Integrated White LED Illuminator and Color Sensor Detector System and Method
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Abstract
An improved illuminator (103) for producing broadband light and delivering said light to a target (125) for measuring the color of the target which incorporates an integrated system comprising a solid-state white LED source (105) to illuminate the target with continuous, broadband illuminating light (114). After interaction with the sample, returning light (107) is either collected by a detector or a light collector such as fiber (141), or processed and analyzed by an analysis system such as color monitor (267), or both, creating a real-time integrated color sensor device or system that enables color detection, monitoring, identification, or analysis. A solid-state illuminator integrated with a color detector advantageously allows for a more compact, reduced heat producing, and more energy efficient manufacturable device, and further facilitates integration of the illuminator and detector into a microchip or lab-on-chip device or system. Methods of use are also disclosed.
112 Citations
39 Claims
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1-19. -19. (canceled)
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20. A device having an integrated solid state illuminator and detector sensor for color measurement comprising:
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at least one broadband solid-state light source for emitting light, said source having a having a usable spectral bandwidth of at least 100 nm; and
,at least one light detector for generating a measurable signal in response to a detected portion of emitted light returning to said detector, said light source integrated with said detector, wherein said signal is a function of color. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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- 34. An illuminator detector for monitoring color, wherein illumination of a sample is achieved using an integrated broadband solid-state light source, and color monitoring is performed using an integrated light detector sensor, said detector arranged so as to detect light from the light source returning after interaction with said sample.
- 36. A method of manufacturing an illuminator integrated with a light detector for detecting color, wherein illumination of a sample is achieved using a broadband LED.
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38. An illuminator for detecting color comprising one or more broadband solid-state light sources for illuminating a target, and one or more light detectors for generating a signal related to the color of the target in response to the light returning after interaction with the target, said light source and detectors integrated into a single device or system.
Specification