Using precision height sensors is a more accurate way to measure well plate fill level than many of the commercially available options. Specifically, using a high accuracy chromatic confocal sensor provides a non-contact method for well plate measurement to the microliter. Various sensor options are available to provide a wide range of measurement volumes and accuracies. Also, the motion system is configured for your range of well plates and operator needs.
Showing a well plate measurement system utilizing a confocal sensor and motorized XY scanning stages.
What does height data unlock?
Collecting height data allows us to run multiple different inspections and analyses. For example, the height data can be used to quantify unfilled well plate dimensional characteristics. It can also be used to measure liquid level fill heights across various chemistries.
Showing a height data map of a 96 well plate. By scanning the sensor across the surface we get an accurate recreation of the well plate’s dimensional characteristic.
Showing a profile plot across a single row of the well plate. Here, we can calculate geometric features of each individual well, and then compare them to each other.
Finally, showing a map of passing and failing fill levels across the well plate. This data is used by the technicians downstream.
Overview of the measurement process
Motorized XY stages are used to collect height data at prespecified points, rows, or full areas of the well plate. These stages are controled using a software user interface. Once a recipe is created the operator can easily run it many times with high repeatability. This removes manual operator measurement and produces more accurate results.
Showing the scanning process. The user can choose between measuring individual points or dynamically scanning.
conclusion
These well plate measurement systems are a good option for companies trying to:
- Measure fill levels more accurately
- Automate the measurement so that it is not so operator intensive
- Remove operator variance from the measurement results
To learn more about the equipment we build please visit our sensor scanning product page.
For more guidance and consultation please reach out to us. We offer full engineering and laboratory testing services to help guide our customers towards the right solution to their measurement challenge.