US 5,528,050 A · Compact scan head with multiple scanning modalities

Abstract

A compact, movable scan head having multiple scanning modalities and capable of high speed, high resolution scanning of a variety of samples is disclosed. Stimulation and detection of storage phosphor screens and fluorescent samples are preferably achieved with a first and second channel in the optical path of the first side of the scan head. This first side preferably has a laser diode light source. Reading of reflective and transmissive signals is also possible. A third channel is available in the optical path of the second side of the scan head. This third channel preferably provides LED point scanning and reading of fluorescence, reflective, and transmissive signals received from the sample. The various modalities of the scan head of the present invention may or may not have coincident optical paths. Any two of the above channels, or additional channels similar to the above channels, may be incorporated into the scan head.

Claims49

Dependent claims

A movable scan head with multiple scanning modalities for analyzing a sample, the scan head comprising:

(a) first channel means for stimulating the sample with a beam of a first wavelength and detecting resultant storage phosphor emission from the sample,
(b) second channel means for stimulating the sample with a beam of the first wavelength and detecting resultant fluorescent emission from the sample,
(c) third channel means for stimulating the sample with a beam of a second wavelength and detecting resultant second wavelength-stimulated emission from the sample,
(d) means for moving the scan head relative to the sample in a scan pattern, and
(e) analysis means for collecting information regarding emission from the first, second, and third channel means.

2 more elements

A movable scan head with three data channels for variable optical analysis of samples, the scan head comprising:

a first data channel having a laser diode providing a stimulating beam of a first stimulating wavelength .lambda..sub.st1, and a first detection path for isolating emission and for providing related data for emission from the sample of a wavelength .lambda..sub.em/p where .lambda..sub.em/p <.lambda..sub.st1,
a second data channel utilizing the laser diode of the first data channel to provide a stimulating beam of the first stimulating wavelength .lambda..sub.st1, and having a second detection path for isolating emission and for providing related data for emission from the sample of a wavelength .lambda..sub.em/f where .lambda..sub.em/f >.lambda..sub.st1,
a third data channel having an LED providing a stimulating beam of a second stimulating wavelength .lambda..sub.st2, a means for restricting the diameter of the stimulating beam of wavelength .lambda..sub.st2, a means for directing the restricted stimulating beam of wavelength .lambda..sub.st2 onto the sample, and a third detection path for isolating emission and for providing related data for LED-stimulated emission from the sample,
means for moving the scan head relative to the sample along a first axis, and
data processing means for collecting the data regarding sample emission from the first, second, and third data channels.

2 more elements

A movable scan head for sample analysis via multiple scanning modalities, the scan head comprising:

(a) a first side supporting a laser diode optical system including:
(i) a laser diode stimulating beam of a wavelength .lambda..sub.st1,
(ii) an objective for focusing the laser diode stimulating beam of wavelength .lambda..sub.st1 onto a first spot of the sample to cause signal radiation to be returned from the sample, and for collecting the returned signal radiation to form an emission beam of a wavelength .lambda..sub.em,
(iii) a beam splitter for passing the stimulating beam of wavelength .lambda..sub.st1 and for reflecting the emission beam of wavelength .lambda..sub.em,
(iv) a filter changer assembly having a plurality of filters, at least one filter for passing the emission beam of wavelength .lambda..sub.em when .lambda..sub.em >.lambda..sub.st1, and at least one filter for passing the emission beam of wavelength .lambda..sub.em when .lambda..sub.em <.lambda..sub.st1, and having a means for shifting the filters as needed into the emission beam path, the filter changer assembly disposed to receive the emission beam reflected by the beam splitter, and
(v) means for receiving and detecting the filtered emission beam of wavelength .lambda..sub.em,
(b) a second side supporting an LED optical system including:
(i) an LED stimulating beam of a wavelength .lambda..sub.st2,
(ii) means for restricting the diameter of the LED stimulating beam of wavelength .lambda..sub.st2 for point scanning of the sample,
(iii) means for receiving the restricted LED stimulating beam of wavelength .lambda..sub.st2 and for directing the restricted LED stimulating beam of wavelength .lambda..sub.st2 onto a second spot of the sample to cause signal radiation to be returned from the sample, and
(iv) means for collecting and detecting the signal radiation returned from the sample,
(c) means for moving the scan head relative to the sample to stimulate a plurality of spots on the sample in a scan pattern, and
(d) data processing means for collecting data regarding the signal radiation returned from the sample of the laser diode and LED optical systems.

10 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Compact scan head with multiple scanning modalities

Life of this patent

Compact scan head with multiple scanning modalities

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims49