Multiband microscope lighting device based on digital micromirror device

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of optical devices, and provides a multiband microscope lighting device based on a digital micromirror device, which comprises a shell assembly and a microscope lighting assembly, and the microscope lighting assembly is arranged in the shell assembly and comprises a mounting base body, a light source assembly, a reflector assembly and the digital micromirror device. The light source assembly is used for emitting multiple light beams of different wavebands. The reflector assembly is located on a transmission light path of the light beam and is used for reflecting the light beam; and the digital micromirror device is arranged on the mounting base body, corresponds to the position of the exit port, and is used for receiving the light beam reflected by the reflector assembly, modulating the intensity, direction and pattern of the light beam and emitting the modulated light beam from the exit port. According to the utility model, the digital micromirror device is taken as a core, the light source assembly capable of emitting a plurality of light beams with different wave bands is integrated, a target area can be selectively irradiated, fluorescence bleaching and phototoxicity of a non-target area are reduced, and the signal-to-noise ratio of imaging is further improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optical device technology, and in particular to a multi-band microscope illumination device based on a digital micromirror device. Background Technology

[0002] Fluorescence imaging plays a central role in modern biological and medical research, with wide applications in numerous fields such as cell biology, molecular biology, drug screening, and disease diagnosis. This technology utilizes fluorescent markers, such as fluorescent proteins (like GFP and mCherry) or dyes (like DRAQ5), to achieve high-resolution and visual observation of cellular structure, molecular dynamics, and biological processes.

[0003] However, in certain high-throughput biological experiments, such as CRISPR-based gene function screening, fluorescence imaging has specific requirements. When studying cell phenotypes (such as nuclear size and protein localization), rapid and precise excitation of multiple fluorescent labels is needed, along with selective observation of specific regions. Traditional illumination devices demonstrate significant limitations in this context.

[0004] For example, traditional lighting devices illuminate the entire field of view indiscriminately, and the lighting pattern remains unchanged, which cannot achieve selective excitation of the target area, resulting in fluorescence bleaching and increased background noise, thus affecting image quality. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention provides a multi-band microscope illumination device based on a digital micromirror device to address the aforementioned technical deficiencies in the prior art. With a digital micromirror device as its core, it integrates a light source component that can emit multiple beams of different wavelengths, allowing selective illumination of the target area, reducing fluorescence bleaching and phototoxicity in non-target areas, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the imaging.

[0006] This utility model provides a multi-band microscope illumination device based on a digital micromirror device, comprising:

[0007] The housing assembly is provided with an inlet and an outlet;

[0008] A microscope illumination assembly is disposed within the housing assembly, and the microscope illumination assembly includes:

[0009] Mounting substrate;

[0010] A light source assembly is disposed on the mounting base and passes through the entrance port; the light source assembly is connected to the chassis and is used to emit multiple light beams of different wavelengths;

[0011] A reflector assembly is disposed on the mounting base and located in the transmission optical path of the light beam; the reflector assembly is used to reflect the light beam.

[0012] A digital micromirror device is disposed on the mounting base and corresponds to the position of the outlet. The digital micromirror device is used to receive the light beam reflected by the mirror assembly, and to modulate the intensity, direction and pattern of the light beam, and to emit the modulated light beam from the outlet.

[0013] According to the multi-band microscope illumination device based on digital micromirror devices provided by this utility model, the light source assembly includes:

[0014] A fixed base is provided on the mounting base;

[0015] The light source body is mounted on the fixed base and passes through the entrance port; the light source body is connected to the chassis and is used to emit beams of multiple different wavelengths;

[0016] An adjustable mechanical aperture is provided on the fixed base and located at the light-emitting end of the light source body. The adjustable mechanical aperture is used to adjust the size of the light beam.

[0017] An aspherical condensing lens is disposed on the fixed base and located on the side of the adjustable mechanical aperture away from the light source body. The aspherical condensing lens is used to converge the light beam.

[0018] According to the multi-band microscope illumination device based on digital micromirror devices provided by this utility model, the reflector assembly includes:

[0019] An adjustment component is provided on the mounting base;

[0020] The main body of the reflector is inclinedly disposed on the surface of the adjustment assembly for reflecting the light beam;

[0021] The adjustment component is used to adjust the angle of the reflector body and keep the angle of the reflector body low-drift.

[0022] According to the multi-band microscope illumination device based on digital micromirror devices provided by this utility model, the adjustment component includes:

[0023] An adjustable frame is provided on the mounting base and is adapted to be positioned along the mounting base;

[0024] A support body is provided on the adjustable eyeglass frame, and the support body is provided with a support slope.

[0025] The main body of the reflector is fixedly mounted on the supporting inclined surface.

[0026] According to the multi-band microscope illumination device based on a digital micromirror device provided by this utility model, the digital micromirror device includes:

[0027] The circuit layer is disposed on the mounting base;

[0028] The micromirror unit is rotatably connected to the circuit layer via a torsion hinge, and the micromirror unit is used to modulate the intensity, direction, and pattern of the light beam;

[0029] Electrodes and elastic elements are respectively disposed on both sides of the micromirror unit. The electrodes are used to control the rotation of the micromirror unit through electrostatic action; the elastic elements are used to restore the micromirror unit to its initial position when the power is off.

[0030] According to the multi-band microscope illumination device based on digital micromirror devices provided by this utility model, the microscope illumination component further includes:

[0031] A lens assembly is disposed on the mounting base and is positioned opposite to the digital micromirror device. The lens assembly is used to converge the light beam modulated by the digital micromirror device.

[0032] According to the multi-band microscope illumination device based on digital micromirror devices provided by this utility model, the lens assembly includes:

[0033] A fixed carrier is provided on the mounting base;

[0034] A plano-convex lens is disposed on the fixed carrier, and the plano-convex lens is used to converge the light beam modulated by the digital micromirror device.

[0035] According to the multi-band microscope illumination device based on digital micromirror device provided by this utility model, the light source component is connected to the chassis through liquid light guide transmission, and the light source component is used to emit beams of six independent channels, with a switching speed of 0.1ms between each channel.

[0036] According to the multi-band microscope illumination device based on digital micromirror devices provided by this utility model, the housing assembly includes:

[0037] First shell;

[0038] The second housing is disposed opposite to the first housing, and the second housing is provided with heat dissipation holes;

[0039] The light source assembly and the reflector assembly are located inside the first housing, and the digital micromirror device is located inside the second housing.

[0040] According to the multi-band microscope illumination device based on digital micromirror devices provided by this utility model, the mounting base includes:

[0041] First matrix;

[0042] The second base is connected to the first base and is perpendicular to the first base, with the diagonal of the second base parallel to the centerline of the first base; the second base is provided with a positioning flange and a mounting port;

[0043] The light source assembly and the reflector assembly are disposed on the first substrate, and the digital micromirror device is disposed on the second substrate and located at the mounting port; both the first housing and the second housing abut against the positioning flange and are detachably connected to the second substrate.

[0044] The multi-band microscope illumination device based on digital micromirror device provided by this utility model takes digital micromirror device as the core and integrates a light source component that can emit multiple light beams of different wavelengths. The spatial pattern projection of multi-band light is realized through the high-speed micromirror array of digital micromirror device, providing a microscope with a spatially selective multi-band excitation capability.

[0045] Compared to the slow switching speed of traditional filter wheels, this invention improves the efficiency of high-throughput fluorescence imaging (e.g., CRISPR screening). The use of a digital micromirror device (DMD) allows for precise control of the beam intensity, direction, and pattern. The DMD's spatial modulation capabilities enable selective illumination of target areas (such as cell nuclei), reducing fluorescence bleaching and phototoxicity in non-target areas, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the image. In high-resolution microscopy, beam direction can be adjusted to improve contrast and sharpness, beam intensity can be controlled to adapt to different sample reflectance or fluorescence intensities, and specific beam patterns can highlight specific structures or regions of the sample. Furthermore, the integrated design of the DMD and light source components allows for easy implementation of various illumination schemes, enabling rapid adjustment of illumination parameters according to different research objectives and sample types, thus enhancing the versatility of the microscope.

[0046] Because digital micromirror devices (DMVs) have high reflectivity, they can effectively reflect incident light, reducing light absorption and scattering losses, thus ensuring high reflection efficiency. When coupling DMVs with multi-band light source components, precise optical design and adjustment ensure that the light beam emitted by the light source component can be efficiently incident on the DMV and reflected, then propagating along the expected optical path (e.g., using suitable lenses or mirrors to collimate and focus the light beam). This allows the beam to be incident on the DMV at the optimal angle and position, thereby improving the coupling efficiency of the optical path, reducing light loss, and helping to maintain high reflection efficiency.

[0047] Furthermore, traditional multi-band illumination devices require multiple optical components such as filters, mirrors, and lenses to achieve functions such as selection, reflection, and focusing of light in different bands. However, by using a single digital micromirror device, the spatial modulation capability of the digital micromirror device allows for digital control of the light beam, thereby replacing some of the functions of traditional optical components, reducing the number of optical components in the optical path, and making the optical path structure simpler.

[0048] Furthermore, integrating the light source assembly, mirror assembly, and digital micromirror device within the housing assembly results in a compact illumination device. This helps reduce the overall size of the microscope, making it convenient for use in confined spaces such as laboratories, and facilitates integration with other microscope components, thereby improving the overall stability and reliability of the microscope system. Attached Figure Description

[0049] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0050] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-band microscope illumination device based on a digital micromirror device provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0051] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a multi-band microscope illumination device based on a digital micromirror device provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0052] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the structure of the multi-band microscope illumination device based on digital micromirror devices provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the microscope illumination component in a multi-band microscope illumination device based on a digital micromirror device provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0054] Figure 5 This is a top view of the microscope illumination component in the multi-band microscope illumination device based on digital micromirror devices provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0055] Figure label:

[0056] 10. Housing assembly; 11. First housing; 12. Second housing; 121. Heat dissipation hole; 13. Inlet; 14. Outlet;

[0057] 20. Microscope illumination assembly; 21. Mounting base; 211. First base; 212. Second base; 2121. Positioning flange; 2122. Mounting port; 22. Light source assembly; 221. Fixing base; 222. Light source body; 223. Adjustable mechanical aperture; 224. Aspherical condenser lens; 23. Mirror assembly; 231. Mirror body; 232. Adjustable frame; 233. Support body; 24. Digital micromirror device; 241. Circuit layer; 242. Micromirror unit; 25. Lens assembly; 251. Fixing carrier; 252. Plano-convex lens. Detailed Implementation

[0058] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0059] In the description of the embodiments of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0060] In the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0061] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are included in at least one embodiment or example of the embodiments of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0062] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a multi-band microscope illumination device based on a digital micromirror device provided in an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a multi-band microscope illumination device based on a digital micromirror device provided in an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the structure of the multi-band microscope illumination device based on digital micromirror devices provided in this embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the microscope illumination component in a multi-band microscope illumination device based on a digital micromirror device provided in an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 5 This is a top view of the microscope illumination component in the multi-band microscope illumination device based on digital micromirror devices provided in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0063] See Figures 1 to 5 This utility model provides a multi-band microscope illumination device based on a digital micromirror device. The multi-band microscope illumination device based on a digital micromirror device includes a housing assembly 10 and a microscope illumination assembly 20, with the microscope illumination assembly 20 disposed inside the housing assembly 10.

[0064] The housing assembly 10 can be made of metal, such as aluminum alloy, to provide good heat dissipation and mechanical strength. The housing assembly 10 can be cuboid in shape for easy installation and integration with the microscope illumination assembly 20. The housing assembly 10 is provided with an inlet 13 and an outlet 14, the shapes and dimensions of which are designed according to the structure of the microscope illumination assembly 20. For example, the inlet 13 can be circular, with its diameter determined according to the dimensions and optical path design of the light source assembly 22 described below. The outlet 14 can be square or circular to match the shape of the emitted beam from the digital micromirror device 24.

[0065] The microscope illumination assembly 20 includes a mounting base 21, a light source assembly 22, a mirror assembly 23, and a digital micromirror device 24. The mounting base 21 is fixedly connected to the housing assembly 10, and the light source assembly 22, the mirror assembly 23, and the digital micromirror device 24 are all located on the mounting base 21.

[0066] The mounting base 21 can be made of sheet metal, providing a stable mounting foundation for the light source assembly 22, the reflector assembly 23, and the digital micromirror device 24. Specialized grooves and positioning posts can be provided on the mounting base 21 for precise mounting of the light source assembly 22, the reflector assembly 23, and the digital micromirror device 24.

[0067] The light source assembly 22 is connected to the chassis via a liquid light guide. The light source assembly 22 is used to emit six independent light beams, with a switching speed of 0.1ms between each channel. Compared with the 50ms-level optical channel switching speed of traditional filter turntables, the optical channel switching speed of this invention reaches 0.1ms, enabling multi-band light to be rapidly alternated or synchronously projected, which is more suitable for live cell imaging.

[0068] That is, the light source assembly 22 uses multiple LEDs of different wavelengths as the light source, including LEDs in the ultraviolet (UV) band, visible light band (red, green, blue, etc.), and near-infrared band. The LEDs are arranged according to optical design requirements to ensure that the emitted beam can accurately illuminate the reflector assembly 23. The luminous intensity of each LED is precisely controlled by a current control circuit, enabling independent adjustment of the light intensity of different wavelengths. This is beneficial for observing different types of samples. For example, in biomedical research, the ultraviolet band can be used to excite fluorescent markers, the visible light band can be used for routine tissue morphology observation, and the near-infrared band can be used to detect certain specific biomolecules. This is very important for observing samples with different characteristics under a microscope. For example, different biomolecules may have better fluorescence excitation or contrast enhancement effects under specific wavelengths of light.

[0069] The reflector assembly 23 is disposed on the mounting base 21 and located in the optical path of the beam to reflect the emitted beam. The reflector can be a high-reflectivity coated reflector, such as an aluminum-coated reflector, to ensure high reflectivity over a wide wavelength range.

[0070] A digital micromirror device 24 is disposed on the mounting base 21 and corresponds to the position of the exit port 14. The digital micromirror device 24 is used to receive the light beam reflected by the mirror assembly 23, and to modulate the intensity, direction and pattern of the light beam, as well as to emit the modulated light beam from the exit port 14. The model of the digital micromirror device 24 (DMD) is determined according to the resolution and illumination requirements of the microscope.

[0071] In use, the multi-band microscope illumination device based on a digital micromirror device provided in this embodiment activates each LED in the light source assembly 22 according to the illumination conditions required for microscopic observation of the sample. For example, when observing fluorescent labels on biological samples, the LEDs in the ultraviolet band are lit, emitting ultraviolet light beams. The emitted light beams propagate along a pre-designed optical path to the reflector assembly 23, which reflects the received light beams at a predetermined angle, ensuring that the light beams accurately illuminate the digital micromirror device 24.

[0072] After receiving the light beam reflected by the mirror assembly 23, the digital micromirror device 24 modulates the intensity, direction, and pattern of the light beam according to the imaging requirements of the microscope. For example, the direction of the light beam is adjusted by changing the angle of the micromirrors, the intensity of the light beam is adjusted by controlling the switching time of the micromirrors, and a specific illumination pattern is generated by a specific micromirror arrangement pattern. The light beam modulated by the digital micromirror device 24 is emitted from the exit port 14 of the housing assembly 10, providing suitable illumination for the sample observation area of ​​the microscope.

[0073] It is understood that the multi-band microscope illumination device based on digital micromirror device provided in this embodiment of the present invention takes digital micromirror device 24 as the core and integrates light source component 22 that can emit multiple light beams of different wavelengths. The spatial pattern projection of multi-band light is realized through the high-speed micromirror array of digital micromirror device 24, providing a microscope with an illumination device that has spatially selective multi-band excitation capability.

[0074] Compared to the slow switching speed of traditional filter wheels, this invention improves the efficiency of high-throughput fluorescence imaging (e.g., CRISPR screening). The use of a digital micromirror device 24 allows for precise control of the beam intensity, direction, and pattern. The digital micromirror device 24 has spatial modulation capabilities, enabling selective illumination of target areas (such as cell nuclei), reducing fluorescence bleaching and phototoxicity in non-target areas, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio of the image. In high-resolution microscopy imaging, the contrast and sharpness of the image can be improved by adjusting the beam direction, the beam intensity can be controlled to adapt to the reflectivity or fluorescence intensity of different samples, and specific beam patterns can be used to highlight specific structures or regions of the sample. Furthermore, the integrated design of the digital micromirror device 24 and the light source assembly 22 allows for easy implementation of various illumination schemes, enabling rapid adjustment of illumination parameters according to different research purposes and sample types, thus improving the versatility of the microscope.

[0075] Because the digital micromirror device 24 itself has a high light reflectivity, it can effectively reflect incident light, reducing light absorption and scattering losses, thereby ensuring high reflection efficiency. When coupling the digital micromirror device 24 with the multi-band light source assembly 22, through precise optical design and adjustment, the light beam emitted by the light source assembly 22 can be efficiently incident on the digital micromirror device 24 and reflected by it to propagate along the expected optical path (for example, by using suitable optical elements such as lenses or mirrors to collimate and focus the light beam), so that it is incident on the digital micromirror device 24 at the optimal angle and position, thereby improving the coupling efficiency of the optical path, reducing light loss, and helping to maintain high reflection efficiency.

[0076] Furthermore, traditional multi-band illumination devices require multiple optical components such as filters, mirrors, and lenses to achieve functions such as selection, reflection, and focusing of light in different bands. However, by using a single digital micromirror device 24, the spatial modulation capability of the digital micromirror device 24 allows for digital control of the light beam, thereby replacing some of the functions of traditional optical components, reducing the number of optical components in the optical path, and making the optical path structure simpler.

[0077] Furthermore, integrating the light source assembly 22, the mirror assembly 23, and the digital micromirror device 24 within the housing assembly 10 results in a compact structure for the entire illumination device. This helps reduce the overall size of the microscope, making it convenient for use in confined spaces such as laboratories, and facilitates integration with other microscope components, thereby improving the overall stability and reliability of the microscope system.

[0078] Continue reading Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments of this utility model, the light source assembly 22 includes a fixed base 221, a light source body 222, an adjustable mechanical aperture 223, and a condenser lens.

[0079] The mounting base 221 can be made of metal (such as stainless steel) and has sufficient mechanical strength and stability. The mounting base 221 can be cuboid in shape, with screw holes or slots at the bottom for secure mounting onto the mounting base 21. The mounting base 221 is equipped with precise positioning structures, such as positioning pins and positioning slots, for accurately mounting the light source body 222, the adjustable mechanical aperture 223, and the condenser lens, ensuring that their relative positional accuracy is at the micrometer level.

[0080] The light source body 222 is mounted on the fixed base 221. The light source body 222 consists of multiple light-emitting elements of different wavelengths, suitable for emitting light beams of various wavelengths, such as LEDs (light-emitting diodes) or laser diodes. The light-emitting elements are arranged in an array on a circuit board, with each element having an independent electrical connection for individual control of its light intensity and switching state. The circuit board is equipped with a dedicated drive circuit that can precisely adjust the current of each light-emitting element according to the illumination requirements of the microscope. For example, a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) circuit is used to achieve fine control of the current, thereby controlling the light intensity.

[0081] An adjustable mechanical aperture 223 is mounted on a fixed base 221 and located at the light-emitting end of the light source body 222, used to adjust the size of the light beam. The adjustable mechanical aperture 223 consists of multiple metal blades that slide within tracks on the fixed base 221. The blades are arc-shaped, and rotating an adjustment knob allows them to move synchronously inward or outward. A precision threaded transmission mechanism connects the adjustment knob and the blades, ensuring the accuracy and stability of the adjustment. The aperture range of the adjustable mechanical aperture 223 can vary from a few millimeters to over ten millimeters, meeting the beam size requirements of different microscope observations.

[0082] An aspherical condenser lens 224 is mounted on a fixed base 221 and located in the optical path to converge the emitted light beam, thus achieving beam collimation. The focal length of the aspherical condenser lens 224 is determined based on the optical path design of the entire lighting assembly, typically ranging from a few millimeters to tens of millimeters. The aspherical condenser lens 224 is mounted on a lens mount on the fixed base 221, which can be finely adjusted within a certain range to precisely adjust the position of the aspherical condenser lens 224.

[0083] When the microscope requires illumination, the control circuit activates the corresponding light-emitting element in the light source body 222 according to the type of sample being observed and the imaging requirements. For example, when observing a biological sample labeled with green fluorescence, the green LED is controlled to emit a beam of light. The adjustable mechanical aperture 223 adjusts the size of the beam as needed. If a smaller beam is needed to illuminate a specific area of ​​the sample, the blade is moved inward by rotating the adjustment knob to reduce the aperture opening size; if a larger beam is needed to provide wider illumination, the blade is moved outward to increase the aperture opening size. The beam, after being sized by the adjustable mechanical aperture 223, propagates to the aspherical condenser lens 224. The aspherical condenser lens 224 converges the diverging beam, giving it better directionality and energy density as it propagates to the mirror assembly 23.

[0084] In other words, this embodiment of the invention can precisely control the size of the light beam through the adjustable mechanical aperture 223, enabling the illumination beam to accurately cover the sample area to be observed. During high-power microscopy, this avoids excessive light illuminating the area around the sample, reduces background light interference, and improves image clarity and contrast.

[0085] The aspherical condenser lens 224 converges the light beam, increasing its energy density. This means that with the same input power, more energy can be concentrated on the sample, allowing for sufficient illumination intensity with a lower light source power. This reduces the overall energy consumption of the illumination assembly and minimizes potential thermal damage to the sample. Furthermore, the aspherical condenser lens 224 allows for more precise control of the light propagation path, reducing energy loss and improving the overall efficiency of the optical system. Compared to other lenses, the aspherical condenser lens 224 has a lower f / # value, allowing more light to pass through at the same focal length, thus enhancing its focusing ability and optical efficiency. Moreover, the aspherical surface of the aspherical condenser lens 224 is produced using a molding process, with the reverse side ground and polished, providing superior performance. Excellent performance is achieved by placing the flatter side facing the light source during installation, making the installation process relatively simple.

[0086] Continue reading Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments of this utility model, the reflector assembly 23 includes an adjustment assembly and a reflector body 231.

[0087] An adjustment assembly is mounted on the mounting base 21, and a reflector body 231 is tilted on the surface of the adjustment assembly to reflect the emitted light beam. The reflector body 231 is made of a high-reflectivity material, such as a silver-plated glass lens. The glass substrate of the reflector is made of optical glass, such as BK7 glass, which has good optical uniformity and low internal stress to reduce the impact on the quality of the reflected light beam. The reflector body 231 is tilted and mounted on the surface of the adjustment assembly by adhesive or clamps. The tilt angle is determined according to the optical path design of the entire lighting device, for example, a tilt of 45° or other specific angles. The adjustment assembly can adjust the mounting angle of the reflector body 231 so that the reflector body 231 is aligned with the light beam emitted by the light source assembly 22 and the receiving position of the digital micromirror device 24.

[0088] The adjustment assembly includes an adjustment frame 232 and a support body 233. The adjustment frame 232 is mounted on the mounting base 21 and can adjust the position of the reflector within a certain range to adapt to different optical path requirements. The support body 233 is mounted on the adjustment frame 232 and has a support slope; the reflector body 231 is fixedly mounted on the support slope.

[0089] The adjustment frame 232 can be made of a high-hardness metal material (such as titanium alloy), which has good stability and resistance to deformation. The adjustment frame 232 is securely mounted on the mounting base 21 by bolts or slots. The support body 233 is equipped with a rotating shaft and adjusting screws, with each rotating shaft connected to an adjusting screw to achieve precise angle adjustment. After the angle of the reflector body 231 is adjusted to the appropriate position, the adjusting screws are tightened to fix the rotating shaft, preventing it from rotating during use and thus ensuring low angle drift characteristics over a long period of time.

[0090] When it is necessary to accurately reflect the light beam onto a specific area of ​​the digital micromirror device 24, the reflector body 231 is slightly adjusted by rotating the adjusting screw until the light beam accurately reaches the target position. Once the angle of the reflector body 231 is adjusted to the optimal position, the adjusting screw is used to lock the rotation axis. During the use of the microscope, the angle of the reflector body 231 can remain stable for a long time, and the angle drift is very small even under slight vibration or temperature changes.

[0091] Understandably, this invention allows for precise adjustment of the angle of the mirror body 231 via an adjustment component, enabling the mirror to accurately reflect the light beam emitted from the light source body 222 onto the digital micromirror device 24. In microscopy imaging, precise optical path control helps improve imaging accuracy and resolution. The low-drift characteristics of the adjustment component ensure that the angle of the mirror body 231 remains stable over extended periods. This is crucial for microscopy applications requiring continuous observation over long periods, such as cell culture monitoring or prolonged material structure analysis, as it provides a consistently stable illumination path, reducing imaging errors caused by changes in the optical path.

[0092] Continue reading Figure 2 In some embodiments of this utility model, the digital micromirror device 24 (DMD) includes a circuit layer 241, a micromirror unit 242, electrodes, and springs.

[0093] The micromirror unit 242 is typically made of aluminum and has a size ranging from a few micrometers to tens of micrometers. The micromirror is connected to the bottom circuit layer 241 via a torsion hinge, forming a rotatable structure.

[0094] Circuit layer 241, located below the micromirrors, contains dual CMOS memories and associated driving circuitry. The dual CMOS memories store the state information (on or off) of each micromirror, while the driving circuitry controls the rotation of the micromirrors based on the stored information. Electrodes and springs are located on both sides of the micromirrors to control their rotation via electrostatic attraction. The spring structure returns the micromirrors to their initial position when power is off.

[0095] The DMD micromirrors have two stable states, typically with deflection angles of +12° and -12°. These states are determined by the micromirrors' geometry and electrostatic properties, corresponding to their "on" and "off" states. In the "on" state, the micromirrors reflect incident light onto the projection lens, forming bright pixels on the screen; in the "off" state, the micromirrors reflect light onto the light absorber, darkening the pixels. By controlling the states of the micromirrors, spatial modulation of light can be achieved, thereby forming an image. Faster switching speeds produce brighter pixels, while slower switching speeds produce darker pixels.

[0096] Image data is transmitted to the DMD chip via CMOS circuitry and stored in a dual CMOS memory. During each refresh cycle, the stored state information is transmitted to the micromirrors, changing their state through electrostatic interaction.

[0097] Continue reading Figure 2 and Figure 3 In some embodiments of this utility model, the microscope illumination assembly 20 further includes a lens assembly 25, which is disposed on the mounting base 21 and is disposed opposite to the digital micromirror device 24. The lens assembly 25 is used to converge the light beam modulated by the digital micromirror device 24.

[0098] The lens assembly 25 includes a fixed carrier 251 and a plano-convex lens 252. The fixed carrier 251 is disposed on the mounting base 21. The plano-convex lens 252 is disposed on the fixed carrier 251 and is used to converge the light beam modulated by the digital micromirror device 24. That is, the light beam reflected by the digital micromirror device 24 is further converged by the plano-convex lens 252 and enters the back focal plane of the microscope objective, ultimately achieving free-pattern illumination of the sample.

[0099] Continue reading Figures 1 to 3 In some embodiments of the present invention, the housing assembly 10 includes a first housing 11 and a second housing 12, the second housing 12 being disposed opposite to the first housing 11, and the second housing 12 being provided with heat dissipation holes 121.

[0100] The light source assembly 22 and the reflector assembly 23 are located inside the first housing 11, while the digital micromirror device 24 is located inside the second housing 12. This arrangement provides a direct heat dissipation path for the digital micromirror device 24. The heat generated during the operation of the digital micromirror device 24 can be dissipated through the heat dissipation holes 121, preventing heat accumulation that could lead to performance degradation or damage to the device.

[0101] This invention separates the light source assembly 22 and the reflector assembly 23 from the digital micromirror device 24 into different housings, thereby reducing thermal interference between them. For example, the light source assembly 22 may generate high heat. If it is too close to the digital micromirror device 24 without effective isolation, the heat source will affect the operating temperature of the digital micromirror device 24, thus affecting its performance. This housing separation acts as a form of thermal isolation, helping to maintain the various components operating in a relatively stable temperature environment.

[0102] Furthermore, the first housing 11 can be internally structured according to the optical path requirements of the light source assembly 22 and the reflector assembly 23, while the second housing 12 can be laid out according to the electrical connection and signal transmission requirements of the digital micromirror device 24. During assembly, related components are grouped and placed in different housings, facilitating step-by-step assembly according to functional modules. The light source assembly 22 and the reflector assembly 23 inside the first housing 11 and the digital micromirror device 24 inside the second housing 12 can be assembled separately first, and then the two housings can be assembled.

[0103] Continue reading Figure 4 and Figure 5 In some embodiments of this utility model, the mounting base 21 includes a first base 211 and a second base 212. The second base 212 is connected to the first base 211 and is perpendicular to the first base 211, with the diagonal of the second base 212 parallel to the centerline of the first base 211. The second base 212 is provided with a positioning flange 2121 and a mounting port 2122, which provides a dedicated mounting position for the digital micromirror device 24. This specific mounting port 2122 can be designed according to the shape, size, and connection requirements of the digital micromirror device 24, so that the digital micromirror device 24 can be easily mounted on the second base 212.

[0104] The light source assembly 22 and the reflector assembly 23 are disposed on the first base 211, and the digital micromirror device 24 is disposed on the second base 212, located at the mounting port 2122. Both the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 abut against the positioning flange 2121 and are detachably connected to the second base 212. The second base 212 is connected to the first base 211 and is vertically arranged; this vertical structure forms a stable, frame-like structure. During the entire operation of the device, whether it is the vibration generated by the light source assembly 22 and the reflector assembly 23, or the external interference that the digital micromirror device 24 may be subjected to, this vertical connection structure can effectively disperse stress and improve the overall structural stability.

[0105] For example, when the device is being transported or subjected to a minor impact, the vertical structural relationship can prevent excessive relative displacement between the components, reducing the risk of damage to internal components due to shaking.

[0106] Furthermore, the positioning flange 2121 provided on the second base 212 provides precise positioning for the first housing 11 and the second housing 12. During installation, the housing can accurately abut against the positioning flange 2121, ensuring the accuracy of the connection between the housing and the second base 212. This helps improve installation efficiency because installers can quickly align the housing with the positioning flange 2121 for installation, reducing adjustment time during the installation process and ensuring consistency in each installation.

[0107] Both the first housing 11 and the second housing 12 are detachably connected to the second substrate 212, facilitating maintenance and device replacement. For example, when the digital micromirror device 24 needs to be upgraded or repaired, it can be operated simply by removing the second housing 12 connected to the second substrate 212 without affecting the normal operation of other components, thus reducing maintenance costs and time.

[0108] The multi-band microscope illumination device of the digital micromirror device 24 provided in this embodiment utilizes a 0.1ms-level switching speed of the light source to achieve rapid alternation or synchronous projection of multi-band light, overcoming the disadvantage of slow switching of traditional filter wheels and improving the efficiency of high-throughput fluorescence imaging (such as CRISPR screening). Secondly, through the spatial modulation capability of the digital micromirror device 24, it selectively illuminates target areas (such as cell nuclei), reducing fluorescence bleaching and phototoxicity in non-target areas and improving the imaging signal-to-noise ratio. Furthermore, a single digital micromirror device 24 module coupled with multi-band light sources simplifies the optical path design and maintains high reflection efficiency (>90%), solving the problems of low light efficiency and high complexity in existing systems, and reducing cost and size. Finally, combined with software control (such as μManager), the illumination pattern and band timing can be dynamically adjusted, enhancing flexibility and supporting various application scenarios such as multicolor imaging, live cell observation, and optogenetics, thereby significantly improving the practicality and experimental results of fluorescence microscopy.

[0109] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A multi-band microscope illumination device based on a digital micromirror device, characterized in that, include: The housing assembly is provided with an inlet and an outlet; Microscope illumination components, including: The mounting base is located within the housing assembly; A light source assembly is disposed on the mounting base and passes through the entrance port; the light source assembly is connected to the chassis and is used to emit multiple light beams of different wavelengths; A reflector assembly is disposed on the mounting base and located in the transmission optical path of the light beam; the reflector assembly is used to reflect the light beam. A digital micromirror device is disposed on the mounting base and corresponds to the position of the outlet. The digital micromirror device is used to receive the light beam reflected by the mirror assembly, and to modulate the intensity, direction and pattern of the light beam, and to emit the modulated light beam from the outlet.

2. The multi-band microscope illumination device based on a digital micromirror device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light source assembly includes: A fixed base is provided on the mounting base; The light source body is mounted on the fixed base and passes through the entrance port; the light source body is connected to the chassis and is used to emit beams of multiple different wavelengths; An adjustable mechanical aperture is provided on the fixed base and located at the light-emitting end of the light source body. The adjustable mechanical aperture is used to adjust the size of the light beam. An aspherical condensing lens is disposed on the fixed base and located on the side of the adjustable mechanical aperture away from the light source body. The aspherical condensing lens is used to converge the light beam.

3. The multi-band microscope illumination device based on a digital micromirror device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reflector assembly includes: An adjustment component is provided on the mounting base; The main body of the reflector is inclinedly disposed on the surface of the adjustment assembly for reflecting the light beam; The adjustment component is used to adjust the angle of the reflector body and keep the angle of the reflector body low-drift.

4. The multi-band microscope illumination device based on a digital micromirror device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The adjustment component includes: An adjustable frame is provided on the mounting base and is adapted to be positioned along the mounting base; A support body is provided on the adjustable eyeglass frame, and the support body is provided with a support slope. The main body of the reflector is fixedly mounted on the supporting inclined surface.

5. The multi-band microscope illumination device based on a digital micromirror device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The digital micromirror device includes: The circuit layer is disposed on the mounting base; The micromirror unit is rotatably connected to the circuit layer via a torsion hinge, and the micromirror unit is used to modulate the intensity, direction, and pattern of the light beam; Electrodes and elastic elements are respectively disposed on both sides of the micromirror unit. The electrodes are used to control the rotation of the micromirror unit through electrostatic action; the elastic elements are used to restore the micromirror unit to its initial position when the power is off.

6. The multi-band microscope illumination device based on a digital micromirror device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microscope illumination assembly also includes: A lens assembly is disposed on the mounting base and is positioned opposite to the digital micromirror device. The lens assembly is used to converge the light beam modulated by the digital micromirror device.

7. The multi-band microscope illumination device based on a digital micromirror device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The lens assembly includes: A fixed carrier is provided on the mounting base; A plano-convex lens is disposed on the fixed carrier, and the plano-convex lens is used to converge the light beam modulated by the digital micromirror device.

8. The multi-band microscope illumination device based on a digital micromirror device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light source assembly is connected to the chassis via a liquid light guide. The light source assembly is used to emit six independent light beams, with a switching speed of 0.1ms between each channel.

9. The multi-band microscope illumination device based on a digital micromirror device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The housing assembly includes: First shell; The second housing is disposed opposite to the first housing, and the second housing is provided with heat dissipation holes; The light source assembly and the reflector assembly are located inside the first housing, and the digital micromirror device is located inside the second housing.

10. The multi-band microscope illumination device based on a digital micromirror device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The mounting base includes: First matrix; The second base is connected to the first base and is perpendicular to the first base, with the diagonal of the second base parallel to the centerline of the first base; the second base is provided with a positioning flange and a mounting port; The light source assembly and the reflector assembly are disposed on the first substrate, and the digital micromirror device is disposed on the second substrate and located at the mounting port; both the first housing and the second housing abut against the positioning flange and are detachably connected to the second substrate.

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