Spatially scanned optical reader system and method for using same
First Claim
1. A method for using an optical reader system, said method comprising the steps of:
- generating a first optical beam which has a diameter that is smaller than a biosensor;
scanning the first optical beam across the biosensor;
collecting a second optical beam which is out-coupled from the biosensor;
processing the second optical beam to obtain raw spectral/angular data which is function of a position on the biosensor; and
recording the raw spectral/angular data.
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Abstract
An optical reader system is described herein that uses a scanned optical beam to interrogate a biosensor to determine if a biomolecular binding event occurred on a surface of the biosensor. In one embodiment, the optical reader system includes a light source, a detector and a processor (e.g., computer, DSP). The light source outputs an optical beam which is scanned across a moving biosensor and while this is happening the detector collects the optical beam which is reflected from the biosensor. The computer processes the collected optical beam and records the resulting raw spectral or angle data which is a function of a position (and possibly time) on the biosensor. The processor can then analyze the raw data to create a spatial map of resonant wavelength (peak position) or resonant angle which indicates whether or not a biomolecular binding event occurred on the biosensor. Several other uses of the raw data are also described herein.
61 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for using an optical reader system, said method comprising the steps of:
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generating a first optical beam which has a diameter that is smaller than a biosensor;
scanning the first optical beam across the biosensor;
collecting a second optical beam which is out-coupled from the biosensor;
processing the second optical beam to obtain raw spectral/angular data which is function of a position on the biosensor; and
recording the raw spectral/angular data. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification