An imaging system and cell incubator

Abstract

The application discloses an imaging system, a light generating module forms parallel light with uniform light energy distribution from light emitted by a light source and emits the parallel light, a turning module guides the parallel light emitted by the light generating module to propagate, and the parallel light is obliquely irradiated to a sample. The imaging module comprises a lens assembly and a light intensity modulation element, the lens assembly collects light transmitted through the sample and performs imaging based on the light transmitted through the sample, and the light intensity modulation element is used for attenuating light energy of different regions of a cross section of light entering the lens assembly at different attenuation rates, so that there is a brightness difference between different regions of a sample image obtained by the imaging module. The imaging system of the application can avoid using Kohler illumination and can make the illumination light path structure relatively simple. The parallel light is obliquely irradiated to the sample by the turning module, so that the imaging system is more convenient to assemble and adjust. The application further discloses a cell incubator.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of optical imaging, in particular to an imaging system. The present application also relates to a cell incubator. BACKGROUND

[0002] The phase contrast imaging method is one of the microscopic imaging methods for observing phase objects. The phase objects mainly affect the phase information of the transmitted light wave, and the light intensity change of the transmitted light wave is small, so it is difficult to clearly image them by the conventional microscopic imaging method. For example, biological cells belong to weakly absorbing phase objects.

[0003] The traditional phase contrast imaging method places an annular diaphragm in the illumination light path, and matches the annular phase plate at the back focal plane of the objective lens, so as to convert the change of the phase information of the light wave transmitted through the sample into the change of the light intensity, and finally reflected in the image. However, the traditional phase contrast imaging is only suitable for observing thin samples, and the imaging effect of thick samples is poor, and there is a light halo phenomenon at the edge of the sample, which seriously affects the imaging effect.

[0004] The phase contrast imaging method can solve the problems existing in the traditional phase contrast imaging method, but the existing phase contrast imaging method and its subsequent extension direction are based on Kohler illumination, which causes the illumination light path device to be numerous, and makes it difficult to assemble and adjust the system. SUMMARY

[0005] The purpose of the present application is to provide an imaging system which can avoid using Kohler illumination, make the illumination light path structure simpler, and make the imaging system easier to assemble and adjust. The present application also provides a cell incubator.

[0006] To achieve the above purpose, the present application provides the following technical scheme:

[0007] An imaging system, comprising a light generating module, a turning module and an imaging module, the light generating module is used for forming parallel light with uniform light energy distribution from the light source and emitting the parallel light, the turning module is used for guiding the parallel light emitted by the light generating module to propagate, so that the parallel light obliquely irradiates the sample;

[0008] The imaging module comprises a lens assembly and a light intensity modulation element, the lens assembly is used for collecting the light transmitted through the sample and imaging based on the light transmitted through the sample, and the light intensity modulation element is used for attenuating the light energy of different regions of the cross section of the light entering the lens assembly at different attenuation rates, so that there is a brightness difference between different regions of the sample image obtained by the imaging module.

[0009] Preferably, the light generating module comprises a first collimating component, a light converging component, a light homogenizing element and a second collimating component, the first collimating component is configured to collimate the light emitted by the light source, the light converging component is configured to converge the parallel light emitted by the first collimating component to the light homogenizing element, the light homogenizing element is configured to homogenize the light energy distribution of the light passing through the light homogenizing element and make the light incident to the second collimating component, the second collimating component is configured to collimate the light and emit the formed parallel light.

[0010] Preferably, the light homogenizing element is configured to scatter the light transmitted into the light homogenizing element and make the light transmitted out of the light homogenizing element, so that the light energy distribution of the light passing through the light homogenizing element is homogenized.

[0011] Preferably, the light generating module comprises a first light stop, the first light stop and the light intensity modulating element are in a mutual conjugate position.

[0012] Preferably, the turning module is further configured to change the incident angle of the parallel light irradiating to the sample.

[0013] Preferably, the turning module comprises a first reflecting element, the first reflecting element is configured to reflect the parallel light emitted by the light generating module to the sample, so that the parallel light obliquely irradiates to the sample, the angle of the first reflecting element is changeable to change the incident angle of the parallel light irradiating to the sample.

[0014] Preferably, the light intensity modulating element comprises at least two light transmitting regions, different light transmitting regions have different attenuation rates of attenuating the light energy of the transmitted light.

[0015] Preferably, the light generating module comprises a first light stop, the first light stop and the light intensity modulating element are in a mutual conjugate position, the lateral dimension of the image formed by the first light stop on the light intensity modulating element is less than or equal to the lateral dimension of the light transmitting region in the middle of the light intensity modulating element.

[0016] Preferably, the lens assembly comprises a first lens group and a second lens group, the light intensity modulating element is arranged between the first lens group and the second lens group, the first lens group is configured to collect the light transmitted through the sample and emit the light in the form of parallel light, the light transmitted through the light intensity modulating element, the second lens group is configured to image based on the light transmitted through the light intensity modulating element.

[0017] A cell incubator, comprising a culture chamber configured to culture cells and an imaging system configured to image the cells, the imaging system comprising the imaging system described above.

[0018] From the above technical solutions, the imaging system provided by the application comprises a light generating module, a turning module and an imaging module, the light generating module forms parallel light with uniform light energy distribution from light emitted by a light source and emits the parallel light, the turning module guides the parallel light emitted by the light generating module to propagate, and the parallel light is obliquely irradiated to a sample. The imaging module comprises a lens assembly and a light intensity modulation element, the lens assembly collects light transmitted through the sample and performs imaging based on the light transmitted through the sample, and the light intensity modulation element is used for attenuating light energy of different regions of a cross section of light entering the lens assembly at different attenuation rates, so that there is a brightness difference between different regions of a sample image obtained by the imaging module,

[0019] In the imaging system of the application, the light generating module forms parallel light with uniform light energy distribution from light emitted by a light source, the sample is irradiated by the parallel light, the use of Kohler illumination can be avoided, and the illumination light path structure is relatively simple. The turning module is used for guiding the parallel light to propagate, the sample is obliquely irradiated by the parallel light, and the imaging system is more convenient to assemble and adjust.

[0020] The cell incubator provided by the application can achieve the beneficial effects described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the application or the prior art, the drawings needed to be used in the embodiments or the prior art description will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings in the following description can only be some embodiments of the application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an imaging system provided by an embodiment of the application is shown in the figure.

[0023] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a light generating module provided by an embodiment of the application is shown in the figure.

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an imaging system provided by another embodiment of the application is shown in the figure.

[0025] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an imaging system provided by another embodiment of the application is shown in the figure.

[0026] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of light transmitted through a sample in the imaging system of an embodiment of the application and incident to a light intensity modulation element is shown in the figure.

[0027] Figure 6(a) is a schematic diagram of first light barrier imaging on a light transmission region of a light intensity modulation element in an intermediate position in an embodiment of the application.

[0028] Fig. 6(b) and Fig. 6(c) are schematic diagrams of the first aperture deviated imaging on the light transmission region of the light intensity modulation element in the middle, respectively, according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Figure 7 Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an imaging module according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Figure 8 Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a cell incubator according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] In order to make the person skilled in the art better understand the technical solutions in the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the drawings of the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by the person skilled in the art without creative labor should belong to the protection scope of the present application.

[0032] Please refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an imaging system according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in the figure, the imaging system includes a light generation module 101, a turning module 102 and an imaging module 103. The light generation module 101 is used to form parallel light with uniform light energy distribution from the light emitted by the light source and emit the parallel light. The turning module 102 is used to guide the parallel light emitted by the light generation module 101 to propagate, so that the parallel light obliquely irradiates the sample 100.

[0033] The imaging module 103 includes a lens assembly and a light intensity modulation element 104. The lens assembly is used to collect the light transmitted through the sample 100 and perform imaging based on the light transmitted through the sample 100. The light intensity modulation element 104 is used to attenuate the light energy of different regions of the cross section of the light entering the lens assembly at different attenuation rates, so that there is a difference in brightness between different regions of the sample image obtained by the imaging module 103.

[0034] The light generation module 101 collimates and homogenizes the light emitted by the light source to form parallel light with uniform light energy distribution. The oblique irradiation of the parallel light to the sample 100 means that the incident angle of the parallel light incident to the sample 100 is greater than 0° and less than 90°.

[0035] The parallel light irradiates the sample 100, irradiates different gradient regions of the sample 100, and the light transmitted through the sample 100 is collected by the lens assembly. The lens assembly images based on the light transmitted through the sample 100, thereby obtaining a sample image, and realizing imaging of the sample. Wherein, the light intensity modulation element 104 attenuates the light energy of different regions of the cross section of the light entering the lens assembly at different attenuation rates, so that different regions of the obtained sample image have brightness differences, and a sample image with different brightness of different gradient regions of the sample 100 can be obtained.

[0036] The light generating module of the imaging system of the embodiment forms parallel light with uniform light energy distribution from the light emitted by the light source, irradiates the sample with the parallel light, which can avoid using Kohler illumination, and can make the illumination light path structure relatively simple. And the turning module is used to guide the propagation of the parallel light, so that the parallel light obliquely irradiates the sample, so that the imaging system is more convenient to assemble and adjust.

[0037] For phase objects such as biological cells, the object changes the phase of the transmitted light, and the phase change of the transmitted light is different for different gradient regions of the object. In the imaging system of the embodiment, the light intensity modulation element 104 is used in the imaging module 103 to attenuate the light energy of different regions of the cross section of the light transmitted through the sample 100 at different attenuation rates, so that different regions of the obtained sample image have brightness differences, so that a sample image with different brightness of different gradient regions of the sample 100 can be obtained, and the sample image obtained by imaging has a three-dimensional effect with clear and dark stereoscopic effect.

[0038] In the embodiment, the optical structure of the light generating module 101 is not limited, and the light emitted by the light source can form parallel light with uniform light energy distribution, and the optical structure of the light generating module 101 is preferably relatively simple.

[0039] As an optional implementation, the light generating module 101 can include a first collimating assembly, a light converging assembly, a light homogenizing element, and a second collimating assembly. The first collimating assembly is used to collimate the light emitted by the light source. The light converging assembly is used to converge the parallel light emitted by the first collimating assembly to the light homogenizing element. The light homogenizing element is used to make the light energy distribution of the light uniform, and make the light incident on the second collimating assembly. The second collimating assembly is used to collimate the light and emit the formed parallel light. For reference Figure 2 , Figure 2The schematic diagram of the light generating module provided by an embodiment is shown in the figure. The light generating module 101 comprises a light source 105, a first collimating assembly 106, a light converging assembly 107, a light homogenizing element 108 and a second collimating assembly 109. The light emitted by the light source 105 is subjected to a preliminary light energy homogenization process by the first collimating assembly 106. The light converging assembly 107 converges the parallel light to the light homogenizing element 108, which further homogenizes the light. The second collimating assembly 109 collimates the light transmitted through the light homogenizing element 108 into parallel light and emits it.

[0040] Optionally, the first collimating assembly 106 can comprise any one or any multiple of a convex lens, a concave lens, a plano-convex lens or a plano-concave lens. The light converging assembly 107 can comprise any one or any multiple of a convex lens, a concave lens, a plano-convex lens or a plano-concave lens. The second collimating assembly 109 can comprise any one or any multiple of a convex lens, a concave lens, a plano-convex lens or a plano-concave lens. In actual applications, the optical structures of the first collimating assembly 106, the light converging assembly 107 and the second collimating assembly 109 can be set according to application requirements, and the optical structures of the first collimating assembly 106, the light converging assembly 107 and the second collimating assembly 109 are preferably designed to be as simple as possible.

[0041] Preferably, the light homogenizing element 108 is used to scatter the light transmitted into the light homogenizing element 108 and make the light transmitted out of the light homogenizing element 108, so that the light energy distribution of the light after passing through the light homogenizing element 108 is uniform. The light homogenizing element 108 makes the energy distribution of the transmitted light beam uniform by modulating the emission angle of the light.

[0042] Preferably, the light source 105 is on the back focal plane of the first collimating assembly 106, and the light homogenizing element 108 is on the front focal plane of the light converging assembly 107, so that the light homogenizing element 108 homogenizes the light in the Fourier plane.

[0043] Optionally, the light generating module 101 can further comprise a second light diaphragm for controlling the transverse size of the parallel light beam emitted by the light generating module 101. The transverse size of the light beam is the size of the cross section of the light beam. Please refer to Figure 2 The second light diaphragm 110 is arranged on the side where the second collimating assembly 109 emits light. In actual applications, the aperture size of the second light diaphragm 110 can be set according to application requirements.

[0044] Preferably, as a preferred embodiment, the light generating module 101 can comprise a first light diaphragm, which and the light intensity modulating element 104 are in a mutually conjugate position, that is, the first light diaphragm is imaged on the light intensity modulating element 104. The first light diaphragm is used to limit the energy size of the light emitted by the light homogenizing element 108 through the first light diaphragm, and the brightness of the image can be controlled through the first light diaphragm. Please refer to Figure 3, Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an imaging system is provided for another embodiment, as shown in the figure, a first diaphragm 111 is arranged between the light homogenizing element 108 and the second collimating assembly 109, the light energy passing through the light homogenizing element 108 is uniformly distributed, and is emitted to the second collimating assembly 109 through the first diaphragm 111. Preferably, the first diaphragm 111 can be arranged on the back focal plane of the second collimating assembly 109. Preferably, the aperture size of the first diaphragm 111 can be changed, and in actual application, the aperture size of the first diaphragm 111 can be adjusted according to application requirements.

[0045] In this embodiment, the optical structure of the turning module 102 is not limited, and the turning module 102 can guide the parallel light emitted by the light generating module 101 to propagate, so that the parallel light can obliquely irradiate the sample 100. Preferably, the optical structure of the turning module 102 is relatively simple. The turning module 102 can use a reflecting element to reflect light to guide light propagation, the turning module 102 can also use a prism to refract and / or reflect light, or the turning module 102 can also use other optical elements to guide the propagation of parallel light.

[0046] Preferably, the turning module 102 is also used to change the incident angle of the parallel light irradiating the sample 100. According to different imaging requirements of the sample 100, the turning module 102 can change the incident angle of the parallel light irradiating the sample 100.

[0047] Optionally, the turning module 102 can include a first reflecting element for reflecting the parallel light emitted by the light generating module 101 to the sample 100, so that the parallel light obliquely irradiates the sample 100, and the angle of the first reflecting element can be changed to change the incident angle of the parallel light irradiating the sample 100. For reference Figure 4 Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an imaging system is provided for another embodiment, as shown in the figure, the turning module 102 includes a prism 112 and a first reflecting element 113, the parallel light emitted by the light generating module 102 is incident to the prism 112, the prism 112 turns the light to be incident to the first reflecting element 113, and the first reflecting element 113 reflects the parallel light to be obliquely incident to the sample 100.

[0048] The angle of the first reflecting element 113 refers to the angle of the first reflecting element 113 relative to a certain direction, such as the angle relative to the horizontal direction. The first reflecting element 113 can be rotated to change the reflection angle of the parallel light, so as to change the incident angle of the parallel light irradiating the sample 100. The first reflecting element 113 can be a mirror, but is not limited to a mirror.

[0049] ​Preferably, the prism 112 can be a pentaprism. A pentaprism can turn the direction of propagation of parallel light by 90°. A pentaprism can ensure that the light is turned by 90° even when the incident light incident on the pentaprism is not completely perpendicular to the end face of the pentaprism, which can reduce the impact of prism installation on the optical path.

[0050] Optionally, the light intensity modulation element 104 may include at least two light-transmitting regions, with different attenuation rates for the light energy transmitted through the regions. The attenuation rate of a light-transmitting region refers to the ratio of the energy of the light transmitted through the region to the energy of the light incident on the region. An example may be referenced. Figure 5 , Figure 5 The figure shows a schematic diagram of light passing through a sample and incident on a light modulation element in an imaging system according to an embodiment. As shown, the light intensity modulation element 104 includes a first light-transmitting region 201, a second light-transmitting region 202 and a third light-transmitting region 203. Each light-transmitting region has no attenuation, partial attenuation and severe attenuation of the transmitted light, respectively.

[0051] The following uses Figure 5 The light intensity modulation element 104 shown illustrates the imaging principle of this imaging system. For a sample 100 with a thickness gradient, when parallel light obliquely illuminates the sample 100, when the light passes through the middle region of the sample 100, the corresponding... Figure 5 The b-ray, with almost no deflection in its propagation direction, eventually passes through the central light-transmitting region 202 of the light intensity modulation element 104 within the imaging module 103. Due to partial attenuation of light intensity, this portion of the light is ultimately imaged as gray, meaning the central region of the sample image is gray. When parallel light illuminates and passes through the right-side region of the sample 100, the corresponding... Figure 5 The 'a' ray, due to the gradient direction and refraction of the sample surface, passes through the left light-transmitting area 201 of the light intensity modulation element 104 within the imaging module 103. Since the light intensity does not attenuate, this portion of the light ultimately appears as a brighter white image, meaning the right side of the sample image is bright white. When parallel light illuminates and passes through the left side of the sample 100, the corresponding... Figure 5 The c-ray, due to the surface gradient direction and refraction, passes through the right-side light-transmitting area 203 of the light intensity modulation element 104 within the imaging module 103. Because of severe light intensity attenuation, this portion of the light ultimately appears as a darker image, meaning the left side of the sample image is darker. Based on this, tilted uniform illumination achieves modulated phase-contrast imaging, separately imaging different areas of the sample 100 surface with varying gradients to achieve a three-dimensional imaging effect.

[0052] Preferably, the lateral dimension of the image formed by the first aperture 111 on the light intensity modulation element 104 is less than or equal to the lateral dimension of the central light-transmitting region of the light intensity modulation element 104. The first aperture 111 and the light intensity modulation element 104 are in a conjugate position, satisfying the object-image relationship, that is, the first aperture 111 images onto the light intensity modulation element 104. Normally, the first aperture 111 images onto the central light-transmitting region of the light intensity modulation element 104. Therefore, the lateral dimension of the image formed by the first aperture 111 being less than or equal to the lateral dimension of the central light-transmitting region of the light intensity modulation element 104 ensures that different regions of the sample image formed after the sample light passes through different light-transmitting regions of the light intensity modulation element 104 have significant brightness differences.

[0053] Combination Figure 4 The imaging system shown, and in conjunction with Figure 6(a), is defined as follows: the diameter of the first aperture stop 111 is d1, the focal length of the second collimating assembly 109 is f1, the focal length of the first lens group 114 is f2, the diameter of the image 204 of the first aperture stop 111 on the light intensity modulation element 104 is d2, and the width of the central light-transmitting region 202 of the light intensity modulation element 104 is w. From the imaging relationship, d2 = (f2 / f1)·d1. Typically, d2 = w, then w = (f2 / f1)·d1.

[0054] Preferably, the aperture size of the first aperture 111 can be changed. In practical applications, the aperture size of the first aperture 111 can be adjusted according to the size of the light transmission area of ​​the light intensity modulation element 104 used in the imaging module 103, so that the aperture of the first aperture 111 matches the light transmission area of ​​the light intensity modulation element 104 in the imaging module 103 to meet the application requirements.

[0055] Furthermore, the imaging system of this embodiment can adjust the contrast of the sample image obtained by imaging the sample. The incident angle of the parallel light illuminating the sample 100 can be changed by the turning module 102, and the position of the image formed on the light intensity modulation element 104 by the first aperture 111 can be changed, thereby adjusting the contrast of different areas of the formed sample image.

[0056] Fig. 6(a) is a schematic diagram of the first aperture imaging on the light transmission region of the light intensity modulation element in the middle in an embodiment, and Figs. 6(b) and 6(c) are schematic diagrams of the first aperture imaging on the light transmission region of the light intensity modulation element in the middle in an embodiment, respectively. Assuming that the angle between the parallel light reflected by the first reflecting element 113 and the optical axis is θ0, and the distance from the image of the first aperture 111 to the center of the light intensity modulation element 104 is L0, at this time, the relationship L0=f2 tan θ0 is satisfied. When the first reflecting element 113 rotates by an angle of α, the inclination direction of the light beam is θ=2α, at this time, the inclination direction of the light beam is θ0±θ, and the position of the image 204 of the first aperture 111 on the light intensity modulation element 104 is L=f2 tan(θ0±θ). The "+" sign represents that the image of the first aperture 111 is moved to the direction away from the center of the light intensity modulation element 104, corresponding to Fig. 6(b), at this time, the overall brightness of the image is dark, which belongs to the darker contrast modulation. The "-" sign represents that the image of the first aperture 111 is moved to the direction close to the center of the light intensity modulation element 104, corresponding to Fig. 6(c), at this time, the overall brightness of the image is bright, which belongs to the brighter contrast modulation. According to this adjustment principle, in actual use, according to the different samples, the optimal image contrast effect can be achieved by fine-tuning the rotation angle α of the first reflecting element 113. Usually, α is 0-10°.

[0057] For better understanding, reference can be made to Figure 5 The thickness of the substrate glass sheet 115 used by the sample is consistent with the thickness of the adaptive glass sheet of the lens assembly and the light intensity modulation element 104. The thickness of the substrate glass sheet 115 used by the sample 100 is matched with the thickness of the adaptive glass sheet of the imaging module 103, which can eliminate the influence of spherical aberration on imaging and improve the imaging quality.

[0058] Optionally, the lens assembly can include a first lens group and a second lens group, and the light intensity modulation element 104 is arranged between the first lens group and the second lens group. The first lens group is used to collect light transmitted through the sample and emit the light in the form of parallel light, so that the light is transmitted through the light intensity modulation element 104. The second lens group is used to image based on the light transmitted through the light intensity modulation element 104. By collecting the light transmitted through the sample 100 by the first lens group and emitting the light in the form of parallel light, other optical elements can be flexibly arranged on the light path between the first lens group and the second lens group.

[0059] Optionally, the first lens group can include any one or any multiple of a convex lens, a concave lens, a plano-convex lens, or a plano-concave lens. The second lens group can include any one or any multiple of a convex lens, a concave lens, a plano-convex lens, or a plano-concave lens. In actual application, the specific structure of the first lens group and the second lens group can be designed according to application requirements.

[0060] For better understanding, reference can be made toFigure 7 , Figure 7 The schematic diagram of the imaging module provided in an embodiment is shown in the figure. The second lens group 116 converges the parallel light emitted by the first lens group 114 to the detection device 118. A second reflecting element 117 can be arranged between the second lens group 116 and the detection device 118, and the second reflecting element 117 is used to reflect the light emitted by the second lens group 116 to the detection device 118,

[0061] In a specific example, the light source 105 is a light emitting diode (LED) with a central wavelength of 625 nm. The first aperture 111 is a circular aperture with an aperture diameter d1 adjustable in the range of 0-10 mm, and the initial value is 2 mm, and is usually 2-5 mm. The aperture diameter of the second aperture 110 is 5 mm. The focal length f1 of the second collimating assembly 109 is 5 mm.

[0062] The first reflecting element 113 is arranged at an angle of 50° with the horizontal direction. The parallel light is incident on the sample 100 at an angle of 10°.

[0063] The thickness of the sample substrate 115 is 0.17-1.5 mm. In this specific example, the thickness is 1.2 mm, and the thickness of the cover glass in the imaging module 103 is also 1.2 mm, which is adapted to the thickness of the light intensity modulation element 104. The detection device 118 can be a CCD detection device or a COMS detection device.

[0064] The focal length f2 of the first lens group 114 is 5 mm, and the width of the central light transmission region of the light intensity modulation element 104 is 2 mm, and the center of the central light transmission region is 0.88 mm away from the center of the light intensity modulation element 104. Through calculation, the width of the image of the first aperture 111 on the light intensity modulation element 104 is d2=(f2 / f1)·d1=5 mm / 5 mm·2 mm=2 mm, which is exactly equal to the width of the central light transmission region of the light intensity modulation element 104. The distance from the image of the first aperture 111 to the center of the light intensity modulation element 104 is f2·tanθ0=5 mm·tan10°=0.88 mm, which is exactly matched to the distance from the center of the central light transmission region of the light intensity modulation element 104 to the center of the light intensity modulation element 104.

[0065] In order to change the light-dark contrast, the rotation angle of the first reflecting element 113 is adjusted to ±1°, which corresponds to the change of the incident angle of the parallel light on the sample 100 to 8°-12°. At this time, the distance from the image of the first aperture 111 to the center of the light intensity modulation element 104 is changed to 0.71-1.06 mm, 0.71 mm corresponds to a brighter contrast, and 1.06 mm corresponds to a darker contrast, and the overall contrast can be adjusted in this range.

[0066] Accordingly, this embodiment also provides a cell culture chamber, including a culture chamber and an imaging system. The culture chamber is used to culture cells, and the imaging system is used to image the cells. The imaging system includes the imaging system described above.

[0067] The cell culture chamber of this embodiment can use an imaging system to image the cells cultured therein to observe cell growth. In the imaging system used, the light generation module forms the light emitted by the light source into parallel light with uniform light energy distribution, so that the parallel light illuminates the sample, which can avoid the use of Kohler illumination and make the illumination optical path structure relatively simple; and the deflection module guides the propagation of parallel light so that the parallel light illuminates the sample at an angle, making the imaging system easier to assemble and adjust.

[0068] Optionally, the cell culture chamber may include multiple culture chambers, each for culturing cells separately. In this embodiment, the number of culture chambers is not limited; it can be set according to application requirements in practical applications. An exemplary embodiment can be found here. Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a cell culture chamber provided in this embodiment. As shown in the figure, the cell culture chamber includes an imaging system 301 and multiple culture chambers 300. Optionally, the imaging system 301 is movable and can be moved to a corresponding position in each culture chamber 300 to image the cells within the corresponding culture chamber 300. In other embodiments, an imaging system can also be provided for each culture chamber.

[0069] Optionally, the cell culture chamber in this embodiment can be used to culture embryonic cells.

[0070] The imaging system and cell culture chamber provided by this invention have been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the embodiments above are merely for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications to this invention without departing from its principles, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of the claims of this invention.

Claims

1. An imaging system, characterized in that, It includes a light generation module, a deflection module, and an imaging module. The light generation module is used to form parallel light with uniform light energy distribution from the light emitted by the light source and to emit the parallel light. The deflection module is used to guide the propagation of the parallel light emitted by the light generation module so that the parallel light obliquely illuminates the sample. The imaging module includes a lens assembly and a light intensity modulation element. The lens assembly is used to collect light transmitted through the sample and to perform imaging based on the light transmitted through the sample. The lens assembly includes a first lens group, which is used to collect light transmitted through the sample and emit the light in the form of parallel light, allowing the light to pass through the light intensity modulation element. The light intensity modulation element is used to attenuate the light energy of different regions of the cross-section of the light entering the lens assembly with different attenuation rates, so that different regions of the sample image obtained by the imaging module have brightness differences. The light generating module includes a first aperture, and the first aperture and the light intensity modulation element are in a conjugate position. The deflection module includes a first reflective element for reflecting the parallel light emitted by the light generating module to the sample, so that the parallel light obliquely illuminates the sample. The angle of the first reflective element can be changed to change the incident angle of the parallel light illuminating the sample. The angle between the parallel light reflected by the first reflective element and the optical axis is θ0. The distance from the image of the first aperture to the center of the light intensity modulation element is L0. The focal length of the first lens group is f2, satisfying the relationship L0=f2∙tanθ0.

2. The imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light generation module includes a first collimation component, a focusing component, a homogenizing element, and a second collimation component. The first collimation component is used to collimate the light emitted by the light source. The focusing component is used to converge the parallel light emitted by the first collimation component to the homogenizing element. The homogenizing element is used to make the light energy distribution of the light uniform and to make the light incident on the second collimation component. The second collimation component is used to collimate the light and emit the resulting parallel light.

3. The imaging system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The light-diffusing element is used to scatter the light transmitted into the light-diffusing element and to transmit the light out of the light-diffusing element, so that the light energy distribution of the light after passing through the light-diffusing element is uniform.

4. The imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The turning module is also used to change the incident angle of parallel light illuminating the sample.

5. The imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light intensity modulation element includes at least two light-transmitting regions, and the attenuation rate of the light energy transmitted by the different light-transmitting regions is different.

6. The imaging system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The light generating module includes a first aperture, the first aperture and the light intensity modulation element are in a conjugate position, and the lateral dimension of the image formed by the first aperture on the light intensity modulation element is less than or equal to the lateral dimension of the light-transmitting area in the middle of the light intensity modulation element.

7. The imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lens assembly further includes a second lens group, with the light intensity modulation element disposed between the first lens group and the second lens group, the second lens group being used for imaging based on light transmitted through the light intensity modulation element.

8. A cell culture incubator, characterized in that, The invention includes a culture chamber and an imaging system, wherein the culture chamber is used to culture cells and the imaging system is used to image the cells, and the imaging system includes the imaging system according to any one of claims 1-7.

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