A fiber-optic time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy detection device

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of optical fiber type time-resolved fluorescence spectrum detection device, belong to optical instrument manufacturing field.It includes: laser light source, acquisition optical fiber, light delay module and control module;The laser light source is used to generate pulsed laser, and is irradiated on fluorescent material sample or pulsed laser is coupled into the acquisition optical fiber, so that sample generates fluorescence signal;The acquisition optical fiber is used to collect the fluorescence signal emitted by fluorescent material, and the fluorescence signal is input to the light delay module;The light delay module is optical switch or optical modulator light for generating light delay, the control module is used to control the laser light source and the light delay module, so that pulsed laser and fluorescence signal keep synchronization, and different delay is generated, to detect the time-resolved fluorescence spectrum of fluorescence signal under different delay.The application can improve the stability of system, easy operability and mobility, and easily integrated with a variety of fiber systems.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of optical instrument manufacturing, and more specifically, relates to a fiber optic time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy detection device. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional time-resolved detection techniques can be divided into two main categories: time-correlated single-photon counting (TCSPC) and gated detection. TCSPC obtains the light intensity corresponding to different delay times after the fluorescent molecule is excited by counting the number of photons in different channels. Therefore, it often requires a highly sensitive ultrafast excitation source and a single-photon counter, resulting in high system cost and complexity. Furthermore, since it requires tens or even hundreds of thousands of repetitions to collect photons at each sampling point, it often requires a long information collection time.

[0003] In contrast, gated detection can collect global information within each time gate without requiring tens of thousands of repetitions, thus significantly reducing time costs and data storage difficulties. However, almost all gated detection methods are designed based on spatial light, requiring precise adjustment of the optical path, which in turn limits the system's portability and stability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the shortcomings and improvement needs of existing technologies, this invention provides a fiber-optic time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy detection device, which aims to solve the problems of poor system mobility and low stability caused by the spatial light design of time-gated detection methods.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a fiber-optic time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy detection device, comprising: a laser source, a data acquisition fiber, an optical delay module, and a control module;

[0006] The laser source is used to generate pulsed laser light and irradiate the fluorescent material sample or couple the pulsed laser light into the acquisition fiber to make the sample generate a fluorescent signal, wherein the sample is placed on the acquisition fiber.

[0007] The optical fiber is used to collect the fluorescence signal and input the fluorescence signal to the optical delay module;

[0008] The control module is used to control the laser source and the optical delay module to keep the pulsed laser and the fluorescence signal synchronized and to generate different delays in order to detect the time-resolved fluorescence spectrum of the fluorescence signal output from the optical delay module under different delays.

[0009] Furthermore, the optical delay module is an optical modulator or an optical switch.

[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a focusing lens, an optical fiber, and an optical path conversion component disposed between the laser source and the acquisition optical fiber;

[0011] The pulsed laser is input into the optical fiber after passing through the focusing lens;

[0012] The optical path conversion component includes at least three ports: the first port is connected to the optical fiber, the second port is connected to the acquisition optical fiber, and the third port is connected to the optical delay module.

[0013] Furthermore, the optical path conversion component is an optical fiber coupler or a circulator.

[0014] Furthermore, the laser source is a tunable laser used to emit tunable pulsed laser light;

[0015] Alternatively, the laser source may be a continuous laser or a transistor, wherein the continuous laser emits continuous laser light, and the control module controls the transistor to convert the continuous laser light into pulsed laser light;

[0016] Alternatively, the laser source may be a continuous laser and a second optical modulator, wherein the continuous laser emits continuous laser light, and the control module controls the second optical modulator to convert the continuous laser light into pulsed laser light;

[0017] Alternatively, the laser source may be a continuous laser and a second optical switch, wherein the continuous laser emits continuous laser light, and the control module controls the second optical switch to convert the continuous laser light into pulsed laser light;

[0018] Alternatively, the laser source may be a tunable fiber-coupled laser used to emit tunable pulsed laser light;

[0019] Alternatively, the laser source may be a fiber-coupled continuous laser or a transistor, wherein the fiber-coupled continuous laser emits continuous laser light, and the control module controls the transistor to convert the continuous laser light into pulsed laser light.

[0020] Alternatively, the laser source may be a fiber-coupled continuous laser and a second optical modulator, wherein the fiber-coupled continuous laser emits continuous laser light, and the control module controls the second optical modulator to convert the continuous laser light into pulsed laser light.

[0021] Alternatively, the laser source may be a fiber-coupled continuous laser and a second optical switch. The fiber-coupled continuous laser emits continuous laser light, and the control module controls the second optical switch to convert the continuous laser light into pulsed laser light.

[0022] Furthermore, the optical fiber used for data acquisition can be a standard optical fiber end face, a tapered optical fiber, an optical fiber with modified ends, or an optical fiber connector.

[0023] Furthermore, the control module is a digital circuit capable of generating control signals;

[0024] Alternatively, the control module may be a signal generator.

[0025] Furthermore, it also includes a spectrometer for collecting and observing the time-resolved fluorescence spectrum of the fluorescence signal output from the optical delay mode.

[0026] In summary, the above-described technical solutions conceived in this invention can achieve the following beneficial effects:

[0027] (1) The fiber-optic time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy detection device of the present invention converts the spatial light in the time-gated detection method into an all-fiber system. The sample is placed on the acquisition fiber, and the sample is directly irradiated by a pulsed laser or by coupling the pulsed laser into the acquisition fiber to generate a fluorescence signal. The acquisition fiber collects the fluorescence signal and inputs it to the optical delay module for delay time adjustment, so that the pulsed laser and the fluorescence signal are synchronized and different delays are generated to realize the detection of the time-resolved fluorescence spectrum of the fluorescence signal output from the optical delay module. In the entire detection process, the excitation light and the detection light are both in the optical fiber or optical device. It is an all-fiber detection device. There is no spatial optical path calibration process, which can improve the stability and mobility of the system. It is also simple to operate and greatly reduces the difficulty of system adjustment and maintenance.

[0028] Furthermore, the device of the present invention has a simple structure, and the all-fiber device is easier to integrate. It does not require consideration of optical path adjustment and alignment, is less affected by the environment, and is easy to integrate with a variety of fiber optic systems.

[0029] (2) In this invention, an optical modulator or optical switch is used as an optical delay module to adjust the fluorescence signal. By controlling a specific detection time, the optical modulator or optical switch acts as a time gate to regulate the switching time and maintain synchronization with or be delayed by a specific time from the pulsed laser, thereby achieving time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy of the fluorescence signal. Furthermore, by using the optical modulator or optical switch as a time gate, the timing adjustment of the optical modulator or optical switch is highly accurate, with a wide and flexible adjustable range. Therefore, it can be used for both short-lived and long-lived fluorescent molecules, demonstrating strong versatility.

[0030] (3) The fiber-optic time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy detection device of the present invention has diverse sample placement methods, various forms of acquisition optical fibers, multiple ways of transmitting fluorescence signals to the optical delay module, and can also be adapted to a variety of different laser light sources. It is a flexible, practical and compatible all-fiber-optic detection device. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the optical fiber-based time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy detection device provided in Example 1 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the optical fiber-based time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy detection device provided in Example 2 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the optical fiber-based time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy detection device provided in Example 3 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the optical fiber-based time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy detection device provided in Example 4 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the optical fiber-based time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy detection device provided in Example 5 of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the optical fiber-based time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy detection device provided in Example 6 of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the optical fiber-based time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy detection device provided in Example 7 of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the optical fiber-based time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy detection device provided in Example 8 of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the optical fiber-based time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy detection device provided in Example 9 of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the optical fiber-based time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy detection device provided in Example 10 of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the optical fiber-based time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy detection device provided in Example 11 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the invention. Furthermore, the technical features involved in the various embodiments of this invention described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.

[0043] In this invention, the terms "first," "second," etc., used in the invention and accompanying drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0044] This invention provides a fiber-optic time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy detection device, which mainly includes: a laser source, a data acquisition fiber, an optical delay module, and a control module;

[0045] The laser source is used to generate pulsed laser light, which is then irradiated onto the fluorescent material sample, causing the sample to produce a fluorescent signal.

[0046] Alternatively, a laser source can be used to generate pulsed laser light, which is then coupled into an optical fiber and coupled onto a fluorescent material sample to generate a fluorescent signal.

[0047] The optical fiber is used to collect the fluorescence signal emitted by the fluorescent material and input the fluorescence signal to the optical delay module; the fluorescent material sample is placed in the core area of ​​the optical fiber, or on the end face of the optical fiber connector.

[0048] The control module is used to control the laser source and the optical delay module to keep the pulsed laser and the fluorescence signal synchronized and to generate different delays. The optical delay module is used as a time gate to detect the time-resolved fluorescence spectrum of the fluorescence signal output from the optical delay module under different delays.

[0049] The optical delay module can be an optical modulator or an optical switch.

[0050] The laser source can be a tunable laser. The pulsed laser generated by the tunable laser directly irradiates the fluorescent material sample, causing the sample to generate a fluorescent signal. The fluorescent signal is coupled into an optical modulator or optical switch through a collection fiber.

[0051] When the laser source includes a continuous laser and a transistor, the continuous laser emits continuous laser light, and the control module controls the transistor to convert the continuous laser light into a pulsed laser light. The pulsed laser light directly irradiates the fluorescent material sample, causing the sample to generate a fluorescent signal. The fluorescent signal is coupled into an optical modulator or optical switch through a collection fiber.

[0052] The pulsed laser generated by the laser source can also be coupled through an optical fiber to an optical conversion component such as an optical fiber coupler or circulator, and then transmitted to the acquisition optical fiber. At this time, the pulsed laser is incident into the optical fiber through a focusing lens, coupled into the optical conversion component through the first end of the optical conversion component, and coupled into the acquisition optical fiber through the second end of the optical conversion component. After the sample is excited by the transmitted pulsed laser, it generates spontaneous fluorescence, which can be output to an optical modulator or optical switch through the third end of the optical conversion component.

[0053] The optical fiber used for data acquisition can be tapered fiber, ordinary fiber end face, fiber connector, or fiber with modified ends, such as tail-tapered fiber. Specifically, the laser source can be of various types, such as a tunable laser used to emit tunable pulsed laser light.

[0054] Alternatively, the laser source may be a continuous laser or a transistor. The continuous laser emits continuous laser light, and the control module controls the transistor to convert the continuous laser light into pulsed laser light.

[0055] Alternatively, the laser source can be a continuous laser and a second optical modulator. The continuous laser emits continuous laser light, and the control module controls the second optical modulator to convert the continuous laser light into pulsed laser light.

[0056] Alternatively, the laser source can be a continuous laser and a second optical switch. The continuous laser emits continuous laser light, and the control module controls the second optical switch to convert the continuous laser light into pulsed laser light.

[0057] Alternatively, the laser source can be a tunable fiber-coupled laser, used to emit tunable pulsed laser light, in which case coupling through a focusing lens is not required;

[0058] Alternatively, the laser source can be a fiber-coupled continuous laser or a transistor. The fiber-coupled continuous laser emits continuous laser light, and the control module controls the transistor to convert the continuous laser light into pulsed laser light. In this case, coupling through a focusing lens is not required.

[0059] Alternatively, the laser source can be a fiber-coupled continuous laser and a second optical modulator. The fiber-coupled continuous laser emits continuous laser light, and the control module controls the second optical modulator to convert the continuous laser light into pulsed laser light. In this case, coupling through a focusing lens is not required.

[0060] Alternatively, the laser source can be a fiber-coupled continuous laser and a second optical switch. The fiber-coupled continuous laser emits continuous laser light, and the control module controls the second optical switch to convert the continuous laser light into pulsed laser light. In this case, coupling through a focusing lens is not required.

[0061] The control module is a digital circuit or signal generator that can generate control signals.

[0062] The apparatus of the present invention further includes a spectrometer for collecting and observing time-resolved fluorescence spectra of fluorescence signals output from the optical delay mode.

[0063] The apparatus of the present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0064] Example 1

[0065] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the laser source can be a tunable laser to generate pulsed laser; or a continuous laser, which is converted into pulsed laser by controlling the transistor through the control module.

[0066] The acquisition fiber is a tapered fiber, and the fluorescent material sample is coated on the tapered region of the tapered fiber. The optical delay module is an optical modulator; the control module is a digital circuit or signal generator that can generate control signals.

[0067] Pulsed laser radiation is applied to a fluorescent material sample in the tapered region of a tapered optical fiber, generating a fluorescence signal. The fluorescence signal is coupled into the fiber through the tapered region and then transmitted to an optical modulator. The optical modulator acts as a detection shutter, while the modulation of the laser source acts as an excitation shutter. The control module synchronizes the excitation shutter and the detection shutter and can adjust the time difference between them to control the delay time, thereby detecting the time-resolved fluorescence spectrum of the fluorescence signal output from the optical modulator. A spectrometer collects and observes the time-resolved fluorescence spectrum of the fluorescence signal output from the optical modulator.

[0068] Example 2

[0069] like Figure 2 As shown, unlike Example 1, in this example, a pulsed laser is generated by a tunable laser or by a continuous laser or a transistor. After being focused by a focusing lens, the pulsed laser is directly coupled into one end of a tapered optical fiber. After being coupled out of the optical fiber, it excites the fluorescent material. The generated fluorescent signal is coupled into the optical fiber and input to the optical modulator from the other end of the tapered optical fiber.

[0070] Example 3-Example 4

[0071] like Figure 3-4 As shown, unlike Embodiment 2, Embodiments 3 and 4 also include optical fibers and optical path conversion components. The optical path conversion components include at least three ports: the first port of the optical path conversion components is connected to the optical fiber, the second port is connected to the acquisition optical fiber, and the third port is connected to the optical delay module.

[0072] The optical path conversion component is either a fiber optic coupler or a circulator.

[0073] In Example 3, the optical path conversion component is an optical fiber coupler, and in Example 4, the optical path conversion component is a circulator.

[0074] Pulsed laser light is incident into the optical fiber through a focusing lens. It is coupled into the optical fiber coupler or circulator through the first end of the optical fiber coupler or circulator, and then coupled into one end of the tapered optical fiber through the second end of the optical fiber coupler or circulator. The sample generates spontaneous fluorescence after being excited by the transmitted pulsed laser light. This fluorescence is then output to the optical modulator through the third end of the optical fiber coupler or circulator, and finally captured and detected by the spectrometer.

[0075] Example 5

[0076] like Figure 5As shown, unlike Example 3, the acquisition fiber in this example is a tail fiber, and the sample is coated on the tail end of the fiber. In other embodiments, the acquisition fiber can also be a regular fiber end face or a fiber connector end face.

[0077] Example 6

[0078] like Figure 6 As shown, unlike Embodiment 3, in this embodiment, an optical modulator (denoted as the second optical modulator) is also provided between the optical fiber and the optical fiber coupler. Furthermore, the generation of pulsed laser light no longer involves a transistor converting continuous laser light into pulsed laser light; instead, the continuous laser light is focused by a lens and collimated into the optical fiber. This light is then introduced through the second optical modulator to the first end of the optical fiber coupler and transmitted to the tapered optical fiber at the second end interface. The control module controls the laser output of the second optical modulator to be pulsed laser light as the excitation signal. A fluorescent sample is coated on the tapered region of the tapered optical fiber, and after being excited by the transmitted pulsed laser light, it generates spontaneous fluorescence. This fluorescence is transmitted to the third end of the optical fiber coupler and input into the optical delay module (in this embodiment, the optical delay module is also an optical modulator) for capture and detection by the spectrometer. To synchronize the detection signal and the excitation signal, a digital circuit or signal generator that generates control signals simultaneously generates two synchronized pulse signals to control the two optical modulators and to control the time difference between the signals, thereby controlling the delay time. In other embodiments, the second optical modulator can also be a second optical switch, and the control module controls the second optical switch to convert the continuous laser light into pulsed laser light.

[0079] Example 7

[0080] like Figure 7 As shown, unlike Example 3, the laser source in this example is a fiber-coupled laser, so it no longer needs a lens to collimate the laser into the fiber.

[0081] Example 8

[0082] Unlike Example 3, the laser source in this example is a tunable laser, so it no longer requires a transistor to modulate the light source.

[0083] Example 9

[0084] Unlike Example 7, the laser source in this example is a tunable fiber-coupled laser, so it no longer needs a lens to collimate the laser into the fiber, and it no longer needs a transistor to modulate the light source.

[0085] Example 10

[0086] like Figure 10 As shown, unlike Embodiment 3, in this embodiment, the optical delay module is an optical switch.

[0087] Example 11

[0088] like Figure 11 As shown, unlike Example 2, in this example, the optical fiber for acquisition is an optical fiber connector. The sample is placed on the end face of the optical fiber connector. The pulsed laser generated by the laser source is coupled into the optical fiber. After the sample is excited by the pulsed laser transmitted in the optical fiber, it generates spontaneous fluorescence. The fluorescence is output to the optical modulator through the optical fiber and captured and detected by the spectrometer.

[0089] The fiber-optic time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy detection device of the present invention converts the spatial light in the time-gated detection method into an all-fiber system. The sample is placed in the core region or end face of the acquisition fiber. By coupling a laser into the fiber or directly irradiating the sample, the sample generates a fluorescence signal. After the acquisition fiber collects the fluorescence signal, it is input to the optical delay module for delay time adjustment, so that the pulsed laser and the fluorescence signal are synchronized and different delays are generated to realize the detection of the time-resolved fluorescence spectrum of the fluorescence signal output from the optical delay module. In the entire detection process, both the excitation light and the probe light are in the optical fiber or optical device. It is an all-fiber detection device, and there is no spatial optical path calibration process. It can improve the stability and portability of the system, and is simple to operate, reducing the difficulty of system adjustment.

[0090] Furthermore, the device of the present invention has a simple structure, and the all-fiber device is easier to integrate. It does not require consideration of optical path adjustment and alignment, is less affected by the environment, and is easy to integrate with a variety of fiber optic systems.

[0091] In this invention, an optical modulator or optical switch is used as an optical delay module to regulate the fluorescence signal. By controlling a specific detection time, the optical modulator or optical switch acts as a time gate, regulating the switching time and maintaining synchronization with or differing from the pulsed laser by a specific time delay, thereby achieving time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy of the fluorescence signal. Furthermore, using the optical modulator or optical switch as a time gate allows for high precision in time adjustment, a wide and flexible adjustable range, and therefore can be used for both short-lived and long-lived fluorescent molecules, demonstrating strong versatility.

[0092] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A fiber optic time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy detection device, characterized in that, Includes: laser source, optical fiber for acquisition, optical delay module and control module; The laser source is used to generate pulsed laser light and irradiate the fluorescent material sample or couple the pulsed laser light into the acquisition fiber to make the sample generate a fluorescent signal, wherein the sample is placed on the acquisition fiber. The optical fiber is used to acquire the fluorescence signal and input the fluorescence signal to the optical delay module; the optical delay module is an optical modulator or an optical switch. The control module is used to control the laser source and the optical delay module to keep the pulsed laser and the fluorescence signal synchronized and to generate different delays in order to detect the time-resolved fluorescence spectrum of the fluorescence signal output from the optical delay module under different delays. The laser source is a tunable laser used to emit tunable pulsed laser light. Alternatively, the laser source may be a continuous laser or a transistor, wherein the continuous laser emits continuous laser light, and the control module controls the transistor to convert the continuous laser light into pulsed laser light; Alternatively, the laser source may be a continuous laser and a second optical modulator, wherein the continuous laser emits continuous laser light, and the control module controls the second optical modulator to convert the continuous laser light into pulsed laser light; Alternatively, the laser source may be a continuous laser and a second optical switch, wherein the continuous laser emits continuous laser light, and the control module controls the second optical switch to convert the continuous laser light into pulsed laser light; Alternatively, the laser source may be a tunable fiber-coupled laser used to emit tunable pulsed laser light; Alternatively, the laser source may be a fiber-coupled continuous laser or a transistor, wherein the fiber-coupled continuous laser emits continuous laser light, and the control module controls the transistor to convert the continuous laser light into pulsed laser light. Alternatively, the laser source may be a fiber-coupled continuous laser and a second optical modulator, wherein the fiber-coupled continuous laser emits continuous laser light, and the control module controls the second optical modulator to convert the continuous laser light into pulsed laser light. Alternatively, the laser source may be a fiber-coupled continuous laser and a second optical switch. The fiber-coupled continuous laser emits continuous laser light, and the control module controls the second optical switch to convert the continuous laser light into pulsed laser light.

2. The fiber-optic time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a focusing lens, an optical fiber, and an optical path conversion component disposed between the laser source and the acquisition optical fiber; The pulsed laser is input into the optical fiber after passing through the focusing lens; The optical path conversion component includes at least three ports: the first port is connected to the optical fiber, the second port is connected to the acquisition optical fiber, and the third port is connected to the optical delay module.

3. The fiber-optic time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The optical path conversion component is an optical fiber coupler or a circulator.

4. The fiber-optic time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy detection device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The optical fiber used for data acquisition can be a standard optical fiber with a tapered end, a modified end, or an optical fiber connector.

5. The fiber-optic time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control module is a digital circuit capable of generating control signals; Alternatively, the control module may be a signal generator.

6. The fiber-optic time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a spectrometer for collecting and observing time-resolved fluorescence spectra of the fluorescence signal output from the optical delay mode.

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