JP6951870B2 - Optical measuring device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an apparatus for measuring the intensity of light generated in a sample in response to irradiation of the sample with light.

The sample can be analyzed by measuring the intensity of the light generated in the sample in response to the irradiation of the sample with light. An apparatus for performing such light measurement includes a light source that outputs the irradiation light applied to the sample, and a photodetector that detects the intensity of the generated light generated in the sample and outputs a detection signal (patented). Reference 1).

The light generated in the sample in response to the light irradiation is fluorescence, transmitted light, reflected light, scattered light, or light generated by a non-linear optical phenomenon (for example, harmonic light or Raman scattered light). By detecting the fluorescence intensity, the concentration of the fluorescent substance contained in the sample can be measured. By detecting the intensity of transmitted light, the concentration of the sample can be measured. By detecting the intensity of the scattered light, it is possible to measure the concentration and size of the scattered substance contained in the sample. In addition, the non-linearity of the sample can be measured by detecting the intensity of light generated by the non-linear optical phenomenon.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2004-257901

The detection optical system that guides the light generated in the sample from the sample to the photodetector in the above-mentioned optical measuring device generally includes one or a plurality of lenses. By using the detection optical system including the lens, the generated light can be efficiently guided to the light receiving surface of the photodetector, while the incident light of the irradiation light on the light receiving surface of the photodetector can be suppressed. The intensity of the generated light can be detected with a high SN ratio. However, the detection optical system including the lens has a complicated configuration and a large number of man-hours for assembly, which causes an increase in the price of the optical measuring device.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an optical measuring device capable of more easily measuring the intensity of light generated in a sample.

The optical measuring device of the present invention is a device that measures the intensity of light generated in a sample in response to the irradiation of the sample placed in the sample container with (1) the first surface and the first surface facing each other. The second surface, the third surface different from these, the first through hole provided between the first surface and the second surface, and the second through hole provided between the third surface and the first through hole. The sample container has a through hole, and the sample container is inserted into the first through hole from the side of the first surface, and the sample container is placed so that the sample in the inserted sample container faces the second through hole. Along with positioning, a metal block in which the inner wall surface of the first through hole is in thermal contact with the sample container and (2) provided on the side of the second surface of the metal block and inserted into the first through hole of the metal block for positioning. A light source that outputs the irradiation light emitted to the sample in the sample container into the first through hole, and (3) provided on the side of the third surface of the metal block and inserted into the first through hole of the metal block. It has a light receiving surface that receives the generated light generated in response to the irradiation of the irradiation light in the sample in the sample container positioned in the above direction, and detects the intensity of the generated light that reaches the light receiving surface through the second through hole. It includes an optical detector that outputs a detection signal.

The optical measuring device of the present invention is provided on the optical path between the light source and the sample container inserted and positioned in the first through hole of the metal block, and selects light of a specific wavelength from the light output from the light source. A first filter may be further provided to allow light to pass through and enter the sample container. Further, the optical measuring device of the present invention is provided on the optical path between the sample container and the photodetector inserted and positioned in the first through hole of the metal block, and selectively transmits the generated light to emit light. A second filter that is incident on the light receiving surface of the detector may be further provided. The second filter may be a colored glass filter.

In one aspect of the photometric device of the present invention, the second through hole of the metal block propagates the irradiation light output from the light source directly or after being specularly reflected by the sample container toward the light receiving surface of the photodetector. It may be a position, diameter, length or orientation that limits this. The metal block has an optical trap portion in the first through hole that suppresses reflection or scattering of the irradiation light on the inner wall surface of the first through hole and limits the propagation of the irradiation light toward the light receiving surface of the photodetector. You may. The metal block may have a shielding portion in the first through hole that shields the propagation of the irradiation light toward the light receiving surface of the photodetector. Further, the photodetector may be arranged so that the perpendicular direction of the light receiving surface is an acute angle with respect to the optical axis direction of the optical system of the irradiation light from the light source to the sample container.

In one aspect of the optical measuring device of the present invention, the metal block may be composed of at least one of aluminum and an aluminum alloy. The metal block may have a prismatic shape. Further, the metal block has a plurality of sets of first through holes and second through holes, a light source is provided for each first through hole of the metal block, and a photodetector is provided for each second through hole of the metal block. It may be provided for.

The optical measuring device of the present invention can measure the intensity of light generated in a sample with a simple configuration.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of the optical measuring device 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the metal block 50 of the optical measuring device 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the optical element holding portion 60 of the optical measuring device 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a main configuration of a first modification of the optical measuring device 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a main configuration of a second modification of the optical measuring device 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a main configuration of a third modification of the optical measuring device 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a main configuration of a fourth modification of the optical measuring device 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view, and FIG. 7B is a vertical cross-sectional view.

Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted. The present invention is not limited to these examples, and is indicated by the scope of claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

The optical measuring device of the present invention measures the intensity of arbitrary light (fluorescence, transmitted light, reflected light, scattered light, or light generated by a nonlinear optical phenomenon) generated in a sample irradiated with light. However, in the following embodiment, the case of measuring the fluorescence intensity will be described.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of the optical measuring device 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the metal block 50 of the optical measuring device 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the optical element holding portion 60 of the optical measuring device 1 of the present embodiment. The optical measuring device 1 measures the intensity of fluorescence generated by irradiating the sample 3 placed in the sample container 2 with excitation light.

As shown in FIG. 1, the optical measuring device 1 includes a light source 11, an excitation light transmission filter (first filter) 12, a light source drive circuit 13, a photodetector 21, a fluorescence transmission filter (second filter) 22, and a processing unit. A control unit 40, an input unit 41, a display unit 42, a storage unit 43, a metal block 50, an optical element holding unit 60, a temperature adjusting unit 70, and a dark box 80 are provided.

The light source 11 outputs light having a wavelength (or a band including this wavelength) that can excite the sample 3 placed in the sample container 2. The light source 11 is, for example, an LED (light emitting diode), an LD (laser diode), an SLD (superluminescent diode), or the like. A lens for increasing the directivity of light may be provided on the light output side of the light source 11. This lens may be integrated with the light source 11 or may be separate from the light source 11.

The excitation light transmission filter 12 is optically connected to the light source 11 and inputs the light output from the light source 11. The excitation light transmission filter 12 selectively transmits excitation light having a wavelength capable of exciting the sample 3 and outputs the excitation light to the sample container 2. The transmission wavelength of the excitation light transmission filter 12, that is, the excitation light wavelength is appropriately selected according to the fluorescent substance contained in the sample 3 placed in the sample container 2. The excitation light transmission filter 12 may be a dielectric multilayer filter having good filter characteristics, or may be a colored glass filter. The excitation light transmission filter 12 may block light having a wavelength of the detected generated light.

The light source drive circuit 13 is electrically connected to the light source 11 and drives the light source 11 to emit light for a predetermined irradiation period. The light source 11 is driven by a light source drive circuit 13 that receives an instruction from the control unit 40, and outputs irradiation light (excitation light) that irradiates the sample container 2.

The fluorescence transmission filter 22 selectively transmits the generated light (fluorescence) generated in the sample in response to the irradiation of the excitation light into the sample 3 placed in the sample container 2, and transmits the fluorescence to the photodetector 21. Output. The fluorescence transmission filter 22 blocks light other than fluorescence (for example, light transmitted through the excitation light transmission filter 12). The transmission wavelength of the fluorescence transmission filter 22 is appropriately selected according to the fluorescent substance contained in the sample 3 placed in the sample container 2. The fluorescence transmission filter 22 may be a dielectric multilayer filter having good filter characteristics, or may be a colored glass filter.

The photodetector 21 is optically connected to the fluorescence transmission filter 22 and receives the fluorescence transmitted through the fluorescence transmission filter 22. The photodetector 21 detects the intensity of the received fluorescence and outputs a detection signal indicating the fluorescence intensity to the processing unit 30. The photodetector 21 is, for example, a photodiode, an avalanche photodiode, a photomultiplier tube, or the like.

The processing unit 30 has an input terminal that is electrically connected to the photodetector 21. The detection signal output from the photodetector 21 is input to the input terminal as an analog value. The processing unit 30 inputs an analog value input to the input terminal during the irradiation period during which the light source 11 outputs the irradiation light (excitation light), and generates a digital value corresponding to the analog value in the sample 3. It is output to the control unit 40 as a value indicating the intensity of light (fluorescence). The processing unit 30 includes a signal converter 31 and an AD converter 32.

The signal converter 31 has an input terminal that is electrically connected to the photodetector 21. The detection signal output from the photodetector 21 is input to the input terminal as an analog value. The signal converter 31 inputs an analog value input to the input terminal during the irradiation period when the light source 11 outputs the irradiation light (excitation light), and outputs a voltage value corresponding to the input analog value. The signal converter 31 can be configured as an integrator in which a capacitance unit is provided between the inverting input terminal and the output terminal of the differential amplifier. Further, the signal converter 31 may be configured as a current-voltage converter in which a resistor is provided between the inverting input terminal and the output terminal of the differential amplifier. In these examples, the non-inverting input terminal of the differential amplifier may be grounded.

The AD converter 32 is electrically connected to the signal converter 31 and inputs a voltage value output from the signal converter 31. The AD converter 32 converts the input voltage value (analog value) into a digital value, and outputs the digital value as a value indicating the intensity of the generated light (fluorescence) generated in the sample 3.

The control unit 40 is electrically connected to the light source drive circuit 13, and controls the light source drive circuit 13 to cause the light source 11 to emit light over a predetermined irradiation period. The control unit 40 is electrically connected to the processing unit 30 to control the operation of the processing unit 30 and input a digital value output from the processing unit 30 to determine the intensity of fluorescence generated in the sample 3. The sample 3 is analyzed based on the obtained fluorescence intensity. The control unit 40 stores these digital values, the fluorescence intensity, and the analysis result in the storage unit 43. The control unit 40 includes a CPU that performs the above control and analysis, and is, for example, a computer such as a personal computer, a smart device, a microcomputer, or a cloud server. The connection between the control unit 40 and other components may be wireless as well as wired, and may include a connection by network communication.

The input unit 41 is electrically connected to the control unit 40 and receives inputs such as measurement conditions, measurement start and measurement end. The input unit 41 is, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, and / or a touch screen. The input unit 41 may transmit a simple on / off such as a momentary switch or an alternate switch to the control unit 40.

The display unit 42 is electrically connected to the control unit 40 and displays measurement conditions and measurement results. The display unit 42 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, a touch screen, or the like. Further, the display unit 42 may display by turning on / off a light emitting element such as an LED.

The storage unit 43 is electrically connected to the control unit 40, and stores the fluorescence intensity and the analysis result output from the control unit 40. The storage unit 43 is, for example, an internal memory and / or an external storage.

The metal block 50 and the optical element holding portion 60 hold the sample container 2, the light source 11, the excitation light transmission filter 12, the photodetector 21, and the fluorescence transmission filter 22 to define their arrangement. These will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

The temperature adjusting unit 70 is provided in contact with the side surface of the metal block 50, adjusts the temperature of the metal block 50, and adjusts the temperature of the sample 3 in the sample container 2 held by the metal block 50. do. The temperature adjusting unit 70 includes, for example, a heating unit including a heater or a Pertier element, and a temperature measuring unit including, for example, a thermocouple, a thermistor, or a temperature measuring IC, and the temperature of the metal block 50 measured by the temperature measuring unit is desired. Heat by the heating part so that it is within the range. The operation of the temperature adjusting unit 70 may be controlled by the control unit 40.

The dark box 80 includes a sample container 2, a light source 11, an excitation light transmission filter 12, a photodetector 21, a fluorescence transmission filter 22, a metal block 50, an optical element holding unit 60, and a temperature adjusting unit 70. With the lid 81 of the dark box 80 open, the sample container 2 can be inserted and removed from the first through hole extending in the vertical direction of the metal block 50. When the lid 81 is closed, stray light from the outside does not enter the inside of the dark box 80.

Next, the metal block 50 will be described with reference to FIG. The metal block 50 is made of a metal having high thermal conductivity, and is preferably composed of at least one of aluminum and an aluminum alloy. Further, the metal block 50 may be made of copper, a copper alloy, stainless steel, or the like. The metal block 50 has a prismatic shape as an approximate shape. The metal block 50 has a first surface 51 which is an upper surface of the prism, a second surface 52 which is a lower surface facing the first surface 51, and a third surface 53 which is a side surface different from these.

The metal block 50 has a first through hole 54 provided between the first surface 51 and the second surface 52. The first through hole 54 is divided into an upper hole 55 on the first surface 51 side, a tapered portion 56, and a lower hole 57 on the second surface 52 side. The diameter of the upper hole 55 is constant along the axial direction. The diameter of the lower hole 57 may also be constant along the axial direction. The diameter of the upper hole 55 is smaller than the diameter of the lower hole 57. The upper hole 55 has a diameter into which the sample container 2 can be inserted from the side of the first surface 51. The diameter of the tapered portion 56 between the upper hole 55 and the lower hole 57 changes monotonically along the axial direction. Further, the metal block 50 has a second through hole 58 provided between the third surface 53 and the lower hole 57 of the first through hole 54. The diameter of the second through hole 58 may be constant. The metal block 50 having such a shape can be manufactured by forming a first through hole 54 and a second through hole 58 by lathe processing on a metal goblet.

The sample container 2 is inserted into the first through hole 54 from the side of the first surface 51 of the metal block 50. The upper part of the sample container 2 to be inserted has a substantially cylindrical shape. The lower portion of the sample container 2 may have a shape in which the diameter becomes smaller toward the tip. The inserted sample container 2 is positioned so that the sample 3 in the lower portion thereof faces the second through hole 58. At the same time, the substantially cylindrical portion of the upper part of the sample container 2 is in thermal contact with the inner wall surface of the upper hole 55 of the first through hole 54.

There is a microtube as a sample container having the above-mentioned shape. For example, the capacity of a microtube is 250 μL, and the sample placed in the microtube is several μL. The microtube is transparent or milky white. The milky white microtube not only mirror-reflects the excitation light on the surface, but also scatters the excitation light. Since the excitation light scattered by the microtube has low intensity, it can be sufficiently blocked by the fluorescence transmission filter 22. Since the excitation light mirror-reflected by the microtube has a higher intensity than the scattered excitation light, it cannot be sufficiently blocked by the fluorescence transmission filter 22 when it is incident on the fluorescence transmission filter 22, and a part of the light is detected. It may reach the light receiving surface of the device 21, or fluorescence may be generated in the fluorescence transmission filter 22 and the fluorescence may reach the light receiving surface of the light detector 21. Therefore, a structure is preferable in which the excitation light mirror-reflected by the microtube does not enter the fluorescence transmission filter 22.

Next, the optical element holding portion 60 will be described with reference to FIG. The optical element holding portion 60 is made of a resin having a lower thermal conductivity than the metal block 50 such as DURACON (registered trademark) of Polyplastics Co., Ltd. The optical element holding unit 60 holds a light source 11, an excitation light transmission filter 12, a photodetector 21, and a fluorescence transmission filter 22 to define their arrangement. By combining the optical element holding portion 60 and the metal block 50 with each other, a measurement optical system from the light source 11 to the photodetector 21 via the excitation light transmission filter 12, the sample container 2 and the fluorescence transmission filter 22 is configured. NS.

The optical element holding portion 60 has a shape that can be combined with the metal block 50. The optical element holding portion 60 has a first through hole 61 that connects with the first through hole 54 of the metal block 50 when combined with the metal block 50. The first through hole 61 of the optical element holding portion 60 is divided into an upper hole 62 near the metal block 50 and a lower hole 63 on the opposite side of the metal block 50. An excitation light transmission filter 12 is fitted in the upper hole 62 to fix the position. A light source 11 is arranged in the opening portion of the lower hole 63.

Further, the optical element holding portion 60 has a second through hole 64 that is connected to the second through hole 58 of the metal block 50 when combined with the metal block 50. The second through hole 64 of the optical element holding portion 60 is divided into an inner hole 65 close to the metal block 50, a relay hole 66, and an outer hole 67 on the opposite side of the metal block 50. A fluorescence transmission filter 22 is fitted in the inner hole 65 to fix the position. A photodetector 21 is fitted in the outer hole 67 to fix the position.

Due to the configuration of the metal block 50 and the optical element holding portion 60, the light source 11 provided on the side of the second surface 52 of the metal block 50 outputs the light emitted to the sample 3 in the sample container 2. .. The excitation light transmission filter 12 provided on the optical path between the light source 11 and the sample container 2 selectively transmits the excitation light of a specific wavelength among the light output from the light source 11 and causes the excitation light to enter the sample container 2. .. The fluorescence transmission filter 22 provided on the optical path between the sample container 2 and the photodetector 21 selectively blocks the excitation light, selectively transmits the fluorescence, and enters the light receiving surface of the photodetector 21. Let me. Further, the photodetector 21 provided on the side of the third surface 53 of the metal block 50 has a light receiving surface that receives the fluorescence generated in response to the irradiation of the irradiation light in the sample 3 in the sample container 2. The detection signal is output by detecting the intensity of fluorescence that has reached the light receiving surface through the second through hole 58 of the metal block 50 and the fluorescence transmission filter 22.

Next, the operation of the optical measuring device 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. After the temperature of the metal block 50 is set to a desired range by the temperature adjusting unit 70, the sample container 2 in which the sample 3 is placed is a hole on the upper side of the first through hole 54 from the side of the first surface 51 of the metal block 50. It is inserted in 55. After this insertion, the lid 81 is closed to prevent stray light from entering the inside of the dark box 80 from the outside. By this insertion, the sample container 2 is positioned so that the sample 3 faces the second through hole 58, and the sample container 2 is in thermal contact with the inner wall surface of the upper hole 55. The temperature of the sample 3 in the sample container 2 that is in thermal contact with the inner wall surface of the upper hole 55 gradually reaches a desired range.

The irradiation light (excitation light) output from the light source 11 passes through the lower hole 63 of the first through hole 61 of the optical element holding portion 60, and transmits the excitation light fitted in the upper hole 62 of the first through hole 61. It passes through the filter 12. The excitation light that has passed through the excitation light transmission filter 12 passes through the lower hole 57 of the first through hole 54 of the metal block 50 and irradiates the sample 3 in the sample container 2. A part of the fluorescence generated in the sample 3 in response to the irradiation of the sample 3 with the excitation light passes through the second through hole 58 of the metal block 50 and enters the inner hole 65 of the second through hole 64 of the optical element holding portion 60. It transmits the fitted fluorescent transmission filter 22. The fluorescence transmitted through the fluorescence transmission filter 22 passes through the relay hole 66 of the second through hole 64 of the optical element holding portion 60, and is received by the photodetector 21 fitted in the outer hole 67 of the second through hole 64. ..

The value of the detection signal (generally the current value) output from the photodetector 21 that has detected fluorescence is converted into a voltage value by the signal converter 31 and converted into a digital value by the AD converter 32. The digital value output from the AD converter 32 is input to the control unit 40 and analyzed, and for example, the temporal change of the fluorescence intensity is displayed by the display unit 42.

The size of each of the lower hole 63 of the first through hole 61 of the optical element holding portion 60 and the lower hole 57 of the first through hole 54 of the metal block 50 through which the excitation light passes from the light source 11 to the sample container 2. The diameter may be about the same as or slightly larger than the diameter of the sample container 2. The size of the second through hole 58 of the metal block 50 through which fluorescence passes from the sample 3 to the photodetector 21 and the relay hole 66 of the second through hole 64 of the optical element holding portion 60 are the sizes of the photodetector 21. It may be about the same size as the light receiving surface (for example, about 5 mm). The length of the second through hole 58 of the metal block 50 may be several mm.

As described above, in the optical measuring device 1 of the present embodiment, by inserting the sample container 2 into the upper hole 55 of the first through hole 54 of the metal block 50, the sample 3 in the sample container 2 penetrates the second through. The sample container 2 can be positioned so as to face the hole 58. As a result, a measurement optical system is configured from the light source 11 to the photodetector 21 via the excitation light transmission filter 12, the sample container 2, and the fluorescence transmission filter 22. Further, the fluorescent optical system from the sample container 2 to the photodetector 21 is not provided with a lens. The fluorescence generated in the sample 3 in the sample container 2 passes through the second through hole 58 of the metal block 50, passes through the fluorescence transmission filter 22, and is received by the photodetector 21. Therefore, the optical measuring device 1 of the present embodiment has a simple configuration and a small number of assembly man-hours, so that the configuration can be simplified and the price can be reduced.

In the optical measuring device 1 of the present embodiment, the sample container 2 is positioned by inserting the sample container 2 into the upper hole 55 of the first through hole 54 of the metal block 50, and at the same time, the sample container 2 is placed in the upper hole 55. Make thermal contact with the inner wall surface. Therefore, the temperature adjusting unit 70 can detect the intensity of fluorescence generated in the sample 3 under the condition that the temperature of the sample 3 in the sample container 2 is set within a desired range via the metal block 50. , The change in fluorescence intensity over time can be observed.

By using a colored glass filter as the excitation light transmission filter 12 or by using a colored glass filter as the fluorescence transmission filter 22, the price of the optical measuring device 1 can be further reduced.

The colored glass filter as the fluorescence transmission filter 22 may generate fluorescence when it absorbs the excitation light, and when the fluorescence is received by the photodetector 21, the SN ratio becomes worse. Regarding this problem, in the present embodiment, the second through hole 58 of the metal block 50 has a collimating function that defines the direction of light incident on the photodetector 21, and the fluorescence generated in the sample 3 is the light detector 21. While allowing the light to enter the light receiving surface, the excitation light output from the light source 11 and transmitted through the excitation light transmission filter 12 is directly reflected by the sample container 2 or mirror-reflected by the sample container 2 and then directed toward the light receiving surface of the photodetector 21. It is possible to suppress the propagation of light. Therefore, even when a fluorescent colored glass filter is used as the fluorescence transmission filter 22, deterioration of the SN ratio is suppressed. The second through hole 58 of the metal block 50 is directed toward the light receiving surface of the photodetector 21 after the excitation light output from the light source 11 and transmitted through the excitation light transmission filter 12 is directly reflected or specularly reflected by the sample container 2. It is preferably a position, diameter, length or orientation that limits propagation.

As a configuration for suppressing the excitation light transmitted through the excitation light transmission filter 12 from propagating toward the light receiving surface of the photodetector 21, the metal block 50 is formed by the excitation light on the inner wall surface of the first through hole 54. It is also preferable to have an optical trap portion in the first through hole 54 that suppresses reflection or scattering and limits the propagation of excitation light toward the light receiving surface of the photodetector 21. As shown in FIG. 1, the tapered portion 56 of the first through hole 54 of the metal block 50 gradually decreases in diameter from the lower hole 57 to the upper hole 55, and the distance from the sample container 2 gradually decreases. The smaller size constitutes the optical trap section. This also suppresses the deterioration of the SN ratio even when a fluorescent colored glass filter is used as the fluorescence transmission filter 22.

As in the configuration of the first modification shown in FIG. 4, the metal block 50 also has a shielding portion 59 in the first through hole 54 that shields the propagation of excitation light toward the light receiving surface of the photodetector 21. preferable. The shielding portion 59 is provided in the first through hole 54 and below the second through hole 58. The shielding unit 59 functions as a collimating function that defines the direction of light incident on the photodetector 21, and allows the fluorescence generated in the sample 3 to be incident on the light receiving surface of the photodetector 21 while transmitting excitation light. It is possible to suppress the excitation light transmitted through the filter 12 from propagating toward the light receiving surface of the photodetector 21 directly or after being mirror-reflected by the sample container 2. This also suppresses the deterioration of the SN ratio even when a fluorescent colored glass filter is used as the fluorescence transmission filter 22.

As in the configuration of the second modification shown in FIG. 5, the photodetector 21 has a sharp angle in the perpendicular direction of the light receiving surface with respect to the optical axis direction of the optical system of the excitation light from the light source 11 to the sample container 2. It is also preferable that it is arranged in. Since the light receiving surface of the light detector 21 is inclined in this way, the excitation light transmitted through the excitation light transmission filter 12 is directly reflected by the sample container 2 or specularly reflected on the light receiving surface of the light detector 21. The incident angle (angle of the light receiving surface with respect to the perpendicular line) becomes large, and the light receiving sensitivity to the excitation light becomes low. This also suppresses the deterioration of the SN ratio even when a fluorescent colored glass filter is used as the fluorescence transmission filter 22.

Next, the configuration of another modification of the optical measuring device of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. The optical measuring device of these modified examples measures the intensity of fluorescence generated in a sample placed in each of a plurality of sample containers in parallel. Hereinafter, the number of sample containers will be described as 3.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a main configuration of a third modification of the optical measuring device 1 of the present embodiment. The optical measuring device 1A of the third modification includes three metal blocks 50 arranged in a row and one optical element holding portion 60A. These three metal blocks 50 have the same configurations as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5. The optical element holding portion 60A has three first through holes 61 and three second through holes 64 corresponding to each metal block 50, and each of the first through holes 61 has a light source 11 and an excitation light transmission filter. 12 is held, and the photodetector 21 and the fluorescence transmission filter 22 are held in each second through hole 64. Note that FIG. 6 does not show the second through hole 64, the photodetector 21, and the fluorescence transmission filter 22.

The dark box 80A used in the third modification has three lids 81 provided corresponding to each metal block 50, and three measurement optical systems configured corresponding to each metal block 50. Have a partition wall 82 for optically separating the two from each other. Further, three temperature adjusting units 70 are provided corresponding to each metal block 50. Note that FIG. 6 does not show the temperature adjusting unit 70.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a main configuration of a fourth modification of the optical measuring device 1 of the present embodiment. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view, and FIG. 7B is a vertical cross-sectional view. The optical measuring device 1B of the fourth modification includes one metal block 50B and one optical element holding portion 60B. The metal block 50B has a substantially hexagonal column shape, has three first through holes 54 provided at equal intervals around the central axis, and is between each first through hole 54 and the side surface. It has three second through holes 58 provided. FIG. 7A shows a cross section at a position where the second through hole 58 is provided. FIG. 7B shows a cross section at the position of the alternate long and short dash line shown in FIG. 7A.

The optical element holding portion 60B has three first through holes 61 corresponding to the first through holes 54 of the metal block 50B, and holds the light source 11 and the excitation light transmission filter 12 in each of the first through holes 61. do. The photodetector 21 and the fluorescence transmission filter 22 are provided so as to cover the openings of the second through holes 58 on the side surface side of the metal block 50B.

In the fourth modification, only one temperature adjusting unit 70 may be provided, or the temperature adjusting unit 70 may be individually provided on any two or more of the six side surfaces of the hexagonal columnar metal block 50B. You may. Note that FIG. 7 does not show the temperature adjusting unit 70. In the configuration of the fourth modification, since the three first through holes 54 into which the sample container 2 is inserted are provided around the central axis of the hexagonal columnar metal block 50B, the three first through holes 54 are provided. Compared with the metal block in which the holes 54 are arranged in a row, the heat capacity of the metal block 50B can be reduced, so that the power consumption of the temperature adjusting unit 70 can be reduced.

In the third modification and the fourth modification, the processing unit 30 may be provided individually corresponding to each of the three measurement optical systems, or may be provided in common for the three measurement optical systems. May be good. In the latter case, the light source drive circuit 13 controlled by the control unit 40 drives the three light sources 11 so that the light output periods do not overlap each other, and is output from the three photodetectors 21. The processing unit 30 that inputs the detection signal to the common input terminal converts the detection signal value into a digital value in synchronization with the optical output of each light source 11.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications are possible. The number of measurement optical systems including a light source, a photodetector, and the like is set to 3 in the third modification and the fourth modification, but may be 2 or 4 or more. The generated light generated in the sample irradiated with light is considered to be fluorescent in the above embodiment, but may be transmitted light, reflected light, scattered light, or light generated by a nonlinear optical phenomenon. A filter that selectively transmits light of a specific wavelength among the light output from the light source and a filter that selectively transmits light of a specific wavelength among the light generated by the sample may be provided as necessary.

1,1A, 1B ... Optical measuring device, 2 ... Sample container, 3 ... Sample, 11 ... Light source, 12 ... Excitation light transmission filter (first filter), 13 ... Light source drive circuit, 21 ... Photodetector, 22 ... Fluorescence Transmission filter (second filter), 30 ... Processing unit, 31 ... Signal converter, 32 ... AD converter, 40 ... Control unit, 41 ... Input unit, 42 ... Display unit, 43 ... Storage unit, 50, 50B ... Metal Block, 51 ... 1st surface, 52 ... 2nd surface, 53 ... 3rd surface, 54 ... 1st through hole, 55 ... upper hole, 56 ... tapered portion, 57 ... lower hole, 58 ... second through hole, 59 ... Shielding part, 60, 60A, 60B ... Optical element holding part, 61 ... First through hole, 62 ... Upper hole, 63 ... Lower hole, 64 ... Second through hole, 65 ... Inner hole, 66 ... Relay hole , 67 ... outer hole, 70 ... temperature control unit, 80, 80A ... dark box, 81 ... lid, 82 ... partition wall.

Claims (10)

A device that measures the intensity of light generated in a sample in response to the irradiation of the sample placed in the sample container with light.
The first and second surfaces facing each other, a third surface different from these, a first through hole provided between the first surface and the second surface, and the third surface and the first surface. It has a second through hole provided between the first through hole, the sample container is inserted into the first through hole from the side of the first surface, and the sample container in the inserted sample container is inserted. A metal block in which the sample container is positioned so that the sample faces the second through hole and the inner wall surface of the first through hole is in thermal contact with the sample container.
The first through hole is provided with irradiation light that is provided on the side of the second surface of the metal block and irradiates the sample in the sample container that is inserted into and positioned in the first through hole of the metal block. The light source that outputs inward and
Occurrence that occurs in response to the irradiation of the irradiation light in the sample in the sample container that is provided on the side of the third surface of the metal block and is inserted and positioned in the first through hole of the metal block. A photodetector having a light receiving surface that receives light, detecting the intensity of generated light that has reached the light receiving surface through the second through hole, and outputting a detection signal.
It is composed of a material having a lower thermal conductivity than the metal block, holds and defines the arrangement of the light source and the photodetector, and is combined with the metal block from the light source through the sample container to the photodetector. The optical element holding unit that constitutes the measurement optical system up to
An optical measuring device equipped with. It is provided on the optical path between the sample container and the light source, which is inserted and positioned in the first through hole of the metal block, and selectively transmits light of a specific wavelength among the light output from the light source. further example Bei the first filter to be incident on the sample container by,
The optical element holding portion holds the first filter and defines the arrangement.
The optical measuring device according to claim 1. The light detector is provided on an optical path between the sample container and the photodetector, which is inserted into and positioned in the first through hole of the metal block, and selectively transmits the generated light. further example Bei the second filter to be incident on the light receiving surface,
The optical element holding portion holds the second filter and defines the arrangement.
The optical measuring device according to claim 1 or 2. The second filter is a colored glass filter.
The optical measuring device according to claim 3. The metal block has an optical trap portion that suppresses reflection or scattering of the irradiation light on the inner wall surface of the first through hole and limits the propagation of the irradiation light toward the light receiving surface of the photodetector. possess in the first through hole,
In the optical trap portion, the diameter of the first through hole of the metal block gradually decreases from the side of the second surface toward the side of the first surface, and the inner wall surface of the sample container and the first through hole is gradually reduced. Consists of a gradual decrease in the distance between and
The optical measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. The metal block, have a shielding portion that shields propagation of the irradiation light directed to the light receiving surface of said photodetector in said first through hole,
The shielding portion is provided in the first through hole of the metal block and on the side of the second surface from the second through hole, and has a collimating function of defining the direction of light incident on the photodetector. While allowing the generated light to enter the light receiving surface of the photodetector, the irradiation light propagates toward the light receiving surface of the photodetector directly or after being specularly reflected by the sample container. Suppress that
The optical measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. The photodetector is arranged so that the perpendicular direction of the light receiving surface is an acute angle with respect to the optical axis direction of the optical system of the irradiation light from the light source to the sample container.
The optical measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The metal block is composed of at least one of aluminum and an aluminum alloy.
The optical measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 7. The metal block has a prismatic shape.
The optical measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 8. The metal block has a plurality of sets of the first through hole and the second through hole.
The light source is provided for each first through hole of the metal block.
The photodetector is provided for each second through hole of the metal block.
The optical measuring device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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