JP2002156383A - Height position adjusting device, optical system height position adjusting device and data-generating device using optical system height position adjusting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a height position adjusting device, capable of precisely adjusting a height position of an optical system, even when it is necessary to frequently adjust the height position of the optical system. SOLUTION: This height position adjusting device is characterized by its being provided with a moving direction regulated member 43 having its moving direction regulated, so it can move only in the vertical directions, a micrometer head 44 abutting from below on a ball bearing 45 provided on the moving direction regulated member, and a stepping motor 46, and it is composed so that the micrometer head is rotated by the stepping motor.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a height position adjusting device, an optical system height position adjusting device, and a data generation device using the optical system height position adjusting device. Height adjustment device, optical system height position adjustment device, and optical system height position device that can precisely adjust the height position of the optical system even when it is necessary to frequently adjust the height position of the optical system TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a data generation device that includes an adjustment device and irradiates a microarray and a macroarray having different types of carriers with excitation light to accurately generate data for biochemical analysis.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When irradiated with radiation, the energy of the radiation is absorbed, stored, recorded, and then excited using electromagnetic waves in a specific wavelength range. A stimulable phosphor having a characteristic of emitting a stimulating amount of radiated light is used as a radiation detecting material, and a substance provided with a radioactive label is administered to an organism, and then the organism or a tissue of the organism is treated. Partly as a sample,
This sample is superimposed on a stimulable phosphor sheet provided with a stimulable phosphor layer for a certain period of time, whereby radiation energy is accumulated and recorded on the stimulable phosphor, and thereafter, the stimulable phosphor is stimulated by electromagnetic waves. Scans the stimulable phosphor layer to excite the stimulable phosphor, photoelectrically detects the stimulable light emitted from the stimulable phosphor, generates a digital image signal, and performs image processing. An autoradiography detection system configured to reproduce an image on display means such as a CRT or a recording material such as a photographic film is known (for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 1-60784, Japanese Patent Publication No. No. 60782, Japanese Patent Publication No. 4-3952).

An autoradiography detection system using a stimulable phosphor sheet as a material for detecting an image, unlike the case of using a photographic film, not only does not require a chemical treatment called a development process, but also obtains an obtained image. By performing image processing on image data, there is an advantage that an image can be reproduced or quantitative analysis can be performed by a computer as desired.

[0004] On the other hand, a fluorescence detection system using a fluorescent substance as a labeling substance instead of a radioactive labeling substance in an autoradiography system is known. According to this system, by reading a fluorescence image, gene sequence, gene expression level, separation and identification of protein, or evaluation of molecular weight and characteristics can be performed. After adding a fluorescent dye to the solution containing the fragments,
A plurality of DNA fragments are electrophoresed on a gel support, or a plurality of DNA fragments are placed on a gel support containing a fluorescent dye.
After the NA fragment is subjected to electrophoresis, or a plurality of DNA fragments are subjected to electrophoresis on a gel support, the gel support is immersed in a solution containing a fluorescent dye, etc. By labeling, exciting a fluorescent dye with excitation light, and detecting the generated fluorescence, an image is generated, and the distribution of DNA on the gel support is detected. After electrophoresis on the support, the DNA is denaturated, and then at least a portion of the denatured DNA fragment is transferred onto a transfer support such as nitrocellulose by Southern blotting to obtain the desired DNA. A probe prepared by labeling DNA or RNA complementary to the DNA to be labeled with a fluorescent dye and a denatured DNA fragment is hybridized, and the probe DNA
Alternatively, only the DNA fragment complementary to the probe RNA is selectively labeled, and the excitation light excites the fluorescent dye,
By detecting the generated fluorescence, an image can be generated and the distribution of the target DNA on the transfer support can be detected. Further, a DNA probe complementary to the DNA containing the target gene labeled with the labeling substance is prepared, hybridized with the DNA on the transcription support, and the enzyme is reacted with the complementary DNA labeled with the labeling substance. After binding, it is brought into contact with a fluorescent substrate to convert the fluorescent substrate into a fluorescent substance that emits fluorescence, and the excitation light excites the generated fluorescent substance and detects the generated fluorescence to generate an image. However, the distribution of the target DNA on the transcription support can also be detected. This fluorescence detection system has an advantage that a gene sequence or the like can be easily detected without using a radioactive substance.

[0005] In recent years, hormones, tumor markers, enzymes, antibodies, antigens, abzymes, and the like have been placed at different positions on the surface of a carrier such as a slide glass plate or a membrane filter.
Other proteins, nucleic acids, cDNA, DNA, RNA
Such as a specific binding substance that can specifically bind to a substance derived from a living body, and has a known base sequence, base length, and composition, using a spotter apparatus, is dropped, and a number of independent A spot is formed, and then, a hormone, a tumor marker, an enzyme, an antibody, an antigen, an abzyme, another protein, a nucleic acid, a cDNA, a DNA, an mRNA, or the like, is collected from a living body by extraction, isolation, or the like. Excitation light is applied to a microarray that is a substance derived from a living body that has been subjected to chemical treatment, chemical modification, etc., and that has been labeled with a labeling substance such as a fluorescent substance or dye. Substances, photoelectrically detect light such as fluorescence emitted from labeling substances such as dyes,
A microarray image detection system for analyzing a substance derived from a living body has been developed. According to this microarray image detection system, a large number of specific binding substance spots are formed at different positions on a carrier surface, such as a slide glass plate or a membrane filter, at a high density, and a biological substance labeled with a labeling substance is formed. Hybridizing a substance has the advantage that a substance derived from a living body can be analyzed in a short time.

[0006] In addition, hormones, tumor markers, enzymes, and the like can be located at different positions on the surface of a carrier such as a membrane filter.
Antibodies, antigens, abzymes, other proteins, nucleic acids,
Using a spotter, a specific binding substance that can specifically bind to a substance derived from a living body, such as cDNA, DNA, or RNA, and has a known base sequence, base length, or composition, is dropped using a spotter device. Form a number of independent spots, followed by hormones, tumor markers, enzymes, antibodies, antigens, abzymes, other proteins, nucleic acids, cDNAs, DNs
A, mRNA, or the like, a substance derived from a living body that has been collected from a living body by extraction, isolation, or the like, or that has been further subjected to a chemical treatment, a chemical modification, or the like, and that has been labeled with a radioactive labeling substance. The macroarray hybridized with the above is brought into close contact with the stimulable phosphor sheet on which the stimulable phosphor layer containing the stimulable phosphor is formed, and the stimulable phosphor layer is exposed, and then the luminescent phosphor layer is exposed. A macroarray detection system using a radioactive labeling substance that irradiates the stimulable phosphor layer with excitation light, photoelectrically detects the stimulable phosphor emitted from the stimulable phosphor layer, and analyzes substances derived from living organisms Has also been developed.

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These systems are:
In each case, the sample is irradiated with excitation light to excite a labeled substance such as a stimulable phosphor or a fluorescent substance, and the stimulable phosphor emitted from the stimulable phosphor or the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent substance is emitted. Is used to generate data for biochemical analysis such as image data and luminescence amount data of the labeling substance, and the data generator used for these systems is a scanner that uses a scanner. And two-dimensional sensors.

When using a scanner, there is an advantage that data can be generated with high resolution, as compared with the case where a two-dimensional sensor is used.

When generating data for biochemical analysis using a scanner, in an autoradiography detection system or a fluorescence detection system, the stage on which the sample is set is held stationary because the sample size is relatively large. Then, the optical system is moved in the main scanning direction and the sub-scanning direction, and the entire surface of the sample is scanned by the excitation light, or the optical system is moved in the main scanning direction where a high scanning speed is required, The stage is moved in the sub-scanning direction at a low scanning speed, and the entire surface of the sample is scanned by the excitation light.

In such a case, due to the nature of the data to be generated, the optical system must be moved at high speed and precisely in the main scanning direction.
Since the moving is required, the scanning mechanism becomes complicated, which not only causes an increase in cost, but also causes a problem that periodic maintenance is indispensable.

On the other hand, in a microarray detection system or a macroarray detection system, since the sample size is small, the scanner is moved by moving the stage in the main scanning direction so that the excitation light is applied to the sample from below. It can be configured to irradiate and scan the entire surface of the sample with the excitation light.

However, a carrier, such as a membrane filter, on which a number of spots of a sample selectively labeled with a radioactive labeling substance are formed, is used as a storage medium on which a stimulable phosphor layer containing a stimulable phosphor is formed. The macroarray obtained by exposing the stimulable phosphor layer to the phosphor sheet in close contact with the phosphor sheet has a different distribution of the labeling substance in the thickness direction of the carrier. However, even in the same microarray, which differs in the thickness direction of the carrier, a microarray in which a gel support is used as a carrier and a number of spots of a sample selectively labeled with a fluorescent dye are formed on the gel support. And a large number of spots of the sample selectively labeled with a fluorescent dye on a slide glass plate In the case of a ray, the distribution of the sample in the thickness direction of the carrier is different, so the position where the excitation light should be collected is different.Therefore, it is necessary to precisely adjust the height position of the optical system that collects the excitation light. Will be needed.

Furthermore, since the excitation wavelength that can be efficiently excited varies depending on the fluorescent dye, the scanner used in these systems has a plurality of excitation light sources having different emission wavelengths. Since the focal point differs depending on the wavelength and when the achromatic lens is used, the focal point differs depending on the difference in the optical axis, and furthermore, the focal point differs depending on the environmental temperature. It has been required to frequently adjust the height position of the optical system that emits light.

However, when the height position of the optical system is frequently adjusted, there is a problem that an error occurs over time, and it becomes difficult to precisely adjust the height position of the optical system. .

Accordingly, the present invention provides a height position adjusting device capable of precisely adjusting the height position of the optical system even when the height position of the optical system needs to be adjusted frequently. The purpose is to do so.

Another object of the present invention is to adjust the height of an optical system accurately even when the height of the optical system needs to be adjusted frequently. It is to provide a device.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a data generating apparatus capable of accurately generating biochemical analysis data by irradiating microarrays and macroarrays having different types of carriers with excitation light. Is to do.

[0018]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The object of the present invention is as follows.
A movement direction regulating member in which the movement direction is regulated so as to be movable only in the vertical direction, a ball bearing provided on the movement direction regulation member, a micrometer head contacting from below, and a stepping motor, The height position adjusting device is characterized in that the micrometer head is configured to be rotated by the stepping motor.

According to the present invention, the micrometer head abuts from below on the ball bearing provided on the movement direction regulating member whose movement direction is regulated so that it can move only in the vertical direction. Is configured to be rotated by a stepping motor, and the movement direction regulating member is directly moved by the micrometer head.
Since it is configured to be raised and lowered, it is possible to precisely adjust the height position of the article or component by attaching the article or component whose height position is to be adjusted to the movement direction regulating member.

Further, according to the present invention, the micrometer head is configured to abut on a ball bearing provided on the movement direction regulating member whose movement direction is regulated so as to be movable only in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if the height position of the article or part is adjusted frequently and repeatedly, it is possible to effectively prevent the part in contact with the micrometer head from being worn out, and the height of the article or part can be effectively reduced. Even when the height position needs to be adjusted frequently, the height position of the article or component can be precisely adjusted.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the height position adjusting device further includes a pair of gears for transmitting the rotation of the stepping motor to the micrometer head.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a base for supporting an optical system, a movement direction regulating member to which the base is attached, the movement direction of which is regulated so as to be movable only in a vertical direction; An optical device comprising: a micrometer head that contacts a ball bearing provided on a movement direction regulating member from below; and a stepping motor, wherein the micrometer head is configured to be rotated by the stepping motor. This is achieved by a system height position adjusting device.

According to the present invention, a micrometer head is provided with a base for supporting an optical system, and a ball provided on a movement direction regulating member whose movement direction is regulated so as to be movable only in the vertical direction. The bearing is configured to abut against the bearing from below, and the micrometer head is rotated by the stepping motor.
Since the micrometer head is configured to be directly moved up and down, it is possible to precisely adjust the height position of the optical system.

Further, according to the present invention, the micrometer head is configured to abut on a ball bearing provided on the movement direction regulating member whose movement direction is regulated so as to be movable only in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if the height position of the optical system is adjusted frequently and repeatedly, the portion where the micrometer head is in contact can be effectively prevented from being worn, and the height position of the optical system can be effectively prevented. When it is necessary to frequently adjust the height, the height position of the optical system can be precisely adjusted.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the optical system height position adjusting device further includes a pair of gears for transmitting the rotation of the stepping motor to the micrometer head.

In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the optical system is constituted by a condenser lens.

[0027] The object of the present invention is also to provide at least one excitation light source for emitting excitation light, a stage on which a sample can be mounted, and to collect the excitation light emitted from the at least one excitation light source on the sample. And a base supporting the condensing optical system, and a movement direction regulating member to which the base is attached and the movement direction of which is regulated so as to be movable only in the vertical direction. A concentrating optical system height adjusting device having a micrometer head contacting the ball bearing provided on the movement direction regulating member from below, and a stepping motor, wherein the micrometer head is rotated by the stepping motor. This is achieved by a data generation device characterized in that the data generation device is configured to perform

According to the present invention, the micrometer head is provided on the movement direction regulating member to which the base for supporting the condensing optical system is attached and the movement direction is regulated so as to be movable only in the vertical direction. The ball bearing is abutted from below, the micrometer head is configured to be rotated by a stepping motor, and the movement direction regulating member is configured to be directly moved up and down by the micrometer head. The height position of the condensing optical system can be precisely adjusted, so that the excitation light emitted from at least one excitation light source can be condensed on the sample as desired.

Further, according to the present invention, the micrometer head is configured to abut on a ball bearing provided on the movement direction regulating member whose movement direction is regulated so as to be movable only in the vertical direction. Therefore, even if the height position of the condensing optical system is adjusted frequently and repeatedly, it is possible to effectively prevent the portion in contact with the micrometer head from being worn out. If the height position of the optical system needs to be adjusted frequently, the height position of the optical system can be precisely adjusted, and therefore at least one
The excitation light emitted from the two excitation light sources can always be focused on the sample as desired.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the light-gathering optical system height adjusting device further includes a pair of gears for transmitting the rotation of the stepping motor to the micrometer head.

[0031] In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the data generation device further comprises data storage means for storing height position data, and the data generation apparatus according to the height position data stored in the data storage means. The stepping motor is configured to be driven.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the data generating device further comprises data storage means for storing height position data, and the stepping motor is provided in accordance with the height position data stored in the data storage means. Is driven so that height position data is generated in advance according to the type of the sample and the excitation light source, and stored in the data storage means, thereby condensing light as desired. The height position of the optical system can be adjusted, so that the excitation light emitted from at least one excitation light source can always be focused on the sample as desired.

In a further preferred aspect of the present invention, the condensing optical system is constituted by a condensing lens.

[0034]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a data generator for biochemical analysis according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The data generator according to this embodiment excites a labeling substance contained in a sample, It is configured to detect light emitted from the labeling substance and generate data for biochemical analysis.

As shown in FIG. 1, the data generator according to the present embodiment includes a first laser excitation light source 1 for emitting a laser beam 4 having a wavelength of 640 nm and a second laser excitation light source 1 for emitting a laser beam 4 having a wavelength of 532 nm. Laser excitation light source 2 and 473
and a third laser excitation light source 3 that emits laser light 4 having a wavelength of nm. In the present embodiment, the first laser excitation light source is constituted by a semiconductor laser light source, and the second laser excitation light source 2 and the third laser excitation light source 3
Is constituted by a second harmonic generation (Second Harmonic Generation) element.

The laser light 4 generated by the first laser excitation light source 1 is collimated by a collimator lens 5 and then reflected by a mirror 6. In the optical path of the laser light 4 emitted from the first laser excitation light source 1 and reflected by the mirror 6, the first dichroic mirrors 7 and 532nm transmitting the 640nm laser light 4 and reflecting the 532nm wavelength light are provided. A second dichroic mirror 8 that transmits light having the above wavelength and reflects light having a wavelength of 473 nm is provided. The laser light 4 generated by the first laser excitation light source 1 is used as a first dichroic mirror. The light passes through 7 and the second dichroic mirror 8 and enters the optical head 15.

On the other hand, the laser light 4 generated from the second laser excitation light source 2 is collimated by the collimator lens 9 and then reflected by the first dichroic mirror 7 to change its direction by 90 degrees. Then, the light passes through the second dichroic mirror 8 and enters the optical head 15.

The laser light 4 generated from the third laser excitation light source 3 is collimated by the collimator lens 10 and then reflected by the second dichroic mirror 8 to change its direction by 90 degrees. After that, the light enters the optical head 15.

The optical head 15 includes a mirror 16, a perforated mirror 18 having a hole 17 formed in the center thereof, and a lens 19. The laser beam 4 incident on the optical head 15 is Reflected and perforated mirror 18
The light passes through the hole 17 and the lens 19 formed on the sample carrier 21 and enters the sample carrier 21 set on the stage 20. Here, the stage 20 is a scanning mechanism (not shown).
Thus, in FIG. 1, it is configured to be movable in the X direction and the Y direction.

In this embodiment, a sample selectively labeled with a fluorescent dye is electrophoresed on a gel support, and a fluorescent sample or a slide glass plate is used as a carrier, and the sample is selectively labeled with a fluorescent dye. A lot of spots of the labeled sample are scanned by a laser beam 4 on a microarray formed on a slide glass plate to excite the fluorescent dye and photoelectrically detect the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent dye. In addition, a carrier such as a membrane filter on which a number of spots of a sample selectively labeled with a radioactive labeling substance are formed while generating data for biochemical analysis, and a carrier containing a stimulable phosphor. The position information of the radioactive labeling substance obtained by exposing the stimulable phosphor layer to the stimulable phosphor sheet with the stimulable phosphor layer The stimulable phosphor layer of the stimulable phosphor sheet is scanned by the laser beam 4 to excite the stimulable phosphor and photoelectrically detect the stimulable phosphor emitted from the stimulable phosphor. Thus, it is configured to be able to generate data for biochemical analysis.

A microarray using a slide glass plate as a carrier is produced, for example, as follows.

First, the surface of the slide glass plate was
Pretreated with an L-lysine solution or the like, and then, at a predetermined position on the surface of the slide glass plate, cDNAs, which are a plurality of specific binding substances having different known base sequences from each other
Is dropped using a spotter device.

On the other hand, RNA as a specimen is extracted from living cells, and RNA having poly A at the 3 ′ end is extracted from the RNA.
Extract the RNA. When synthesizing cDNA from the mRNA having poly A at the end, the probe DNA labeled with Cy-5 is generated in the presence of Cy-5 (registered trademark) as a labeling substance.

The probe DNA labeled with Cy-5 thus obtained is prepared into a predetermined solution, and gently placed on the surface of a slide glass onto which cDNA as a specific binding substance has been dropped, and hybridized.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the microarray 22 thus obtained. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 23 denotes a dropped cDNA.

On the other hand, a fluorescent sample using a gel support as a carrier is, for example, a plurality of D to be electrophoresed.
It is prepared by adding a fluorescent dye to a solution containing an NA fragment, and then electrophoresing a plurality of DNA fragments on a gel support.

On the other hand, in the stimulable phosphor layer of the stimulable phosphor sheet, position information of the radioactive labeling substance is recorded as follows, for example.

The surface of a carrier such as a membrane filter is pre-treated, and cDNAs, which are a plurality of specific binding substances having known base sequences and different from each other, are spotted at predetermined positions on the surface of the carrier such as a membrane filter. Use the device to drip.

On the other hand, RNA as a specimen is extracted from living cells, and RNA having poly A at the 3 'end is extracted from the RNA.
Extract the RNA. When synthesizing cDNA from the mRNA having poly A at the end, the probe is labeled with the radiolabeled substance in the presence of a radiolabeled substance.

The probe DNA labeled with the radiolabeled substance thus obtained is prepared into a predetermined solution, and is gently placed on the surface of a carrier such as a membrane filter onto which cDNA as a specific binding substance has been dropped, and hybridized. .

Next, the stimulable phosphor layer formed on the stimulable phosphor sheet is superimposed on the surface of a carrier such as a membrane filter on which the hybridized sample is formed, and is kept in close contact for a predetermined time. By doing so, at least part of the radiation emitted from the radiolabeled substance on the carrier such as a membrane filter is absorbed by the stimulable phosphor layer formed on the stimulable phosphor sheet, and the position information of the radiolabeled substance is obtained. Is recorded in the stimulable phosphor layer.

When the laser beam 4 is incident on the sample 22 from the optical head 15, when the sample 22 is a microarray, the fluorescent material is excited by the laser beam 4 to emit fluorescence. When 22 is a stimulable phosphor sheet, the stimulable phosphor contained in the stimulable phosphor layer is excited to emit stimulable phosphor.

The fluorescence or stimulating light 25 emitted from the sample 22 is converted into parallel light by the lens 19 of the optical head 15 and reflected by the perforated mirror 17.
Any one of the filters 28a, 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d of the filter unit 27 having four filters 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d.
The light is incident on 28b, 28c, 28d.

The filter unit 27 is configured to be movable in the left-right direction in FIG. 1 by a motor (not shown), and predetermined filters 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d are provided depending on the type of laser excitation light source used. , Or in the optical path of the fluorescent or stimulating light 25.

Here, the filter 28a is a filter used when the first laser excitation light source 1 is used to excite the fluorescent substance contained in the sample 22 and read the fluorescence, and has a wavelength of 640 nm. Cut the light, 640n
It has the property of transmitting light having a wavelength longer than m.

The filter 28b is a filter used to excite the fluorescent dye contained in the sample 22 by using the second laser excitation light source 2 and read out the fluorescence, and is a light having a wavelength of 532 nm. 532nm
It has the property of transmitting light with a longer wavelength than that.

Further, the filter 28c is a filter used to excite the fluorescent dye contained in the sample 22 by using the third laser excitation light source 3 and to read the fluorescence. And cut 473n
It has the property of transmitting light having a wavelength longer than m.

When the sample 22 is a stimulable phosphor sheet, the filter 28d uses the first laser excitation light source 1 to excite the stimulable phosphor contained in the stimulable phosphor sheet. A filter used to read the stimulable light emitted from the stimulable phosphor, and transmits only light in the wavelength region of the stimulable light emitted from the stimulable phosphor;
It has the property of cutting light having a wavelength of 0 nm.

Therefore, these filters 28a, 28a, and 28a are used in accordance with the type of laser excitation light source to be used, that is, the type of sample and the type of fluorescent substance labeling the sample.
By selectively using 8b, 28c, 28d,
It becomes possible to cut off light in a wavelength region that becomes noise.

The filter 28a of the filter unit 27,
After passing through 28b and 28c and cutting light in a predetermined wavelength range, the fluorescence or stimulating light 25 enters a mirror 29, is reflected, and is condensed by a lens 30.

The lens 19 and the lens 30 constitute a confocal optical system. As described above, the confocal optical system is employed because, when the sample 22 is a microarray using a slide glass plate as a carrier, the fluorescence emitted from a minute spot-shaped sample formed on the slide glass plate is used. To
This is to enable reading at a high S / N ratio.

At the position of the focal point of the lens 30, a confocal switching member 31 is provided.

FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of the confocal switching member 31.

As shown in FIG. 3, the confocal switching member 31 has a plate shape and has three pinholes 3 having different diameters.
2a, 32b and 32c are formed.

The pinhole 32a having the smallest diameter is arranged in the optical path of the fluorescent light emitted from the microarray when the sample 22 is a microarray using a slide glass plate as a carrier. Reference numeral 32c indicates that the sample 22 is arranged in the optical path of the fluorescent light emitted from the gel support when the sample 22 is a fluorescent sample using the gel support as a carrier.

Also, a pinhole 32b having an intermediate diameter is used.
In the case where the sample 22 is a stimulable phosphor sheet, the sample 22 is arranged on the optical path of the stimulable light emitted from the stimulable phosphor layer.

As described above, at the focal position of the lens 30,
By providing the confocal switching member 31, when the sample 22 is a microarray using a slide glass plate as a carrier,
The pinhole 32a having the smallest diameter is positioned in the optical path of the fluorescent light. When the sample 22 is a microarray using a slide glass plate as a carrier, the fluorescent dye is excited by the laser light 4 so that the fluorescent light is Since the light is emitted from the surface of the slide glass plate and the light emitting point is almost constant in the depth direction, it is necessary to form an image on the pinhole 32a having a small diameter using a confocal optical system in order to improve the S / N ratio. Is desirable.

On the other hand, when the sample 22 is a fluorescent sample using a gel support as a carrier, the pinhole 32c having the largest diameter is located in the optical path of the fluorescent light.
When the sample 22 is a fluorescent sample using a gel support as a carrier, when the fluorescent dye is excited by the laser light 4, the fluorescent dye is distributed in the depth direction of the gel support, and Since the point fluctuates in the depth direction, the confocal optical system cannot form an image on a pinhole with a small diameter.Using a pinhole with a small diameter cuts the fluorescence emitted from the sample, This is because a sufficient signal intensity cannot be obtained when photoelectrically detected is used, and it is necessary to use the pinhole 32c having a large diameter.

On the other hand, when the sample 22 is a stimulable phosphor sheet, the pinhole 32b having an intermediate diameter is positioned in the optical path of the stimulable phosphor by the laser light 4. When the stimulable phosphor contained in the layer is excited, the emission points of the stimulable phosphor are distributed in the depth direction of the stimulable phosphor layer, and the emission points fluctuate in the depth direction. Due to the optical system, it is not possible to form an image on a pinhole with a small diameter, and if a pinhole with a small diameter is used, the photostimulable light emitted from the sample is cut off, and the photostimulable light is detected Although sufficient signal intensity cannot be obtained, the distribution in the depth direction of the light emitting points, the fluctuation in the depth direction of the light emitting points is not as large as that of the fluorescent sample using the gel support as a carrier.
This is because it is desirable to use the pinhole 32b having an intermediate diameter.

The fluorescence or stimulating light that has passed through the confocal switching member 31 is photoelectrically detected by the photomultiplier 33, and analog data is generated.

The analog data generated by the photomultiplier 33 is converted into digital data by the A / D converter 34 and sent to the data processing device 35.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a position adjusting device 40 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for adjusting the height position of the lens 19 provided on the optical head 15, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway side view of a micrometer head and a movement direction regulating member.

As shown in FIG. 4, the height position adjusting device 40 is provided on a surface plate 41 fixed to the main body of the data generating device, and has a lens base 42 for supporting the lens 19. The base 42 is attached to a movement direction regulating member 43 that is regulated to move only in the vertical direction.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the height position adjusting device 40 has a micrometer head 44. The micrometer head 44 is mounted on a ball bearing 45 provided on the movement direction regulating member 43. Abut.

The height position adjusting device 40 further includes a stepping motor 46, and the rotation of the stepping motor 46 is transmitted to the micrometer head 44 via the gears 47 and 48. In the embodiment, when the stepping motor 46 makes one rotation,
The micrometer head 43 is configured to move up and down by 500 μm.

As described above, in the height position adjusting device 40 according to the present embodiment, the lens base 42 on which the lens is mounted is moved by the movement direction regulating member 43 regulated to move only in the vertical direction. The micrometer head 43 is in contact with a ball bearing 45 provided on the movement direction regulating member 43, and the movement direction regulating member 43 is directly moved by the micrometer head 43.
Since it is configured to be raised and lowered, the height position of the lens 19 can be precisely adjusted.

Further, the micrometer head 43 is mounted on a ball bearing 45 provided on the movement direction regulating member 43.
Therefore, even if the height position of the lens 19 is adjusted frequently and repeatedly,
It is possible to effectively prevent the portion in contact with the micrometer head 43 from being worn.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a detection system, a drive system, an input system, and a control system of a data generating apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6, the detection system of the data generating apparatus includes a carrier sensor 50 for detecting the type of carrier holding the sample 22 set on the stage 20.
It has.

As shown in FIG. 6, the driving system of the data generating device includes a filter unit motor 51 for moving the filter unit 27, a switching member motor 52 for moving the confocal switching member 31, a height position adjusting device. 4
0 is provided with a stepping motor 46.

As shown in FIG. 6, the input system of the data generation device includes a keyboard 53, and the control system of the data generation device includes a control unit 55,
An EPROM 56 is provided.

In this embodiment, height position data for adjusting the height position of the lens 19 is generated in advance according to the type of the sample 22 and the type of the laser excitation light source to be used. The pulse to be applied is stored in the EEPROM 56.

In the data generating apparatus configured as described above, when the sample 22 is a fluorescent sample using a gel support as a carrier, the laser beam 4
Scans the entire surface of the sample 22, excites the fluorescent dye that selectively labels the sample, photoelectrically detects the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent dye, and generates digital data for biochemical analysis. I do.

First, as a sample 22, a sample carrier holding a fluorescent sample using a gel support as a carrier is set on the stage 20, the type of the sample carrier is detected by the carrier sensor 50, and the carrier detection signal is controlled. Output to the unit 55.

Upon receiving the carrier detection signal from the carrier sensor 50, the control unit 55 outputs a drive signal to the switching member motor 52 based on the carrier detection signal, and causes the confocal switching member 31 to rotate the pinhole having the largest diameter. 32c is moved so as to be located in the optical path.

Then, when the operator inputs the type of the fluorescent substance as the labeling substance and the start signal to the keyboard 53, an instruction signal is output from the keyboard 53 to the control unit 55.

For example, the type of fluorescent substance is Cy-
When 5 (registered trademark) is input, the control unit 55 outputs a drive signal to the filter unit motor 51 in accordance with the input instruction signal, moves the filter unit 27, and cuts light having a wavelength of 640 nm. Then, a filter 28a having a property of transmitting light having a wavelength longer than 640 nm is located in the optical path, and the first laser excitation light source 1 turns on a drive signal.

At the same time, the control unit 55
The height position data stored in the EPROM 56 is read, and the stepping motor 46 of the height position adjustment device 40 is read.
To output a drive signal. As a result, the stepping motor 46 is driven, the rotation of the stepping motor 46 is transmitted to the micrometer head 44 via the gear 47 and the gear 48, and the movement direction regulating member 43 is moved in the vertical direction via the ball bearing 45. Up and down, the lens 1
9 is moved to a desired position, and the position of the lens 19 in the vertical direction is adjusted.

When the sample 22 is a fluorescent sample using a gel support as a carrier, the laser light 4 is condensed at a substantially central portion in the thickness direction of the gel support so that the laser light 4 is focused in the vertical direction of the lens 19. Is adjusted.

The laser light 4 emitted from the first laser excitation light source 1 is converted into parallel light by a collimator lens 5, then reflected by a mirror 6, and is reflected by a first dichroic mirror 7 and a second dichroic mirror. 8 and enter the optical head 15.

The laser beam 4 incident on the optical head 15 is
The lens 19 is reflected by the mirror 16, passes through the hole 17 formed in the perforated mirror 18, and is adjusted by the lens 19 whose vertical position is adjusted by the height position adjusting device 40.
The light is incident on a microarray which is a sample 22 set on the stage 20.

Here, when the sample 22 is a fluorescent sample using a gel support as a carrier, the laser beam 4 is focused on a substantially central portion in the thickness direction of the gel support.

Since the stage 20 is moved in the X and Y directions in FIG. 1 by a scanning mechanism (not shown), the entire surface of the microarray as the sample 22 is scanned by the laser beam 4.

When the laser beam 4 is irradiated, the probe D
The fluorescent dye that labels NA, for example Cy-5, is excited and emits fluorescence. In the case of a fluorescent sample in which the gel support is used as a carrier, since the fluorescent dye is distributed in the depth direction of the gel support, the fluorescence is emitted from a predetermined range in the depth direction of the gel support. It is emitted and the position of the light emitting point in the depth direction also changes.

The fluorescent light emitted from the gel support is converted into parallel light by the lens 19, reflected by the perforated mirror 18, and enters the filter unit 27.

The filter unit 27 includes a filter 28a
Is moved so as to be located in the optical path, the fluorescent light enters the filter 28a, the light having a wavelength of 640 nm is cut, and only the light having a wavelength longer than 640 nm is transmitted.

The fluorescent light transmitted through the filter 28a is reflected by the mirror 29 and collected by the lens 30, but the fluorescent light is emitted from a predetermined range in the depth direction of the gel support. Do not.

Prior to the irradiation of the laser beam 4, the confocal switching member 31 is moved so that the pinhole 32c having the largest diameter is located in the optical path, so that the fluorescent light passes through the pinhole 32c having the largest diameter. After passing through, the photomultiplier 33 photoelectrically detects and generates analog data.

Therefore, although a confocal optical system is used to detect, at a high S / N ratio, the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent dye on the surface of the microarray using the slide glass plate as a carrier. In addition, the fluorescence emitted from a predetermined range in the depth direction of the gel support can be detected with a high signal intensity.

The analog data generated by the photomultiplier 33 is converted into digital data by the A / D converter 34 and sent to the data processor 35.

On the other hand, when the sample 22 is a microarray using a slide glass plate as a carrier, the entire surface of the sample 22 is scanned by the laser beam 4 to selectively label the sample as follows. The fluorescent dye is excited, and the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent dye is photoelectrically detected by the photomultiplier 33, and digital data for biochemical analysis is generated.

First, when a sample carrier 21 holding a microarray having a slide glass plate as a carrier is set on the stage 20 as a sample 22, the type of the sample carrier 21 is detected by a carrier sensor 50, and a carrier detection signal is output. Control unit 55
Is output to

Upon receiving the carrier detection signal from the carrier sensor 50, the control unit 55 outputs a drive signal to the switching member motor 52 based on the carrier detection signal, and causes the confocal switching member 31 to rotate the pinhole having the smallest diameter. 32a is moved so as to be located in the optical path.

Next, when the operator inputs the type of the fluorescent substance as the labeling substance and the start signal to the keyboard 53, an instruction signal is output from the keyboard 53 to the control unit 55.

For example, the type of fluorescent substance is Cy-
When 3 (registered trademark) is input, the control unit 55 outputs a drive signal to the filter unit motor 51 in accordance with the input instruction signal, moves the filter unit 27, and cuts light having a wavelength of 473 nm. Then, the filter 28c having a property of transmitting light having a wavelength longer than 473 nm is located in the optical path, and the third laser excitation light source 3 turns on the drive signal.

At the same time, the control unit 55
The height position data stored in the EPROM 56 is read, and the stepping motor 46 of the height position adjustment device 40 is read.
To output a drive signal. As a result, the stepping motor 46 is driven, the rotation of the stepping motor 46 is transmitted to the micrometer head 44 via the gear 47 and the gear 48, and the movement direction regulating member 43 is moved in the vertical direction via the ball bearing 45. Up and down, the lens 1
9 is moved to a desired position, and the position of the lens 19 in the vertical direction is adjusted.

When the sample 22 is a microarray using a slide glass plate as a carrier, the vertical position of the lens 19 is adjusted so that the laser beam 4 is focused on the surface of the slide glass plate.

The laser light 4 emitted from the third laser excitation light source 3 is converted into parallel light by the collimator lens 10, reflected by the second dichroic mirror 8, and enters the optical head 15.

The laser beam 4 incident on the optical head 15 is
The lens 19 is reflected by the mirror 16, passes through the hole 17 formed in the perforated mirror 18, and is adjusted by the lens 19 whose vertical position is adjusted by the height position adjusting device 40.
The light is incident on a microarray which is a sample 22 set on the stage 20.

Here, when the sample 22 is a microarray using a slide glass plate as a carrier, the laser beam 4
Are focused on the surface of the slide glass plate.

Since the stage 20 is moved in the X and Y directions in FIG. 1 by a scanning mechanism (not shown), the entire surface of the microarray as the sample 22 is scanned by the laser beam 4.

When irradiated with the laser beam 4, the denatured DNA
Is excited, for example, Cy-5 is excited, and fluorescence is emitted. As a microarray carrier,
When a slide glass plate is used, the fluorescent dye is distributed only on the surface of the slide glass plate, so that fluorescence is emitted only from the surface of the slide glass plate.

The fluorescent light emitted from the surface of the slide glass plate is converted into parallel light by the lens 19, reflected by the perforated mirror 18, and enters the filter unit 27.

The filter unit 27 includes a filter 28c
Is moved so as to be located in the optical path, the fluorescence enters the filter 28c, the light having the wavelength of 473 nm is cut, and only the light having a wavelength longer than 473 nm is transmitted.

The fluorescent light transmitted through the filter 28c is reflected by the mirror 29 and is imaged by the lens 30.

Prior to the irradiation of the laser beam 4, the confocal switching member 31 is moved so that the pinhole 32a having the smallest diameter is located in the optical path, so that the fluorescent light is focused on the pinhole 32a. , Photomultiplier 33
Is detected photoelectrically to generate analog data.

As described above, the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent dye on the surface of the slide glass plate is guided to the photomultiplier 33 using the confocal optical system, and is photoelectrically detected. Can be minimized.

The analog data generated by the photomultiplier 33 is converted into digital data by the A / D converter 34 and sent to the data processing device 35.

When the sample 22 is a stimulable phosphor sheet, the entire surface of the stimulable phosphor layer of the stimulable phosphor sheet of the sample 22 is scanned by the laser beam 4 as follows. Then, the stimulable phosphor is excited, and the photostimulable light emitted from the stimulable phosphor is photoelectrically detected by the photomultiplier 33 to generate digital data for biochemical analysis.

First, the sample carrier 21 holding the stimulable phosphor sheet is set on the stage 20 by a magnet or the like. When the sample carrier 21 is set on the stage 20, the carrier sensor 50
The type of the sample carrier 21 is detected, and a carrier detection signal is output to the control unit 55.

Upon receiving the carrier detection signal from the carrier sensor 50, the control unit 55 outputs a drive signal to the switching member motor 52 based on the carrier detection signal, and causes the confocal switching member 31 to move the pin having an intermediate diameter. The hole 32b is moved so as to be located in the optical path.

Next, the sample 22 is inputted by the operator.
When an instruction signal and a start signal indicating that is a stimulable phosphor sheet are input to the keyboard 53, the instruction signal is output from the keyboard 53 to the control unit 55.

When receiving an instruction signal indicating that the sample 22 is a stimulable phosphor sheet, the control unit 55
640 outputs a drive signal to the filter unit motor 51 to move the filter unit 27 so that only light in the wavelength region of stimulable light emitted from the stimulable phosphor is transmitted.
A property filter 28d that cuts light having a wavelength of nm is located in the optical path, and the first laser excitation light source 1 turns on a drive signal.

At the same time, the control unit 55
The height position data stored in the EPROM 56 is read, and the stepping motor 46 of the height position adjustment device 40 is read.
To output a drive signal. As a result, the stepping motor 46 is driven, the rotation of the stepping motor 46 is transmitted to the micrometer head 44 via the gear 47 and the gear 48, and the movement direction regulating member 43 is moved in the vertical direction via the ball bearing 45. Up and down, the lens 1
9 is moved to a desired position, and the position of the lens 19 in the vertical direction is adjusted.

In the case where the sample 22 is a stimulable phosphor sheet, the laser beam 4 is focused on a position slightly below the surface of the stimulable phosphor layer formed on the stimulable phosphor sheet. Thus, the vertical position of the lens 19 is adjusted.

The laser light 4 emitted from the first laser excitation light source 1 is converted into parallel light by a collimator lens 5 and then reflected by a mirror 6, and is reflected by a first dichroic mirror 7 and a second dichroic mirror. 8 and enter the optical head 15.

The laser beam 4 incident on the optical head 15 is
The lens 19 is reflected by the mirror 16, passes through the hole 17 formed in the perforated mirror 18, and is adjusted by the lens 19 whose vertical position is adjusted by the height position adjusting device 40.
The light is focused on the stimulable phosphor layer formed on the stimulable phosphor sheet set on the stage 20.

Here, when the sample 22 is a stimulable phosphor sheet, the laser light 4 is collected at a position slightly below the surface of the stimulable phosphor layer formed on the stimulable phosphor sheet. Be lighted.

Since the stage 20 is moved in the X and Y directions in FIG. 1 by a scanning mechanism (not shown), the stimulable phosphor formed on the stimulable phosphor sheet by the laser beam 4 The entire surface of the layer is scanned.

Upon irradiation with the laser beam 4, the stimulable phosphor contained in the stimulable phosphor layer is excited, and the accumulated radiation energy is emitted in the form of stimulable light. In the case of the stimulable phosphor sheet, the stimulable phosphor is contained in the stimulable phosphor layer and is distributed to some extent in the depth direction of the stimulable phosphor layer. The photostimulable light is emitted from a predetermined range in the depth direction of the luminescent phosphor layer, and the position of the light emitting point in the depth direction also changes. However, since the stimulable phosphor layer is thin, the light emitting points are not distributed in the depth direction as in the case of the gel support.

The photostimulable light emitted from the photostimulable phosphor layer formed on the stimulable phosphor sheet is
Parallel light, reflected by the perforated mirror 18,
The light enters the filter unit 27.

The filter unit 27 includes a filter 28d
Is moved so as to be located in the optical path, the stimulating light enters the filter 28d, the light having the wavelength of 640 nm is cut, and the light in the wavelength region of the stimulating light emitted from the stimulable phosphor is emitted. Only the light passes through the filter 28d.

The photostimulable light transmitted through the filter 28d is reflected by the mirror 29 and condensed by the lens 30, but the photostimulable light is emitted by the photostimulable phosphor layer formed on the stimulable phosphor sheet. Since the light is emitted from a predetermined range in the depth direction, no image is formed.

Prior to the irradiation of the laser beam 4, the confocal switching member 31 is moved so that the pinhole 32b having an intermediate diameter is located in the optical path. After passing through the pinhole 32b, it is photoelectrically detected by the photomultiplier 33 and analog data is generated.

Therefore, in order to detect the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent dye on the surface of the microarray using the slide glass plate as a carrier at a high S / N ratio, the confocal optical system is used. In addition, the photostimulable light emitted from a predetermined range in the depth direction of the photostimulable phosphor layer formed on the stimulable phosphor sheet can be detected with a high signal intensity.

The analog data generated by the photo multiplier 33 is converted into digital data by the A / D converter 34 and sent to the data processing device 35.

According to this embodiment, height position data for adjusting the height position of the lens 19 is generated in advance according to the type of the sample 22 and the type of the laser excitation light source to be used. Are stored in the EEPROM 56 in the form of pulses to be applied to the sample 22, and prior to the irradiation of the sample 22 with the laser beam 4,
According to the height position data stored in the EPROM 56, the optical head 1 is
Since the vertical position of the lens 19 provided on the lens 5 is adjusted, the laser beam 4 can be focused on a desired position on the sample 22.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the lens base 42 on which the lens is mounted is mounted on the moving direction restricting member 43 which is restricted so as to move only in the vertical direction, and the micrometer head 43 moves. Direction regulating member 4
The height position adjusting device 40 is brought into contact with a ball bearing 45 provided on the moving member 3 so that the moving direction regulating member 43 is directly moved up and down by the micrometer head 43.
Is configured, the height position of the lens 19 provided on the optical head 15 can be precisely adjusted, and therefore, the laser beam 4 can be focused on a desired position of the sample 22. Become.

Further, according to the present embodiment, since the height position adjusting device 40 is configured so that the micrometer head 43 comes into contact with the ball bearing 45 provided on the movement direction regulating member 43, frequent operation is possible. And repeat,
Even if the height position of the lens 19 is adjusted, it is possible to effectively prevent the portion in contact with the micrometer head 43 from being worn, so that the laser beam 4 is always emitted to the desired position of the sample 22. It becomes possible to condense light to a position.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in the claims, and these are also included in the scope of the present invention. It goes without saying that it is a thing.

For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the vertical position of the lens 19 provided on the optical head 15 of the data generating device is adjusted by the height position adjusting device 40 has been described. The application of the height position adjusting device 40 according to the present invention is not limited to the case where the vertical position of the lens 19 provided in the data generating device is adjusted, but the case where the vertical position of the lens 19 is adjusted. In addition, the present invention can be widely used for adjusting not only the vertical position of the lens but also the vertical position of an article or component.

In the above-described embodiment, the data generating apparatus includes the first laser excitation light source 1, the second laser excitation light source 2, and the third laser excitation light source 3.
It is not always necessary to provide three laser excitation light sources, and it is sufficient if at least one laser excitation light source is provided according to the target sample.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the semiconductor laser light source that emits the laser light 4 having a wavelength of 640 nm is used as the first laser excitation light source 1.
He that emits laser light 4 having a wavelength of 633 nm instead of the semiconductor laser light source that emits laser light 4 having a wavelength of m
A -Ne laser light source or a semiconductor laser light source that emits 635 nm laser light 4 may be used.

In the above embodiment, a laser light source emitting a 532 nm laser beam is used as the second laser excitation light source 2 and a fourth laser excitation light source 3 is used as the second laser excitation light source 3.
Although a laser light source that emits a laser beam of 73 nm is used, a laser light source that emits a laser beam of 530 to 540 nm is used as the second laser excitation light source 2 depending on the type of the fluorescent substance to be excited. As the light source 3,
Laser light sources that emit laser light of 470 to 480 nm can also be used.

Further, in the above embodiment, the photomultiplier 33 is used as the photodetector to detect the fluorescence or the stimulating light emitted from the sample 22 photoelectrically. However, the present invention is used in the present invention. The photodetector is not limited to the photomultiplier 33 as long as it can detect fluorescence or stimulated emission photoelectrically, and another photodetector such as a CCD can be used.

In the above embodiment, the confocal switching member 31 has three pinholes 32 having different diameters.
a, 32b, 32c are formed and a number of spots of the sample selectively labeled with a fluorescent dye are scanned by a laser beam 4 on a microarray formed on a slide glass plate to excite the fluorescent dye. When the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent dye is photoelectrically detected to generate data for biochemical analysis, the pinhole 32a is provided with the position information of the radiolabeled substance obtained by exposing the stimulable phosphor layer. The stimulable phosphor layer of the stimulable phosphor sheet on which is recorded is scanned by the laser light 4 to excite the stimulable phosphor, and the stimulable phosphor emitted from the stimulable phosphor is photoelectrically irradiated. To generate data for biochemical analysis,
2b is electrophoresed on the gel support and scans with a laser beam 4 a fluorescent sample using a gel support containing a sample selectively labeled with a fluorescent dye,
When the fluorescent dye is excited and the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent dye is photoelectrically detected to generate data for biochemical analysis, the pinholes 32c are used, but the confocal switching member 31 is used. And pinholes 32a, 3
A large number of spots of the sample which form only 2b and are selectively labeled with a fluorescent dye are scanned by a laser beam 4 on a microarray formed on a slide glass plate to excite the fluorescent dye, When photoelectrically detecting the fluorescence emitted from the phosphor and generating data for biochemical analysis, the fluorescence 25 is received via the pinhole 32a, and the stimulable luminescence emitted from the stimulable phosphor layer is emitted. When photoelectrically detecting 25 and generating data for biochemical analysis, the photostimulable light is received via the pinhole 32b, and the fluorescence 25 emitted from the gel support is photoelectrically detected. When generating data for biochemical analysis, the confocal switching member 31 may be retracted from the optical path of the fluorescent light 25 to increase the amount of light received by the photomultiplier 33, And, a confocal switching member 31, only to form pinholes 32a, a number of spots of selectively labeled sample by fluorescent dye, a microarray formed on a slide glass plate, the laser beam 4
Scans to excite the fluorescent dye, photoelectrically detect the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent dye, and only when generating data for biochemical analysis, through the pinhole 32a,
The fluorescent light 25 is received, and the photostimulable light 25 emitted from the stimulable phosphor layer is photoelectrically detected to generate the data for biochemical analysis, and the fluorescent light 25 emitted from the gel support is photoelectrically detected. When the data for biochemical analysis is to be detected and detected, the confocal switching member 31 can be retracted from the optical path of the fluorescent light 25 so that the amount of light received by the photomultiplier 33 can be increased.

[0148]

According to the present invention, there is provided a height position adjusting device capable of precisely adjusting the height position of an optical system even when the height position of the optical system needs to be adjusted frequently. Can be provided.

Further, according to the present invention, even when the height position of the optical system needs to be adjusted frequently, the height position of the optical system can be precisely adjusted. It becomes possible to provide a device.

Further, according to the present invention, there is provided a data generating apparatus capable of accurately generating biochemical analysis data by irradiating microarrays and macroarrays having different types of carriers with excitation light. It becomes possible to do.

[Brief description of the drawings]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration for exciting a labeling substance contained in a sample held in a sample carrier according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, detecting light emitted from the labeling substance, and performing a biochemical analysis. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a data generation device that generates data.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a microarray.

FIG. 3 is a schematic front view of a confocal switching member.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a height position adjusting device that adjusts a height position of a lens provided on the optical head.

FIG. 5 is a partially cut-away schematic side view of a micrometer head and a movement direction regulating member.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a detection system, a drive system, an input system, and a control system of the data generation device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 1st laser excitation light source 2 2nd laser excitation light source 3 3rd laser excitation light source 4 laser beam 5 collimator lens 6 mirror 7 1st dichroic mirror 8 2nd dichroic mirror 9 collimator lens 10 collimator lens 15 optical head Reference Signs List 16 mirror 17 hole 18 perforated mirror 19 lens 20 stage 21 sample carrier 22 sample 23 dropped cDNA 25 fluorescence or stimulating luminescence 27 filter units 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d filter 29 mirror 30 lens 31 confocal switching member 32a , 32b, 32c, 32d, 32e Pinhole 33 Photomultiplier 34 A / D converter 35 Data processing device 40 Height adjustment device 41 Surface plate 42 Lens base 43 Moving direction regulating member 44 Micrometer Tab head 45 Ball bearing 46 Stepping motor 47 Gear 48 Gear 50 Carrier sensor 51 Filter unit motor 52 Switching member motor 53 Keyboard 55 Control unit 56 EEPROM

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) // C12M 1/00 C12M 1/34 B 1/34 F C12Q 1/68 A C12N 15/09 H04N 1 / 04 E C12Q 1/68 C12N 15/00 FF term (reference) 2G043 BA16 CA03 DA02 EA01 EA19 FA06 GA03 GA07 GB01 GB19 HA01 HA02 HA09 JA02 KA02 KA05 KA09 LA02 LA03 MA03 MA04 NA06 4B024 AA11 AA19 CA01 CA11 HA11 4B029A07 CC CC08 FA03 FA10 FA12 4B063 QA18 QQ42 QQ52 QQ79 QR32 QR56 QR58 QR66 QS33 QS34 QS39 QX02 5C072 AA01 BA04 DA21 DA23 EA02 HA02 HA08 VA01

Claims (9)

[Claims] A moving direction restricting member having a moving direction restricted so as to be movable only in a vertical direction; a micrometer head contacting a ball bearing provided on the moving direction restricting member from below; And a motor, wherein the micrometer head is configured to be rotated by the stepping motor. 2. The height position adjusting device according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of gears for transmitting rotation of said stepping motor to said micrometer head. 3. A base for supporting an optical system, a moving direction restricting member to which the base is attached and whose moving direction is regulated so as to be movable only in a vertical direction, and a moving direction restricting member. An optical system height position adjusting device, comprising: a micrometer head that contacts the ball bearing from below, and a stepping motor, and the micrometer head is configured to be rotated by the stepping motor. . 4. An optical system height position adjusting device according to claim 3, further comprising a pair of gears for transmitting rotation of said stepping motor to said micrometer head. 5. The optical system height position adjusting device according to claim 3, wherein the optical system is constituted by a condenser lens. 6. At least one excitation light source that emits excitation light, a stage on which a sample can be mounted, and a condensing optical system that condenses the excitation light emitted from the at least one excitation light source on the sample. Further comprising: a base supporting the light-collecting optical system; a movement-direction regulating member to which the base is attached, the movement direction of which is regulated so as to be movable only in the vertical direction; and A micrometer head that comes into contact with a ball bearing provided on the member from below, and a condensing optical system height adjustment device having a stepping motor are provided, and the micrometer head is configured to be rotated by the stepping motor. A data generation device, characterized in that: 7. The data generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said condensing optical system height adjusting device further comprises a pair of gears for transmitting rotation of said stepping motor to said micrometer head. 8. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising data storage means for storing height position data, wherein the stepping motor is driven in accordance with the height position data stored in the data storage means. The data generation device according to claim 6 or 7, wherein 9. The data generation device according to claim 6, wherein the light-collecting optical system includes a light-collecting lens.