JP2012073195A - Light switch, light measuring device and light measuring method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a light switch and the like used for a light measuring device which has a simple structure, is compact in size, and can accurately analyze many specimens for a short period of time.SOLUTION: In the light measuring device, light sources 3a, 3b and 3c having wavelengths different from one another are condensed through filters 5a, 5b and 5c, respectively, and a lens 7 and are guided to fibers 9a, 9b and 9c, respectively, the filters 5 (5a, 5b and 5c) are provided on the light sources 3 (3a, 3b and 3c) and transmit only the wavelength of light emitted by the corresponding light sources, the light switch 11 switches the light from the fibers 9a, 9b and 9c to each of fibers 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d to 13l and performs optical connection, and all of a plurality of specimens are sequentially irradiated with the light from all of the light sources by operating the light switch.

Description

  The present invention relates to an optical switch or the like used in an optical measurement device that measures fluorescence excited from a specimen.

  Conventionally, as a method of analyzing specimens such as biological DNA, proteins, and cells, specific fluorescence is attached to each specimen type, and the fluorescence emitted by irradiating light is quantitatively measured. There is a method of analyzing a specimen.

  For example, a specimen is placed in a well which is a specimen chamber, and the specimen is irradiated with an RGB laser or LED (Light Emitting Diode) that excites a fluorescent substance from the top or side, so that fluorescence emitted in the well is photoelectron. Samples are analyzed by measurement using a multiplier tube (PMT), a photodiode (PD), a combination of an image sensor and an optical filter, or the like.

  In particular, in recent years, a plurality of wells are provided, and specimens are placed in each of the plurality of wells. By sequentially and automatically measuring these specimens, it is required to efficiently measure more specimens.

  Various devices for performing such light measurement have been developed. For example, it is movable so that excitation light from an optical fiber is irradiated toward the fluorescent material and fluorescence from the fluorescent material is reflected toward the optical fiber. There is an optical switch used by switching mirrors (Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-247893 A

  However, the optical switch described in Patent Document 1 emits light from an optical fiber, reflects the emitted light by a mirror and irradiates the target substance, and thus the optical path from the optical fiber to the irradiation target is long. The loss of light due to scattered light at the part increases. Therefore, it is difficult to introduce the minute fluorescence generated from the target substance into the optical fiber after being reflected by the mirror.

  For this reason, in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to install a plurality of optical lenses in the optical path to suppress light scattering, but this is a barrier to downsizing of the apparatus. In addition, adjustment of the optical axis of an optical fiber, an optical lens, a reflection mirror, etc. requires accuracy. In particular, in order to automatically measure the specimens in many wells, the same number of reflection mirrors and optical lenses as the wells are required, which increases the size and cost of the apparatus.

  On the other hand, if an optical switch is not used and the same number of light sources and detectors as the number of wells are installed for each well, the device is extremely large and expensive.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and provides an optical switch or the like used in an optical measurement device that is compact with a simple structure and that can accurately analyze many samples in a short time. For the purpose.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, a first invention is an optical switch used in an optical measuring device,
A first fixed body in which a first hole group composed of a plurality of holes is arranged concentrically, a first rotating body provided rotatably so as to face the first fixed section, and the first rotation A drive unit for rotating the body,
The first rotating body has a position corresponding to the first hole group on the surface facing the first fixing portion and a rotation of a surface opposite to the surface facing the first fixing portion. Built-in fiber that optically connects the center position,
An optical switch characterized in that an arbitrary hole in the first hole group and a fiber built in the first rotating body can be optically connected by rotating the first rotating body. It is.

The optical switch is further rotatably provided between a second fixing portion in which a second hole group including a plurality of holes is concentrically arranged, the first rotating body, and the second fixing portion. A second rotating body and a drive unit for rotating the second rotating body;
The second rotating body is rotatable on the same rotation axis as the first rotating body, and the second rotating body has a rotation center position on the side facing the first rotating body. And a fiber that optically connects the position corresponding to the second hole group on the opposite surface side of the second fixing portion, and
An arbitrary hole of the first hole group and an arbitrary hole of the second hole group can be optically connected by rotating the first rotating body and the second rotating body. Is desirable.

  Each hole of the first hole group is optically connected to a light source having a different wavelength that can be irradiated to the first rotating body side. The emitted light from the light source is emitted to the fiber of the first rotating body, the emitted light is optically connected at the rotation center of the first rotating body and the second rotating body, and the second It is desirable that the light emitted from the fiber of the rotating body can be emitted to a fiber provided in an arbitrary hole of the second hole group.

  In this case, a filter that transmits the emitted light of the wavelength emitted from the light source in the optical axis direction behind each of the light sources and reflects the return light generated from the specimen at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis direction. Return light from the specimen is incident on the fiber of the second rotating body from the fiber provided in an arbitrary hole of the second hole group, and from the fiber of the second rotating body. Return light is incident on an arbitrary hole of the first hole group via the first rotating body, the return light is reflected at a predetermined angle from the optical axis direction by the filter, and the return light is reflected by a photodetector. It should be detectable.

  Further, each of the light source and the filter may be built in the first fixing portion, and may be emitted from the hole of the first hole group via a lens.

  According to the first invention, since the light source side and the fiber side capable of irradiating light to the specimen are optically connected via the optical switch, the light from one light source can be switched by switching the optical switch. A plurality of fibers can be guided to irradiate light to a plurality of wells, and fluorescence from the plurality of wells can be detected. In addition, since the optical switch can move the relative position by the operation of a pair of rotating members facing each other, the structure is simple and the switching of the optical path is quick.

  At this time, since the fiber to the light source side and the specimen are respectively connected to the fixing portion, the fiber that guides the light from the light source or the light from the specimen (from the specimen) does not move. Therefore, even if the optical switch is operated, no displacement occurs in each fiber. For this reason, there is no increase in optical transmission loss or fluctuation in optical transmission loss due to bending or vibration of the optical fiber. Thereby, since the intensity of the irradiation light with which the specimen is irradiated and the positional relationship between the well and the irradiating part and the light receiving part of the composite fiber do not fluctuate, the measurement accuracy of fluorescence can be kept high.

  Further, since the optical connection between the pair of rotating bodies is the rotation center of each rotating body, the optical connection is surely made regardless of the rotational position of each rotating body. In addition, since each rotary body and fixing | fixed part are via the gap, the malfunctioning and abrasion by the rotation body and fixed part contacting, generation | occurrence | production of the damage | wound on an optical fiber end surface, etc. do not arise.

  In addition, by providing a filter in front of the light source that transmits outgoing light having a wavelength emitted from the light source in the optical axis direction and reflects return light generated from the specimen at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis direction, The emitted light can be emitted in the direction of the specimen, and the return light from the specimen can be reflected to the detector side to detect fluorescence.

  Further, by incorporating the filter and the light source inside the fixed portion, a more compact optical switch with a built-in light source can be obtained.

  The connection between the plurality of light sources and the plurality of wells is determined by the relative position of the rotating body, but which well is irradiated with which light source to detect fluorescence can be determined by a separately provided control unit or the like. it can. That is, each well is sequentially irradiated with light from each light source in a preset order to detect fluorescence from each well, and the obtained light information is obtained from any well (from any light source). (Fluorescence) is automatically controlled and recorded.

  A second invention is an optical measurement device, which uses the above-described optical switch, and emits light emitted from a plurality of light sources via irradiation / light-receiving fibers provided in the respective holes of the second hole group of the optical switch. Irradiates each of a plurality of sample chambers in which specimens are placed, and returns light from each specimen can be received by the irradiation / light receiving fiber, and the return light can be detected by the photodetector via the optical switch. This is a light measurement device.

  According to the second invention, since it is possible to switch the optical connection between the light source side and the well irradiation side fiber using the optical switch, the optical switch is switched for the specimens in a plurality of (multiple) sample chambers. Thus, measurement can be performed sequentially. For this reason, quick measurement is possible.

  A third invention is a light measurement method, wherein the light measurement device is used, the holes of the first hole group and the holes of the second hole group are optically connected by the optical switch, and the light source And irradiating the specimen with emitted light, detecting return light from the specimen with the detector, operating at least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body, and the first hole group An arbitrary light source and an arbitrary sample are optically connected by switching the position of at least one of the second hole group and the hole of the second hole group, and a plurality of samples are measured by the plurality of light sources. This is a light measurement method. When the optical connection between the light source side and the sample chamber side is sequentially switched and the optical switch is operated to measure a plurality of samples with a plurality of light sources, the light source information to be irradiated and the sample chamber position corresponding to the irradiated sample The information may correspond to the light intensity information detected by the photodetector and may be stored in a storage unit such as a computer or an external storage medium as necessary. Furthermore, the measured light intensity information may be compared with preset reference light intensity information and output to the display unit.

  According to the third invention, since it is possible to switch the optical connection between the light source side and the well irradiation side fiber, the measurement is sequentially performed by switching the optical switch for the specimens in a plurality of (multiple) sample chambers. It can be carried out. For this reason, quick measurement is possible.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an optical switch or the like that is used in an optical measurement device that is simple and compact, and that can accurately analyze many samples in a short time.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a fluorescence measuring device 1. FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an optical path of the fluorescence measuring device 1. FIG. 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the optical switch 11. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the optical switch 11. (A) is the PP line arrow figure of FIG. 4 in the optical switch 11, (b) is the QQ arrow line figure of the optical switch 11 of FIG. 4A is an RR line view of the optical switch 11 in FIG. 4 and FIG. 4B is an SS line view of the optical switch 11 in FIG. (A) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the boundary between the rotating body 29a and the fixed portion 21a, and is an enlarged view of the T portion in FIG. 4, and (b) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the boundary between the rotating body 29a and the rotating body 29b. The U section enlarged view of FIG. The schematic diagram which shows the relative position change of the fibers 9a-9c provided in the fixing | fixed part 21a side, and the fibers 13a-13c provided in the fixing | fixed part 21b side with rotation of the rotary bodies 29a and 29b. The figure which shows arrangement | positioning of the well with respect to the tray 35. FIG. The figure which shows arrangement | positioning of the irradiation and light-receiving part with respect to each well accompanying the movement of the tray 35. FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an optical switch 40. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an optical switch 50.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a fluorescence measuring apparatus 1 which is a multi-light measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an optical path in the fluorescence measuring apparatus 1. The fluorescence measuring apparatus 1 mainly includes a light source 3 (3a, 3b, 3c), a filter 5 (5a, 5b, 5c), an optical switch 11, a photodetector 17 (17a, 17b, 17c), and the light of these lights. Each fiber is a light guide path.

  The light sources 3a, 3b, and 3c are portions that emit light to irradiate the specimen. For example, RGB lasers (semiconductor lasers) and LEDs can be used. The light sources 3a, 3b, and 3c emit light having different wavelengths. For example, semiconductors such as red (wavelength 635 nm, 10 mW), green (wavelength 532 nm, 10 mW), and blue (wavelength 473 nm, 10 mW) RGB lasers. A laser or the like can be applied. The light source is not limited to the above wavelength, and the type and number of light sources to be applied can be appropriately selected according to the type of specimen to be measured and the fluorescence (or other light) to be emitted. For example, it is possible to use a filter in combination with an LED.

  Further, the light sources 3a, 3b, and 3c having different wavelengths are controlled on / off (or optical shutter operation or the like) by a control device (not shown), and it is possible to select only an arbitrary light source to emit light. is there.

  The light sources 3a, 3b, and 3c having different wavelengths are condensed through the filters 5a, 5b, and 5c and the lens 7 and guided to the fibers 9a, 9b, and 9c. The filters 5 (5a, 5b, 5c) are filters that are provided for the respective light sources 3 (3a, 3b, 3c) and transmit only the wavelength of light emitted from the corresponding light sources. Accordingly, the light emitted from the light source 3 passes through the filter 5 and is collected by the rear lens 7 and guided to each fiber 9 (9a, 9b, 9c) (in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 1). .

  Each of the filters 5 is arranged at a predetermined angle (for example, 45 °) from the optical axis of the light from the light source. Therefore, light having a wavelength different from the wavelength of the light source does not pass through the filter 5 and is reflected according to the installation angle of the filter. For example, if the return light from the well side includes a wavelength component different from the wavelength of the light source, the light component is reflected without passing through the filter 5 (in the direction of arrow B in FIG. 1). The reflected light is introduced into the detector 17 (17a, 17b, 17c) and detected. If necessary, a filter may be further provided between each filter 5 and each detector 17. This is because the wavelength component of the light source reflected by the filter 5 is removed. As the lens 7, any known lens can be used as a condensing lens.

  The fiber 9 (9a, 9b, 9c) guides light from the light sources 3a, 3b, 3c having different wavelengths to the optical switch. The fiber 9 is a glass fiber or a plastic fiber, and is preferably a plastic fiber. As the plastic fiber, for example, a core material is polymethylmethacrylate resin or polystyrene, a clad material is made of fluororesin, etc., a core diameter is 400 μm, and a clad thickness is about 100 μm (outer diameter is 600 μm). Can be used. In place of the plastic fiber, a glass fiber having the same diameter can be used.

  The optical switch 11 switches the light from the fibers 9a, 9b, 9c to the fibers 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d,. The fibers 13 (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d,..., 13l) serve as an irradiation light path for irradiating the sample chamber with light. The fiber 13 has the same configuration as that of the fiber 9 described above, and a duplicate description is omitted.

  Here, in the following drawings, unless otherwise specified, an example in which light from three light sources 3a, 3b, and 3c having different wavelengths is switched to twelve fibers is shown. Fiber 13 (13a, 13b, 13c, and 13d) ,..., 13l) is determined according to the number of sample chambers to be measured. For example, when more than 12 sample chambers (wells) are arranged in a row, the number of fibers 13 corresponding to the number of sample chambers is used. Further, for example, the number of optical fibers may be equal to the number of columns or may be set to an integral number of the number of sample columns depending on the number of columns in the sample chamber. In the case where the number of optical fibers 13 is set to 1 / integer of the number of rows in the sample chamber, the sample chamber can be moved by a predetermined pitch and sequentially measured.

  For example, the optical switch 11 can sequentially transmit the light from the light source 3a to each of the fibers 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d,..., 13l, and has different wavelengths to the fiber 13a. It is also possible to sequentially send light from the light sources 3a, 3b, and 3c. That is, by operating the optical switch, it is possible to sequentially irradiate light from all light sources to all of a plurality of specimens. The detailed configuration of the optical switch 11 will be described later.

  Below the fiber 13 (13a, 13b, 13c, 13d,..., 13l), a sample chamber 15 (15a, 15b,..., 14l) is provided via a lens 14 (14a, 14b, 14c, 14d,. 15c, 15d,..., 15l) are arranged respectively. Samples to be measured are arranged in advance in the sample chamber 15. The sample chamber 15 is a plastic container.

Light from the irradiation side end of the fiber 13 is irradiated to the internal specimen from above the sample chamber 15 via the lens 14. If necessary, specific fluorescence is given to each sample in advance for each sample, and fluorescence corresponding to the irradiated light is generated for each sample.
As described above, when irradiating light from a plurality of light sources sequentially to one sample chamber, such as when irradiating the light from each of the light sources 3a, 3b, 3c to the fiber 13a, For the fluorescence to be provided for each sample chamber, the fluorescence intensity of specific fluorescence may be changed, or barcode-coded fluorescence can be used by combining the fluorescence intensities of a plurality of fluorescences. In this way, by combining a plurality of fluorescence with different fluorescence intensities, more various tests can be performed simultaneously. When a plurality of fluorescences are combined in each sample chamber and used with different intensities, the detector sequentially uses a plurality of types of light sources for one sample chamber in order to distinguish the difference in fluorescence wavelength and intensity. It is necessary to obtain data for each light source that is irradiated and the fluorescence intensity is also irradiated, and it is necessary to operate the optical switch as such.

  Fluorescence generated by light irradiated from above the specimen is received by the fiber 13 above the specimen via the lens 14. The lens 14 irradiates the entire specimen with light from the fiber 13, and the fluorescence from the specimen is condensed by the lens 14 and introduced into the end of the fiber 13.

  The fiber 13 receiving the fluorescence from the specimen reaches the filter 5 via the switch 11 and the fiber 9, and the fluorescence having the wavelength excited from the light source wavelength is reflected by the filter 5 and introduced into the detector 17. In addition, by switching the switch 11, the light source to be used and the sample chamber to be irradiated can be switched, and light can be sequentially detected by the detector 17. As described above, the light can be measured by sequentially switching the plurality of light sources 3 with respect to the plurality of sample chambers 15.

  As the photodetector 17, a unit using a photomultiplier tube, a photodiode, an imaging device, or the like and a filter can be used. By measuring and analyzing the intensity of light detected by the photodetector 17, it is possible to perform analysis on a desired specimen.

  Next, the optical path until the light from the light source 3 is detected by the photodetector 17 will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, an example will be described in which fluorescence emitted from the light source 3a is irradiated onto the sample chamber 15a. In the following description, light from the light source side to the sample chamber (light traveling from the top to the bottom in the figure) is simply referred to as “irradiation light”, and light from the sample chamber side to the detector (from the bottom to the top in the figure). The light that travels is simply referred to as “return light”.

  Light emitted from the light source 3a having a predetermined wavelength is introduced into the filter 5a (in the direction of arrow C in the figure). As described above, the filter 5a corresponds to the light source 3a and is a filter that transmits only the wavelength of light emitted from the light source 3a. Therefore, the irradiation light from the light source 3a passes through the filter 5a and is introduced into the lens 7 (in the direction of arrow D in the figure), and is introduced into the fiber 9a through the lens 7 (in the direction of arrow E in the figure). Irradiation light introduced into the fiber 9a is introduced into the optical switch 11 (in the direction of arrow F in the figure). Irradiation light can be switched to each of the fibers 13a,.

  The irradiation light introduced into the fiber 13a by the optical switch 11 (in the direction of arrow G in the figure) is irradiated through the lens 14 (in the direction of arrow H in the figure) to the specimen placed in the sample chamber 15a (in the figure). Arrow I direction). As described above, it is possible to irradiate a specimen in an arbitrary sample chamber with irradiation light having a predetermined wavelength.

  Return light from the sample in the sample chamber 15a by irradiation of irradiation light (fluorescence generated in the sample and part of the reflected irradiation light) is collected by the lens 14 (in the direction of arrow J in the figure), and the fiber 13a. Is guided (in the direction of arrow K in the figure). The return light in the fiber 13a further returns to the filter 5a via the optical switch 11, the fiber 9a, and the lens 7 (in the directions of arrows L, M, N, and O in the figure). In the filter 5a, the fluorescent component (wavelength different from the wavelength of the irradiation light) generated by the specimen is reflected, introduced into the detector 17a, and detected (in the direction of arrow P in the figure). Of the return light, light having the same wavelength component as the irradiation light passes through the filter 5a. Further, in order to prevent the light of the wavelength component of the light source from being reflected and detected in the direction of the detector 17a, a filter may be additionally provided between the filter 5a and the detector 17a.

  In the above light measurement, by operating the optical switch 11 and sequentially switching the optical connection between the light source side and the sample chamber side, the specimen in each sample chamber can be quickly measured by the light from each light source. The detected light intensity and wavelength information are obtained together with the rotational position information of the rotating body (that is, which sample chamber is measured using which light source). That is, when the optical connection between the light source side and the sample chamber side is sequentially switched and the optical switch is operated to measure a plurality of samples with a plurality of light sources, at least the light source information and the sample chamber positions corresponding to the plurality of samples The information is processed in correspondence with the light intensity and wavelength information detected by the photodetector, and stored in a storage unit such as a computer or an external storage medium as necessary.

        Specifically, the processing may be performed using a computer including a control unit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a storage unit such as a hard disk, a display unit such as a display, and an input unit such as a keyboard. it can. The control unit can call and execute a program stored in the recording unit or the like in the work memory area of the control unit, and can drive and control each device connected via the bus. That is, the control unit controls each optical switch and drives each rotating body in the preset order. At this time, the control unit determines, based on the position information of the rotating body of the optical switch, the type of light source (light source information) irradiated on the specimen and the position (sample chamber position information) of the specimen (well in which the specimen is placed) to be irradiated. ) Are acquired by the light source information acquisition means and the sample chamber position information acquisition means, respectively. Further, the control unit acquires the light intensity and wavelength information (light intensity information) detected by the light detector by the light intensity acquisition unit in correspondence with each measurement, and stores these information in the storage unit. The control unit can also display the stored information on the display unit as appropriate. Furthermore, the control unit can compare the information with a reference value (reference light intensity information) stored in the storage unit in advance, and output the comparison result to an output unit such as a display unit or a printer. Note that, by comparing the light intensity information with the reference light intensity information, it is possible to know the presence / absence, amount, etc. of the subject in the corresponding sample from the light intensity information.

  Next, the optical switch 11 will be described. 3 to 7 are schematic views showing the configuration of the optical switch 11 that is a multi-optical switch. FIG. 3 is a front view, FIG. 4 is a partial sectional view, and FIG. 5 (a) is a line P-P in FIG. FIG. 5B is a view taken along the line Q-Q in FIG. 4, FIG. 6A is a view taken along the line RR in FIG. 4, and FIG. 6B is a view taken along SS in FIG. FIG.

  The optical switch 11 mainly includes motors 19a and 19b, fixed portions 21a and 21b, pulleys 22a and 22b, belts 23a and 23b, rotating bodies 29a and 29b, and the like. The motors 19a and 19b are driving units that drive the rotating bodies 29a and 29b via the pulleys 22a and 22b and the belts 23a and 23b, respectively. As the motors 19a and 19b, stepping motors can be used, but it is desirable to use servo motors having a position feedback function.

  The pulleys 22a and 22b are parts that transmit the power of the motors 19a and 19b to the belts 23a and 23b. In addition, it is desirable to use a toothed belt as the belts 23a and 23b. In this case, a tooth mold corresponding to the toothed belt may be formed on the outer circumferences of the pulleys 22a and 22b and the rotating bodies 29a and 29b described later.

  The rotating bodies 29a and 29b are attached to rotating shafts 25a and 25b provided at the centers of the fixing portions 21a and 21b via bearings 27a and 27b, respectively. The rotating shafts 25a and 25b do not pass through the rotating bodies 29a and 29b, and are inserted halfway in the thickness direction of the rotating bodies 29a and 29b. The fixing portions 21a and 21b are portions that are not operated by the motors 19a and 19b and are fixed, and are disposed separately from the motors 19a and 19b. This is because vibration from the motor is transmitted to the fixed portion when the fixed portion and the motor are brought into direct contact.

  The fixed portion 21a and the rotating body 29a are provided so as to face each other, and similarly, the fixed portion 21b and the rotating body 29b are provided so as to face each other. The rotating bodies 29a and 29b are also provided to face each other. That is, the fixed part 21a, the rotating body 29a, the rotating body 29b, and the fixed part 21b are arranged in this order. The rotating bodies 29a and 29b can independently rotate in the forward and reverse directions with respect to the fixing portions 21a and 21b. Moreover, since the rotating shafts 25a and 25b are arrange | positioned in the same direction on the same axis | shaft, the mutual rotation center of the rotary bodies 29a and 29b will be on the same axis | shaft.

  The bearings 27a and 27b are desired to have a small backlash of the bearing itself in order to prevent the distances between the rotating bodies 29a and 29b and the fixing portions 21a and 21b from fluctuating. For example, an angular ball bearing is used. Is preferred.

  The driving of the rotating bodies 29a and 29b may not be an electric motor, and devices such as various actuators may be applied. Further, for transmission of power between the drive unit and the rotating body, a gear or the like may be used instead of the belt. In any case, it is only necessary that the rotating bodies 29a and 29b can be independently rotated in the forward and reverse directions with respect to the fixing portions 21a and 21b.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the fixing portion 21a is formed with a plurality of through-holes at predetermined intervals on a concentric circle around the shaft core (rotating shaft 25a). Fibers 9a, 9b, and 9c are provided so as to penetrate the portion 21a. The fibers 9a, 9b, and 9c are inserted from the outer surface side of the fixed portion 21a, and are arranged so that the end surface comes to the surface position on the surface facing the rotating body 29a.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5B, a hole is provided on the surface of the rotating body 29a facing the fixed portion 21a, and a fiber 31a is provided in the hole. The fiber 31a is disposed so that the end face comes to the surface position facing the fixed portion 21a, and is further provided at a position corresponding to the radial position of the fibers 9a, 9b, 9c on the surface facing the fixed portion 21a. It is done. That is, by rotating the rotating body 29a to a predetermined position, the end portion of the fiber 31a can be disposed opposite to the end position of any of the fibers 9a, 9b, 9c.

  FIG. 7A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the T position in FIG. In FIG. 7A, only one fiber 9 is shown for simplicity. The end face of the fiber 9 is arranged on the same plane as the end face on the rotating body 29a side, penetrating the fixed portion 21a. Similarly, the end surface of the fiber 31a is disposed on the same surface as the end surface of the rotating body 29a. When the rotating body 29a is rotated to a predetermined position, the fiber 9 and the fiber 31a are positioned so as to face each other as shown in FIG. Further, since the gap 33a is formed between the rotating body 29a and the fixed portion 21a, the rotating body 29a and the fixed portion 21a do not come into contact with each other when the rotating body 29a rotates.

  When the operation of the rotating body 29a is stopped at the position where the fiber 9 and the fiber 31a face each other, and the light from the light source is sent from the fiber 9 side (in the direction of arrow V in the figure), the light emitted from the end face of the fiber 9 It enters the end face of 31a (in the direction of arrow W in the figure). Of course, the light emitted from the end face of the fiber 31 a can enter the opposite fiber 9. That is, the fiber 9 and the fiber 31a are optically connected.

  Note that the gap 33a is several tens of μm to several hundreds of μm, preferably about 10 to 100 μm, in view of the accuracy of members and operations. On the other hand, the fiber 9 and the fiber 31a are plastic fibers, for example, and have an outer diameter of about 500 μm. Therefore, the outer diameter of the fiber 9 and the fiber 31a is larger than the gap 33a, and light loss in the gap 33a. (Leakage) can be minimized.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the fiber 31a has a surface opposite to the surface facing the fixing portion 21a (rotating body 29b) from the position facing the fibers 9a, 9b, 9c on the surface facing the fixing portion 21a. To the center of rotation of the rotating body 29a. At each end of the fiber 31a, the fiber 31a is arranged parallel to the rotation axis direction of the rotating body 29a. Further, the radius of curvature of the fiber 31a inside the rotating body 29a is determined in consideration of the light transmission loss of the fiber 31a. Further, it is desirable that the radius of curvature of the fiber 31a is a constant and smooth curve except for the straight portion.

  As shown in FIG. 6A, a hole is provided on the surface of the rotating body 29b facing the rotating body 29a, and a fiber 31b is provided in the hole. The fiber 31b is substantially the same as the fiber 31a, and is arranged so that the end surface comes to the surface position on the opposite surface side of the rotating body 29a. Further, the position of the fiber 31a of the rotating body 29a on the facing surface, that is, the rotating body 29b. At the center of rotation. In addition, since the rotating shafts of the rotating bodies 29a and 29b are located on the same axis, the fibers 31a and 31b are always arranged to face each other at any rotating position of the rotating bodies 29a and 29b.

  FIG.7 (b) is an expanded sectional view of the U position of FIG. As described above, the end surface of the fiber 31a is disposed on the same surface as the end surface of the rotating body 29a, and the end surface of the fiber 31b is disposed on the same surface as the end surface of the rotating body 29b. A gap 33b is formed between the rotating bodies 29a and 29b. The gap 33b is the same as the gap 33a. Therefore, the rotating bodies 29a and 29b do not come into contact with each other when the rotating body rotates. Further, since the facing positions of the fibers 31a and 31b are constant regardless of the rotational position of the rotating body, the fibers 31a and 31b are always optically connected.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the fiber 31b is also built in the fixed portion 21b in the same manner as the fiber 31a. In other words, from the position facing the fiber 31a on the surface facing the rotator 29a to the radial position of the fiber 13 described later of the fixing portion 21b, the rotator 29b is curved and incorporated in a substantially S shape. In addition, each edge part of the fiber 31b is also arrange | positioned facing in parallel with the rotating shaft direction of the rotary body 29b. The radius of curvature of the fiber 31b inside the rotating body 29b is also determined in consideration of the light transmission loss of the fiber 31b, and the radius of curvature of the fiber 31b is preferably a constant and smooth curve except for the straight portion.

  As shown in FIG. 6B, the fixing portion 21b is formed with a plurality of through-holes at predetermined intervals on a concentric circle around the shaft core (rotating shaft 25b). Fibers 13a, 13b, 13c,..., 13l are provided so as to penetrate the portion 21b. The fibers 13a, 13b, 13c,..., 13l are inserted from the outer surface side of the fixed portion 21b, and are arranged so that the end surface comes to the surface position on the surface facing the rotating body 29b. A gap similar to the gap 33a is also formed between the fixed portion 21b and the rotating body 29b, and the fiber 31b and each fiber 13 are optically connected via the gap.

  In order to prevent the light leaking in the gap from entering the other optical fiber 13 without entering the fiber 13 from the fiber 31b side, the rotating body 29b and the fixed portion 21b are mutually connected. It is desirable to apply an anti-reflection coating that suppresses light reflection or a pear treatment on the opposite surface. Similarly, in order to prevent the light leaking through the gap from entering the fiber 9 from the side of the fiber 31a and entering the other adjacent optical fiber 9, the rotating body 29a and the fixed portion 21a are mutually connected. It is desirable to apply a coating of an anti-reflection film that suppresses light reflection, a pear treatment or the like to the opposite surface.

  Next, the operation of the optical switch 11 will be described. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the fibers 9a, 9b, 9c and the fibers 13a, 13b, 13c (for simplicity, only three fibers 13 are shown).

  In the state shown in FIG. 8A, the fiber 9a (for example, connected to the light source 3a) faces the fiber 31a. Therefore, the light from the light source 3a is optically connected from the fiber 9a to the fiber 31a. In this state, no light is transmitted from the fibers 9b and 9c (light sources 3b and 3c). Similarly, the fiber 31b faces the fiber 13a (for example, connected to the sample chamber 15a). Therefore, the fiber 31b and the fiber 13a are optically connected. Since the fiber 31a is always optically connected to the fiber 31b, the light source side fiber 9a and the sample chamber side fiber 13a are optically connected.

  That is, in the state shown in FIG. 8A, the sample chamber 15a can be irradiated with the irradiation light from the fiber 9a (light source 3a), and the return light from the sample chamber 15a can be irradiated with the fiber 9a (detector 17a). ) Can be returned to the side.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 8B, when the rotating body 29b is rotated by one pitch between the fibers 13 arranged at a predetermined interval from the state of FIG. 8A, the fiber 31b becomes the position of the fiber 13b. Move to the position corresponding to. In this state, the fiber 9a (light source 3a) is optically connected to the fiber 13b.

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 8C, when the rotating body 29a is rotated by one pitch between the fibers 9 arranged at a predetermined interval from the state of FIG. 8B, the fiber 31a is positioned at the position of the fiber 9b. Move to the position corresponding to. In this state, the fiber 9b (light source 3b) is optically connected to the fiber 13b. As described above, all the fibers 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d,..., 13l are rotated by rotating the rotating bodies 29a and 29b by a predetermined angle (fiber arrangement angle) and irradiated with light from the corresponding light source. It is possible to optically connect the light source side fibers 9a, 9b, 9c.

  The fiber 13 is fixed on the fixing portion 21b and the sample chamber side. That is, in order to measure the specimens in the sample chambers equal to or more than the number of the fibers 13, it is only necessary to control the sample chambers so that the sample chambers come under the respective fibers by moving the tray on the sample chamber side. For example, in the measurement of a plurality of sample chambers, the fibers 13 corresponding to the number of columns are sequentially measured by switching the optical switch, and the sample chamber tray is moved with respect to the plurality of sample chambers. What is necessary is just to measure sequentially by switching the optical switch for the sample chambers in each row.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the tray 35, and a plurality of sample chambers W <b> 11, W <b> 12,. In FIG. 1 and the like, twelve examples are shown as sample chambers. However, in actuality, m sample chambers are arranged in a row, and n stages (total of n × m) are arranged. A specimen is arranged in advance in each sample chamber W.

  First, as shown in FIG. 10A, irradiation / light receiving portions 37 (37a, 37b,..., 37x) are arranged in a row with respect to the tray 35. The irradiation / light-receiving unit 37 indicates the tip of the fiber 13 on the well side and the lens 14. At this time, the irradiation / light receiving unit 37 is disposed above the corresponding sample chambers W11 to W1m. In other words, the irradiation / light receiving units 37 are arranged in a line in the same number as the number of sample chambers W arranged in a line. At this time, the number m of the sample chambers arranged in a row and the number of the irradiation / light receiving portions 37 are equal, and m = x. In this state, the above-described light source and optical switch are controlled to sequentially irradiate the respective sample chambers W with predetermined light and receive fluorescence generated at each irradiation. The received light is detected through an appropriate optical filter. In addition, the detected light is preserve | saved at memory | storage parts, such as a computer, is compared with the existing data etc. as needed, and is output to a display part or an output part.

  When the measurement for one row (W11 to W1m) is completed, the tray 35 moves by the installation pitch of the sample chamber in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the irradiation / light-receiving unit 37 is provided while the irradiation / light-receiving unit 37 is fixed ( Arrow Y direction in the figure). That is, the sample chambers W21 to W2m are located below the irradiation / light receiving unit 37. In this state, the sample in each sample chamber is sequentially measured in the same manner as described above. The above is repeated n times to complete the measurement for the entire sample chamber of m rows × n stages. In addition to the above, for example, a plurality of sample chambers to be measured are W11 to W12,..., W1 (m / 2), and after measuring half of one row of sample chambers, 2) Move in the row direction and measure up to W1 (m / 2) +1, W1 (m / 2) +2,..., W1m. Can be measured by moving in the vertical direction by the installation pitch of the sample chamber. As described above, the measurement in one row (W11 to W1m) can be performed by dividing the measurement in the sample chamber in one row into a plurality of times such as two times and three times.

  When the tray 13 is fixed and the fiber 13 is moved, the loss of the fiber 13 changes due to the movement of the fiber 13 or a change in the bending angle. Since the loss due to the fiber position fluctuation or the like is further superimposed on the transmission loss in the installed state, the loss is further increased, the loss is increased, and the measurement accuracy is lowered due to the change of the loss. Therefore, in the present invention, rather than moving the fiber 13 side, the measurement tray 35 side containing the specimen is moved.

  According to the first embodiment, it is possible to provide a fluorescence measuring apparatus 1 that has a simple structure, is compact, and can accurately analyze many samples in a short time. For example, by performing the minimum control of the light source 3 and the optical switch 11, the specimens in a plurality of sample chambers can be measured very quickly and efficiently. Further, since the optical switch 11 only rotates the rotating bodies 29a and 29b at a predetermined angle, the switching is quick.

  Further, since the optical switch 11 has a gap formed between the rotating body and the fixed portion, there are no problems such as malfunction and wear due to the rotating body coming into contact with the fixed portion. Therefore, the optical connection can be switched reliably.

  Further, since the fibers 9 and 13 are connected to the fixed part side of the optical switch, the optical paths of the irradiation light and the return light do not move during the operation of the optical switch. For this reason, the optical transmission loss in the optical path does not fluctuate and measurement can be performed with high accuracy. Similarly, by moving the tray side when measuring a plurality of sample chambers, the fiber that is the optical path does not move when measuring each sample chamber as described above. For this reason, the optical transmission loss in the optical path does not fluctuate and measurement can be performed with high accuracy.

  Usually, a problem caused by transmission loss of an optical fiber is a loss due to bending of the optical fiber. That is, when the optical fiber is bent, the total reflection angle at the interface between the core and the clad changes. Since each fiber is connected by bending between each device, a certain loss has occurred, but when the optical fiber is subjected to vibrations, etc., this loss fluctuates, and the measurement accuracy is reduced due to the difference in loss between individual fibers. descend. Such a loss is because, when the bending is small, the propagating light becomes an angle less than the critical angle, and the propagating light is emitted to the cladding layer by mode conversion.

  Therefore, the fibers 9 and 13 that are the irradiation optical path and the light receiving optical path are connected to the fixed portion side of the optical switch to be connected so that the bending angle does not change.

  Next, another embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an optical switch 40 according to the second embodiment. In the following embodiments, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 4 and the like are given to the components having the same functions as those shown in FIG. The optical switch 40 has substantially the same configuration as the optical switch 11, but differs from the optical switch 11 in that a light source 42 and the like are directly mounted on the fixed portion 21a.

  The fixed portion 21a of the optical switch 40 is provided with a plurality of light sources 42 at a predetermined interval on a concentric circle with the axial center as the center so as to correspond to the fiber 9 of the optical switch 11. A filter 45 and a lens 43 are provided at the tip of the light source 42, respectively. The surface of the lens 43 is the position of the surface facing the rotating body 29a in the fixed portion 21a. The plurality of light sources 42 are light sources having different wavelengths, for example, and the same light sources 3a, 3b, and 3c as described above can be used.

  The filter 45 is the same as the filter 5 and is provided at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis of the light source. For example, the fixing portion 21a is provided at an angle of 45 ° toward the outer side in the radial direction. A filter 45, a lens 47, and a detector 49 are further provided outside the respective filters 45. That is, in the optical switch 40, the light source and the photodetector are mounted on the fixed portion 21a.

  According to the second embodiment, an effect similar to that of the first embodiment can be obtained. Further, since the light source 42 and the detector 49 are mounted on the fixed portion 21a, vibration or the like does not occur. Moreover, since the light source 42 etc. are directly attached, the fiber which connects these becomes unnecessary. For this reason, there is no optical transmission loss by this fiber, and the apparatus can be made compact.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, the technical scope of this invention is not influenced by embodiment mentioned above. It is obvious for those skilled in the art that various modifications or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, and these are naturally within the technical scope of the present invention. It is understood that it belongs. Further, it goes without saying that the invention is valid if the other constituent elements are the same even if the rows and columns of the sample chamber of the present invention are interchanged.

  For example, although an optical switch having a pair of fixing portions and a rotating body has been described, an optical switch having only one of the fixing portions and the rotating body can also be used. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an optical switch 50 having a fixed portion 21a and a rotating body 29a. The optical switch 50 has the same configuration as that of the optical switch 1, but a fiber 51 is provided instead of the rotating body 29b on the opposite side of the rotating body 29a from the side facing the fixed portion 21a.

  As described above, the fiber 31a is exposed at the rotation center of the rotating body 29a. The end of the fiber 51 is fixed to the rotation center of the rotator 29a with a gap from the rotator 29a. That is, the fiber 31a and the fiber 51 are optically connected. A lens may be provided between the rotating body 29a (fiber 31a) and the fiber 51. The other end of the fiber 51 is disposed on the well and can irradiate and receive light on the specimen in the well.

  The plurality of fibers 9 on the light source side are connected to, for example, light sources 3a, 3b, and 3c (not shown) having different wavelengths. The fiber 9 is fixed to the fixing portion 21a. When the rotating body 29a is rotated, the end of the fiber 31a fixed to the rotating body 29a is optically connected to any one of the fibers 9. That is, by switching the optical switch 50, any one of the fibers 9 can be switched to the fiber 31a for optical connection. Further, since the fiber 51 is always optically connected to the fiber 31a regardless of the rotational position of the rotating body 29a, the light from the fiber 9 can be appropriately switched and optically connected to the fiber 51.

  Instead of the light source side fiber 9, the well side fiber 13 may be connected to the fixing portion 21a. In this case, the fiber 51 in the figure is connected to the light source side. Light from a single light source is guided to the fiber 31a via the fiber 51, and the light of the fiber 31a can irradiate any well by operating the optical switch 50.

  As described above, a single light source can be switched and irradiated to a plurality of wells without having a pair of fixing parts and a rotating body, or light from a plurality of light sources can be switched to a predetermined well. Can be irradiated.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ......... Fluorescence measuring device 3, 3a, 3b, 3c ......... Light source 5, 5a, 5b, 5c ......... Filter 7 ......... Lens 9, 9a, 9b, 9c ......... Fibers 11, 40, 50 ......... Optical switches 13, 13a, 13b, 13c, 13d,..., 13l ......... Fiber 14 ......... Lens 15, 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d ......... Sample chambers 17, 17a, 17b, 17c .... Detectors 17, 65, 67, 70 ..... Optical switches 19a, 19b ..... Motors 21a, 21b ..... Fixed portions 22a, 22b ..... Pulleys 23a, 23b ..... Belts 25a, 25b ... ...... Rotating shafts 27a, 27b ......... bearings 29a, 29b ......... rotating bodies 31a, 31b ......... fibers 33a, 33b ......... gap 35 ......... tray 37 ......... irradiation / light receiving part 41 ......... filter 2 ......... source 43 ......... lens 45 ......... filter 47 ......... lens 49 ......... detector 51 ......... fiber

Claims (9)

An optical switch used in an optical measurement device,
A first fixing portion in which a first hole group consisting of a plurality of holes is arranged concentrically;
A first rotating body that is rotatably provided to face the first fixed portion;
A drive unit for rotating the first rotating body;
Comprising
The first rotating body has a position corresponding to the first hole group on the surface facing the first fixing portion, and a surface on the opposite side to the surface facing the first fixing portion. Built-in fiber that optically connects to the center of rotation,
An optical switch characterized in that by rotating the first rotating body, an arbitrary hole of the first hole group can be optically connected to a fiber built in the first rotating body. . The optical switch further includes
A second fixing portion in which a second hole group consisting of a plurality of holes is arranged concentrically;
A second rotating body rotatably provided between the first rotating body and the second fixed portion;
A drive unit for rotating the second rotating body;
Comprising
The second rotating body is rotatable on the same rotation axis as the first rotating body, and the second rotating body has a rotation center position on the side facing the first rotating body. And a fiber that optically connects the position corresponding to the second hole group on the side facing the second fixing portion,
An arbitrary hole of the first hole group and an arbitrary hole of the second hole group can be optically connected by rotating the first rotating body and the second rotating body. The optical switch according to claim 1.   Each hole of the first hole group is optically connected to a light source having a different wavelength that can be irradiated to the first rotating body side. The emitted light from the light source is emitted to the fiber of the first rotating body, the emitted light is optically connected at the rotation center of the first rotating body and the second rotating body, and the second 3. The optical switch according to claim 2, wherein the light emitted from the fiber of the rotating body can be emitted to a fiber provided in an arbitrary hole of the second hole group. Behind each of the light sources is provided a filter that transmits outgoing light of a wavelength emitted from the light source in the optical axis direction and reflects return light generated from the specimen at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis direction. ,
Return light from the specimen is incident on the fiber of the second rotating body from a fiber provided in an arbitrary hole of the second hole group, and the returning light from the fiber of the second rotating body is It is possible to enter an arbitrary hole of the first hole group through the first rotating body, reflect the return light at a predetermined angle from the optical axis direction with the filter, and detect the return light with a photodetector. The optical switch according to claim 3.   The respective light sources and the filters are incorporated in the first fixing portion, and the light sources can be emitted from the holes of the first hole group via lenses, respectively. Light switch. A light measuring device,
Using the optical switch according to claim 4 or 5,
Light emitted from a plurality of light sources is irradiated to each of a plurality of sample chambers in which samples are placed through irradiation / light receiving fibers provided in the respective holes of the second hole group of the optical switch, and from each of the samples The return light can be received by the irradiation / light receiving fiber, and the return light can be detected by the photodetector through the optical switch. A light measurement method,
Using the light measurement device according to claim 6,
The hole of the first hole group and the hole of the second hole group are optically connected by the optical switch, the emitted light is irradiated from the light source to the sample, and the return light from the sample is detected by the detector. Detect with
By operating at least one of the first rotating body and the second rotating body and switching the position of at least one of the holes of the first hole group and the holes of the second hole group, an arbitrary light source And an arbitrary specimen are optically connected, and a plurality of specimens are measured by a plurality of light sources.   When the optical connection between the light source side and the sample chamber side is sequentially switched and the optical switch is operated to measure a plurality of samples with a plurality of light sources, the light source information to be irradiated and the sample chamber position corresponding to the irradiated sample 8. The light measurement method according to claim 7, wherein the information is associated with the light intensity information detected by the light detector and stored in a storage unit of the computer or an external storage medium as necessary.   The light measurement method according to claim 8, further comprising comparing the measured light intensity information with preset reference light intensity information and outputting the result to a display unit.

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