U.S. patent application number 11/486861 was filed with the patent office on 2009-04-23 for systems and methods for biological and chemical detection.
Invention is credited to Rodney S. Black, Jeffrey P. Carpenter, Johnway Gao, Jerome U. Gilberry, William A. Ivancic, John J. Kester, Clark A. Morrow.
Application Number | 20090103082 11/486861 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37635910 |
Filed Date | 2009-04-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090103082 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Black; Rodney S. ; et
al. |
April 23, 2009 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL DETECTION
Abstract
A biological and chemical detection system is provided that
detects and identifies biological and/or chemical particulates of
interest. The biological and chemical detection system comprises a
collector, a first optical device, a second optical device and a
processor. The collector is configured to deposit particulates
drawn from a fluid stream onto a sample substrate to define a
sample area. The first optical device derives first data relative
to at least a portion of the sample area, which is analyzed to
determine at least one field of view and/or specific target
location. The second optical device then interrogates the sample
area at each determined target location, e.g., using Raman
spectroscopy, to produce interrogation data. The processor
determines whether the sample area includes predetermined
biological or chemical particulates of interest based upon an
analysis of the interrogation data and triggers an event such as an
alarm or message if the predetermined biological or chemical
particulates of interest are identified.
Inventors: |
Black; Rodney S.; (Galloway,
OH) ; Carpenter; Jeffrey P.; (Lancaster, OH) ;
Gao; Johnway; (Hilliard, OH) ; Gilberry; Jerome
U.; (Raleigh, NC) ; Ivancic; William A.;
(Gahanna, OH) ; Kester; John J.; (Powell, OH)
; Morrow; Clark A.; (Hilliard, OH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STEVENS & SHOWALTER, L.L.P.
BOX BAT, 7019 CORPORATE WAY
DAYTON
OH
45459-4238
US
|
Family ID: |
37635910 |
Appl. No.: |
11/486861 |
Filed: |
July 14, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60699132 |
Jul 14, 2005 |
|
|
|
60798244 |
May 5, 2006 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
356/301 ;
356/326; 356/51; 356/73 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 15/1463 20130101;
G01N 2015/1488 20130101; G01N 2001/2833 20130101; G01N 1/2208
20130101; Y10T 436/11 20150115; G01N 2015/0261 20130101; Y10T
436/115831 20150115; G01N 1/2273 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
356/301 ; 356/73;
356/326; 356/51 |
International
Class: |
G01J 3/44 20060101
G01J003/44; G01N 21/00 20060101 G01N021/00; G01J 3/00 20060101
G01J003/00; G01J 3/28 20060101 G01J003/28 |
Claims
1. (canceled)
2. A biological and chemical detection system comprising: a
collector configured to deposit particulates drawn from a fluid
stream onto a sample substrate to define a sample area; a first
optical device configured to derive first data relative to at least
a portion of said sample area, wherein said first data comprises at
least one of a fluorescence image, a bright field image or a
darkfield image and said processor determines each target location
based at least in part, upon a measured contrast of said first
data; a processor configured to analyze said first data to
determine at least one target location within said sample area; and
a second optical device configured to interrogate said sample area
at each determined target location to produce interrogation data;
wherein said processor is further configured to determine whether
said sample area includes predetermined biological or chemical
particulates of interest based upon an analysis of said
interrogation data and trigger an event if said predetermined
biological or chemical particulates of interest are identified.
3. The biological and chemical detection system according to claim
2, wherein said first data further comprises at least two images at
different wavelengths.
4. A biological and chemical detection system comprising: a
collector configured to deposit particulates drawn from a fluid
stream onto a sample substrate to define a sample area; a first
optical device configured to derive first data relative to at least
a portion of said sample area; a processor configured to analyze
said first data to determine at least one target location within
said sample area, wherein said processor selects each target
location based at least in part, upon an analysis of said first
data to identify particulates having at least one of a particular
size range or general shape; and a second optical device configured
to interrogate said sample area at each determined target location
to produce interrogation data; wherein said processor is further
configured to determine whether said sample area includes
predetermined biological or chemical particulates of interest based
upon an analysis of said interrogation data and trigger an event if
said predetermined biological or chemical particulates of interest
are identified.
5. (canceled)
6. A biological and chemical detection system comprising: a
collector configured to deposit particulates drawn from a fluid
stream onto a sample substrate to define a sample area; a first
optical device configured to derive first data relative to at least
a portion of said sample area, wherein said first optical device
comprises a spectrometer or optical filter; a processor configured
to analyze said first data to determine at least one target
location within said sample area, wherein each target location is
selected based upon identifying at least one particulate having a
spectral signature in a predetermined spectral range comprising at
least one of a C-H stretching region located between approximately
2700 cm-1 and 3100 cm-1, a C-H deformation band between
approximately 1390 cm-1 and 1500 cm-1 and an Amide I band between
approximately 1590 cm-1 and 1750 cm-1; and a second optical device
configured to interrogate said sample area at each determined
target location to produce interrogation data; wherein said
processor is further configured to determine whether said sample
area includes predetermined biological or chemical particulates of
interest based upon an analysis of said interrogation data and
trigger an event if said predetermined biological or chemical
particulates of interest are identified.
7. The biological and chemical detection system according to claim
6, wherein each target location identifies an individual
particulate and said second optical device comprises a spectrometer
that is configured to interrogate each said individual
particulate.
8. The biological and chemical detection system according to claim
6, wherein said second optical device comprises a Raman
spectrometer configured to interrogate each target location in an
area of approximately two microns or less.
9. A biological and chemical detection system comprising: a
collector configured to deposit particulates drawn from a fluid
stream onto a sample substrate to define a sample area; a first
optical device configured to derive first data relative to at least
a portion of said sample area; a processor configured to analyze
said first data to determine at least one target location within
said sample area; and a second optical device configured to
interrogate said sample area at each determined target location to
produce interrogation data; wherein said processor is further
configured to determine whether said sample area includes
predetermined biological or chemical particulates of interest based
upon an analysis of said interrogation data and trigger an event if
said predetermined biological or chemical particulates of interest
are identified and said processor modifies criteria utilized to
select each target location based at least in part, upon trend data
that is collected across the analysis of multiple samples.
10. The biological and chemical detection system according to claim
9, wherein said processor is further configured to utilize a
classifier system in analyzing said interrogation data.
11. A biological and chemical detection system comprising: a
collector configured to deposit particulates drawn from a fluid
stream onto a sample substrate to define a sample area; a first
optical device configured to derive first data relative to at least
a portion of said sample area, wherein said first data comprises
images from a plurality of fields of view within said sample area;
a processor configured to analyze said first data to determine at
least one target location within said sample area, wherein said
processor is configured to select target locations that pinpoint
individual particulates of interest from said plurality of fields
of view; and a second optical device configured to interrogate said
sample area at each determined target location to produce
interrogation data; wherein said processor is further configured to
determine whether said sample area includes predetermined
biological or chemical particulates of interest based upon an
analysis of said interrogation data and trigger an event if said
predetermined biological or chemical particulates of interest are
identified.
12. The biological and chemical detection system according to claim
11, wherein said processor considers multiple fluorescence
wavelengths when determining specific target locations.
13. A biological and chemical detection system comprising: a
collector configured to deposit particulates drawn from a fluid
stream onto a sample substrate to define a sample area; a first
optical device configured to derive first data relative to at least
a portion of said sample area; a processor configured to analyze
said first data to determine at least one target location within
said sample area, wherein said processor filters said first data
for fluorescent particulate data and further filters said
fluorescent particulate data within a predetermined size range to
result in remaining filtered particulate data, wherein said target
locations are selected from remaining filtered particulate data;
and a second optical device configured to interrogate said sample
area at each determined target location to produce interrogation
data; wherein said processor is further configured to determine
whether said sample area includes predetermined biological or
chemical particulates of interest based upon an analysis of said
interrogation data and trigger an event if said predetermined
biological or chemical particulates of interest are identified.
14. (canceled)
15. The method according to claim 16, wherein said collecting
particulates drawn from a fluid stream onto a sample substrate to
define a sample area comprises filtering particulates in said fluid
stream such that particulates collected onto said sample substrate
are substantially within a predetermined size range.
16. A method of analyzing a sample for biological or chemical
particulates of interest comprising: collecting particulates drawn
from a fluid stream onto a sample substrate to define a sample
area; utilizing a first optical device to derive first data
relative to at least a portion of said sample area; analyzing said
first data to determine at least one target location within said
sample area by extracting contrast information from said first data
by analyzing at least one of a fluorescence image, a bright field
image or a darkfield image; utilizing a second optical device to
interrogate said sample area at each determined target location to
produce interrogation data; determining whether said sample area
includes predetermined biological or chemical particulates of
interest based upon an analysis of said interrogation data; and
triggering an event if said predetermined biological or chemical
particulates of interest are identified.
17. The method according to claim 16, wherein said analyzing at
least one of a fluorescence image, a bright field image or a
darkfield image comprises considering at least two images at
different wavelengths when determining specific target
locations.
18. A method of analyzing a sample for biological or chemical
particulates of interest comprising: collecting particulates drawn
from a fluid stream onto a sample substrate to define a sample
area; utilizing a first optical device to derive first data
relative to at least a portion of said sample area; analyzing said
first data to determine at least one target location within said
sample area by considering particulate size and/or shape when
determining said at least one target location; utilizing a second
optical device to interrogate said sample area at each determined
target location to produce interrogation data; determining whether
said sample area includes predetermined biological or chemical
particulates of interest based upon an analysis of said
interrogation data; and triggering an event if said predetermined
biological or chemical particulates of interest are identified.
19. (canceled)
20. A method of analyzing a sample for biological or chemical
particulates of interest comprising: collecting particulates drawn
from a fluid stream onto a sample substrate to define a sample
area; utilizing a first optical device to derive first data
relative to at least a portion of said sample area; analyzing said
first data to determine at least one target location within said
sample area by utilizing a spectrometer or optical filter to
identify each target location based upon identifying at least one
particulate having a spectral signature in a predetermined spectral
range comprising at least one of a C-H stretching region located
between approximately 2700 cm-1 and 3100 cm-1, a C-H deformation
band between approximately 1390 cm-1 and 1500 cm-1 and an Amide I
band between approximately 1590 cm-1 and 1750 cm-1; utilizing a
second optical device to interrogate said sample area at each
determined target location to produce interrogation data;
determining whether said sample area includes predetermined
biological or chemical particulates of interest based upon an
analysis of said interrogation data; and triggering an event if
said predetermined biological or chemical particulates of interest
are identified.
21. The method according to claim 16, wherein said analyzing said
first data to determine at least one target location within said
sample area comprises collecting said first data as images from a
plurality of fields of view within said sample area, and selecting
target locations that pinpoint individual particulates of interest
from particulates identified in said plurality of fields of
view.
22. The method according to claim 16, wherein said utilizing a
second optical device to interrogate said sample area at each
determined target location to produce interrogation data comprises
pinpointing a single particulate within each target location for
interrogation.
23. The method according to claim 24, wherein said determining
whether said sample area includes predetermined biological or
chemical particulates of interest based upon an analysis of said
interrogation data comprises utilizing a classifier system having a
plurality of spectral fingerprints with known constituents and
properties.
24. A method of analyzing a sample for biological or chemical
particulates of interest comprising: collecting particulates drawn
from a fluid stream onto a sample substrate to define a sample
area; utilizing a first optical device to derive first data
relative to at least a portion of said sample area; analyzing said
first data to determine at least one target location within said
sample area; utilizing a second optical device to interrogate said
sample area at each determined target location to produce
interrogation data; determining whether said sample area includes
predetermined biological or chemical particulates of interest based
upon an analysis of said interrogation data; triggering an event if
said predetermined biological or chemical particulates of interest
are identified; and dynamically modifying criteria utilized to
select each target location based at least in part, upon trend data
that is collected across the analysis of multiple samples.
25. A method of analyzing a sample for biological or chemical
particulates of interest comprising: illuminating at least a
portion of a sample area; capturing at least one of a fluorescent
image, a bright field image or a darkfield image of the illuminated
portion of said sample area; analyzing said captured images by
contrast level; pinpointing locations of high contrast within said
captured images; selecting at least one target particulate within
the illuminated portion of said sample area; transferring
coordinates of each selected target particulate to a spectrometer
or optical filter; individually interrogating each selected target
particulate using said spectrometer to generate interrogation data;
evaluating said interrogation data; and triggering an event if a
biological or chemical particulate of interest is identified from
the evaluation of said interrogation data.
26. The method according to claim 25, wherein said sample area is
illuminated with at least one of an ultraviolet light source or a
visible light source.
27. The method according to claim 25, wherein said target
particulates are selected based upon a set of criteria that
includes contrast level and at least one of particulate size or
particulate shape.
28. The method according to claim 25, wherein said interrogation
data is evaluated using a classifier comprised of a library of
biological or chemical particulates of interest with known
constituents and properties.
29. The method according to claim 25, wherein said individually
interrogating each selected target particulate using said
spectrometer to generate interrogation data and evaluating said
interrogation data comprises using a Raman spectrometer to pinpoint
individual target particulates and evaluate said interrogation data
for a Raman spectral fingerprint.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/699,132, filed Jul. 14, 2005
entitled "BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL DETECTION SYSTEM" and U.S.
Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/798,244 entitled
"PARTICULATE DETECTION SYSTEM", filed May 5, 2006, the disclosures
of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates in general to systems and
methods for the separation and collection of particulates from a
fluid stream and in particular, to systems and methods for the
collection, detection and/or analysis of sampled airborne
biological and chemical particulates.
[0003] The monitoring of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) has
received an increasing amount of attention in recent years because
of the potential impact of particulates on radiative and climatic
processes, on human health and because of the role particles play
in atmospheric transport and deposition of pollutants. For example,
it may be desirable to analyze the air in a predetermined location
for particulates that fall within a range of sizes that can be
inhaled, such as naturally occurring or artificially produced
airborne pathogens, allergens, bacteria, viruses, fungi and
biological or chemical agents that are found in or are otherwise
introduced into the location.
[0004] As another example, it may be desirable to detect the
presence of particular airborne particulates in semiconductor clean
rooms, pharmaceutical production facilities and biotechnology
laboratories to verify that there has been no contamination
produced in such environments that would create undesirable
environmental exposures or adversely affect manufacturing, testing
or experimental processes. Similarly, the ability to detect the
presence of particular airborne particulates in hospitals, nursing
homes, rehabilitation centers and other care facilities may be
beneficial to assist in preventing the spread of disease, infection
or harmful bacteria.
[0005] The monitoring of atmospheric particulate matter further
finds application for assessments of human health risk,
environmental contamination and for compliance with National Air
Quality Standards (NAAQS), e.g., to monitor the air in public and
commercial building air purification and distribution systems, work
sites such as mines, sewage facilities, agricultural and
manufacturing facilities, outside areas such as street corners,
flues and smokestacks and other locations where it is desirable to
monitor environmental hygiene, such as residences exposed to
microorganisms, plants or animals.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The various embodiments of the present invention provide
biological and chemical detection systems that collect, detect
and/or identify biological and chemical particulates of
interest.
[0007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a
biological and chemical detection system comprises a collector, an
optical interrogation station and a processor. The collector is
configured to deposit particulates drawn from a fluid stream onto a
sample substrate to define a sample area. The optical interrogation
station derives data relative to at least a portion of the sample
area, which is analyzed by the processor to determine one or more
target locations within the sample area. The optical interrogation
station then interrogates the sample area at the determined target
locations to produce interrogation data. For example, the target
locations may each pinpoint a specific particulate of interest
within a collected sample. The processor determines whether the
sample area includes predetermined biological or chemical
particulates of interest based upon an analysis of the
interrogation data, e.g., by analyzing the targeted particulate(s),
and triggers an event such as an alarm or message if the
predetermined biological or chemical particulates of interest are
identified.
[0008] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
biological and chemical detection system comprises a storage
station, a collection station, an optical interrogation station and
a transport. The storage station is configured to store one or more
sample substrates, which may comprise individual storage elements,
or a continuous element such as a tape or ribbon. The collection
station is configured to deposit particulates drawn from a fluid
stream onto a sample substrate to define a sample area. The optical
interrogation station is configured to analyze at least a portion
of the sample area for particulates of interest, and the transport,
e.g., a rotary stage or tape reel system, is configured to
transport sample substrates between the storage station, collection
station and optical interrogation station.
[0009] The collection station may comprise a collector having a
nozzle that ejects a fluid stream towards the sample area such that
the stream exiting the nozzle may be reversed and drawn back out
through the collector. The collector may also be configured such
that a flow rate of the stream is controlled by a size of the
nozzle. For example, the collector may comprise an impactor
operable to impact particulates between approximately 1 .mu.m and
10 .mu.m on the sample substrate.
[0010] The optical interrogation station comprises a first optical
device and a second optical device. The first optical device
interrogates and extracts first data relative to one or more
sections of the sample area. A processor determines at least one
target location from the first data, and the second optical device
interrogates the sample area at each determined target location to
produce interrogation data. For example, the target locations may
each pinpoint a specific particulate of interest within a collected
sample. The processor is further configured to determine whether
the sample area includes predetermined biological or chemical
particulates of interest based upon an analysis of the
interrogation data, e.g., by analyzing the targeted particulate(s),
and trigger an event if the predetermined biological or chemical
particulates of interest are identified.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments of the present invention can be best understood when
read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like
structure is indicated with like reference numerals, and in
which:
[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a biological and
chemical detection system according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 2 is an assembly illustration of an exemplary collector
that may be used with the biological and chemical detection system
of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the collector of FIG.
2;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary optical
system which may be used with the biological and chemical detection
system of FIG. 1;
[0016] FIG. 5 is an exemplary graph of vibrational modes of
molecules analyzed using Raman spectroscopy;
[0017] FIG. 6 is an illustration of the optical system of FIG. 4
performing a non-specific field of view interrogation of a sample
area;
[0018] FIG. 7 is an illustration of the optical system of FIG. 4
performing a target interrogation of a sample area;
[0019] FIG. 8 is a chart illustrating exemplary signal to noise
measurements for a sample at three different interrogation
objective magnifications;
[0020] FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of a system for
calibrating a spectrometer of the optical system of FIG. 4, wherein
an actuator of the system is in a first position;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of the system for
calibrating the spectrometer of FIG. 8, wherein the actuator is in
a second position;
[0022] FIG. 11 is an exemplary graph of fluorescence as a function
of emission wavelength of a sample excited by a laser having a
wavelength of 266 nm;
[0023] FIG. 12 is an exemplary graph of fluorescence as a function
of emission wavelength of a sample excited by a laser having a
wavelength of 280 nm;
[0024] FIG. 13 is an exemplary graph of fluorescence as a function
of emission wavelength of a sample excited by a laser having a
wavelength of 366 nm;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a comparison that illustrates a bright field
image compared to a fluorescence image for an exemplary sample;
[0026] FIG. 15 is a schematic cut out view of an objective assembly
according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0027] FIG. 16 is a cut out view of an objective assembly according
to another embodiment of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 17 is a partial side view of the objective of FIG. 15,
illustrating the orientation of an LED about the outer periphery of
the objective;
[0029] FIG. 18 is a to view of a plurality of LEDS in an LED holder
of the objective assembly of FIG. 15;
[0030] FIG. 19 is a cut out side view illustrating an adjusting
mechanism for directing the LEDs mounted in the LED holder of FIG.
18;
[0031] FIG. 20 is a schematic view of an objective wherein LEDs are
installed through an aperture in an objective housing;
[0032] FIG. 21 is a photographic representation of a sample
illustrating the focus of an interrogation beam at various
objective magnifications;
[0033] FIG. 22 is a photographic representation illustrating
particles of interest having varying sizes;
[0034] FIG. 23 is a schematic block diagram of a system for
installing a ribbon on a carrier for sample collection;
[0035] FIG. 24 is an illustration of the carrier of FIG. 23 having
a ribbon installed thereon;
[0036] FIG. 25 is a schematic block diagram of the biological and
chemical detection system wherein samples are collected and stored
on a tape;
[0037] FIG. 26 is a schematic side view of the tape system of FIG.
25;
[0038] FIG. 27 is a top view of the tape of FIG. 25;
[0039] FIG. 28 is a plot of a Bg spectrum relative to the flexible
tape;
[0040] FIG. 29 is a schematic side view of the system of FIG. 25
illustrating a registration and alignment system for positioning a
collected sample;
[0041] FIG. 30 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of operating
the biological and chemical detection system;
[0042] FIG. 31 is a flow chart of an exemplary method of operating
the biological and chemical detection system;
[0043] FIG. 32 is a flow chart of an exemplary approach to
determine operating parameters of an optical interrogation station
which may be used with the biological and chemical detection
system;
[0044] FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary spectrograph
according to an aspect of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 34 is a plot of the Raman spectral signatures of for
Ammonium sulfate, copper sulfate, Ferric sulfate, Magnesium sulfate
and Manganese sulfate;
[0046] FIG. 35A is a scanning electron microscope photographic
image of a particulate sample section;
[0047] FIG. 35B is a bright field microscope image of the
particulate sample section of FIG. 35A;
[0048] FIG. 35C illustrates the Raman spectra of select individual
particles within the particulate sample section of FIG. 35A;
[0049] FIG. 36 is a plot of the Raman spectral signatures of
ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate and ammonium chloride; and
[0050] FIG. 37 is a plot of Raman spectral signatures of fungal
spores, Aspergillus niger ATCC 10698, Penicillium purpurescens ATCC
10485, Cladosporium cladosporioides ATCC 66669.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0051] In the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that
form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration,
and not by way of limitation, specific preferred embodiments in
which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that
other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the present
invention.
[0052] Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, a
biological and chemical detection system 10 for detecting and
identifying biological or chemical particulates of interest in a
fluid stream includes generally, a housing 12 that supports a
collection station 14, an optical interrogation station 16 and a
storage station 18.
[0053] The collection station 14 includes a collector 20 and a pump
22. The pump 22 draws and accelerates a fluid stream, such as from
the ambient air, through the collector 20. Particulate matter that
is entrained in the stream is extracted and deposited onto a sample
substrate 24 adjacent to the collector 20 in a relatively small,
defined sample area. A single vacuum pump 22 is illustrated in FIG.
1 for purposes of clarity of discussion herein. However, multiple
vacuum pumps 22 and corresponding coupling arrangements may be
implemented in practice as the specific application dictates.
Solid Surface Small Area Impactor
[0054] Referring to FIGS. 2-3, the collector 20 includes an inlet
26, a pre-impactor 28, an impactor 30, a nozzle 32 and a pump
coupling arrangement 34. The inlet 26 is physically connected to
the pre-impactor 28 by a coupling device, such as screws 36 or
other suitable securing arrangement. Covers or other devices may be
provided to prevent foreign objects from entering the collector
while the inlet(s) are removed from the collector, e.g., during
transportation of the biological and chemical detection system
10.
[0055] With particular reference to FIG. 3, the inlet 26, which
extends outside of the housing 12, includes a cap 38, an inlet
opening 40 and a generally funnel shaped first fluid passageway 42.
The fluid stream enters the inlet 26 through the inlet opening 40
and is drawn through the first fluid passageway 42 into the
pre-impactor 28. The cap 38 may serve as a rain plate or other
environmental protection structure that prevents the collection
system from ingesting large particles including rain drops, etc.
The inlet opening 40 comprises substantially the entirety of the
circumference of the inlet 26 as illustrated, but other opening
arrangements may alternatively be implemented. Additionally, the
first fluid passageway 42 may be of any shape length necessary to
locate the sample collection point to a desired location. In this
regard, the first fluid passageway 42 may comprise one or more
intermediate structures such as extension tubes that serve to
extend the distance between the inlet 26 and the pre-impactor
28.
[0056] The pre-impactor 28 includes a pre-impactor input 44, a
particulate filtering arrangement 46 and a second fluid passageway
48. The fluid stream is directed through the pre-impactor input 44
via the first fluid passageway 42 to the particulate filtering
arrangement 46. As shown, the particulate filtering arrangement 46
is implemented as a cup 50 that collects and holds particulates
that exceed a predetermined size, e.g., particulates greater than
approximately 10 .mu.m. The filtered fluid stream is drawn out of
the cup 50 and is directed into the second fluid passageway 48 to
the impactor 30.
[0057] The impactor 30 accelerates the fluid stream through a third
fluid passageway 52 and out the nozzle 32 towards the sample
substrate 24 to form a sample that is contained in a small,
definable sample area. Under the above arrangement, particle
impaction in the sample area is governed by the dimensionless
Stokes number (Stk) according to the expression:
Stk = .rho. particle C c d particle 2 V 9 .eta. air d impactor
##EQU00001##
where: .rho..sub.particle is the particle density, C.sub.c is the
slip correction factor, d.sup.2.sub.particle is the particle
diameter, V is the velocity of the air jet out of the nozzle,
.eta..sub.air is the air viscosity and d.sub.impactor or is the
nozzle diameter.
[0058] As the fluid stream impacts the sample substrate 24,
particulates generally within a designed-for size range are trapped
on the surface of the substrate material and the fluid stream is
drawn back towards the impactor 30 through a fourth fluid
passageway 54 to the coupling arrangement and onto the pump 22.
Thus, the airflow is reversed after the impaction point and is
pulled out the top of the collector 20. The air is exhausted
outside the housing 12 at some distance from the inlet opening 40
so as not to re-introduce previously sampled air back into the
collector 20.
[0059] As will be seen in greater detail below, the reversal of the
airflow after impaction allows the collector 20 to remain generally
above and avoid significant interference with the sample substrate
24, which enables the sample substrate 24 to be easily advanced,
changed out, replaced or otherwise adjusted. The positioning of the
collector 20 over the sample substrate 24 and the corresponding
reversal of airflow direction after impaction further allows the
collector 20 to be integrated into an automated sample collection
system as will be described in greater detail herein.
[0060] As an example, the impactor 30 may have a footprint of
approximately 2 inches by 2 inches and a height of approximately 3
inches. However, the impactor 30 may comprise other suitable
impaction size arrangements. Moreover, the impactor 30 may be
implemented as a virtual impactor, cascade impactor or other
suitable configuration, depending upon the specific sampling
requirements. The pump 22 may be implemented for example, using a
Gast Model SAA-V108-NQ oil-less rocking piston vacuum pump, which
is operable such that a the fluid stream travels at a suitable flow
rate, e.g., approximately in the range of 1-100 liters per minute
(LPM) through the collector 20 and out through the nozzle 32.
[0061] The pre-impactor 28 is optional, but may be utilized for
example, where it is desirable to filter particles that exceed a
predetermined size requirement from the fluid stream. Filtering
large particulates may be desirable for example, where the
biological and chemical detection system 10 is monitoring
particulates that fall within a size range that can be inhaled. The
pre-impactor 28 may use alternative particle size filtering
techniques and may be implemented using any suitable structure,
e.g., a virtual impactor.
[0062] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3 generally, the inside
diameter of the nozzle 32 of the collector 20, the distance between
the nozzle 32 and the sample substrate 24 and the flow rate of the
fluid stream drawn by the pump 22 define parameters that affect the
size range of particles that are collected on the sample substrate
24. As such, depending upon the intended application, any one or
more of the above-identified parameters may be made variable to
provide a range of control to the particulate sizes captured on the
sample substrate 24. Additionally, the collector 20 flow rate may
use the diameter of nozzle 32 as a critical orifice. That is, the
flow rate may be controlled by the diameter of nozzle 32, e.g., if
a proper vacuum is maintained through the collector 20. As an
example, the nozzle 32 may have an inner diameter of approximately
1.5 mm. Under this arrangement, the fluid stream that passes
through the nozzle 32 may deposit a sample on the sample substrate
24 that is generally less than 2 mm in diameter and may be 1 mm in
diameter or smaller.
[0063] Referring to FIGS. 2-3, the collector 20 may also include an
optional end cap 56. The end cap 56 is positioned adjacent to the
nozzle 32 and may screw onto or otherwise couple to the impactor 30
using any suitable arrangement. The end cap 56 may be provided to
set the distance between the sample substrate 24 and the nozzle 32.
One characteristic of the illustrated collector 20 is that the
distance between the nozzle 32 and the sample substrate 24 defines
a parameter that affects the range of particulate sizes that are
collected onto the sample substrate 24. As such, the end cap 56 may
optionally be made adjustable so as to variably set the nozzle to
sample substrate distance, e.g., as a rotatable graduated cylinder
that threads up and down relative to the impactor 30.
[0064] In one exemplary application, the biological and chemical
detection system 10 may be configured to sample the air for
pathogens, allergens, bacteria, viruses, fungi, biological agents,
other viable microorganisms and/or chemical particulates that fall
within a range of sizes that can be inhaled. For example, the
biological and chemical detection system 10 may be used to
discriminate nitrate and sulfate, ammonium, fungal spores and other
particulates in collected samples. As such, the collector 20 may be
designed to collect and deposit particulates generally within the
size range of approximately 1 .mu.m to 10 .mu.m on the sample
substrate 24.
[0065] Depending upon the sample substrate 24 and/or specific
sampling requirements, a substrate coverage density of
approximately 5% to 50%, and preferably between 10%-25%, may
provide a suitable density of particulate collection for subsequent
optical interrogation. Further, depending upon the specific
application, alternative technologies may be used to collect and
deposit samples on the sample substrate 24, including for example,
electrostatic precipitation and cyclone devices.
[0066] Referring back to FIG. 1, after the collection station 14
has collected a suitable sample, the sample substrate 24 is
relocated to the optical interrogation station 16, which
interrogates the sample using one or more devices as will be
explained in greater detail herein. The results of the
interrogation are coupled to a system controller 60, which includes
data analysis algorithms 62 that analyze the interrogation results
to determine whether biological or chemical particulates of
interest are present in the sample area. The system controller 60
may also execute one or more appropriate action events based upon
the analysis of the interrogation results. For example, the
controller 60 may sound an alarm or otherwise communicate an
appropriate signal if biological or chemical particulates of
interest are identified in the sample. The system controller 60 may
also write or otherwise store logs, records or other indications
with regard to the interrogation results and perform other
necessary control functions.
Optical Interrogation Station
[0067] The optical interrogation station 16 is responsible for
interrogating the sample to determine whether biological or
chemical particulates of interest are present in the sample. When
analyzing a sample collected on the sample substrate 24, there may
be background interference and noise that the data analysis
algorithms 62 must discriminate and filter out. This is due, at
least in part, because the sample area on the sample substrate 24
may be as large as 1-2 millimeters in diameter. However, a
biological or chemical particulate of interest may range from
approximately 1 .mu.m to approximately 10 .mu.m. Thus, it is likely
that particulates that are not of interest, e.g., dust, are also
present in the sample area.
[0068] According to one aspect of the present invention, a first
optical device is used to determine specific target locations of
interest within the sample area. A second optical device is
utilized to interrogate the sample area at the specifically
determined target locations. The interrogation data from the second
optical device is used to identify biological or chemical
particulates within the specific targeted locations of interest.
This approach may increase the efficiency of sample interrogation
by using particulate targeting to reduce the amount of time spent
analyzing, filtering or otherwise processing non-biological
particulates. Additionally, the first optical device can be
utilized to identify one or more fields of view. As used herein, a
field of view can comprise the sample area or a subset thereof.
Under this arrangement, the field of view may be moved about the
sample area to identify target locations or candidate target
locations. This allows the data analysis algorithms 62 to look at
multiple areas within the sample and determine the best target
locations there from.
[0069] With reference to FIG. 4, the illustrated optical
interrogation station 16 comprises an optical system 70 having a
first optical path 72, a second optical path 74, a third optical
path 76 and a fourth optical path 78. An exemplary first optical
device includes a first illumination source 80, e.g., a Xenon arc
source, which directs a first light beam along the first optical
path 72 through any appropriate lenses, filters or other optical
elements 82 to the second optical path 74. The second optical path
74 directs the first beam in a first direction through an objective
lens 84 and any other appropriate filters, lenses and other optical
elements towards the sample on the sample substrate 24, which has
been advanced to a sample substrate receiving area that is
generally in register with the second optical path. Light from the
surface of sample 24 is reflected and is focused onto a camera 86
to form an image of the sample. This image comprises first data
that is processed, e.g., by the controller 60, and which may be
used to determine one or more target locations and/or fields of
view, which may be of interest for further interrogation, e.g.,
using techniques such as detecting fluorescence, bright field image
processing or dark field image processing as will be described in
greater detail herein.
[0070] Further, a second optical device provides a second beam,
such as from a suitable laser source, which propagates in a first
direction along the third optical path 76 to the second optical
path 74 where it is focused by objective lens 84 onto the sample
substrate 24, e.g., at specific locations determined by the system
controller 60 based upon an analysis of the first data. The second
beam is reflected from the sample and travels back in a second
direction along the second optical path 74 to the third optical
path 76, where the second beam is directed to a spectrometer 88,
such as a Raman spectrometer.
[0071] The interrogation data from the second optical device, e.g.,
a targeted vibrational analysis produced by Raman spectroscopy, is
used to identify biological or chemical particulates within the
specific targeted locations of interest. Raman analysis may be
used, for example, to distinguish particles of various inorganic
compositions from organic particles, and particles of mixed
organic/inorganic composition are identifiable as such by their
spectra. Fine differences in Raman spectral features may also be
detected to distinguish closely similar inorganic species, such as
sulfate salts.
[0072] Although the second optical device is illustrated and
described herein with reference to a laser beam and a corresponding
Raman spectrometer 88, other suitable devices, may alternatively be
implemented to interrogate a targeted section of the sample,
depending upon the sampling and interrogation requirements of a
particular application.
[0073] The fourth optical path 78 is optional and may be provided
for example, to direct reflected light from the sample substrate 24
to an optical device 90, such as a binocular microscope viewer, a
second camera or other optical arrangement. A suitable microscope
may comprise, for example, an Olympus BX51 by Olympus America Inc.,
of Melville, N.Y. The first, second, third and fourth optical paths
72, 74, 76 and 78 may each include additional necessary optical
elements such as lenses, filters, beam splitters, mirrors and other
necessary components to direct, focus and condition the beams. For
example, a mirror or dichroic element may be utilized to direct a
light beam for fluorescence and other forms of targeting analysis
as will be described in greater detail herein.
[0074] The data analysis algorithms 62 executed by the system
controller 60 may be configured to detect and identify biological
or chemical threat agents that can be inhaled, e.g., which fall in
the range of 1 .mu.m to 10 .mu.m in diameter. Such biological or
chemical threat agents are comprised of a complex array of
molecules made up of 10-100 billion atoms. In Raman spectroscopy,
light interacting with a molecule is scattered inelastically
resulting in a slight increase or decrease in the energy of the
scattered light. The change in photon energy upon interaction with
a molecule results in either a slight loss of photon energy (Stokes
radiation) or a slight gain in photon energy (anti-Stokes
radiation). Both Stokes and anti-Stokes radiation may be viewed
with the spectrometer 88 and corresponds to changes in the
molecular vibrations of the particulate(s) and/or background in the
targeted sample location interacting with the light. With reference
to FIG. 5, an exemplary intensity plot 92 illustrates that the
vibrational modes of molecules within an interrogation area can be
measured using Raman spectroscopy. Those measurements can be
characterized as a "fingerprint" of the molecular constituents in
the interrogation area, and the fingerprint may be used, e.g., by
the data analysis algorithms 62, for the identification of
biological or chemical particulates of interest by using
statistical analysis of the measured vibrational modes from the
sample.
[0075] Referring to FIG. 34, a chart shows the Raman spectra
(relative intensity versus Raman shift in cm.sup.-1) of particles
of several characterized inorganic salts. These spectra show a
number of strong features that are common to each trace (e.g.,
.about.450 cm-1, 600 cm-1, 1,000 cm-1) which are attributable to
the common anion (SO42-), with smaller satellite features that
differ from trace to trace and are attributable to the respective
metal cations. Differences in the main spectral features (the
largest differences are observed for Fe2(SO4)3 and MnSO4),
demonstrate that this technique can be used to distinguish these
compounds.
[0076] The specific techniques used by the data analysis algorithms
62 may vary depending, for example, upon the biological or chemical
particulates to be distinguished from background matter and the
nature of the interrogation data collected from the spectrometer
88. However, an exemplary data processing technique that may be
implemented comprises distinguishing "fingerprints" of particulates
from the interrogation data using a classifier system including a
multi-target classification methodology. The classifier may include
a limited number of particulates in the corresponding classifier
library, e.g., where only specific particulates are of interest or
where speed of interrogation is necessary.
[0077] While a minimal library may provide certain speed
efficiencies, a comprehensive spectral library may enable the
unambiguous identification of specific chemical constituents in
single particles, whether the particles are homogeneous or of mixed
composition. Such a spectral library may include common
constituents of airborne particles including for example,
carbonaceous species, nitrate compounds, and ammonium-containing
compounds. Moreover, a spectral library of common constituents of
ambient particulate matter may be developed by supplying samples of
neat chemicals to the optical interrogation station 16, which
analyzes individual particles to construct the library
fingerprints. Such library development may be carried out using a
number of diverse source emissions.
[0078] The controller 60 may attempt to identify all library
targets for each targeted interrogation location. As such, where
speed is critical, the number of targeted sample locations may be
balanced with the number of library targets. For example, an
application may determine to target ten or less particulates of
interest for a given sample. However, the classifier system may
further include processes for adding additional targets to the
detection system. Moreover, the classifier may include a background
library, e.g., to identify noise and other particulates that are
not of interest in the current data analysis. Such a background
library may further be scalable and customizable. For example, an
initial interrogation may accommodate new background particulates
into a background library. The use of a background library may be
beneficial, for example in distinguishing non-agent particulates of
interest that happen to fall within a respirable size range, such
as dust. The particular approach for discriminating non-agents of
interest however, can vary depending upon the class of agent to be
detected.
[0079] Further, the data analysis algorithms 62 may implement data
processing techniques including analyzing spectral regions of
interest, performing multi-variant analysis such as by using
partial least squares, performing discriminant analysis, utilizing
artificial neural networks, employing confidence intervals and by
considering likelihood of false positives and false negatives. The
data analysis algorithms 62 may also be able to characterize
particles with mixed compositions based upon the data derived from
the optical interrogation station 16. Thus, the data analysis
algorithms 62 may study sources and aging of particulate matter.
This technique could be used to monitor the evolution of particle
composition within an air mass over time, e.g., by performing trend
analysis based upon the results from processing multiple samples,
e.g., to determine the rate of threat buildup.
[0080] Thus, an adjustable alarm threshold may be established based
upon a statistical analysis of the spots from a sample area or
multiple sample areas. Still further, trend analysis may be
utilized to target specific size, shape, fluorescence or other
characteristics based upon changes from previous samples.
Accordingly, trends that vary by a predetermined percentage, e.g.,
10% or more, may trigger a rule that affects the manner in which
fields of view and/or specific target locations are selected for
subsequent interrogation and/or may trigger predetermined action
events, e.g., provide notice of the change in trend via a suitable
communications means. Still further, the system controller 60 may
log, store and otherwise record historical information concerning
the results of sample analysis.
[0081] As an alternative to fluorescence and other contrast based
forms of analysis, the first optical device may use spectral
"fingerprints" to classify, identify and/or distinguish sample
regions or specific particulates within sample regions for
additional targeted interrogation. Selective spectral regions may
contain strong scattering features that are indicative of a class
of particles. In this way spectral regions can be used in a manner
similar to fluorescence emission (described in greater detail
herein) as a discrimination tool for biological materials. By
quickly scanning a select region of the sample, the particulate(s)
within the scanned region can be classified and the classification
results can be utilized by the system to decide whether to further
interrogate the scanned region of the sample, or to continue on to
another region for classification.
[0082] According to one aspect of the present invention, the
efficiency of the particulate interrogation selection is increased
by spectral targeting of biological materials. An algorithm is
utilized to target specific particulates or sample regions as
possible interrogation candidates, e.g., based upon the spectral
content of scanned regions of the sample. From that targeting
algorithm, the top particles are identified as possible candidates.
The field of view is interrogated using the spectrometer 88 or an
optical filter and corresponding camera, e.g., a CCD, for a small
amount of time, such as 1 second. During that small interrogation
time, the spectrometer or optical filter looks at one or more
suitable bands, for example, at the C-H stretching region located
between approximately 2700 and 3100 cm.sup.-1, the C-H deformation
bands, e.g., between approximately 1390 cm.sup.-1 and 1500
cm.sup.-1, and/or the Amide I bands, e.g., between approximately
1590 cm.sup.-1 and 1750 cm.sup.-1.
[0083] In FIG. 5, the line 95A represents a curve for a biological
stimulant that has been analyzed by a Raman spectrometer. The
spectral targeting enhancement is performed by focusing the energy
of the peak, which may be located, for example, between 2700 and
3100 cm.sup.31 1. This peak is very strong for biological
materials. In comparison, the line 95B illustrates a curve for a
non-biological material. The spectral targeting enhancement
illustrates that a peak between 2700 and 3100 cm.sup.-1 is
substantially non-existent for non-biological materials. Therefore,
after a quick scan of a particle using this technique will
determine if further interrogation is necessary. The above example
is based upon an assumption that biological particles are of
interest. Depending upon the particular sampling requirements,
other spectral regions may be scanned or other techniques may be
utilized for targeting, additional examples of which are described
in greater detail herein.
[0084] Referring back to FIG. 4, the spectrometer 88 may be
implemented using a second illumination source 91, e.g., a laser
that is coupled to the third optical path 76 with a coupling
element 93. Light from the sample substrate 24 is directed back
along the third optical path 76 and is conditioned through one or
more optical devices 94, filtered using a spectrograph 96 and is
impinged upon a detector 98. The output of the detector 98 defines
interrogation data that is communicably coupled to the system
controller 60, and in particular, to the appropriate data analysis
algorithms 62 executed by the system controller 60. Other optics
may further be provided as the application dictates. For example, a
laser line cutoff filter may be provided as part of the laser
optical elements 94 to remove any unwanted laser lines and
sidebands before the beam passes into the spectrograph 96.
[0085] The illumination source 91 emits a beam that targets a
specific location on the sample area based upon coordinates
determined from an analysis of the data captured as a result of
targeting by the first optical device or other suitable device
utilized to target particulates or regions of interest within the
sample 24. For example, if the first optical device comprises a
fluorescent source, the corresponding image captured by the camera
86 may be fed back to the controller 60. The controller 60 analyzes
the image from the camera to identify corresponding coordinates for
further field(s) of view and/or to identify specific target
locations, e.g., locations of particulates of interest.
[0086] The beam may target the sample area at a resolution of
approximately 1-2 microns in diameter or less. Thus, a single
particulate may be isolated for interrogation. Moreover,
positioning of the beam within the sample area may be implemented
using any number of techniques, such as by use of a motorized stage
having a high degree of accuracy, e.g., to a resolution of 0.1
microns. Moreover, the data analysis algorithms 62, e.g., the
targeting algorithms that compute the address or location of the
specific target locations, in cooperation with the resolution of
the motorized stage, may obtain a target data that places the beam
to within approximately one micron of the target particulate of
interest.
[0087] Several factors may be considered in order to establish an
efficient detection and identification system using a Raman-based
spectrometer 88. For example, a high signal to noise spectra may be
achieved by optimizing the second illumination source 91 including
optimizing the laser power, stability and wavelength, as well as by
selecting the proper size spectrograph 96, selecting an appropriate
detector 98 and calibration settings for the spectrometer. Further,
the sample substrate 24 should be designed to be compatible with
Raman interrogation and the microscope magnification and focal
length should be configured, e.g., by properly selecting and
positioning the objective lens 84, and by targeting particulates of
interest on the sample substrate 24. In this regard, the optimal
choice of the objective lens 84 may provide the best combination of
selective targeting of the feature of interest and averaging of the
largest representative area.
[0088] In one exemplary implementation, the second illumination
source 91 comprises a 633 nm (red) Helium Neon (HeNe) laser that
output 17 milliwatts at the source and 7 milliwatts focused. The
beam passes through a 100.times. objective lens 84 to realize
approximately a 1.5 micron spot size on the sample substrate 24.
The system may further provide an automated neutral density filter
control of power in the range of 10.sup.-4 to 100%. The
spectrograph 96 may capture on the order of approximately 500 to
1800 cm.sup.-1 without movement of an internal grating 97 at a
resolution of less than 2 cm.sup.-1/pixel and the blaze of the
internal grating 97 may be between approximately 580 nm and 720 nm.
Still further, the spectrometer 88 may operate in a range from
approximately 2 cm.sup.-1 to 12 cm.sup.-1, and preferably between 3
cm.sup.-1 and 8 cm.sup.-1, and may have an automated control of the
slit width and/or a throughput on the order of approximately 30% or
greater.
[0089] The grating 97 of the Raman spectrograph 96, and in
particular, the number of grooves per millimeter, determines the
spread of the wavelength range of the measured spectrum. Generally,
more grooves provide a wider separation. The grating 97 may provide
a large enough area for static grating placement, e.g., 1,200
grooves per millimeter in applications where scanned grating
implementations are too time consuming.
[0090] Typically, the Raman spectrometer will have a diffraction
grating that disperses the different wavelengths across a set of
adjacent rows of pixels on a multichannel optical detector 98.
Alternatively, to obtain enhanced sensitivity to biological
materials, a modified diffraction grating can be used to disperse
different wavelengths on different regions (rows) of the
multi-channel device. The modified dispersion allows enhanced
detection of specific wavelengths.
[0091] The detector 98 may comprise for example, a 1024 channel
detector that is Peltier cooled at least to -70 degrees Celsius.
The detector 98 should exhibit a read out and dark current noise
level suitably low such that noise is dominated by the shot noise
of the light emitted by the sample on the sample substrate 24 and
not the detector contributions. However, other detector
arrangements may be implemented, including other multi-channel
configurations. Also, the cool down time of the detector 98 may be
rate limiting to the system. As such, the cool down time of the
detector may be considered based upon the specific application
requirements. One exemplary detector comprises a 1024.times.256
pixel array that is air cooled and has a quantum efficiency greater
than 50%. The exemplary detector further comprises a read out noise
less than 5 electrons per pixel and a dark current draw of less
than 0.004 electrons/pixel/sec.
[0092] According to an aspect of the present invention, multiple
holographic gratings are superimposed on top of each other to allow
diffraction to occur at different spectral regions so that
different levels of diffraction can occur. For example, two grating
profiles in a HoloPlex.TM. (Kaiser Optical Systems, Inc.,) grating
are provided so as to have different diffraction ranges. This
allows more custom options on a holographic grating. As such, the
system may be able to look in detail at one region of the
diffracted spectrum while the entire diffracted range could be
viewed on the other hologram. For example, a first grating may
spread the spectrum across the detector from 0-2000 cm.sup.-1.
Instead of the second grating covering 2000-4000 cm.sup.-1m, the
diffracted light range of the second grating may be much smaller,
e.g., 2700-3100 cm.sup.- thus resolving more line shape and detail
from the spectrum.
[0093] The focal length of the spectrograph 96 affects the
resolution of the instrument. An exemplary focal length may be
implemented in the range of approximately 250 millimeters to
approximately 300 millimeters. In addition, spectral calibration
may be periodically required. Depending upon the specific
implementation, physically integrated calibration diodes and other
calibration tools may be provided to calibrate the wavelength as
will be described in greater detail below.
[0094] The standard Czerny-Turner implementation in the
spectrograph 88 contains an entrance aperture, two curved mirrors,
a grating and a CCD. However, this architecture may provide
unsatisfactory detection signals, depending upon the particular
sampling requirements. Referring to FIG. 33, an alternative
arrangement is illustrated. The system shown in FIG. 33 may
implement the function of the grating 97 shown in FIG. 4. by way of
example, assume that a 1:1 imaging spectrograph 88 with a focal
length of 300 mm is to be utilized. The light to be analyzed enters
the spectrograph 88 through the entrance aperture 162, such as a
slit. To optimize the resolution of the spectrograph 88 with
respect to a corresponding detector 164, e.g., a CCD, the entrance
aperture 162 may be only as wide as the pixel size on the detector
164. The height of the entrance aperture 162 may be less than or
equal to half the height of a pixel of the detector 164. The light
that enters the entrance aperture 162 strikes a first curved mirror
166, e.g., a mirror having an f# of 4, to be collimated and
projected onto a grating 168. The grating 168 will angularly
separate the light by wavelength. The light from the grating 168 is
then collected by a second curved mirror 170 and is directed onto
the detector 164 image plane as a line.
[0095] Keeping with the current example, assume that a grating 168
is chosen such that the light that hits the detector will be of the
range of 0 to 2000 cm.sup.-1. The grating 168 separates not only
the 0 to 2000 cm.sup.-1 light but also beyond that range.
Unfortunately this light then continues on a line past the image
plane of the detector 164. According to one aspect of the present
invention, the range of the spectrometer 88 is extended by
collecting that "lost" light. An angled mirror 172 is mounted,
e.g., to a metal surface of the detector 164. The alignment of the
angled mirror 172 is generally not critical. The angled mirror 172
reflects light that would normally just hit the front of the
detector 164 and directs it to a third curved mirror 174. The third
curved mirror 174 then images the reflected light back onto the
detector 164 but at a different position on the detector 164 than
the corresponding light from the second curved mirror 170.
[0096] Because the grating 168 is not designed to cleanly separate
the light that extends beyond the image plane of the detector 164,
the spectrometer 88 may experience effects of higher orders from
the grating 168. This will show up as a duplicate of the first
order but at a lower intensity. However, such effects may be low
enough for most applications to have negligible effect. If low
light levels are required by a particular application, then those
higher order photons can be calculated out by using the initial
light on the first row of the detector 164 as that row has no other
interfering higher orders from the grating 168.
[0097] The spectrometer 88 may be focused so as to interrogate the
sample on the sample substrate 24 in a range of interrogation areas
from approximately 1 millimeter in diameter, e.g., to analyze an
average overall sample area, down to approximately 1 to 2 microns
in diameter, which is focused enough to target a single particulate
of interest in the illustrative example of detecting respirable
particulates. In this regard, the system controller 60 may include
software for controlling, commanding or otherwise affecting the
positioning of filters within the optical interrogation station 16,
controlling ultraviolet shutter actuation, capturing of image and
image processing, pinpointing location of targets within the sample
area and passing the coordinates to a Raman acquisition program,
e.g., to control the motorized stage or to control other suitable
targeting arrangements so as to suitably align the targeted
particulates on the sample with the interrogation device, e.g., the
spectrometer 88.
[0098] Referring to FIG. 6, in a first illustrative example, the
objective lens 84 in the second optical path 74 of device 70
comprises a 10.times. magnification and is used in a non-specific
targeting application to focus the beam so as to interrogate the
sample on the sample substrate 24 in a relatively large
interrogation area. As schematically illustrated, multiple
particulates, which may include background particulates as well as
biological or chemical particulates of interest, are measured. As
such, the data analysis algorithms 62 executed by the system
controller 60 may be required to filter out the background
particulate information in order to perform detection and
identification of biological or chemical particulates of
interest.
[0099] Referring to FIG. 7, in a second illustrative example, the
objective lens 84 in the second optical path 74 of device 70
comprises a 100.times. magnification and is utilized in a targeted
application to focus the beam in a relatively small interrogation
area. As schematically illustrated, the use of the 100.times.
objective lens 84 allows the optical interrogation station 16 to
target, pinpoint and interrogate a single particulate on the sample
substrate 24. Moreover, the field of view can be moved about the
sample area on the sample substrate 24 such that the optical
interrogation station 16 can individually target and interrogate
multiple target locations of interest. In this regard, a field of
view may also be moved about to identify candidate sample regions
as noted in greater detail herein. In practice, the particular
magnification of the objective required to interrogate a single
particulate and/or a specific area within a field of view may vary
depending upon the implementation of the interrogation station 16
and the size range of particulates being analyzed.
[0100] The ability to target a single particulate may allow a
relatively simple classification implementation to particulate
identification. For example, libraries can be constructed using
training sets that characterize biological or chemical particulates
of interest without background, or with known constituents and
properties. Thus, feature extraction and classification algorithms
have less noise and background interference to discriminate against
and the targeted Raman spectrum may contain a fingerprint of a
particulate of interest that can be compared to fingerprints in the
classifier library in a relatively efficient manner. Moreover, when
automating the movement of the laser beam for spectrographic
analysis to target particulates of interest, multiple spectra are
collected from relatively higher probability particulates based
upon coordinates determined by the targeting algorithm executed by
data analysis algorithms 62. The data analysis algorithm 62 may
also be operable to balance a signal to noise ratio against
replicate particulates of interest based upon spectral collection
time, integration time and other factors.
[0101] Referring to FIG. 8, an exemplary chart illustrates the
effect that the objective lens magnification power has on the
signal noise ratio when detecting biological or chemical
particulates of interest on the sample substrate 24. The chart
illustrates a sample measured using three magnification factors
including a magnification factor of .times.20, .times.50 and
.times.100. The chart demonstrates that the .times.100
magnification objective consistently realizes a larger signal to
noise ratio compared to relatively lower .times.20 and .times.50
objective magnifications.
[0102] As noted in greater detail above, once the targeted
locations within the sample have been identified, specific
interrogation within those fields of view may be carried out.
However, current dispersive Raman spectrometers require a
mechanical action to occur in order to either pass the Raman laser
to the sample or to view the image of the sample. According to an
aspect of the present invention, a system is provided wherein the
sample may be viewed simultaneous with viewing the laser on the
sample with no mechanical action. Moreover, the point of
interrogation by a laser can be projected onto the visible image of
the sample so that the precise location of the interrogation spot
can be visualized. This allows more accurate correlation of
targeting and interrogation spot.
[0103] Referring back to FIG. 4, instead of a mirror that is slid
into place for Raman laser injection, a fixed dichroic mirror 140
is used instead. The dichroic mirror 140 is chosen such that
frequencies at or above the laser line are reflected to the
spectrometer 88 while frequencies below the laser line will
transmit through the mirror 140 to the imaging camera 86.
Alternatively, the dichroic mirror 140 may be configured to reflect
frequencies below the laser line and to transmit frequencies at the
laser line and above. This option may provide greater flexibility
in designing the dichroic mirror 140, e.g., where it is desirable
to pass ultraviolet (UV) light to the imaging camera 86 because
passing UV through a dichroic mirror 140 may be difficult to design
due to most materials that absorb UV light. This option may further
require that the physical positioning of the camera 86 and
spectrometer 88 be swapped, or that an alternative configuration of
the camera 86 relative to the spectrometer be provided.
[0104] Referring to FIG. 9, the spectrometer 88, e.g., when
implemented as a Raman spectrometer, also periodically requires two
different calibration processes in order to properly calibrate the
exact wavelength of the light hitting the detector 98. According to
one aspect of the present invention, a completely internal
calibration system 100 is provided to calibrate the spectrometer
88. During an automated calibration operation, an actuator 104
translates an assembly 106 containing a focusing lens 108 and a
calibration substrate having a bead 110 thereon, into an optical
path of the laser 91. The bead 110 may comprise, for example, a
one-micron particle, such as a polystyrene bead, a silicon bead, a
photolithographically prepared film with micron and submicron
features or other bead with strong Raman signature, which is
mounted and properly indexed on the substrate.
[0105] The laser beam is turned on, and a dichroic mirror 112 is
utilized to direct the beam towards the assembly 106. The focusing
lens 108 collimates and focuses the beam onto the substrate. The
light is then directed through a laser line filter 114 and a
focusing lens 116 before being directed to the monochromator 118.
In this regard, the monochromator 118 implements the function of
the grating 97 described herein with reference to FIG. 4. The
wavelength of the beam entering the monochromator 118 is measured
and is used for calibration.
[0106] For example, Raman spectra is taken at a first index
position, which may be an almost correct laser position relative to
the indexed bead 110. The substrate stage or actuator 104 is then
adjusted in two dimensional directions, x and y, in small (e.g.,
submicron) incremental steps around the first index position and a
Raman spectrum is measured at each step. The collected Raman
spectra are compared to establish the correct two dimensional index
position for optimal laser-particle alignment. For example, the
particular bead 110 may have a characteristically strong spectral
response at a known wavenumber (cm-1) in the spectrum. By comparing
the signal strength of the known wavenumber for each indexed
position, the strongest signal can be considered the closest to
registration with the bead 110. The system controller 60 then
positions the laser 91 to the selected index, and the automatic
laser-particle alignment is completed.
[0107] Referring to FIG. 10, the system 100 may also be utilized to
calibrate the absolute wavelength of the monochromator 118. When
calibrating the absolute wavelength of the monochromator 118, the
actuator 104 maintains the assembly 106 in a retracted position
compared to its position as shown in FIG. 9. A neon lamp 120
directs a beam towards the dichroic mirror 112, which reflects the
beam through the laser line filter 114 and the focusing lens 116
before being directed to the monochromator 118. The light entering
the monochromator 118 is measured and is used to calibrate the
absolute wavelength of the monochromator.
[0108] The automated calibration may be performed, for example, as
part of a startup process or before a daily operation of the
instrument if running unattended for extended periods of time.
Targeting of Biological or Chemical Particulates of Interest within
a Sample Area
[0109] According to one aspect of the present invention, one or
more subsets of the particles within a sample are selected for
particle size determination, e.g., by microscopy and Raman particle
analysis. Typical analyzing times may be in the range from
approximately 10 seconds to approximately 5 minutes, depending on
the data needs and desired turnover rate.
[0110] Referring briefly back to FIG. 3, it can be seen that the
location of particulates formed in the sample may be affected by
the particulate size, e.g., particulate size may decrease with the
distance within the sample from the center of the nozzle of the
collector. This information may be utilized, for example, when
selecting target locations based, at least in part, upon
particulates of a predetermined size range.
[0111] Another exemplary technique comprises the use of images,
e.g., from the camera 86 for the selection of specific sizes and/or
shapes of target particulates. Typically, biological particles of
interest will be in the range of approximately 1 to 10 microns in
diameter because this is the range in which particles are most
likely to be retained up respiration. Targeting this size range by
image processing may thus increase the likelihood of identifying
harmful particles contained within the sample. Using corresponding
image processing techniques, particles of a specific size range
and/or shape can be located in the field of view for interrogation
by spectroscopic techniques.
[0112] However, the sample area will likely include particulates
that fall within the particular determined size range, which are
not particulates of interest. Rather, such particulates are noise
and should be ignored. Various discrimination techniques, including
those identified in greater detail herein may be used for
particulate discrimination. The selection of the most appropriate
discrimination technique will depend upon the class of the
particulate of interest.
[0113] As noted in greater detail above, a first optical device is
used to determine specific field(s) of view and/or specific target
particulates of interest within the sample area. An exemplary first
optical device may comprise a fluorescent device. Biological
particles fluoresce as much as 10 times or more compared to
background materials when appropriately excited by a beam of light.
Thus, fluorescent background removal is effective at removing
non-fluorescing background particulates such as dust, which may be
within a size range of particulates of interest. The optical
interrogation station 16 may thus use fluorescence to perform a
high contrast analysis of at least a portion of the sample area to
specify the location or locations within the sample area that are
most likely to contain biological or chemical particulates of
interest. The optical interrogation station 16 then uses the
results of the fluorescence analysis and/or size determination to
pinpoint target locations for further interrogation.
[0114] There are often relatively large variations in detected
fluorescence for different organic material when excited at
different wavelengths. However, deep ultraviolet excitation, e.g.,
in the 250-300 nm wavelength and ultraviolet emission excitation,
e.g., in the 320-400 nm wavelength, may be utilized to adequately
target certain biological and chemical particulates. For example,
FIGS. 11-13 each illustrate a chart that graphs emission wavelength
as a function of fluorescence intensity for several particulates
including Arizona test dust (ATD), Bacillus cereus (Bc), Bacillus
globigii (Bg), Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), Erwinia herbicola (Eh),
Baterial phage (Ms) and Ovalbumin (Ov). FIG. 11 illustrates the
above particulates excited by a 266 nm laser beam. FIG. 12
illustrates the above particulates excited by a 280 nm laser beam
and FIG. 13 illustrates the above particulates excited by a 366 nm
beam. A comparison of FIGS. 11-13 illustrates that the emission
wavelength vs. fluorescence intensity curve for each organic
material varies based upon the excitation wavelength. As such, data
analysis algorithms 62 may look at multiple fluorescence
wavelengths when determining specific targeted locations within the
sample area for further interrogation.
[0115] As noted above, size may be considered in selecting field(s)
of view and/or target locations, in addition to the fluorescent
data. For example, in a particular field of view, fluorescence data
may be used to identify particulates of interest and to eliminate
particulates that are not of interest, e.g., particles that do not
fluoresce, which may comprise a substantial number of particulates
within the field of view. The particulates of interest identified
by the fluorescence analysis may be further filtered based upon the
size of the corresponding particulates to define candidate
particulates, e.g., by including only particulates in a size range
of approximately 0.75 microns to approximately 3.5 microns or some
other suitable range. Once the particulates are filtered by size, a
limited number of particulates may be selected from the candidate
particulates for subsequent interrogation, e.g., by ranking the
filtered particulates by fluorescent intensity, size, or any other
desired factor.
[0116] With reference to FIG. 14, a bright field image is compared
to a fluorescence image for an exemplary sample, which includes
Bacillus globigii (Bg), and background particulates comingled with
the Bg. Bg is listed by the Center for Disease Control as a "Class
1" organism and is commonly used as a simulant for Bacillus
anthracis, otherwise known as Anthrax. The image was processed in
approximately 11 seconds and reveals that fluorescence can
discriminate Bg from background material. To perform targeted Raman
analysis of the exemplary sample of FIG. 14, the data analysis
algorithm 62 analyzes the fluorescence image to determine one or
more of the highest contrast particulates of interest
[0117] The location of the determined high contrast target
locations (after optionally also filtering by particulate size) are
mapped to coordinate locations which are used to target and focus
the second illumination source 91 to interrogate a specific target
location (pinpoint a particulate of interest) within the sample
area on the sample substrate 24. Specifically, in FIG. 14, the
features of the image that appear in the circled areas of the
brightfield image do not appear with a high contrast in the
fluorescence image. These features were tested and were not
identified as Bg. Thus, the fluorescence imaging may allow a higher
percentage of features of interest to be determined in certain
circumstances compared to a corresponding brightfield counterpart
image.
[0118] In addition, when continuously monitoring a site for
targets, a trend may be established for the size or fluorescence of
particles that are typical for that site. Trends may also be used
to monitor the evolution of particulate composition within an air
mass over time. Further, trend analysis across multiple sample
substrates can be used to predict rates of threat buildup and to
modify the criteria used to determine the target locations for
specific particulate interrogation. For example, some environments
may include non-threatening background particulates that fluoresce.
However, using trend analysis, fluorescing background can be
distinguished from sudden buildups or sudden changes in the
distribution of particulate sizes.
[0119] Moreover, other imaging techniques may also be used to
determine specific fields of view for subsequent interrogation. For
example, darkfield microscopy may be used to locate particles of
interest for subsequent Raman interrogation. The images of
biological particles with a size of 1-10 microns in diameter are
mostly transparent to visible radiation. Illumination with visible
or ultraviolet light produces a reflection in a brightfield mode
that has a light background. Correspondingly, the use of darkfield
imaging produces a dark background because of the use of an oblique
angle of illumination. The light from particles on the sample
substrate 24 that fluoresce are captured, e.g., by the camera 86 to
produce a light feature on a dark background.
[0120] Using dark field microscopy, individual particles may be
detected, even in low light levels. For example, particulates may
be identified by locating objects based upon the intensity of the
illuminated pixels on the image captured by the camera 86.
Algorithms may then be used to connect the location of adjacent
pixels into objects that can be analyzed for size, shape, and
overall intensity. The higher contrast produced by a dark
background may increase the accuracy of the particle's size
definition.
[0121] Further, additional or alternative combinations of
techniques can be used to identify target locations and/or field(s)
of view that contain particulates of interest. When a combination
of UV and visible wavelength light images are used for targeting of
features of interest, the features produced with one wavelength
range must be correlated with features produced by another
wavelength range. However, the movement of optical components to
allow illumination by different wavelengths of light can produce
variations in the locations of features in the images produced by
these different wavelengths. As an alternative to moving the
optical components, the location of microscope optical components
may be arranged to reduce the variation in feature location. By
selection of the optical response of the components, images may be
produced without any optical movements. Thus, for example, the
different wavelengths for each image can be directed to different
cameras for image detection. This elimination of optical hardware
movement improves the mapping of features for different
illumination.
[0122] Referring again to FIG. 4, according to an aspect of the
present invention, the optical device 90 may comprise a second
camera. The use of two cameras 86, 90 may be beneficial, for
example, in a system where two different image planes needed to be
focused due to the focal length of a microscope objective changing
with respect to the wavelength of the light. As an alternative to
two cameras, the system 16 may comprise a selectable mechanical
filter assembly before light reaches the camera 86, which may be
focused or otherwise changed to accommodate each or two or more
image planes.
[0123] As shown, a dichroic element 142 is utilized to split the
light into upper and lower spectral bands. These upper and lower
bands can then be optionally filtered again for isolation of narrow
band regions. Light that is reflected from the sample reaches the
dichroic mirror 142 that passes the high band to the camera 86 and
reflects the low band to the camera 90, or vice versa. The two
cameras 86, 90 thus need not be identical. For example, each of the
camera 86 and camera 90 may comprise charge coupled devices (CCD)
devices. CCD1, corresponding to the camera 86 may be chosen, for
example, to be UV enhanced and CCD2, corresponding to the camera 90
may comprise a normal visible camera. The distance from the
dichroic mirror 142 to each camera 86, 90 is chosen such that each
total path length from the camera 86, 90 to the focus point is
different. This then allows the two cameras 86, 90 to be focused
independently. Because the microscope focuses at different
distances for different wavelengths, each camera 86, 90 can be
individually focused to the same point, which may be accomplished
with no moving parts, while also simultaneously imaging two
different wavelength regions.
Ultra Violet LED Sample Illumination
[0124] Proper illumination of samples under microscopic examination
facilitates optimal identification and classification of particles.
Often this illumination has specific wavelength characteristics to
enhance the identification. For example, proper illumination of the
sample on the sample substrate 24 may cause the sample to emit
light at a different wavelength then the incident light. The
detection of the light at this shifted wavelength is useful in
identification as noted in greater detail herein. In this regard,
lenses with specific optical configurations may be used to direct a
band of wavelengths of light to the sample and a different path may
be used to collect the shifted light for detection.
[0125] To generate the incident beam, LEDs may be used. The LEDs
may form coherent or incoherent ultraviolet to visible light. In
one embodiment, LEDs may be formed in an annular array outside of
an objective assembly of the objective 84 to illuminate the sample
on the sample substrate 24. Alternatively, LEDs may be formed in an
annular array inside a darkfield objective assembly to provide
illumination that allows darkfield detection of specific sample
features of the sample on the sample substrate 24. The inclusion of
a light source in combination with the objective 84 may be provided
as an alternative to the first optical path 72 and corresponding
light source 80 and any appropriate lenses, filters or other
optical elements 82.
[0126] The UV LEDs which are integrated with the objective may
provide a more durable and cost efficient alternative to the light
source 80, which may comprise Xenon or Mercury arc lamps that may
exhibit a relatively short lifetime and require the use of
relatively expensive optical elements 82 such as bandpass filters,
dichroic filters, and specially machined mirror reflectors to
direct and then filter the light onto the sample surface of the
sample substrate 24.
[0127] Referring to FIG. 15, the objective 84 described with
reference to FIG. 4 may comprise a modified (bright field)
objective assembly 200 that includes an objective assembly rear
aperture 202, a rear lens element 204, a lens doublet group 206,
one or more lens spacers 208, an objective assembly barrel 210, a
lens element 212, a lens triplet group 214, an internal lens
housing 216 and a front aperture. The objective assembly 200
further comprises an LED array holder 218 that supports a plurality
of LEDs 220. The LEDs 220 may comprise for example, UV LEDs from
Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc., Columbia, S.C. Additional
lenses 222 such as hemispherical front lenses or meniscus lenses
may also be provided at the nose portion of the modified objective
assembly 200. In order to maximize the total amount of power
emitted from the LED 220 that gets projected to the sample beneath
the objective 84, the LED 220 must be as close to the sample as
possible. Thus, for some applications, excessive total light loss
may result by positioning the LED 220 above or towards the top of
the objective 84. However, the use of the LED holder 218 allows the
LEDs 220 to be positioned proximate to the sample on the sample
substrate 24.
[0128] The LEDs 220 are arranged in an annular array and are
supported by the LED array holder 218 around and external to the
objective assembly 200 to illuminate the sample. This arrangement
may produce specific narrow wavelength bands without the need for
filters. The incident light from the LEDs 220 can produce emitted
light from the sample at the same wavelength due to scattering or
at longer wavelengths due to fluorescence. The emitted light is
collected by the objective assembly 200 and is focused onto the
camera 86 (or onto an eyepiece for viewing or other suitable
optical device). Additionally, optional filtering may be required,
depending upon the specific application.
[0129] A darkfield system may utilize a high power xenon lamp for
the source 80, which is filtered down to UV and passed through a
darkfield objective because UV light below 320 nm does not transmit
well through standard microscope objectives. Referring to FIG. 16,
according to an aspect of the present invention, the objective 84
described with reference to FIG. 4 may be implemented as an
objective assembly 250 that is substantially the same as the
objective assembly 200 except that the LEDs 220 and corresponding
LED holder 218 are positioned internal to the assembly. Using this
arrangement, a darkfield lens is used as the lens element to direct
the light from the LEDs 220 to the sample substrate 24 and thus the
first optical path 72 and corresponding light source 80 and any
appropriate lenses, filters or other optical elements 82 are not
required. The LEDs 220 are held by the LED holder 218 in an annular
array, e.g., in a region 256 around the central optical core of the
objective assembly 250. The LEDs 220 take up the region where
typical illumination from an arc lamp light source would be
directed. The light is directed downward and is reflected onto the
sample surface of the sample substrate 24 for darkfield
illumination by the darkfield lens.
[0130] For fluorescence detection with mid to far ultraviolet
illumination, the use of a darkfield objective assembly 250 may be
cost effective because a typical through-the-lens illumination
objective arrangement would require an objective assembly that is
typically more costly than that of a glass bright field lens. The
use of the darkfield approach still requires a light source and
optics that may reduce the optical throughput of the system and
such considerations should be taken into account.
[0131] It is also possible to combine UV and visible LEDs, e.g., in
the illumination approach for fluorescence imaging as described
with reference to FIGS. 15 and/or 16. This arrangement may include
additional focusing lenses and/or combinations with other LEDs for
visible sample illumination. Referring to FIGS. 17-19, UV LEDs are
mounted along the outer edge of a long working distance (LWD)
objective, e.g., such described with reference to FIG. 15. This
location for the LEDS allows a plurality, e.g., up to 8 or more
LEDS, to be arrayed about a standard objective. As shown in FIG.
17, a UV LED, e.g., in a TO-18 can, is driven to emit a beam that
passes through a lens 260, e.g., a 6 mm hemispherical lens or other
focusing element that maximizes intensity of a small sample spot,
to be imaged down to an elliptical spot. For example, the LED 220
may comprise a S-ET UV TOP 285 nm diode. In FIG. 17, the LED holder
218 illustrated in FIG. 15 has been removed for clarity of
illustration.
[0132] The lens 260 may comprise any suitable optical element,
e.g., a fused silica hemispherical window. The beam, e.g., having a
280 nm wavelength, is angled downward, e.g., at an angle of
approximately 14 degrees. With this configuration, a pattern of
excitation for four diodes arranged along the circular holder
spaced substantially 90 degrees apart may realize a "+" pattern. In
addition to UV LEDs, additional non-UV LEDs can be included. These
non-UV LEDs can be chosen to help with focusing or to help improve
edge contrast of the particles being observed through the
objective.
[0133] FIG. 18 shows an exemplary arrangement of the LED holder
218, e.g., implemented as a block of aluminum that has been
machined out to hold eight LEDs 220. FIG. 19 illustrates one of the
LED mountings for the LED holder of FIG. 18 in greater detail. As
illustrated, the LED holder 218 comprises a shim cylinder set screw
262, a diode set screw 264 and a shim cylinder 266 for adjusting
each diode 220 and to help with beam alignment. Each lens 260 is
fixed in place using the shim cylinder 266 and corresponding shim
cylinder set screw 262 to properly position and align the lens and
then the LED package is slid into the LED holder 218 and is
properly positioned using the diode set screw 264 with the help of
the shim cylinder 266 and may be focused as necessary using the
above adjustments. For example, the LEDs may be adjusted for
optimal focus on the sample by sliding the diode 220 in the shim
cylinder 266.
[0134] Referring to FIG. 20, an exemplary internal illumination
configuration is illustrated, which may be used in addition to, or
instead of the external illumination described with reference to
FIGS. 17-19. Multiple LEDs 220 may be used to focus their light
beneath the objective 84 without passing through the main central
optics of the objective 84. A clear ring aperture is provided
around the main central objective lens. This clear aperture has an
off-axis parabolic mirror that can focus the light in that circular
aperture down to a spot directly in the field of view of the
objective.
[0135] At least one aperture 270 is provided in the side of the
darkfield objective 84 for receiving an LED package 272. Each LED
package 272 comprises a housing that supports an LED 220 and a lens
260, e.g., a hemispherical fused silica lens as described in
greater detail herein. The housing further supports a turning
mirror/filter mirror 274 for redirecting the beam from the LED 220.
The LED package 272 is inserted in the aperture 270 in the
darkfield objective 84. The light from the LED 220 is reflected off
the turning mirror/filter 274 and is directed to a ring mirror 276
within the lower portion of the objective 84. The ring mirror 276
further directs the beam to the sample. The turning mirror/filter
274 is designed to filter possible noisy spectral signals coming
from typical LEDs 220. The filter 274 may comprise, for example, a
small prism in a chamber having a specialized coating. The ring
mirror 276 may comprise a parabolic off axis mirror that is
completely circular. Thus, multiple LED packages can be installed
into one dark field objective, e.g., by including multiple
apertures 270, each receiving an LED package 272.
[0136] As an alternative to mounting LEDs in or about the objective
84, a diode box having one or more light sources such as LEDs may
be provided separate from the objective 84. Light from the LEDs is
routed to the appropriate locations with respect to the objective
84 via a fiber optic connection. For example, in the darkfield
objective example, the fiber optic lines can be directed to holes
arrayed around the objective 84. The holes in the side may be high
enough and at shallow enough angles that they will allow the fiber
to direct downward. By following the light path to the light cone
for sample illumination, the lens may be bypassed without
significant UV loss in delivering UV power on the sample.
[0137] Still further, other techniques can be used, e.g.,
ultraviolet transmission bypassing of the lens gap ring of the
objective 84, and improved coating properties of the lens to
reflect a relatively greater percentage of the UV light may be
utilized.
Particulate Discrimination
[0138] Referring to FIG. 21, a scanning electron microscope (SEM)
illustrates a sample substrate containing a sample that includes Bg
and background particulates. A laser spot size on the sample
substrate 24 is illustrated using .times.10, .times.50 and
.times.100 objective magnification, such as by adjusting the
magnification of the objective lens 84 in the optical system 70
illustrated in FIG. 4. As noted above, the .times.10 objective
results in a larger field of view, and thus a greater number of
background particulates may be considered in the analysis. Also as
noted above, by contrast, the .times.100 objective results in the
smallest field of view and thus the least amount of background
particulates that may be considered in the analysis. Thus,
targeting particles allows background discrimination to be enhanced
by reducing the amount of impurities and background matter that are
interrogated within the laser spot size. FIG. 22 is an enlargement
of a portion of the sample area of FIG. 21 to illustrate that Bg
spores are evident on the sample substrate as single spores 302,
double spores 304 and agglomerated clusters of spores 306.
[0139] FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate that, regardless of the objective
magnification, e.g., whether using a 10.times., 50.times.,
100.times. or other suitable magnification, the interrogation area
is extremely small compared to the sample area. FIGS. 21 and 22
also illustrate that, depending upon the coverage density of
particulates per sample area, there may be a significant number of
particulates that may qualify as candidate target particulates.
When establishing target locations for subsequent targeted
interrogation, e.g., using the spectrometer 88, the sample area on
the sample substrate can be subdivided into multiple regions or
fields of view and the subdivided regions may be individually
processed to determine whether any particulates would qualify as
reasonable target particulates for subsequent interrogation. For
example a sample area of approximately 1 mm in diameter may be
subdivided into a plurality of 30 micron .times.30 micron areas.
Alternatively, the size of each field of view may be selected to
realize a predetermined range of particles, e.g., approximately 20
to 50 particulates per view where the particulate composition may
comprise single or agglomerations of particulates of interest. From
each subdivision, one or more target locations may be specified as
target locations for subsequent Raman interrogation as noted in
greater detail herein. A corresponding ranking scheme may then used
to select the top candidate particulates for detailed, specific
interrogation.
[0140] The system may be able to discriminate biological particles
from a mixture of ambient particles. In one exemplary test, an
ambient bulk sample spiked with an aerosolized biological simulant
(Bacillus globigii (Bg) spores) was collected and subsequently
analyzed. FIGS. 35A and 35B show a scanning electron microscope
(SEM) and bright field optical microscope images, respectively, of
a portion of the collected sample. Arrows identifying nine
individual particles were targeted for Raman interrogation and the
corresponding Raman spectral traces of those nine particles are
shown in FIG. 35C.
[0141] These spectra show distinctive fingerprints for the
individual targeted particles. For example, the particle labeled as
"1" in FIGS. 35A and 4B was identified as a Bg spore based on its
Raman spectrum, including a main spectral feature at a much higher
Raman shift than observed for any of the other nine targeted
particles. The particles identified as "2" and "2a" were identified
as diesel soot particles based a previously characterized diesel
soot spectrum. Particle "3" suggests a mixture of diesel soot and
of the substance shown in the trace corresponding to particle 4,
which is likely a sulfate compound. Inspection of the traces of
FIG. 35C illustrates the potential chemical and biological
characterization of individual particles.
[0142] Nitrates and sulfates are common air pollutants widely found
in certain industrial areas and in urban areas. Referring to FIG.
36, a plot illustrates that Raman analysis may be utilized to
discriminate different nitrates, e.g., ammonium nitrate and
potassium as well as different ammonium compounds, e.g., ammonium
nitrate and ammonium chloride.
[0143] Common fungal allergy sources include but not limited to
Aspergillus species, Penicillium species, and Cladosporium species.
The Raman spectral signatures of fungal spores including
Aspergillus niger ATCC 10698, Penicillium purpurescens ATCC 10485
and Cladosporium cladosporioides ATCC 66669 are illustrated in FIG.
37. The ability to discriminate these fungal spores provides a
quick diagnostic method for fungal contaminated air environment or
sources.
[0144] The capabilities of the detection system 10 are not limited
to the identification of those particulates described in detail
herein. Rather, the above techniques can be applied to a number of
additional or alternative particulates, including fungal spores,
bacterial spores, vegetative bacterial cells, proteins, various
Aspergillus species, including but not limited to Aspergillus
fischeri (ATCC18618), Aspergillus paradoxus (ATCC16918),
Aspergillus ornatulus (ATCC16921), Aspergillus niger (ATCC10698),
and Aspergillus niveus (ATCC56745) and yeast cells, e.g., Candida
utilis (ATCC9950) cells.
The Storage Station
[0145] Referring back to FIG. 1, storage station 18 may comprise a
substrate storage location 120, a sample storage location 122 and
an optional cleaning station 124. The substrate storage location
stores clean sample substrates to be used for sampling by the
collector station 14. The particular configuration of the substrate
storage location 120 will depend upon the type of media used for
the sample substrate 24.
[0146] The substrate storage location 120 may be able to store a
plurality of discrete sample substrates 24. For example, the sample
substrate 24 may comprise a relatively small slide, e.g., 1 inch by
1 inch in diameter, and 1/16 inch thick. The slide may comprise an
aluminized Mylar substrate or an aluminum coated glass slide. An
aluminum coating may be useful if utilizing a Raman analysis for
targeted particulate interrogation because the molecular structure
of the aluminum coated sample substrate has no sharp vibrational
modes and thus does not significantly contribute to the Raman
spectra. However, other coatings and sample substrate materials may
alternatively be used. For example, gold and/or silver coating may
be useful where it is important to magnify the Raman intensity.
Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) or other surface
roughening techniques are not required to collect samples on the
sample substrate 24. Rather, the use of a dry sample substrate 24
may be used to promote substrate reuse and recycling as noted in
greater detail herein.
[0147] Alternatively, the sample substrate may comprise an
aluminized Mylar tape or polymer tape as will be described in
greater detail herein. The tape may be continuous, e.g., stored on
opposing drums in a manner similar to a cassette tape or provided
in discrete sections. Moreover, the sample substrate 24, regardless
of whether provided in discrete slides or continuous roll form, may
be dry, i.e., have no applied coatings, or an adhesion promoting
coating having minimal or negligible Raman background may be
applied to the sample substrate 24. An adhesion promoting coating
may be applied to the substrate to selectively promote biological
materials or other particulate features of interest.
[0148] The sample storage location 122 provides an area to sort,
store and archive sample substrates 24 that have samples deposited
thereon. After processing by the optical interrogation station 16,
the used sample substrates 24 may be stored in, and retrieved from,
the sample storage area 122. This allows collected sample areas to
be preserved for subsequent challenge, analysis and further data
processing.
[0149] The optional cleaning station 124 replenishes usable sample
substrates by obtaining a sample substrate, e.g., from the sample
storage area 122 by selecting a sample substrate that did not
contain biological or chemical particulates of interest. The
cleaning station 124 cleans the used sample substrate, and returns
the sample substrate to the substrate storage station 120. Sample
substrates may be cleaned using brushes, liquid treatments and
other processes. As noted above, the use of dry impaction of the
sample onto the sample substrate may facilitate relatively easier
substrate cleaning processes compared to treated or coated sample
substrates.
[0150] Accordingly, the biological and chemical detection system 10
may operate continuously and autonomously for a period of time. The
time of operation will depend upon a number of factors including
the sample collection and analysis period, the number of sample
substrates 24 and whether each sample substrate 24 is a single use
substrate, or a reusable substrate that is reused for multiple
iterations of sampling and sample analyzing.
Tape Processing System
[0151] In many sampling applications, only a thin layer of material
at the surface of the sample collecting substrate is functionally
important. For this reason, many native (solid) substrate materials
are coated with thin layer(s) of non-metal and/or metal to provide
the sample collection surface while reducing the cost over a solid
substrate of the needed material, e.g., aluminized Mylar. However,
only a small area of the surface is used to hold samples. This
means that the volume of substrates is relatively large compared to
what is actually used to collect samples. The coatings may also be
expensive. Some exemplary conventional coating materials include
gold, resulting in additional cost to coat the unused areas.
[0152] According to yet another aspect of the present invention,
the sample substrate 24 comprises a small piece of thin and
flexible ribbon that is automatically mounted in a carrier, e.g.,
from a spool provided as part of the storage station 18, so that
the amount of ribbon is small for each cycle. The carrier is
re-used, which allows storage, handling, mounting and registration
using methods for slides that are highly developed.
[0153] Referring to FIG. 23, the system 350 incorporates two servo
drives and corresponding motors 352, 354, a plurality of rollers,
e.g., alignment rollers 356, optional flattening rollers 358 and
feed rollers 360, a shear 362 and other necessary mechanical
devices, such as actuators, conveyance mechanisms, etc. The system
350 may be provided, for example, as part of the storage station
18.
[0154] A carrier plate 370 has two attached, spring loaded bars
372A, 372B. The first spring loaded bar 372A has at least one
chiseled point 374A. Correspondingly, the second spring loaded bar
372B has at least one chiseled point 374B. The size, positioning
and orientation of the chiseled points 374A, 374B on their
corresponding spring loaded bars 372A, 372B will depend, for
example, upon the width of the ribbon. The carrier plate 370 is
positioned and clamped at a loading station 376. In an initial
state, the two spring loaded bars 372A, 372B are held, e.g., by
suitable actuator(s), in a lifted or retracted position relative to
the carrier plate 370.
[0155] A fixed length of tape 378 is fed out by the servo 352 to a
position between the spring loaded bars 372A, 372B and the upper
surface 370A of the carrier plate 370. The bar 372B furthest from
the feed rollers 360 is pressed down such that the point 374B
punctures and fixes the far end of the ribbon 378 to the carrier
plate 370. The servo drive 352 then changes to a torque mode of
operation and maintains a fixed tension on the ribbon 378. The
spring loaded bar 372A closest to the feed rollers 360 is pressed
down and the point 372A punctures the ribbon 378. The servo 352
then changes back to position mode and the shear 362 cuts the
ribbon 378, thus separating the portion of the ribbon 378 wound
about its corresponding spool and the ribbon 378 now attached to
the carrier plate 370.
[0156] The ribbon 378 is now being held flat against the top
surface 370A of the carrier 370 by the bars 372A, 372B. Thus, this
surface provides a convenient surface for sample collection. In
this regard, the carrier plate 370 and corresponding ribbon 378 may
be used as the sample substrate 24 in lieu of the slides discussed
above, e.g., as part of the chemical and biological detection
system 10 of FIG. 1. The carrier 370 is unclamped and may be
handled at this point, e.g., by the substrate storage station 120
to be transported to the collector station 14 and subsequently, to
the optical interrogation station 16.
[0157] Referring to FIG. 24, the carrier base 370 is illustrated
with a section of the ribbon 378 attached thereto by the bars 372A,
372B. After a sample has been collected on the section of ribbon,
e.g., by the collection station 14, and after the collected sample
has been processed, e.g., by the sample interrogation station 16,
the section of ribbon 378 is stripped from the carrier plate 370,
e.g., using suitable actuator(s) to remove the bars 372A, 372B from
the carrier plate 370. Once the section of ribbon 378 is removed,
the carrier plate 370 may be reused. The section of ribbon 378 may
be discarded, e.g., if no chemical or biological particulates of
interest were located on the sample deposited on the section of
ribbon 378. Alternatively, the section of ribbon 378 may be
archived, e.g., in the sample storage station 124 if desired by the
particular application, e.g., where the sample deposited on the
section of ribbon 278 contains particulates of interest.
The System Transport
[0158] Referring back to FIG. 1, a transport 126 is provided to
relocate the sample substrate to the various stations of the
biological and chemical detection system 10. The transport 126 may
comprise a rotary stage or stages, or other system that allows the
sample substrate to be moved within the biological and chemical
detection system 10 at timing events determined by the system
controller 60. The substrate storage location 120 is operatively
configured to position a new sample substrate 26 on the transport
126 so as to automate or semi-automate sampling and testing. The
transport 126 then delivers the sample substrate 24 to the
collection station 14 and may optionally load a new sample
substrate 24 onto the transport 126 from the substrate storage area
120. After a sample has been deposited on the sample substrate 24
at the collector station 14, the transport 126 advances the sample
substrates 24 so that the sample substrate previously at the
collector station 14 is advanced to the optical interrogation
station 16. A new sample substrate 24 may be simultaneously
advanced to the collector station 14, etc. The transport 126 may
also provide the positioning stage for targeted interrogation by
the spectrometer 88 at the interrogation station 16 as described in
greater detail herein.
[0159] The transport 126 allows continuous or nearly continuous
sampling by the collection station 14. For example, the collection
station 14 may derive a new sample area every five minutes or other
suitable time interval. Some sample buildup may dwell for a
relatively long period in clean air and some samples may advance
more rapidly if the air is particularly heavy with particulates. As
such, the rate at which the sample areas are collected may be both
application and operation/environment specific. Where discrete
sample substrates 24 are used, interruptions of sample collection,
e.g., due to substrate handling, are kept short relative to the
sample collection time, e.g., on the order of 10 to thirty seconds
for a typical five minute sample collection process.
The System Controller
[0160] Again referring to FIG. 1, the system controller 60 may
further provide a command and control interface 128 that allows an
operator to quickly set up and begin operation of the biological
and chemical detection system 10. Start up times may be on the
order of approximately one hour or less depending upon the
particular implementation of the various stations within the
biological and chemical detection system 10, including the time
required for example, to unpack, identify, set up and load any
required consumables in the correct manner, even during night
operations, such as by using red lens lights, etc. Control
functions may be performed by direct interaction with the system
controller 60 or via remote control from a remote location, e.g.,
using a wireless or wired communications connection 130.
[0161] An optional display 132 may also be provided for the
continuous or periodically updated status of the system and various
system components, system operations, current operating mode and
analysis results. The display 132 may further provide embedded
design documentation of component manuals etc., for viewing by the
operator.
[0162] The system controller 60 can optionally provide several
modes of operation, examples of which include a startup mode, a
standby mode, a standard mode, a single sample mode, a collection
only mode, a manual analysis mode and a shutdown mode. The start-up
mode, also referred to herein as an initialization mode, may be
entered when power is applied. During start-up, all necessary
actions are performed to bring the biological and chemical
detection system 10 to a steady-state condition ready to analyze
samples. For example, the start-up mode may cause the spectrometer
88 to implement an automatic calibration as set out in greater
detail herein. When all start-up actions have been completed the
controller 60 may automatically change to Standby mode. Start-up
may be completed within a predetermined time, e.g., approximately
30 minutes or less exclusive of time for temperature stabilization
of the interior of the housing 12 and other similar factors.
[0163] In standby mode, the controller is fully operational and
ready to start the collection station 14 to begin sampling. The
standby mode may be entered automatically from Start-up mode or
manually from any other mode. In standard mode, the controller 60
operates the biological and chemical detection system 10 to sample
and analyze repetitively, producing the results of identification,
e.g., over the communication interface 130 and/or on the display
132 as information becomes available.
[0164] In single-sample mode, which may be entered from standby
mode, a single sample substrate 24 is processed through the
biological and chemical detection system 10. That is, one sample
substrate 24 is loaded from the substrate storage location 120 to
the collection station 14, then to the optical interrogation
station 16 and then to the sample storage location 122 of the
storage station 18. If desired, the sample substrate 24 may be
retrieved from the housing 12 via a suitable arrangement, such as
an outfeed magazine 134.
[0165] In collection-only mode, sample substrates 24 are moved from
the substrate storage location 120 of the storage station 18, to
the collection station 14 where a sample collection is performed.
After a suitable sample has been collected, the corresponding
sample substrate 24 is moved to the sample storage location 122 of
the storage station 18. However, no analysis or optical
interrogation of the sample area is performed.
[0166] Correspondingly, in manual analysis mode, the biological and
chemical detection system 10 may provide for an operator to
manually load a sample substrate 24 via a suitable infeed
arrangement 136 or load a sample substrate 24 onto the transport
126, e.g., from the sample storage location 122. The transport 126
moves the sample substrate to the optical interrogation station 16
for data analysis and identification as explained in greater detail
herein. Accordingly, the transport 126 and the optical
interrogation station 16 may be further configured so as to be able
to accurately and repeatably register the sample substrate 24 at
least at the optical interrogation station 16, e.g., by controlling
the transport 126 and targeting resolution of the spectrometer 88,
so that the same sample and sample substrate 24 are analyzed
consistently during analysis and interrogation.
[0167] Shutdown mode controls the sequenced shutdown of the
biological and chemical detection system 10 and includes, but is
not limited to, cooling equipment, parking moving components, and
closing open data files. Once shutdown is complete power may be
removed from the system.
[0168] Where a plurality of operating modes is provided, it may be
desirable to establish operational rules that determine transitions
between the various modes. For example, a rule may assert that the
standard mode may only be entered from and exited to standby mode.
When exiting standard mode, analysis of all in-process sample
substrates 24, i.e., sample substrates 24 that have been removed
from the storage location 120 of the storage station 18 or are
otherwise positioned on the transport 126, are completed and the
corresponding sample substrates 24 are returned to the sample
storage location 124 before transitioning modes. For example,
sample substrates 24 may have to complete sample collection at the
collection station 14 and/or analysis and identification at the
optical interrogation station 16 before the controller 60 allows
the system to enter standby mode. Other control flow may
alternatively be implemented, depending upon the specific
application.
A Tape Based Transport System
[0169] Referring to FIG. 25, as noted above, samples can
alternatively be collected on a continuous substrate, for example,
on a tape, that passes under sample collection and interrogation
stations. The tape can move in a continuous or semi-continuous
manner. In a manner analogous to using the transport 126 described
with reference to FIG. 1, samples collected on the tape by the
collection station are advanced to the optical interrogation
station where the previously collected sample is targeted for
interrogation by the first optical system, and the targeted regions
of the sample are subsequently interrogated by a corresponding
second optical system. The sample is then transported to a storage
location, e.g., wound onto a spool of the tape. In this regard, the
tape may wind from a first spool to a second spool, in a manner
analogous to a conventional cassette tape. Alternatively, the tape
may be continuous so as to run in an infinite loop, e.g., where it
is desirable to provide extended, continuous sampling. The later
configuration requires a cleaning station that removes the
collected sample from the tape after the sample has been
analyzed.
[0170] As shown, the tape-based system 400 comprises a sample
collection station 402, a optical interrogation station 404 and a
sample storage station 406. The sample storage station comprises a
cassette tape mechanism 408 as will be described in greater detail
below. The system 400 utilizes a flexible substrate tape 410, e.g.,
a polymer or other suitable material, which may optionally include
an applied coating, e.g., aluminum, plasma treatment, etc.
[0171] The sample storage station 406 comprises a reel mechanism
having two reel to reel, sample recording substrate tape reels 412
that can be driven forward towards the arrow direction 414 or
reversed against the arrow direction 414 by a suitable drive device
416. The sample storage station 406 further comprises a tape
covering mechanism having two sample cover tape reels 414 for
covering and the collected samples.
[0172] The substrate tape 410 can be advanced and stopped at a
desired position, e.g., by the drive device 416, to a suitable
location on the substrate tape 410 where an aerosol sample can be
collected, by the sample collection station 402, e.g., through
impaction by an aerosol impaction collector. The sample collection
station 402 may collect each sample in a manner analogous to the
collection station 14 described with reference to FIG. 1, e.g., by
using a suitable collector 20 and pump 22. The aerosol sample can
thus be impacted as a small sample spot of approximately 1.0 to 1.5
mm on the substrate as noted in greater detail herein.
[0173] After aerosol sample collection by the sample collection
station 402, the collected sample can be forwarded by the reel
mechanism of the sample storage station 406 via the drive device
416 to the optical interrogation station 404. The optical
interrogation station 404 may comprise multiple optical system
components to selectively target and interrogate the sample in a
manner analogous to the optical interrogation station 16 described
more fully herein. The analysis results are communicated to the
processor 420, which is analogous to the system controller 60 and
corresponding data analysis algorithms 62 described in greater
detail herein. For example, the optical interrogation station 404
may comprise a micro-Raman detector, under which the collected
sample can be visible or fluorescently imaged and analyzed for its
fluorescent, size, shape and/or spectral characteristics.
[0174] At the completion of the analysis, the substrate is driven
forward by the drive device 416 and the previously analyzed sample
on the substrate tape 410 is covered by the covering tape mechanism
so as to protect the sample from scratching or damaging of other
components of the system.
[0175] The use of a tape-based system compared to a discrete slide
may be advantageous where, for example, it is desirable to operate
in a semi-continuous or even continuous sample collection, analysis
and storage mode. Referring to FIGS. 26 and 27, the substrate tape
410 may comprise a belt that is used to collect each sample from
the sample collection station 402 by moving, for example,
continuously or in short steps. Thus, the sample area may comprise
a length that significantly exceeds its width in area as best seen
in FIG. 27, which shows a top view of the tape 410 and illustrates
that the samples may be in the form of a circular spot, an
elongated line or other suitable formation depending on the
collector nozzle, substrate tape 410 indexing method and other
similar factors.
[0176] The collected sample is then transported by the belt the
optical interrogation station 404, which illustrates the use of a
first imaging station 422 located between the collection nozzle of
the sample collection station 402 and a second imaging station 424,
e.g., a Raman interrogation objective. The first imaging station
422 may take visible, UV or other images of the sample as noted in
greater detail herein, e.g., to target specific regions of the
sample for further interrogation. These images are processed, e.g.,
by the system controller 420, to allow targeting of specific
particles for interrogation by the second imaging station 424. In
the second imaging station 424, a suitable targeted interrogation
is performed, e.g., by using a Raman laser interrogation beam
arranged as a spot, e.g., for stepped movement of the tape
substrate 410, or a focused line, e.g., for continuous movement of
the tape substrate 410. A line focused laser can accumulate spectra
from multiple spots along an illumination line at one time. The
first and second imaging stations 422, 424 are illustrated as
separate for clarity of illustration, but may, in practice, be
implemented as separate stations, or as a single optical station,
such as the optical interrogation device 70 described with
reference to FIG. 4.
[0177] Referring to FIG. 28 a graph 430 is presented showing a
Raman spectrum of a single Bacillus globigii (Bg) spore, which was
analyzed from a sample under Nicolet Omega Raman spectroscopy
(Thermo Electrom Corporation, Madison, Wis.). The spectrum is a 30
second spectrum acquired with a Helium-Neon laser. The spectral
results show that the substrate can provide a high signal and low
noise sample spectrum, which is sufficient to be used for sample
signature characterization and sample identification.
[0178] In order to overcome the sample positioning burden when
micro-movement of the sample substrate is necessary during analysis
of a sample at the optical interrogation station 404, the movement
of the tape substrate 410 may be independent at each tape station.
One method to achieve this is to compartmentalize the tape
substrate 410. If the tape substrate 410 is mounted on a cassette
via the recording tape reels 412, then the tape substrate 410 may
move easily from the collection station 402 to the optical
interrogation station 404 in a single large move.
[0179] Referring to FIG. 29, when the tape substrate 410 moves
underneath the collector in the collector station 402, a mechanical
registration occurs, placing the deposited sample on the substrate
within a certain area, e.g., to approximately 100 .mu.m accuracy.
To correctly position or reposition the sample spot on the tape
substrate 410, the tape is positioned and a vacuum pump 430 is
started. The vacuum pump 430 causes a vacuum that pulls the tape
substrate 410 towards the collector of the collection station 402
and holds the tape in place during the collection process. While
the collector station 402 deposits a sample onto the tape substrate
410, a marking device 430 places registration mark, e.g., as a spot
on the underside of the tape substrate 410 at a fixed location
relative to the center of the spot.
[0180] When the collection is complete, the vacuum pump 430 is
turned off, which allows the tape substrate 410 to drop slightly
away from the collector of the collection station 402. The tape
substrate 410 is moved forward until the registration mark is
detected by a sensor 434, e.g., an electro-optic (EO) sensor. Upon
detection of a signal from the sensor 434, the optical
interrogation station 404 draws the tape substrate 410 onto the
vacuum platen 436 and is held in place for analysis as set out more
fully herein. The vacuum platen 436 should allow control over the
placement of the tape substrate 410 and corresponding sample 410 to
the accuracy needed by the subsystem (usually better than 0.1
.mu.m).
[0181] In this implementation, the objective of the optical
interrogation station 404 may have to move to analyze the sample.
However, moving the objective reduces and/or eliminates the concern
about the tape substrate 410 stretching or the wraps of the tape
substrate 410 on the spool of the substrate tape reels 412
tightening beyond tolerable limits. By using a vacuum, e.g., as
drawn by the vacuum pump 430, a system can be realized with minimal
hardware. Further, when interrogating the sample, a laser spot,
e.g., used for Raman analysis, can be either a line focus which
interrogates all particles in the illuminated line or a laser beam
spot the scans over a line.
[0182] In another exemplary aspect of the present invention, a reel
to reel cassette is used to collect the sample on a location on the
tape as described herein. However, without moving the tape in the
cassette the cassette is then moved to the next station. The tape
is then examined successively at optical station one or optical
station two. The use of separate cassettes may allow more accurate
initial positioning of the tape in the optical system. In addition,
the use of separate tapes for each station requires only a small
advancement of the tape for each sample spot. The small advancement
in the tape reduces the required size of the cassette.)
Miscellaneous and Additional Features
[0183] The biological and chemical detection system 10 may be
arranged in the housing 12 so as to be readily portable. In
critical applications, the biological and chemical detection system
10 may be provided with a backup battery so that the system can
withstand an unplanned power interruption for predetermined periods
without damage. Moreover, the biological and chemical detection
system 10 may be operable over a wide range of temperatures,
humidity, weather and other environmental conditions.
Methods of Operating a Biological or Chemical Particulate
Identification System
[0184] With reference to FIG. 30 a method 500 of performing real
time, or near real-time biological detection comprises collecting a
sample at 502, such as using a collection station 14, 402. After a
sample is collected, one or more specific locations within the
sample are targeted at 504. As noted above, one technique to
identify further field(s) of view and/or specific target locations
within a sample area is to excite at least a portion of the sample
area with a light source and make target decisions based upon the
fluorescent, bright field, darkfield, etc., signal reflected back
from the sample area. Further, particulate size and/or shape,
spectral content and other factors, such as derived from trend
analysis may be considered. After determining specific target
locations of interest within the sample area at 504, e.g., by
analyzing particulates in one or more fields of view, a targeted
spectral analysis is performed at 506 at those determined target
locations, e.g., using a spectrometer 88.
[0185] The results of the spectrometer measurements are analyzed
and evaluated at 508. If a biological or chemical particulate of
interest is located, an action event is triggered at 510, such as
sounding an alarm, sending a message etc. Upon completion of the
sample interrogation, the sample substrate may be stored at 512.
Optionally the sample substrate may be cleaned at 514 and recycled.
Still further, a previously analyzed sample substrate may be
retrieved from the biological and chemical detection system for
further analysis at 516, e.g., by retrieving a sample slide from a
storage location or from rewinding a corresponding tape substrate
to retrieve the desired sample. The above process may repeat as
necessary or until all available sample substrates have been used
and stored.
[0186] The system may provide the interrogation results of positive
identification of particulates of interest, e.g., via a suitable
display or printed output, in a relatively quick time frame. A
total cycle time from start of sample collection to the completion
of the sample analysis may require for example, approximately 18
minutes or less, where the probability of accurate detection is on
the order of 90 to 99 percent, with a false positive detection
percentage of one percent or less, and preferably less than 0.1
percent. Where speed is critical, near real-time identification of
threat particulates may be realized, e.g., by adjusting operating
set points of the system described more fully herein. Within the
cycle time, the sample collection time at the collection station 14
may typically comprise from approximately 15 seconds to
approximately 5 minutes. Samples collected too quickly may
adversely affect the signal to noise ratio of the system. Likewise,
samples collected too slowly may overly dampen the response time of
the system. The total time and statistical probability of accurate
identification will likely depend upon a number of factors
including the ambient concentration of particulates of interest and
the rate of particulate buildup.
[0187] Referring to FIG. 31, a method 600 for targeting locations
within a sample area comprises illuminating at least a portion of
the sample area at 602, e.g., using ultraviolet, near ultraviolet
or visible light. An image of the exited sample area is captured at
604. The image, e.g., a fluorescent image, is analyzed at 606,
e.g., by contrast level, edge detection and other suitable
processing techniques, to determine one or more target locations of
interest at 608. The coordinates of the target locations of
interest are transferred to a spectrometer at 610 and the
spectrometer interrogates the target locations of interest at 612.
The spectral measurements are analyzed at 614 and particulates are
identified at 616, e.g., based upon analyzing fingerprints using a
classifier system. Event criteria are analyzed at 618 to determine
whether a biological or chemical particulate of interest was
identified in the sample. Based upon the results to the event
criteria, a trigger event may be executed at 620.
[0188] As noted above, when using fluorescence, different
excitation frequencies will likely result in different emission
characteristics for a given biological material. Referring to FIG.
32, a method 700 of determining satisfactory parameters for using
fluorescence to target a sample area comprises selecting an
excitation wavelength at 702. A sample that contains the
particulates of interest is illuminated at the selected excitation
wavelength at 704 and an image is captured of the fluorescence at
706. Further, the emission wavelength for the particulates of
interest is determined at 708. A criteria is established for the
required shape of the particulates of interest at 710 and the
sample image is analyzed against the previously established size
and shape criteria at 712. The above steps are repeated for one or
more excitation wavelengths and one or more emission wavelengths.
After all desired excitation and emission wavelength combinations
have been analyzed, a selection is made of the particular
excitation wavelength that achieves the best fluorescence
results.
[0189] According to various embodiments of the present invention,
the biological and chemical detection system 10 can be utilized to
detect biological and chemical agents and perform ambient
particulate matter characterization and source identification. The
biological and chemical detection system 10 is suitable for
atmospheric chemistry research, tobacco smoke studies, indoor air
particle measurements including indoor mold characterization,
heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning analysis and other
applications including those noted more fully throughout the
specification.
[0190] The flowchart, schematic and block diagrams in the Figures
illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of
various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, in
some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block
may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two
blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially
concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the
reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will
also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or
flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block
diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by
hardware or combinations of hardware and computer instructions,
such that the instructions, which execute via a suitable processor
or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for
implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or
block diagram block or blocks.
[0191] The description of the present invention has been presented
for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended
to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed.
Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of
ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and
spirit of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described
in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the
practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in
the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with
various modifications as are suited to the particular use
contemplated.
[0192] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing
particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of
the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and
"the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood
that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this
specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude
the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
[0193] Having thus described the invention of the present
application in detail and by reference to preferred embodiments
thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are
possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined
in the appended claims.
* * * * *