United States Patent [19]
`Miller et al.
`
`lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll|||lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
`US005528050A
`{11] Patent Number:
`5,528,050
`[45] Date of Patent:
`Jun. 18, 1996
`
`[54] COMPACT SCAN HEAD WITH MULTIPLE
`SCANNING MODALITIES
`
`5,337,139
`5,343,224
`
`8/1994 Shirasawa ............................... .. 356/73
`8/1994 Paoli ..................................... .. 346/108
`
`‘
`
`_
`
`_
`
`_
`
`_
`
`[75] Inv?ntors: E2132‘;- 194181;; Moulritzin ‘thaw’
`'
`1°’
`Oga;
`er
`-
`Kain, San Jose, 311 of Calif.
`'
`[73] Asslgnee: glagilifcular Dynamos’ Inc" Sunnyvale’
`'
`
`[21] APPI- N05 508,342
`[22] Filed.
`Jul. 24’ 1995
`
`[51] Int. Cl.6 ................................................... .. G03B 42/00
`[52]
`250/585; 250/586; 250/958.1
`[58] Field of Search ................................... .. 250/585, 586,
`250M531, 4591, 4611
`
`[56]
`
`References Cited
`
`Us‘ PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4/1977 Woodman .......................... .. 250/458.l
`4/1993 Louis _ . _ _ _ _
`_ _ _ _ __ 356/73
`4/1994 Amos ..
`250/458.1
`
`4,019,060
`5,202,744
`5,304,810
`
`5,325,381
`
`6/1994 Paoli . . . . . . .
`
`. . . . .. 372/24
`
`5,325,383
`
`6/1994 Davis et a1. ............................ .. 372/26
`
`Primary Examiner—Davis L. Willis
`
`Assistant Examiner~Kiet T. Nguyen
`Art
`A t
`F‘ —Sh k&MH h
`Omey’ gen’ or m" C “6°
`C “g
`[57]
`ABSTRACT
`A compact, movable scan head having multiple scanning
`modalities and capable of high speed, high resolution scan
`ning of a variety of samples is disclosed. Stimulation and
`detection of storage phosphor screens and ?uorescent
`samplesare preferably achieved with. a ?rst and second
`channel 1n the optical path of the ?rst side of the scan head.
`This ?rst side preferably has a laser diode light source.
`Reading of re?ective and transmissive signals is also pos
`sible- A third ehennel is available in the eptieel path of the
`second side of the scan head. This third channel preferably
`provides LED point scanning and reading of ?uorescence,
`re?ective, and transmissive signals received from the
`sample. The various modalities of the scan head of the
`present invention may or may not have coincident optical
`PaIhS- Any two of the above Channels, or additional channels
`similar to the above channels, may be incorporated into the
`scan head.
`
`49 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
`
`THERMO FISHER EX. 1006
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Jun. 18, 1996
`
`Sheet 1 0f 7
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`5,528,050
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`LID
`
`~14
`
`11 v“
`
`X
`
`FIG. 1
`
`V
`SAMPLE ~20
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`w r
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`SAMPLE
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`FIG. 2
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`Y
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`THERMO FISHER EX. 1006
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`

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`US. Patent
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`Jun. 18, 1996
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`Sheet 2 of 7
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`5,528,050
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`THERMO FISHER EX. 1006
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`US. Patent
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`Jun. 18, 1996
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`Sheet 3 0f 7
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`5,528,050
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`THERMO FISHER EX. 1006
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`US. Patent
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`Jun. 18, 1996
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`Sheet 4 of 7
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`5,528,050
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`10 N
`
`Avi " '1
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`70
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`68
`
`56
`2
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`58
`
`28 262mm
`26b
`
`DET.
`
`2
`
`2 < I
`
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`24
`
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`
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`FIG. 5
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`64
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`62
`2
`
`DET.
`
`FIG. 6
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`Y/
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`X
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`THERMO FISHER EX. 1006
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`

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`U.S. Patent
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`Jun. 18, 1996
`
`Sheet 5 of 7
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`5,528,050
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`’/—10
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`US. Patent
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`Jun. 18, 1996
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`Sheet 6 of 7
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`5,528,050
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`Omq H
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`
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`mm mm
`
`m .05
`
`>
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`w
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`THERMO FISHER EX. 1006
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`

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`U.S. Patent
`
`Jun. 18, 1996
`
`Sheet 7 of 7
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`5,528,050
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`CH.
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`1
`
`CH.
`
`//
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`FIG. 10
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`THERMO FISHER EX. 1006
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`5,528,050
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`1
`COMPACT SCAN HEAD WITH MULTIPLE
`SCANNING MODALITIES
`
`TECHNICAL FIELD
`
`This invention relates to moving head optical scanners for
`stimulation of a target sample and for reading the return
`signal radiation from the target.
`
`BACKGROUND ART
`
`Optical scanners for stimulation of target samples and for
`detection of the resulting signal radiation emerging from the
`samples are used in many experimental formats. Optical
`scanners having movable scan heads are particularly useful
`for variable ?eld size. However, many existing scanners,
`including those with movable scan heads, are limited with
`respect to scan speed because of their numerous components
`and the high mass of their optical assemblies. It is desirable
`to increase scan speed without compromising resolution in
`order to scan many samples in a short period of time.
`A wide variety of scan formats is necessary for many
`research and diagnostic applications. For example, emerging
`formats include the scanning of large gels containing ?uo
`rescent labels, and the scanning of miniature chips or
`membranes supporting minute samples. In addition to the
`variability desired with respect to scan formats, versatility
`with respect to types of optical analysis is extremely impor
`tant. Analysis of samples based on storage phosphor emis‘
`sion, ?uorescent, re?ected, and transmitted light may be
`necessary. Space and cost considerations dictate the use of
`instruments allowing analysis in more than one of these
`modalities.
`Because these various optical scanning modalities gener
`ally require exciting or stimulating light of a unique wave
`length and collection and detection optics capable of sepa
`rating the various types of returned signals from the target
`sample, merging many scanning modalities into one optical
`scanner has been dif?cult in the past. Providing multiple
`simultaneous incident wavelengths and subsequently des
`canning and detecting the coincident sample emission gen
`erally results in complex and expensive instruments and
`difficult analysis. For example, see U.S. Pat. No. 5,304,810
`to Amos.
`It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide
`a compact, versatile optical scanner of simple, lightweight,
`and low cost design for rapid scanning of target samples
`according to any of a multiple of scanning modalities.
`
`DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
`
`The above object has been achieved with a movable
`compact scan head having multiple scanning modalities.
`The scan head supports two or more optical systems Within
`a small space. The optical systems may or may not be
`coincident, each one designed for a speci?c stimulation and
`detection modality. Possible modalities include stimulation
`and detection of storage phosphor emission, ?uorescence
`including chemi-?uorescence, re?ection, and transmission.
`One optical system may include a laser diode or other
`compact lightweight laser device light source, and have a
`?rst channel for storage phosphor emission and a second
`channel for ?uorescence. A separate optical system may
`have a light emitting diode (LED) light source and a third
`channel for re?ection signals or ?uorescence emission by a
`sample stimulated at a wavelength other than that of the
`
`15
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`35
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`50
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`2
`second channel. Multiple combinations of light sources of
`various properties may be employed.
`As used here, “laser diode” includes other compact,
`lightweight laser devices, The term “remotely positioned”
`means the element is not situated on the scan head. The term
`“wavelengt ” may signify a wavelength band, especially
`with regard to sample emission. The term “emission”
`includes storage phosphor, ?uorescent, re?ected, and trans
`mitted signals from the sample.
`Typically, a ?rst side of the scan head supports a laser
`diode light source for stimulation of a sample at a ?rst
`wavelength. Light emitted from the sample at both lower
`and higher wavelengths than the stimulating wavelength
`may be collected. This is possible through an interference
`type spectral beam splitter which passes the laser diode
`wavelength and which re?ects light below and above this
`wavelength toward the detection optics. For example, a red
`laser diode provides an excitation wavelength of approxi
`mately 635 nm. Storage phosphor emission resulting from
`this stimulation is generally at 390 nm and ?uorescence
`emission is generally at 650 nm or more. Thus, these two
`types of signals from the sample or samples will be re?ected
`by the beam splitter. An adjustable ?lter changer assembly
`providing the ?lters needed for isolating the signals of
`interest may be used in the detection path on this ?rst side
`of the scan head. At least one ?lter is generally dedicated to
`passing light of a lower wavelength than the stimulating
`wavelength and at least one ?lter is generally dedicated to
`passing light of a higher wavelength than the stimulating
`wavelength. A detector, mounted on the scan head directly,
`or in a remote location and connected to the scan head via
`an optical ?ber, is used for collection of the ?ltered signals.
`A second side of the scan head may support an LED point
`scanning system, as disclosed in commonly assigned U.S.
`patent application Ser. No. 08/438,416 and incorporated
`herein by reference. The LED light source on this second
`side of the scan head provides a different stimulating wave
`length than does the ?rst side of the compact scan head of
`the present invention. With this second wavelength, ?uo
`rescence and re?ective analysis of the target samples may be
`performed. The LED point scanning is preferably accom
`plished through the use of a spatial ?lter with a pinhole
`aperture, or an optical ?ber, in the stimulating light path. The
`stimulating beam is focused into the pinhole or the ?ber.
`This restriction of the diameter of the stimulating beam
`provides an apparent point light source and allows for rapid,
`high resolution scanning.
`A support wall preferably separates the ?rst side of the
`scan head from the second side and provides the physical
`support for the various elements. Thus, the two sides do not
`share any optical elements. Within the ?rst side, however,
`many optical elements are common to both the storage
`phosphor emission and ?uorescence modalities, i.e. the ?rst
`and second data channels. For example, the laser diode light
`source and the beam splitter are common to both modalities.
`The third data channel of the second side of the scan head
`is physically and optically separate from the ?rst and second
`data channels.
`Although three data channels are particularly advanta
`geous, the compact, movable scan head of the present
`invention may comprise any two of the above channels.
`Furthermore, additional channels providing additional
`stimulating beams may be incorporated into the scan head.
`By incorporating the various elements into a compact
`scan head and moving the scan head, as opposed to moving
`a scanning mechanism within the optical system, a light
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`5,528,050
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`weight, high speed, and extremely versatile scanning system
`is achieved. The present invention may be used for analysis
`of storage phosphor screens and samples within membranes,
`electrophoretic gels, and rnicrotiter sample plates, among
`others.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a plan view of a ?rst side of the scan head of the
`present invention, with a laser diode light source.
`FIG. 2 is a plan view of a second side of the scan head of
`the present invention, with an LED light source.
`FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the optical elements of
`FIG. 1 and the support wall of the scan head.
`FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the optical elements of
`FIG. 2 and a second side of the support wall of the scan head.
`FIG. 5 is a plan view of a portion of FIG. 1, showing an
`alternate embodiment of the detector placement on the ?rst
`side of the scan head.
`FIG. 6 is a plan view of a portion of FIG. 2, showing an
`alternate embodiment of the detector placement on the
`second side of the scan head.
`FIG. 7 is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of the
`stimulating beam restriction of the second side of the scan
`head.
`FIG. 8 is a portion of a plan view of an alternate
`embodiment of the scan head, showing multiple stimulating
`beams on a single side of the scan head.
`FIG. 9 is a plan view of an alternate embodiment of the
`‘scan head, showing optical ?ber delivery of a stimulating
`beam to the scan head from a remotely positioned light
`source.
`FIG. 10 is a plan view of a data collection and display
`apparatus for use with the scan head of the present invention.
`
`BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE
`INVENTION
`
`With reference to FIG. 1, laser diode 14 is shown pro
`viding a beam of a ?rst wavelength km. This exciting or
`stimulating beam is preferably passed through collimating
`lens 16 and then passes through beam splitter 18. After
`passing through beam splitter 18, the stimulating beam of
`wavelength Km passes through objective 22 and is focused
`onto a spot of sample 20 to cause signal radiation to be
`returned from the sample. The signal radiation emitted from
`sample 20 is gathered by objective 22, which has a high
`numerical aperture, into an emission beam and is directed
`back toward beam splitter 18.
`Beam splitter 18 is an interference-type spectral beam
`splitter designed to pass light of a speci?c wavelength, for
`example the laser diode wavelength 18,1, and to re?ect light
`of a lower or higher wavelength than Km . As stated earlier,
`“wavelength” includes wavelength bands, as typical emis
`sion for certain applications occur over ranges rather than as
`discrete wavelengths. In FIG. 1, the beam representing the
`light or signal radiation emitted by the sample has a wave
`length of km and is re?ected by beam splitter 18 toward a
`detection path.
`Since the wavelength he," may be of a wavelength lower
`or higher than the stimulating wavelength km, a ?lter
`system is preferred in the detection path to isolate the desired
`sample emission for detection. Filter changer assembly 24 is
`shown in the detection path of FIG. 1, as an example of a
`?lter system useful for isolation of emission. Filter changer
`
`4
`assembly 24 contains three ?lters 26a—c. At least one of
`these ?lters isolates a beam of a wavelength Km, particularly
`lam/p, which is lower or shorter than km, and at least one of
`these ?lters isolates a beam of wavelength hem, particularly
`hem/j, which is higher or longer than wavelength km. The
`?lter changer assembly may be moved by a shifting means
`70, as shown by arrow A. This allows the correct ?lter to be
`placed in the path of the emission beam. FIG. 3 shows a
`means for shifting each of the ?lters within a slot 68 in
`support wall 60 of the scan head. The means for shifting 70
`may be an actuator driven by a motor. Alternatively, the ?lter
`changer assembly 24 may have a plurality of ?lters in some
`other con?guration, e.g. the ?lters may be mounted on a
`wheel and preferably rotated by a motor.
`The ?ltered emission are then passed through focusing
`lens 28 and onto the detector 30. The detector may be
`mounted on the scan head, as shown by detector 30 of FIG.
`1, or it may be positioned remotely, as shown in FIG. 5. In
`this latter case, the focusing lens 28 focuses the emission
`beam into an optical ?ber 58 which transmits the emission
`beam to the remotely positioned detector 56.
`The laser diode or other compact laser device may be of
`any of a variety of colors and wavelengths. For example,
`infrared and red laser diodes are available. The laser may
`also be a compact, solid state, frequency-doubled diode or
`frequency-doubled diode pumped YAG laser. The use of a
`red laser diode is particularly useful, as it provides a
`stimulating beam having a wavelength Km of approximately
`635 nm. Stimulation of the sample with light of this wave
`length may cause ?uorescence emission of a higher wave
`length, e.g. 650 to 700 nm, and emission from a storage
`phosphor screen at a lower wavelength, e.g. approximately
`390 nm. Thus, beam splitter 18 passes light of 635 nm but
`re?ects both lower and higher numbers or shorter and longer
`wavelengths. “Approximately,” as used here, indicates a
`value within il0% of the given value.
`The ?rst side 11 of scan head 10 thus shows a ?rst data
`channel, capable of reading storage phosphor screens by
`stimulating with wavelength km and detecting emission
`through use of the appropriate ?lter in the detection path,
`and a second data channel, capable of reading ?uorescent
`emission by stimulating with wavelength A311 and detecting
`emission through use of the appropriate ?lter in the detection
`path. The ?rst channel detects emission of wavelength hem/p
`where hem/528,1. The second channel detects emission of
`wavelength km” where KEWPKM. Collection and detection
`of transmitted and re?ected signals resulting from laser
`diode stimulation may also be achieved, as through trans
`mission collection and detection device 78, shown in FIG. 7,
`or through other well-known detection paths.
`Compact scan head 10 may be moved across a sample in
`two dimensions, as seen by arrows X and Y, which represent
`perpendicular axes. Alternatively, scan head 10 may move in
`a ?rst direction relative to sample 20 and the sample may be
`moved in a perpendicular direction as by a motorized stage,
`or the scanning may occur according to some other scan
`pattern. The scan head may be moved by sliding it along a
`rail with a belt and pulley, lead screw, or other actuating
`means. FIG. 4 shows a means for moving 76 the scan head.
`Scanning is preferably accomplished in a point-by-point
`imaging manner wherein a plurality of spots of the sample
`are sequentially subjected to stimulation and detection of
`resulting emission.
`'
`FIG. 2 shows a second side 12 of scan head 10 of the
`present invention. The second side supports an LED point
`scanning system, such as that disclosed in commonly
`
`10
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`5
`assigned patent application U.S. Ser. No. 08/438,416. As
`seen in FIG. 2, LED 32 provides a stimulating beam of a
`second wavelength 13,2 which is focused by focusing lens 34
`into the pinhole aperture 38 of spatial ?lter 36. This effec
`tively restricts the diameter of the stimulating beam and
`de?nes the necessary resolution for stimulation. The stimu
`lating beam of wavelength Km thus functions as a point light
`source. This is an important advantage as an LED is an
`incoherent light source and restriction of this nature allows
`for high resolution scanning. Alternatively, an optical ?ber
`may provide the necessary restriction of the stimulation
`beam.
`FIG. 7 shows this alternate embodiment wherein an
`optical ?ber 66 replaces spatial ?lter 36; focusing lens 34
`then serves to focus the stimulating beam of wavelength 13,2
`into optical ?ber 66. The focal points of lenses 34 and 42 are
`also spaced apart with ?ber 66 between them. FIG. 7 also
`shows a transmitted light collector and detector 78. This
`transmission system 78, although shown in the FIG. 7
`embodiment for clarity, may be used with any of the light
`sources on either side of the scan head.
`The restricted stimulating beam is collected by collimat
`ing lens 42 and passed through a ?lter 44 and then directed
`onto the sample. FIG. 2 shows a beam splitter 46 re?ecting
`the stimulating beam and directing it toward objective 40
`where it is focused onto a spot of sample 20. Light emitted
`or returned from the sample, for example ?uorescent or
`re?ective signal radiation, is then collected by objective 40
`and passes through beam splitter 46 to be directed toward the
`detection path of this third data charmel. An appropriate
`beam splitter for ?uorescent or re?ective emission may be
`used. The emission returned from the sample are re?ected by
`mirror 48 in FIG. 2 and directed through a second ?lter 52
`and then through a second focusing lens 54. Focusing lens
`54 serves to focus the beam onto detector 50. As in FIG. 1,
`the detector may be mounted on the scan head 10 or it may
`be positioned remotely and connected to the scan head via
`an optical ?ber. FIG. 6 shows this detector placement
`alternative, with focusing lens 54 serving to focus the
`returned emission into optical ?ber 64 for transmission to
`detector 62, which is off scan head 10.
`As disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 08/438,416, other variations
`of the LED point scanning system are possible on this
`second side of the compact scan head of the present inven
`tion. The LED provides an inexpensive alternative to the
`laser diode and is particularly useful for certain speci?ed
`wavelengths. For example, a blue LED providing a stimu
`lation beam of a wavelength centered at approximately 450
`nm may advantageously be used to stimulate samples for
`chemi-?uorescence applications. Green, yellow, orange, red,
`and infrared LEDs are also available.
`FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the described two sides of the scan
`head in perspective. FIGS. 3 and 4 depict support wall 60,
`which is a preferred support within scan head 10, and serves
`as the support to which the optical elements of all con?gu
`rations are mounted.
`The compact scan head of the present invention contains
`multiple scanning modalities which may or may not be
`coincident. For example, in FIGS. 3 and 4, two objectives 22
`and 40 are visible. Objective 22 is part of the laser diode
`optical system on the ?rst side 11 of the scan head, and
`objective 40 is part of the LED point scanning system of the
`second side 12 of the scan head. Support wall 60 completely
`separates all of the optical elements of the two sides of the
`scan head and, thus, the laser diode and the LED optical
`systems are separate. The ?rst and second data channels
`
`35
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`40
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`50
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`55
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`60
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`65
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`6
`share a laser diode, a collimating lens, beam splitter, and a
`detector, among other optical elements, however, and so,
`these modalities are at least partially coincident. The sample
`may be mounted relative to the scan head so that scanning
`by either side, and thus either optical con?guration, or
`according to any of the three channels of the scan head, is
`possible. This is facilitated by the movable scan head and its
`preferred two-dimensional translation relative to the sample.
`FIG. 8 shows an alternate embodiment of the scan head,
`with multiple stimulating beams. On the ?rst side 11 of the
`scan head, a second laser diode 15 is shown. Laser diode 15
`provides a stimulating beam which may be included in the
`stimulation optical path of the ?rst side of the scan head via
`beam splitter 17. This second source may provide a different
`stimulating wavelength than the ?rst source. Alternatively,
`the second source may provide a different optical property
`than the ?rst source. For example, the two sources may
`provide pulsed and continuous wave beams, or polarized
`and nonpolarized beams. In this manner, a plurality of light
`sources may be used on the ?rst side of the scan head.
`Stimulation preferably occurs in a sequential manner. The
`second side of the scan head may also have more than one
`light source. A second LED with an af?liated beam restric
`tion means may be inserted into the optical path of the
`second side of the scan head, for example. These multiple
`sources on the second side may also provide unique wave
`lengths or other properties. The various channels on opposite
`sides of the scan head may also utilize beams of di?ferent
`optical properties, in general, rather than simply utilizing
`different wavelengths for stimulation.
`With reference to FIG. 9, optical ?ber delivery via optical
`?ber 67, from remotely positioned LED 33 to the scan head
`is shown. LED 33 provides a stimulating beam which is
`focused by lens 35 into ?ber 67. Fiber 67, in this instance,
`serves as both a delivery means and a restriction means. The
`restricted beam is received by lens 42, as before, and
`directed toward the sample. The laser diode stimulating
`beam of the ?rst side may also be delivered from a remotely
`positioned source to the scan head through the use of an
`optical ?ber.
`Although separate on-head detectors 30 and 50, seen in
`FIGS. 1-2, and off-head detectors 56 and 62, seen in FIGS.
`5-6, are shown and described for the laser diode and LED
`optical systems, a combined detector may be used for the
`various channels and systems. A single detector may be
`particularly convenient when positioned remotely and con
`nected to relevant locations within the scan head 10 by
`optical ?bers. An array'type detector may also be used for
`the various channels. Additionally, a spatial ?lter may be
`added to the detection path of the laser diode or LED optical
`systems, limiting the signals reaching the detector and, in
`certain cases, creating confocal systems.
`Each of the three channels, 81, 82, and 83 of FIG. 10,
`provides data regarding emission within the channel. These
`data are collected from the various detectors by a data
`analysis or processing means 72, such as a computer, and
`displayed, such as on a multi-channel data display 74, or
`saved in a memory for future analysis. The video monitor, or
`other display, may display data from any or all of the three
`channels. Multi-channel displays are known in the art. The
`data analysis means may be programmed to operate the
`channels sequentially on the sample or to direct operation of
`the appropriate channel according to the nature of the
`sample. For example, the particular dimensions of a storage
`phosphor screen or of a rnicrotiter plate may cause ?rst or
`third data channel stimulation and detection of emission to
`occur, the ?tting of the sample holder onto the stage trig—
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`gering the appropriate channel. Simultaneous reading of a
`sample according to more than one channel may also occur.
`The compactness of the scan head allows for high speed
`scanning and its optical systems allow for high resolution
`scanning. In addition, the scan head of the present invention
`provides versatility with regard to sample formats and types
`of optical analysis, thus contributing to reduced laboratory
`operating costs.
`We claim:
`1. A movable scan head with multiple scanning modalities
`for analyzing a sample, the scan head comprising:
`(a) ?rst channel means for stimulating the sample with a
`beam of a ?rst wavelength and detecting resultant
`storage phosphor emission from the sample,
`(b) second channel means for stimulating the sample with
`a beam of the ?rst wavelength and detecting resultant
`?uorescent emission from the sample,
`(0) third channel means for stimulating the sample with a
`beam of a second wavelength and detecting resultant
`second wavelength-stimulated emission from the
`sample,
`((1) means for moving the scan head relative to the sample
`in a scan pattern, and
`(e) analysis means for collecting information regarding
`emission from the ?rst, second, and third channel
`means.
`2. The scan head of claim 1 further comprising:
`means for displaying the information regarding emission
`from any of the ?rst, second, and third channel means.
`3. The scan head of claim 1 wherein the third channel
`means is separated from both the ?rst channel means and the
`second channel means.
`4. The scan head of claim 1 wherein the ?rst channel
`means and second channel means have common portions of
`their respective optical paths.
`5. The scan head of claim 1 wherein the ?rst and second
`channel means are positioned on a ?rst side of a support wall
`of the scan head and the third channel means is positioned
`on a second side of the support wall.
`6. The scan head of claim 1 wherein the ?rst and second
`channel means include a compact, lightweight laser device.
`7. The scan head of claim 6 wherein the ?rst and second
`channel means include a laser diode.
`8. The scan head of claim 1 wherein the ?rst and second
`channel means include a beam splitter for passing the ?rst
`wavelength stimulating beam and for re?ecting emission
`received from the sample which is of a wavelength lower
`than or higher than the ?rst wavelength.
`9. The scan head of claim 8 wherein the ?rst and second
`channel means include a ?lter changer assembly disposed to
`receive emission re?ected by the beam splitter, the ?lter
`changer assembly having at least one ?lter for passing
`emission received from the sample which is of a wavelength
`lower than the ?rst wavelength and at least one ?lter for
`passing emission received from the sample which is of a
`wavelength higher than the ?rst wavelength, and having
`means for shifting each of the ?lters into the ?rst and second
`channel means.
`10. The scan head of claim 1 wherein the third channel
`means includes an LED.
`11. The scan head of claim 1 wherein the third channel
`means includes a spatial ?lter having a pinhole aperture and
`a means for focusing the second wavelength stimulating
`beam into the pinhole aperture for restriction of the diameter
`of the second wavelength stimulating beam to a point light
`source for stimulation of the sample.
`
`5
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`10
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`15
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`25
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`30
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`35
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`45
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`55
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`60
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`8
`12. The scan head of claim 1 wherein the third channel
`means includes an optical ?ber and a means for focusing the
`second wavelength stimulating beam into an optical ?ber for
`restriction of the diameter of the second wavelength stimu
`lating beam to a point light source for stimulation of the
`sample.
`13. The scan head of claim 1 wherein the analysis means
`directs operation of the ?rst, second, and third channel
`means sequentially on‘ the sample.
`14. The scan head of claim 1 further comprising:
`a fourth channel means for stimulating the sample with a
`beam of a third wavelength and detecting resultant third
`wavelength stimulated emission from the sample,
`wherein the analysis means for collecting information
`regarding emission from the ?rst, second, and third
`channel means collects information regarding emission
`from the fourth channel means.
`15. The scan head of claim 1 further comprising a ?fth
`channel means for stimulating light with a beam of a fourth
`wavelength and detecting resultant fourth wavelength
`stimulated emission from the sample,
`wherein the analysis means for collecting information
`regarding emission from the ?rst, second, and third
`channel means collects information regarding emission
`from the ?fth channel means.
`16. A movable scan head with multiple scanning modali
`ties for analyzing a sample, the scan head comprising:
`(a) ?rst channel means for stimulating the sample with a
`beam of a ?rst wavelength and detecting resultant
`storage phosphor emission from the sample,
`(b) third channel means for stimulating the sample with a
`beam of a second wavelength and detecting resultant
`second wavelength-stimulated emission from the
`sample,
`(0) means for moving the scan head relative to the sample
`in a scan pattern, and
`(d) analysis means for collecting information regarding
`emission from the ?rst and third channel means.
`17. A movable scan head with multiple scanning modali
`ties for analyzing a sample, the scan head comprising:
`(a) ?rst channel means for stimulating the sample with a
`beam of a ?rst wavelength and detecting resultant
`storage phosphor emission from the sample,
`(b) second channel means for stimulating the sample with
`a beam of the ?rst wavelength and detecting resultant
`?uorescent emission from the sample,
`(0) means for moving the scan head relative to the sample
`in a scan pattern, and
`‘
`(d) analysis means for collecting information regarding
`emission from the ?rst and second channel means.
`18. A movable scan head with multiple scanning modali
`ties for analyzing a sample, the scan head comprising:
`(a) second channel means for stimulating the sample with
`a beam of a ?rst wavelength and detecting resultant
`?uorescent emission from the sample,
`(b) third channel means for stimulating the sample with a
`beam of a second wavelength and detecting resultant
`second wavelength-stimulated emission from the
`sample,
`(c) means for moving the scan head relative to the sample
`in a scan pattern, and
`(d) analysis means for collecting information regarding
`emission from the second and third channel means.
`19. A movable scan head with three data channels for
`variable optical analysis of samples, the scan head compris
`mg:
`
`THERMO FISHER EX. 1006
`
`

`
`5,528,050
`
`15
`
`9
`a ?rst data channel having a laser diode providing a
`stimulating beam of a ?rst stimulating wavelength Km,
`and a ?rst detection path for isolating emission and for
`providing related data for emission from the sample of
`a wavelength lam/p where Xzmwdtm,
`a second data channel utilizing the laser diode of the ?rst
`data channel to provide a stimulating beam of the ?rst
`stimulating wavelength Km, and having a second
`detection path for isolating emission and for providing
`related data for emission from the sample of a wave
`length hem/f where Lem/PM,“
`a third data channel having an LED providing a stimu
`lating beam of a second stimulating wavelength Km, a
`means for restricting the diameter of the stimulating
`beam of wavelength Km, a means for directing the
`restricted stimula