Fluorescence signal simulation generator

Abstract

The utility model relates to a fluorescence signal simulation generator, which has the characteristics of convenience, compactness, flexibility, high efficiency, economy, practicability, modular assembly and simplicity in use. According to the utility model, a standard fluorescent color card and (or) a fluorescent colored tape are fixed on the turntable, and the rotating speed of the turntable is controlled by the motor to generate a standard fluorescent signal with a specific frequency. By changing the positions and sizes of the standard fluorescent color cards and (or) fluorescent color bands, different wavelengths are distinguished and indicated, and the problem of spectrum overlapping is solved. The intensity of the fluorescence signal is adjusted by controlling the positions of the optical fiber and the turntable. And a plurality of optical fibers can be detected simultaneously. The method is especially suitable for calibration of exciting light with specific wavelength, and improves sample detection efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of simulation and testing fluorescence measurement systems, specifically to a convenient, compact, flexible, efficient, economical, modularly assembled, and simple-to-use fluorescence signal simulation generator. Background Technology

[0002] Observing and manipulating the activity of neurons in the brain is an essential research tool in neuroscience and neuropharmacology. In recent years, the most widely used methods are fiber optic photometry and optogenetics. Fiber optic photometry is a technique for recording neural activity. Its basic principle is to guide excitation light of a specific wavelength into the brain or tissue of an animal through an optical fiber, activating a specific fluorescent probe. The emitted light is then guided into a detector by a beam splitter, thereby achieving a quantitative recording of neuronal activity. Optogenetics, on the other hand, uses excitation light of a specific wavelength to activate photosensitive ion channels, thereby exciting or inhibiting the activity of target neurons.

[0003] Fluorescence excitation wavelength and emission wavelength refer to the wavelengths at which a fluorescent substance absorbs light and emits fluorescence, respectively. Correct selection of excitation and emission wavelengths is crucial for fluorescence detection, directly affecting the sensitivity, selectivity, and accuracy of the fluorescence signal. In fiber optic photometry and optogenetics, precise excitation and emission wavelengths are key experimental conditions and equipment parameters.

[0004] Excitation light calibration at a specific wavelength is a crucial step in spectral analysis and optical experiments. Its purpose is to ensure the accuracy of the excitation light wavelength, thereby improving the reliability and repeatability of experimental results. A common method is to use a fluorescence spectrometer for detection and calibration.

[0005] The first step is to select a suitable standard light source. Use a standard light source that emits light at a known wavelength, such as a neon lamp, helium lamp, or mercury lamp. These sources provide a stable and well-defined wavelength reference. The second step is to use a spectrometer. Connect the spectrometer to the excitation source and measure the wavelength of the light. Ensure the spectrometer is operating within its appropriate range and is adequately calibrated. The third step is wavelength calibration. Record the characteristic lines of the standard light source. Typically, a standard light source will produce strong emission lines at specific wavelengths. Record the positions of these lines. The fourth step is to establish a calibration curve. Compare the emitted wavelength with the known wavelength of the standard light source to establish a calibration relationship. The fifth step is testing and verification. Perform multiple tests to ensure that the same calibration results are consistently obtained under different conditions such as temperature and light intensity. The sixth step is to adjust the instrument. If the measurement results are inconsistent with the known wavelength, the spectrometer may need to be adjusted, or the light source may need to be replaced to ensure the accuracy of the calibration. The seventh step is to record and report. Record the calibration results and test conditions in detail for future reference.

[0006] The above process has the following problems: (1) Instrument limitations: The fluorescence spectrometer used in practice may have certain wavelength range limitations, and it is necessary to select the appropriate wavelength according to the specifications and parameters of the instrument. Standard light sources are difficult to obtain. When using fluorescence indicator cards, the generated fluorescence signals are unstable, cannot be repeated, and are difficult to adjust in intensity. (2) Spectral overlap: If there are multiple fluorescent substances in the sample, it is necessary to consider the spectral overlap between them and select appropriate excitation and emission wavelengths to distinguish different fluorescence signals. Or when using fluorescence indicator cards, different colored fluorescence indicator cards generate fluorescence signals at the same time, making it difficult to distinguish color channels. (3) Experimental conditions: Different experimental conditions such as temperature and pH value may also affect the absorption and emission characteristics of fluorescent substances. (4) The calibration process is cumbersome: Standard light sources and fluorescence spectrometers are not only expensive, but also complicated and cumbersome to operate, which limits their widespread use and promotion. (5) Spectrometers can only detect excitation light and cannot generate fluorescence. (6) Fiber optic recorders have multiple channels, and each channel switches very quickly. Standard color cards cannot distinguish whether the fluorescence of each channel overlaps or exchanges.

[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop more flexible, convenient, small-sized, and modular fluorescence signal simulation generators for the calibration of fluorescence excitation and emission wavelengths, in order to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0008] To address the above problems, we propose a novel solution:

[0009] A fluorescence signal simulation generator includes: a standard fluorescence module, a controller module, and an optical fiber access module. The standard fluorescence module contains a rotatable color ribbon or color card. The optical fiber access module provides a light source to the fluorescence signal simulation generator. The controller module controls the rotation speed of the color ribbon or color card in the standard fluorescence module via a conventional motor. By adjusting the rotation speed of the color ribbon or color card as the light source passes through it, standard spectra of different frequencies can be generated.

[0010] Specifically, the standard fluorescence module includes a standard fluorescence color card and / or a combination of fluorescence color bands 1, and a turntable 2.

[0011] Specifically, the controller module includes a start switch 5, a pause switch 6, a forward rotation knob 7, a reverse rotation knob 8, a motor 10, and a gearbox 11. More specifically, the control module also includes a display for displaying rotational speed and / or frequency. More specifically, the control module also includes a power jack 3.

[0012] Specifically, the fiber optic access module includes a fiber optic connector 9, which can be a cluster or a single unit. The light source can be an LED light source.

[0013] This invention fixes a standard fluorescent color card and / or fluorescent ribbon combination 1 onto a turntable 2, and uses a motor 9 to control the rotation speed of the turntable 2 to generate a standard fluorescent signal of a specific frequency, thus realizing the function of a standard fluorescent module.

[0014] Specifically, the standard fluorescent color card and / or fluorescent color band combination 1 is a combination of standard fluorescent color cards and / or fluorescent color bands;

[0015] More specifically, the wavelength range of the standard fluorescent color chart and / or fluorescent band combination 1 is 250-1600 nm;

[0016] More specifically, the wavelength range of the standard infrared fluorescent color chart and / or the combination of infrared fluorescent color bands is 700-1600 nm;

[0017] More specifically, the wavelength range of the standard combination of ultraviolet fluorescent color chart and / or infrared fluorescent color band is 250-450 nm;

[0018] Specifically, it is divided into red band, blue band, and green band.

[0019] More specifically, when a red band is used, it can emit red reflected light with a wavelength of 622-760nm;

[0020] More specifically, when a green band is used, it can emit green reflective light with a wavelength of 492-577nm;

[0021] More specifically, when using a blue color band, it can emit green reflective light with a wavelength of 435-490nm;

[0022] Specifically, by controlling the position and size of standard fluorescent color cards and / or fluorescent bands, the generation duration of standard fluorescent signals can be controlled, thereby distinguishing different wavelengths and solving the problem of spectral overlap.

[0023] More specifically, the standard fluorescent color card and / or fluorescent color band is a fan-shaped area with a radius of 1-10 cm. By changing the proportion of the fan-shaped area within the entire circle, the output proportion of the output light signal within the entire cycle is adjusted from 0 to 100%.

[0024] This invention utilizes a controller module and a speed control knob 8 to control the speed and output power of the motor 10, thereby adjusting the speed of the turntable 2. The speed control knob 8 can be used in various modes, including start switch 4, pause switch 5, forward rotation button 6, and reverse rotation button 7. The speed or frequency can also be displayed on a screen.

[0025] More specifically, the motor 10 has an output power of 1-10W and is equipped with a gearbox 11, corresponding to a speed of 0-30000rpm, and can generate optical signals of 0.0001~1000Hz.

[0026] To be more specific, press the start switch 4 to start the turntable from rotating;

[0027] To be more specific, press pause switch 5 to stop the turntable from rotating;

[0028] To be more specific, press the forward rotation button 6 to make the turntable rotate in the forward direction.

[0029] To be more specific, pressing the reverse rotation button 7 causes the turntable to rotate in the opposite direction, outputting light signals in reverse order.

[0030] More specifically, rotating the speed control knob 8 in the forward direction increases the frequency of the output signal; rotating the speed control knob 8 in the reverse direction decreases the frequency of the output signal.

[0031] This invention inserts an optical fiber into an optical fiber access module, aligning it with the optical fiber connector 9. By controlling the position of the optical fiber connector 9 relative to the turntable 2, the intensity of the fluorescence signal can be adjusted.

[0032] Specifically, the fiber optic jack 9 can be configured with 1-96 additional jacks to meet the calibration requirements of multiple fibers and improve sample detection efficiency.

[0033] More specifically, the vertical distance between the fiber optic port 9 and the turntable 2 is 0.5-15mm, and the adjustment variation intensity difference is 10,000 times;

[0034] More specifically, the distance between the center of the 9-pin optical fiber socket and the center of the turntable 2 is adjustable, ranging from 0.2 to 10 cm. Specifically, the distance between the center of the 9-pin optical fiber socket and the center of the turntable 2 is 0.5 mm.

[0035] This utility model is a fluorescence signal simulator, a device for simulating and testing fluorescence measurement systems. It can generate controllable fluorescence signals for calibration, verification, and performance evaluation. This device has a wide range of applications in fields such as bioimaging, sensor development, and fluorescence analysis. The following are some of the main features and working principles of the fluorescence signal simulator: (1) Wavelength selection: Generates excitation light and fluorescence emission light of specific wavelengths to simulate actual fluorescence signals. Multiple wavelengths can be selected to cover different fluorescent dyes or labels. (2) Signal intensity adjustment: Adjustable fluorescence intensity to simulate fluorescence signals under different concentrations or conditions. Different attenuation and enhancement modes can be set to test the response of the measurement system under different signal intensities. (3) Pulse signal and time resolution capability: Capable of generating pulse signals to simulate time-resolved fluorescence (TRF) measurements. (4) Automation and integration: Can be integrated with computers or other control systems to achieve automated control and data acquisition. Users can easily set parameters and monitor output signals through the software interface. (5) Compatibility: Designed to be compatible with various fluorescence detection devices to ensure that the output fluorescence signals can be widely used in different experimental settings. (6) Economic efficiency: Our design is simple and inexpensive. The color charts and accessories used in the design are readily available, and the cost is far lower than that of fluorescence spectrometers. This is conducive to market promotion and popularization. (7) Simple and flexible design: Our equipment is compact, easy to use, modularly integrated, and easy to operate. This makes it suitable for various experimental research and can be easily integrated into other instruments and equipment.

[0036] In summary, our novel fluorescence signal simulator solves some of the bottleneck problems in the prior art, providing a more flexible, efficient and cost-effective calibration tool for simulating and testing fluorescence measurement systems. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the standard fluorescent module, controller module, and fiber optic access module in Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the standard fluorescence module and controller module of Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the planar structure of Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the standard fluorescent module, controller module, and fiber optic access module in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the controller module and fiber optic access module in Embodiment 3 of this utility model;

[0042] Figure 6 This is a single-fiber test spectrum of Embodiment 1 of this utility model;

[0043] Figure 7 This is the dual-fiber test spectrum of Embodiment 2 of this utility model.

[0044] Figure label:

[0045] 1-Standard fluorescent color card and / or fluorescent color ribbon combination, 2-Turntable, 3-Power socket, 4-Start switch, 5-Pause switch, 6-Forward rotation button, 7-Reverse rotation button, 8-Speed ​​control knob, 9-Fiber optic connector, 10-Motor, 11-Gearbox. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The following embodiments are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solution of the present invention, and are therefore merely examples and should not be used to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0047] It should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, the technical or scientific terms used in this application should have the ordinary meaning understood by those skilled in the art to which this utility model pertains. The terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this disclosure described herein. Example 1

[0048] Single-fiber test. Fluorescent cards with excitation light of 200-450nm, 700-1600nm, 400nm, 470nm, 560nm, and 620nm were placed sequentially on a turntable. The fiber optic recorder recorded at wavelengths of 405nm, 470nm, 565nm, and 625nm. When the fiber passed through the 200-450nm fluorescent card, signals were generated in the 405nm, 470nm, and 565nm channels; when passing through the 700-1600nm fluorescent card, signals were generated in the 565nm and 625nm channels, with the 565nm channel signal being stronger than that of the 200-450nm fluorescent card; when passing through the 405nm fluorescent card, only the 405nm channel generated a signal; when passing through the 470nm color card, only the 470nm channel generated a signal; when passing through the 565nm color card, only the 565nm channel generated a signal; and when passing through the 625nm channel, only the 625nm channel generated a signal. Example 2

[0049] Dual-fiber testing. The fiber is placed in the alignment detection hole, where the phase difference is at its maximum. Fluorescent cards with excitation light of 200-450nm, 700-1600nm, 400nm, 470nm, 560nm, and 620nm are placed sequentially on the turntable; the fiber optic recorder records at wavelengths of 405nm, 470nm, 565nm, and 625nm. When fibers 1 and 2 pass through the 200-450nm fluorescent card, signals are generated in the 405nm, 470nm, and 565nm channels; when passing through the 700-1600nm fluorescent card, signals are generated in the 565nm and 625nm channels, with the 565nm channel signal being stronger than that of the 200-450nm fluorescent card; when passing through the 405nm fluorescent card, only the 405nm channel generates a signal; when passing through the 470nm color card, only the 470nm channel generates a signal; when passing through the 565nm color card, only the 565nm channel generates a signal; and when passing through the 625nm channel, only the 625nm channel generates a signal. The signal difference between fibers 1 and 2 is 0.5 cycles. Example 3

[0050] Multi-fiber scenario: The fiber is placed in the alignment detection hole, where the phase difference is greatest. Fluorescent cards with excitation light of 200-450nm and 700-1600nm, a 400nm fluorescent card, and color bands of 470nm, 560nm, and 620nm are placed sequentially on the turntable. The fiber optic recorder records at wavelengths of 405nm, 470nm, 565nm, and 625nm. When fibers 1, 2, ..., n pass through the 200-450nm fluorescent card, signals are generated in the 565nm and 625nm channels, with the 565nm channel signal being stronger than that of the 200-450nm fluorescent card. When passing through the 405nm fluorescent card, only the 405nm channel generates a signal; when passing through the 470nm color band, only the 470nm channel generates a signal; when passing through the 565nm color band, only the 565nm channel generates a signal; and when passing through the 625nm channel, only the 625nm channel generates a signal. The signal difference generated by fibers 1, 2, ..., n is period / n.

Claims

1. A fluorescence signal simulation generator, characterized in that, It includes a standard fluorescence module, a controller module, and a fiber optic access module. The standard fluorescence module contains a rotatable ribbon or color card. The fiber optic access module provides a light source for the fluorescence signal analog generator. The controller module controls the rotation speed of the ribbon or color card in the standard fluorescence module via a motor.

2. The fluorescence signal simulation generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The standard fluorescent module includes a rotatable color ribbon or color card as a standard fluorescent color card and / or fluorescent color ribbon combination (1), and a turntable (2); the controller module includes: a start switch (4), a pause switch (5), a forward rotation button (6), a reverse rotation button (7), a speed adjustment knob (8), a motor (10), and a gearbox (11); the fiber optic access module includes a fiber optic port (9).

3. The fluorescence signal simulation generator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The standard fluorescent module fixes a standard fluorescent color card and / or fluorescent color band combination (1) on a turntable (2) and generates a standard fluorescent signal by controlling the rotation speed of the turntable (2) through a motor (10).

4. The fluorescence signal simulation generator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The wavelength range of the standard fluorescent color card and / or combination of fluorescent color bands (1) is 250-1600 nm; the wavelength range of the standard infrared fluorescent color card and / or combination of infrared fluorescent color bands is 700-1600 nm; and the wavelength range of the standard ultraviolet fluorescent color card and / or combination of infrared fluorescent color bands is 250-450 nm.

5. The fluorescence signal simulation generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The standard fluorescence module controls the duration of standard fluorescence signal generation by using the position and size of standard fluorescence color charts and / or fluorescence bands, thereby distinguishing different wavelengths and solving the problem of spectral overlap.

6. The fluorescence signal simulation generator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The standard fluorescent color card and / or fluorescent color band are fan-shaped with a radius of 1-10 cm.

7. The fluorescence signal simulation generator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The motor (10) has an output power of 1-10W and is equipped with a gearbox (11) with a corresponding speed of 0-30000 rpm.

8. The fluorescence signal simulation generator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The vertical distance between the fiber optic port (9) and the turntable (2) can be adjusted, and the vertical distance is 0.5-15mm.

9. The fluorescence signal simulation generator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The fiber optic port (9) can be configured with 1-96 pins.

10. The fluorescence signal simulation generator according to claim 2, characterized in that, The distance between the center of the optical fiber jack (9) and the center of the turntable (2) can be adjusted, and the distance between them is 0.2-10cm.

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