Microscope for locating structures on the inner surface of a fluidic channel
AssigneeSequlite Genomics US, Inc.
InventorsJames Che, Diping Che
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A microscope has a fiducial mask and fiducial lens generating a collimated mask image onto a beam splitter which directs the optical image to an objective lens where it is directed to an optical discontinuity formed by the change of index of refraction of the inner surface of a fluidic channel. Reflected optical energy is directed through the objective lens, the beam splitter, and a detector lens to a detector. A focused image forms when an inner surface of the fluidic channel is a focal distance from the objective lens, providing for imaging of fluorescent labels at the inner surface of the fluidic channel.
Claims23
A microscope comprising:
- a fiducial image mask capable of being illuminated on one surface and positioned a focal length from a fiducial lens;
- an objective lens positioned on an axis common to a detector lens;
- a beam splitter positioned between the objective lens and detector lens, the beam splitter capable of receiving optical energy from the fiducial lens and directing the optical energy to the objective lens;
- a detector positioned a focal length from the detector lens and capable of receiving optical energy reflected from a plurality of partially reflective surfaces the reflected optical energy directed through the objective lens, beam splitter, and detector lens;
- and
- where at least one of the plurality of partially reflective surfaces has an index of refraction which is at least 1% greater or smaller than a different partially reflective surface.
A microscope comprising:
- a flow channel having a substantially planar inner surface region, the flow channel operative to carry a fluid;
- a fiducial image mask producing a collimated beam and coupled to a beamsplitter directing the collimated beam to an objective lens and onto the substantially planar region of the flow channel located an adjustable distance from the objective lens;
- a detector lens on a common optical axis with the objective lens and receiving reflected optical energy from the substantially planar region, the reflected optical energy passing through the beam splitter, and thereafter to a detector lens and a fiducial detector positioned a detector lens focal length from the detector lens;
- an optical source for exciting fluorescent labels in the flow channel;
- one or more fluorescent label optical paths coupled to fluorescent label optical energy in the common optical axis, each fluorescent label optical path directing a particular range of wavelengths to an associated fluorescent label detector;
- the adjustable distance from the objective lens to the substantially planar region operative to provide a focused image of the fiducial pattern onto the fiducial detector;
- the one or more detectors of each fluorescent label optical path operative to provide a focused image of fluorescent labels attached to the surface of the flow channel when the optical source is enabled.
A method for imaging fluorescent labels in a fluidic channel having a reflective interface adjacent to the flow channel, the method operative in a microscope having an objective lens an adjustable distance from the reflective interface, a fiducial pattern generator coupling a collimated fiducial pattern through the objective lens and onto the reflective interface, a detector lens and fiducial detector receiving optical energy reflected from the reflective interface and forming an image at the fiducial detector, and one or more fluorescent label optical paths receiving optical energy from fluorescent labels at the reflective interface, the process comprising:
- activating the fiducial pattern generator;
- adjusting the distance from an objective lens to the reflective interface until a focused image is present at the fiducial detector;
- applying a fluorescent label optical source to cause the fluorescent labels to fluoresce;
- forming a focused image of fluorescent labels at each fluorescent label detector of a respective fluorescent label optical path.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.