Multi-wavelength light source system and microscope

Abstract

The utility model relates to a multi-wavelength light source system and a microscope. The multi-wavelength light source system comprises a plurality of light sources with different wavelengths, and an aspherical mirror, a dichroscope and a spherical mirror which are inserted between the light sources and the light source output window, so that a plurality of corresponding sub light paths are formed; in each sub light path, light passes through the aspherical mirror, the dichroscope and the spherical mirror from the corresponding light source and is finally output from the same light source output window; the optical distances from the light sources of all the sub light paths to the light source output window are the same, and the combined focal lengths of the aspherical mirrors and the spherical mirrors in all the sub light paths are the same. According to the light source system, the size of the light source module and the size of the corresponding optical element are greatly reduced, the cost of the light source module is reduced, the layout of the whole light source system is more compact, and meanwhile the heat dissipation effect of the system is greatly improved by assembling the sub light source modules on the metal frame.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The utility model relates to optical technology field, concretely relates to a kind of multi-wavelength light source system and including the microscope of the multi-wavelength light source system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Fluorescence microscope illuminates the sample under test by using excitation light, uses imaging light path to observe fluorescence image, to analyze specific sample features. According to band transition theory, single-photon energy of fluorescence is less than excitation light energy. According to single-photon energy calculation formula P=hγ=hc / λ, then the wavelength of fluorescence is longer than the wavelength of excitation light. For fluorescence observation light path, excitation light will become stray light of fluorescence observation light path, so corresponding narrow-band filter needs to be designed in light path to filter out narrow-band excitation light, to improve contrast of fluorescence image. In order to improve sample detail analysis ability and expand identification ability to different dyes and specific samples, conventional fluorescence microscope will use multiple wavelengths of light to illuminate the sample to improve analysis ability to specific parameters of sample, so providing a multi-wavelength excitation light source is the key technology of fluorescence microscope system.

[0003] A kind of multi-wavelength fluorescence light source using halogen lamp is known in prior art, which realizes different wavelength excitation light output by rotating a color wheel with different wavelength narrow-band filters, and halogen lamp is a wide-spectrum light source, when using single wavelength, a large amount of other band light needs to be filtered out, the design difficulty of filter is greater, the utilization rate of photoelectric conversion of system is lower, and a large amount of heat is generated, which increases the heat dissipation difficulty of system.In addition, the fluorescence microscope usually needs to switch different wavelength excitation light, and needs to rotate and switch the color wheel, which leads to low efficiency.In addition, halogen lamp also has the problem of long-term use illumination attenuation.

[0004] In addition, patent application US20090121154A1 discloses a multi-wavelength light-emitting diode (LED) fluorescence light source, which realizes coupling output of multiple wavelengths by axially arranging multiple dichroic mirrors.In this light source system, the light emitted by the LED needs to be collimated by a collimating lens first, which leads to a large exit spot, increasing the size of the lens of the subsequent dichroic mirror and the overall size of the light source module, which makes it difficult to couple with the microscope and increases the cost.In addition, patent application US20060187542A1 also knows another multi-wavelength fluorescence light source using LED light source, which integrates LED light-emitting sub-modules on a rotating wheel, and realizes switching of different wavelengths by rotating the central shaft.This scheme is relatively small, but has problems such as long rotation time of rotating shaft, slow spectrum switching speed, mechanical structure aging caused by long use time, etc.In addition, since multiple LED light sources are integrated on a small circuit board, it puts a lot of pressure on system heat dissipation. SUMMARY

[0005] To this end, the utility model aims at providing an improved multi-wavelength light source system especially applied to a fluorescence microscope, so that one or more or other problems existing in the prior art are overcome.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the utility model, a multi-wavelength light source system is provided, which comprises a plurality of light sources each having a different wavelength and aspherical mirrors, dichroic mirrors and spherical mirrors interposed between the light sources and a light source output window, so that a corresponding plurality of sub light paths are formed; the number of light sources is a first number; in each sub light path, light is output from the same light source output window after passing through the aspherical mirror, dichroic mirror and spherical mirror from the corresponding light source; wherein the optical distance of the light source of each sub light path to the light source output window is the same, and the combined focal length of the aspherical mirror and the spherical mirror in each sub light path is the same.

[0007] As an embodiment of the utility model, the multi-wavelength light source system comprises a first number of aspherical mirrors and a second number of dichroic mirrors corresponding to the first number of light sources one by one, wherein the second number is less than the first number.

[0008] As an embodiment of the utility model, the multi-wavelength light source system comprises four light sources and three dichroic mirrors, the four light sources are divided into two light source groups, the first light source group comprises two light sources arranged perpendicularly relative to each other on both sides of the first dichroic mirror and having equal optical distances from the first dichroic mirror, the second light source group comprises two light sources arranged perpendicularly relative to each other on both sides of the second dichroic mirror and having equal optical distances from the second dichroic mirror, wherein the first dichroic mirror and the second dichroic mirror are arranged perpendicularly relative to each other.

[0009] As an embodiment of the utility model, the multi-wavelength light source system comprises only one spherical mirror arranged adjacent to the light source output window, the light mixed out from the two light sources of the first light source group through the first dichroic mirror and the light mixed out from the two light sources of the second light source group through the second dichroic mirror pass through the same third dichroic mirror after mixing light and reach the light source output window through the spherical mirror; wherein the optical distance of the first dichroic mirror and the second dichroic mirror to the third dichroic mirror is equal, and the third dichroic mirror is arranged perpendicularly or parallel to one of the first dichroic mirror and the second dichroic mirror.

[0010] As an embodiment of the utility model, the combined focal length of the aspheric mirror and the spherical mirror in each sub light path satisfies the following formula: 1 / 20mm≤1 / f=1 / f1+1 / f2-d / (f1*f2)≤1 / 10mm, wherein f1 is the focal length of the aspheric mirror, f2 is the focal length of the spherical mirror, f is the combined focal length of the aspheric mirror and the spherical mirror, and d is the optical distance between the aspheric mirror and the spherical mirror in each sub light path.

[0011] As an embodiment of the utility model, the combined focal length satisfies the following formula: 1 / 16mm≤1 / f≤1 / 14mm.

[0012] As an embodiment of the utility model, the multi-wavelength light source system comprises a plurality of sub light source modules independent of each other, wherein one light source and one aspheric mirror are integrated in each sub light source module.

[0013] As an embodiment of the utility model, one optical filter is further integrated in each sub light source module.

[0014] As an embodiment of the utility model, the aspheric mirrors in each sub light source module are identically configured.

[0015] As an embodiment of the utility model, each sub light source module is integrated with each other through an integrated metal frame.

[0016] As an embodiment of the utility model, each light source is composed of an LED light source.

[0017] According to the second aspect of the utility model, a microscope is provided, which comprises the multi-wavelength light source system as described above.

[0018] The utility model provides a kind of compact multi-wavelength light source system, it is realized collimation output by the combination of aspheric mirror and spherical mirror to multiple light sources (for example LED light source) with different wavelengths, and the output of different wavelengths of emergent light is realized through dichroic mirror by same light outlet, which greatly reduces the size of light source module and the size of corresponding optical element, reduces the cost of light source module and better realizes the convergence with microscope complete machine. Meanwhile, the utility model is assembled on a large metal frame by each sub light source module, not only allows the convenient replacement and light intensity adjustment of each sub light source module independent of each other, but also allows the heat of each sub optical module to be dissipated through metal frame, so that the heat dissipation effect of entire light source system is greatly improved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] The features and advantages of the present application will be appreciated through the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like elements throughout. It is to be understood that the following description is intended solely to be illustrative and not limiting of the application, as the scope of the application is to be determined by the appended claims.

[0020] Figure 1 A light path schematic diagram of a multi-wavelength light source system according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0021] Figure 2 A structural schematic diagram of a multi-wavelength light source system according to an embodiment of the present application integrated in a common metal frame is shown;

[0022] Figure 3 A structural schematic diagram of a metal frame in Figure 2

[0023] Figure 4 A light path light intensity control schematic diagram of a multi-wavelength light source system according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] Embodiments of the present application will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present application. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present application can be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well known process steps and / or structures have not been described in detail in order to not unnecessarily obscure the present application. Further, it will be understood that the present application is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein but can be practiced with modification and alteration consistent with the scope and spirit of the present application. The following description is presented to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the present application.

[0025] In the following detailed description, terms such as "first", "second", etc. are used to describe various elements, and these terms are only used to distinguish one element from another, but are not used to limit the nature, order or number of the elements. The terms "comprise" and "have" are used to mean open-ended inclusion, and refer to the presence of additional elements / components besides the listed elements / components. The "optical distance" referred to in the following should be understood in the optical field as the propagation distance of light between two optical elements. For example, the optical distance of the light source to the dichroic mirror should be understood as the distance traveled by the light emitted by the light source from the light source to the dichroic mirror.

[0026] ​The utility model provides an improved multi-wavelength light source system, it includes the first quantity (a plurality of) light source. Each light source has the wavelength that is different from each other, is formed with red green blue ultraviolet four way light for example, and can preferably adopt LED light source form. Multi-wavelength light source system still includes the aspherical mirror, dichroic mirror and spherical mirror that are inserted between the light source and light source output window. In each sub optical path, light is from corresponding light source through aspherical mirror, dichroic mirror and spherical mirror and finally from the same light source output window output. Thus, each sub optical path can be realized collimation output through the combination of aspherical mirror and spherical mirror, this avoids the big optical system and its optical element size caused by the big exit spot of the collimation mirror collimation mode in prior art. According to the optical characteristics of spherical mirror and aspherical mirror, better light convergence and collimation effect can be realized. In addition, the light source system of the utility model also allows the common aperture output of multiple wavelength light through dichroic mirror.

[0027] It should be appreciated that the number of aspherical mirror, dichroic mirror and spherical mirror in the multi-wavelength light source system of the utility model can be determined according to the specific design requirements of the light source system. For example, the multi-wavelength light source system can include a first number of aspherical mirrors corresponding to the first number of light sources and a second number of dichroic mirrors smaller than the first number. For example, in the specific embodiment shown in Figure 1 The multi-wavelength light source system can include four light sources 11, 12, 13, 14, four aspherical mirrors 21, 22, 23, 24, three dichroic mirrors 41, 42, 43 and only one spherical mirror 5 arranged adjacent to the light source output window 6.

[0028] Next, the optical path design of the light source system of the utility model will be described in detail with reference to the specific embodiment shown in Figure 1 As shown in Figure 1 The light emitted from each light source 11, 12, 13, 14 (such as LED light source) is collected by the corresponding aspherical mirror 21, 22, 23, 24 respectively, then filtered by the optical filter 31, 32, 33, 34, coupled by the dichroic mirror 41, 42, 43, collimated into parallel light by the spherical mirror 5, and finally emitted through the protective glass at the optical output window 6, for example, as a light source for fluorescence microscope.

[0029] In the present embodiment, the multi-wavelength light source system comprises two light source groups, a first light source group comprising two light sources (hereinafter referred to as "first light source 11" and "second light source 12") arranged perpendicularly with respect to each other on both sides of a first dichroic mirror 41 and at equal optical distances from the first dichroic mirror 41, and a second light source group comprising two light sources (hereinafter referred to as "third light source 13" and "fourth light source 14") arranged perpendicularly with respect to each other on both sides of a second dichroic mirror 42 and at equal optical distances from the second dichroic mirror 42. It can be seen that the first dichroic mirror 41 transmits the outgoing light of the first light source 11 and reflects the outgoing light of the second light source 12. The second dichroic mirror 42 reflects the outgoing light of the third light source 13 and transmits the outgoing light of the fourth light source 14. In this way, the light mixed and emitted from the first light source 11 and the second light source 12 through the first dichroic mirror 41 and the light mixed and emitted from the third light source 13 and the fourth light source 14 through the second dichroic mirror 42 are mixed by the same third dichroic mirror 43 and then pass through the spherical mirror 5 to the light source output window 6, thereby achieving the co-boresight output of multiple wavelengths of light.

[0030] In the present embodiment of the utility model, the optical distances of the light sources of each sub light path to the light source output window 6 are the same, and the optical distances of the first dichroic mirror 41 and the second dichroic mirror 42 to the third dichroic mirror 43 are equal. In addition, as shown in Figure 1 The first dichroic mirror 41 and the second dichroic mirror 42 are arranged perpendicularly with respect to each other, and the third dichroic mirror 43 is arranged perpendicularly or parallel to one of the first dichroic mirror 41 and the second dichroic mirror 42. In this way, the light source system of the utility model can obtain a very compact layout, which is significantly different from the known light source systems in the prior art.

[0031] In the present embodiment of the utility model, the combined focal length of the aspherical mirror and the spherical mirror in each sub light path is the same. For example, the combined focal length of the aspherical mirror and the spherical mirror in each sub light path satisfies the following formula: 1 / 20mm≤1 / f=1 / f1+1 / f2-d / (f1×f2)≤1 / 10mm, wherein f1 is the focal length of the aspherical mirror, f2 is the focal length of the spherical mirror, f is the combined focal length of the aspherical mirror and the spherical mirror, and d is the optical distance between the aspherical mirror and the spherical mirror in each sub light path. Advantageously, the combined focal length can be preferably between 14mm-16mm. Of course, other suitable combined focal lengths are also feasible according to the optical imaging requirements of the optical system, especially the microscope system.

[0032] In order to facilitate assembly and debugging, the utility model proposes to modularize the light sources included in the light source system, so as to comprise a plurality of independent sub light source modules, each sub light source module being integrated with one light source and one aspherical mirror, and optionally further integrated with one optical filter. As Figure 1The four sub light source modules A, B, C and D are arranged in the shown multi-wavelength light source system.

[0033] In combination with reference Figure 2 And 3 The sub light source modules can be integrated with each other through an integrated metal frame 7. Each sub light source module A, B, C and D is mounted in a corresponding mounting hole 71, 72, 73 and 74 of the metal frame 7. Advantageously, the aspheric mirrors in each sub light source module are identically configured. Three dichroic mirrors 41, 42 and 43 are also fixedly integrated in an open space 75 of the metal frame 7. The light emitted from each sub light source module is mixed by the dichroic mirrors and finally output through an optical output window. Since each sub light source module is assembled into an independent module assembly, the maintenance convenience of the optical elements in each sub light source module is improved.

[0034] In addition, by integrating all the optical elements of the light source system through the same metal frame 7, the heat of each light source can be effectively dissipated through the metal frame 7, thereby greatly improving the heat dissipation capacity of the light source system.

[0035] Figure 4 A light path control principle diagram of the multi-wavelength light source system according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. The control board is composed of a micro control unit (MCU) control circuit and a four-way LED light source driving circuit. The control circuit can accept a controller area network (CAN) command and control the lighting and brightness adjustment of the four-way LED light source. The brightness adjustment is realized by adjusting the working voltage and current of each LED light source, and the brightness adjustment of a single LED can be realized independently without affecting other sub light paths.

[0036] The multi-wavelength light source system according to an embodiment of the present application can be applied to a microscope, such as a fluorescence microscope. Since the light source system has a compact layout and a small overall size, it can better realize the connection with the microscope as a whole. By assembling each sub light source module on a large metal frame, not only the convenient replacement and independent light intensity adjustment of each sub light source module are allowed, but also the heat of each sub optical module can be dissipated through the metal frame, thereby improving the heat dissipation effect of the entire light source system.

[0037] Various modifications and variations to the disclosed embodiments of the present application can be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present application. Other embodiments of the present application will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the present application disclosed herein. This specification and examples provided should be considered exemplary only, with the true scope of the application being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A multi-wavelength light source system, characterized by, The multi-wavelength light source system comprises a plurality of light sources each having a different wavelength and aspherical mirrors, dichroic mirrors and a spherical mirror (5) interposed between the light sources and a light source output window (6) so that a corresponding plurality of sub light paths are formed; the number of light sources is a first number; In each sub light path, light passes from the corresponding light source through the aspherical mirror, the dichroic mirror and the spherical mirror and is finally output from the same light source output window (6); wherein the optical distance of the light source of each sub light path to the light source output window (6) is the same, and the combined focal length of the aspherical mirror and the spherical mirror in each sub light path is the same.

2. The multi-wavelength light source system of claim 1, wherein, The multi-wavelength light source system comprises a first number of aspherical mirrors (21, 22, 23, 24) and a second number of dichroic mirrors corresponding one-to-one to a first number of light sources (11, 12, 13, 14), wherein the second number is smaller than the first number.

3. The multi-wavelength light source system of claim 2, wherein, The multi-wavelength light source system comprises four light sources and three dichroic mirrors, the four light sources being divided into two light source groups, a first light source group comprising two light sources arranged perpendicularly relative to each other on both sides of a first dichroic mirror (41) and at an equal optical distance from the first dichroic mirror (41), a second light source group comprising two light sources arranged perpendicularly relative to each other on both sides of a second dichroic mirror (42) and at an equal optical distance from the second dichroic mirror (42), wherein the first dichroic mirror (41) and the second dichroic mirror (42) are arranged perpendicularly relative to each other.

4. The multi-wavelength light source system of claim 3, wherein, The multi-wavelength light source system comprises only one spherical mirror (5) arranged adjacent to the light source output window (6), the light mixed out from the two light sources of the first light source group via the first dichroic mirror (41) and the light mixed out from the two light sources of the second light source group via the second dichroic mirror (42) reaching the light source output window (6) via the same third dichroic mirror (43) through the spherical mirror (5); wherein the optical distance of the first dichroic mirror (41) and the second dichroic mirror (42) to the third dichroic mirror (43) is equal, and the third dichroic mirror (43) is arranged perpendicularly or parallel to one of the first dichroic mirror (41) and the second dichroic mirror (42).

5. The multi-wavelength light source system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The combined focal length of the aspherical mirror and the spherical mirror in each sub light path satisfies the following formula: 1 / 20 mm ≤ 1 / f = 1 / f1 + 1 / f2 - d / (f1 x f2) ≤ 1 / 10 mm, wherein f1 is the focal length of the aspherical mirror, f2 is the focal length of the spherical mirror, f is the combined focal length of the aspherical mirror and the spherical mirror, and d is the optical distance between the aspherical mirror and the spherical mirror in each sub light path.

6. The multi-wavelength light source system of claim 5, wherein, The combined focal length satisfies the following formula: 1 / 16 mm ≤ 1 / f ≤ 1 / 14 mm.

7. The multi-wavelength light source system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The multi-wavelength light source system comprises a plurality of mutually independent sub light source modules (A, B, C, D), wherein one light source and one aspherical mirror are integrated in each sub light source module.

8. The multi-wavelength light source system of claim 7, wherein, One filter (31, 32, 33, 34) is also integrated in each sub light source module.

9. The multi-wavelength light source system of claim 7, wherein, The aspherical mirrors (21, 22, 23, 24) in each sub light source module are identically configured to each other.

10. The multi-wavelength light source system of claim 7, wherein, The individual sub-source modules are integrated with each other by means of an integral metal frame (7).

11. The multi-wavelength light source system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, Each light source (11, 12, 13, 14) is constituted by a LED light source.

12. A microscope characterized by, The microscope comprises a multi-wavelength light source system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

Images