Flow Cytometer Laser Alignment System

(Design Proposals)

MAE 156A: Team 10

​

Carlos Acuña

Justin Chen

Kevin Chen

Daniel Hwang

​

Justin

Problem Definition Recap

Phase 1: Focus on microscope hardware/mounting

Issues

- Large safety hazard

- Can result in permanent eye damage

- Large and difficult to transport

​

Design Requirements

- Microscope solution that eliminates risk

- Adaptable for use of different cytometer models

- Reduce form factor for portability

Justin

Problem Definition Recap

​

Proposed Solution

Reduced form factor for portability

Justin

​

​

​

Risk Reduction

​

Visited BD Biosciences, San Diego to further understand potential risks

​

​

​

1. Current microscope extremely difficult to mount (fixed system)
2. Microscope had to be jerry-rigged and mounted upside down for certain models

​

FACS Aria Cell Analyzer

Kevin

​

​

​

Risk Reduction

​

3. Pinholes nearly invisible

without additional lighting

system

​

• Image to the right is enhanced
• True image: pinholes not visible & magnification inadequate

Kevin

Design Requirements

​

Phase 1: Focus on microscope hardware/mounting

​

Key Features

1. Size minimization for portability
2. Improvement of system mounting
3. Increased degree of freedom for optimized field of view

Kevin

Design Proposal (Microscope)

​

Justin

Microscope in storage position (4.8 inches)

Microscope in extended position (6.3 inches)

Objective lens

Eyepiece lens

Retractable design

- Reduced size allows microscope to satisfy dimension requirements

- Improves portability

- More parts than original design, mechanisms required to lock positions

​

​

Design Proposal (System View)

​

On the right is an example of an off the shelf rack and pinion that can be purchased through the link below (Edmund Optics)

http://www.edmundoptics.com/optomechanics/positioning-stages-slides/linear-rack-pinion-stages/metric-long-travel-linear-translation-stages-tracks/2441

Carlos

Linear Slider

Design Proposal (System View)

​

Mounting Bracket

​

​

​

​

​

​

• This system allows for faster mounting of the microscope assembly to the flow cytometer.

Carlos

Further Design Decisions to be made

​

Camera Selection

1. Live Color Feed: Necessary for accurate view of cuvette and crossing lasers
2. Rapid Refresh Rate: Preferred 60 FPS with a minimum of 30 FPS for ease of technician tuning
3. High Resolution: Improves accuracy of laser alignment
4. Size and Weight Restriction
5. Cost Within Budget

Carlos

Components to be Purchased

​

Objective Lens and Eyepiece

- Main components of the microscope

- Lens selection is based off magnification requirements

- High priority: parts necessary for testing and reiteration

-Order by this week

​

XZ Mechanical Stage

- Change focus and move in the Z direction for microscope

- Low priority. Microscope is highest priority

-Order by this week

​

​

Daniel

Components to be Fabricated

Microscope Enclosure

- Stock aluminum shafts to attach objectives and eyepiece

​

Mounting Bracket

- Stock aluminum with mounting locations for stage and cytometer

​

Daniel

Further Concerns

​

Pinhole backlight optimization

Goal: Fit LEDs or alternative lighting systems onto pre-existing optical filters to feed light through fiber optics and back through pinholes for facilitated viewing�

Varied Optical Filters (High Pass, Low Pass, Band Pass)

Potential Generated Image

Kevin

Schedule and Key Milestones

​

Daniel

​

Schedule and Key Milestones

​

Daniel

Development of Prototype 1 by end of Week 2

Thank You