Fluorescence spectrometer

During analysis of samples of unknown concentration, situations frequently occur in which the dynamic range is insufficient, necessitating reanalysis. Accordingly, a fluorescence spectrometer which splits a single object image into multiple images having different fluorescent intensity by means of image splitting elements, and simultaneously detects the plurality of images obtained thereby in different regions within the same detection plane, is proposed.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a fluorescence spectrometer used for analyzing a nucleic acid or protein.

BACKGROUND ART

As one of the fluorescence spectrometers, a capillary electrophoretic apparatus is exemplified. The capillary electrophoretic apparatus is mainly used for determining a base sequence or a base length of DNA. In capillary electrophoresis, a thin tube which is referred to as a capillary is filled with a migration medium such as a gel and a DNA fragment of a sample is migrated within this capillary. In addition, the time required for the sample to finish migration of only a constant distance (normally, from one end of the capillary to the other end) is measured so as to investigate the length of the DNA fragment. Each sample, in other words, each DNA fragment, is labeled by a fluorescent pigment, and a fluorescent signal of the migrated sample is detected by means of an optical detector placed at the terminal of the capillary.

A multi-focus system disclosed in PTL 1 is exemplified as one of systems of irradiating a plurality of capillaries with a laser beam. In this system, a capillary positioned on one end or both ends of a capillary array configured to include the plurality of capillaries arranged on a planar substrate is irradiated with a laser beam. In addition, the radiated laser beam propagates capillaries adjacent to each other one by one to traverse the capillary array. Light emission caused in the capillary array is detected by a photodetector. A sample including DNA labeled by a fluorescent pigment is introduced into the capillary, and the sample is irradiated with a laser beam such that the laser beam propagates the plurality of capillaries arranged in a row. The DNA which is fluorescence-labeled by the laser beam radiated to the capillary emits fluorescent light. By measuring the fluorescent light from each capillary, it is possible to analyze DNA of the sample introduced into each capillary. The same applies to a case of analyzing protein, or the like.

In the fluorescent light detection of the apparatus described above, the fluorescent light in each fluorescent pigment obtained by irradiating the terminal of the capillary with a laser beam having a specific wavelength is separated by means of a diffraction grating, and an image in a space direction and a wavelength direction is detected by a two-dimensional detector such as a CCD. An image captured by the detector is stored as spectral data of a specific capillary, and used for data analysis. A fluorescence spectrometer disclosed in PTL 2 continuously scatters the obtained fluorescent light using a diffraction grating, and performs analysis by measuring a spectrum (in actuality, discrete for every pixel).

Currently, the use of an analyzer using a fluorescence detector has been extended from a research market to an application market, and it is necessary to cope with a sample having different concentration (detection intensity is varied). The above-mentioned capillary electrophoretic apparatus is one of the above. A major fluorescence detector which has been used in the related art detects the fluorescent light by a single detector. A dynamic range or a detection range of the detector depends on excitation efficiency of a fluorescent sample, a NA of a camera lens, or performance of a two-dimensional detector.

In a device in which a wide dynamic range or a detection range is necessary, a method is used, in which a beam splitter or a filter is provided in the middle of an optical path to split a detection image and a plurality of images having different fluorescent intensity is obtained by a plurality of detectors. However, since a plurality of expensive detectors is necessary, there is a demerit such as an increase in cost of the apparatus and an increase in size of a detection unit.

In addition, the fluorescent intensity depends on the irradiation detection time or the irradiation intensity. Therefore, it is possible to obtain data having different intensity by controlling a parameter of an irradiation side. Thus, a method is suggested, in which the period of the irradiation time or the detection time is elongated or reduced during analysis of using a single detector so as to obtain data having different fluorescent intensity. However, in an apparatus in which data is obtained in times series, measured points per a unit time may be reduced and sampling points necessary for obtaining data may be insufficient.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

In the following, a problem of the related art, which has been determined as a result of thorough study of the present inventors, will be described.

Normally, in the capillary electrophoretic apparatus, a sample in which a DNA amount is adjusted is analyzed. However, from now on, it is expected that the use of the capillary electrophoretic apparatus will be extended to an application market such as clinical diagnosis, DNA identification, or the like. In this case, it is considered that an ability of coping with a sample having an unknown concentration is required in the capillary electrophoretic apparatus. However, in a case where the dynamic range is insufficient, it is considered that in analysis of the sample having a high concentration, a detection signal value is saturated, and in analysis of the sample having a low concentration, the detection signal cannot be detected frequently. In this case, an analyst needs to re-adjust the concentration and then to perform analysis again.

For example, in the method disclosed in PTL 1, since the plurality of samples is measured simultaneously, the concentration of the sample is limited within the dynamic range of the apparatus. Normally, in a gene sequencing analysis using electrophoresis, the concentration of the sample is adjusted to be almost uniform by taking time for purifying the sample in a pre-treatment step of the electrophoresis, and then the analysis is performed. For example, the concentration is checked by means of RNA, and then the sample is applied to the electrophoretic apparatus.

However, if the current electrophoretic apparatus is applied to the field of clinical analysis of the function of genes, a sample which has not gone through the pre-treatment step sufficiently becomes a measurement target. For example, in checking the concentration, a sample in a small amount which is directly applied to the electrophoretic apparatus without confirming the concentration, or a sample of which the concentration is made to be high in advance for analyzing expression becomes a measurement target as well. In this case, a measurement signal value during the analysis may exceed the range of the detection limit. Therefore, the analyst adjusts a voltage and time at the time of injecting the sample and controls the injection amount of the sample to perform analysis again.

In addition to the above, as an actual analysis method, a method is exemplified, in which the irradiation time of excitation light is set to two ways and the irradiation time having unsaturated signal intensity is used for the analysis. However, setting the irradiation time to two ways during the sampling time may not secure data processing and the transmitting time sufficiently. For example, in a case where the sampling time is 150 milliseconds, if 40 milliseconds is provided for one data process, a total 70 milliseconds is merely secured by setting the irradiation time to two ways. In a case where 100 milliseconds is required as the irradiation time of the excitation light in order to secure the original sensitivity, it is understood that this method is not proper. Also, a method is exemplified, in which two detectors are provided to measure the irradiation time of the excitation light to two ways, but the cost of the apparatus becomes expensive.

Solution to Problem

In order to solve the aforementioned problem, in a fluorescence spectrometer according to the present invention, a method is suggested, in which one object image is split into a plurality of images having different fluorescent intensity by means of image splitting elements and the obtained plurality of images are detected simultaneously in different regions within the same detection plane.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

According to the present invention, since a signal having different fluorescent intensity is measured simultaneously with respect to the same sample, externally, it is possible to increase a dynamic range. A problem, configuration, and effect other than the above will be clarified in the description of the embodiment below.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

First, a schematic configuration of the fluorescence spectrometer mentioned in each Example below will be described. All of the fluorescence spectrometers mentioned in each Example below are common to each other in that one object image is split into a plurality of images having different fluorescent intensity by means of an image splitting element, and the obtained plurality of images are detected simultaneously in different regions within the same detection plane. In addition, the fluorescence spectrometer is used by combining the image splitting element and the light dispersing element.

In all of the fluorescence analysis apparatuses, since a plurality of signals having different fluorescent intensity is measured simultaneously with respect to the same sample, it is possible to increase a dynamic range externally. For example, two types of strong and weak images having signal intensity 10 times different from each other can be obtained and samples having concentration 10 times different from each other can be analyzed. For example, in a case of a sample having high concentration, since the fluorescent intensity is strong and an image on the detector is saturated, an accurate analysis may not be performed. In this case, the analysis is performed by using an image on a side of having weak fluorescent intensity. In a case of a sample having high concentration, the analysis is performed by using an image having strong fluorescent intensity. Even if the concentration is different 10 times, the analysis can be performed by using two strong and weak data on the detector differently.

The fluorescence detector is configured to include an optical filter for separating excitation light and fluorescent light, a condensing lens for obtaining an image, a light dispersing element for dispersing the fluorescent light (a diffraction grating, a prism, or an optical filter), an optical element for splitting the image (a prism, a beam splitter), an image forming lens, and a two-dimensional detector for obtaining a dispersed light image as data (a CCD, a CMOS, or the like).

The optical filter is disposed between an object surface and the condensing lens and behind the condensing lens. In addition, the light dispersing element for dispersing the fluorescent light and the optical element for splitting the image are disposed on an optical path collimated behind the condensing lens. An image forming lens is disposed on an optical path after light dispersing and image splitting and in front of the two-dimensional detector.

The structure of the image splitting element used for splitting an image (for example, a prism) is configured to include a plane surface perpendicular to an optical axis (optical path) of the collimated fluorescent light and a plane surface in the same number as the number of splitting the optical path. The surface splitting the image is inclined by number of several degrees to tens of degrees rather than a surface parallel to the plane surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the collimated fluorescent light. For example, the surface splitting the image is inclined in the range of 1° to less than 20°. Accordingly, the optical axis is changed on the image splitting surface of the prism. As a plurality of fluorescent light paths is generated in the number of the image splitting surface, the image is split. If a dielectric film or a vapor deposited film is formed on each split surface to vary transmittance, the fluorescent intensity of the split image can be controlled. In addition, by changing the ratio of the area of each split surface, the fluorescent intensity of each image can be controlled.

An image splitting element having a different structure (for example, a beam splitter) has a flat plate shape, and splits the optical path by transmission and reflection. The ratio of transmission to reflection can be controlled. The image splitting element is disposed with an inclination of 45° to the optical axis of the collimated fluorescent light. Since the transmission optical axis and the reflection optical axis form a great angle of 90°, a total reflection type mirror is disposed on the transmission optical path or the reflection optical path, and is almost parallel to the split optical path.

Hereinafter, the mechanism of the image splitting and image forming of a plurality of images within the fluorescence spectrometer will be described. Even in a case of the fluorescence spectrometer according to each Example, a laser beam is radiated to the capillary, or the like to excite a fluorescent pigment in the sample in the same manner as the related technology. The fluorescent light, necessary for the analysis is transmitted while the excitation light component of the excited fluorescent light is prevented by the optical filter, or the like, the fluorescent light is condensed by a lens and collimated. The unnecessary component is removed by the optical filter again from the collimated fluorescent light and the light is dispersed by the diffraction grating. The light dispersed by the diffraction grating is divided into the 0-order light, the 1st-order light, and the 2nd-order light component. In the fluorescence spectrometer according to Example, the image splitting element is disposed on the optical path of the 1st-order light having the highest signal intensity after light dispersing. The light dispersed by the diffraction grating is retained to be in a collimated state.

In an image splitting prism, the optical axis passes through a prism surface perpendicular to the optical axis and is changed on the surface not parallel to the prism surface but the surface inclined by several degrees rather than the parallel surface. The light is refracted on the interface between the prism and the air according to Snell's Law. If there is a plurality of surfaces inclined, the new optical path is generated in the number of the surfaces, and one image incident on the prism is split so as to form a plurality of images. At this time, if the dielectric film is vapor-deposited on each surface used for image splitting, and transmittance is controlled, it is possible to split the image into an image having different signal intensity.

Finally, the dispersed light and the fluorescent light split into the plurality of images, in other words, the plurality of optical paths are image formed by the two-dimensional detector using a camera lens, or the like. A plurality of split objects and light dispersed images are formed on the two-dimensional detector. When the light is split into a plurality of optical paths, the signal intensity of the formed image is determined depending on the amount of light of the split surface. In addition, as described below, the detector is not limited to the two-dimensional detector and a one-dimensional detector is used according to a combination of the image splitting element and the light dispersing element to be used.

Hereinafter, examples will be described by referring to the attached drawings. However, it is noted that the examples are merely one example to execute the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, the same reference numbers are attached in the common configuration in each drawing.

FIG. 1illustrates a schematic configuration of a gene analysis apparatus in which the capillary electrophoretic apparatus is used for fluorescent light detection. In addition, the configuration of the apparatus is common in each Example described below. The gene analysis apparatus is one example of the fluorescence spectrometer.

A gene analysis apparatus100is configured to include a data analysis apparatus128and an electrophoretic apparatus101. The electrophoretic apparatus101is configured to include a detection unit116for optically detecting a sample, a thermostatic bath118for retaining the temperature of a capillary constantly, a conveyer125for transporting various containers to a capillary cathode end, a high voltage power supply104for adding high voltage to the capillary, a first ammeter105for detecting an electric current generated from the high voltage power supply, a second ammeter112for detecting an electric current flowing to the electrode on an anode side, a capillary array117configured to include a single or a plurality of capillaries102, and a pump mechanism103for injecting a polymer to the capillary.

The capillary array117is an exchange member including a plurality of (for example, 4) capillaries, and includes a road header129, a detection unit116, and a capillary head. In a case where a measurement method is changed, the capillary array117is repositioned to adjust the length of the capillary102. In addition, when a damage or deterioration in quality of the capillary is observed, the capillary array is replaced with a new capillary array.

The capillary102is configured of a glass tube having an inner diameter of tens of to hundreds of microns and an outer diameter of hundreds of microns, and the surface is coated with polyimide in order to improve strength. However, the light irradiation portion to be irradiated with a laser beam is configured such that a polyimide film is removed in order for light emission in the inside to leak to the outside easily. The interior of the capillary102is filled with a separation medium for imparting a migration speed difference at the time of electrophoresis. There is a separation medium having fluidity or non-fluidity but a polymer having fluidity is used in the present examples.

The detection unit116is a member for obtaining information depending on the sample, and the detection unit is irradiated with excitation light and emits light of a wavelength depending on the sample. The vicinity of the light irradiation portion of the four capillaries is arranged and fixed on an optically flat plane surface at the accuracy of several microns in height. At the time of electrophoresis, a substantially coaxial two laser beams are radiated from both sides and transmit all of the light irradiation portions continuously. Due to these laser beams, information light (fluorescent light having a wavelength depending on the sample) is generated from the sample and emitted to the outside from the light irradiation portions. This information light is detected by the optical detector115to analyze the sample.

The each capillary cathode end127is fixed through a hollow electrode126made of a metal, and the tip of the capillary is protruded about 0.5 mm from the hollow electrode126. In addition, all of the hollow electrodes equipped in each capillary are integrally installed to a road header129. Further, all of the hollow electrodes126is electrically conductive to a high voltage power supply104mounted to an apparatus main body, and operated as a cathode electrode when it is necessary to apply a voltage such as electrophoresis, introduction of the sample, or the like.

The capillary cathode end127and the capillary end (the other end) on the opposite side are tied as one by the capillary head, and are detachable from a block107at voltage resistant density as the tie through the capillary head. A syringe106is connected to one flow channel within the block107and the capillary is filled with a new polymer from the other end side by this syringe106. The filling of the polymer in the capillary is executed every time of measurement, in order to improve measurement performance.

The pump mechanism103is configured to include the syringe106and a mechanism system for adding pressure to the syringe. In addition, the block107is a connection member for communicating with the syringe106, the capillary array117, an anode buffer container110, and a polymer container109respectively. The optical detection unit is configured to include a light source114for irradiating the detection unit116and an optical detector115for detecting light emission within the detection unit116. When the sample in the capillary separated by electrophoresis is detected, the light irradiation portion of the capillary is irradiated by the light source114and light emission from the light irradiation portion is detected by the optical detector115.

The thermostatic bath118is coated with an insulating material in order to retain the temperature within the thermostatic bath constantly, and the temperature is controlled by a heating and cooling mechanism120. In addition, a fan119causes air within the thermostatic bath to be circulated and stirred, and the temperature of the capillary array117is retained to be positionally uniform and constant. The conveyer125includes three electric motors and a linear actuator and can be movable in three axes (vertical, horizontal, and depth directions). In addition, at least one or more containers can be placed on a movable stage130of the conveyer125. Further, an electric grip131is included in the movable stage130and each container can be gripped or released. Therefore, the conveyer125can transport a cathode buffer container121, a cleansing container122, a waste liquid container123, and a sample container124to the cathode end by using the grip131, if necessary. In addition, an unnecessary container is stored in a predetermined accommodation place within the apparatus.

The electrophoretic apparatus101is used in a state where the apparatus is connected to a data analysis apparatus128by a communication cable. An operator can control a function possessed by the apparatus by means of the data analysis apparatus128and give and receive data detected by the detector within the apparatus.

FIG. 2schematically illustrates configurations of an optical system laser irradiation unit of the gene analysis apparatus100and the vicinity of the detection unit of the capillary array117, and an introduction path of the laser beam. A shutter for a laser, a filter, or the like is a well-known matter in the technical field and is not a direct target of the present invention. Thus, the shutter for a laser, the filter, or the like is not illustrated for simplification. FIG. (a) is a schematic side view of the laser irradiation unit and FIG. (b) is a schematic front view thereof. However, a disposition relationship in FIG. (a) and FIG. (b) does not show a disposition relationship in drafting.

A laser beam202emitted from a solid-state laser201, which is a light source, passes through a reflection mirror203or a beam splitter205and is radiated to the capillary array. The four capillaries102are arranged on a reference base209and fixed, which is referred to as a capillary array. A plane surface in which a central axis of the four capillaries102is formed on the reference base209and a virtual plane in which the plane surface is extended to a whole space are referred to as a capillary-arranged plane. In addition, in the capillary-arranged plane, a virtual linear line which is perpendicular to the axis of the four capillaries and penetrates the center of the detection unit is, hereinafter, referred to as an irradiation optical axis basic axis210.

The laser beam202introduced from the both ends of the capillary array is parallel to the capillary-arranged plane and is the same axis as the irradiation optical axis basic axis210. The capillary102is formed such that a quartz glass tube is coated with a polymer thin film. (polyimide), but in the detection unit, the polymer coating film is removed and the quartz is uncovered. The inner diameter/outer diameter of the quartz tube are 50/320 μm, and the outer diameter of the capillary including the polymer thin film is 363 μm. The pitch of the capillary102is 363 μm, which is equal to the outer diameter of the capillary, and the width of the capillary array is 8.7 mm (=363 μm×4).

The laser beam202is irradiated to the fluorescence detection unit (portion where the quartz is uncovered) of the capillary array from one side surface of the array, and the fluorescent light emitted from the detection unit is observed so as to detect DNA. The laser beam202is condensed by a laser condensing lens206(f=60 mm). A capillary102positioned at the end of the capillary array and with the laser introduced thereto is, hereinafter, referred to as a first capillary. The distance between the laser condensing lens206and the first capillary is 62 mm, and the laser beam introduced into the first capillary propagates the capillary adjacent thereto one by one and traverse four capillaries.

Before the laser beam202reaches the capillary102, a wavelength plate (λ/4)207is disposed at both ends of the capillary array in order to change linearly polarized light of the laser beam202to circularly polarized light. The laser beam202which has been changed to the circularly polarized light by the wavelength plate207on one side is changed to the linearly polarized light again by the wavelength plate207on the other side. At this time, a linearly polarized light direction of the linearly polarized light which has passed through the wavelength plate207twice is rotated 90 degrees with respect to the initial linearly polarized light direction before being introduced to the wavelength plate207. In addition, a polarizer204is disposed immediately after the solid-state laser201as a countermeasure of the return light. The polarizer204is an optical element which transmits only the polarized light in one direction such as a polarizing plate or a polarized cube. Since the laser beam which has passed through the wavelength plate207twice is blocked by the polarizer204, the laser beam does not reach the light source.

A disposition of an irradiation portion and the detection unit will be described usingFIG. 3. As described above, a plurality of capillaries102(for example, four) is arranged and fixed on the reference base209made of ceramics, which is a plane surface, to form a capillary array. In the illustrated Example, four capillaries102are arranged on a capillary retention surface, pressed by a flat plate mask301made of silicon, and fixed by an adhesive to form a capillary array.

A plane surface in which a central axis of four capillaries is formed on the reference base209and a virtual plane in which the plane surface is extended to a whole space are referred to as a capillary-arranged plane. In addition, a linear line perpendicular to the irradiation optical axis basic axis210and perpendicular to the capillary-arranged plane is referred to as a detection optical axis basic axis310. The laser beam202introduced from the both ends of the capillary array is parallel to the capillary-arranged plane and is the same axis as the irradiation optical axis basic axis210. Every one of the capillary102is formed such that a quartz glass tube is coated with a polymer thin film, but in the laser irradiation unit302(detection portion), the polymer coating film is removed and the quartz is uncovered.

FIG. 3(b)illustrates a schematic view of the cross section in which a part of the detection unit is cut along the surface orthogonal to the capillary. There are four capillaries102, and first, if the capillary102at the first end is irradiated with the laser beam202and the beam passes through the capillary, the next capillary102is irradiated. In this way, the laser beam202passes through a plurality of capillaries one by one and comes out from the capillary102at the opposite end. Since the capillary102has a cylindrical shape and the inside thereof is filled with a polymer, the capillary provides a condensing function which is the same as that of a convex lens. This prevents the laser beam202from being diverged. By irradiating the capillary with the laser beam202from the both right and left directions of the capillary array, it is possible to irradiate substantially all of the capillaries102with the laser beam202having uniform intensity. Therefore, it is possible to irradiate four samples simultaneously while the laser intensity s retained. A fluorescence detector303is disposed on a detection optical axis basic axis310and can simultaneously condense the fluorescent light of the four samples more effectively. In other words, all of the samples can be simultaneously detected while high sensitivity is retained.

FIG. 4illustrates a detailed configuration of the fluorescence detector303.FIG. 4(a)illustrates a view of the surface created by the axis of the capillary102and the detection optical axis basic axis310, andFIG. 4(b)illustrates a side view thereof, that is, a view of the plane surface created by the irradiation optical axis basic axis210and the detection optical axis basic axis310. However, in FIG. (b), in order to facilitate the description, a disposition of the optical system after the diffraction grating405is modified. Originally, it is necessary to present the disposition such that a thin prism (also referred to as “image splitting prism”)409or an image forming lens406in FIG. (b) is inclined, in combination with the disposition of FIG. (a).

The fluorescence detector303is configured to include a first optical filter402and a second optical filter404for separating excitation light and fluorescent light, a condensing lens403for obtaining an image, a diffraction grating405for dispersing the fluorescent light, a thin prism409for splitting the image, an image forming lens406for forming an image, and a two-dimensional detector407(a CCD, a CMOS, or the like) for obtaining the dispersed light image as data.

Hereinafter, a detailed disposition of the optical element and a mechanism of image splitting and forming a plurality of the images within the detector will be described. The capillary102is irradiated with the laser beam202to excite the fluorescent pigment in the sample. The first optical filter402, the condensing lens403, the second optical filter404, and the diffraction grating405are disposed on the detection optical axis basic axis310. In the same manner as the related art, light emitted from the capillary102is separated to excitation light and a necessary fluorescent light component by the first optical filter402, and the light is condensed by the condensing lens403to be collimated. The collimated fluorescent light is incident on the second optical filter404again and an unnecessary component is removed. The fluorescent light of which the unnecessary component has been removed is dispersed by the diffraction grating405. The light dispersed by the diffraction grating405is divided into the 0-order light, the 1st-order light, and the 2nd-order light. In the present example, the optical path of the 1st-order light having the highest signal intensity after light dispersing is referred to as a detection optical axis after light dispersing410, and the thin prism409, which is an image splitting element, the image forming lens406for forming an image, and the two-dimensional detector407(a CCD, a CMOS, or the like) for obtaining a light dispersed image as data are disposed thereon.

The structure of the thin prism409is configured to include a plane surface perpendicular to the optical axis (optical path) of the collimated fluorescent light-perpendicular to the detection optical axis basic axis310, and a plane surface in the same number as the number of splitting the optical path. The image splitting surface is inclined by several degrees to tens of degrees rather than the surface parallel to the plane surface perpendicular to the optical axis of the collimated fluorescent light (which will be described inFIG. 6below). Therefore, the optical axis of the image splitting surface of the thin prism.409is changed. In the present example, the thin prism has two image splitting surfaces having equivalent areas and two fluorescent light paths411and412are generated, and accordingly the image is split. In the image splitting prism, the optical axis passes through a prism surface perpendicular to the optical axis and is changed on the surface, which is not parallel to the prism surface but inclined by several degrees rather than the parallel surface. The light is refracted on the interface between the prism and the air according to Snell's Law. If there is a plurality of surfaces inclined, the new optical path is generated in the number of the surfaces, and one image incident on the prism is split so as to form a plurality of images. As the dielectric film or the vapor deposited film is formed respectively on the split surface to vary the transmittance, it is possible to control the fluorescent intensity of the split image. In the present example, the thin prism409having the image splitting surface having 90% of transmittance and the image splitting surface having 10% of transmittance is disposed.

Finally, the dispersed light and the fluorescent light split into the plurality of images, in other words, optical paths are image formed by the two-dimensional detector407using the image forming lens406. A plurality of object images obtained by splitting a specific dispersed light (1st-order light) is image formed on a plurality of regions configuring the same detection plane of the two-dimensional detector407. When the light is split into a plurality of optical paths, the signal intensity of the object image to be formed is determined depending on the amount of light of the split surface.

The fluorescent light which passes through the fluorescent light path411transmits the image splitting surface having 90% of transmittance, and accordingly a first image (strong) having strong signal intensity is formed on the two-dimensional detector407. The fluorescent light which passes through the fluorescent light path412transmits the image splitting surface having 10% of transmittance, and accordingly a second image (weak) having weak signal intensity is formed on the two-dimensional detector407. The ratio of the signal intensity of the first image to the second image is about 9:1, which is the same as the ratio of the transmittance. That is, data of the two types including the first image (strong) and the second image (weak) is obtained on the two-dimensional detector407.

Hereinafter, a basic procedure of electrophoretic analysis will be described by mainly referring toFIG. 5. Before performing the electrophoresis and analyzing an arbitrary sample, a wavelength calibration is performed every time the capillary is replaced (500). In the wavelength calibration, a well-known DNA sample calibrated from a pigment group to be analyzed, for example, four fluorescent pigments is migrated to obtain basic spectral data. In a case where analysis performance is decreased because of deterioration of the capillary102and the length of the capillary102is changed due to the analysis, the wavelength calibration is an operation that is necessarily performed after the capillary array is replaced.

The basic procedure of the electrophoretic analysis can be mainly classified into an advance preparation, filling a migration medium (503), a preliminary migration (506), an introduction of a sample (509), and analysis by electrophoresis (512). First, a preparation before starting the electrophoresis will be described. An operator sets the following into an apparatus before starting the measurement. That is, a cathode buffer container121containing a buffer solution, a cleansing container122containing pure water for cleansing capillary, a waste liquid container123for discharging a polymer in the capillary, a polymer container109containing a polymer which is a separation medium, and a sample container124containing a sample to be measured from now, are set.

The anode buffer container110is filled with a buffer which is substantially enough to sufficiently immerse both an electrode (GND)111and a communication tube. As the buffer solution, an electrolytic solution which is commercially available for the use of electrophoresis from each company is used. In addition, a sample which is an analysis target is dispensed to a well of the sample container124. The sample is, for example, a PCR product of DNA. In addition, a cleansing solution for cleansing the capillary cathode end127is dispensed to the cleansing container122. The cleansing solution is, for example, pure water. In addition, the separation medium for performing electrophoresis of the sample is injected within the syringe106. The migration medium is, for example, a polyacrylamide-based separated gel (hereinafter, a polymer) which is commercially available for the use of electrophoresis from each company.

At this time, as the sample set in the sample container124, a positive control, a negative control, and an allelic ladder are exemplified in addition to an actual sample of DNA which is an analysis target, and each sample is subjected to electrophoresis is performed in a different capillary. The positive control is, for example, a well-known PCR product including DNA, and is a sample for a control experiment for confirming that DNA is accurately amplified by PCR. The negative control is a PCR product not including DNA, and is a sample for a control experiment for confirming that an amplified product of PCR is not contaminated by an operator's DNA, a dust, or the like.

In addition, the cathode buffer container121is filled with a buffer which is substantially enough to sufficiently immerse the hollow electrode126and the capillary cathode end127. If the measurement is started in a state where the amount of the buffer solution is insufficient or the cathode buffer container121is empty, there is a danger in which an electric discharge may occur between a cathode electrode having high electric potential and other electrode having low electric potential at the time of applying a high voltage. Further, a buffer level of both electrodes is preferably the same as each other. This is in order the polymer within the capillary not to move by pressure caused by a difference between the high and low electric potential. In addition, it is necessary that all of the flow channel used for the electrophoresis and the flow channel used for transporting the polymer to the flow channel are filled with a polymer before starting the measurement. Normally, in a case where the apparatus is sequentially used, the flow channel is filled with a polymer. In addition, when the polymer is substituted in the flow channel again, after replacing the capillary array and cleansing the inside of the flow channel, the operator substitutes the polymer within the flow channel again by operating the pump mechanism of the apparatus or operating the syringe manually. After that, the operator visually confirms that bubbles do not remain or foreign matters are not incorporated within the flow channel. Then, after the advance preparation is completed, the operator operates the apparatus to start the analysis. The analysis herein is analysis of adding a high voltage to an electrophoresis path.

The apparatus starts the analysis according to a command from the data analysis apparatus128(501). First, the apparatus prepares the injection of the polymer to the capillary and conveys the waste liquid container to the capillary cathode end by the conveyer125(502). After that, the apparatus injects the polymer to the capillary by the pump mechanism103. That is, filling of the migration medium (503) is started. This step may be automatically performed after starting the analysis, or gradually, may be performed as a control signal is sent from the data analysis apparatus128. The filling of the migration medium is a procedure that fills the inside of the capillary102with a new migration medium to form a migration path.

In the filling of the migration medium (503) in the present example, first, the waste liquid container123is conveyed right below the road header129by the conveyer125and the used migration medium to be discharged from the capillary cathode end527is received. In addition, the capillary102is filled with a new migration medium by driving the syringe106and the used migration medium is wasted. Finally, the capillary cathode end127is immersed in the cleansing solution within the cleansing container122, and the contaminated capillary cathode end127is cleansed by the migration medium.

If the filling of the migration medium in a predetermined amount is completed, the conveyer125transports the cleansing container122to the capillary cathode end127, and cleansing is performed by immersing the capillary cathode end127in pure water in the cleansing container (504). Next, the conveyer125transports the cathode buffer container121to the capillary cathode end127(505).

Next, the preliminary migration (506) is performed. This step may be automatically performed, or, gradually, performed as the control signal is sent from the data analysis apparatus128. A predetermined voltage is applied to start the preliminary migration (506). The preliminary migration is a procedure for causing the state of the polymer within the capillary to be appropriate for the analysis, before an analysis step of the related art in which the electrophoresis is performed from the introduction of the sample. In the preliminary migration, normally, a voltage of about several kilovolts to tens of kilovolts is applied for several minutes to tens of minutes.

If the preliminary migration is completed, the capillary cathode end127is cleansed in the cleansing container again (507), and then the sample container124is transported to the capillary cathode end (508). In addition, if a voltage of about several kilovolts is applied to the capillary cathode end127in the sample solution accommodated in the sample container124, an electric field is generated from the sample solution between the electrode on the anode side and the capillary cathode end. The sample in the sample solution is introduced into the capillary due to this electric field (509). If the introduction of the sample is completed, the capillary cathode end127is cleansed in the cleansing container (510) and then the cathode buffer container121is transported to the capillary cathode end127again (511). After that, a predetermined voltage is applied to start the electrophoresis (512).

Next, the electrophoresis (512) is performed. This step may be automatically performed, or gradually, may be performed as the control signal is sent from the data analysis apparatus128. The electrophoresis (512) refers to that mobility is imparted to the sample in the capillary by the action of the electric field generated between the cathode and anode buffer, and the sample is separated due to the difference in mobility depending on the properties of the sample. In the electrophoresis (512) of the present example, first, the capillary cathode end127is immersed in the buffer solution within the cathode buffer container121by the conveyer125to form an electrification path. Next, a high voltage lower or higher than 15 kV is applied to the electrification path by the high voltage power supply104to generate an electric field in the migration path. Each sample component in the migration path moves to the detection unit116at a speed depending on the properties of each sample component due to the generated electric field. That is, the sample component is separated by the difference in the mobility speed of the component. Also, the sample component reached to the detection unit116is detected in an order.

For example, in a case where the sample includes a plurality of DNAs having a different base length, a difference in the mobility speed occurs due to the base length, and the DNA having a short base length reaches the detection unit116first. A fluorescent pigment depending on a terminal base sequence thereof is attached to each DNA. If the detection unit116is irradiated with excitation light from the light source114, information light (fluorescent light having a wavelength depending on the sample) is generated from the sample and emitted to the outside. This information light is detected by the optical detector115. During migration analysis, in the optical detector115, this information light is detected at a constant time interval and image data is sent to the data analysis apparatus128. Or, in order to reduce the amount of information to be sent, not the image data but only the luminescence of a part of the region in the image data may be sent. For example, only a luminance value of a wavelength position at a constant interval may be sent to each capillary. Finally, if predetermined time is elapsed from the start of applying the voltage and the expected data is obtained, the application of the voltage is stopped and the electrophoresis is finished (513). The above is a series of the measurement sequence.

A principle in which two strong and weak images are split and a structure of the image splitting prism will be described usingFIGS. 6A to 6C. InFIG. 6A to 6B, the effect of dispersing the light by the diffraction grating405is omitted and an image forming system is simply illustrated.FIG. 6Aillustrates an image forming system by a fluorescence spectrometer according to a technology of the related art. The capillary102is arranged, and in a light ray tracing601of the fluorescent light collimated by a second condensing lens404A, one image602is formed on the two-dimensional detector407by the image forming lens406. In a case of the image forming system of 1:1, an image same as the object image is formed.

FIG. 6Billustrates a light ray tracing off the present example. In a case of the present example, an image splitting prism409is disposed in addition to a configuration of the fluorescence spectrometer of the related art. The fluorescent light having transmitted this image splitting prism409is refracted at an interface between the image splitting surface of the image splitting prism409and air. Since there are two split surfaces, the light ray is refracted. In two directions from one point, thereby forming two light ray tracing603and604. Each tracing forms two images605and606by the image forming lens406.

Hereinafter, an angle of the light ray emitted from the image splitting prism409or a prism design for causing the two images not to be overlapped will be described. Each subscript indicates the following values.

f1: Focal distance of condensing lens

f2: Focal distance of image forming lens

Y′: Height of image (image formed surface)

Next, an angle to the condensing lens is defined as follows.

θ1: Incidence angle to condensing lens

θ′1: Incidence angle to prism

θ2: Emission angle from prism

First, the height of the image (image formed surface) Y′ is calculated. Y′ is given by the following equation.
Y′=tan θ2×f2/f1×f2

It is necessary to satisfy a condition of the following equation such that the two split images do not overlap each other.
Tan θ2×f2=Y′>2YEquation (1)

(However, in a case of an 1:1 image forming system in which f1=f2)

In addition, since Y/f1=tan θ1, θ1 is given by the following equation.
θ1=tan−1(Y/f1)

Here, if a refractive index of a prism material is n and an angle of the optical path within the prism is θ3 to θ4 (refer toFIG. 6C), a relationship between θ1 and θ2 satisfies the following equation according to Snell's Law.
n×sin θ′2=sin θ1

Further, the following equation is satisfied according toFIG. 6C.

In addition, in the image splitting surface, the following equation is satisfied again according to Snell's Law.
n×sin θ′3=sin θ′4

If θ′4 is obtained according toFIG. 6C, the following equation is satisfied

Further, the emission angle θ2 from the image splitting prism409is as follows,

In order to satisfy Equation (1) and Equation (2), an inclination angle θ of the image splitting prism409can be obtained from the original object image Y.

FIG. 7schematically illustrates an image splitting prism409. The fluorescent light collimated by the condensing lens403is incident from the illustrated incident surface. The image splitting prism409is configured to include an incident surface as a base and two surfaces inclined by an angle θ from a surface parallel to the incident surface as a split surface. A vertical angle α of the image splitting prism409is characterized to be π-2θ. A material of the image splitting prism409is, for example, BK7 (refractive index of 1.517).

FIG. 8illustrates a specific example of the image splitting prism409. For example, in a case where a capillary array is configured to include 8 capillaries102, a pitch of the capillary102is 363 μm equal to the outer diameter of the capillary, a width of the array is 2.96 mm (=363 μm×8), and the height of the image (object surface) from the center is 1.5 mm, a half of the width. If a focal distance between the condensing lens403and the image forming lens406is 50 mm, the incidence angle θ1=1.72° and the emission angle μ2=6.47°. The height of the image on the object side is 6.7 mm, which is sufficiently greater than the width of the capillary 2.96 mm, and accordingly, each split image can be obtained on the detector.

In a case where an interval between each capillary is sufficiently great, although not being illustrated (for example, in a case where the interval is equal to or greater than the outer diameter of the capillary), it is possible to capture an image by shifting the first image and the second image by the interval of the capillaries and forming a capillary image of the second image between the capillaries of the first image.

FIG. 9Aillustrates a view of the light ray tracing in a case where the inclination angle θ of the image splitting prism409is 15° and a state of image forming on the two-dimensional detector. For example, in a case where three capillaries102are used, three light rays are represented respectively with a subtle angle difference in the light ray tracing (all capillaries)901. After the image splitting prism409, the capillaries are split into light ray tracings (first capillary)902to (second capillary)904of the first image. In the same manner, the light ray tracing of the second image exist in the number of three. The light ray tracing (first capillary)902to (second capillary)904of the first image and the light ray tracing of the second image reach the two-dimensional detector, and represent capillary images respectively. Since the inclination angle is great, the first image and the second image are obtained by being separated on the two-dimensional detector.

Meanwhile,FIG. 9Billustrates a view of the light ray tracing in a case where the inclination angle θ of the image splitting prism409is 5° and a state of image forming on the two-dimensional detector. The inclination angle θ is an accurate value with respect to the three capillaries102, and the first image and the second image are obtained by almost being adjacent to each other on the two-dimensional detector. Therefore, in a case of the present example, if the inclination angle θ of the image splitting prism409is set to 5°, an effect is obtained in which a detector region can be used without waste.

In below, the effect will be described usingFIG. 10, which is obtained by obtaining two types of strong and weak images having signal intensity inFIG. 4.FIG. 10(a)illustrates an example of the first image (strong) and the second image (weak) formed on the two-dimensional detector. Respectively, a vertical axis represents a space direction of the capillary, that is, a capillary number, and a horizontal axis represents a wavelength scattering direction. Here, the A point (for example, the second capillary, the wavelength of 600 nm) on the two-dimensional detector is focused.

FIG. 10(b)illustrates times series data of each A point in the first image and the second image. A horizontal axis represents time and a vertical axis represents signal intensity. If a DNA fragment flows in, a signal representing the intensity of the fluorescent light emitted by being excited by the laser is detected, and is observed as a time series peak. Normally, since time for which the peak is generated differs depending on the length of the DNA fragment, a plurality of peaks can be observed. In a case where the concentration of the sample is adjusted to an accurate value, normally, all of the DNA fragments can be observed.

Meanwhile, in a case of corresponding to an unknown sample, it is necessary to analyze a DNA fragment having high concentration. At that time, the signal intensity may increase over a saturation limit value (“12” in the drawing) and the accurate value may not be detected. The part indicating “the saturated state of the signal value” of the first image is the above case. Then, if the second image is focused, originally, since the signal intensity is reduced to obtain data, the signal intensity does not exceed the saturation limit value, and data of the same DNA fragment can be obtained. The analysis can be performed more effectively without necessarily performing the analysis again and exemplifying waste of the sample or an analysis cost. By using the first image and the second image differently, the sample having different concentration can be analyzed at once.

The ratio of the signal intensity of the first image to the second image follows the transmittance of each split surface of the image splitting prism. By setting the transmittance to 1:10, it is possible to correspond to the sample having concentration 10 times different from each other. It is possible to determine which one of the first image and the second image to use as a common mode for each apparatus system, and in the present example, data of both images can be obtained. A function for a user of checking the first image and the second image by displaying the images in time series on an operation screen (not illustrated) is provided and accordingly, the user can select the image as well when performing the analysis.

In the present example, two types of the analysis are performed with one detector externally. In the related art, for example, the analysis is performed a plurality of times by changing irradiation detection time or irradiation intensity, which means the same as that the analysis is performed one time with respect to two types of the irradiation detection time (long and short). As such, the fluorescence spectrometer according to the present example functions, as if the analyzer includes two detectors having the same performance or respective parts configuring the apparatus. In other words, externally, a dynamic range of the apparatus is extended, while a SN ratio to be analyzable and sensitivity are retained.

As the above, by extending the dynamic range, the fluorescence spectrometer according to the present example can extremely reduce remeasurement caused by saturation of the measured signal value in the middle of the analysis with respect to the detection range, externally. In particular, when a plurality of samples is simultaneously measured, the measurement can be performed simultaneously even if the concentration of each sample varies greatly. Also, the fluorescence spectrometer is effective for measuring the sample having unknown concentration.

In addition, in the fluorescence detector according to the present example, a plurality of strong and weak detection images can be simultaneously obtained by one detector. Thus, it is possible to provide an apparatus having a small size, a low price, and considerably wide detection range. For example, in a capillary type gene detection apparatus, the dynamic range can be extended 10 or greater times than the related art. Also, by obtaining the plurality of strong and weak detection images simultaneously, the measured points can be retained and highly accurate analysis can be performed.

Subsequently, preferred second Example of the fluorescence spectrometer will be described by using a capillary electrophoretic apparatus. In the fluorescence spectrometer in Example 1, the thin prism409is used as an image splitting element. The image splitting surfaces of the prism in Example 1 have the equivalent areas (refer toFIG. 4), and by changing the transmittance, the fluorescent intensity of the split image is controlled. However, there is a demerit as follows to vapor-deposit a dielectric multilayer film having different properties on the image splitting surfaces.1) Since a plurality of vapor-depositing steps is gone through in manufacturing, the cost is high.2) Decreasing the transmittance causes the amount of light originally condensed to be wasteful.

Therefore, in Example 2, a prism which controls the fluorescent intensity by the area ratio of the image splitting surface is used.FIG. 11illustrates a detailed configuration of the fluorescence detector303used in the present example. A major configuration is the same as Example 1, but an image splitting prism1109having an image splitting surface having a different area ratio is used as an optical element for image splitting.

In the present example, fluorescent light dispersed by the diffraction grating405is made to pass through the image splitting prism1109having a plurality of image splitting surfaces having a different area, so as to split a plurality of images having different signal intensity by a difference in the area passing through the light. In Example 1, since an optical axis is refracted at the interface of the image splitting surface and air as described usingFIG. 6B, a light ray direction of the fluorescent light is changed. The amount of the light ray proportional to the area of the image splitting surface becomes the fluorescent intensity at the time of image forming. That is, the signal intensity to be detected by the two-dimensional detector407is determined depending on the area ratio of the image splitting surface.

In a case ofFIG. 11, since the area ratio of the two image splitting surfaces of the image splitting prism1109is 9:1, two images having the signal intensity of 9:1 can be obtained in the same manner as Example 1. In a case of the fluorescence spectrometer according to the present example, a different dielectric multilayer film does not need to be vapor deposited on the image splitting surfaces, and AR coating with high transmittance may be executed on the entire surfaces. Also, the signal intensity of the two images can be split into 9:1 without losing the original amount of light, and the SN ratio or sensitivity can be retained to be high.

Subsequently, preferred third Example of the fluorescence spectrometer will be described by using a capillary electrophoretic apparatus. In the fluorescence spectrometer according to Example 1, a thin prism is used as an image splitting element. However, the prism is one of a wavelength dispersing element and has a function of dispersing a condensed fluorescent light component for each wavelength in the same manner as the diffraction grating. Thus, wavelength dispersing caused by the prism slightly affects in the image splitting direction. Depending on the type of an application or a detection image, a subtle wavelength dispersing may affect the analysis.

Therefore, in the present example, the image splitting element is configured to include a beam splitter (half mirror) and a total reflection mirror. Since an image is split without using a prism, there is no influence by wavelength dispersing caused by the image splitting prism as Example 1 or Example 2.

Hereinafter, a detailed configuration of the fluorescence spectrometer according to Example 3 will be described by referring toFIG. 12. The configuration of the gene analysis apparatus according to Example 3 is the same as the configuration illustrated inFIG. 1. As described above, in the present example, as an image splitting element, a combination structure of an image splitting optical element (for example, a half mirror or a beam splitter) splitting incident light into transmission light and reflection light and the total reflection mirror is used. In below, as the image splitting optical element, a beam splitter1209is used.

In a case of the present example, the beam splitter1209and a total reflection mirror1210are disposed between the condensing lens403and the second optical filter404. As illustrated inFIG. 12, the beam splitter1209is disposed at about 45° with respect to the detection optical axis basic axis310, and the total reflection mirror1210is disposed at about 45° or less with respect to the detection optical axis basic axis310(for example, 43° to 44°).

The beam splitter1209is an optical element having a flat-plate shape and splits the optical path into two by transmission and reflection. In other words, the beam splitter controls the transmittance (or reflectivity) and splits the incident light into two lights at a predetermined split ratio. At the time of splitting, transmission and reflection properties are not different depending on the wavelength as a dichroic mirror, but the transmittance and reflectivity are determined as one in a certain wavelength range. Examples of the type of polarization include a nonpolarized type, an unpolarized type, and a polarized type, but in the present example, a nonpolarized type is used including the polarized state of the incident light.

The fluorescent light of a light emission point401is collimated by the condensing lens403and is incident to the beam splitter1209by an incidence angle of 45°. For example, if the transmittance:reflectivity of the beam splitter1209is set to 90%:10%, 90% of the amount of condensed light is transmitted and 10% thereof is reflected. The 90% of light is parallel to the detection optical axis basic axis310as shown in the fluorescent light path (strong)411, dispersed by the diffraction grating405, and image-formed on the two-dimensional detector407. Meanwhile, the 10% of reflected light returns substantially parallel to the detection optical axis basic axis310by the total reflection mirror1210as shown in the fluorescent light path (weak)412. At this time, the total reflection mirror1210is disposed 45° or less (for example, 43° to 44°) with respect to the detection optical axis basic axis310, and the fluorescent light path (weak)412is incident with an angle of 1° to 2°, not completely parallel to the detection optical axis basic axis310.

Even after the light is dispersed by the diffraction grating405, the light is image-formed on the two-dimensional detector407by the image forming lens406, while the light has an angle with respect to the detection optical axis basic axis310. At this time, since the image is formed on a different position from the image formed by the fluorescent light path (strong)411, two images are formed on the two-dimensional detector407. The image, which is formed by the fluorescent light path (strong)411and in which the condensed light in the amount of 90% is image-formed, has high signal intensity and the image formed by the fluorescent light path (weak)412has low signal intensity. The ratio of each signal intensity is 9:1, according to that the transmittance:reflectivity of the beam splitter1209is 90%:10%. In the same manner as Example 1, data of two strong and weak types can be obtained.

Here, a cube beam splitter can be used as the beam splitter1209. There are merits in that the transmission light is not refracted at all, and since a condition of the incidence angle is vertical incidence, light is not necessarily incident at 45° as a plate beam splitter and an alignment becomes easy.

As described above, in the fluorescence spectrometer according to the present example, the fluorescent light condensed by the condensing lens403is split into two by the beam splitter1209, one of the fluorescent light is condensed by the two-dimensional detector407, and the other fluorescent light is reflected by the total reflection mirror1210and then condensed by the two-dimensional detector407. Since the condensed light image is split into two by the beam splitter1209, wavelength dispersing does not occur.

In addition, the disposition of the optical system configured to include the beam splitter1209and the total reflection mirror1210is not limited to the disposition illustrated inFIG. 12. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 13, the optical system configured to include the beam splitter1209and the total reflection mirror1210may be disposed on the detection optical axis after light dispersing410between the diffraction grating405and the image forming lens406. In this case, the beam splitter1209is disposed at about 45° with respect to the detection optical axis after light dispersing410. The total reflection mirror1210is disposed at about 45° or less (for example, 43° to 44°) with respect to the detection optical axis after light dispersing410.

Subsequently, preferred fourth Example of the fluorescence spectrometer will be described by using a capillary electrophoretic apparatus. In the fluorescence spectrometer according to Examples 1 to 3, the diffraction grating405is used as the wavelength dispersing element (light dispersing element). In the present example, an example without using the diffraction grating405will be described. Specifically, a method is adopted in which a filter which transmits only a wavelength bandwidth having the highest sensitivity with respect to each fluorescent pigment is rapidly replaced, or a filter which corresponds to an image capturing element in the number of the fluorescent pigment and each of the fluorescent pigment is included to capture an image of each fluorescent element simultaneously. The method of the present example corresponds to that a spectrum in the sample position corresponding to each of the fluorescent pigment is sampled.

FIG. 14illustrates a detailed configuration of the fluorescence detector303used in the present example. As illustrated inFIG. 14, the fluorescence detector303in the present example includes a filter foil1301which rotates rapidly. The filter foil1301includes a plurality of fluorescent light filters1302which transmit only a wavelength bandwidth having the highest sensitivity with respect to each fluorescent pigment. The fluorescent light filter1302is disposed perpendicular to the detection optical axis basic axis310. In the present example, in the same manner as Example 3, image splitting is performed by the beam splitter1209and the total reflection mirror1210. The split fluorescent light is incident to the fluorescent light filter1302, dispersed according to the transmission properties of the fluorescent light filter1302positioned on the optical path, and image-formed on the two-dimensional detector407.

In a case of the present example, since light dispersing is performed by exchanging by the fluorescent light filter1302, not the two-dimensional detector, but one-dimensional line detector can be adopted as the detector. In addition, since the detection region is narrow and the diffraction grating is not used, there is no influence such as image distortion or the like.

In addition, even in a case of the present example, the disposition of the optical system configured to include the beam splitter1209and the total reflection mirror1210is not limited to the disposition illustrated inFIG. 14. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 15, the optical system configured to include the beam splitter1209and the total reflection mirror1210may be disposed on the detection optical axis after light dispersing410between the filter foil1301and the image forming lens406.

OTHER EXAMPLES

In the above, examples of the present invention is described, but the present invention is not limited to these and those skilled in the art understand that various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention described in claims. A combining various examples appropriately is within the scope of the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST