A capillary array assembly

Abstract

The application belongs to the technical field of optical detection, and particularly relates to a capillary array assembly, which comprises at least two capillaries arranged side by side in a set direction, the capillary comprises a body part and a light shielding layer wrapped around the body part, the capillary further comprises a light transmission part, the light transmission part is fixed, position-limited or integrally formed with the body part, and the light transmission parts of the two adjacent capillaries are arranged in an axial direction of the capillary in a staggered manner. Through the axial staggered structure, the light shielding layer is used to absorb stray light in the staggered area, so that the optical crosstalk in the high-density array is effectively inhibited without increasing the physical spacing and isolation assembly, the detection signal-to-noise ratio is improved while the equipment is miniaturized, and then the high-throughput analysis demand is met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of optical detection technology, and in particular relates to a capillary array component. Background Technology

[0002] Capillary arrays, as a high-throughput separation and detection tool, are widely used in biomedical analysis fields such as gene sequencing and clinical in vitro diagnostics. Traditional capillary arrays typically consist of multiple capillaries arranged side-by-side. To achieve the transmission and detection of specific wavelength light signals, the outer surface of the capillaries is usually covered with a light-shielding layer, and this layer is partially removed to create a light-transmitting portion (i.e., removing the light-shielding coating to form a detection window). However, with the increasing demand for high-throughput detection, the channel density of capillary arrays is constantly increasing. In practical applications, capillary array devices still have certain shortcomings, particularly in their ability to suppress optical crosstalk between adjacent channels. With high-density arrangements, the spacing between adjacent capillaries is small. When a sample in a capillary is irradiated with strong excitation light, producing high-brightness fluorescence or strong scattered light, the light can easily penetrate the capillary wall or pass through the gaps between capillaries to adjacent capillary channels.

[0003] To address the aforementioned optical crosstalk problem, related technologies typically employ methods such as increasing the physical spacing between adjacent capillaries or using separators to block the capillaries. However, while these methods can suppress optical crosstalk to some extent, they directly lead to an increase in the overall size of the capillary array, which contradicts the development trend of miniaturization and high throughput in modern bioanalytical instruments. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention aims to provide a capillary array assembly that at least overcomes one of the problems in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is implemented as follows: A capillary array assembly includes at least two capillaries arranged side by side along a predetermined direction. Each capillary includes a body portion and a light-shielding layer covering the periphery of the body portion. Each capillary also includes a light-transmitting portion, which is fixed, limited, or integrally formed with the body portion. The light-transmitting portions of two adjacent capillaries are staggered in the axial direction of the capillary.

[0006] Furthermore, along the axial direction of the capillary, the distance between the light-transmitting portions of two adjacent capillaries is not less than 0.1 mm.

[0007] Furthermore, along the axial direction of the capillary, the length of the light-transmitting portion is 0.3-1.5 mm.

[0008] Furthermore, the capillary includes a first capillary and a second capillary. Along the set direction, the first capillary and the second capillary are arranged alternately in sequence. The light-transmitting parts of the first capillary are arranged side by side along the set direction, and the light-transmitting parts of the second capillary are arranged side by side along the set direction.

[0009] Furthermore, the light-transmitting part is surrounded by a light-shielding layer, and the light-shielding layer is provided with light-transmitting holes corresponding to the position of the light-transmitting part. In the projection plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the capillary, along the circumference of the capillary, each capillary has a first sidewall and a second sidewall that are arranged opposite to each other. The first sidewalls of each capillary are arranged on the same side, and the second sidewalls of each capillary are arranged on the same side. Each capillary has two light-transmitting holes arranged opposite to each other along its circumference, and the ports of the two light-transmitting holes are respectively located on their corresponding first sidewall and second sidewall.

[0010] Furthermore, along the circumference of the capillary, the light-transmitting hole has a first inner wall and a second inner wall. In a projection plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the capillary, along the chord length direction of the outer circumference of the capillary, there is a first distance between the first inner wall and the second inner wall, and the first distance is smaller than the diameter of the capillary.

[0011] Furthermore, the capillary array assembly includes an isolation layer that covers the light-shielding layer, and at least a portion of the isolation layer is located between two oppositely disposed light-transmitting holes along the circumferential direction of the capillary.

[0012] Furthermore, the capillary array assembly includes a first clamping plate and a second clamping plate, which are positioned or fixed. The first clamping plate and / or the second clamping plate have positioning grooves for accommodating each of the capillaries. The first clamping plate and the second clamping plate are provided with openings at positions corresponding to the light-transmitting portions of each of the capillaries, and the openings communicate with the positioning grooves.

[0013] Furthermore, the first clamping plate has a first limiting groove on the side facing the second clamping plate for limiting a single capillary tube. And / or, the second clamping plate has a second limiting groove on the side facing the first clamping plate for limiting a single capillary tube.

[0014] Furthermore, along the predetermined direction, the first limiting groove has a first groove wall and a second groove wall, the first groove wall and the second groove wall being arranged at an angle, the large opening between the first groove wall and the second groove wall facing the capillary, the capillary portion being confined within the first limiting groove, and the maximum distance between the first groove wall and the second groove wall being less than the diameter of the capillary. And / or, along the set direction, the second limiting groove has a third groove wall and a fourth groove wall, the third groove wall and the fourth groove wall are arranged at an angle, the large opening between the third groove wall and the fourth groove wall faces the capillary, the capillary portion is limited in the second limiting groove, and the maximum distance between the third groove wall and the fourth groove wall is less than the diameter of the capillary.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the capillary array assembly of the present invention has the following advantages: (1) The capillary array assembly of the present invention, by misaligning the light-transmitting portions of adjacent capillaries in the axial direction of the capillaries, ensures that when the light-transmitting portion of one capillary is excited to generate an optical signal, the corresponding position of the adjacent capillary is covered by a light-shielding layer. By utilizing the absorption of stray light by the light-shielding layer, the direct propagation path of light between adjacent channels is blocked, thereby effectively solving the optical crosstalk problem under high-density arrangement without increasing the physical spacing between adjacent capillaries or relying on additional isolation components. This allows the present invention to achieve high-throughput accurate detection while maintaining a compact overall size of the capillary array and meeting miniaturization requirements, thus balancing high integration and high signal-to-noise ratio.

[0016] (2) The capillary array assembly of the present invention, by limiting the axial spacing of adjacent light-transmitting parts to not less than 0.1 mm and the length of the light-transmitting parts to 0.3-1.5 mm, maximizes the crosstalk suppression effect by utilizing the isolation band formed by the misalignment, under the premise of ensuring that the detection window has sufficient light flux to meet the detection sensitivity requirements.

[0017] (3) The capillary array assembly of the present invention further restricts the divergence of light in the circumferential direction by setting two light-transmitting holes opposite to each other on the light-shielding layer, and constructs a three-dimensional anti-crosstalk barrier in conjunction with the axial misalignment structure. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the capillary structure in the capillary array assembly described in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the main body of the capillary array assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the light-transmitting portion in the capillary array assembly described in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the capillary array assembly described in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first clamping plate in the capillary array assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure at the first limiting groove in the capillary array assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second clamping plate in the capillary array assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100, Capillary; 110, Body; 120, Light-shielding layer; 121, Light-transmitting hole; 1211, First inner wall; 1212, Second inner wall; 130, Light-transmitting part; 140, First capillary; 150, Second capillary; 160, First sidewall; 170, Second sidewall; 200. Isolation layer; 300. First clamping plate; 310. First limiting groove; 311. First groove wall; 312. Second groove wall; 400. Second plywood; 500, positioning groove; 600, Opening. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings show only the parts relevant to the present invention, and not all of the structures.

[0021] Please refer to Figures 1 to 7 This invention provides a capillary array assembly 100, which includes at least two capillary tubes 100 arranged side by side along a set direction. Each capillary tube 100 includes a body portion 110 and a light-shielding layer 120 covering the periphery of the body portion 110. The capillary tube 100 also includes a light-transmitting portion 130, which is fixed, limited, or integrally formed with the body portion 110. The light-transmitting portions 130 of two adjacent capillary tubes 100 are staggered in the axial direction of the capillary tube 100.

[0022] Specifically, the body 110 is typically made of a transparent material (such as quartz, glass, or a highly transparent polymer) to provide microchannels for fluid passage and paths for optical signal transmission. The light-shielding layer 120 is coated or adhered to the outer surface of the body; its main function is to absorb or block stray light from the outside and prevent light from interfering with each other between adjacent channels. The light-shielding layer 120 is typically made of materials such as a coating containing light-absorbing pigments (such as carbon black or polyimide) or a black polyimide film.

[0023] For example, the light-transmitting portion 130 may be a detection window formed by removing part of the light-shielding layer 120 in the body portion 110, that is, exposing the transparent tube wall of the body portion 110 as the light-transmitting portion 130 to allow light signals (such as excitation light or emission light) to pass through.

[0024] It should be understood that in some embodiments of this example, the light-transmitting part 130 may also be a capillary 100 without the light-shielding layer 120. A capillary 100 is formed by connecting the light-transmitting part 130 to the main body part 110. Those skilled in the art can choose an appropriate way to set the light-transmitting part 130 according to actual needs, which will not be described in detail here.

[0025] In this embodiment, the set direction is perpendicular to the axial direction of each capillary 100. In order to achieve high-throughput detection, these capillary 100s are usually arranged closely along the set direction, and the distance between the outer walls of adjacent capillary 100s is small, and they can even contact each other, which is conducive to the miniaturization of the capillary 100 array.

[0026] To address the optical crosstalk issue in high-density capillary arrays, the core improvement of this embodiment lies in the staggered arrangement of the light-transmitting portions 130 of two adjacent capillary tubes 100 along their axial direction. This staggered arrangement ensures that when the detection optical path is focused on the light-transmitting portion 130 of one capillary tube 100, the fluorescence or scattered light generated in that area will scatter in all directions. However, when it propagates to the location of the adjacent capillary tube 100, due to the axial offset of its light-transmitting portion 130, these stray rays will primarily illuminate the light-shielding layer 120 of that capillary tube 100, rather than directly entering its light-transmitting portion 130. The light-shielding layer 120 can effectively absorb these stray rays, thereby blocking the path of light from one capillary tube 100 directly penetrating or coupling into another adjacent capillary tube 100, thus reducing optical crosstalk.

[0027] By misaligning the light-transmitting portions 130 of two adjacent capillaries 100 in their axial direction, this capillary array assembly can achieve effective light isolation without increasing the physical spacing between adjacent capillaries 100 in a set direction. This allows the capillary array assembly to maintain or even increase the channel density while ensuring the independence and accuracy of the detection signal of each channel, meeting the dual development needs of miniaturization and high throughput in modern bioanalytical instruments.

[0028] It should be noted that the misalignment distance between two adjacent light-transmitting sections 130 in the axial direction can be set according to the parameters of the actual optical system. For example, the misalignment distance can be greater than or equal to the beam divergence length of the excitation spot in the axial direction, or greater than or equal to the extension length of the detection field of view in the axial direction. This ensures that even if there is a certain optical path divergence or alignment error, stray light can be completely intercepted by the light-shielding layer 120 of the adjacent channel, further improving the reliability of crosstalk suppression.

[0029] It should be understood that the above-mentioned misalignment can be achieved through various processing methods. For example, during the assembly of the capillary array 100, the capillary 100 can be misaligned in the axial direction by a positioning fixture before being fixed; or, for an integrated capillary array 100, after coating the light-shielding layer 120, the coating of different capillary 100 can be removed sequentially at different axial positions by laser etching or mechanical grinding, thereby forming a stepped or wavy array of light-transmitting parts 130.

[0030] By using the above-described configuration, this embodiment offsets the light-transmitting portions 130 of adjacent capillaries 100 in the axial direction. Without sacrificing array density and component size, the absorption of stray light in the offset area by the light-shielding layer 120 helps to solve the optical crosstalk problem under high-density arrangement, providing a reliable hardware foundation for high-throughput and high-precision biomedical analysis.

[0031] In one embodiment of this example, along the axial direction of the capillary 100, the distance between the light-transmitting portions 130 of two adjacent capillary 100 is not less than 0.1 mm.

[0032] Specifically, for capillary tubes 100 with smaller diameters (such as those with a diameter of 0.365 mm), when defining the length of their light-transmitting portions 130, the manufacturing process is strictly controlled to ensure that the light-transmitting portions 130 of any two adjacent capillary tubes 100 maintain a physical gap of not less than 0.1 mm in the axial direction. This gap is defined as the straight-line distance along the axial direction between the end of the light-transmitting portion 130 of one capillary tube 100 and the beginning of the light-transmitting portion 130 of the adjacent capillary tube 100.

[0033] This spacing of not less than 0.1 mm forms an alternating isolation zone in the capillary array 100. Since the light-shielding layer 120 of adjacent capillary 100 completely covers this area of ​​0.1 mm or more, when the light-transmitting portion 130 of one capillary 100 generates strong excitation light scattering or fluorescence emission, this light, as it propagates axially and attempts to enter the adjacent capillary 100, will inevitably pass through this isolation area covered by the light-shielding layer 120. At this time, the light-shielding layer 120 can effectively absorb and attenuate this stray light, reducing its intensity to a negligible level before reaching the adjacent light-transmitting portion 130, thus structurally constructing a crosstalk barrier that requires no additional components.

[0034] Furthermore, limiting the spacing to no less than 0.1 mm is the minimum safe isolation distance determined under the premise of ensuring that the detection window has a sufficiently large effective light-transmitting area to meet the requirements of light signal collection. This parameter setting avoids the increase in the overall length of the capillary 100 array caused by excessive spacing, maintaining the compactness of the capillary 100 array components, while ensuring that even with high-density arrangement (e.g., the outer walls of the capillary 100 are tangent or closely attached), the staggered layout of the structure itself can still achieve efficient suppression of optical crosstalk, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio and accuracy of array detection.

[0035] In one embodiment of this example, the length of the light-transmitting portion 130 along the axial direction of the capillary 100 is 0.3-1.5 mm.

[0036] Specifically, setting the lower limit of the light-transmitting portion 130 to 0.3mm ensures that the light-transmitting portion 130 has sufficient light-passing area to capture adequate fluorescence or scattered signals, avoiding insufficient light signal intensity due to an excessively small window, thereby ensuring detection sensitivity. Simultaneously, the 0.3mm size also provides margin for alignment errors during manufacturing, preventing the loss of an effective detection area due to processing deviations.

[0037] On the other hand, setting the upper limit of the light-transmitting portion 130 to 1.5mm is to limit the axial span of a single detection window. An excessively long window may increase background noise or cause light loss due to multiple reflections within the tube wall. More importantly, when combined with the aforementioned staggered arrangement and the requirement of a minimum 0.1mm spacing between adjacent light-transmitting portions 130, the 1.5mm length limit ensures that multiple capillaries 100 are reasonably staggered within a limited axial space, avoiding window overlap. This length configuration ensures a high signal-to-noise ratio for individual channels while maintaining the overall compactness of the array, enabling the integration of a large number of detection channels within a small space to meet the needs of high-throughput analysis and facilitating the miniaturization of the capillary 100 array assembly.

[0038] In one embodiment of this example, the capillary 100 includes a first capillary 140 and a second capillary 150. The first capillary 140 and the second capillary 150 are arranged alternately in sequence along a set direction. The light-transmitting portion 130 of the first capillary 140 is arranged side by side along the set direction, and the light-transmitting portion 130 of the second capillary 150 is arranged side by side along the set direction.

[0039] Specifically, the capillary array 100 adopts a grouped alternating arrangement strategy, specifically including a first capillary 140 and a second capillary 150. Along a set direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the capillary 100 (i.e., the width direction of the capillary array 100), the first capillary 140 and the second capillary 150 are arranged alternately in sequence.

[0040] In this structure, to further simplify the manufacturing process and ensure consistent testing, the light-transmitting portions 130 of the first capillary 140 are arranged side-by-side along a predetermined direction, meaning that all the light-transmitting portions 130 of the first capillary 140 have the same position coordinates in the axial direction. Similarly, the light-transmitting portions 130 of the second capillary 150 are also arranged side-by-side along a predetermined direction, meaning that all the light-transmitting portions 130 of the second capillary 150 also have the same position coordinates in the axial direction. Through this design, the light-transmitting portions 130 of all the first capillary 140 and all the light-transmitting portions 130 of all the second capillary 150 are integrally misaligned in the axial direction, forming a wave-shaped array of light-transmitting portions 130.

[0041] This arrangement logically divides the high-density capillary array 100 into two parallel detection layers. During manufacturing, the first capillary group 140 and the second capillary group 150 can be windowed using two corresponding masks or processing stations. Because the light-transmitting portions 130 of the same group of capillary 100 are axially aligned, the complexity of processing and positioning is greatly reduced, and the consistency of mass production is improved. Furthermore, it ensures that all adjacent first capillary 140 and second capillary 150 maintain a constant axial misalignment distance (e.g., not less than 0.1 mm).

[0042] During the testing process, this uniform staggered layout forms a regular interlaced isolation zone, which can effectively block light coupling between any adjacent channels, achieving excellent anti-optical crosstalk performance while maintaining high throughput density.

[0043] In one embodiment of this example, the light-transmitting part 130 is covered with a light-shielding layer 120. The light-shielding layer 120 is provided with light-transmitting holes 121 corresponding to the position of the light-transmitting part 130. In the projection plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the capillary tube 100, along the circumference of the capillary tube 100, each capillary tube 100 has a first sidewall 160 and a second sidewall 170 arranged opposite to each other. The first sidewall 160 of each capillary tube 100 is arranged on the same side, and the second sidewall 170 of each capillary tube 100 is arranged on the same side. Each capillary tube 100 has two light-transmitting holes 121 arranged opposite to each other along its circumference, and the ports of the two light-transmitting holes 121 are respectively located on their corresponding first sidewall 160 and second sidewall 170.

[0044] To further optimize optical path control and suppress crosstalk, in this embodiment, a light-shielding layer 120 is provided around the light-transmitting portion 130, and the light-shielding layer 120 has light-transmitting holes 121 at positions corresponding to the light-transmitting portion 130. Specifically, in the projection plane (i.e., cross-section) perpendicular to the axial direction of the capillary tube 100, each capillary tube 100 has a first sidewall 160 and a second sidewall 170 arranged opposite each other along the circumference of the capillary tube 100. When arranged in an array, by arranging the first sidewall 160 of each capillary tube 100 facing the same side and the second sidewall 170 of each capillary tube 100 facing the other side, the high consistency of the cross-sectional orientation of all capillary tubes 100 is ensured.

[0045] Based on this, each capillary 100 has two light-transmitting holes 121 arranged opposite each other along its circumference, and the ports of these two light-transmitting holes 121 are respectively opened on their corresponding first sidewall 160 and second sidewall 170. This design strictly restricts the light signal's entry and exit path between the first sidewall 160 and the second sidewall 170, and constructs a directional light transmission channel using the two oppositely arranged light-transmitting holes 121, thereby constraining the divergence of light in the circumference of the capillary 100.

[0046] In practical applications, combined with the aforementioned feature that the light-transmitting part 130 is offset along the axial direction of the capillary 100, this embodiment forms a more rigorous optical isolation effect: First, the light-shielding layer 120 between the light-transmitting holes 121 (i.e., the light-shielding coating covering the area between the first sidewall 160 and the second sidewall 170 of the capillary 100) constitutes the first line of defense, which effectively blocks light from overflowing in the circumferential direction other than the light-transmitting holes 121, and prevents light from directly entering the adjacent capillary 100 from the side due to scattering. Secondly, based on the axial misalignment of the light-transmitting portion 130, when light enters from the light-transmitting hole 121 of the first sidewall 160 of a capillary 100 and exits from the light-transmitting hole 121 of the second sidewall 170, due to the axial misalignment of the light-transmitting holes 121 of adjacent capillary 100, even if the light tends to diffuse into adjacent channels, it will still illuminate the light-shielding layer 120 at the corresponding position of the adjacent capillary 100, rather than into its light-transmitting hole 121, because the light-transmitting portion 130 is misaligned. At this time, the light-shielding layer 120 covering the outside of the light-transmitting portion 130 of the adjacent capillary 100 acts as a second line of defense, absorbing this part of the crosstalk light.

[0047] By utilizing the above-described configuration, this embodiment employs a collaborative design of axial misalignment and circumferential double-sided openings 600. By covering the light-transmitting portion 130 with a light-shielding layer 120 and leaving openings only at specific locations, it not only achieves optical path guidance and limits the divergence range of light, but also utilizes the blocking effect generated by the light-shielding layer 120 between the light-transmitting holes 121 and the misaligned layout to form a three-dimensional anti-crosstalk barrier in space. This further prevents optical signal interference between two adjacent capillaries 100 and improves the detection signal-to-noise ratio under high-density integration.

[0048] In one embodiment of this example, along the circumference of the capillary 100, the light-transmitting hole 121 has a first inner wall 1211 and a second inner wall 1212. In a projection plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the capillary 100, along the chord length direction of the outer circumference of the capillary 100, there is a first gap between the first inner wall 1211 and the second inner wall 1212, and the first gap is smaller than the diameter of the capillary 100.

[0049] Specifically, the capillary 100 has a circular cross-section, and the light-shielding layer 120 can be made of polyimide coating. For example, a precision micromachining device can be used to perform non-contact windowing on the opposite side wall of the polyimide capillary 100 in the preset detection area. During processing, the energy density and scanning path are precisely controlled to remove the polyimide coating in the target area, forming an optically transparent window, i.e., a light-transmitting hole 121.

[0050] The light-transmitting hole 121 is not a simple partial cutout, but has strict spatial orientation and size limitations. The first distance between its first inner wall 1211 and second inner wall 1212 is limited to less than the diameter of the capillary 100. This means that in the cross-sectional projection of the capillary 100, the width of the light-transmitting hole 121 does not extend through the entire diameter of the capillary 100, but is limited to the chord direction.

[0051] The mechanical and optical value of this chord length limitation lies in two aspects: Firstly, since the first spacing is smaller than the diameter of the capillary 100, the light-shielding layer 120 retains a sufficient width of shielding margin on both sides of the light-transmitting hole 121, avoiding the risk of the capillary 100 structural stiffness decreasing or the light-shielding layer 120 breaking and peeling off due to an excessively large opening 600. Secondly, and more importantly, this limited chord length opening can effectively constrain the incident and exit solid angles of light, preventing stray light with large angles from overflowing outside the capillary 100, thus consolidating the propagation boundary of the light signal from the source and laying a spatial foundation for subsequent anti-crosstalk design.

[0052] Optionally, the ratio of the first spacing to the diameter of the capillary 100 is (5-9):15. Further, the diameter of the capillary 100 is 0.15 mm, and the spacing between adjacent capillary 100s is 0.2-4 mm. By setting the spacing between adjacent capillary 100 bodies to 0.2-4 mm, those skilled in the art can adjust the gap according to actual needs. That is, a minimum spacing of 0.2 mm is sufficient to meet the anti-crosstalk requirements, while a maximum spacing of 4 mm provides better results. Those skilled in the art can select any value from 0.2-4 mm based on actual space occupancy and anti-crosstalk requirements; this will not be elaborated further here.

[0053] When the capillary 100 has a diameter of 0.15 mm (i.e., a 150 μm micro-diameter capillary 100), its internal volume is extremely small, and the light path is extremely constricted. If the first spacing is too small (e.g., less than 50 μm corresponding to 5:15), the effective light-transmitting area of ​​the light-transmitting aperture 121 is insufficient, making it difficult for the excitation light to fully enter the cavity, and the fluorescence emitted by the sample is easily blocked by the aperture wall, causing signal attenuation; if the first spacing is too large (e.g., greater than 90 μm corresponding to 9:15), the width of the light-transmitting aperture 121 is too wide, which not only weakens the structural strength of the light-shielding layer 120, but more seriously, it destroys the light-constricting effect, causing large-angle scattered light to easily overflow and triggering serious inter-channel crosstalk.

[0054] Therefore, with a ratio (5-9):15 and a tube diameter of 0.15mm, the width of the light-transmitting hole 121 ranges from 0.05mm to 0.09mm, a balance is achieved between light transmission efficiency and anti-crosstalk shielding area, ensuring the lossless acquisition of weak light signals while maintaining the physical isolation boundary of the array.

[0055] Optionally, the ratio of the first spacing to the diameter of the capillary 100 is (14-50):73. Further, the diameter of the capillary 100 is 0.365 mm, and the spacing between adjacent capillary 100 bodies is 0.4-4 mm. By setting the spacing between adjacent capillary 100s to 0.4-4 mm, those skilled in the art can adjust the gap according to actual needs. That is, a minimum spacing of 0.4 mm is sufficient to meet the anti-crosstalk requirements, while a maximum spacing of 4 mm provides better results. Those skilled in the art can select any value from 0.4-4 mm based on actual space occupancy and anti-crosstalk requirements; this will not be elaborated further here.

[0056] When the diameter of capillary 100 increases to 0.365 mm, the cavity volume increases, and the solid angle of light scattering also changes. Using the same proportion for the smaller diameter would result in an insufficient aperture to cover the high-brightness region at the center of the cavity. A proportion (14-50):73 corresponds to a spacing range of approximately 70 μm to 250 μm. Within this range, the chordal opening of the light-transmitting aperture 121 can precisely cover the core focal region excited by the sample within the 0.365 mm capillary 100, while maintaining sufficient width of the circumferential light-shielding layer 120 to support the layout of the isolation layer 200. This adaptive proportioning design under a large diameter reflects the differentiated requirements of different array sizes for optical numerical aperture (NA) and spatial isolation distance.

[0057] In one embodiment of this example, the capillary 100 array assembly includes an isolation layer 200 that covers the light-shielding layer 120, and at least a portion of the isolation layer 200 is located between two opposing light-transmitting holes 121 along the circumferential direction of the capillary 100.

[0058] Specifically, the isolation layer 200 is designed to fundamentally solve the problem of optical crosstalk in high-density arrays. For example, the original polyimide coating serves as the base layer, and its light absorption performance is enhanced through blackening treatment. An isolation layer 200 is formed on the surface of the light-shielding layer 120, which helps to further block optical signal crosstalk between adjacent capillaries 100.

[0059] It should be understood that although this embodiment describes the isolation layer 200 covering the light-shielding layer 120 and located between the light-transmitting holes 121, in actual manufacturing, the isolation layer 200 can be a light-absorbing coating applied to the surface of the light-shielding layer 120, or a light-shielding film attached to the surface of the light-shielding layer 120, as long as it meets the functional requirement of forming effective light blocking between adjacent light-transmitting holes 121.

[0060] In a high-throughput detection scenario where multiple capillaries 100 are closely arranged side by side, when excitation light shines on a target capillary 100, the light is easily refracted and reflected within the capillary wall and scattered by the sample, overflowing through the light-transmitting hole 121 and entering the detection area of ​​the adjacent capillary 100, generating false signals.

[0061] This embodiment forms a physical optical barrier by covering the light-shielding layer 120 with an isolation layer 200, at least partially positioned between the circumferentially opposite light-transmitting holes 121. When light attempting to crosstalk between adjacent capillaries 100 escapes, it must pass through the isolation layer 200 located between the light-transmitting holes 121. The isolation layer 200 blocks this crosstalk light through its high absorption or high reflection characteristics, preventing the detector of the non-target channel from receiving stray light signals. This achieves physical optical isolation, further improving the signal-to-noise ratio and channel independence of the detection.

[0062] In one embodiment of this example, the capillary 100 array assembly includes a first clamping plate 300 and a second clamping plate 400. The first clamping plate 300 and the second clamping plate 400 are positioned or fixed. The first clamping plate 300 and / or the second clamping plate 400 have positioning grooves 500 for accommodating each capillary 100. The first clamping plate 300 and the second clamping plate 400 are provided with openings 600 at positions corresponding to the light-transmitting portions 130 of each capillary 100. The openings 600 communicate with the positioning grooves 500.

[0063] For example, the first clamping plate 300 and the second clamping plate 400 can be assembled and fixed together by means of screws, adhesives, etc. The first clamping plate 300 and the second clamping plate 400 can be made of metal materials, such as aluminum, nickel, etc., or they can be made of special polymer materials, such as polyoxymethylene, liquid crystal polymer, polyetheretherketone, etc.

[0064] Specifically, the first clamping plate 300 and the second clamping plate 400 form a mechanical clamping and positioning skeleton for the array, constraining each capillary 100 within the positioning groove 500 and preventing the capillary 100 from shifting during fluid flushing or instrument vibration. The design of the openings 600 on the first clamping plate 300 and the second clamping plate 400 corresponding to the light-transmitting portions 130 not only avoids obstructing the detection light path but also forms a three-dimensional alignment with the double-sided light-transmitting holes 121. The openings 600 on the first clamping plate 300 and the second clamping plate 400 define the inlet and outlet of external light, while the light-transmitting portions 130 of the capillary 100 define the inlet and outlet of internal light. This spatial alignment ensures attenuated light signal transmission and prevents the clamping plates from blocking the effective light path.

[0065] In one embodiment of this example, the first clamping plate 300 has a first limiting groove 310 for limiting a single capillary tube 100 on the side facing the second clamping plate 400, and / or the second clamping plate 400 has a second limiting groove for limiting a single capillary tube 100 on the side facing the first clamping plate 300.

[0066] Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the first limiting groove 310 and the second limiting groove can be a semi-circle, arc, trapezoid, or V-shape that fits against the outer wall of the capillary 100, so as to ensure that the capillary 100 is accurately positioned in the radial direction (i.e., the set direction in which the capillary 100 is arranged side by side), preventing squeezing or positional displacement between adjacent capillary 100, thereby ensuring the neat arrangement and high-density integration of the array.

[0067] To facilitate the axial misalignment of the light-transmitting portions 130 of adjacent capillary tubes 100, the first limiting groove 310 and the second limiting groove extend in an elongated shape in the axial direction of the capillary tubes 100, with a length greater than the adjustment stroke of the capillary tubes 100. This structural design allows the capillary tubes 100 to slide freely within a certain range along the axial direction after being inserted into the groove. During assembly, the operator can adjust the axial position of each capillary tube 100 in the groove according to the preset misalignment rules, so that the light-transmitting portions 130 of adjacent capillary tubes 100 are separated by an axial distance (for example, maintaining a gap of not less than 0.1 mm). After the position is adjusted, the first clamping plate 300 and the second clamping plate 400 are fixed with fasteners or adhesives, thereby locking all capillary tubes 100 in the current misaligned state.

[0068] Using the above-mentioned setup, the fixed method of the limiting groove and the clamping plate not only has a simple structure and is easy to process, but also can firmly lock the misaligned arrangement of the capillary 100, effectively preventing the capillary 100 from axially shifting due to vibration or fluid impact during subsequent fluid transmission or optical path detection, thus ensuring the long-term stability of the optical crosstalk suppression effect.

[0069] In one embodiment of this example, along a predetermined direction, the first limiting groove 310 has a first groove wall 311 and a second groove wall 312, the first groove wall 311 and the second groove wall 312 are arranged at an angle, the large opening between the first groove wall 311 and the second groove wall 312 faces the capillary tube 100, the capillary tube 100 is partially confined in the first limiting groove 310, and / or, along the predetermined direction, the second limiting groove has a third groove wall and a fourth groove wall (not shown in the figure), the third groove wall and the fourth groove wall are arranged at an angle, the large opening between the third groove wall and the fourth groove wall faces the capillary tube 100, the capillary tube 100 is partially confined in the second limiting groove, and the maximum distance between the third groove wall and the fourth groove wall is less than the diameter of the capillary tube 100.

[0070] Specifically, this design, where the groove spacing is smaller than the diameter of the capillary tube 100, creates an interference fit or elastic clamping relationship between the first limiting groove 310 and the capillary tube 100, without causing physical obstruction between adjacent capillary tubes 100. This allows the adjacent capillary tubes 100 to fit tightly together, thereby achieving a high-throughput and miniaturized design for the capillary tube 100 array assembly.

[0071] Meanwhile, since the first groove wall 311 and the second groove wall 312 are set at an angle and the large opening faces the capillary tube 100, the angled groove wall can play a guiding and self-centering role during the process of inserting the capillary tube 100 into the first limiting groove 310, guiding the capillary tube 100 to slide into the bottom of the groove; when the capillary tube 100 is fully in place, the first groove wall 311 and the second groove wall 312 are tightly attached to the outer circumferential surface of the capillary tube 100, and a small amount of elastic deformation is generated on the groove wall, thereby generating a continuous and stable radial clamping force.

[0072] Similarly, the third and fourth walls of the second limiting groove also exert the same force on the capillary tube 100. When the first clamping plate 300 and the second clamping plate 400 are assembled together, the first limiting groove 310 and the second limiting groove clamp the capillary tube 100 from both sides along the set direction. This double-sided elastic clamping structure can reliably fix the capillary tube 100 in the preset position, increase the frictional resistance between the capillary tube 100 and the clamping plate, and prevent the capillary tube 100 from falling out of the second limiting groove.

[0073] Using the above-described fixing method, this fixing method is particularly crucial for achieving the aforementioned axial misalignment of the light-transmitting part 130. Since the capillary 100 is limited by the wall of the limiting groove, even if it is subjected to the impact of fluid pressure during fluid transportation or slight vibration generated by equipment operation, the capillary 100 will not easily slide or shift along the axial direction. This ensures that the preset misalignment distance (e.g., not less than 0.1 mm) between the light-transmitting parts 130 of adjacent capillary 100 remains constant, thereby ensuring the stability and reliability of the anti-optical crosstalk structure based on the misaligned arrangement in long-term use.

[0074] Note that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of the present invention, the scope of which is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A capillary (100) array assembly, characterized in that: The capillary (100) array assembly includes at least two capillary tubes (100) arranged side by side along a set direction. Each capillary (100) includes a body portion (110) and a light-shielding layer (120) covering the periphery of the body portion (110). Each capillary (100) also includes a light-transmitting portion (130). The light-transmitting portion (130) is fixed, limited, or integrally formed with the body portion (110). The light-transmitting portions (130) of two adjacent capillary tubes (100) are staggered in the axial direction of the capillary tube (100).

2. The capillary (100) array assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: Along the axial direction of the capillary (100), the distance between the light-transmitting portions (130) of two adjacent capillary (100) is not less than 0.1 mm.

3. The capillary (100) array assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: Along the axial direction of the capillary (100), the length of the light-transmitting portion (130) is 0.3-1.5 mm.

4. The capillary (100) array assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The capillary (100) includes a first capillary (140) and a second capillary (150). Along the set direction, the first capillary (140) and the second capillary (150) are arranged alternately in sequence. The light-transmitting part (130) of the first capillary (140) is arranged side by side along the set direction, and the light-transmitting part (130) of the second capillary (150) is arranged side by side along the set direction.

5. The capillary (100) array assembly according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The light-transmitting part (130) is surrounded by a light-shielding layer (120). The light-shielding layer (120) has a light-transmitting hole (121) corresponding to the position of the light-transmitting part (130). In the projection plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the capillary tube (100), along the circumference of the capillary tube (100), each capillary tube (100) has a first sidewall (160) and a second sidewall (170) arranged opposite to each other. The first sidewall (160) of each capillary tube (100) is arranged on the same side, and the second sidewall (170) of each capillary tube (100) is arranged on the same side. Each capillary tube (100) has two light-transmitting holes (121) arranged opposite to each other along its circumference, and the ports of the two light-transmitting holes (121) are located on their corresponding first sidewall (160) and second sidewall (170), respectively.

6. The capillary (100) array assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: Along the circumference of the capillary (100), the light-transmitting hole (121) has a first inner wall (1211) and a second inner wall (1212). In a projection plane perpendicular to the axial direction of the capillary (100), along the chord length direction of the outer circumference of the capillary (100), there is a first gap between the first inner wall (1211) and the second inner wall (1212), the first gap being smaller than the diameter of the capillary (100).

7. The capillary (100) array assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: The capillary (100) array assembly includes an isolation layer (200) that covers the light-shielding layer (120), and at least a portion of the isolation layer (200) is located between two opposing light-transmitting holes (121) along the circumferential direction of the capillary (100).

8. The capillary (100) array assembly according to any one of claims 1-4, 6, and 7, characterized in that: The capillary (100) array assembly includes a first clamping plate (300) and a second clamping plate (400). The first clamping plate (300) and the second clamping plate (400) are positioned or fixed. The first clamping plate (300) and / or the second clamping plate (400) have positioning grooves (500) for accommodating each of the capillary (100). The first clamping plate (300) and the second clamping plate (400) are provided with openings (600) at positions corresponding to the light-transmitting portions (130) of each of the capillary (100). The openings (600) communicate with the positioning grooves (500).

9. The capillary (100) array assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that: The first clamping plate (300) has a first limiting groove (310) on the side facing the second clamping plate (400) for limiting a single capillary tube (100). And / or, the second clamping plate (400) has a second limiting groove on the side facing the first clamping plate (300) for limiting a single capillary tube (100).

10. The capillary (100) array assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that: Along the set direction, the first limiting groove (310) has a first groove wall (311) and a second groove wall (312). The first groove wall (311) and the second groove wall (312) are arranged at an angle. The large opening between the first groove wall (311) and the second groove wall (312) faces the capillary tube (100). The capillary tube (100) is partially confined in the first limiting groove (310). The maximum distance between the first groove wall (311) and the second groove wall (312) is less than the diameter of the capillary tube (100). And / or, along the set direction, the second limiting groove has a third groove wall and a fourth groove wall, the third groove wall and the fourth groove wall are set at an angle, the large opening between the third groove wall and the fourth groove wall faces the capillary (100), the capillary (100) is partially limited in the second limiting groove, and the maximum distance between the third groove wall and the fourth groove wall is less than the diameter of the capillary (100).

Images