Detection equipment and system based on nonlinear optics

Abstract

The invention provides detection equipment and system based on nonlinear optics, and relates to the technical field of biological detection. In order to solve the problem of cable torsion caused by an imaging object in a detection system, a photoelectric composite slip ring is arranged in the detection equipment, so that the detection equipment rotates based on rotation of an imaging probe relative to the photoelectric composite slip ring; the cable torsion caused by the rotation of the imaging probe (or the imaging object) is eliminated, so that the imaging probe and the imaging object can relatively freely move in the imaging space. Meanwhile, in consideration of the particularity of a nonlinear optical exciting light optical fiber, a fluorescence conversion device is arranged in the photoelectric composite slip ring, so that a fluorescence optical signal is converted into a fluorescence electric signal, only an exciting light optical slip ring needs to be arranged in the photoelectric composite slip ring, untwisting of the fluorescence optical fiber does not need to be considered, and the system is simplified. In addition, in order to reduce the load of the imaging probe, the photoelectric composite slip ring is multiplexed to form an accommodating space, so that the load caused when the device is integrated on the probe is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of biological detection technology, and in particular to a detection device and system based on nonlinear optics. Background Art

[0002] Nonlinear optics generally refers to nonlinear phenomena that occur when intense light (such as laser light) interacts with matter, such as multiphoton fluorescence and second harmonic generation. Detection equipment based on nonlinear optics can be used to detect an object using the "fluorescence signal" generated by nonlinear phenomena to generate a "fluorescence image" of the object.

[0003] In an actual detection process, the detection device is often formed with an imaging probe, which needs to be in direct contact with the imaging object to trigger the nonlinear optical phenomenon of the imaging object and collect fluorescence signals.

[0004] In actual testing, nonlinear optics often require scanning imaging, which takes a long time. Rotation of the imaging object or imaging probe can cause cable twisting, impacting the detection results. For example, when testing equipment is used in biological experiments with live animals such as mice and rabbits, the object's inherent motion (such as rotation) can cause cable twisting, affecting the object's motion.

[0005] Therefore, how to eliminate the cable twisting caused by the imaging probe is a technical problem that needs to be solved urgently by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, an embodiment of the present application provides a detection device and system based on nonlinear optics, which actively eliminates the cable torsion caused by the rotation of the imaging probe (active or passive) by setting a rotating optical composite slip ring for twisting rotation.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present application provides a nonlinear optics-based detection device comprising an imaging host, an imaging probe, an optoelectronic composite slip ring, and a housing. The imaging host is configured to release excitation light and provide timing control signals to an electric control device, as well as receive fluorescent signals and generate a detection image based on the fluorescent signals. The imaging probe is configured to contact an imaging subject and release excitation light to the subject to trigger a nonlinear optical phenomenon and collect the fluorescent signals generated by the nonlinear optical phenomenon. The optoelectronic composite slip ring comprises a stator end and a mover end driven to rotate relative to the stator end. The stator end is connected to the imaging host via a first optoelectronic composite cable, and the mover end is connected to the imaging probe via a second optoelectronic composite cable. The excitation light optical fibers and metal conductors in the first and second optoelectronic composite cables are coupled via the optoelectronic composite slip ring. The housing is connected to the mover end and rotates with it. It is used to place a signal processing device assembly between the optoelectronic composite slip ring and the imaging subject, so that the imaging probe only includes a set of optical components for the excitation light path and the fluorescence light path, and an assembly of electronic control actuators, wherein the assembly of electronic control actuators includes at least a scanning galvanometer in the excitation light path. The signal processing device assembly includes at least a fluorescence conversion device, the input end of the fluorescence conversion device is coupled to the fluorescence optical path through a second optoelectronic composite cable, and the output end is connected to the imaging host through an optoelectronic composite slip ring, and is used to generate a fluorescence electrical signal based on the fluorescence optical signal, wherein the second optoelectronic composite cable includes a fluorescent optical fiber connecting the fluorescence conversion device and the fluorescence optical path, and the first optoelectronic composite cable includes a fluorescent wire connecting the fluorescence conversion device and the imaging host.

[0008] In a second aspect, the present application provides a nonlinear optics-based detection system, comprising the nonlinear optics-based detection device described in the first aspect and an imaging space accommodating an imaging object. An imaging probe of the detection device is connected to the imaging object, an optoelectronic composite slip ring is positioned at an edge of the imaging space based on the connection direction between the imaging probe and the imaging object, and a second optoelectronic composite cable between the imaging probe and the optoelectronic composite slip ring is positioned within the imaging space. The optoelectronic composite slip ring is configured to rotate based on rotation of the imaging probe relative to the optoelectronic composite slip ring to eliminate torsion in the second optoelectronic composite cable.

[0009] Therefore, the nonlinear optics-based detection device and system provided by the present application is provided with an optoelectronic composite slip ring for contact torsion, thereby rotating based on the rotation of the imaging probe relative to the optoelectronic composite slip ring, thereby eliminating the cable torsion caused by the rotation of the imaging probe (or imaging object) and allowing the imaging probe and imaging object to move relatively freely within the imaging space. At the same time, considering the particularity of the nonlinear optics excitation light fiber, the present application simplifies the system by integrating a fluorescence conversion device into the optoelectronic composite slip ring to convert the fluorescent optical signal into a fluorescent electrical signal. This allows the optoelectronic composite slip ring to only provide a smooth ring for the excitation light, without having to consider the untwisting of the fluorescent fiber. In addition, to reduce the load on the imaging probe, the present application reuses the optoelectronic composite slip ring to form a storage space to avoid the weight generated when the device is integrated into the probe. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments. It should be understood that the following drawings only illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention and therefore should not be regarded as limiting the scope. For ordinary technicians in this field, other relevant drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0011] Figure 1 It is a system schematic diagram of a detection system provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0012] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of an imaging probe provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0013] Figure 3 It is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram of an optoelectronic composite slip ring and a containing shell provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0014] Figure 4 It is a schematic structural diagram of a fluorescence conversion device provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of signal transmission within a detection device provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0016] Figure 6 It is a schematic top view of the structure of a detection device with a displacement device provided by an exemplary embodiment of the present application.

[0017] Among them, 10, detection system; 100, detection equipment; 200, imaging space; 300, imaging object; 110, imaging host; 120, imaging probe; 130, optoelectronic composite slip ring; 140, first optoelectronic composite cable; 141, first excitation light fiber; 142, fluorescent wire; 150, second optoelectronic composite cable; 151, second excitation light fiber; 152, fluorescent fiber; 121, collimation module; 122, scanning galvanometer; 123, lens module; 124, objective lens module; 131, central smooth ring; 132, hollow electric slip ring; 133, drive motor; 160, accommodating shell; 161, central through hole; 162, scanning galvanometer drive board; 163, fluorescence conversion device; 164, closed structure; 1631, spectroscopic structure; 1632, light intensity sensor; 1633, cooling assembly; 170, displacement device; 171, sliding frame; 172, displacement platform. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0019] Exemplary detection equipment and systems:

[0020] As mentioned above, in a detection device based on nonlinear optics, in order to relieve the cable twisting caused by the rotation of the imaging probe (including the rotation generated when the user uses the imaging probe and the rotation caused by the rotation of the imaging object itself), a photoelectric composite slip ring can be used to relieve the twisting.

[0021] To further illustrate the cable untwisting process based on the optoelectronic composite slip ring, the present application provides a system schematic diagram of a detection system provided with an optoelectronic composite slip ring ( Figure 1 ).

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, the detection system 10 may include a detection device 100 and an imaging space 200 , wherein an imaging object 300 is disposed in the imaging space 200 .

[0023] The detection device 100 may refer to a device that performs imaging based on nonlinear optical phenomena. Functionally, the detection device 100 includes, but is not limited to, a multiphoton imaging device, a multi-harmonic imaging device, etc. The specific structure of the detection device 100 can be found in the subsequent description.

[0024] Taking multiphoton imaging as an example, during the actual imaging process, when excitation light is released onto the imaging object 300, at least two photons in the excitation light converge at a certain depth within the imaging object 300, thereby stimulating the multiphoton phenomenon of the relevant fluorescent dye or structure, thereby releasing a fluorescent signal. The detection device 100 can form a detection image by changing the imaging position to perform planar scanning and / or depth scanning.

[0025] The imaging space 200 may refer to the space where the imaging object 300 is located, and is generally established based on a physical structure. For example, in a biological experiment, the imaging space 200 may be constructed based on an ecological box that accommodates the experimental object (generally presented as Figure 1 In addition, in practical applications, the imaging space 200 may not be limited to biological experiments. For example, the aforementioned detection device 100 may also be used in human skin testing, and the imaging space 200 only needs to provide support for the optoelectronic composite slip ring of the detection device 100 (such as a support frame). In addition, when the imaging probe of the detection device 100 is configured as a handheld probe, the imaging space formed therein can also be equivalently understood as a side-opening structure (i.e., the optoelectronic composite cable enters the imaging space from the side).

[0026] The imaging object 300 may refer to the detection object of the aforementioned detection system 10. Figure 1 A mouse is used as an example to illustrate the detection and detwisting process. In actual applications, the imaging object 300 may also be other living organisms (such as rabbits, humans, etc.) or partial tissues (such as diseased tissues, body sampled tissues, etc.).

[0027] Taking mice as an example, when using the aforementioned multiphoton imaging equipment for detection, images of the mouse brain can generally be detected. Specifically, a window can be opened in the mouse's head and infiltrated with a fluorescent dye, so that some structures in the mouse brain can be excited by the twin light phenomenon and release fluorescence of different wavelengths, forming a detection image. In practical applications, the detection image of the mouse brain generally reflects structures such as calcium ions, mitochondria, and synapses.

[0028] To further illustrate the untwisting process, the aforementioned detection device 100 further includes an imaging host 110, an imaging probe 120, an optoelectronic composite slip ring 130, a first optoelectronic composite cable 140, and a second optoelectronic composite cable 150. The imaging host 110 is positioned outside the imaging space 200, the optoelectronic composite slip ring 130 is positioned within the imaging space 200, and the imaging probe 120 is positioned within the imaging space 200 on the imaging object 300. The first optoelectronic composite cable 140 is used to connect the imaging host 110 to the optoelectronic composite slip ring 130, and the second optoelectronic composite cable 150 is used to connect the imaging probe 120 to the optoelectronic composite slip ring 130.

[0029] The imaging host 110 may be formed by components disposed outside the imaging space 200 , and its main functions may be to release excitation light, generate timing control signals, and generate detection images based on fluorescence signals. It may generally include components such as a laser and a controller.

[0030] The aforementioned imaging probe 120 may refer to a device that contacts the imaging object 300 , and generally needs to form an excitation light path for releasing excitation light to the imaging object 300 and a fluorescence light path for collecting fluorescence optical signals.

[0031] The optoelectronic composite slip ring 130 can be a slip ring assembly capable of simultaneously coupling and rotating optical fibers and metal conductors. The optoelectronic composite slip ring 130 can include a stator end and a mover end. The mover end can be driven (e.g., by a motor) to rotate relative to the stator end. During the relative rotation of the mover end and the stator end, the cables connected to the two ends can maintain a coupled state (i.e., the metal conductors maintain an electrical connection, and the optical fibers remain optically coupled).

[0032] Based on the aforementioned stator and mover ends, the first optoelectronic composite cable 140 can be connected to the stator end to maintain the stability of the cable between the imaging host 110 and the optoelectronic composite slip ring 130. The second optoelectronic composite cable 150 can be connected to the mover end and rotate accordingly when the imaging probe 120 rotates, thereby relieving the torsion of the second optoelectronic composite cable 150 caused by the imaging probe 120.

[0033] In practical applications, the present applicant has found that to achieve the formation of the detection image, the imaging host 110 often needs to receive the fluorescence signal. At the same time, the imaging host 110 needs to release the excitation light. Therefore, the optoelectronic composite slip ring 130 needs to achieve the simultaneous untwisting of the fluorescence fiber and the excitation light fiber.

[0034] While dual-fiber twisting solutions exist in related technologies, they often require the use of ordinary optical fibers. Due to the imaging properties of non-imaging optics (the excitation light is typically a high-energy laser), the transmission fibers typically use photonic crystal fibers or other specialized fibers, making them difficult to synchronize with other fibers. Furthermore, in actual detection, fluorescence signals are often detected based on brightness, making it difficult to multiplex the excitation light fiber for backhaul.

[0035] To address this technical issue, the present applicant discovered that the fluorescence signal can be converted to photoelectricity at the imaging probe 120, eliminating the need to return the fluorescence light signal and transmitting the fluorescence electrical signal. Therefore, the optoelectronic composite slip ring 130 only needs to construct a single-fiber slip ring for a single optical fiber (i.e., the excitation light fiber).

[0036] However, the present application further discovered that in the process of high-precision fluorescence detection, it is generally necessary to use a photomultiplier tube (PMT) as a light intensity sensor for fluorescence signal to perform photoelectric conversion. Due to the size and load of the device, it is difficult to configure it on a small imaging probe, especially Figure 1 Place the probe over the mouse's head.

[0037] Based on this problem, the present application creatively discovered that a storage space can be built at the mover end of the optoelectronic composite slip ring 130, and the signal processing device formed by the sensor can be integrated into the storage space at the mover end. In this way, the photoelectric conversion of the fluorescence signal can be completed without increasing the load of the imaging probe 120, so that the optoelectronic composite slip ring 130 only needs to set a smooth ring for the excitation light fiber, and other signals are electrical signals that can be transmitted through different channels (also called channels) of the electrical slip ring.

[0038] Therefore, based on the above-mentioned setting, the above-mentioned imaging host 110 can be specifically used to release excitation light and generate a timing control signal for the electric control device, as well as receive fluorescent electrical signals and generate a detection image based on the fluorescent electrical signals, and the imaging probe 120 can be specifically used to contact the imaging object 300 and release excitation light to the imaging object 300 to trigger nonlinear optical phenomena and collect fluorescent optical signals generated by the nonlinear optical phenomena.

[0039] To create a housing, a housing (not shown) can be provided at the mover end of the optoelectronic composite slip ring 130. This housing is connected to the mover end and rotates with it, positioning the fluorescence conversion device between the optoelectronic composite slip ring 130 and the imaging object 300. The input end of the fluorescence conversion device is coupled to the fluorescence optical path of the imaging probe 120 via the second optoelectronic composite cable 150, while the output end is connected to the imaging host 110 via the optoelectronic composite slip ring 130, generating a fluorescence electrical signal based on the fluorescence optical signal.

[0040] Thus, the optical signal between the fluorescence conversion device and imaging probe 120 can be converted into an electrical signal between the optoelectronic composite slip ring 130 and the imaging host 110. To transmit the corresponding signal, the second optoelectronic composite cable 150 includes a fluorescent optical fiber connecting the fluorescence conversion device and the fluorescent light path, while the first optoelectronic composite cable 140 includes a fluorescent wire connecting the stator end and the imaging host 110.

[0041] Furthermore, considering that other signal processing devices may exist between the imaging probe 120 and the optoelectronic composite slip ring 130, based on the placement of the aforementioned fluorescence conversion device, similar signal processing devices can all be placed within the aforementioned housing to form a signal processing device assembly, thereby further reducing the load on the imaging probe 120. In other words, the housing can be used to house the signal processing device assembly between the optoelectronic composite slip ring and the imaging object, leaving the imaging probe to contain only the optical component assembly and the electronic control actuator assembly for the excitation light path and the fluorescence light path.

[0042] Among them, the electronically controlled actuator can be an electric device that works based on a driving signal. Based on the aforementioned nonlinear optical scanning requirements, the electronically controlled actuator set at the imaging probe can at least include a scanning galvanometer set in the excitation light path.

[0043] As an example only, considering the requirements of depth imaging, the electronically controlled actuator assembly may also include a translation stage that physically adjusts the focal plane depth and / or an electronically controlled focusing device (or assembly) that optically adjusts the focal plane depth. Furthermore, considering that image enhancement can also be achieved in nonlinear imaging using genetic optics (i.e., controlling cellular activity based on light-sensitive proteins), the aforementioned electronically controlled actuator assembly may also include an electronically controlled light source associated with genetic optics. The electronically controlled light source for genetic optics is typically a smaller LED light source with a specific wavelength, which can generally reuse the excitation light path.

[0044] It should be noted that the aforementioned first optoelectronic composite cable 140 and second optoelectronic composite cable 150 merely refer to the cables between the aforementioned devices as a whole, and do not require that the first optoelectronic composite cable 140 and the second optoelectronic composite cable 150 be bundled together to form a single composite cable. For example, to reduce the restrictions on the movement range of the individual cables in the second optoelectronic composite cable 150, the individual optical fibers and metal conductors within the second optoelectronic composite cable 150 can be separated and independently connected between the imaging probe 120 and the optoelectronic composite slip ring 130.

[0045] To further illustrate the internal structure of the imaging probe based on the above-mentioned configuration, the present application uses the imaging probe in two-photon fluorescence imaging as an example.

[0046] like Figure 2As shown, the present application also provides a schematic structural diagram of an imaging probe. The imaging probe 120 can be connected to a second excitation light fiber 151 and a fluorescent light fiber 152 in a second optoelectronic composite cable 150. The imaging probe 120 can include a collimator module 121, a scanning galvanometer 122, a lens module 123, and an objective lens module 124. The collimator module 121, the scanning galvanometer 122, the lens module 123, and the objective lens module 124 form an excitation light path with the second excitation light fiber 151, and the objective lens module 124 forms a fluorescent light path with the fluorescent light fiber 152.

[0047] In the excitation light path, the focus position of the excitation light can be adjusted based on the aforementioned scanning galvanometer 122, focusing on a specific location to determine the fluorescence signal at that location. Other modules are generally presented as optical elements or a collection of them. The specific imaging principles can be found in related technologies of two-photon imaging and are not detailed here.

[0048] Therefore, it can be seen that by centrally arranging the signal processing device between the optoelectronic composite slip ring and the imaging object in the containing shell, the load on the imaging probe can be significantly reduced, so that it only needs to include the optical elements and electronic control execution devices required for imaging.

[0049] Exemplary optoelectronic composite slip ring and housing:

[0050] To further describe the internal structure of the optoelectronic composite slip ring and the housing, the present application provides a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the optoelectronic composite slip ring and the housing ( Figure 3 ). The cross section can be viewed at the center of the optoelectronic composite slip ring along the axial direction of the optoelectronic composite slip ring.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, the optoelectronic composite slip ring 130 may include a central smooth ring 131 and a hollow electric slip ring 132. The central smooth ring 131 is arranged at the rotation axis of the hollow electric slip ring 132, and the mover end of the central smooth ring 131 is connected to the mover end of the hollow electric slip ring 132 to rotate synchronously.

[0052] In order to realize the rotation of the aforementioned central smooth ring 131 and the mover end of the hollow electric slip ring 132, the optoelectronic composite slip ring 130 may further include a drive motor 133, which can be connected to the mover end of the hollow electric slip ring 132 through transmission (such as through a gear transmission connection) to drive the mover end of the hollow electric slip ring 132 to rotate.

[0053] Based on the above-mentioned setting, the central smooth ring 131 only involves the coupling of the excitation light fiber (that is, the stator end of the central smooth ring is connected to the first excitation light fiber 141 in the first optoelectronic composite cable 140, and the mover end is connected to the second excitation light fiber 151 in the second optoelectronic composite cable 150). Then, the mover end and the stator end of the central smooth ring 131 can be coupled inside the central smooth ring 131 through the beam alignment module to realize the excitation light transmission during the rotation process.

[0054] The aforementioned hollow electric slip ring 132 may include multiple coaxial channels, and the same channels at the stator end and the mover end of the hollow electric slip ring 132 may be electrically connected (eg, through contacts, brushes, etc.) to achieve electrical connection during rotation.

[0055] In order to maintain stability during the rotation process, each channel in the hollow electric slip ring 132 and the aforementioned central smooth ring 131 can be coaxially arranged to ensure that their relative positions are stable during the rotation process.

[0056] like Figure 3 As shown, based on the aforementioned optoelectronic composite slip ring 130, a housing 160 can be fixedly connected to its movable end (such as the movable end of the hollow electric slip ring 132), thereby forming a housing space for placing a collection of signal processing devices such as a fluorescence conversion device.

[0057] To ensure the stability of the housing 160 during rotation, the housing 160 may be a columnar structure (such as a cylindrical structure), and the central axis of the housing 160 may be coaxial with the rotation axis of the optoelectronic composite slip ring 130 .

[0058] Furthermore, to avoid unbalanced loads caused by the cables, the second optoelectronic composite cable 150 can be directly routed from the center of the housing 160 within the housing, without affecting the load at its edges and reducing the inherent constraints of the cable. Specifically, the housing 160 is provided with a central through-hole 161 along its central axis. The second optoelectronic composite cable 150 is connected through this central through-hole to the mover end and / or the signal processing device assembly of the housing 160.

[0059] Specifically, when the second optoelectronic composite cable 150 (such as the fluorescent optical fiber 152) is connected to the signal processing device assembly of the housing 160, it can enter the housing 160 through the side wall at the central through hole 161. Based on the aforementioned central through hole 161, the smooth ring mover end can be exposed, allowing the second excitation light optical fiber 151 of the second optoelectronic composite cable 150 to be directly connected to the smooth ring mover end. Other metal wires can be directly connected to the electric slip ring mover end or connected to the electric slip ring mover end through the housing 160. The specific configuration relationship between the electric slip ring mover end and the housing 160 is not detailed in this application.

[0060] Based on the aforementioned connection, to further ensure the stability of housing 160 during rotation, the internal devices should be load-balanced. That is, the various devices within housing 160 should be evenly distributed around the central opening based on their loads. Furthermore, if existing devices cannot achieve load balancing, a load-adjusting weight module can be placed within the housing to achieve load balancing.

[0061] Furthermore, considering that in actual applications, the timing control signals for electronically controlled devices sent by the imaging host often involve the scanning process, making these signals unable to directly serve as drive signals for the electronically controlled devices. To ensure the proper operation of the electronically controlled actuators within the imaging probe 120, the signal processing device assembly housed within the housing 160 may include driver boards for each electronically controlled actuator.

[0062] like Figure 3 As shown, the housing 160 may include a scanning galvanometer drive board 162. The input end of the scanning galvanometer drive board 162 receives a timing control signal from the imaging host 110 via the optoelectronic composite slip ring 130, and the output end is connected to the scanning galvanometer 122 in the imaging probe 120 via the second optoelectronic composite cable 150, and is used to generate a drive signal for the scanning galvanometer 122 based on the timing control signal.

[0063] In addition, the driving boards of other electrically controlled actuators (such as a translation stage, an electrically controlled zoom device, etc.) in the imaging probe 120 can also reuse the scanning galvanometer driving board 162 .

[0064] As previously mentioned, the signal processing device assembly housed within housing 160 includes a fluorescence conversion device 163. Considering the operational requirements of fluorescence conversion device 163, which often requires use in low-light environments, housing 160 includes an enclosing structure 164 (e.g., a sidewall surrounding fluorescence conversion device 163, shown as a thickened edge of fluorescence conversion device 163 in the figure). Enclosing structure 164 is used to create a low-light environment.

[0065] Thus, the fluorescence conversion device 163, located in a low-light environment, can generate a fluorescence electrical signal based on the intensity of the fluorescence optical signal. Specifically, the fluorescence optical signal collected by the fluorescence beam in the imaging probe 120 is transmitted to the fluorescence conversion device 163 via the fluorescent optical fiber 152 in the second optoelectronic composite cable 150. The fluorescence conversion device 163 then processes the signal to generate a fluorescence electrical signal. This fluorescence electrical signal can be connected to the slip ring mover end via a metal lead and then coupled to the slip ring stator end. It can then be transmitted to the imaging host 110 via the fluorescent wire 142 in the first optoelectronic composite cable 140 to generate a detection image in conjunction with the timing control signal.

[0066] It should be noted that the scanning galvanometer drive board 162 and the fluorescence conversion device 163 may also include related components / devices (such as signal amplifiers, input and output structures, etc.).

[0067] To further illustrate the process of converting the fluorescence optical signal by the fluorescence conversion device, the present application also provides a structural schematic diagram of the fluorescence conversion device ( Figure 4 ).

[0068] like Figure 4 As shown, considering that fluorescence optical signals often carry fluorescence signals at multiple wavelengths, the fluorescence conversion device 163 may include a spectroscopic structure 1631 and multiple light intensity sensors 1632. The spectroscopic structure 1631 is generally composed of optical components such as a beam splitter, a reflector, and a bandpass filter to filter out fluorescence beam splitting signals at multiple different wavelength ranges. The light intensity sensor 1632 may be a sensor for sensing the intensity information of the fluorescence beam splitting signals. Highly sensitive fluorescence intensity recognition can generally be achieved using devices such as PMTs (photomultiplier tubes) and SiPMs (silicon photomultiplier tubes).

[0069] Specifically, light intensity sensors and fluorescence beam splitting signals can be constructed based on actual detection needs to identify fluorescence signals of different wavelengths generated by nonlinear optical phenomena, thereby reflecting fluorescence images of different structures. For example, in the aforementioned mouse brain imaging, the fluorescence signals of mitochondria and synapses have different wavelengths, necessitating fluorescence identification through spectrometry at different wavelengths.

[0070] Considering that the light intensity sensor 1632 generates a corresponding electrical signal based on the fluorescence intensity, in order to avoid crosstalk, the optical paths where the light intensity sensors 1632 and their fluorescence splitting signals are located should be isolated from each other.

[0071] Thus, the input end of the aforementioned light splitting structure 1631 is coupled to the fluorescent fiber 152, and the output end is coupled to multiple light intensity sensors 1632. The light splitting structure 1631 can first split the fluorescent optical signal carried by the fluorescent fiber 152 into multiple fluorescent split beam signals with different wavelengths, which correspond one to each of the light intensity sensors 1632. The light intensity sensors 1632 are isolated from each other and are used to detect the intensity of the corresponding fluorescent split beam signals and generate fluorescent electrical signals corresponding to the fluorescent split beam signals. This fluorescent electrical signal can be connected to the optoelectronic composite slip ring 130 via a metal conductor and then coupled to the fluorescent conductor 142 in the first optoelectronic composite cable 140.

[0072] In some embodiments, the aforementioned light intensity sensor, used to detect light intensity, accumulates heat during operation. To ensure proper operation of the light intensity sensor, the fluorescence conversion device 163 further includes multiple light intensity sensor cooling assemblies 1633. Given the size of the housing 160, the cooling assemblies 1633 can be configured as semiconductor refrigeration structures.

[0073] It should be further explained that, given the direct contact between the imaging probe 120 and the imaging object 300, a cooling assembly cannot be installed inside the probe (there is no space and it would affect the imaging object). Based on the above configuration, the installation of a cooling assembly 1633 within the housing 160 can further ensure the working efficiency of the light intensity sensor 1632 and extend the continuous operation time of the light intensity sensor 1632.

[0074] To further illustrate the signal transmission link formed based on the above-mentioned setting, the present application also provides a schematic diagram of signal transmission within a detection device ( Figure 5 ).

[0075] like Figure 5 As shown, along the release direction of the signal, the laser in the imaging host can release the excitation light, and the controller can release the timing control signal. The excitation light and the timing control signal are transmitted to the stator end of the optoelectronic composite slip ring through the first optoelectronic composite cable and coupled to the mover end of the optoelectronic composite slip ring.

[0076] The driving board, which serves as a signal processing device set in the housing, can generate driving signals for various electrically controlled actuators (such as scanning galvanometers, translation stages, electrically controlled zoom devices, optogenetic light sources, etc.) based on timing control signals, and transmit them to the electrically controlled actuators in the imaging probe through the metal wires of the second optoelectronic composite cable.

[0077] The excitation light optical fiber of the second optoelectronic composite cable can transmit the aforementioned excitation light to the excitation light path of the imaging probe.

[0078] Optionally, an excitation light detection device can be provided within the housing to detect excitation light from the second optoelectronic composite cable. This device can be used to detect power, color difference, and other information. The excitation light parameters generated by this device can be transmitted to the controller of the imaging host via an optoelectronic composite slip ring. For detailed functions and control processes, please refer to the detailed description of the related applications of this application.

[0079] Based on the aforementioned excitation light path, the fluorescence light path can collect fluorescence optical signals and transmit them to the fluorescence conversion device in the accommodating shell through the fluorescent optical fiber in the second optoelectronic composite cable, and then convert them into fluorescence electrical signals through the fluorescence conversion device, and then transmit them to the controller of the imaging host through the optoelectronic composite slip ring and the fluorescent wire of the first optoelectronic composite cable, so that the controller can collect timing control signals to generate detection images.

[0080] In some embodiments, the aforementioned detection device and detection system can detect cable torsion. In practical applications, if the imaging space is large (such as in a water maze or other experimental setting in a mouse experiment), if the torsion is untwisted based on a fixed position, the cable between the imaging object and the optoelectronic composite slip ring may be too long, which may easily fall and cause damage to the cable or affect the movement of the imaging object.

[0081] Example tracked untwisted structure of an imaged object:

[0082] To ensure that the length of the cable between the imaging object and the optoelectronic composite slip ring (i.e., the second optoelectronic composite cable) is controllable, the detection device / detection system provided in this application may also be provided with a displacement device that moves with the imaging object / imaging probe.

[0083] The displacement device can be set on the imaging space based on the range of movement of the imaging object in the imaging space. Figure 1 The detection system 10 shown may be disposed above a box structure forming an imaging space 200 , so as to track an imaging object based on the movement of the imaging object within the imaging space.

[0084] Based on the displacement device, the optoelectronic composite slip ring provided in the present application can be fixedly connected to the displacement device. Based on the tracking of the imaging object by the aforementioned displacement device, the cable length between the optoelectronic composite slip ring and the imaging object can be ensured to be within a certain range to prevent the cable from falling to the ground.

[0085] In some embodiments, the aforementioned displacement device must ensure a certain displacement capability. For example, the displacement device may have a planar displacement capability at the opening of the imaging space to track the movement of the imaging object / imaging probe within the imaging space. This application does not limit the specific structure of the displacement device. For example, the positioning device may include a displacement truss constructed based on a guide rail, a robotic arm, and a displacement system constructed by a rotating shaft and a horizontal translation stage.

[0086] To further illustrate the specific situation of the structure, the present application also provides a schematic diagram of a top view of a detection device with a displacement device ( Figure 6 ).

[0087] like Figure 6 As shown, the displacement device 170 can be presented as a frame structure disposed on the imaging space 200. Taking the position focus based on the displacement of the guide rail at the edge of the imaging space as an example, the displacement device 170 can specifically include a sliding frame 171 that moves along a first direction and a displacement platform 172 disposed on the sliding frame and capable of moving along a second direction.

[0088] The optoelectronic composite slip ring 130 (and its housing 160) can be fixedly connected to the displacement platform 172 and move with the displacement platform 172. During operation, the displacement device 170 (such as the aforementioned displacement platform 172) is used to follow the position of the imaging object 300 in the imaging space 200 and drive the optoelectronic composite slip ring 130 to move.

[0089] The above movement process can be based on the second optoelectronic composite cable 150 following the allowed range of movement of the imaging object 300, so that the actual range of movement of the imaging object 300 is within the allowed range, thereby preventing the second optoelectronic composite cable 150 from being too short and affecting the movement of the imaging object 300.

[0090] In some embodiments, in addition to the aforementioned untwisting function of the housing 160, the displacement platform 172 may also form a space for accommodating devices. The devices within this space should not directly contact the imaging object 300 to prevent the cables from being untwisted. Specifically, the detection device 100 also includes a tracking device assembly fixedly connected to the displacement device 170. The tracking device assembly engages with the imaging object or imaging probe in a non-contact manner and includes a visual sensor positioned toward the imaging object.

[0091] All of the above optional technical solutions can be arbitrarily combined to form optional embodiments of the present application, and will not be described in detail here.

[0092] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0093] Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the convenience and brevity of description, the specific working processes of the systems, devices and units described above can refer to the corresponding processes in the aforementioned method embodiments and will not be repeated here.

[0094] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely schematic. For example, the division of the units is only a logical function division. There may be other division methods in actual implementation, such as multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed. Another point is that the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed can be through some interfaces, indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units, which can be electrical, mechanical or other forms.

[0095] The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of these units may be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0096] It should be noted that, in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. In addition, in the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0097] It should be noted that "miniaturization" in this application means that the multiphoton microscopy system has little impact on the activities of the living organism to be observed during the observation period. For example, when the multiphoton microscopy system is fixed on the living organism to be observed, the living organism to be observed can still move freely.

[0098] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A detection device based on nonlinear optics, characterized in that: The detection equipment includes: An imaging host, configured to release excitation light and generate a timing control signal for an electric control device, and to receive fluorescent electrical signals and generate a detection image based on the fluorescent electrical signals; An imaging probe, configured to contact an imaging object and release excitation light to the imaging object to trigger a nonlinear optical phenomenon and collect a fluorescent optical signal generated by the nonlinear optical phenomenon; An optoelectronic composite slip ring, comprising a stator end and a mover end driven to rotate relative to the stator end, wherein the stator end is connected to the imaging host via a first optoelectronic composite cable, and the mover end is connected to the imaging probe via a second optoelectronic composite cable, and the excitation light optical fibers and metal conductors in the first optoelectronic composite cable and the second optoelectronic composite cable are coupled via the optoelectronic composite slip ring; and a housing connected to the mover end and rotating with the mover end, used to place a signal processing device assembly between the optoelectronic composite slip ring and the imaging object so that the imaging probe only includes an optical element assembly of the excitation light path and the fluorescence light path and an electronically controlled actuator assembly, wherein the electronically controlled actuator assembly at least includes a scanning galvanometer in the excitation light path; The signal processing device assembly includes at least a fluorescence conversion device, the input end of the fluorescence conversion device is coupled to the fluorescence optical path through the second optoelectronic composite cable, and the output end is connected to the imaging host through the optoelectronic composite slip ring, and is used to generate the fluorescence electrical signal based on the fluorescence optical signal, wherein the second optoelectronic composite cable includes a fluorescent optical fiber connecting the fluorescence conversion device and the fluorescence optical path, and the first optoelectronic composite cable includes a fluorescent wire connecting the fluorescence conversion device and the imaging host.

2. The detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that The accommodating housing includes a closed structure, and the closed structure is used to form a low-light environment; The fluorescence conversion device is disposed in the weak light environment and generates the fluorescence electrical signal based on the intensity of the fluorescence optical signal.

3. The detection device according to claim 2, characterized in that The fluorescence conversion device includes a light splitting structure and a plurality of light intensity sensors; The input end of the splitting structure is coupled to the fluorescent optical fiber, and the output end is coupled to the multiple light intensity sensors, and is used to split the fluorescent optical signal carried by the fluorescent optical fiber into multiple fluorescent beam signals with different wavelengths corresponding to the light intensity sensors one by one. The light intensity sensors are isolated from each other and are used to detect the intensity of the corresponding fluorescent beam signals and generate fluorescent electrical signals of the corresponding fluorescent beam signals.

4. The detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that The fluorescence conversion device further includes a cooling assembly for the plurality of light intensity sensors.

5. The detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that The housing is a cylindrical housing, and the central axis of the housing is coaxial with the rotation axis of the optoelectronic composite slip ring. The accommodating shell is provided with a central through hole along the central axis, and the second optoelectronic composite cable is connected to the mover end and / or the signal processing device assembly of the accommodating shell through the central through hole.

6. The detection device according to claim 5, characterized in that The various devices in the housing are evenly arranged around the central opening based on the device load.

7. The detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that The signal processing device assembly includes a scanning galvanometer drive board; The input end of the scanning galvanometer drive board receives the timing control signal through the optoelectronic composite slip ring, and the output end is connected to the scanning galvanometer through the second optoelectronic composite cable, for generating a driving signal for the scanning galvanometer based on the timing control signal.

8. The detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that The detection device further comprises a displacement device, and the photoelectric composite slip ring is connected to the displacement device; The displacement device is used to follow and move the photoelectric composite slip ring based on the position of the imaging object in the activity space.

9. The detection device according to claim 8, characterized in that The detection device further includes a set of following devices fixedly connected to the displacement device; The following device set cooperates with the imaging object or the imaging probe in a non-contact manner, and the following device set includes a visual sensor arranged toward the imaging object.

10. A detection system based on nonlinear optics, characterized in that: The detection system comprises: The nonlinear optics-based detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 9; and an imaging space for accommodating an imaging object; The imaging probe of the detection device is connected to the imaging object, the optoelectronic composite slip ring is arranged at the edge of the imaging space based on the connection direction between the imaging probe and the imaging object, and the second optoelectronic composite cable between the imaging probe and the optoelectronic composite slip ring is arranged in the imaging space; The optoelectronic composite slip ring is configured to rotate based on the rotation of the imaging probe relative to the optoelectronic composite slip ring, so as to eliminate the torsion of the second optoelectronic composite cable.

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