Sensing apparatus having rotating optical assembly

• US 20060269450A1
• Filed: 05/27/2005
• Published: 11/30/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 05/27/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: 3D Systems, Inc. (3D Systems Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Vidar Systems Corporation (3D Systems Corporation)
• Inventors: Kim, Yong Min, Smitt-Jeppesen, Sigrid, Lee, Sung Woon, Smitt, Asbjorn
• Granted Patent: US 7,858,382 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 422/82.50
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/645 Specially adapted constructive features of fluorimeters
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/6452 Individual samples arranged in a regular 2D-array, e.g. multiwell plates

Abstract

An apparatus for optical sensing of samples includes an optical source, an optical assembly being rotatable about an axis, a sample holder, and a detector. The optical assembly rotates, allowing the sensing apparatus to sense results from plural locations on a sample without moving the sample. Moving the sample in a linear direction while rotating the optical assembly allows sensing of an entire sample containing multiple test sites, such as a biochip. An optical assembly containing mirrors to direct light from the optical source to the sample is provided. Preferably, light enters the optical assembly along the axis of rotation. Sensing methods consistent with the invention are also described.

Claims

16. The sensing apparatus of claim 16, wherein the optical assembly comprises a lens configured to direct the emitted light into a collimated beam.

22-1. The sensing apparatus of claim 1, wherein the detector is aligned along the axis.

43. A sensing method comprising:

generating excitation light;

rotating an optical assembly to a first position;

directing the excitation light through an optical assembly to a first location on a sample;

detecting first emitted light;

rotating the optical assembly to a second position;

directing the excitation light through the optical assembly to a second location on the sample; and

detecting second emitted light.

44. The sensing method of claim 43, further comprising:

directing the excitation light into the optical assembly along a first axis; and

directing the excitation light out of the optical assembly along a second axis.

45. The sensing method of claim 44, wherein the rotating includes rotating the optical assembly about the first axis.

46. The sensing method of claim 45, wherein the first axis and second axis are substantially parallel.

47. The sensing method of claim 43, wherein the sample includes a biochip.

48. The sensing method of claim 43, further comprising moving the sample.

49. The sensing method of claim 48, wherein the moving includes moving the sample in a linear direction.

50. A sensing method comprising:

generating first and second excitation light;

rotating an optical assembly to a first position;

directing the first and second excitation light through the optical assembly to a first location on a sample;

detecting first and second emitted light;

rotating the optical assembly to a second position;

directing the first and second excitation light through the optical assembly to a second location on the sample; and

detecting third and fourth emitted light.

51. The sensing method of claim 50, further comprising directing one of the first excitation light and the third excitation light to the sample at a time