Teaching confocal scanning system for dual-channel imaging

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of optical scanning detection imaging, in particular to a double-channel imaging teaching confocal scanning system. A double-channel imaging teaching confocal scanning system comprises a scanning structure and a detection structure, the scanning structure is used for irradiating a sample laser to emit a fluorescence signal and transmitting the fluorescence signal to the detection structure, and the detection structure is used for carrying out light splitting detection on the fluorescence signal, outputting an electric signal and carrying out double-channel imaging on the electric signal. The device has the following effects that the scanning structure is used for irradiating a sample to excite a fluorescence signal and transmitting the fluorescence signal to the detection structure, the detection structure is used for performing light splitting detection on the fluorescence signal, outputting an electric signal and performing dual-channel imaging on the electric signal, and dual-channel imaging facilitates detection imaging of fluorescence signals of different wavebands.

Description

A teaching confocal scanning system for dual-channel imaging Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of optical scanning detection imaging, and in particular to a teaching confocal scanning system for dual-channel imaging. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of optical scanning detection imaging, especially in the detection and imaging of fluorescence signals in biological cell samples by laser scanning, significant progress has been made in related technologies. Confocal microscopes using laser point scanning have become important instruments for observing cell-scale structures in fields such as biology and life sciences. They provide researchers with powerful tools to study the microscopic structure and physiological processes of cells, promoting research progress in these fields. They enable people to observe the distribution of various organelles and molecules within cells more clearly, which helps to gain a deeper understanding of cell function and the mechanisms of disease.

[0003] To achieve fluorescence signal detection and imaging of biological cell samples, a suitable laser light source is usually selected first to irradiate the sample and excite fluorescence signals. Then, a long focal length collecting lens is used to focus the fluorescence signals, and finally, the fluorescence signals are transmitted to the detection module for spectroscopic detection.

[0004] Due to the complexity of the optical path design, different beam splitters and detectors are required to process fluorescence signals of different wavelengths, which is quite troublesome. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To facilitate the detection and imaging of fluorescence signals in different bands, this application provides a dual-channel imaging teaching confocal scanning system.

[0006] This application provides a dual-channel imaging teaching confocal scanning system, which adopts the following technical solution: it includes a scanning structure and a detection structure. The scanning structure is used to illuminate the sample with a laser to emit a fluorescence signal and transmit it to the detection structure. The detection structure is used to perform spectral detection on the fluorescence signal and output an electrical signal and image the electrical signal in a dual-channel manner.

[0007] By adopting the above technical solution, the scanning structure is used to irradiate the sample to excite fluorescence signals and transmit them to the detection structure. The detection structure is used to perform spectroscopic detection of the fluorescence signals and output electrical signals and image the electrical signals in a dual-channel manner. Dual-channel imaging facilitates the detection and imaging of fluorescence signals in different wavelength bands.

[0008] Preferably, the detection structure includes a detector fluorescent fiber connector, a first beam splitter, a first fluorescent reflector, an electrically driven bandpass assembly, and a photodetector. The detector fluorescent fiber connector, the first beam splitter, and the first fluorescent reflector are distributed sequentially at intervals along a straight line. The electrically driven bandpass assembly and the photodetector are located sequentially on one side of the first beam splitter. The first beam splitter is used to reflect fluorescence of different wavelengths onto the photodetector.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, after the fluorescence signal is introduced by the fluorescence fiber connector at the detection end, the first beam splitter separates the fluorescence of different bands, the motorized bandpass component filters the fluorescence signal, and finally the photoelectric signal detector converts the fluorescence signal into an electrical signal. This combination enables the detection structure to accurately identify and distinguish fluorescence signals of different bands, providing reliable data support for dual-channel imaging.

[0010] Preferably, the electric bandpass assembly includes a bandpass motor and at least two color filters. The multiple color filters are arranged at equal angular intervals along the circumferential direction of the output shaft of the bandpass motor. The bandpass motor drives the multiple color filters to rotate synchronously. At least two photoelectric signal detectors are provided. The color filters and the photoelectric signal detectors correspond one-to-one. The corresponding color filters and photoelectric signal detectors are arranged along a straight line.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the motorized bandpass component switches between different wavelengths to improve the filtering effect and enhance the signal-to-noise ratio, enabling the detection module to image two channels simultaneously. This is suitable for users who are price-conscious and not very time-sensitive.

[0012] Preferably, four color filters are provided, and the four color filters are arranged at 90-degree intervals along the circumferential direction of the output shaft of the bandpass motor. Two photoelectric signal detectors are provided, one of which is arranged in a straight line with the first beam splitter, and the other of which is arranged in a straight line with the first fluorescent reflector.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solution, bandpass switching can be completed by a single bandpass motor, and two bandpass channels can be switched at once, which simplifies cost and time, and enables the detection module to perform simultaneous two-channel imaging and time-division four-channel imaging.

[0014] Preferably, the scanning structure includes a light source assembly, a laser processing assembly, an orthogonal galvanometer module, and a fluorescence processing assembly. The light source assembly provides a multicolor light source, and the laser processing assembly and the orthogonal galvanometer module jointly irradiate the sample with the multicolor light source provided by the light source assembly to emit a fluorescence signal. The fluorescence processing assembly transmits the fluorescence signal to the detection structure.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution, the multicolor light source provided by the light source component is adjusted and split by the laser processing component, and then scanned onto the sample by the orthogonal galvanometer module to excite fluorescence signals. The fluorescence signals are then reflected and guided by the fluorescence processing component and transmitted to the detection structure. This combination method enables the laser to accurately irradiate the sample and effectively collect the fluorescence signals excited by the sample, providing a good foundation for subsequent detection and imaging.

[0016] Preferably, the laser processing component includes a laser reflector, and the scanning structure further includes a second beam splitter. The multicolor light source provided by the light source component passes sequentially through the laser reflector, the second beam splitter, and the orthogonal galvanometer module before being used to irradiate the sample.

[0017] By adopting the above technical solution, the laser light passes through the laser reflector and is reflected to the second beam splitter. After being reflected by the second beam splitter, it is reflected to the orthogonal galvanometer module and finally irradiates the sample surface. After being irradiated by the laser, the sample will be excited to emit a corresponding fluorescence signal. The fluorescence signal passes through the orthogonal galvanometer module and then through the second beam splitter to the fluorescence processing component.

[0018] Preferably, the orthogonal galvanometer module includes two galvanometers arranged at 90 degrees to each other, one of which is oriented toward the sample and the other is oriented toward the second beam splitter.

[0019] By adopting the above technical solution, two galvanometers at 90 degrees to each other can be used to scan a laser on a two-dimensional plane, thereby covering different areas of the sample.

[0020] Preferably, the fluorescence processing component includes a second fluorescence mirror and a third fluorescence mirror, the second fluorescence mirror being located on one side of the second beam splitter, the third fluorescence mirror being located on one side of the second fluorescence mirror, and the detection structure being located on one side of the third fluorescence mirror.

[0021] By adopting the above technical solution, the second and third fluorescent reflectors are mainly used to reflect the fluorescence signal excited by the sample and guide it into the detection structure.

[0022] In summary, this application includes at least one of the following beneficial technical effects:

[0023] 1. It has a simple structure, is easy to debug, and is relatively inexpensive, allowing students to better understand confocal imaging systems in the classroom.

[0024] 2. Bandpass switching is accomplished by a single bandpass motor, and two bandpass channels can be switched at once, simplifying costs and time, and enabling the detection module to perform simultaneous two-channel imaging and time-division four-channel imaging. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the scanning structure in this application;

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the probe structure in this application.

[0027] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Sample; 110. Light source assembly; 111. Multicolor laser light source; 112. Single-mode fiber; 113. Laser fiber connector; 114. First achromatic straight lens; 120. Laser reflector; 121. Second beam splitter; 122. Objective lens; 123. Field lens; 124. Scanning lens group; 130. Orthogonal galvanometer module; 131. Galvanometer; 140. Fluorescence processing assembly; 141. Second fluorescence reflector; 142. Third fluorescence reflector; 150. Long focal length collecting lens; 151. Variable pinhole; 152. Scanning end fluorescent fiber optic connector; 153. Fluorescent collecting multimode fiber; 21. Detection structure; 210. Detection end fluorescent fiber optic connector; 211. First beam splitter; 212. Second achromatic straight lens; 213. First fluorescent reflector; 214. Motorized bandpass assembly; 2141. Bandpass motor; 2142. Color filter; 215. First photoelectric signal detector; 216. Second photoelectric signal detector. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0029] This application discloses a dual-channel imaging teaching confocal scanning system for facilitating the detection and imaging of fluorescence signals in different wavelength bands.

[0030] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a dual-channel confocal scanning detection imaging system includes a scanning structure and a detection structure 21. The scanning structure is used to irradiate the sample 1 to excite a fluorescence signal and transmit it to the detection structure 21. The detection structure 21 is used to perform spectroscopic detection of the fluorescence signal and output an electrical signal, and to image the electrical signal in two channels. This combination of structures can effectively realize the fluorescence signal detection and imaging function of biological cell sample 1. By designing the scanning and detection separately but closely cooperating, the division of labor of the whole system is clear, and the operation is more efficient. It solves the problems of complex optical path, large size and high cost of existing confocal microscopes, making the system more suitable for use in teaching and other scenarios.

[0031] Specifically, the scanning structure includes a light source assembly 110, a laser processing assembly, an orthogonal galvanometer module 130, and a fluorescence processing assembly 140. The light source assembly 110 is used to provide a multicolor light source. In this embodiment, the light source assembly 110 includes a multicolor laser light source 111, a single-mode fiber 112, a laser fiber connector 113, and a first achromatic straight lens 114. The multicolor laser light source 111, the single-mode fiber 112, the laser fiber connector 113, and the first achromatic straight lens 114 are arranged sequentially at intervals along a straight line. The laser signal emitted by the multicolor laser light source 111 passes through the single-mode fiber 112, is connected to the laser fiber connector 113, and then collimates the laser into parallel light and reflects it to the laser processing assembly through the first achromatic straight lens 114.

[0032] The laser processing assembly includes a laser reflector 120, which is fixed on a specific frame. The frame can be finely adjusted to ensure that the laser can be accurately reflected to the designated position. The laser reflector 120, the multicolor laser source 111, the single-mode fiber 112, the laser fiber connector 113, and the first achromatic straight lens 114 are located on the same straight line. The scanning structure also includes a second beam splitter 121. The line connecting the second beam splitter 121 and the laser reflector 120 is perpendicular to the line connecting the laser reflector 120 and the first achromatic straight lens 114. The line connecting the orthogonal galvanometer module 130 and the second beam splitter 121 is perpendicular to the line connecting the second beam splitter 121 and the laser reflector 120.

[0033] The orthogonal galvanometer module 130 includes two galvanometers 131 arranged at 90 degrees to each other. One galvanometer 131 is used to face the sample 1, and the other galvanometer 131 is used to face the second beam splitter 121. The galvanometer 131 can quickly change the laser propagation direction and is usually driven by a motor. The rotation speed and angle of the motor can be precisely controlled. Through the two galvanometers 131 arranged at 90 degrees to each other, the laser can be scanned on a two-dimensional plane, thereby covering different areas of the sample 1 and improving the accuracy and efficiency of the scan.

[0034] In this embodiment, an objective lens 122, a field lens 123, and a scanning lens group 124 are sequentially arranged between two points on a straight line between sample 1 and the orthogonal galvanometer module 130. The collimated laser light passes through a laser reflector 120 with an adjustable frame and is reflected to a second beam splitter 121 with multiple bandpasses. After being reflected by the second beam splitter 121, it is reflected to the orthogonal galvanometer module 130, then passes through a scanning lens group 124 and a field lens 123 before entering the objective lens 122. Finally, it illuminates the sample 1 surface at the focal point of the objective lens 122. After being irradiated by the laser, sample 1 will emit a corresponding fluorescence signal. The fluorescence signal passes sequentially through the objective lens 122, the field lens 123, the scanning lens group 124, and the orthogonal galvanometer module 130, and then through the second beam splitter 121 to the fluorescence processing component 140.

[0035] The fluorescence processing assembly 140 includes a second fluorescence reflector 141 and a third fluorescence reflector 142. The second fluorescence reflector 141 is located on one side of the second beam splitter 121, and the third fluorescence reflector 142 is located on one side of the second fluorescence reflector 141. The detection structure 21 is located on one side of the third fluorescence reflector 142. The second fluorescence reflector 141 and the third fluorescence reflector 142 are mainly used to reflect the fluorescence signal excited by the sample 1 and guide it into the detection structure 21. In this embodiment, the second fluorescence reflector 141 and the third fluorescence reflector 142 are also equipped with adjustable frames, which can precisely adjust the position and angle of the second fluorescence reflector 141 and the third fluorescence reflector 142 to ensure that the fluorescence signal can be smoothly transmitted to the detection structure 21.

[0036] The various components of the scanning structure are combined to form a complete laser scanning and fluorescence collection system. The multicolor light source provided by the light source component 110 is adjusted and split by the laser processing component, and then scanned onto the sample 1 by the orthogonal galvanometer module 130 to excite a fluorescence signal. The fluorescence signal is then reflected and guided by the fluorescence processing component 140 and transmitted to the detection structure 21. This combination method enables the laser to accurately irradiate the sample 1 and effectively collect the fluorescence signal excited by the sample 1, providing a good foundation for subsequent detection and imaging.

[0037] The fluorescence signal passes sequentially through the second fluorescence reflector 141 and the third fluorescence reflector 142 with adjustable frames, and then through a long-focal-length collecting lens 150, converging at a variable pinhole 151. A scanning end fluorescence fiber optic connector 152 is provided at the rear end of the variable pinhole 151. The end face of the fluorescence collecting multimode fiber 153 after entering the scanning end fluorescence fiber optic connector 152 is infinitely close to the focal point of the collecting lens. The fluorescence signal is connected to the detection structure 21 by the fluorescence collecting multimode fiber 153 for spectral detection and output as an electrical signal.

[0038] The detection structure 21 includes a detection end fluorescent fiber optic connector 210, a first beam splitter 211, a first fluorescent reflector 213, an electric bandpass assembly 214, and a photodetector. In this embodiment, the detection structure 21 can simultaneously receive fluorescence signals in the 405 and 561 bands or the 488 and 640 bands. The detection end fluorescent fiber optic connector 210 is used to connect to the fluorescence collection fiber and introduce the fluorescence signal into the detection structure 21. The first beam splitter 211, the first fluorescent reflector 213, and the detection end fluorescent fiber optic connector 210 are arranged sequentially and alternately along a straight line. A second achromatic straight lens 212 is also provided between the detection end fluorescent fiber optic connector 210 and the first beam splitter 211. The electric bandpass assembly 214 and the photodetector are located sequentially on one side of the first beam splitter 211. The first beam splitter 211 is used to reflect fluorescence of different bands onto the photodetector.

[0039] The electric bandpass assembly 214 includes a bandpass motor 2141 and at least two color filters 2142. Multiple color filters 2142 are arranged at equal angular intervals along the circumferential direction of the output shaft of the bandpass motor 2141. The bandpass motor 2141 drives the multiple color filters 2142 to rotate synchronously. The function of the color filters 2142 is to filter the fluorescence signal, allowing only fluorescence of specific wavelengths to pass through, thereby improving the purity and signal-to-noise ratio of the signal. The bandpass motor 2141 can precisely control the rotation angle of the color filters 2142, realizing the switching of different color filters 2142. At least two photoelectric signal detectors are provided, with a one-to-one correspondence between the color filters 2142 and the photoelectric signal detectors. The corresponding color filters 2142 and photoelectric signal detectors are arranged along a straight line. The photoelectric signal detectors are used to convert the received fluorescence signal into an electrical signal. The electrical signal then undergoes signal processing, image reconstruction, and other steps to reconstruct an image of the internal structure and information of sample 1.

[0040] In this embodiment, four color filters 2142 are provided, and the four color filters 2142 are arranged at 90-degree intervals along the circumferential direction of the output shaft of the bandpass motor 2141. Two photoelectric signal detectors are provided, namely the first photoelectric signal detector 215 and the second photoelectric signal detector 216. The first photoelectric signal detector 215 and the first beam splitter 211 are arranged in a straight line, and the second photoelectric signal detector 216 and the first fluorescent reflector 213 are arranged in a straight line. The bandpass switching is completed by one bandpass motor 2141, and two bandpass channels can be switched at one time, which simplifies cost and time, and enables the detection module to image two channels simultaneously and four channels in a time-division multiplexing manner. This is suitable for users who are more concerned about price and less sensitive to time.

[0041] After the fluorescence signal is collected by the scanning structure into the optical fiber, it is connected to the fluorescence fiber connector 210 at the detection end of the detection structure 21. After being collimated into parallel light by the second achromatic straight lens 212, the fluorescence of the 405 or 488 band is reflected by the first beam splitter 211 to the first photoelectric signal detector 215. The color filter 2142 set at the front end of the first photoelectric signal detector 215 switches different wavelength bandpasses to improve the filtering effect and enhance the signal-to-noise ratio. Meanwhile, the fluorescence of the 561 or 640 band is transmitted through the first beam splitter 211 and illuminates the first fluorescence reflector 213. The first fluorescence reflector 213 reflects the light of the corresponding band to the second photoelectric signal detector 216, which is also equipped with a color filter 2142 at the front end.

[0042] The components of the detection structure 21 are combined to effectively detect fluorescence signals. After the fluorescence signal is introduced by the fluorescence fiber connector 210 at the detection end, the first beam splitter 211 separates the fluorescence in different bands, the motorized bandpass component 214 filters the fluorescence signal, and finally the photodetector converts the fluorescence signal into an electrical signal. This allows the detection structure 21 to accurately identify and distinguish fluorescence signals in different bands, providing reliable data support for dual-channel imaging. The electrical signal is then processed through signal processing and image reconstruction to reconstruct an image of the internal structure and information of sample 1.

[0043] The implementation principle of the dual-channel imaging teaching confocal scanning system in this application embodiment is as follows: By organically combining the scanning structure and the detection structure 21, the fluorescence signal detection and imaging function of the biological cell sample 1 is realized. The light source component 110, laser processing component, orthogonal galvanometer module 130 and fluorescence processing component 140 in the scanning structure cooperate with each other to accurately illuminate the sample 1 with multicolor light source and collect the fluorescence signal excited by the sample 1; the fluorescence fiber connector 210 at the detection end, the first beam splitter 211, the first fluorescence reflector 213, the electric bandpass component 214 and the photoelectric signal detector in the detection structure 21 split and convert the fluorescence signal, output the electrical signal and realize dual-channel imaging. This system simplifies the optical path design, reduces the size, reduces the cost, and is more convenient to debug. It is very suitable for use in teaching and other scenarios, so that students can better understand the principle and operation of the confocal imaging system.

[0044] The embodiments described in this specific implementation are preferred embodiments of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A dual-channel imaging teaching confocal scanning system, characterized in that: The sample (1) is equipped with a scanning structure and a detection structure (21). The scanning structure is used to irradiate the sample (1) with a laser to emit a fluorescence signal and transmit it to the detection structure (21). The detection structure (21) is used to perform spectral detection on the fluorescence signal and output an electrical signal and image the electrical signal in a dual-channel manner. The detection structure (21) includes a fluorescence fiber optic connector (210), a first beam splitter (211), a first fluorescence reflector (213), an electric bandpass assembly (214), and a photodetector. The fluorescence fiber optic connector (210), the first beam splitter (211), and the first fluorescence reflector (213) are arranged sequentially along a straight line. The electric bandpass assembly (214) and the photodetector are located on one side of the first beam splitter (211). The first beam splitter (211) is used to reflect fluorescence of different wavelengths onto the photodetector.

2. The dual-channel imaging teaching confocal scanning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electric bandpass assembly (214) includes a bandpass motor (2141) and at least two color filters (2142). The multiple color filters (2142) are arranged at equal angular intervals along the circumferential direction of the output shaft of the bandpass motor (2141). The bandpass motor (2141) drives the multiple color filters (2142) to rotate synchronously. At least two photoelectric signal detectors are provided. The color filters (2142) and the photoelectric signal detectors correspond one-to-one. The corresponding color filters (2142) and the photoelectric signal detectors are arranged along a straight line.

3. The dual-channel imaging teaching confocal scanning system according to claim 2, characterized in that: Four color filters (2142) are provided, and the four color filters (2142) are arranged at 90-degree intervals along the output shaft of the bandpass motor (2141). Two photoelectric signal detectors are provided, one of which is arranged in a straight line with the first beam splitter (211), and the other of which is arranged in a straight line with the first fluorescent reflector (213).

4. The dual-channel imaging teaching confocal scanning system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The scanning structure includes a light source assembly (110), a laser processing assembly, an orthogonal galvanometer module (130), and a fluorescence processing assembly (140). The light source assembly (110) is used to provide a multicolor light source. The laser processing assembly and the orthogonal galvanometer module (130) are used together to irradiate the sample (1) with the multicolor light source provided by the light source assembly (110) to produce a fluorescence signal. The fluorescence processing assembly (140) is used to transmit the fluorescence signal to the detection structure (21).

5. The dual-channel imaging teaching confocal scanning system according to claim 4, characterized in that: The laser processing component includes a laser reflector (120), and the scanning structure also includes a second beam splitter (121). The multicolor light source provided by the light source component (110) passes through the laser reflector (120), the second beam splitter (121) and the orthogonal galvanometer module (130) in sequence before being used to irradiate the sample (1).

6. The dual-channel imaging teaching confocal scanning system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The orthogonal galvanometer module (130) includes two galvanometers (131) arranged at 90 degrees to each other, one of the galvanometers (131) is used to face the sample (1) and the other galvanometer (131) is used to face the second beam splitter (121).

7. A teaching confocal scanning system for dual-channel imaging according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fluorescence processing assembly (140) includes a second fluorescence mirror (141) and a third fluorescence mirror (142). The second fluorescence mirror (141) is located on one side of the second beam splitter (121), the third fluorescence mirror (142) is located on one side of the second fluorescence mirror (141), and the detection structure (21) is located on one side of the third fluorescence mirror (142).

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