A precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection and its usage method

Abstract

This invention discloses a precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection and its usage method. The darkroom platform includes: a skeleton; an external stress-skinned shell disposed on the outside of the skeleton to form a closed box; a precision lifting drive assembly located inside the box, including a slider guide rail, a slider, and a lead screw; a ball bearing indexing adjustment feedback system located outside the box, including a ball bearing fixing seat, a ball bearing adjustment knob, and a ball bearing assembly; the top end of the lead screw passes through the lead screw connection hole of the ball bearing fixing seat and is fixedly connected to the ball bearing adjustment knob; a ball bearing indexing groove is provided at the journal of the ball bearing adjustment knob or the lead screw, and the ball bearing assembly is disposed in the ball bearing threaded hole of the ball bearing fixing seat and pressed against the ball bearing indexing groove; a critical elongation suspension assembly including an elastic suspension belt connecting the slider and the optical detection platform; and an optical environment control assembly including a honeycomb light absorption device and a light trap heat dissipation device. The darkroom platform of this invention solves the problems of rigid vibration isolation, darkroom fine adjustment, and photothermal effects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of precision optical instruments and mechanical engineering technology, specifically relating to a precision dark box platform for single-molecule detection and its usage method. Background Technology

[0002] In modern biochemical detection and physical measurement, guided mode resonance (GMR) sensors are highly sensitive to changes in refractive index (detection limit up to 10). -7 The high sensitivity of the RIU sensor has garnered significant attention. However, this high sensitivity makes the system extremely sensitive to environmental noise, particularly micrometer-level mechanical vibrations and nanowatt-level background stray light. Therefore, in practical applications, the optical detection system carrying the sensor must possess excellent anti-interference capabilities.

[0003] However, existing portable or desktop optical inspection enclosures typically suffer from the following significant drawbacks: Traditional lightweight enclosures often use thin sheet metal splicing, lacking overall torsional rigidity and prone to generating a "drum effect" that amplifies ambient sound waves. For vibration isolation, passive rubber feet are often used, with natural frequencies typically above 15Hz, failing to effectively isolate common low-frequency floor vibrations in laboratories. When aligning the optical path or adjusting sample height in a darkroom environment, ordinary lead screws lack tactile feedback, making quantitative adjustments impossible for the operator; furthermore, ordinary threaded connections have radial clearance, which can easily cause slight backlash in vibrating environments, leading to focal plane drift during prolonged inspections. To shield stray light, the enclosure is often designed to be overly sealed, resulting in heat buildup in the internal light source; while simple louver designs cannot meet OD4 or higher shading requirements, severely impacting the signal-to-noise ratio. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide a precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection and its usage method, in order to overcome the shortcomings of existing precision single-molecule detection equipment, such as difficulty in balancing structural rigidity and low-frequency vibration isolation, insufficient adjustment accuracy, and conflicts in photothermal management. This invention provides a darkroom platform based on ball screw drive and critical elongation suspension that does not require an expensive active vibration isolation system, enables blind operation in a darkroom environment, and combines a high-rigidity shell with low-frequency suspension capability.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: In a first aspect, the present invention provides a precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection, the darkroom platform comprising: skeleton; An external stress-resistant skin shell is installed on the outside of the frame to form a closed box. The precision lifting drive assembly is located inside the housing and includes a slider guide rail, a slider, and a lead screw. The slider guide rail is vertically mounted on the frame, the slider slides on the slider guide rail, and the lead screw passes through the slider and is threadedly engaged with the slider. The ball bearing indexing adjustment feedback system, located outside the housing, includes a ball bearing fixing seat, a ball bearing adjustment knob, and a ball bearing assembly. The ball bearing fixing seat is mounted on the outer stress skin shell, with a ball bearing fixing seat screw connection hole in the center. The top end of the screw passes through the ball bearing fixing seat screw connection hole and is fixedly connected to the ball bearing adjustment knob. The journal of the ball bearing adjustment knob or the screw has a ball bearing indexing groove, the ball bearing fixing seat has a ball bearing threaded hole, and the ball bearing assembly is located in the ball bearing threaded hole and pressed against the ball bearing indexing groove. A critical elongation suspension assembly includes an elastic suspension belt and connects a slider to an optical detection platform; the working elongation of the elastic suspension belt is within the critical elongation range. Optical environment control components include a honeycomb light-absorbing device and a light trap heat dissipation device disposed on an external stress-skin housing.

[0006] Following the above technical solution, the frame is an aluminum profile frame, and the external stress skin shell is rigidly connected to the aluminum profile frame through a fastener array, so that the two form a torsion-resistant closed shielded cabin.

[0007] Following the above technical solution, the precision lifting drive assembly also includes an L-shaped fixed base and a limit block; The L-shaped mounting base is a right-angle bent plate structure, including a vertical mounting surface and a horizontal support surface. The vertical mounting surface has at least two set screw holes. The L-shaped mounting base is fixed to the frame by passing an internal hex bolt through the set screw holes and screwing it into the nut in the groove on the side of the frame. The horizontal support surface is used to fix the slider guide rail. The limit block is used to support the slider when it is not in operation.

[0008] According to the above technical solution, the top of the lead screw is provided with a D-shaped notch, and the ball adjustment knob is connected to the lead screw anti-rotation through the D-shaped notch; the main body of the lead screw is provided with a first stud section, and the slider is provided with a threaded hole that mates with the first stud section; Rotating the ball bearing adjustment knob drives the lead screw to rotate, which in turn drives the slider to move up and down relative to the frame.

[0009] According to the above technical solution, the critical elongation suspension assembly also includes a hook-up device, which connects the slider and the elastic suspension belt; the elastic suspension belt is a high-damping elastic belt, and the working elongation is within the critical elongation range.

[0010] Following the above technical solution, the honeycomb light-absorbing device is installed on the inner wall of the outer stress skin shell, and its surface is covered with an array of hexagonal light-absorbing holes. The hexagonal light-absorbing holes extend inward perpendicular to the inner wall of the outer stress skin shell and absorb light through the hole walls.

[0011] According to the above technical solution, the honeycomb light-absorbing device is provided with magnetic suction holes, which are used to fix the honeycomb light-absorbing device to the inner wall of the outer stress skin shell through magnetic connectors or fasteners.

[0012] According to the above technical solution, the light trap heat dissipation device is set at the side wall opening of the external stress skin shell, and a first array light blocking plate and a second array light blocking plate are provided inside it; the first array light blocking plate and the second array light blocking plate are arranged alternately in the vertical direction and overlap each other in the horizontal direction, forming a continuous and bent airflow channel inside the light trap heat dissipation device to connect the internal and external environments.

[0013] Following the above technical solution, the light trap heat dissipation device is installed at the top of the side wall and the bottom opening of the external stress skin shell to form a chimney effect; The first array of light-blocking plates and the second array of light-blocking plates absorb light.

[0014] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of use applied to a precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection as described in any one of the first aspects, the method comprising: The optical inspection platform is suspended below the slider by an elastic suspension belt; Rotating the ball adjustment knob drives the lead screw, causing the slider to move upward along the slider guide rail, thereby gradually tightening the elastic suspension belt until the optical inspection platform is parallel to the bottom surface, and the working elongation rate of the elastic suspension belt is within the critical elongation rate range.

[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are: The dark chamber platform for single-molecule detection provided by this invention consists of an aluminum profile frame and a stress-skinned outer shell rigidly connected to form an anti-torsion chamber, providing a high-rigidity static reference for the internal optical system and resisting external deformation and acoustic interference. The integrated ball screw drive system with ball-bead indexing adjustment provides precise tactile feedback adjustment and self-locking force, ensuring the accuracy of adjustment and the long-term stability of the optical detection platform position in the dark chamber environment. The high-damping elastic suspension belt, operating at the critical elongation rate, tunes the system's natural frequency to a low frequency, passively isolating low-frequency vibrations from the ground and environment. The combination of the honeycomb light-absorbing device and the light trap heat dissipation device achieves extremely low background stray light levels while effectively dissipating heat through natural convection channels without direct optical paths, maintaining the stability of the photothermal environment inside the chamber. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the lead screw system structure of a precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the bead-grading system structure of a precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the optical trapping device structure of a precision dark box platform for single-molecule detection according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an L-shaped fixture structure for a precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the limiting block structure of a precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a honeycomb light-absorbing plate of a precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the drive screw structure of a precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] In the diagram: 1. External stress-resistant skin shell; 2. Ball bearing indexing adjustment feedback system; 21. Countersunk hole of ball bearing fixing seat; 22. Ball bearing indexing groove; 23. Ball bearing fixing seat lead screw connection hole; 24. Ball bearing threaded hole; 25. Ball bearing fixing seat; 26. Ball bearing adjustment knob; 3. Light trap heat dissipation device; 31. Light trap heat dissipation device shell; 32. First array light blocking plate; 33. Second array light blocking plate; 4. Aluminum profile frame; 5. Slider guide rail; 6. L-shaped fixing seat; 61. Set threaded hole; 62. Hexagonal countersunk hole; 63. Fixing through hole; 7. Limiting block; 71. Through hole; 72. Reinforcing rib; 8. Honeycomb light absorption device; 81. Magnetic suction hole; 82. Hexagonal light absorption hole; 9. Lead screw; 91. D-shaped notch; 92. First stud section; 10. Slider. Detailed Implementation

[0018] 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. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments provided by this invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0019] Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are merely some examples or embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can apply the present invention to other similar scenarios based on these drawings without any inventive effort. Furthermore, it is understood that although the efforts made in this development process may be complex and lengthy, for those skilled in the art related to the content disclosed in this invention, modifications to design, manufacturing, or production based on the technical content disclosed in this invention are merely conventional technical means and should not be construed as insufficient disclosure of the present invention.

[0020] In this invention, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a mutually exclusive, independent, or alternative embodiment. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this invention may be combined with other embodiments without conflict.

[0021] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "a," "an," "an," "the," and similar words used in this invention do not indicate quantity limitation and may indicate singular or plural. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and any variations thereof used in this invention are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or modules (units) is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may also include steps or units not listed, or may include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. The terms "connected," "linked," "coupled," and similar words used in this invention are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. "A plurality" used in this invention refers to two or more. "And / or" describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships may exist; for example, "A and / or B" can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects have an "or" relationship. The terms "first," "second," and "third" used in this invention are merely to distinguish similar objects and do not represent a specific ordering of the objects.

[0022] To overcome the shortcomings of existing high-sensitivity guided-mode resonance (GMR) and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) precision single-molecule detection equipment, such as the difficulty in balancing structural rigidity and low-frequency vibration isolation, inconvenient darkroom adjustment, insufficient adjustment precision, and conflicts in photothermal management, this invention provides a precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection based on ball screw drive and critical elongation suspension. This platform eliminates the need for expensive active vibration isolation systems, enables blind operation in a darkroom environment, and combines a high-rigidity shell with low-frequency suspension capability. Specifically, this darkroom platform is a precision environmental control platform for high-sensitivity single-molecule detection (such as guided-mode resonance (GMR), surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and interferometry). It is a composite optical detection darkroom integrating external rigid components, a ball screw indexing feedback drive system, and a critical elongation flexible suspension.

[0023] The precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection of the present invention includes an external rigid shell assembly spaced apart, a precision lifting drive assembly disposed in the internal cavity of the external rigid shell assembly, a bead indexing feedback system integrated into the drive end, and a critical elongation suspension assembly connecting the precision lifting drive assembly and the optical detection platform.

[0024] The external rigid shell assembly serves as the physical reference for the entire darkroom platform and is composed of an internal aluminum profile frame and an external stress-skin shell. The external stress-skin shell is rigidly connected to the internal aluminum profile frame at multiple points through a high-density array of anchors and slots or pre-drilled holes, forcing the external stress-skin shell to participate in bearing the shear stress and torsional moment of the frame, thereby forming a torsion-resistant, enclosed shielded cabin with a separation of core and material.

[0025] The precision lifting drive assembly is vertically locked to the side of the internal aluminum profile frame via an L-shaped fixing seat. This assembly includes a lead screw, a slider that moves in conjunction with the lead screw, a slider guide rail, and a mechanical limit block that defines the initial zero position of the slider. The slider can reciprocate vertically under the drive of the lead screw.

[0026] The critical elongation suspension assembly includes a hook-on device connected to the slider and a high-damping elastic band. The optical detection platform is suspended below the slider via the high-damping elastic band, and its suspension height is controlled by a precision lifting drive assembly. The parameter configuration of the critical elongation suspension assembly is based on the nonlinear hyperelastic constitutive model of the polymer elastic material. The physical region of the material near a specific elongation is selected as the working range (i.e., a suitable high-damping elastic band is pre-selected so that it is exactly within the critical elongation range during operation). Within this working range, the material avoids the molecular chain deentanglement instability region at low elongation and the strain-induced crystallization hardening region at high elongation, exhibiting an optimal balance between dynamic stiffness and loss factor. This allows for a reduction in the first-order vertical natural frequency tuning of the suspension system, achieving efficient isolation from low-frequency micro-vibrations commonly found in laboratory environments.

[0027] In the aforementioned precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection, the lead screw is driven to rotate through a ball bearing indexing adjustment feedback system, which in turn drives the slider to disengage from the mechanical limit block and move upward through a threaded transmission. During the upward movement, the slider pulls the hook-up device, gradually tightening the high-damping elastic belt until the high-damping elastic belt supports the optical detection platform parallel to the bottom surface.

[0028] At this specific critical operating point, the polymer elastic material exhibits an optimal balance between tangential stiffness and loss factor, tuning the first-order natural frequency of the suspension system in the vertical direction to an extremely low frequency range. This establishes a linearized region for low-frequency vibration isolation, effectively cutting off the transmission path of ground background vibration to the optical detection platform. The entire darkroom platform utilizes the stress-skin effect of the external rigid shell assembly to provide a highly rigid, silent acoustic shielding environment. Tactile feedback and self-locking characteristics of the bead system enable closed-loop quantitative adjustment within the darkroom environment. Combined with a critical strain suspension mechanism, a microgravity-like suspension detection environment is achieved, significantly improving the signal-to-noise ratio and stability of the guided mode resonance signal.

[0029] Specifically, the ball bearing indexing adjustment feedback system is integrated into the drive end of the lead screw, comprising a radially positioned elastic ball plunger and a circumferential indexing feature structure located at the lead screw journal. The elastic ball plunger contains a high-stiffness compression spring; under the spring preload, the ball head always tends to be pressed into the indexing feature structure of the lead screw journal. When the operator rotates the ball bearing adjustment knob, the ball head is forced to overcome the spring force, slide out of the current indexing slot, cross the ridge, and fall into the next indexing slot. During rotation, discrete step damping and clear tactile feedback are generated, allowing the operator to perceive micron-level feed amounts without visual inspection. Simultaneously, in a static state, the radial pressure of the ball bearing decomposes into a significant normal force on the lead screw shaft surface. This force, in conjunction with the frictional force of the lead screw thread, generates a self-locking torque greater than the sum of the ambient vibration inertial torque and the suspension load gravity torque. This effectively prevents the lead screw from self-spinning back during suspended operation, ensuring the long-term stability of the focal plane of the optical inspection platform.

[0030] The L-shaped mounting base in the precision lifting drive assembly is CNC machined from high-strength metal. Its short L-shaped side is positioned and locked into the slot of the internal aluminum profile frame using hexagonal socket bolts, while the long L-shaped side is precision ground to provide a high-straightness and high-flatness mounting reference surface for the lead screw linear guide. A mechanical limit block is rigidly fixed to the bottom of the slider's stroke. Its upper surface has a buffer pad to support the slider during transport or non-operating modes, allowing the weight of the optical inspection platform to be directly transferred to the base via the limit block, thus protecting the high-damping elastic band from overload and creep.

[0031] Furthermore, the inner surface of the outer rigid shell assembly is covered with an array of honeycomb light-absorbing devices. These honeycomb devices consist of numerous closely packed deep-cavity hexagonal micropores, each with a high aspect ratio greater than 3:1, configured to force stray background light incident at large angles to undergo multiple reflections at the pore wall surface. The inner surface of the micropores is coated with a highly absorbent coating prepared by electrophoretic deposition or electrostatic flocking. Light energy is exponentially attenuated with each reflection, thus utilizing the geometric trapping effect to construct an extremely dark background.

[0032] Furthermore, an S-shaped light trap heat dissipation device is installed at the vent of the external rigid component side plate. This device adopts a split assembly structure and has at least two continuous reverse-bending airflow channels inside. The geometric path design of the airflow channels completely blocks the straight propagation path of external light, forcing photons to be absorbed by the baffle wall coated with light-absorbing material. At the same time, the cross-sectional parameters of the airflow channels are designed according to the principles of fluid mechanics, allowing the internal hot air to be naturally discharged in a laminar flow without turbulence by utilizing the chimney effect generated by the density difference. This achieves the thermal stability of the refractive index of the air inside the chamber while blocking light densities up to OD4 level.

[0033] The precision dark box platform for single-molecule detection of the present invention has a compact and ingenious structural design. It can achieve high-performance vibration isolation and environmental control without relying on external power supply or active control system. Through the rigid decoupling of mechanical structure, precise feedback of drive system and synergistic effect of photothermal management, it completely solves the problems of micro-vibration interference, stray light noise and closed-loop operation blind zone in high-sensitivity single-molecule detection. It is particularly suitable for application scenarios with extremely high requirements for environmental stability, such as guided mode resonance and interferometry.

[0034] Example 1 like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an external stress-skinned shell 1, an aluminum profile frame 4, a precision lifting drive assembly, a ball bearing indexing adjustment feedback system 2, and an optical environment control assembly. The external stress-skinned shell 1 is disposed on the outside of the aluminum profile frame 4 and is fixedly connected to the aluminum profile frame 4 at multiple points by fasteners to form a closed box structure. The precision lifting drive assembly is located inside the external stress-skinned shell 1 and includes an L-shaped fixing seat 6, a slider guide rail 5, a lead screw 9, a slider 10, and a limiting block 7. The L-shaped fixing seat 6 is fixedly installed on the side of the aluminum profile frame 4, and the slider guide rail 5 is fixedly disposed on the L-shaped fixing seat 6 in the vertical direction. The lead screw 9 is rotatably disposed on one side of the slider guide rail 5 and parallel to the slider guide rail 5. The slider 10 is slidably disposed on the slider guide rail 5 and threadedly engaged with the lead screw 9. When the lead screw 9 rotates, it can drive the slider 10 to move up and down along the slider guide rail 5. The limiting block 7 is fixed to the bottom end of the L-shaped fixing seat 6 or the slider guide rail 5 and is located below the movement path of the slider 10. The ball indexing adjustment feedback system 2 is located at the top of the lead screw 9 and extends to the outside of the external stress skin housing 1. The optical environment control components include a honeycomb light-absorbing device 8 disposed on the inner wall of the external stress skin housing 1 and a light trap heat dissipation device 3 disposed at the vent of the external stress skin housing 1.

[0035] like Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the L-shaped fixing base 6 has a right-angle bent plate structure. One side has a set screw hole 61 for fixed connection with the aluminum profile frame 4; the other side has a hexagonal countersunk hole 62 and a fixing through hole 63. The hexagonal countersunk hole 62 is used to install the slider guide rail 5, and the fixing through hole 63 is used for fixed connection with the aluminum profile frame 4. The limiting block 7 is fixed to the lower L-shaped fixing base 6 with bolts. When the slider 10 moves downward to its lowest point, the bottom surface of the slider 10 abuts against the top surface of the limiting block 7. When the system is in transport, storage, or non-working standby mode, the slider 10 is driven downward until the bottom surface of the slider 10 fully contacts and tightly abuts against the top surface of the limiting block 7. In this state, the single-molecule detection platform connected to the slider 10 (usually connected by an elastic band; although the elastic band is not shown in the figure, its mechanical logic is achieved by the slider lifting and lowering) will descend until the bottom of the platform contacts the safety support at the bottom of the box, so that the elastic band, which was originally in a tense state, returns to a relaxed state, thereby avoiding irreversible creep of the polymer elastic material due to long-term loading and ensuring the accuracy and stability of the equipment for long-term use.

[0036] like Figure 8As shown, the top of the lead screw 9 is provided with a D-shaped notch 91, and the ball adjustment knob 26 is connected to the lead screw 9 through the D-shaped notch 91 to prevent rotation; the main body of the lead screw 9 is provided with a first stud section 92, and the slider 10 is provided with a threaded hole that matches the first stud section 92. By rotating the ball adjustment knob 26, the lead screw 9 is driven to rotate, which in turn drives the slider 10 to move up and down relative to the aluminum profile frame 4.

[0037] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the ball bearing indexing adjustment feedback system 2 includes a ball bearing fixing seat 25, a ball bearing adjustment knob 26, and a ball bearing assembly disposed within the ball bearing fixing seat 25. The ball bearing fixing seat 25 is fixedly installed on the external stress skin shell 1. A ball bearing fixing seat lead screw connection hole 23 is opened in the center of the ball bearing fixing seat 25. The top end of the lead screw 9 passes through the ball bearing fixing seat lead screw connection hole 23 and is fixedly connected to the ball bearing adjustment knob 26. The ball bearing fixing seat 25 has several ball bearing fixing seat countersunk holes 21 and ball bearing threaded holes 24. The ball bearing adjustment knob 26 has a ball bearing indexing groove 22. The ball bearing assembly passes through the ball bearing threaded hole 24 and presses against the ball bearing indexing groove 22, providing mechanical damping and positioning when the ball bearing adjustment knob 26 rotates.

[0038] like Figure 7 As shown, the honeycomb light-absorbing device 8 is adsorbed or pasted onto the inner wall of the outer stress-skin shell 1. The honeycomb light-absorbing device 8 is a honeycomb light-absorbing plate, the surface of which is covered with an array of hexagonal light-absorbing holes 82, which extend inward perpendicularly to the inner wall of the outer stress-skin shell 1. Magnetic suction holes 81 are provided at the four corners of the honeycomb light-absorbing plate for fixing the honeycomb light-absorbing plate to the outer stress-skin shell 1 by magnetic connectors or fasteners.

[0039] like Figure 4 As shown, the light trap heat dissipation device 3 is fixedly installed at the side wall opening of the external stress skin shell 1, including the light trap heat dissipation device shell 31. The light trap heat dissipation device shell 31 is provided with a first array light blocking plate 32 and a second array light blocking plate 33 inside. The first array light blocking plate 32 and the second array light blocking plate 33 are arranged alternately in the vertical direction and overlap each other in the horizontal direction, forming a continuous and bent airflow channel inside the light trap heat dissipation device shell 31. The airflow channel connects the interior and exterior environment of the external stress skin shell 1.

[0040] The darkroom platform also includes an elastic suspension belt, one end of which is connected to the slider 10 and the other end is connected to the optical inspection platform. When the lead screw 9 drives the slider 10 to move upward and disengage from the limiting block 7, the slider 10 pulls the optical inspection platform into the air through the elastic suspension belt, so that the optical inspection platform and the aluminum profile frame 4 are flexibly connected only through the elastic suspension belt.

[0041] Example 2 like Figure 1 As shown, the precision darkroom platform of this invention adopts a rigid composite structure with inner and outer nesting, mainly including an aluminum profile frame 4 as the inner support core, an outer stress skin shell 1 covering the outermost layer, a precision lifting drive assembly disposed in the internal cavity formed by the outer stress skin shell 1 and the aluminum profile frame 4, a ball bearing indexing adjustment feedback system 2 integrated at the drive end, and optical environment control components distributed on the inner wall of the box and the vent.

[0042] First, let's describe the overall frame structure of the darkroom platform. The aluminum profile frame 4 forms the mechanical reference of the entire device. It is typically composed of multiple high-strength metal profiles perpendicularly spliced ​​together by fasteners such as angle brackets and bolts, forming a geometrically stable cuboid or cube frame structure capable of withstanding loads in all directions. The external stress-resistant skin shell 1 is not a simple dustproof cover, but a stress-bearing skin structure that is tightly fitted to the outer surface of the aluminum profile frame 4. In terms of connection, the external stress-resistant skin shell 1 is rigidly anchored at multiple points to the T-slots or pre-drilled threaded holes on the aluminum profile frame 4 through a high-density array of fasteners (not shown in detail in the figure), such as countersunk screws or rivets. This high-density connection forces the external stress-resistant skin shell 1 to directly participate in the transmission and distribution of stress when the aluminum profile frame 4 is subjected to external torsional torque or shear force, thereby forming a torsion-resistant, closed shielding chamber similar to "flesh and blood connected" between the external stress-resistant skin shell 1 and the aluminum profile frame 4. The cabin not only provides a solid physical support for the precision single-molecule detection instruments inside, but also creates a closed physical space that effectively isolates the internal detection environment from interference by external ambient light and airflow.

[0043] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, to achieve precise lifting control of the single-molecule detection platform within the aforementioned enclosed chamber, a precision lifting drive assembly is vertically positioned on one side of the chamber's interior. This assembly is rigidly connected to the side columns of the aluminum profile frame 4 via a specially designed L-shaped mounting base 6. Figure 5As shown, the L-shaped mounting base 6 is integrally machined from metal, exhibiting a standard right-angle bent plate structure with a vertical mounting surface and a horizontal support surface. At least two set screw holes 61 are provided on the vertical mounting surface. During installation, high-strength hexagonal socket bolts pass through the set screw holes 61 and are screwed into the slider nut in the groove on the side of the aluminum profile frame 4, thereby firmly locking the L-shaped mounting base 6 onto the frame and ensuring it will not loosen or shift. The horizontal support surface has a countersunk hexagonal hole 62 and a precision-machined fixing through hole 63. The fixing through hole 63 is used to fix the L-shaped mounting base 6 to the aluminum profile frame 4, and the hexagonal countersunk hole 62 is used to install and position the slider guide rail 5. The design of the hexagonal countersunk hole 62 allows the hexagonal nut fixing the slider guide rail 5 to be completely embedded below the surface of the L-shaped mounting base 6, avoiding obstruction of the movement of other components.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, the slider guide rail 5 is a linear guide rail extending vertically, with both ends fixed between the upper and lower L-shaped fixed seats 6, or one end fixed to the L-shaped fixed seat 6 and the other end fixed to other crossbeams of the aluminum profile frame 4, thus providing a highly linear guiding reference for the lifting movement. The slider 10 is slidably mounted on the slider guide rail 5. The slider 10 has internal circulating balls or low-friction bushings, enabling it to move up and down along the slider guide rail 5 with low resistance. To drive the slider 10, a lead screw 9 is arranged parallel to one side of the slider guide rail 5. The lead screw 9 is a long shaft with precision external threads machined on its surface; the threaded area of ​​its main body forms the first stud section 92, as shown... Figure 8 As shown. The lead screw 9 passes through the slider 10, and the slider 10 has an internal thread structure (or a lead screw nut) that mates with the first stud section 92. When the lead screw 9 rotates around its axis, the slider 10's rotational freedom is restricted by the slider guide rail 5, and the rotational motion of the lead screw 9 is converted into the linear movement of the slider 10 in the vertical direction through thread engagement.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, in order to limit the lower limit of the movement stroke of the slider 10 and protect the suspension system in the non-operating state, a limit block 7 is rigidly fixed at the bottom end of the slider 10. Figure 6 As shown, the limiting block 7 is a load-bearing block with a through hole 71 in its center for the slider guide rail 5 to pass through. To prevent the limiting block 7 from bending and deforming under the long-term pressure of the slider 10 and the optical inspection platform, triangular or rib-shaped reinforcing ribs 72 are integrally formed on the sides or bottom of the limiting block 7. The reinforcing ribs 72 significantly increase the structural strength and bending section modulus of the limiting block 7.

[0046] like Figure 3 and Figure 8As shown, to enable precise and quantitative blind operation control of the internal lead screw 9 from outside the housing, a ball bearing indexing adjustment feedback system 2 is integrated at the top of the lead screw 9 extending from the external stress skin housing 1. This system mainly consists of a ball bearing fixing seat 25, a ball bearing adjustment knob 26, and a built-in ball bearing assembly. The ball bearing fixing seat 25 is a disc-shaped or square base, its bottom surface fitting against the top outer surface of the external stress skin housing 1. Several countersunk holes 21 are provided on the ball bearing fixing seat 25, through which screws securely lock the ball bearing fixing seat 25 to the external stress skin housing 1. A through ball bearing fixing seat lead screw connection hole 23 is provided at the center of the ball bearing fixing seat 25, through which the journal at the top of the lead screw 9 passes through the opening on the external stress skin housing 1 and the ball bearing fixing seat lead screw connection hole 23, extending above the fixing seat.

[0047] To achieve a rigid connection between the lead screw 9 and the drive knob, such as Figure 8 As shown, a flat D-shaped notch 91 is machined at the top journal of the lead screw 9, giving it a non-circular "D" shape in cross-section. Correspondingly, the center hole of the ball adjustment knob 26 is also designed as a D-shaped hole that matches the D-shaped notch 91. When the ball adjustment knob 26 is fitted onto the top of the lead screw 9, the D-shaped surfaces of the two fit together, thus achieving circumferential anti-rotation fixation and ensuring that when the operator rotates the ball adjustment knob 26, the lead screw 9 can rotate synchronously and without gaps.

[0048] The core function of the ball bearing indexing adjustment feedback system 2 is to provide indexing feedback and self-locking capability. On the ball bearing holder 25, several ball bearing threaded holes 24 are evenly distributed circumferentially around the central axis (e.g., 2, 3, or 4 symmetrically distributed). Ball bearing assemblies (i.e., standard ball bearing screws, including a housing, internal spring, and a steel or ceramic ball at the top) are screwed into these threaded holes 24. Simultaneously, several recessed ball bearing indexing grooves 22 are evenly milled circumferentially on the lower surface of the ball bearing adjustment knob 26 (or at the journal boss where the lead screw 9 passes through the holder). The number of these ball bearing indexing grooves 22 determines the number of indexes per revolution. After assembly, the ball bearing assembly installed in the ball bearing holder 25, under the preload of the internal spring, will have its ball head pushed upwards (or inwards, depending on the installation direction) and pressed into one of the ball bearing indexing grooves 22 on the lower surface of the ball bearing adjustment knob 26, forming an elastic mechanical engagement.

[0049] The specific usage and operation process are as follows: When the single-molecule detection platform needs to be raised for operation, the operator holds the bead adjustment knob 26 and rotates it. In the initial stage of rotation, the knob drives the bead indexing groove 22 to rotate relative to the stationary bead fixing seat 25. At this time, the bead head located in the groove is subjected to the lateral thrust of the inclined side wall of the bead indexing groove 22. This thrust forces the bead head to overcome the resistance of the spring inside the bead assembly and retract into the depth of the bead threaded hole 24. As the knob continues to rotate, when the bead head completely slides out of the current bead indexing groove 22 and crosses the ridge between two grooves, under the instantaneous action of the spring restoring force, the bead head will quickly pop out and impact the bottom of the next adjacent bead indexing groove 22. This mechanical process of "sliding out-compressing-popping-impacting" produces a clear, tactile feedback with a tactile feel, accompanied by a crisp mechanical sound. This design allows operators to accurately determine how many angles the lead screw has rotated, even in a completely dark single-molecule precision testing laboratory, without needing to visually inspect the scale, simply by feeling the number of "clicks" with their hands.

[0050] Since the first stud section 92 of the lead screw 9 has a fixed lead (e.g., 2mm), each rotation of the lead screw 9 by one indexing angle will drive the slider 10 to rise a certain small distance along the slider guide rail 5. As the slider 10 rises, the originally loose elastic band is gradually tightened, thereby smoothly lifting the optical detection platform below, allowing it to detach from the bottom limiting block 7 and other rigid supports, and enter a fully suspended working state.

[0051] More importantly, the ball bearing indexing adjustment feedback system 2 also utilizes the principle of mechanical friction to achieve vibration-resistant self-locking. In a static state, the ball head is always firmly pressed into the ball bearing indexing groove 22 under the action of spring force. This radial or axial clamping force, on the one hand, hinders rotation through mechanical interference between the ball head and the groove wall, and on the other hand, increases the contact pressure and static friction between the ball bearing adjustment knob 26 and the ball bearing fixing seat 25, and between the threaded pair of the lead screw 9. This holding torque generated by the mechanical structure is designed to be greater than the helical sliding torque generated by the suspended load on the lead screw 9. Therefore, when the operator releases their hand, even under the traction of the gravity of the single-molecule detection platform, the lead screw 9 will not self-spin back, thus ensuring that the single-molecule detection platform can be stably suspended at any adjustable height for a long time, guaranteeing the stability of the optical focal plane.

[0052] In addition to precise mechanical actuation, embodiments of the present invention also focus on constructing an ultimate optical and thermal environment. For example... Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 7 As shown, the optical environment control components mainly include a honeycomb light-absorbing device 8 covering the inner wall and a light trap heat dissipation device 3 installed at the vent.

[0053] like Figure 7 As shown, to eliminate stray light reflection inside the enclosure, the inner wall surface of the outer stress-skin shell 1 is not simply painted black, but instead has a honeycomb light-absorbing device 8 attached. The honeycomb light-absorbing device 8 is a plate of a certain thickness, with an array of hexagonal light-absorbing holes 82 densely distributed on its surface. These hexagonal light-absorbing holes 82 extend perpendicularly to the plate surface deep inside, forming countless tiny deep cavity structures. When non-perpendicular stray light enters these hexagonal light-absorbing holes 82, the light cannot be directly reflected out, but must undergo multiple reflections on the hole walls before escaping. During each reflection, the hole wall material absorbs most of the light energy, thus "swallowing" the light using a geometric trap effect. For ease of installation and cleaning, magnetic suction holes 81 are provided at the four corners of the honeycomb light-absorbing plate. By embedding a strong magnet in these holes, the honeycomb light-absorbing plate can be directly adsorbed onto ferromagnetic fasteners or specific mounting bases, ensuring both a secure connection and convenient subsequent disassembly and maintenance.

[0054] like Figure 4 As shown, to solve the heat dissipation problem of the equipment inside the fully enclosed darkroom and to prevent external light leakage, this invention installs a light trapping device at the vents on the side wall of the external stress-skinned outer shell 1 (usually a lower air inlet and an upper exhaust outlet). The main body of this device is the light trapping device shell 31, which is fixed to the opening on the side wall of the box. Inside the cavity of the light trapping device shell 31, there are two sets of staggered light-blocking plate structures, namely a first array of light-blocking plates 32 and a second array of light-blocking plates 33. The first array of light-blocking plates 32 and the second array of light-blocking plates 33 are usually V-shaped, L-shaped, or flat, and they extend from opposite sides (or front and rear sides) of the shell towards the middle. In terms of spatial layout, the first array of light-blocking plates 32 and the second array of light-blocking plates 33 overlap each other, that is, from the straight line of light incidence, all lines of sight are completely blocked by the light-blocking plates, and there are no straight gaps. However, gaps are left between adjacent light-blocking plates to allow airflow. These gaps connect to form a continuous, winding "S" or "U" shaped labyrinthine airflow channel.

[0055] Its working principle utilizes the physical property that light travels in a straight line while fluids can flow around it. When ambient light attempts to pass through the vent, the beam directly strikes the outermost first array of light-blocking plates 32; partially reflected light strikes the inner second array of light-blocking plates 33. After multiple impacts and reflections on the surface of the light-blocking plates coated with matte finish, the light energy is gradually attenuated and absorbed, ultimately unable to penetrate into the chamber. Simultaneously, airflow can freely flow along the curved channels. When heat sources inside the chamber (such as motors, light sources, etc.) generate heat, raising the air temperature, the hot air density decreases and it naturally rises, exiting through the light trapping device at the top; at the same time, the negative pressure generated inside the chamber drives cool external air to enter through the light trapping device at the bottom to replenish it. This design cleverly utilizes the chimney effect to achieve natural convection cooling without power, vibration, or light leakage, ensuring the thermal stability of the internal air refractive index, which is crucial for high-sensitivity guided-mode resonance detection.

[0056] Example 3 The present invention also provides a method of use, applied to a precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection in the above-described method embodiments, the method comprising: The optical inspection platform is suspended below the slider by an elastic suspension strap; By rotating the ball adjustment knob to drive the lead screw, the slider moves upward along the slider guide rail, thereby pulling the elastic suspension belt to tighten, so that the optical inspection platform is parallel to the bottom surface, and the working elongation rate of the elastic suspension belt is within the critical elongation rate range.

[0057] In summary, this invention provides a precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection and its usage method, specifically designed to address the problems of environmental vibration and stray light interference in high-sensitivity guided-mode resonance detection. The darkroom platform employs a rigid decoupled architecture, with an external stress-skinned shell and an internal aluminum profile skeleton rigidly anchored to form a torsional shielding shell. An integrated precision lifting drive assembly features a slider guide rail vertically locked to the side of the skeleton via an L-shaped fixing seat, with a mechanical limit block defining the slider's initial zero position. A ball bearing indexing adjustment feedback system drives the lead screw, and a traction hook device enables the elastic suspension belt to create a low-frequency vibration-isolated suspension environment under load. Simultaneously, the inner wall of the external stress-skinned shell integrates an array of honeycomb light-absorbing devices to capture large-angle stray light, and a split-type S-shaped light trap heat dissipation device is configured to achieve natural heat dissipation using the chimney effect while blocking straight light paths. This invention, through the synergistic design of mechanical vibration isolation and optical extinction, significantly improves the signal-to-noise ratio and stability of weak light signal detection.

[0058] It should be noted that, depending on the implementation needs, the various steps / components described in this invention can be broken down into more steps / components, or two or more steps / components or parts of the operation of steps / components can be combined into new steps / components to achieve the purpose of this invention.

[0059] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are 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 precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection, characterized in that, The secret platform includes: skeleton; An external stress-resistant skin shell is installed on the outside of the frame to form a closed box. The precision lifting drive assembly is located inside the housing and includes a slider guide rail, a slider, and a lead screw. The slider guide rail is vertically mounted on the frame, the slider slides on the slider guide rail, and the lead screw passes through the slider and is threadedly engaged with the slider. The ball bearing indexing adjustment feedback system, located outside the housing, includes a ball bearing fixing seat, a ball bearing adjustment knob, and a ball bearing assembly. The ball bearing fixing seat is mounted on the outer stress skin shell, with a ball bearing fixing seat screw connection hole in the center. The top end of the screw passes through the ball bearing fixing seat screw connection hole and is fixedly connected to the ball bearing adjustment knob. The journal of the ball bearing adjustment knob or the screw has a ball bearing indexing groove, the ball bearing fixing seat has a ball bearing threaded hole, and the ball bearing assembly is located in the ball bearing threaded hole and pressed against the ball bearing indexing groove. A critical elongation suspension assembly includes an elastic suspension belt and connects a slider to an optical detection platform; the working elongation of the elastic suspension belt is within the critical elongation range. Optical environment control components include a honeycomb light-absorbing device and a light trap heat dissipation device disposed on an external stress-skin housing.

2. The precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame is made of aluminum profiles, and the external stress-resistant skin shell is rigidly connected to the aluminum profile frame through an array of fasteners, so that the two form a torsion-resistant closed shielded cabin.

3. The precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The precision lifting drive assembly also includes an L-shaped fixed base and a limit block; The L-shaped mounting base is a right-angle bent plate structure, including a vertical mounting surface and a horizontal support surface. The vertical mounting surface has at least two set screw holes. The L-shaped mounting base is fixed to the frame by passing an internal hex bolt through the set screw holes and screwing it into the nut in the groove on the side of the frame. The horizontal support surface is used to fix the slider guide rail. The limit block is used to support the slider when it is not in operation.

4. The precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the lead screw has a D-shaped notch, and the ball adjustment knob is connected to the lead screw anti-rotation via the D-shaped notch; the main body of the lead screw has a first stud section, and the slider has a threaded hole that mates with the first stud section; Rotating the ball bearing adjustment knob drives the lead screw to rotate, which in turn drives the slider to move up and down relative to the frame.

5. The precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The critical elongation suspension assembly also includes a hook-up device that connects the slider to the elastic suspension belt; the elastic suspension belt is a high-damping elastic belt.

6. The precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The honeycomb light-absorbing device is located on the inner wall of the outer stress skin shell. Its surface is covered with an array of hexagonal light-absorbing holes. The hexagonal light-absorbing holes extend inward perpendicular to the inner wall of the outer stress skin shell and absorb light through the hole walls.

7. The precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection according to claim 6, characterized in that, The honeycomb light-absorbing device is equipped with magnetic suction holes, which are used to fix the honeycomb light-absorbing device to the inner wall of the outer stress skin shell by magnetic connectors or fasteners.

8. The precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light trap heat dissipation device is located at the side wall opening of the external stress skin shell, and has a first array of light-blocking plates and a second array of light-blocking plates inside. The first array of light-blocking plates and the second array of light-blocking plates are arranged alternately in the vertical direction and overlap each other in the horizontal direction, forming a continuous and bent airflow channel inside the light trap heat dissipation device to connect the internal and external environments.

9. The precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection according to claim 8, characterized in that, The light trap heat dissipation device is installed at the top of the side wall and the bottom opening of the external stress skin shell to form a chimney effect; The first array of light-blocking plates and the second array of light-blocking plates absorb light.

10. A method of use, characterized in that, The method, applied to the precision darkroom platform for single-molecule detection according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprises: The optical inspection platform is suspended below the slider by an elastic suspension belt; Rotating the ball adjustment knob drives the lead screw, causing the slider to move upward along the slider guide rail, thereby gradually tightening the elastic suspension belt until the optical inspection platform is parallel to the bottom surface, and the working elongation rate of the elastic suspension belt is within the critical elongation rate range.

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