FIBER OPTICAL ASSEMBLY FOR FLUORESCENCE SPECTROMETRY
First Claim
1. A system for analyzing a sample for the presence of an analyte in a sample, the system comprising:
- a. a sample holder for containing the sample;
b. an excitation source in optical communication with the sample, wherein radiation from the excitation source is directed to the sample, and wherein the radiation induces a fluorescence signal; and
c. at least one linear array comprising;
i. a proximal end disposed in proximity to the sample holder and an end port distal from the proximal end;
ii. a plurality of optical fibers extending from the proximal end to the end port and having a first end and a second end, wherein the first ends of the individual optical fibers are substantially coplanar and adjacent to one another, and wherein the second ends of the optical fibers form a non-linearly arranged bundle, and wherein the plurality of optical fibers transmits the fluorescent signal from the proximal end to the end port; and
iii. an end port assembly optically coupled to the end port, the end port assembly comprising a single photo-detector, wherein the photo-detector detects the fluorescent signal and converts the fluorescent signal into an electrical signal.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
System and method for analyzing a sample for the presence of an analyte in a sample, the system comprising a sample holder for containing the sample; an excitation source in optical communication with the sample, wherein radiation from the excitation source is directed to the sample, and wherein the radiation induces a fluorescence signal; and at least one linear array comprising a proximal end disposed in proximity to the sample holder and an end port distal from the proximal end; a plurality of optical fibers extending from the proximal end to the end port and having a first end and a second end, wherein the first ends of the individual optical fibers are substantially coplanar and adjacent to one another, and wherein the second ends of the optical fibers form a non-linearly arranged bundle, and wherein the plurality of optical fibers transmits the fluorescent signal from the proximal end to the end port; and an end port assembly optically coupled to the end port, the end port assembly comprising a single photo-detector, wherein the photo-detector detects the fluorescent signal and converts the fluorescent signal into an electrical signal.
8 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for analyzing a sample for the presence of an analyte in a sample, the system comprising:
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a. a sample holder for containing the sample; b. an excitation source in optical communication with the sample, wherein radiation from the excitation source is directed to the sample, and wherein the radiation induces a fluorescence signal; and c. at least one linear array comprising; i. a proximal end disposed in proximity to the sample holder and an end port distal from the proximal end; ii. a plurality of optical fibers extending from the proximal end to the end port and having a first end and a second end, wherein the first ends of the individual optical fibers are substantially coplanar and adjacent to one another, and wherein the second ends of the optical fibers form a non-linearly arranged bundle, and wherein the plurality of optical fibers transmits the fluorescent signal from the proximal end to the end port; and iii. an end port assembly optically coupled to the end port, the end port assembly comprising a single photo-detector, wherein the photo-detector detects the fluorescent signal and converts the fluorescent signal into an electrical signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A linear array for detecting a fluorescent signal generated by a sample, the linear array comprising:
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a. a proximal end and an end port distal from the proximal end, wherein the end port is optically polished, and wherein the proximal end is disposed in proximity to the sample; b. a plurality of optical fibers having a first end and a second end, wherein the first ends are substantially coplanar and adjacent to one another, and wherein the second ends of the optical fibers form a non-linearly arranged bundle which is in contact with the endport, and wherein the optical fibers transmit the fluorescent signal from the sample to the endport; and c. an end port assembly optically coupled to the end port, the end port assembly comprising a single photo-detector, wherein the photo-detector detects the fluorescent signal and converts the fluorescent signal into an electrical signal. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of analyzing a sample for the presence an analyte, the method comprising the steps of:
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a. providing a sample comprising the analyte to a sample holder; b. disposing a proximal end of at least one linear array in proximity to the sample holder; c. directing radiation from an excitation source to the sample, wherein the radiation causes the sample to generate a fluorescent signal; d. receiving the fluorescent signal from the sample at the proximal end; e. transmitting the fluorescent signal to a photo-detector in the linear array; detecting the fluorescent signal with the photo-detector; g. converting the fluorescent signal to an electrical signal; and h. analyzing for the presence of the analyte based on the electrical signal. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
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Specification