Illuminator optical assembly for an analytical instrument and methods of

Abstract

An optical illuminator assembly for an analytical instrument, such as a clinical hematology or a flow cytometer instrument, and method of aligning the components of the illuminator assembly. The illuminator assembly includes a plurality of optical components, such as a laser source, e.g., a laser diode, optionally a spatial filter, a beam shaping aperture, and a focussing lens. The optical components are mounted in mounting plates, frames or mounting cylinders, which are in turn coupled to a mounting surface on the assembly. Each of the mounting plates or frames is movable in the x and y directions, perpendicular to the laser beam, by micrometer adjusters having opposing spring plungers or the like, to decenter components in the desired laser beam path of the illuminator assembly. The micrometers and spring plungers are removably secured in the mounting surface so that after the x-y alignment, the mounting plates or frames can be secured to the mounting surface by, e.g., screws, and the micrometers and spring plungers are removed. The beam focussing lenses are similarly mounted in mounting cylinders and adjusted in the z direction of the beam path (focused) by removably mounted adjusters, such as eccentric focussing tools. After focussing, the focusing tools are removed. Thus, a factory alignment and a low cost prealigned optical illuminator assembly is obtained.