A coil structure for use in a confocal system

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of confocal systems and electromagnetic equipment technology, and discloses a coil structure for use in a confocal system, placed on a confocal lens. The structure includes: a ring-shaped magnetic core with a placement notch; the placement notch is used to place a cell container, with the confocal lens located below the cell container; a hollow coil wound around the magnetic core; and a coolant circulation mechanism connected to the coil, which is used to introduce a cooling medium into the coil to cool the coil structure. This coil structure can be placed in the lens area to operate, avoiding excessive attenuation of the magnetic field strength. The hollow coil allows the coolant to circulate within it and carry away the heat generated by the coil, avoiding the risk of heating the lens when using the coil directly. It solves the compatibility problem between alternating magnetic fields and confocal microscopes, and provides a reliable solution for studying the effects and mechanisms of alternating magnetic fields at the cellular level.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of confocal systems and electromagnetic equipment technology, and in particular to a coil structure applied to a confocal system. Background Technology

[0002] Confocal systems play a crucial role in experimental research in fields such as biomedical imaging, and are commonly used for high-resolution imaging and analysis of microstructures. When conducting experiments using confocal systems, it is sometimes necessary to utilize external alternating magnetic field excitation to study magnetothermal therapy phenomena and mechanisms at the cellular level.

[0003] However, commonly used alternating magnetic field coils in existing technologies are often too bulky to fit within the lens's working area when used in conjunction with confocal systems, resulting in poor compatibility. In contrast, MagneTherm from the British company nanoTherics... TM The system is compatible with confocal microscope systems, but its alternating magnetic field coil adopts a planar coil spring structure. Although this structure can directly cover the microscope head, the alternating magnetic field generated by the planar coil spring is unrestrained and the radiation range spreads rapidly, resulting in severe attenuation of the magnetic field strength. Furthermore, the confocal system lens is affected by the alternating magnetic field, generating eddy current heating, which in turn affects the imaging of the confocal lens.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a coil with high-efficiency heat dissipation that is suitable for confocal systems. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention proposes a coil structure for use in confocal systems to address the shortcomings of the prior art. This coil structure can avoid excessive attenuation of the magnetic field strength and avoid the risk of heating the lens when using the coil directly, thus ensuring the imaging effect of the confocal lens.

[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is: a coil structure applied to a confocal system, disposed on a confocal lens, for providing an alternating magnetic field to cell containers, the structure comprising:

[0007] The magnetic core is ring-shaped, and a placement notch is provided on the magnetic core; the placement notch is used to place the cell container, and the confocal lens is located below the cell container;

[0008] The coil is wound on a magnetic core, and the coil is tubular and connected to an AC power source;

[0009] The coolant circulation mechanism is connected to the coil and is used to introduce a cooling medium into the coil to cool it.

[0010] In at least one embodiment of this utility model, the winding position of the coil on the magnetic core is opposite to the placement notch.

[0011] In at least one embodiment of this utility model, the two sides of the placement notch are parallel to each other.

[0012] In at least one embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic core is in the shape of a ring or a square, and the cross-section of the magnetic core is circular or square.

[0013] In at least one embodiment of this utility model, the coolant circulation mechanism is a cooling water bath, and the two ends of the coil are connected to the cooling water bath through flexible tubes.

[0014] In at least one embodiment of this utility model, the magnetic core is made of manganese-zinc ferrite, nickel-zinc ferrite, iron-nickel-molybdenum alloy, or iron-silicon-aluminum alloy.

[0015] In at least one embodiment of this utility model, the outer diameter of the magnetic core is 40mm~60mm, the cross-sectional diameter of the magnetic core is 10mm~25mm, and the width of the placement notch is 10mm~15mm.

[0016] In at least one embodiment of this utility model, the coil is made of copper, the coil diameter is 1mm to 5mm, the number of turns of the copper tube coil is 3 to 20, and the coil pitch is 0.5mm to 2mm.

[0017] In at least one embodiment of this utility model, the operating frequency of the coil structure is 50 kHz to 500 kHz.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0019] This invention features a toroidal magnetic core with a placement notch, around which a tubular coil is wound and connected to an AC power supply and a coolant circulation mechanism. In use, a confocal lens is attached, and a cell container is placed within the placement notch. During experiments, the toroidal magnetic core constrains and guides the magnetic field around the cell container, ensuring the magnetic field strength reaches the expected level and preventing excessive attenuation. Furthermore, the coolant circulation mechanism ensures that the coolant circulates within the coil, carrying away the heat generated by the coil and avoiding the risk of heating the lens when using the coil directly. This guarantees the imaging effect of the confocal lens and does not interfere with the optical path or signal acquisition functions of the confocal system during experiments. This provides a reliable solution for studying the effects and mechanisms of alternating magnetic fields at the cellular level. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0022] 1. Confocal lens; 2. Cell container; 3. Magnetic core; 31. Placement notch; 4. Coil. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The accompanying drawings in this invention are not strictly drawn to scale; the specific dimensions and quantity of each structure can be determined according to actual needs. The drawings described in this invention are merely structural schematic diagrams.

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the described embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "first," "second," and similar terms used in this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "inner," "outer," "upper," "lower," "far," "near," "front," and "rear" are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0026] The effects of overheating on the optical performance of a confocal lens are as follows:

[0027] 1. Degraded Image Quality: Overheating of the lens can cause changes in the refractive index of its optical elements. This can lead to blurring and distortion in the image. Cellular structures or tiny fluorescent markers that were originally clear may become difficult to discern in images taken after the lens has overheated. Thermal expansion can also alter the relative positions of the lens's internal components. For confocal systems, which require extremely high optical precision, even minute displacements can compromise the accuracy of the optical path. For example, changes in the distance between the objective lens and the imaging sensor, or the spacing between lens groups within the objective lens, can affect the focal length, causing the image to fail to focus on the correct plane.

[0028] 2. Laser Spot Distortion: In confocal microscopy, the shape and size of the laser spot are crucial for acquiring high-quality confocal images. Lens overheating can alter the shape of the laser spot formed after passing through the lens. For example, a spot that should be circular may become elliptical or exhibit other irregular shapes. This changes the laser scanning mode, affecting image resolution and contrast. Because of the spot distortion, the energy distribution of the laser irradiating the sample is uneven, leading to inaccurate sample excitation and signal collection.

[0029] 3. Reduced Fluorescence Signal Collection Efficiency: Overheating of the lens may affect its fluorescence signal collection efficiency. On one hand, due to changes in the performance of optical components, the fluorescence signal may experience greater loss as it passes through the lens. For example, minor deformations on the surface of optical components or changes in internal stress caused by heat can cause the fluorescence signal to scatter or reflect during propagation, preventing it from reaching the detector entirely. On the other hand, overheating of the lens may alter its coupling efficiency with the detector. If gaps or poor contact appear at the optical interface between the lens and the detector due to factors such as thermal expansion, the transmission of the fluorescence signal will be hindered.

[0030] This coil structure, applied to confocal systems, is compact in size and solves the compatibility issue between alternating magnetic fields and confocal microscopes, providing a reliable solution for studying the effects and mechanisms of alternating magnetic fields at the cellular level. The structure's design fully considers compatibility with confocal systems, ensuring that it will not interfere with the optical path, signal acquisition, or other functions of the confocal system during experiments.

[0031] Combination Figure 1 As shown, a coil structure for use in a confocal system is placed on a confocal lens 1. The structure includes:

[0032] The magnetic core 3 is ring-shaped, and a placement notch 31 is provided on the magnetic core 3; the placement notch 31 is used to place the cell container 2, and the confocal lens 1 is located below the cell container 2.

[0033] Coil 4 is wound around magnetic core 3. Coil 4 is tubular and connected to AC power supply. Coil 4 is used to generate an alternating magnetic field under the action of AC power supply.

[0034] The coolant circulation mechanism is connected to the coil 4. The coolant circulation mechanism is used to introduce a cooling medium into the coil 4 so that the cooling medium carries away the heat generated by the coil 4, thereby cooling the coil 4.

[0035] As an alternative embodiment, the coil 4 is wound on the magnetic core 3 opposite to the placement notch 31; this design allows the coil 4 to be wound only in the part of the magnetic core away from the lens, fully taking into account the heat distribution characteristics of the coil 4, while avoiding the direct heating of the microscope lens by the magnetic field emitted by the coil 4, so as to achieve efficient heat dissipation.

[0036] As an alternative embodiment, the two sides of the placement notch 31 are parallel to each other, which allows the magnetic field to remain as uniform as possible; the width of the placement notch 31 is 10mm~15mm, while the diameter of the common cell container 3 is 9mm; if the width of the placement notch 31 is too large, the magnetic field strength may not meet expectations.

[0037] As an alternative embodiment, the magnetic core 3 is in the shape of a ring or a square, and its cross-section is circular or square. The shape and cross-sectional shape of the magnetic core are related to its magnetic field energy loss. The local magnetic flux density increases at the apex, leading to increased loss. Therefore, the triangle has the greatest loss, followed by the square, and the circle has the least. In addition to the circular or square shapes disclosed above, the shape and cross-sectional shape of the magnetic core 3 can also be a regular hexagon or a regular octagon. Although the regular hexagon or regular octagon does have a smaller loss than the square, it is not commonly used in practice.

[0038] As an alternative embodiment, the material of the magnetic core 3 is manganese-zinc ferrite, nickel-zinc ferrite, iron-nickel-molybdenum alloy, or iron-silicon-aluminum alloy. Specifically, in addition to the above examples, the magnetic core 3 can also be made of other magnetic materials with high permeability and low hysteresis loss. The selection of such materials can provide a stable and high-intensity magnetic field in the experiment and reduce the influence of magnetic field fluctuations on the experimental results.

[0039] As an alternative embodiment, the coolant circulation mechanism is a cooling water bath, and the two ends of the coil 4 are connected to the cooling water bath through flexible tubes, and the cooling medium can be water.

[0040] As an alternative embodiment, the outer diameter of the magnetic core 3 is 40mm~60mm, and the cross-sectional diameter of the magnetic core is 10mm~25mm. Since the magnetic core 3 is to be used in a confocal microscope, the size of the magnetic core 3 cannot be too large, otherwise it cannot be placed in the confocal system. On the other hand, if the size of the magnetic core 3 is too small, the sample will not be completely surrounded by the magnetic field.

[0041] As an alternative embodiment, coil 4 is made of copper. The choice of material for coil 4 ensures conductivity while also possessing good heat resistance and insulation, reducing self-heating and ensuring experimental safety. The diameter of coil 4 is in the range of 1mm to 5mm, the number of turns of the copper tube coil is in the range of 3 to 20 turns, and the pitch of coil 4 is in the range of 0.5mm to 2mm. Specifically, a diameter that is too small will result in insufficient heat dissipation, while a diameter that is too large will make it difficult to wind around the magnetic core 3. The number of turns is related to the maximum magnetic field strength required; more turns result in a higher achievable magnetic field strength. The pitch is related to magnetic core leakage; an excessively large pitch causes some magnetic field to leak out, while an excessively small pitch increases the risk of short circuits and affects heat dissipation.

[0042] As an alternative embodiment, the coil structure operates at a frequency of 50 kHz to 500 kHz; this frequency band is the frequency range in which the magnetothermal therapy agent used in the cell sample responds to the magnetic field.

[0043] The working principle and manufacturing method of this embodiment:

[0044] This invention provides a coil structure for use in a confocal system. In use, a nickel-zinc ferrite magnetic material is selected. The magnetic core 3 is manufactured using precision machining, with an outer diameter of 60 mm and a cross-sectional diameter of 10 mm, ensuring uniform and stable magnetic properties. An 11 mm wide notch 31 is cut into the magnetic core 3 to hold the sample. A hollow copper tube with an inner diameter of 3 mm is selected as the coil 4. The coil 4 is precisely wound around the fabricated magnetic core 3 with 10 turns, controlling the winding pitch to 1 mm to ensure that parameters such as inductance meet the experimental design requirements. Based on the structural characteristics of the coil 4, a cooling channel is constructed inside the coil 1 using precision machining, and the cooling channel is connected to the coolant circulation mechanism through a sealed pipeline. The fabricated coil and magnetic core assembly is installed in the confocal system experimental environment and properly assembled with the relevant components of the confocal system. The cell container 2 is placed in the placement notch 31 on the magnetic core 3, and the entire coil structure is placed on the confocal lens 1. Then, the electrical and heat dissipation performance is adjusted to ensure that the assembly can operate stably and reliably in the experiment and provide accurate electromagnetic excitation for the experiment.

[0045] The above embodiments are merely specific implementations of this utility model patent, used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model patent, and not to limit it. The protection scope of this utility model patent is not limited thereto. Although this utility model patent has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that any person skilled in the art can still modify or easily conceive of changes to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model; and these modifications, changes, or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions implemented by this utility model patent, and should all be covered within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A coil structure for use in a confocal system, disposed on a confocal lens (1), for providing an alternating magnetic field to a cell container (2), characterized in that, The structure includes: The magnetic core (3) is ring-shaped, and a placement notch (31) is provided on the magnetic core (3); the placement notch (31) is used to place the cell container (2), and the confocal lens (1) is located below the cell container (2); A coil (4) is wound around a magnetic core (3). The coil (4) is tubular and connected to an AC power source. A coolant circulation mechanism is connected to the coil (4). The coolant circulation mechanism is used to introduce a cooling medium into the coil (4) to cool the coil (4).

2. The coil structure for use in a confocal system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The winding position of the coil (4) on the magnetic core (3) is opposite to the placement notch (31).

3. The coil structure for use in a confocal system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The two sides of the placement notch (31) are parallel to each other.

4. The coil structure for use in a confocal system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic core (3) is in the shape of a ring or a square, and the cross-section of the magnetic core (3) is circular or square.

5. A coil structure for use in a confocal system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The coolant circulation mechanism is a refrigeration water bath, and the two ends of the coil (4) are connected to the refrigeration water bath through flexible pipes.

6. The coil structure for use in a confocal system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The magnetic core (3) is made of manganese-zinc ferrite, nickel-zinc ferrite, iron-nickel-molybdenum alloy or iron-silicon-aluminum alloy.

7. The coil structure for use in a confocal system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer diameter of the magnetic core (3) is 40mm~60mm, the cross-sectional diameter of the magnetic core is 10mm~25mm, and the width of the placement notch (31) is 10mm~15mm.

8. The coil structure for use in a confocal system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The coil (4) is made of copper, the diameter of the coil (4) is 1mm to 5mm, the number of turns of the copper tube coil is 3 to 20, and the pitch of the coil (4) is 0.5mm to 2mm.

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