Portable modular detection system
Inventors
Brennan, James S. • Singh, Anup • Throckmorton, Daniel J. • Stamps, James F.
Assignees
National Technology and Engineering Solutions of Sandia LLC • Sandia National Laboratories
Publication Number
US-7602307-B1
Publication Date
2009-10-13
Expiration Date
2026-11-13
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Abstract
Disclosed herein are portable and modular detection devices and systems for detecting electromagnetic radiation, such as fluorescence, from an analyte which comprises at least one optical element removably attached to at least one alignment rail. Also disclosed are modular detection devices and systems having an integrated lock-in amplifier and spatial filter and assay methods using the portable and modular detection devices.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a portable and modular detection system and methods for detecting the presence of an analyte by detecting emitted or reflected electromagnetic radiation, such as fluorescence, from the analyte. The detection system includes an electromagnetic radiation source, at least one alignment rail, at least one optical element removably attached to the alignment rail, a photodetector, and a lock-in amplifier. The electromagnetic radiation source can produce wavelengths from infrared to ultraviolet and may be a laser, pulsed laser, or light emitting diode. Optical elements include lenses, mirrors, filters, apertures, and other optical components which are removably and individually translatable on the alignment rail, enhancing modularity.
The patent addresses the problem with prior art devices, which despite claims of portability and modularity, suffer from limitations such as low signal-to-noise ratios, limited modularity where only select components could be replaced in fixed positions, and inability to detect and measure low concentrations of analytes reproducibly and conveniently. Existing devices lack true portability, are not fully modular, or fail to provide sensitive detection at low analyte concentrations, motivating the need for improved detection systems.
The described system is characterized by a truly modular design where components including electromagnetic radiation source, optical elements, photodetector, and lock-in amplifier are removable, interchangeable, and can be individually positioned along the alignment rail while maintaining co-linearity. The system integrates a miniaturized lock-in amplifier internally to enhance signal-to-noise ratio via phase sensitive detection. In some embodiments, the detection system is contained within a small housing about 4"×2.5"×1", capable of handheld portability. Methods are provided for assaying analytes by collecting and collimating emitted or reflected radiation with modular optics, converting to voltage signals by photodetection, amplifying using lock-in amplification, and producing amplified signals within a portable housing.
Claims Coverage
The claims include one independent claim defining the portable and modular detection system with multiple essential components and features.
Portable and modular detection system structure
The detection system comprises an electromagnetic radiation source, at least one alignment rail, a plurality of modular optical elements each removably attached and individually translatable along the alignment rail, a dichroic mirror, a photo detector, and a lock-in amplifier all operably linked in a configuration where the dichroic mirror redirects electromagnetic radiation through a collimating lens onto an analyte, collects reflected/emitted radiation, and guides it through modular optics to the photodetector which converts it to voltage signals amplified by the lock-in amplifier.
The claim defines a detection system distinguished by its true modularity of optical components on alignment rails combined with integrated lock-in amplification enabling sensitive detection of analytes, including key components such as dichroic mirror optics and removable interchangeable parts within a compact portable apparatus.
Stated Advantages
The detection system provides large improvement in signal-to-noise ratio and signal-to-offset due to rejection of background electromagnetic radiation compared to prior art devices.
True modularity allows components to be readily interchangeable, swappable, and repositionable while maintaining co-linearity, overcoming limitations in prior art modular designs.
Integration of a miniaturized lock-in amplifier within a portable housing enables phase sensitive detection with improved sensitivity not achievable in bench-top or non-modulated systems.
Documented Applications
Assaying electromagnetic radiation emitted or reflected from analytes in micro- to nanoliter fluid samples including fluids such as blood, plasma, urine, and environmental samples.
Analyzing samples on microfluidic devices, microchips, capillaries, slides, or other substrates with fluorescence or labeled analytes.
Detection and measurement of biological and chemical analytes including DNA, proteins, chemical warfare agents, explosives, and other biomolecules and synthetic compounds.
Use in chemical and biological assays requiring rapid, reproducible, sensitive detection of low concentrations of analytes with portable devices.
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