals from the laser-irradiated flow stream to monitor alignment status. This feedback allows for verification of proper alignment and can guide adjustment procedures, ensuring consistent precision without requiring overly complex automated alignment systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If the laser position varies, then the system is easier to assemble, but the characterization efficiency deteriorates due to inconsistent beam positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The wedged window's refractive geometry transforms variations in laser beam parameters (position, angle) into consistent output characteristics. The wedge angle is specifically designed to compensate for expected variations in laser positioning, ensuring that the beam remains accurately positioned on the flow stream despite assembly tolerances or laser position shifts, thereby maintaining characterization efficiency.
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 the accuracy and efficiency of laser alignment, allowing for precise characterization and sorting of biological materials by maintaining a consistent laser beam position on the flow stream, thereby improving the overall performance of flow cytometry systems.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting an angle of orientation of the wedged window with respect to the laser thereby changing an angle of laser beam deviation provided by the wedged window
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure include methods and systems for aligning a laser with a flow stream, such as in a flow cytometer. Methods according to certain embodiments include irradiating a flow stream with a laser through a wedged window, detecting light signals from the laser irradiated flow stream and aligning the laser with the flow stream by spatially adjusting the wedged window in response to the detected signal. Systems having a wedged window for aligning a laser with a flow stream are also described. Kits having a wedged window and a mount for spatially adjusting the wedged window to align a laser with a flow stream are also provided.