Methods of sperm cell sensing utilizing a semiconductor detector and cytometer apparatus
Inventors
SAVAGE, Frederick • Szejna, Glenn J. • Xia, Zheng
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12176452-B2
Publication Date
2024-12-24
Expiration Date
Abstract
A cytometer includes an avalanche photodiode, a switching power supply, a filter, and voltage adjustment circuitry. The switching power supply includes a feedback loop. The filter is electrically connected between the switching power supply and the avalanche photodiode. The voltage adjustment circuitry adjusts a voltage on the feedback loop based at least in part on a voltage measured between the filter and the avalanche photodiode.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a low-noise cytometer that uses an avalanche photodiode as a semiconductor detector and a power supply together with a two-stage feedback network, an output filter network, and a second filter to provide a low-signal noise floor. The two-stage feedback network and the output filter network together reduce signal noise associated with detector sensing.
The cytometer includes a switching power supply and circuitry that senses and regulates voltages associated with the avalanche photodiode. An output filter network provides a first filter at an output of the switching power supply, and a control feedback mechanism adjusts a flyback converter feedback node using a second feedback loop that incorporates analog-to-digital converter and digital-to-analog converter processing.
The described cytometer architecture is implemented in a flow cytometry apparatus context, including a flow chamber and a laser for detecting fluorescence from cells. Fluorescent DNA-intercalating dye is used for detecting DNA-dependent fluorescence, and sperm sexing is determined from DNA-dependent fluorescence differences, with subsequent sorting and deactivation functionality described using kill or segregation components.
Claims Coverage
The claim coverage contains 1 independent claim, and the inventive coverage emphasizes a low-noise cytometer architecture combining a two-stage feedback network with an output filter network and a second filter, together with an avalanche photodiode detector and refined feedback and filter structures.
Low-noise cytometer with semiconductor detector, power supply, two-stage feedback network, output filter network, and second filter
A low-noise cytometer comprising a semiconductor detector, a power supply, a two-stage feedback network, an output filter network, and a second filter, wherein the two-stage feedback network and the output filter network provide a low-signal noise floor.
Two-stage feedback network with first analog stage and second digital stage
A low-noise cytometer in which the two-stage feedback network has a first analog stage and a second digital stage.
Avalanche photodiode as the semiconductor detector
A low-noise cytometer in which the semiconductor detector is an avalanche photodiode.
Output filter network with first filter at output of switching power supply
A low-noise cytometer that includes an output filter network with a first filter at an output of the switching power supply, where the first filter is made of one or more capacitors and/or resistors.
Using output of first filter to reverse-bias the semiconductor detector
A low-noise cytometer that uses the output of a first filter to reverse-bias a semiconductor detector.
Resistive feedback circuit with DAC controlling flyback converter output voltage
A low-noise cytometer in which the power supply uses a resistive feedback circuit with a digital-to-analog converter connected to circuitry that changes an output voltage of a flyback converter.
Collectively, the claim coverage defines a low-noise cytometer that achieves a low-signal noise floor by combining a two-stage feedback network with an output filter network and a second filter, and it further specifies an avalanche photodiode detector, an analog-then-digital feedback structure, filter placement and components, reverse-biasing of the detector from a filter output, and DAC-influenced resistive feedback controlling a flyback converter output voltage.
Stated Advantages
Provides a low-signal noise floor.
Documented Applications
Flow cytometry apparatus for detecting fluorescent DNA content and determining sperm sex (XX vs XY) based on DNA-dependent fluorescence differences, including subsequent sorting and deactivation such as kill or segregation/collection functionality.
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