Multicapillary Laser Detection System Alignment

The patent combines multiple laser sources and multiple detectors into a single integrated detection system. Multiple excitation wavelengths are delivered through a single optical path to the capillary array, and multiple detectors are positioned at a single detection point. This merging approach maintains high throughput capability while reducing system complexity and cost compared to using completely separate source-detector pairs for each capillary.

The detection system is designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of simultaneously detecting multiple analytes across multiple capillaries using multiple excitation wavelengths. A single detection system serves multiple functions: it can detect different fluorescent labels with different excitation requirements, monitor multiple capillaries in parallel, and provide high-throughput analysis without requiring separate specialized components for each function.

Instead of moving the light source and detector across the capillaries, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the optical components stationary and using optical scanning to direct the excitation light to different capillaries. The laser beams are scanned across the capillary array using mirrors or acousto-optic deflectors, while the detectors remain fixed in position. This inversion eliminates misalignment problems caused by mechanical movement of heavy components.

The patent replaces mechanical scanning systems with optical scanning methods. Instead of physically moving the entire detection head or capillary array, the system uses reflected light paths, mirrors, or acousto-optic devices to direct excitation wavelengths to different capillaries. This substitution of mechanical movement with optical redirection maintains scanning capability while eliminating alignment instability caused by mechanical motion.

The patent employs periodic scanning of excitation wavelengths across the capillary array, where each capillary is sequentially illuminated by appropriate excitation wavelengths in a rapid periodic cycle. This periodic action allows all capillaries to be monitored over time without requiring continuous simultaneous illumination, thereby reducing the time penalty while maintaining the ability to detect signals from all capillaries.

The scanning system is designed to maintain continuous useful action by rapidly cycling through all capillaries in the array, ensuring that detection is ongoing without significant interruptions or lag times. The periodic scanning is optimized so that the cycle time is sufficiently fast that no valuable separation information is lost between scans, maintaining effectively continuous monitoring capability.