Device, system and method for changing the incident angle of a filter or filter wheel

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a system and method for changing the angle of incidence of an optical filter or filter wheel.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 873,390, filed on July 12, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Reference Merge

[0004] All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Technical Field

[0005] The present disclosure relates generally to a spectral selector and, more particularly, to a device or system for changing the angle of incidence of a filter or filter wheel. Background Art

[0006] Samples typically include materials of interest to be imaged for analysis. These materials of interest may include a variety of biomarkers and / or components that may be desired to be detected and imaged. Existing filters and imaging equipment may only allow a limited number of labels to be used at any one given time. Therefore, practitioners, researchers, and those working with suspensions continue to seek systems and methods for more efficient and accurate imaging of samples. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1A An exemplary light path for a fluorescence microscope is shown.

[0008] Figure 1B An exemplary light path for a fluorescence microscope is shown.

[0009] Figure 1C An exemplary light path for a fluorescence microscope is shown.

[0010] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C An exploded view of an exemplary filter assembly is shown.

[0011] FIG. 2D to FIG. 2E An isometric view of an exemplary filter assembly is shown.

[0012] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D An exemplary cam is shown.

[0013] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4B An isometric view of an exemplary adapter is shown.

[0014] FIG. 4C to FIG. 4D A side view of an exemplary adapter is shown.

[0015] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5B An exploded view of the spectrum selector is shown.

[0016] FIG. 5C to FIG. 5D An isometric view of an exemplary spectrum selector is shown.

[0017] FIG. 5E to FIG. 5F An exemplary spectral selector is shown in a first position.

[0018] Figure 5G to Figure 5H An exemplary spectral selector is shown in a second position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present disclosure relates to a system and method for changing the angle of incidence of an optical filter or filter wheel.

[0020] In the following description, the term "light" is used to illustrate various uses and aspects of multiplexing and imaging. The term light is not intended to be limited to describing electromagnetic radiation in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, but is also intended to describe radiation in the ultraviolet and infrared portions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

[0021] In the following description, the term "sample" is used to describe a biological fluid, a biological semi-solid, a biological solid (which may remain as a solid such as a tissue, or may be liquefied in any suitable manner), a suspension, a portion of a suspension, a component of a suspension, etc. For example, for anticoagulated whole blood, the sample is anticoagulated whole blood (i.e., a suspension), a buffy coat (i.e., a portion of a suspension), or circulating tumor cells (i.e., a component of a suspension). For convenience, reference is made to the sample being whole blood, but it should be clear that the methods and systems described and discussed herein are for use with any suitable sample, such as urine, blood, bone marrow, buffy coat, cystic fluid, ascites, feces, semen, cerebrospinal fluid, nipple aspirate, saliva, amniotic fluid, mucosal secretions, aqueous humor, vitreous humor, vomitus, vaginal fluid, and any other physiological fluid or semisolid. For example, the sample is a tissue sample or material from adipose tissue, adrenal gland, bone marrow, breast, caudate nucleus, cerebellum, cerebral cortex, cervix, uterus, colon, endometrium, esophagus, fallopian tube, myocardium, hippocampus, hypothalamus, kidney, liver, lung, lymph node, ovary, pancreas, pituitary gland, prostate, salivary gland, skeletal muscle, skin, small intestine, large intestine, spleen, stomach, testicles, thyroid gland, or bladder.

[0022] In the following description, the term "target analyte" or "target material" is used to describe the biological material of interest. It should also be clear that the target analyte can be, for example, a portion of a sample of a buffy coat, a cell (e.g., an egg cell, fetal material (e.g., trophoblast, nucleated erythrocyte, fetal erythrocyte, fetal leukocyte, fetal DNA, fetal RNA, etc.), a circulating tumor cell ("CTC"), a circulating endothelial cell, an immune cell (i.e., a naive or memory B cell or a naive or memory T cell), a mesenchymal cell, a stem cell), a vesicle (e.g., an exosome, a liposome, a protein, a nucleic acid, a biomolecule, a naturally occurring or artificially prepared microscopic unit with a closed membrane), a parasite (e.g., a spirochete, such as Borrelia burgdorferi that causes Lyme disease; a malaria inducer), a microorganism, a virus, or an inflammatory cell. For example, the target analyte is a tumor cell from adipose tissue, adrenal gland, bone marrow, breast, caudate nucleus, cerebellum, cerebral cortex, cervix, uterus, colon, endometrium, esophagus, fallopian tube, myocardium, hippocampus, hypothalamus, kidney, liver, lung, lymph node, ovary, pancreas, pituitary gland, prostate, salivary gland, skeletal muscle, skin, small intestine, large intestine, spleen, stomach, testicle, thyroid or bladder.

[0023] In the following description, the term "non-target analyte" is used to describe biological material that is not a target analyte.

[0024] In the following description, the term "biomarker" is used to describe a substance present on or within a target analyte or target material (i.e., intracellular or extracellular of a target analyte; internalized within a target analyte, for example, by phagocytosis; etc.). Biomarkers include, but are not limited to, peptides, proteins, subunits, domains, motifs, epitopes, isoforms, DNA, RNA, etc. A biomarker can be a target molecule for controlled release of a drug.

[0025] In the following description, the term "affinity molecule" is used to describe any molecule that is capable of binding or interacting with another molecule. The interaction or binding may be covalent or non-covalent. Affinity molecules include, but are not limited to, antibodies, haptens, proteins, nucleic acid aptamers, oligonucleotides, polynucleotides, or any suitable molecule for interacting or binding with another molecule (e.g., biomarkers; binding pair molecules or complementary molecules, including, but not limited to, biotin or avidin; etc.).

[0026] In the following description, the term "detection moiety" is used to describe a compound or substance that provides a signal for detection, thereby indicating the presence of another compound or substance, analyte, etc. in a sample or specimen. The detection moiety can be fluorescent (e.g., a fluorescent probe), or chromogenic (e.g., a chromogenic dye). The fluorescent probe can be an active dye, an organic dye, a fluorescent protein, a quantum dot, a non-protein organic molecule, a nanoparticle (e.g., a nanodiamond), etc.

[0027] In the following description, the term "channel" is used to describe a color or color range based on a signal provided by one or more detection parts. The color or color range is obtained based on the selected filter and / or the wavelength of one or more signals. For example, a channel can be purple, blue, green, yellow, orange, red, dark red, etc. In addition, when multiple channels are used, each channel has a specific color or color range. For example, the first channel can be green and the second channel can be orange. It should be noted that although two or more detection parts can provide signals with different wavelengths, the signals can be in the same channel based on the filter set used. For example, the first detection part provides a signal with a wavelength of 488, and the second detection part provides a signal with a wavelength of 500. Even if the wavelengths are not the same, the filter set in one of the channels passes both wavelengths of 488nm and 500nm to allow both to be imaged simultaneously, thereby producing a single image including 488 and 500 emissions.

[0028] In the following description, the terms "stain" or "label" used interchangeably are used to describe an affinity molecule that binds or interacts with a detection portion. The binding or interaction can be direct or indirect. Direct binding or interaction includes covalent or non-covalent interactions between the biomarker and the detection portion. Indirect binding or interaction includes the use of at least a first complementary molecule and a second complementary molecule that form a binding pair. The first complementary molecule and the second complementary molecule are combined into a binding pair, which can bind or interact in at least one of the following ways: hydrophobic interaction, ionic interaction, hydrogen bond interaction, non-covalent interaction, covalent interaction, affinity interaction, etc. Binding pairs include, but are not limited to, immunological binding pairs, such as antigen-antibody, antigen-antibody fragments, hapten-anti-hapten, or primary antibody-secondary antibody; non-immunological binding pairs, such as biotin-avidin, biotin-streptavidin, folate-folate binding protein, hormone-hormone receptor, lectin-specific carbohydrate, enzyme-enzyme, enzyme-substrate, enzyme-substrate analog, enzyme-pseudosubstrate (substrate analog that cannot be catalyzed by enzyme activity), enzyme-cofactor, enzyme-modulator, enzyme-inhibitor, or vitamin B12-intrinsic factor. Other suitable examples of binding pairs include complementary nucleic acid fragments (including complementary nucleotides, oligonucleotides, or polynucleotides); protein A-antibody; protein G-antibody; nucleic acid-nucleic acid binding protein; polymer linker (e.g., polyethylene glycol); or polynucleotide-polynucleotide binding protein. Binding pairs can be included in or used as amplification techniques. Amplification techniques are also implemented to increase the number of detection moieties that bind or interact with the biomarker to increase the signal. In one embodiment, when a binding pair is used, the dye can be pre-conjugated so that during the labeling, staining or addition step, the affinity molecule is already bound to or interacts with the detection portion when it is added to the sample. In one embodiment, when a binding pair is used, the dye can be conjugated to the sample so that the labeling, staining or addition step includes at least two sub-steps, the at least two sub-steps including introducing (in any desired or appropriate order) an affinity molecule-first binding molecule conjugate and a second binding pair molecule-detection portion conjugate, wherein the first binding pair molecule is complementary to the second binding pair molecule and binds to or interacts with each other.

[0029] In addition, "multiple stains" can be used to describe two or more stains that differ in affinity molecules and / or detection moieties. For example, anti-CK-Alexa 647 is different from anti-EpCAM-Alexa 647. As another example, anti-CK-Alexa 647 is different from anti-CK-Alexa 488.

[0030] In the following description, the term "conjugate" is used to describe a first chemical, molecule, moiety, etc. that binds or interacts with a second chemical, molecule, moiety, etc. The binding or interaction is direct or indirect. Direct binding or interaction includes covalent or non-covalent interactions between the biomarker and the detection moiety. Indirect binding or interaction includes the use of at least a first complementary molecule and a second complementary molecule that form a binding pair. The first complementary molecule and the second complementary molecule are combined into a binding pair, which can bind or interact in at least one of the following ways: hydrophobic interaction, ionic interaction, hydrogen bond interaction, non-covalent interaction, covalent interaction, affinity interaction, etc. Binding pairs include, but are not limited to, immunological binding pairs, such as antigen-antibody, antigen-antibody fragments, hapten-anti-hapten or primary antibody-secondary antibody; non-immunological binding pairs, such as biotin-avidin, biotin-streptavidin, folate-folate binding protein, hormone-hormone receptor, lectin-specific carbohydrate, enzyme-enzyme, enzyme-substrate, enzyme-substrate analog, enzyme-pseudosubstrate (substrate analog that cannot be catalyzed by enzyme activity), enzyme-cofactor, enzyme-modulator, enzyme-inhibitor or vitamin B12-intrinsic factor. Other suitable examples of binding pairs include complementary nucleic acid fragments (including complementary nucleotides, oligonucleotides or polynucleotides); protein A-antibody; protein G-antibody; nucleic acid-nucleic acid binding protein; polymer linker (e.g., polyethylene glycol); or polynucleotide-polynucleotide binding protein.

[0031] In the following description, the term "signal" is used to describe an electric current or electromagnetic field that transmits data from one location or source to another location or detector. For example, a signal can be light emitted by a detection moiety to communicate the presence of the detection moiety on or in a target analyte, such as a cell.

[0032] In the following description, the term "noise" is used to describe unwanted signals or modifications of signals during the capture, transmission, communication, processing and / or conversion of signals. Unless it is explicitly stated that "noise" is not necessarily included, "noise" includes "autofluorescence" or "background"; although "autofluorescence" or "background" are not intended to include "noise". In other words, "autofluorescence" and "background" are subsets of "noise". In addition, "noise" includes leakage and / or unexpected / unwanted signals from the detection portion of another channel. For example, the detection portion excited at 488 may have an emission tail that overlaps with the emission curve of the detection portion excited at 500. The emission tail of the 488 detection portion is considered to be noise within the 500 detection portion channel.

[0033] In the following description, the term "reference channel" is used to describe a channel, whether hidden or displayed, that captures the noise and / or autofluorescence / background present when acquiring one or more images of one or more signals provided by one or more detection portions, whether before, simultaneously, or after.

[0034] Optical Path

[0035] Figure 1A An optical path for a fluorescence microscope is shown. The optical path includes an excitation source 102 that emits excitation light 104, which is light in the visible, infrared ("IR"), or ultraviolet ("UV") spectrum, for example. The excitation light 104 includes a plurality of wavelengths, including at least a first excitation wavelength 106 and a second excitation wavelength 108. The excitation light 104 interacts with an excitation spectrum selector 110 such that the first excitation wavelength 106 passes through the excitation spectrum selector 110 and the second excitation wavelength 108 is blocked from passing through the excitation spectrum selector 110. The first excitation wavelength 106 is then reflected off a second filter 112. The second filter 112 redirects the first excitation light 106 to an objective lens 114.

[0036] The objective lens 114 receives the first excitation wavelength 106 and focuses the first excitation wavelength to a point or surface on, in, or near a sample or portion thereof 134. The first excitation wavelength 106 stimulates a first detection portion (not shown) on or in the sample or portion thereof 134, causing the first detection portion (not shown) to emit a first emission light 116 having a first emission wavelength. The first emission light 116 may be captured by the objective lens 114, passed back through the second filter 112, passed through the emission spectrum selector 130, and reached the emission detector 140. The emission detector 140 may be a charge coupled device ("CCD"), a CMOS camera, a scientific CMOS camera, a photodiode, a photomultiplier tube, etc. for capturing image data, which can then be compiled into an image and processed and analyzed by a computer or related software or program.

[0037] The excitation source 102 again emits the excitation light 104. However, the excitation light 104 now interacts with the excitation spectrum selector 110, so that the second excitation wavelength 108 passes through the excitation spectrum selector 110, and the first excitation wavelength 106 is blocked from passing through the excitation spectrum selector 110. The second excitation wavelength 108 is then reflected off the second filter 112. The second filter 112 redirects the second excitation light 108 to the objective lens 114. The objective lens 114 receives the second excitation wavelength 108 and focuses the first excitation wavelength to a point or surface on, in, or near the sample or portion 134 thereof. The second excitation wavelength 108 stimulates a first detection portion (not shown) on or in the sample or portion 134 thereof, causing the first detection portion (not shown) to emit a second emission light 118 having a second emission wavelength. The second emission light 118 can be captured by the objective lens 114, pass back through the second filter 112, pass through the emission spectrum selector 130, and reach the emission detector 140.

[0038] The discussed process can be performed any number of times for any number of detection parts.

[0039] The second filters 112 may each be a dichroic, polychroic, bandpass, bandstop, or any suitable filter.

[0040] The sample or a portion thereof 134 may be located on the base 132 or between the cover 136 and the base 132. The cover 136 and the base 132 may be optically transparent to allow imaging. The sample 134, the cover 136 and the base 132 may be located on a platform 128 to move the sample 134 in the x-direction, the y-direction or the z-direction as desired. The platform 128 may include an aperture 138 that allows the first excitation wavelength 106 that has been focused by the objective lens 114 to enter into, on or near the sample or a portion thereof 134. The platform 128 may be driven by a driver 120 that includes at least one of a z-direction driver 124, an x-direction driver 122 and a y-direction driver 126 to position the sample 134. The driver 120 may be a motor (e.g., a servo motor or a stepper motor), a piezoelectric actuator, a solenoid, etc.

[0041] The optical path may also include a cut-off aperture (not shown) (eg, in a confocal microscope) to increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the boundary light signal.

[0042] The base 132 may include the following materials: glass; inert metals; metals including but not limited to gold, silver, aluminum, tin, copper, bronze, chromium, cobalt, nickel, palladium, platinum, manganese, zinc, titanium, niobium, molybdenum, tungsten or suitable metalloids; organic or inorganic materials and plastic materials, such as polyoxymethylene polystyrene, acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene ("ABS") copolymers, aromatic polycarbonates, aromatic polyesters, carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers, nylon, polyacetal, polyacetate, polyacrylonitrile and other nitrile resins, polyacrylonitrile-vinyl chloride copolymers, polyamides, aromatic polyamides ("polyarylamides"), polyamide-imides, polyarylates, polyarylene oxides, polyarylene sulfides, polyarylene sulfones, polybenzimidazoles, polybutylene terephthalate, polycarbonates, polyesters, polyesterimides, polyethersulfones, polyetherimides, polyetherketones, Polyetheretherketone, polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide, polymethacrylate, polyolefin (e.g., polyethylene, polypropylene), polyisocyanate, polyoxadiazole, polyparaxylene, polyphenylene oxide ("PPO"), modified PPO, polystyrene, polysulfone, fluoropolymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl halide such as polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl chloride-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinylidene chloride, specialty polymers, polystyrene, polycarbonate, polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer, etc.; and combinations thereof. Cover 138 may include an optically transparent material.

[0043] Figure 1B Shows something like Figure 1A The optical path of the fluorescence microscope is different in that the first excitation wavelength and the second excitation wavelength emitted by the excitation source 102 are separate lights 106 and 108.

[0044] In one embodiment, the excitation spectrum selector 110 or the emission spectrum selector 130 may be a filter that blocks or passes a given wavelength. In one embodiment, the excitation spectrum selector 110 or the emission spectrum selector 130 includes a notch filter, a band-stop filter, or a band-pass filter. In one embodiment, the excitation spectrum selector 110 or the emission spectrum selector 130 includes a diffraction grating. In one embodiment, the excitation spectrum selector 110 or the emission spectrum selector 130 includes a filter wheel. In one embodiment, the excitation spectrum selector 110 or the emission spectrum selector 130 includes a filter or a filter wheel that can be re-adjusted to block or pass a given wavelength (e.g., such as a wavelength selected by the ... Figure 3A and Figure 3BAs shown). As an example, due to the angle of the excitation spectrum selector, the first excitation wavelength 106 passes through the excitation spectrum selector 110 and the second excitation wavelength 108 is blocked from passing through the excitation spectrum selector 110. The excitation spectrum selector 110 can then readjust the angle (θ) (e.g., by a driver (not shown) connected to the optical selection substrate 130 or by a magnetic device to attract or repel the optical selection substrate 130 in the appropriate direction) to block the first excitation wavelength 106 and pass the second excitation wavelength 108. The driver (not shown) can be a motor (e.g., a servo motor or a stepper motor), a piezoelectric actuator, a solenoid, etc. Although the example discusses the excitation spectrum selector 110, the first excitation wavelength 106, and the second excitation wavelength 108, the optical path is not intended to be so limited. The re-adjustment angle can be applied to the emission spectrum selector 130 to block and pass certain emission wavelengths.

[0045] Figure 1C Shows something like Figure 1B The light path of the fluorescence microscope is different from that of FIG. 1 , except that the excitation spectrum selector 110 is not incorporated into the light path.

[0046] Spectral selector

[0047] FIG. 2A to FIG. 2E A filter assembly 200 is shown. The filter assembly 200 holds a filter 202 within a housing that includes a base 204 and a holder 206. In one embodiment, the base 204 and the holder 206 each include one or more protrusions 208 that extend from the base 204 and the holder 206 toward the filter 202 to prevent the filter 202 from directly contacting other portions of the base 204 and the holder 206. For example, the base 204 and the holder 206 may each include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more protrusions 216.

[0048] The base 204 can be sized and shaped to receive the filter 202. The base 204 also includes a base window 210 to allow light to pass to, through, and / or out of the filter 202. The base 204 also includes one or more supports 212. The one or more supports 212 allow rotation and / or translation of the filter 202, the base 204, and the holder 206 to change the incident angle between the excitation / emission light and the filter 202.

[0049] The holder 206 may be sized and shaped to fit within or on top of the base 204. The holder 206 also includes a holder window 214 to allow light to pass to, through, and / or out of the filter 202.

[0050] The cam is configured to engage with the filter assembly 200, more specifically, with a support 208 of the filter assembly 200 to change the angle of incidence between the filter 204 and the emitted light or the excitation light. The cam includes a body and a tail extending from the body, the tail including an engagement surface to engage one or more supports of the filter assembly 200. The tail of the cam can be of any shape or configuration, such as rectangular, cubic, triangular, pyramidal, curved, hooked, horn-shaped, combinations of these, etc. In addition, the size and shape of the tail can be configured to avoid any other components when the cam rotates. In one embodiment, the body includes a hole extending at least partially through the body to cooperate with a motor or a connector so as to abut the motor and the cam. In one embodiment, the body includes a protrusion extending outward from the body to cooperate with a motor or a connector so as to abut the motor and the cam. In one embodiment, the cam and the motor are a single piece.

[0051] In one embodiment, the cam 300 includes a tail portion 304 shaped like a horn, such as FIG. 3A to FIG. 3D As shown. Cam 300 includes a body 302 and a tail 304 extending from the body, the tail 304 including an engagement surface 308 to engage one or more supports of the filter assembly 200. The body 302 also includes a hole 310 extending at least partially therethrough to mate with a motor or a connector so as to abut the motor and cam 300. The horn shape includes at least one crest 306a, at least one trough 306b, and an end 306c. In one embodiment, the tail 304 of the horn shape includes a first trough between the body 302 and the first crest, a first crest, a second trough, and an end. In one embodiment, the tail 304 of the horn shape includes a first crest, a first trough, and an end directly transitioning from the body 302.

[0052] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4D An adapter 400 is shown. The adapter 400 includes a motor segment 402 and a filter segment 404. The motor segment 402 engages with a motor (not shown); the filter segment 404 engages with the filter assembly 200.

[0053] The motor segment 402 includes a body 406 including a spindle hole 408 through which the spindle of the motor can be placed and one or more attachment holes 410 for attaching the adapter to the motor. In one embodiment, the motor segment 402 also includes a stopper 412 that protrudes in a direction away from the motor to prevent the cam 300 from rotating or moving beyond a certain point.

[0054] The filter segment 404 includes a post 414 adjacent to a first arm 416 and a second arm 418. The post 414 includes a stop 428 to set a travel limit on the filter assembly when located within or adjacent to the adapter 400. The stop 428 may be a screw, a rod, a pin, a post, a spring, a cantilever, a combination of these, or the like.

[0055] The first arm 416 includes a notch 426 sized and shaped to receive at least one support member 212 of the filter assembly 200. The second arm 418 is proximate and / or adjacent to the motor segment 402. The second arm 418 includes a notch 420 sized and shaped to receive at least one support member 212 of the filter assembly 200. The second arm 418 also includes an inner surface 422 including one or more steps 424 located at various points along the inner surface 422 to set a maximum distance traveled by the filter assembly 200 and / or to set a tension applied on the filter assembly 200 by a spring (not shown).

[0056] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5D An embodiment of a spectral selector 500 is shown. The spectral selector 500 includes a filter assembly 200, a cam 300 extending from or adjacent to a motor 502, and an adapter 400. The spectral selector 500 provides a range of incident angles between the filter 202 of the filter assembly 200 and the emission / excitation light. For example, the incident angle can be 0°, 1°, 2°, 3°, 4°, 5°, 6°, 7°, 8°, 9°, 10°, 11°, 12°, 15°, 20°, 25°, 30°, 40°, 45°, 50°, 60°, 70°, 75°, 80°, 85°, or 89.9°. In one embodiment, the incident angle can be up to but not including 90°. In one embodiment, the incident angle can be less than 90°. In one embodiment, the incident angle can be from 0° to 89.9°. Additionally, the angle of incidence may be varied from the first point in time to the second point in time in order to acquire separate images at different wavelengths.

[0057] FIG. 5E to FIG. 5F The exemplary spectral selector 500 is shown in a first position. Figure 5G to Figure 5HAn example spectral selector 500 is shown in a second position. To move or rotate the filter 202 from the first position to the second position, the cam 300 engaged with at least one support 212 of the filter assembly 200 is rotated or translated due to actuation of a motor 502, of which the cam 300 is part or adjacent to the motor. Rotation or translation of the cam 300 toward the filter assembly 200 causes the engagement surface 308 to engage the filter assembly 200, causing the filter assembly 200 to rotate or translate with the one or more supports 212. To move or rotate the filter 202 from the second position to the first position, the cam 300 engaged with at least one support 212 of the filter assembly 200 is rotated or translated due to actuation of the motor 502, of which the cam 300 is part or adjacent to the motor. Rotation or translation of the cam 300 away from the filter assembly 200 causes the filter assembly to contact a different portion of the engagement surface 308, thereby changing the height and / or angle of the filter assembly 200. Whether due to gravity, the force applied by the spring 426, or a combination thereof, the filter assembly 202 rotates or translates toward the cam 300. Alternatively, rotation or translation of the cam 300 away from the filter assembly 200 causes the engagement surface 308 to disengage from the filter assembly 200. Whether due to gravity, an external force (e.g., an external force applied by the spring 426), or a combination thereof, the filter assembly 202 rotates or translates toward the cam 300.

[0058] Although a first position and a second position are discussed, the spectral selector can have any number of desired positions, each with a different angle of incidence. Although a single-piece filter assembly 200 is discussed, a filter wheel including multiple filters and / or filter assemblies can be used. In one embodiment, the multiple filter assemblies are arranged in a wheel or circular pattern such that rotation of the wheel motor causes the filter assemblies to rotate about a common axis. Each filter assembly can be docked within an adapter 400 for imaging. The wheel motor is then activated to rotate the filter assembly out and replaced by another filter assembly. In one embodiment, each filter assembly includes an adapter such that no adapter is fixed to the motor, such as FIG. 5A to FIG. 5H As shown. Multiple filter assemblies and adapters are arranged in a wheel or circular pattern so that rotation of the wheel motor causes the filter assemblies and adapters to rotate about a common axis. The adapters can be temporarily attached to the motor, or can be close to the motor so that the cam engages one or more supports of the filter assembly. The wheel motor is then activated to rotate the filter assembly and adapter away from the motor and replace it with another filter assembly and adapter. In one embodiment, one or more additional filter assemblies may be included. In one embodiment, each additional filter assembly includes filters, wherein no two filters have the same bandpass profile. In one embodiment, each additional filter assembly includes filters, wherein at least two filters have the same bandpass profile.

[0059] As described above, for example, when two or more detection portions have overlapping spectra, changing the angle of incidence allows the emission / excitation wavelength to be selected to obtain various images across multiple emission / excitation wavelengths. For example, in one embodiment, the detection portion can have a difference in the spectrum at a peak that is less than or equal to 50nm. In one embodiment, the detection portion can have a difference in the spectrum at a peak that is less than or equal to 10nm. In one embodiment, the detection portion can have a difference in the spectrum at a peak of 1nm to 50nm. In one embodiment, the detection portion can have a difference in the spectrum at a peak of 10nm to 50nm. In one embodiment, the detection portion can have a difference in the spectrum at a peak of 1nm, 2nm, 3nm, 4nm, 5nm, 6nm, 7nm, 8nm, 9nm, 10nm, 11nm, 12nm, 15nm, 20nm, 25nm, 30nm, 40nm, 50nm, 60nm, 70nm, 75nm, 80nm, 90nm or 100nm. In one embodiment, the difference between the continuous spectra (e.g., at the peaks) can be the same (e.g., the first detection portion and the second detection portion are separated by 10 nm, and the second detection portion and the third detection portion are separated by 10 nm). In one embodiment, the difference between the continuous spectra (e.g., at the peaks) can be different (e.g., the first detection portion and the second detection portion are separated by 10 nm, and the second detection portion and the third detection portion are separated by 25 nm).

[0060] When a feature or element is referred to as "on another feature or element" in this article, it can be directly on another feature or element, or there can also be intermediate features and / or elements. On the contrary, when a feature or element is referred to as "directly on" another feature or element, there is no intermediate feature or element. It should also be clear that when a feature or element is referred to as "adjacent", "connected", "attached" or "coupled" to another feature or element, it can be directly connected, attached or coupled to another feature or element, or there can be intermediate features or elements. On the contrary, when a feature or element is referred to as "directly connected", "directly attached" or "directly coupled" to another feature or element, there is no intervening feature or element. Although described or shown with respect to one embodiment, the features and elements described or shown in this way can be applied to other embodiments. It should also be clear to those skilled in the art that the reference to the structure or feature of the "adjacent" another feature arrangement can have a part overlapping with the adjacent feature or located under the adjacent feature.

[0061] The terms used herein are only used for the purpose of illustrating specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. For example, as used herein, the singular forms "a", "a kind of" and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be clear that when used in this specification, the terms "include" and / or "comprise" specify the presence of the features, steps, operations, elements and / or parts, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, parts and / or combinations thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more associated listed items and can be abbreviated as " / ".

[0062] As shown in the figures, spatially relative terms, such as "below", "under", "down", "above", "above", etc., may be used herein to facilitate the description of the relationship between an element or feature and one or more other elements or one or more features. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the figures, spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation. For example, if the device in the figure is inverted, the element described as "below other elements or features" or "below other elements or features" will be oriented as "above other elements or features". Therefore, the exemplary term "below" may include both the orientation of the above and the below. The device may be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatially relative specifiers used herein are interpreted accordingly. Similarly, the terms "upward", "downward", "vertical", "horizontal", etc. are used herein for the purpose of explanation unless otherwise specifically noted.

[0063] Although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various features / elements (including steps), these features / elements should not be limited by these terms unless the context indicates otherwise. These terms may be used to distinguish one feature / element from another feature / element. Thus, the first feature / element discussed below may be referred to as the second feature / element, and similarly, the second feature / element discussed below may be referred to as the first feature / element without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

[0064] In this specification and the appended claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" and variations such as "include" and "comprising" mean that various components can be used together in methods and articles (e.g., compositions and devices including apparatus and methods). For example, the term "comprising" will be understood to imply the inclusion of any stated elements or steps but not the exclusion of any other elements or steps.

[0065] As used herein in the specification and claims, as used in the examples and included and unless otherwise explicitly stated, all numbers can be interpreted as beginning with the word "about" or "approximately", even if the term does not appear explicitly. When describing a value and / or position, the phrase "about" or "approximately" can be used to indicate that the value and / or position described are within the reasonable expected range of the value and / or position. For example, a numerical value can have a value of + / -0.1% of the value (or range of values), + / -1% of the value (or range of values), + / -2% of the value (or range of values), + / -5% of the value (or range of values), + / -10% of the value (or range of values), etc. Unless otherwise indicated in the context, any numerical value given herein is also understood to include about or approximately the value. For example, if the value "10" is disclosed, "about 10" is also disclosed. Any numerical range listed herein is intended to include all subranges contained therein. It should also be clear that when a numerical value is disclosed, "less than or equal to" the numerical value, "greater than or equal to the numerical value," and possible ranges between the numerical values ​​are also disclosed, as appropriately understood by those skilled in the art. For example, if a value "X" is disclosed, "less than or equal to X" and "greater than or equal to X" (e.g., where X is a numerical value) are also disclosed. It should also be clear that throughout the application, data is provided in a variety of different formats, and that the data represents endpoints and starting points, as well as ranges for any combination of data points. For example, if a specific data point "10" and a specific data point "15" are disclosed, it should be clear that greater than, greater than or equal to, less than, less than or equal to, and equal to 10 and 15, as well as between 10 and 15, are considered disclosed. It should also be clear that every unit between two specific units is also disclosed. For example, if 10 and 15 are disclosed, 11, 12, 13, and 14 are also disclosed.

[0066] Although various illustrative embodiments are described above, any of a number of changes may be made to the various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as described by the claims. For example, in alternative embodiments, the order in which the various described method steps are performed may generally be changed, and in other alternative embodiments, one or more method steps may be skipped entirely. Optional features of the various device and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and not in other embodiments. Therefore, the foregoing description is provided primarily for exemplary purposes and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is set forth in the claims.

[0067] The examples and descriptions included herein show in an illustrative and non-limiting manner the specific embodiments in which the present subject matter can be practiced. As described above, other embodiments can be utilized and derived therefrom so that structural and logical replacements and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. If more than one invention or inventive concept is actually disclosed, such embodiments of the present subject matter can be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term "invention", which is only for convenience and is not intended to voluntarily limit the scope of the present application to any single invention or inventive concept. Therefore, although specific embodiments are shown and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose can replace the specific embodiments shown. The present disclosure is intended to cover any and all modifications or changes of various embodiments. The combination of the above-mentioned embodiments and other embodiments not specifically described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the above description.

[0068] For the purpose of explanation, the foregoing description uses specific terms to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practice the systems and methods described herein. For the purpose of illustration and description, the above description of specific embodiments is presented by way of example. These examples are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise form described. In view of the above teachings, many modifications and variations are possible. The embodiments are shown and described in order to best explain the principles and practical applications of the present disclosure, so that other technical personnel in the art can best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the intended specific use. The scope of the present disclosure is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A system, comprising: a first filter assembly comprising a first filter and two or more supports; Cam, an adapter, the adapter comprising a filter segment, wherein the filter segment includes a post adjacent to a first arm and a second arm, and wherein the first arm and the second arm each include at least one cutout sized and shaped to receive at least one support member of the filter assembly, Wherein the cam is configured to contact a portion of the first filter assembly and rotate the first filter assembly from a first position to a second position.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first position is a first angle of incidence, and wherein the second position is a second angle of incidence, wherein the first angle of incidence and the second angle of incidence are angles of incidence relative to a path of light through the first filter. 3 . The system of claim 2 , wherein the first incident angle and the second incident angle range from 0° to 89.9°.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the first incident angle and the second incident angle are selected from any incident angle within a range of 5° to 60°, and wherein the first incident angle and the second incident angle are not equal.

5. The system of claim 1 further comprising a motor adjacent to the cam.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the filter assembly further comprises: base; as well as Retainer, The first optical filter is located between the base and the holder.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the base and the holder each include a body and one or more protrusions extending from the body toward the first filter.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein a first side of the base includes one or more of the supports, and wherein an opposing second side of the base includes one or more of the supports.

9. The system of claim 5, further comprising a motor segment, wherein the motor segment is adjacent to the motor.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the motor segment comprises a body, the body comprising a spindle hole, and a spindle of the motor can be inserted through the spindle hole.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the motor segment further comprises a stopper protruding in a direction away from the motor to prevent rotation or movement of the cam beyond a certain point.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the support post includes a stop to provide a travel limit on the filter assembly.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the stop is a screw, a rod, a pin, a post, a spring, a cantilever, or a combination of these.

14. The system of claim 1, further comprising one or more additional filter assemblies, wherein each additional filter assembly comprises a filter.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein no two filters have the same bandpass profile.

16. The system of claim 14, wherein at least two filters have the same bandpass profile.

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