Fluorescence filter block assembly in which a multi-channel fluorescence filter set and a light source are combined

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fluorescence filter block assembly in which a multi-channel fluorescence filter set and a light source are combined. More specifically, the present invention relates to a fluorescence filter block assembly in which a multi-channel fluorescence filter set and a light source are combined, which is improved in that it not only applies multiple fluorescence filter sets to a single housing without using a carriage in a fluorescence optical system, but also integrates the light source into the housing to form a single body, thereby enabling compactness, accurate alignment of the light path between the light source and the objective lens, realizing a smooth and accurate optical system without power supply failure, and enabling automatic operation via a drive source, enabling accurate and fast alignment work.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fluorescence filter block assembly in which a multi-channel fluorescence filter set and a light source are combined, and more particularly, to an improved fluorescence filter block assembly in which a multi-channel fluorescence filter set and a light source are combined, which not only allows multiple fluorescence filter sets to be applied to one housing without using a carriage in a fluorescence optical system, but also allows the light source to be integrated into the housing to form a single body, thereby enabling miniaturization, enabling accurate alignment of the optical path between the light source and the objective lens, and realizing a smooth and accurate optical system without power supply failure.

[0002] In addition, the fluorescent filter block assembly of the present invention has an automatic position adjustment function, and relates to a fluorescent filter block assembly having an improved automatic position adjustment function that can be automatically operated through a driving source, thereby enabling accurate and fast alignment work. [Background technology]

[0003] Fluorescence optics is an optical system that illuminates a sample with light sources of various wavelengths and observes the fluorescence emitted from the sample. It is mainly used when the sample itself emits fluorescence or when fluorescent substances can be adsorbed onto the sample. For example, it can be used to label specific cells with fluorescent dyes or fluorescent antibodies to study the intracellular structure and function of those cells.

[0004] In this case, the system may include a light source and multiple filters corresponding to wavelengths that match the fluorescent dye. For example, it may include an excitation filter used to select the excitation wavelength of light emitted from the light source, a dichroic beam splitter that splits the beam so that the light that has passed through the excitation filter can be irradiated onto the sample, and an emission filter that blocks unwanted traces (noise) from the excitation light reflected in response to the fluorescence of the sample and allows only a narrow wavelength band around the maximum fluorophore emission wavelength to pass, allowing only the desired fluorescence of the sample to reach the detector.

[0005] The light source is primarily mercury and xenon arc type lamps, although recently, inexpensive yet accurate solid-state light sources such as LEDs have become popular alternatives to arc type lamps.

[0006] Recently, fluorescence optical systems have been used with fluorescence channels for observing various wavelengths. These systems typically have a separate light source and fluorescence filter block. This system combines three fluorescent components—excitation filter, beam splitter, and emission filter—into a single block, and the light source is placed separately. Multiple blocks can be attached to a single rotating turret. This system has the disadvantage of being difficult to miniaturize, since the externally placed light source is large and the filter block is large due to the turret-type multi-channel configuration, increasing the overall volume of the equipment.

[0007] There have been various attempts to miniaturize multi-channel fluorescence light source systems, and recently, a structure has been used in which three fluorescence sets and a light source are combined into a single block, and each block is mounted on a turret to allow for rotational interchangeability. However, in this case, multiple housings are created, each housing containing three fluorescence sets and a light source, which increases the relative size and limits the extent to which the system can be miniaturized. Furthermore, because of the turret-type rotation, each block must have a contact point for connecting to the circuit board in the receptacle in order to supply power to the light source, which makes the structure complicated and can lead to problems such as poor contact due to foreign matter during rotational contact, or poor illumination by the light source making observation impossible.

[0008] Furthermore, when the filter block is moved and aligned for use, if the filter block is positioned manually, experimental errors may occur if the filter block is misaligned. If the filter block is adjusted automatically, the turret carriage must be rotated, which increases the volume and makes linear alignment difficult.

[0009] This necessitates the development of a miniaturized, self-aligning filter block assembly for effective use in fluorescence microscopy. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Publication No. 9347852 (May 24, 2016) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0011] The present invention was created in consideration of and to solve the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and its main objective is to provide a fluorescence filter block assembly in which a multi-channel (i.e., two or more channels) fluorescence filter set and light source are combined, which not only allows multiple fluorescence filter sets to be applied to a single housing without using a carriage in a fluorescence optical system, but also allows for compactness by integrating the light source into the housing to form a single main body, enables accurate alignment of the light path between the light source and the objective lens, realizes a smooth and accurate optical system without power supply failure, and is automatically operated via a drive source, allowing for accurate and fast alignment work, and a filter block assembly with an improved automatic position adjustment function. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] The present invention is a means for achieving the above object, One housing; two or more fluorescent filter sets housed in the housing; a light source assembled to the housing to provide illumination; A fluorescent filter block assembly is provided, comprising:

[0013] The present invention also provides a means for achieving the above object, A fluorescent filter block assembly including a housing (e.g., one housing), two or more fluorescent filter sets housed in the housing, and a light source assembled to the housing to provide illumination, the housing includes a drive means, the drive means enabling automatic positioning of the two or more fluorescence filter sets; A fluorescent filter block assembly is provided.

[0014] In one embodiment, the fluorescent filter block assembly may be carriage-free.

[0015] In one embodiment, the fluorescence filter set may include three fluorescence components: an excitation filter, a dichroic beam splitter, and an emission filter.

[0016] In one embodiment, the three fluorescent components may be arranged in the following order from the light source: an excitation filter, a dichroic beam splitter, and an emission filter.

[0017] In one embodiment, the three fluorescent elements may be realized in a circular, polygonal, star-shaped, or elliptical shape.

[0018] In one embodiment, the light source is fixed to an optical module, and the optical module may be assembled on one side of each fluorescent filter set of the housing. The light source may be an LED.

[0019] In one embodiment, at least one condenser lens may be further installed between the light source and the fluorescent filter set.

[0020] In one embodiment, the fluorescence filter block assembly further includes a bright field channel, which may be built into the housing.

[0021] In one embodiment, the fluorescent filter set may be arranged in a linear, curved, or circular configuration.

[0022] In one embodiment, the driving means may include a driving source fixed to the housing and a guide for controlling and guiding the operation of the driving source.

[0023] In one embodiment, the driving source may be a driving motor, a linear motor, a piezoelectric motor, a solenoid actuator, or a voice coil.

[0024] In one embodiment, the guide may be a sliding guide for linear movement.

[0025] In one embodiment, the driving source is a driving motor, and a pinion is fixed to the driving motor, and the pinion can be meshed with a rack.

[0026] In one embodiment, the driving source is a driving motor, and a ball screw or a lead screw is fixed to the driving motor, and the screw can be meshed with a nut.

[0027] In one embodiment, the driving source is a linear motor, and the linear motor may be inserted into a magnet track.

[0028] In one embodiment, the housing may further include a sensor for detecting the position of the housing.

[0029] In one embodiment, the sensor may be one or more selected from the group consisting of a linear encoder, a circular encoder, and a limit switch.

[0030] The present invention also provides One housing; two fluorescence filter sets and one brightfield channel housed in the housing; a light source assembled to the housing to provide illumination; a fluorescent filter block assembly including: The fluorescence filter set includes three fluorescence components consisting of an excitation filter, a dichroic beam splitter, and an emission filter, and the three fluorescence components are arranged in this order from the light source: excitation filter, dichroic beam splitter, and emission filter. A fluorescent filter block assembly for a fluorescent imaging optical system is provided.

[0031] The present invention also provides Housing and two fluorescence filter sets and one brightfield channel housed in the housing; a light source assembled to the housing to provide illumination; a fluorescent filter block assembly including: the fluorescence filter set includes three fluorescence components consisting of an excitation filter, a dichroic beam splitter, and an emission filter, and the three fluorescence components are arranged in this order from the light source: the excitation filter, the dichroic beam splitter, and the emission filter; the housing includes a driving means, the driving means including a driving motor as a driving source and a sliding guide as a guide, and enabling automatic position adjustment of the two or more fluorescence filter sets; A fluorescent filter block assembly is provided.

[0032] In one embodiment, the housing may house three fluorescent filter sets and one brightfield channel, four fluorescent filter sets and one brightfield channel, five fluorescent filter sets and one brightfield channel, six fluorescent filter sets and one brightfield channel, etc.

[0033] In one embodiment, a pinion is fixed to the drive motor, and the pinion is meshed with a rack. The housing may further include a sensor for detecting the position of the housing. In this case, the sensor may be a linear encoder and a limit switch.

[0034] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising: One housing; two fluorescence filter sets and one brightfield channel housed in the housing; two light sources assembled to each fluorescent filter set in said housing to provide illumination; a fluorescent filter block assembly including: the fluorescent filter block assembly does not use a carriage; the brightfield channel is positioned between the two fluorescence filter sets; each of the light sources is fixed to a respective optical module, and each of the optical modules is assembled to one side of each of the fluorescent filter sets of the housing, thereby aligning the optical path between the light source and the objective lens; The light emitted from the light source is irradiated onto the sample through an objective lens, The housing is a slidable housing further including a driving motor, and the two fluorescent filter sets and one bright field channel can be used alternately through the slidable housing. It may be a fluorescent filter block assembly for a fluorescent imaging optical system.

[0035] In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising: One housing; two fluorescence filter sets and one bright channel housed in the housing; two light sources assembled to each fluorescent filter set in said housing to provide illumination; A driving means; a fluorescent filter block assembly including: the fluorescent filter block assembly does not use a carriage; the brightfield channel is positioned between the two fluorescence filter sets; each of the light sources is fixed to a respective optical module, and each of the optical modules is assembled to one side of each of the fluorescent filter sets of the housing, thereby aligning the optical path between the objective lens and the light source; The light emitted from the light source is irradiated onto the sample through an objective lens, The driving means a drive source fixed to the housing; and a guide for controlling and guiding the operation of the drive source; the driving source is located between the fluorescent filter sets on which the optical modules are assembled, and is fixed to one side of the surface on which the optical modules are assembled; The driving means automatically adjusts the positions of the two fluorescent filter sets and one bright channel so that they can be automatically replaced. It may be a fluorescent filter block assembly for a fluorescent imaging optical system. [Effects of the Invention]

[0036] The representative effects of the present invention are as follows.

[0037] First, since multiple fluorescent filter sets and light sources are integrated into one housing, the overall size and manufacturing cost of the optical system can be reduced, and the device can be suitably used in multi-channel fluorescent microscopes.

[0038] Second, since it can be configured as a linear sliding type, it does not require a separate plate and carriage to fix the housing, so the structure is simple and easy, the number of parts can be reduced, and since the structure is not complex, the probability of failure is relatively low.

[0039] Third, the power supply structure is simple and clear, and no measurement errors occur.

[0040] Fourth, when using an LED light source, not only is it possible to save energy because it does not generate heat, but it is also particularly suitable for use in LCI (Live Cell Imaging) microscopes.

[0041] Fifth, since the individual blocks are not separated, optical alignment and bonding are more stable than in the separated type.

[0042] Sixth, the filter block can be moved to a precise position through electronic control.

[0043] Seventh, when automated, the filter blocks can be moved in a sequence that the user has set in advance.

[0044] Eighth, each filter block is not separated into individual blocks but is configured as an integrated unit, and each optical module is assembled on one side of each fluorescent filter set in the housing, thereby aligning the light path between the light source and the objective lens, which increases light efficiency, reduces the time spent using light, and ultimately reduces the incidence of condensation. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] 1 is an exemplary view of a filter block assembly according to the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is an exemplary exploded view of a fluorescent filter set and a light source that constitute a filter block assembly according to the present invention. [Figure 4] 10 is an exemplary view of the filter block assembly according to the present invention viewed from another angle. FIG. [Figure 5] 10 is an exemplary view of the filter block assembly according to the present invention viewed from another angle. FIG. [Figure 6]10 is an exemplary view of the filter block assembly according to the present invention viewed from another angle. FIG. [Figure 7] 10 is an illustrative view showing another example of a filter block assembly according to the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] In the following, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] Prior to describing the present invention, the following specific structural and functional descriptions are provided merely for purposes of illustrating embodiments in accordance with the inventive concepts, which may be embodied in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein.

[0048] Furthermore, since the embodiments according to the concept of the present invention can be variously modified and can have various forms, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail herein, but it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the embodiments according to the concept of the present invention to the specific disclosed forms, and that all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention are included.

[0049] The fluorescence imaging optical system according to the present invention, e.g., a fluorescence microscope, requires at least two or more fluorescence channels to measure two or more wavelength bands. Such a fluorescence imaging optical system collects light emitted from a light source of a specific wavelength band through an objective lens to excite fluorescent substances labeled on cells, and collects light of the wavelength emitted from the fluorescent substances with an image sensor. Care must be taken when misaligning the optical path, as this can make image collection impossible or result in a significant degradation of image quality.

[0050] As a result, the present invention achieves compactness by combining multiple fluorescent filter sets and light sources into one housing, while ensuring easy, accurate, and high-precision optical alignment.

[0051] Above all, since the present invention does not have a separate filter block structure, it does not require the plates or carriages that are essential and required in the prior art. In particular, it has the advantage that the connection of lead wires for power supply is simple and easy, and there is no need for a complex contact connection structure for connecting to a conventional circuit board, making the structure simple and easy, and providing a structure optimized for miniaturization.

[0052] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 3, the fluorescent filter block assembly of the present invention includes one housing 100, a number of (i.e., two or more) fluorescent filter sets 200 housed in the housing 100, and a light source 300 assembled to the housing 100 to provide illumination.

[0053] In this application, the terms "built-in" or "assembled" in connection with "housing" refer to the fact that each component, i.e., a fluorescent filter set, a light source, a brightfield channel, etc., is not separately separated but is integrated into a single housing, provided that each component is physically integrated and is configured to independently perform its own function or effect.

[0054] Therefore, the fluorescent filter block assembly according to the present invention does not include a plate or carriage, i.e., the fluorescent filter block assembly according to the present invention is configured with a single housing and does not require a separate structure for accommodating each filter set or filter block.

[0055] In one embodiment, at least two or more fluorescence filter sets 200 are provided and integrated with the housing 100 to realize at least two or more fluorescence channels. Therefore, in this application, the term "fluorescence filter set" may be used interchangeably with "fluorescence channel."

[0056] In one embodiment, the fluorescence filter set 200 may include three fluorescence components, which are an excitation filter 210, a dichroic beam splitter 220, and an emission filter 230. The filter set 200 may be arranged in the order of excitation filter 210, dichroic beam splitter 220, and emission filter 230 based on the light source 300. The three fluorescence components included in the filter set 200 may also be realized in various shapes, such as a circle, a polygon, a star, or an ellipse.

[0057] Here, the excitation filter 210 is a means for transmitting only the wavelength of illumination light (i.e., excitation wavelength) that efficiently excites a specific fluorophore from the light source or a narrow wavelength band around it.

[0058] The dichroic beam splitter 220 is a means for reflecting the transmitted excitation light of the excitation wavelength so that it can be irradiated onto a sample, and is also called a dichroic mirror.

[0059] The emission filter 230 is a means for blocking excitation light noise while transmitting only the wavelength emitted by the sample or a narrow wavelength band around it so that the desired fluorescence from the sample reaches the detector. That is, the sample molecules are electronically and vibrationally excited and heated by the incoming photons, relax to a low vibrational state, and then return to the electronic ground state by emitting photons with lower energy, i.e., higher wavelengths, than those absorbed. Since fluorescent molecules absorb certain wavelengths and emit light at other wavelengths, samples can be identified by their fluorescence emission spectrum for known incident light wavelengths.

[0060] However, the fluorescence filter set 200 may be any filter other than the three fluorescent components mentioned above, as long as it can extract light of a specific wavelength from a mixture of light of various wavelengths. For example, a filter that transmits light at a constant transmittance regardless of wavelength, a compensation filter that adjusts the light intensity in a specific wavelength range, or a broadband filter may be used. Furthermore, the filters may be classified into infrared filters, visible filters, ultraviolet filters, vacuum ultraviolet filters, etc., depending on the frequency range used.

[0061] In one embodiment, the light source 300 may be any light source commonly used in a fluorescence imaging optical system, such as a mercury light source, a xenon light source, or an LED light source, preferably an LED.

[0062] In one embodiment, the light source 300 is fixed to an optical module 310 , and the optical module 310 is assembled to one end of the housing 100 to be integrated with the housing 100 .

[0063] In one embodiment, a condenser lens 240 may or may not be further installed between the light source 300 and the fluorescence filter set 200, for example, the excitation filter 210. In addition, the condenser lens 240 may be configured to be installed in multiple numbers rather than one to further improve the quality of light collection.

[0064] In one embodiment, the fluorescent filter block assembly further includes one bright field channel, which may be built into the housing 100 .

[0065] In a specific embodiment, two fluorescent filter sets 200 may be formed on both sides of the housing 100, and one brightfield channel may be formed in the center, as shown in Fig. 1. It is obvious that the number of fluorescent filter sets may be three, four, five, six, seven, or more.

[0066] In this case, multiple fluorescent channels, for example, two fluorescent channels and one bright field channel, are physically integrated within a single housing 100 (not shown), but are configured to function independently.

[0067] In one embodiment, the multiple fluorescence filter sets may be arranged in a curved or circular shape in addition to a linear shape. If a bright field channel is further included, this also depends on the arrangement of the fluorescence filter sets.

[0068] Comparing the fluorescent filter block assembly of the present invention with the prior art, in one aspect, all of the main components are built into or assembled into the housing 100 of the present invention, so the housing, or in some cases the fluorescent filter block assembly, can be viewed as a single filter block, making optical alignment easy and accurate, driving and control easy, and enabling miniaturization.

[0069] In one embodiment, the housing 100 is configured to be linearly slidable to alternate between multiple fluorescent channels, and in one specific example, the housing 100 is configured to alternate between two fluorescent channels and one brightfield channel.

[0070] For this purpose, the housing 100 may further include a driving motor and a sliding guide. In one embodiment, the housing 100 has a motor base 110 fixed to one side of the surface on which the optical module 310 is assembled, and a sliding guide 120 fixed integrally to the opposite side of the surface on which the motor base 110 is installed.

[0071] In one embodiment, the housing 100 is configured to enable automatic position adjustment of two or more fluorescence filter sets so that two or more fluorescence filter sets can be used automatically in an alternating fashion. In one specific example, if multiple fluorescence filter sets are arranged in a linear configuration, the housing 100 may be configured to allow automatic position adjustment of two or more fluorescence filter sets while sliding linearly. Alternatively, if the fluorescence filter sets are arranged in a curved or circular configuration, the housing 100 may be configured to automatically adjust the positions of the fluorescence filter sets according to the arrangement structure. If a bright field channel is further included, the adjustment depends on the arrangement of the fluorescence filter sets.

[0072] In one embodiment, the housing 100 is configured to automatically align and automatically rotate two fluorescence filter sets and one brightfield channel.

[0073] To this end, the housing 100 may include a driving means. In one embodiment, the driving means includes a driving source and can move each channel so that the positions of multiple fluorescence channels and / or brightfield channels within the housing 100 are automatically adjusted. In one specific example, if multiple channels are arranged linearly, the driving source can slide the housing 100 linearly to automatically adjust the position of each channel. In this case, the driving source can be configured to be fixed to the housing. The driving source can be any type that can be attached to the housing and move a device or component. For example, a driving motor (rotary motor), a linear motor, a piezoelectric motor (also called a "piezo motor") that utilizes the piezoelectric effect, an ultrasonic motor that uses ultrasound, a solenoid actuator that utilizes electromagnet force, or another type of voice coil that utilizes electromagnet force can be used.

[0074] In another embodiment, the driving means may be configured to include a guide in addition to the driving source. In this case, the guide may be any guide that can control and guide the operation of the driving source, and may include, for example, a sliding guide for linear movement, a rail or track that guides movement along a specific path, a bearing, pin, or shaft that reduces friction between parts moved by the driving source to ensure smooth movement, etc.

[0075] In one embodiment, the driving means may include a driving motor 130 as a driving source and a sliding guide 120 as a guide. In this embodiment, the housing 100 has a motor base 110 fixed to one side of the surface on which the optical module 310 is assembled, and a sliding guide 120 fixed to the same side as the side on which the motor base is fixed or the other side.

[0076] In one embodiment, the sliding guide 120 is assembled so as to be inserted into a sliding groove (not shown) of a coupling member (F, see FIG. 6) fixed to the receptacle, as illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6, and to be able to slide along the sliding groove.

[0077] In one embodiment, a driving motor 130 is mounted and fixed to the motor base 110, and a pinion 132 is fixed to the motor shaft of the driving motor 130. In addition, a rack 134 is fixed to a position corresponding to the pinion 132 of the coupling member (F), and the pinion 132 is engaged with the rack 134.

[0078] In yet another embodiment, instead of a rack and pinion, a ball screw or lead screw may be secured to the drive motor and engaged with a nut.

[0079] In this case, a linear encoder (ENC) may be installed on one side of the housing 100 .

[0080] A linear encoder (ENC) is an electronic device that captures linear motion as an absolute position value, and is extremely useful for finding absolute position values ​​because it is non-contact and requires no wear or maintenance and no reference movement. Therefore, it can automatically recognize and move according to the order and position set by the user in advance, allowing for accurate alignment and preventing defects due to position errors.

[0081] In this case, a circular encoder that calculates the position value by reading the number of rotations of the drive motor 130 can be used instead of the linear encoder (ENC), and the absolute position value can also be physically controlled using limit switches. Any sensor that measures the position information of the housing can be used without limitation, and one or more types of sensors can be used in combination. For example, more accurate position control can be achieved by using a linear encoder (ENC) and a limit switch together. Such types of sensors are well known to those skilled in the art.

[0082] As a result, when the driving motor 130 is driven, the pinion 132 rotates, moving the pinion 132 relative to the rack 134 to which it is fixed, which ultimately causes the housing 100 to which the driving motor 130 is fixed to slide, thereby changing the positions at which multiple fluorescent channels are used. That is, if observation needs to be performed using the first fluorescent channel and then switched to the second fluorescent channel, the driving motor 130 is operated to move the housing 100. Then, the second fluorescent channel is positioned at an observable position, and the sample can be observed using the second fluorescent channel.

[0083] In another embodiment, a linear motor can be used as the driving source of the driving means, and in this case, the linear motor can be used together with a magnet track. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, a linear motor (LM) is fixed on the motor base 110, and a magnet track (MT) is fixed to the connecting member (F, see Figure 6).

[0084] The magnet track (MT) can be detachably fixed with a fixing pin (P), screw, or bolt. The magnet track (MT) is formed in a "⊃" shape with an insertion groove, and is configured to operate with a part of the linear motor (LM) inserted into the insertion groove. In other words, the linear motor (LM) moves back and forth linearly along the magnet track (MT), which is a magnet.

[0085] In this case, a sensor for measuring linear position information, for example, a linear encoder (ENC), may be installed to enable absolute position control, and a limit switch may be installed and used instead of the linear encoder (ENC).

[0086] As described above, the present invention provides a filter block assembly that combines two or more channels of fluorescent filter sets and a light source, which is improved so that not only can multiple filter sets be applied to a single housing without using a carriage in a fluorescence imaging optical system, but also the light source is integrated into the housing to form a single body, allowing for compactness and realizing a smooth and accurate optical system without power supply problems.

[0087] In one embodiment, the fluorescent filter block assembly according to the present invention is used in a fluorescent imaging optical system.Therefore, the present invention provides a fluorescent filter block assembly for a fluorescent imaging optical system.

[0088] In still another embodiment, the present invention provides a fluorescence imaging optical system including the fluorescence filter block assembly. The term "fluorescence imaging optical system" used herein includes, without limitation, any equipment including an optical system capable of fluorescence imaging, representative examples of which include a fluorescence microscope or live cell imaging equipment. Therefore, an imaging optical system including the fluorescence filter block assembly of the present invention is distinguished from equipment used simply for fluorescence detection, in which light emitted from the light source is irradiated onto a sample through an objective lens to perform imaging. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 100: Housing 200: Filter set 300: Light source

Claims

1. One housing; two or more fluorescent filter sets housed in the housing; a light source assembled to said housing to provide illumination.

2. 10. The fluorescent filter block assembly of claim 1, wherein the fluorescent filter block assembly does not use a carriage.

3. 2. The fluorescent filter block assembly of claim 1, wherein said housing includes a drive means for enabling automatic positioning of said two or more fluorescent filter sets.

4. The driving means a drive source fixed to the housing; 4. The fluorescent filter block assembly of claim 3, further comprising: a guide for controlling and guiding the operation of said drive source.

5. 5. The fluorescent filter block assembly of claim 4, wherein the driving source is a driving motor, a linear motor, a piezoelectric motor, a solenoid actuator, or a voice coil.

6. 5. The fluorescent filter block assembly of claim 4, wherein the guide is a sliding guide for linear movement.

7. 4. The fluorescent filter block assembly of claim 3, wherein the housing further includes a sensor for detecting the position of the housing.

8. 2. The fluorescent filter block assembly of claim 1, wherein the fluorescent filter set includes three fluorescent components: an excitation filter, a dichroic beam splitter, and an emission filter.

9. 2. The fluorescent filter block assembly of claim 1, wherein the light source is fixed to an optical module, and the optical module is assembled to one side of each fluorescent filter set in the housing.

10. 2. The fluorescent filter block assembly according to claim 1, further comprising at least one condenser lens disposed between the light source and the fluorescent filter set.

11. 2. The fluorescent filter block assembly of claim 1, further comprising a bright field channel, the bright field channel being built into the housing.

12. One housing; two fluorescence filter sets and one brightfield channel housed in the housing; a light source assembled to the housing to provide illumination; a fluorescence filter block assembly for a fluorescence imaging optical system, wherein the fluorescence filter set includes three fluorescence components consisting of an excitation filter, a dichroic beam splitter, and an emission filter, and the three fluorescence components are arranged sequentially from the light source in the order of the excitation filter, the dichroic beam splitter, and the emission filter.

13. One housing; two fluorescence filter sets and one brightfield channel housed in the housing; a light source assembled to the housing to provide illumination; the fluorescence filter set includes three fluorescence components consisting of an excitation filter, a dichroic beam splitter, and an emission filter, and the three fluorescence components are arranged in this order from the light source: the excitation filter, the dichroic beam splitter, and the emission filter; The fluorescent filter block assembly, wherein the housing includes a driving means, the driving means including a driving motor as a driving source and a sliding guide as a guide, and enables automatic position adjustment of the two or more fluorescent filter sets.

Images