Simplified confocal acquisition instrument for single photon detection

Abstract

The utility model discloses a simplified confocal acquisition instrument for single photon detection, which comprises a mounting plate, an optical fiber acquisition assembly, a condenser assembly, a dichroscope assembly and a galvanometer assembly which are arranged in sequence are mounted on the mounting plate, and an optical fiber excitation assembly is arranged on one side of the optical fiber acquisition assembly. A tube mirror assembly, a third reflector and a microscope objective are arranged on the mounting plate, a lighting LED assembly and a sample table are arranged on one side of the mounting plate, and fluorescent light generated by an excited sample on the sample table and reflected exciting light form collected light together; collected light is reflected by a third reflector, introduced into a tube lens assembly and a field lens assembly, reflected by a galvanometer assembly, introduced into a dichroscope assembly and a collecting lens assembly, filtered and focused to a collection optical fiber on an optical fiber collection assembly. According to the utility model, the galvanometer assembly confocal light path is adopted as the core, the light path design is simplified, the number of lenses is reduced, the light loss is reduced, and the collection is convenient; the structure is modularized, and the light path is convenient to adjust.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optical path focusing and acquisition instruments, specifically to a simplified confocal acquisition instrument for single-photon detection. Background Technology

[0002] Single-photon detection technology, as a core component of quantum information and quantum computing, has received significant attention both domestically and internationally. One commonly used method for measuring single-photon anti-focusing characteristics involves a laser confocal optical path collecting the optical signal, which is then converted into an electrical signal by a SPAD (Single-Photon Avalanche Diode). Single-photon detection systems typically rely on complex optical path designs and expensive equipment. Traditional confocal microscopy systems, for example, require high-precision optics, sophisticated scanning systems, complex signal processing algorithms, and the increased optical path expansion required for research-level experiments, leading to high costs, operational complexity, and optical losses. For teaching-grade equipment, existing devices are highly integrated and difficult to adjust, potentially causing optical losses, increased costs, and longer lead times. Furthermore, most are built using commercial microscopes combined with external confocal modules; this non-integrated structure may require readjustment under abnormal user conditions or unstable operating environments. Single-photon signals are weak, and imperfect optical path matching can reduce photon acquisition efficiency, further weakening the already weak single-photon signal and hindering data acquisition. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to solve the above-mentioned technical problems and provide a simplified confocal acquisition instrument for single-photon detection.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] A simplified confocal acquisition instrument for single-photon detection includes a mounting plate on which a fiber optic acquisition assembly, a condenser lens assembly, a dichroic mirror assembly, and a galvanometer assembly are sequentially mounted. The fiber optic acquisition assembly has an acquisition fiber mounted on it. A fiber optic excitation assembly is fixed to one side of the acquisition assembly and is mounted on the mounting plate. A first reflecting mirror is fixedly connected to the mounting plate and is located to one side of the dichroic mirror assembly to reflect the excitation light emitted from the fiber optic excitation assembly into the dichroic mirror assembly. The mounting plate also includes a field lens assembly, a tube lens assembly, a third reflecting mirror, and a microscope objective. The galvanometer assembly has two mutually inclined second reflecting mirrors for changing the light direction. An illumination LED assembly and a sample stage are located on one side of the mounting plate, and the fiber optic excitation assembly is mounted on the other side of the fiber optic acquisition assembly. The excitation light emitted by the fiber optic excitation component is reflected by the first mirror and then enters the dichroic mirror component. After being reflected by the dichroic mirror component, the excitation light enters the galvanometer component. The galvanometer component reflects the excitation light into the field mirror component and adjusts the incident angle of the excitation light into the field mirror component by changing the angle of the second mirror. The excitation light passes through the field mirror component and the tube mirror component to expand the excitation light beam and then passes through the third mirror to enter the microscope objective and converge onto the sample placed on the sample stage. The sample is excited and produces fluorescence. The fluorescence and the reflected excitation light together form the collected light. After being reflected by the third mirror, the collected light is introduced into the tube mirror component. The tube mirror component and the field mirror component reduce the collected light beam and then reflect it through the galvanometer component before introducing it into the dichroic mirror component for the first filtering. The filtered collected light is then filtered a second time by the condenser mirror component and focused into the acquisition fiber on the fiber optic acquisition component.

[0006] Furthermore, a beam splitter assembly is mounted on the mounting plate. The beam splitter assembly is located between the field lens assembly and the tube lens assembly. A camera is disposed on one side of the beam splitter assembly, and the beam splitter assembly is used to reflect light to the camera for imaging.

[0007] Furthermore, a connecting bracket is fixedly connected to the bottom of the mounting plate, and a base plate is fixedly connected to the connecting bracket. The base plate is parallel to the mounting plate and located below the mounting plate. The base plate is used to support electrical components. A support column is provided at the bottom of the mounting plate. The support column includes a first column and a second column. The first column is fixed to the bottom of the mounting plate, and the second column is located at the bottom of the base plate and is fixedly connected to the first column with bolts. The support column is used to support the mounting plate.

[0008] Furthermore, a slide rail is fixedly connected to the base plate, and a support plate is slidably connected to the slide rail. The support plate is used to install circuit components.

[0009] Furthermore, a galvanometer bracket is mounted on the mounting plate, and the galvanometer assembly is mounted on the galvanometer bracket.

[0010] Furthermore, the mounting plate is provided with a sliding groove, on which a first movable plate is slidably connected, and on which a second movable plate is slidably connected, with the sliding directions of the first and second movable plates being perpendicular. The field lens assembly, beam splitter assembly, camera, tube lens assembly, and third reflecting mirror are mounted on the second movable plate.

[0011] Furthermore, the microscope objective is fixed to the bottom of the second movable plate, and a panel is fixedly connected to the bottom of the mounting plate via a connecting bracket. The illumination LED assembly is located on one side of the panel, and the light emitted by the illumination LED assembly passes through the sample stage and is projected into the microscope objective.

[0012] This utility model provides a simplified confocal acquisition instrument for single-photon detection, which has the following advantages: it adopts a confocal optical path with a galvanometer assembly as the core, simplifies the optical path design, reduces the number of lenses, reduces light loss, and facilitates acquisition; the horizontal optical path arrangement reduces the height of the microscope body, increases stability, and reduces the impact of vibration; the modular design of the structure makes the optical path easy to adjust. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0014] Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of a simplified confocal acquisition instrument for single-photon detection provided by this utility model;

[0015] Figure 2 A front view schematic diagram of a simplified confocal acquisition instrument for single-photon detection provided by this utility model;

[0016] Figure 3 A top view schematic diagram of a simplified confocal acquisition instrument for single-photon detection provided by this utility model;

[0017] Figure 4 A partial structural diagram of the mounting plate and base plate in a simplified confocal acquisition instrument for single-photon detection provided by this utility model;

[0018] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure above the second movable plate in a simplified confocal acquisition instrument for single-photon detection provided by this utility model;

[0019] Figure 6 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the optical path of a simplified confocal acquisition instrument for single-photon detection.

[0020] The following are the labels in the diagram: 1. Mounting plate; 2. Fiber optic acquisition assembly; 3. Condenser assembly; 4. Dichroic mirror assembly; 5. Galvanometer assembly; 6. Fiber optic excitation assembly; 7. First reflecting mirror; 8. Field lens assembly; 9. Microscope objective; 91. Sample stage; 10. Camera; 11. Tube mirror assembly; 12. Illumination LED assembly; 13. Beam splitter assembly; 14. Third reflecting mirror; 15. Connecting bracket; 16. Base plate; 17. Slide rail; 18. Support plate; 19. Galvanometer bracket; 20. First movable plate; 21. Second movable plate; 22. Panel; 23. Support column. Detailed Implementation

[0021] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0022] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0023] It should be noted that all directional indications (such as up-down-left-right-forward-backward...) in the embodiments of this utility model are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of each component in a certain specific posture (as shown in the figure). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly. The connection can be a direct connection or an indirect connection.

[0024] like Figures 1-6As shown, a simplified confocal acquisition instrument for single-photon detection includes a mounting plate 1. The mounting plate 1 is equipped with a fiber optic acquisition assembly 2, a condenser lens assembly 3, a dichroic mirror assembly 4, and a galvanometer assembly 5 arranged sequentially. An acquisition fiber is mounted on the fiber optic acquisition assembly 2. A fiber optic excitation assembly 6, fixed to the mounting plate 1, is disposed on one side of the fiber optic acquisition assembly 2. A first reflecting mirror 7 is fixedly connected to the mounting plate 1, located on one side of the dichroic mirror assembly 4 to reflect the excitation light emitted from the fiber optic excitation assembly 6 into the dichroic mirror assembly 4. The mounting plate 1 also includes a field lens assembly 8, a tube lens assembly 11, a third reflecting mirror 14, and a microscope objective 9. The galvanometer assembly 5 has two mutually inclined second reflecting mirrors 51 for changing the light direction. An illumination LED assembly 12 and a sample stage 91 are disposed on one side of the mounting plate 1, and the fiber optic excitation assembly 6 is mounted on one side of the fiber optic acquisition assembly 2. In component 6, the excitation light emitted by the fiber optic excitation component 6 is reflected by the first reflecting mirror 7 and then enters the dichroic mirror component 4. After being reflected by the dichroic mirror component 4, the excitation light enters the galvanometer component 5. The galvanometer component 5 reflects the excitation light into the field mirror component 8 and adjusts the incident angle of the excitation light into the field mirror component 8 by changing the angle of the second reflecting mirror. The excitation light passes through the field mirror component 8 and the tube mirror component 11 to expand the excitation light beam and then passes through the third reflecting mirror 14 to enter the microscope objective 9 and converge onto the sample placed on the sample stage 91. The sample is excited and produces fluorescence. The fluorescence and the reflected excitation light together form the collected light. After being reflected by the third reflecting mirror 14, the collected light is introduced into the tube mirror component 11. The tube mirror component 11 and the field mirror component 8 reduce the collected light beam and then reflect it through the galvanometer component 5 before introducing it into the dichroic mirror component for the first filtering. The filtered collected light is then filtered a second time by the condenser mirror component 3 and focused into the acquisition fiber on the fiber optic acquisition component 2. Specifically, subsequent signal processing involves connecting the acquisition optical fiber to the SPAD in the control circuit to introduce the acquired optical signal into the SPAD and convert it into an electrical signal, which is then transmitted to the processor for processing. The SPAD is a photodetector with single-photon detection capability, capable of operating in avalanche mode and achieving high sensitivity detection of extremely low light signals.

[0025] In this application, the LED lighting assembly 12 is used to emit light to provide illumination for light field imaging; the fiber optic excitation assembly 6 is used to introduce excitation light; the fiber optic acquisition assembly 2 is used to acquire the fluorescence signal of the sample; the condenser assembly 3 contains a high-pass filter, a low-pass filter, and a doublet lens for filtering and focusing the acquired fluorescence; the dichroic mirror assembly 4 is used to reflect the excitation light and transmit fluorescence (collecting light); the galvanometer assembly 5 is used to reflect and adjust the angle of the excitation light reflection; the field lens assembly 8 is used for scanning coordination in the optical system; the camera 10 is used for wide-field and fluorescence imaging; the tube mirror assembly 11 is used for scanning coordination in the optical system and light field imaging; the third reflecting mirror 14 is used for light path reflection; and the sample stage 91 is used to place the observation sample and move the sample.

[0026] In this embodiment, the 520nm excitation light introduced by the fiber excitation component 6 excites the NV color center inside the diamond at the sample stage 91 through multiple reflections. The excited NV color center produces fluorescence, which is collected by the microscope objective 9 and reflected by the third reflecting mirror 14 and the galvanometer component 5. After being reflected by the dichroic mirror component 4, a portion of the fluorescence is shifted, and the parallel light is focused by the condenser into the core of the acquisition fiber of the fiber acquisition component. Since the inner diameter of the acquisition fiber itself is 62.5 micrometers, it achieves the function of a confocal aperture.

[0027] By adopting the above technical solution, the incident angle of the excitation light into the field lens assembly 8 is changed by the galvanometer assembly 5. The change in the incident angle of the field lens assembly 8 will cause a change in the incident angle of the back pupil of the microscope objective 9. The parallel light with the tilt angle causes the focal spot position of the microscope objective to shift, thereby realizing the horizontal scanning function of the focal plane of the microscope objective 9. The confocal optical path of the galvanometer assembly 5 is used as the core, simplifying the optical path design and retaining only the receiving, excitation, and detachable imaging channels. By reducing the number of lenses, the loss of collected light is reduced. The horizontal optical path arrangement reduces the height of the microscope body, increases stability, and reduces the impact of vibration.

[0028] Specifically, a beam splitter assembly 13 is mounted on the mounting plate 1. The beam splitter assembly 13 is located between the field lens assembly 8 and the tube lens assembly 11. A camera 10 is disposed on one side of the beam splitter assembly 13. The beam splitter assembly 13 is used to reflect light to the camera 10 for imaging. After the light exits from the microscope objective 9, it is reflected by the third reflecting mirror 14 and converged by the tube lens assembly 11. During the convergence process, it is reflected by the beam splitter assembly 13 into the camera 10 for imaging. In wide-field imaging mode, the beam splitter assembly 13 has a mounting block containing a beam splitter for reflecting light to the camera 10 for imaging; in fluorescence imaging mode, the mounting block contains a beam splitter and a color filter for reflecting fluorescence to the camera 10 for imaging; in acquisition mode, the beam splitter mounting block is removed, and no imaging processing is performed to reduce loss.

[0029] Specifically, a connecting bracket 15 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the mounting plate 1, and a base plate 16 is fixedly connected to the connecting bracket 15. The base plate 16 is parallel to the mounting plate 1 and located below the mounting plate 1, and is used to support electrical components. A support column 23 is provided at the bottom of the mounting plate 1. The support column 23 includes a first column and a second column. The first column is fixed to the bottom of the mounting plate 1, and the second column is located at the bottom of the base plate 16 and is fixedly connected to the first column with bolts. The support column 23 is used to support the mounting plate 1. By setting the base plate 16 parallel to the mounting plate 1, the base plate 16 isolates an independent space for the installation of electrical components. Optical components are installed on the upper mounting plate 1, thereby isolating the electrical components installed below the mounting plate 1 from the upper optical path and avoiding interference between the circuit wiring and the optical path. The bottom of the mounting plate 1 is supported by the support column 23 to maintain the stability of the mounting plate 1.

[0030] Specifically, a slide rail 17 is fixedly connected to the base plate 16, and a support plate 18 is slidably connected to the slide rail 17. The support plate 18 is used to install circuit components. The support plate 18 and the base plate 16 are slidably engaged through the slide rail 17, so that when it is necessary to disassemble or install circuit components, simply pull out the support plate 18 for easy disassembly or installation, which is convenient and does not require disassembly of the upper optical path.

[0031] Specifically, a galvanometer bracket 19 is mounted on the mounting plate 1, and the galvanometer assembly 5 is mounted on the galvanometer bracket 19. This allows the position of the galvanometer assembly 5 to be adjusted.

[0032] Specifically, the mounting plate 1 is provided with a sliding groove, on which a first movable plate 20 is slidably connected. A second movable plate 21 is slidably connected to the first movable plate 20. The sliding directions of the first movable plate 20 and the second movable plate 21 are perpendicular. The field lens assembly 8, the beam splitter assembly 13, the camera 10, the tube lens assembly 11, and the third reflecting mirror 14 are mounted on the second movable plate 21. By setting the first movable plate 20 and the second movable plate 21, adjustments can be made in different directions, facilitating the adjustment of the optical path.

[0033] Specifically, the microscope objective 9 is fixed to the bottom of the second movable plate 21, and a panel 22 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the mounting plate 1 via a connecting bracket 15. The illumination LED assembly 12 is located on one side of the panel 22, and the light emitted by the illumination LED assembly 12 passes through the sample stage 91 and is projected into the microscope objective 9. Placing the illumination LED assembly 12 on the side saves space.

[0034] The parts not covered in this technical solution can be implemented using existing technologies.

[0035] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and characteristics of this utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of this utility model. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model includes the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A simplified confocal acquisition instrument for single-photon detection, characterized in that: The system includes a mounting plate (1), on which a fiber optic acquisition assembly (2), a condenser lens assembly (3), a dichroic mirror assembly (4), and a galvanometer assembly (5) are mounted in sequence. An acquisition fiber is mounted on the fiber optic acquisition assembly (2). A fiber optic excitation assembly (6) fixed to the mounting plate (1) is disposed on one side of the fiber optic acquisition assembly (2). A first reflector (7) is fixedly connected to the mounting plate (1) and is located on one side of the dichroic mirror assembly (4) to excite the fiber. The excitation light emitted from component (6) is reflected into the dichroic mirror component (4); the mounting plate (1) is provided with a field lens component (8), a tube lens component (11), a third reflecting mirror (14), and a microscope objective (9); the galvanometer component (5) is provided with two mutually inclined second reflecting mirrors (51) for changing the direction of the light; the mounting plate (1) is provided with an illumination LED component (12) and a sample stage (91) on one side; the fiber optic acquisition component (2) is provided with a fiber optic excitation component (6) on one side. The excitation light emitted by the fiber optic excitation assembly (6) is reflected by the first reflector (7) and then enters the dichroic mirror assembly (4). After being reflected by the dichroic mirror assembly (4), the excitation light enters the galvanometer assembly (5). The galvanometer assembly (5) reflects the excitation light into the field mirror assembly (8) and adjusts the incident angle of the excitation light into the field mirror assembly (8) by changing the angle of the second reflector. The excitation light passes through the field mirror assembly (8) and the tube mirror assembly (11), which expands the excitation light beam. The beam then passes through the third reflector (14) and enters the microscope objective (9) for converging. The light is focused onto the sample placed on the sample stage (91). The sample is excited to produce fluorescence, and the fluorescence and the reflected excitation light together form the collected light. The collected light is reflected by the third mirror (14) and then introduced into the tube mirror assembly (11). The tube mirror assembly (11) and the field mirror assembly (8) reduce the collected light beam and then reflect it through the galvanometer assembly (5) and introduce it into the dichroic mirror assembly (4) for the first filtering. The filtered collected light is then filtered a second time through the condenser assembly (3) and focused into the acquisition fiber on the fiber acquisition assembly (2).

2. A simplified confocal acquisition instrument for single-photon detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: A beam splitter assembly (13) is mounted on the mounting plate (1). The beam splitter assembly (13) is located between the field lens assembly (8) and the tube lens assembly (11). A camera (10) is provided on one side of the beam splitter assembly (13). The beam splitter assembly (13) is used to reflect light to the camera (10) for imaging.

3. A simplified confocal acquisition instrument for single-photon detection according to claim 2, characterized in that: A connecting bracket (15) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the mounting plate (1), and a base plate (16) is fixedly connected to the connecting bracket (15). The base plate (16) is parallel to the mounting plate (1) and located below the mounting plate (1). The base plate (16) is used to support electrical components. A support column (23) is provided at the bottom of the mounting plate (1). The support column (23) includes a first column body and a second column body. The first column body is fixed to the bottom of the mounting plate (1), and the second column body is located at the bottom of the base plate (16) and is fixedly connected to the first column body by bolts. The support column (23) is used to support the mounting plate (1).

4. A simplified confocal acquisition instrument for single-photon detection according to claim 3, characterized in that: A slide rail (17) is fixedly connected to the base plate (16), and a support plate (18) is slidably connected to the slide rail (17). The support plate (18) is used to install circuit components.

5. A simplified confocal acquisition instrument for single-photon detection according to claim 3, characterized in that: A galvanometer bracket (19) is mounted on the mounting plate (1), and the galvanometer assembly (5) is mounted on the galvanometer bracket (19).

6. A simplified confocal acquisition instrument for single-photon detection according to claim 2, characterized in that: The mounting plate (1) is provided with a sliding groove, and a first movable plate (20) is slidably connected to the sliding groove. A second movable plate (21) is slidably connected to the first movable plate (20). The sliding directions of the first movable plate (20) and the second movable plate (21) are perpendicular. The field lens assembly (8), the beam splitter assembly (13), the camera (10), the tube lens assembly (11), and the third reflecting mirror (14) are mounted on the second movable plate (21).

7. A simplified confocal acquisition instrument for single-photon detection according to claim 6, characterized in that: The microscope objective (9) is fixed to the bottom of the second movable plate (21). The panel (22) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the mounting plate (1) via a connecting bracket (15). The illumination LED assembly (12) is located on one side of the panel (22). The light emitted by the illumination LED assembly (12) passes through the sample stage (91) and is projected into the microscope objective (9).

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