Fluorescence detection instrument with reflective transfer legs for color decimation

Abstract

An optical instrument using a plurality of lasers of different colors with parallel, closely spaced beams to stimulate scattering and fluorescence from fluorescent biological particulate matter, including cells and large molecules. A large numerical aperture objective lens collects fluorescent light while maintaining spatial separation of light stimulated by the different sources. The collected light is imaged into a plurality of fibers, one fiber associated with each optical source, which conducts light to a plurality of arrays of detectors, with each array associated with light from one of the fibers and one of the lasers. A detector array has up to ten detectors arranged to separate and measure colors within relatively narrow bands by decimation of light arriving in a fiber. A large number of detectors is mounted in a compact polygonal arrangement by using reflective transfer legs from multiple beam splitters where the transfer legs arise from a polygonal arrangement of beam splitters in a circumference within the circumferential arrangement of detectors.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The invention relates to analytical instruments for flourescent light analysis from target specimens and, more particularly, to such an instrument employing increased color decomposition of fluorescent signals from target substances. BACKGROUND ART [0002] As an example of fluorescent light decomposition for bioanalytical studies, in high throughput screening, the ability to simultaneously detect a plurality of fluorescent dyes with good wavelength discrimination enables deeper multiplexing and higher throughput. In another example using fluorescent light analysis, simultaneous detection of multiple dyes associated with cells allows simultaneous assay of cell surface antigens, organelle states, nucleic acid assay, and intercellular protein content to be detected in a single assay. Multiple wavelength detection requires detectors which can separate many bands of colors. This has commonly been done using dichroic mirror beam splitters. [0003] U.S. Pat. No. 5,317,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is an optical instrument that has a detector arrangement featuring a larger number of spectrally diverse detectors than previously available. The detectors are fed by a plurality of lasers of different colors, which stimulate fluorescent target material in different ways. The instrument has a modular detector configuration, meaning that each detector cluster has at least six detectors. The detectors are arranged in a polygonal cluster, which allows for spatial separation of the laser beams and the reflected or transmitted detector legs. The instrument has a high sensitivity and can detect the fluorescence signals with a high degree of accuracy. The technical effects of the invention include improved color decimation, greater flexibility in detecting target materials, and improved sensitivity and accuracy in measuring scattered light.

Problems solved by technology

Other angles will work but not as efficiently.

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