Fluorometer

• US 4,877,965 A
• Filed: 07/01/1985
• Issued: 10/31/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 07/01/1985
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Diatron Diagnostics Corporation
• Original Assignee: Diatron Corporation
• Inventors: Barr, Howard S., Watson, Keith R., Dandliker, Walter B., Katzenstein, Henry S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Howell, Janice A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Hannaher, Constantine
• Application Number:
  US06/751,746
• Time in Patent Office: 1,583 Days
• Field of Search: 250/461.1, 250/461.2, 250/459.1, 250/458.1, 356/318, 356/317
• US Class Current: 250/458.1
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/6408 with measurement of decay time, time resolved fluorescence
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/6456 Spatial resolved fluorescence measurements; Imaging
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/6458 Fluorescence microscopy fluorescence microscopes per se G02B21/0076 and G02B21/16
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2201/1087 Focussed scan beam, e.g. laser
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 21/16 adapted for ultraviolet illumination ; Fluorescence microscopes G02B21/0076 takes precedence

Abstract

A fluorometer for measuring a particular fluorescence emanating from a specimen and operating in accordance with the following method. Producing a burst of concentrated light energy and directing the concentrated light energy toward the specimen to produce a fluorescence from the specimen including the particular fluorescence. Preferably producing an image of the fluorescence. Detecting the fluorescence and producing a signal in accordance with the fluorescence. Controlling the passage of the image of the fluorescence for detecting within a particular time period so as to optimize the detection of the particular fluorescence. Timing the operation to sequence the detection of the fluorescence within the particular time period after the production of the burst of concentrated light energy. Scanning the fluorescence from the specimen for forming signals representative of the fluorescence from the specimen. Analyzing the signals to enhance the portion of the signal representing the particular fluorescence relative to the portion of the signal.

Claims

1. A fluorometer for measuring a particular fluorescence emanating from particular fluorophore molecules in a specimen, including,

means for producing a burst of concentrated light energy having a pulse time short compared to the decay time of the particular fluorescence and having sufficient energy to excite substantially all of the particular fluorophore molecules,

means responsive to the burst of concentrated light energy for directing the burst of concentrated light energy toward the specimen to produce a fluorescence from the specimen including the particular fluorescence,

means responsive to the fluorescence from the specimen for detecting the fluorescence and for producing signals in accordance with such detection,

means coupled to the detecting means for controlling the detecting means within a particular time period to optimize the detection of the particular fluorescence and to enhance the detection of the particular fluorescence relative to the total fluorescence, the beginning of the particular time period being defined by a first particular time after the burst of concentrated light energy and during the production of the particular fluorescence and the end of the particular time period being defined by a second particular time after the first particular time where the second particular time occurs during the production of the particular fluorescence from the specimen as a result of the burst of the concentrated light energy,

means coupled to the burst producing means, to the detecting means and to the controlling means for timing the operation of the above means to sequence the detection of the fluorescence during the particular time period as a result of the production of the burst of concentrated light energy,

means coupled to the detection means for forming signals representative of the particular fluorescence from the specimen, and

means responsive to the detection of the particular fluorescence from the specimen during the particular time period for producing an image of the particular fluorescence.

2. The fluorometer of claim 1 wherein the means for forming signals includes means for producing a scanning of the particular fluorescence from the specimen during the particular time period at different positions on the specimen.

3. The fluorometer of claim 2 wherein the means for detecting includes a photosensitive array for detecting the fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen and the means for scanning includes an array control for scanning the photosensitive array to obtain a reproduction of the detected fluorescence of the different spots on the specimen.

4. The fluorometer of claim 2 wherein the means for scanning includes a stepping stage for supporting the specimen and for moving the specimen to a plurality of different positions for providing a detection of the fluorescence emanating from the specimen at the different positions.

5. A fluorometer for measuring a particular fluorescence emanating from particular fluorophore molecules in a specimen, including

means for producing a burst of concentrated light energy having a pulse time short compared to the decay time of the particular fluorescence and having sufficient energy to excite substantially all of the particular fluorophore molecules,

means responsive to the concentrated light energy for directing the concentrated light energy toward the specimen to produce fluorescence from the specimen including the particular fluorescence,

means responsive to the fluorescence for detecting the fluorescence and for producing signals in accordance with the fluorescence,

means coupled to the detecting means for controlling the detecting means within a particular time period to optimize the detection of the particular fluorescence and wherein the controlling means is an electro-optic modulator formed by a cubic crystal of the class T_d,

means coupled to the burst producing means, to the detecting means and to the controlling means for timing the operation of the above means to sequence the detection of the fluorescence within the particular time period after the production of the burst of concentrated light energy, and

data processing means responsive to the signals produced by the detecting means for analysing the signals to enhance the portion of the signals representing the particular fluorescence relative to the portion of the signals representing the remaining fluorescence.

6. The fluorometer of claim 5 additionally including means for producing a scanning of the fluorescence from the specimen for forming signals representative of the fluorescence from the specimen.

7. The fluorometer of claim 6 wherein the means for detecting includes a photosensitive array for detecting the fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen and the means for scanning includes an array control for scanning the photosensitive array to reproduce the detected fluorescence of the different spots on the specimen.

8. The fluorometer of claim 6 wherein the means for scanning includes a stepping stage for supporting the specimen and for moving the specimen to a plurality of different positions for providing a detection of the fluorescence emanating from the specimen at the different positions.

9. The fluorometer of claim 5 additionally including means responsive to the fluorescence from the specimen for producing an image of the fluorescence and with the controlling means controlling the detecting means within a particular time period by detector responsive means and additionally including means for forming signals including a means for producing a scanning of the fluorescence from the specimen.

10. The fluorometer of claim 9 wherein the means for detecting includes a photosensitive array for detecting the fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen and the means for scanning includes an array control for scanning the photosensitive array to reproduce the detected fluorescence of the different spots on the specimen.

11. The fluorometer of claim 9 wherein the means for scanning includes a stepping stage for supporting the specimen and for moving the specimen to a plurality of different positions for providing a detection of the fluorescence emanating from the specimen at the different positions.

12. The fluorometer of claim 5 additionally including means responsive to the fluorescence from the specimen for producing an image of the fluorescence and with the controlling means controlling the passage of the image of the fluorescence to the detecting means and additionally including means for forming signals including means for observing or recording of the fluorescence from the specimen.

13. The fluorometer of claim 12 wherein the means for detecting includes a photodetector for detecting the fluorescence emanating from the specimen.

14. The fluorometer of claim 12 wherein the means for detecting includes an image tube to reproduce the pattern of fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen.

15. The fluorometer of claim 12 wherein the means for detecting includes the camera to analyze or record the fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen.

16. The fluorometer of claim 5 additionally including means responsive to the fluorescence from the specimen for producing an image of the fluorescence and with the controlling means controlling the detecting means within a particular time period by detector responsive means and additionally including means for forming signals including means for observing or recording of the fluorescence from the specimen.

17. The fluorometer of claim 16 wherein the means for detecting includes a photodetector for detecting the fluorescence emanating from the specimen.

18. The fluorometer of claim 16 wherein the means for detecting includes an image tube to reproduce the pattern of fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen.

19. The fluorometer of claim 5 wherein the means for producing the burst of concentrated light energy is a laser.

20. The fluorometer of claim 5 wherein the means for producing the burst of concentrated light energy is a continuous wave source directing light energy through a modulator.

21. The fluorometer of claim 20 wherein the cubic crystal of the class T_d is cuprous chloride.

22. The fluorometer of claim 20 wherein the electro-optic modulator is formed from at least one of the following group of materials:

CuCl (Cuprous chloride)

CuBr (Cuprous bromide)

CuI (Cuprous iodide)

ZnS (Zinc sulfide)

ZnSe (Zinc selenide)

ZnTe (Zinc telluride)

(CH₂)₆ N₄ (Hexamine or Hexamethylenetetramine)

(Na, Ca)_8-4 (SO₄)_2-1 [(AlSiO₄)₆ ] (Hauynite)

GaP (Gallium phosphide)

Bi₄ (GeO₄)₃ (Bismuth germanate)

NaClO₃ (Sodium chlorate)

BaTiO₃ (Barium titanate)

SrTiO₃ (Strontium titanate)

KTaO₃ (Potassium tantalate)

KTa_x Nb_1-x O₃ (Potassium tantalate niobate)

23. The fluorometer of claim 5 wherein the time period is relatively long and has an ending time sufficiently long to have substantially all of the fluorescence decayed to a low value relative to the original value of fluorescence.

24. A fluorometer for measuring a particular fluorescence emanating from particular fluorophore molecules in a specimen, including

means for producing a burst of concentrated light energy having a pulse time short compared to the decay time of the particular fluorescence and having sufficient energy to excite substantially all of the particular fluorophore molecules,

means responsive to the concentrated light energy for directing the concentrated light energy toward the specimen to produce a fluorescence from the specimen including the particular fluorescence,

means responsive to the fluorescence for detecting the fluorescence and for producing signals in accordance with the fluorescence,

means coupled to the detecting means for controlling the detecting means within a particular time period to optimize the detection of the particular fluorescence and wherein the controlling means is an electro-optic modulator formed by a cubic crystal of the class T_d,

means coupled to the burst producing means, to the detecting means and to the controlling means for timing the operation of the above means to sequence the detection of the fluorescence within the particular time period after the production of the burst of concentrated light energy, and

means coupled to the detection means for forming signals representative of the particular fluorescence from the specimen.

25. The fluorometer of claim 24 wherein the cubic crystal of the class T_d is cuprous chloride.

26. The fluorometer of claim 24 additionally including means responsive to the fluorescence from the specimen for producing an image of the fluorescence and with the controlling means controlling the passage of the image of the fluorescence to the detecting means and with the means for forming signals including a means for producing a scanning of the fluorescence from the specimen.

27. The fluorometer of claim 26 wherein the means for detecting includes a photosensitive array for detecting the fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen and the means for scanning includes an array control for scanning the photosensitive array to reproduce the detected fluoroscence of the different spots on the specimen.

28. The fluorometer of claim 26 wherein the means for scanning includes a stepping stage for supporting the specimen and for moving the specimen to a plurality of different positions for providing a detection of the fluorescence emanating from the specimen at the different positions.

29. The fluorometer of claim 24 additionally including means responsive to the fluorescence from the specimen for producing an image of the fluorescence and the controlling means including detector responsive means for controlling the detecting means within a particular time period and the means for forming signals including means for producing a scanning of the fluorescence from the specimen.

30. The fluorometer of claim 29 wherein the means for detecting includes a photosensitive array for detecting the fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen and the means for scanning includes an array control for scanning the photosensitive array to reproduce the detected fluorescence of the different spots on the specimen.

31. The fluorometer of claim 29 wherein the means for scanning includes a stepping stage for supporting the specimen and for moving the specimen to a plurality of different positions for providing a detection of the fluorescence emanating from the specimen at the different positions.

32. The fluorometer of claim 24 additionally including means responsive to the fluorescence from the specimen for producing an image of the fluorescence and with the controlling means controlling the passage of the image of the fluorescence to the detecting means and with the means for forming signals including means for observing or recording of the fluorescence from the specimen.

33. The fluorometer of claim 32 wherein the means for detecting includes a photodetector for detecting the fluorescence emanating from the specimen.

34. The fluorometer of claim 32 wherein the means for detecting includes an image tube to reproduce the pattern of fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen.

35. The fluorometer of claim 32 wherein the means for detecting includes a camera to analyze or record the fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen.

36. The fluorometer of claim 24 additionally including means responsive to the fluorescence from the specimen for producing an image of the fluorescence and with the controlling means controlling the detecting means within a particular time period by detector responsive means and with the means for forming signals including means for observing or recording of the fluorescence from the specimen.

37. The fluorometer of claim 36 wherein the means for detecting includes a photodetector for detecting the fluorescence emanating from the specimen.

38. The fluorometer of claim 36 wherein the means for detecting includes an image tube to reproduce the pattern of fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen.

39. The fluorometer of claim 24 wherein the means for producing the burst of concentrated light energy is a laser.

40. The fluorometer of claim 24 wherein the means for producing the burst of concentrated light energy is a continuous wave source directing light energy through a modulator.

41. The fluorometer of claim 24 wherein the time period has a beginning time and an ending time defining a sufficiently short time to enhance the detection of the particular fluorescence relative to the total fluorescence.

42. The fluorometer of claim 24 additionally including data processing means responsive to the signals produced by the detecting means for analysing the signals to enhance the portion of the signals representing the particular fluorescence relative to the portion of the signals representing the remaining fluorescence.

43. The fluorometer of claim 42 wherein the time period is relatively long and has an ending time sufficiently long to have substantially all of the fluorescence decayed to a low value relative to the original value of fluorescence.

44. A fluorometer for measuring a particular fluorescence emanating from particular fluorophore molecules in a specimen, including

means for producing a burst of concentrated light energy having a pulse time short compared to the decay time of the particular fluorescence and having sufficient energy to excite substantially all of the particular fluorophore molecules,

means responsive to the concentrated light energy for directing the concentrated light energy toward the specimen to produce a fluorescence from the specimen including the particular fluorescence,

means responsive to the fluorescence for detecting the fluorescence and for producing signals in accordance with the fluorescence,

means coupled to the detecting means for controlling the detecting means within a particular time period to optimize the detection of the particular fluorescence and wherein the controlling means is an electro-optic modulator formed from at least one of the following group of materials:

CuCl (Cuprous chloride)

CuBr (Cuprous bromide)

CuI (Cuprous iodide)

ZnS (Zinc sulfide)

ZnSe (Zinc selenide)

ZnTe (Zinc telluride)

(CH₂)₆ N₄ (Hexamine or hexamethylenetetramine)

(Na, Ca)_8-4 (SO₄)_2-1 [(AlSiO₄)₆ ](Hauynite)

GaP (Gallium phosphide)

Bi₄ (GeO₄)₃ (Bismuth germanate)

NaClO₃ (Sodium chlorate)

BaTiO₃ (Barium titanate)

SrTiO₃ (Strontium titanate)

KTaO₃ (Potassium tantalate)

KTa_x Nb_1-x O₃ (Potassium tantalate niobate)

45. A fluorometer for measuring a particular fluorescence emanating from particular fluorophore molecules in a specimen, including

means for producing a burst of concentrated light energy having a pulse time short compared to the decay time of the particular fluorescence and having sufficient energy to excite substantially all of the particular fluorophore molecules,

means responsive to the concentrated light energy for directing the concentrated light energy toward the specimen to produce a fluorescence from the specimen including the particular fluorescence,

means responsive to the fluorescence for detecting the fluorescence and for producing signals in accordance with the fluorescence,

means coupled to the detecting means for controlling the detecting means within a particular time period to optimize the detection of the particular fluorescence,

means coupled to the burst producing means, to the detecting means and to the controlling means for timing the operation of the above means to sequence the detection of the fluorescence within the particular time period after the production of the burst of concentrated light energy, and

means coupled to the detection means for forming signals representative of the particular fluorescence from the specimen, and

data processing means responsive to the signals produced by the detecting means for analysing the signals to enhance the portion of the signals representing the particular fluorescence relative to the portion of the signals representing the remaining fluorescence, and wherein the data processing means includes first means for differentiating the signals produced by the detecting means at a number of time points to produce a plurality of individual time point signals, second means for integrating the signals produced by the detecting means over a corresponding number of time intervals to produce a plurality of individual time integrated signals and third means responsive to the signals from the detecting means, the individual time point signals and the individual time integrated signals for operating upon these signals in a particular relationship to determine the particular fluorescence from the specimen during the particular period as a result of the burst of concentrated light energy.

46. The fluorometer of claim 45 additionally including means responsive to the fluorescence from the specimen for producing an image of the fluorescence and with the controlling means controlling the passage of the image of the fluorescence to the detecting means and with the means for forming signals including a means for producing a scanning of the fluorescence from the specimen.

47. The fluorometer of claim 46 wherein the means for detecting includes a photosensitive array for detecting the fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen and the means for scanning includes an array control for scanning the photosensitive array to reproduce the detected fluoroscence of the different spots on the specimen.

48. The fluorometer of claim 46 wherein the means for scanning includes a stepping stage for supporting the specimen and for moving the specimen to a plurality of different positions for providing a detection of the fluorescence emanating from the specimen at the different position.

49. The fluorometer of claim 45 additionally including means responsive to the fluorescence from the specimen for producing an image of the fluorescence and the controlling means including detector responsive means for controlling the detecting means within a particular time period and the means for forming signals including means for producing a scanning of the fluorescence from the specimen.

50. The fluorometer of claim 49 wherein the means for detecting includes a photosensitive array for detecting the fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen and the means for scanning includes an array control for scanning the photosensitive array to reproduce the detected fluorescence of the different spots on the specimen.

51. The fluorometer of claim 49 wherein the means for scanning includes a stepping stage for supporting the specimen and for moving the specimen to a plurality of different positions for providing a detection of the fluorescence emanating from the specimen at the different positions.

52. The fluorometer of claim 45 additionally including means responsive to the fluorescence from the specimen for producing an image of the fluorescence and with the controlling means controlling the passage of the image of the fluorescence to the detecting means and with the means for forming signals including means for observing or recording of the fluorescence from the specimen.

53. The fluorometer of claim 52 wherein the means for detecting includes a photodetector for detecting the fluorescence emanating from the specimen.

54. The fluorometer of claim 52 wherein the means for detecting includes an image tube to reproduce the pattern of fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen.

55. The fluorometer of claim 52 wherein the means for detecting includes a camera to analyze or record the fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen.

56. The fluorometer of claim 45 additionally including means responsive to the fluorescence from the specimen for producing an image of the fluorescence and with the controlling means controlling the detecting means within a particular time period by detector responsive means and with the means for forming signals including means for observing or recording of the fluorescence from the specimen.

57. The fluorometer of claim 56 wherein the means for detecting includes a photodetector for detecting the fluorescence emanating from the specimen.

58. The fluorometer of claim 56 wherein the means for detecting includes an image tube to reproduce the pattern of fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen.

59. The fluorometer of claim 45 wherein the means for producing the burst of concentrated light energy is a laser.

60. The fluorometer of claim 45 wherein the means for producing the burst of concentrated light energy is a continuous wave source directing light energy through a modulator.

61. The fluorometer of claim 45 wherein the means for controlling the detecting means within a particular time period is an electro-optic modulator.

62. The fluorometer of claim 45 wherein the time period has a beginning time and an ending time defining a sufficiently short time to enhance the detection of the particular fluorescence relative to the total fluorescence.

63. The fluorometer of claim 45 wherein the time period is relatively long and has an ending time sufficiently long to have substantially all of the fluorescence decayed to a low value relative to the original value of fluorescence.

64. A fluorometer for measuring a particular fluorescence emanating from particular fluorophore molecules in a specimen, including,

means for producing a burst of concentrated light energy having a pulse time short compared to the decay time of the particular fluorescence and having sufficient energy to excite substantially all of the particular fluorophore molecules,

means responsive to the burst of concentrated light energy for directing the burst of concentrated light energy toward the specimen to produce a fluorescence from the specimen including the particular fluorescence,

means responsive to the fluorescence from the specimen for detecting the fluorescence and for producing signals in accordance with such detection,

means coupled to the detecting means for obtaining a controlled operation of the detecting means during a particular time period to optimize the detection of the particular fluorescence and wherein the time period has a beginning time and an ending time to enhance the detection of the signals representing the particular fluorescence relative to the portion of the signals representing the remaining fluorescence, the beginning time of the time period being a first particular time after the burst of concentrated light energy and after the production of the particular fluorescence, and the ending time being a second particular time after the first particular time and during the production of the particular fluorescence from the specimen as a result of the burst of concentrated light energy,

means coupled to the burst producing means, to the detecting means and to the controlling means for timing the operation of the detecting means to sequence the detection of the fluorescence during the particular time period as a result of the production of the burst of concentrated light energy, and

data processing means responsive to the signals produced by the detecting means during the particular time period for analysing the signals to enhance the portion of the signals representing the particular fluorescence during the particular time interval relative to the portion of the signals representing the remaining fluorescence during the particular time interval.

65. A fluorometer as set forth in claim 64 wherein the detecting means includes means for scanning the fluorescence from the specimen to obtain the production of the signals representative of the fluorescence from the specimen as a result of the production of the burst of concentrated light energy.

66. The fluorometer of claim 65 wherein the means for detecting includes a photosensitive array for detecting the fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen and the means for scanning includes an array control for scanning the photosensitive array to reproduce the detected fluorescence of the different spots on the specimen.

67. The fluorometer of claim 65 wherein the means for scanning includes a stepping stage for supporting the specimen and for moving the specimen to a plurality of different positions for providing a detection of the fluorescence emanating from the specimen at the different positions.

68. A fluorometer for measuring a particular fluorescence emanating from particular fluorophore molecules in a specimen, including

means for producing a burst of concentrated light energy having a pulse time short compared to the decay time of the particular fluorescence and having sufficient energy to excite substantially all of the particular fluorophore molecules,

means responsive to the concentrated light energy for directing the concentrated light energy toward the specimen to produce fluorescence from the specimen including the particular fluorescence,

means responsive to the fluorescence for detecting the fluorescence and for producing signals in accordance with the fluorescence,

means coupled to the detecting means for controlling the detecting means within a particular time period to optimize the detection of the particular fluorescence,

means coupled to the burst producing means, to the detecting means and to the controlling means for timing the operation of the above means to sequence the detection of the fluorescence within the particular time period after the production of the burst of concentrated light energy,

data processing means responsive to the signals produced by the detecting means for analysing the signals to enhance the portion of the signals representing the particular fluorescence relative to the portion of the signals representing the remaining fluorescence, and

the data processing means including first means for differentiating the signals produced by the detecting means at a number of time points to produce a plurality of individual time point signals, second means for integrating the signals produced by the detecting means over a corresponding number of time intervals to produce a plurality of individual time integrated signals and third means responsive to the signals from the detecting means, the individual time point signals and the individual time integrated signals for producing signals representing the particular fluorescence.

69. The fluorometer of claim 68 additionally including means for producing a scanning of the fluorescence from the specimen for forming signals representative of the fluorescence from the specimen.

70. The fluorometer of claim 69 wherein the means for detecting includes a photosensitive array for detecting the fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen and the means for scanning includes an array control for scanning the photosensitive array to reproduce the detected fluorescence of the different spots on the specimen.

71. The fluorometer of claim 69 wherein the means for scanning includes a stepping stage for supporting the specimen and for moving the specimen to a plurality of different positions for providing a detection of the fluorescence emanating from the specimen at the different positions.

72. The fluorometer of claim 69 additionally including means responsive to the fluorescence from the specimen for producing an image of the fluorescence and the controlling means including detector responsive means for controlling the detecting means within a particular time period.

73. The fluorometer of claim 72 wherein the means for detecting includes a photosensitive array for detecting the fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen and the means for scanning includes an array control for scanning the photosensitive array to reproduce the detected fluorescence of the different spots on the specimen.

74. The fluorometer of claim 72 wherein the means for scanning includes a stepping stage for supporting the specimen and for moving the specimen to a plurality of different positions for providing a detection of the fluorescence emanating from the specimen at the different positions.

75. The fluorometer of claim 68 additionally including means responsive to the fluorescence from the specimen for producing an image of the fluorescence and with the controlling means controlling the passage of the image of the fluorescence to the detecting means and additionally including means for forming signals including means for observing or recording of the fluorescence from the specimen.

76. The fluorometer of claim 75 wherein the means for detecting includes a photodetector for detecting the fluorescence from the specimen.

77. The fluorometer of claim 75 wherein the means for detecting includes an image tube to reproduce the pattern of fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen.

78. The fluorometer of claim 75 wherein the means for detecting includes the human eye or a camera to analyze or record the fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen.

79. The fluorometer of claim 68 additionally including means responsive to the fluorescence from the specimen for producing an image of the fluorescence and with the controlling means controlling the detecting means within a particular time period by detector responsive means and additionally including means for forming signals including means for observing or recording of the fluorescence from the specimen.

80. The fluorometer of claim 79 wherein the means for detecting includes a photodetector for detecting the fluorescence emanating from the specimen.

81. The fluorometer of claim 79 wherein the means for detecting includes an image tube to reproduce the pattern of fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen.

82. The fluorometer of claim 68 wherein the means for producing the burst of concentrated light energy is a laser.

83. The fluorometer of claim 68 wherein the means for producing the burst of concentrated light energy is a continuous wave source directing light energy through a modulator.

84. The fluorometer of claim 68 wherein the means for controlling the passage of the image is an electro-optic modulator.

85. The fluorometer of claim 84 wherein the electro-optic modulator is formed by a cubic crystal of the class T_d.

86. The fluorometer of claim 85 wherein the cubic crystal of the class T_d is cuprous chloride.

87. The fluorometer of claim 85 wherein the electro-optic modulator is formed from at least one of the following group of materials:

CuCl (Cuprous chloride)

CuBr (Cuprous bromide)

CuI (Cuprous iodide)

ZnS (Zinc sulfide)

ZnSe (Zinc selenide)

ZnTe (Zinc telluride)

(CH₂)₆ N₄ (Hexamine or Hexamethylenetetramine)

(Na, Ca)_8-4 (SO₄)_2-1 [(AlSiO₄)₆ ] (Hauynite)

GaP (Gallium phosphide)

Bi₄ (GeO₄)₃ (Bismuth germanate)

NaClO₃ (Sodium chlorate)

BaTiO₃ (Barium titanate)

SrTiO₃ (Strontium titanate)

KTaO₃ (Potassium tantalate)

KTa_x Nb_1-x O₃ (Potassium tantalate niobate)

88. The fluorometer of claim 68 wherein the time period is relatively long and has an ending time sufficiently long to have substantially all of the fluorescence decayed to a low value relative to the original value of fluorescence.

89. The fluorometer of claim 68 wherein the time period has a beginning time and an ending time defining a sufficiently short time to enhance the detection of the signals representing the particular fluorescence relative to the portion of the signals representing the remaining fluorescence.

90. The fluorometer of claim 68 wherein the first means produces the plurality of individual time point signals produces the plurality of individual time point signals for a specimen not carrying a fluorescent label, said specimen being not necessarily of the same size and disposition as that of the specimen carrying the fluorescent label but consisting of the same material but without added fluorescent label, and the third means extracts from the individual time point signals and the derivatives at the corresponding time points and the characteristic decay time of the particular fluorescence the emission intensity representing the particular fluorescence only and being separated from the background emission.

92. The fluorometer of claim 71 wherein the means for detecting includes a photosensitive array for detecting the fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen and the means for producing signals includes an array control for scanning the photosensitive array to obtain a reproduction of the detected fluorescence of the different spots on the specimen.

91. A fluorometer for measuring a particular fluorescence emanating from particular fluorophore molecules in a specimen, including

means for producing a burst of concentrated light energy having a pulse time short compared to the decay time of the particular fluorescence and having sufficient energy to excite substantially all of the particular fluorophore molecules,

means responsive to the burst of concentrated light energy for directing the burst of concentrated light energy toward the specimen to produce a fluorescence from the specimen including the particular fluorescence,

means responsive to the fluorescence from the specimen for detecting the fluorescence and for producing signals in accordance with such detection,

means coupled to the detecting means for obtaining a controlled operation of the detecting means in a particular time period to optimize the detection of the particular fluorescence wherein the time period has a beginning time and an ending time to enhance the detection of the particular fluorescence relative to the total fluorescence, the beginning time occurring a first particular time after the burst of concentrated light energy and during the production of the particular fluorescence and the ending time occurring a second particular time after the first particular time and during the production of the particular fluorescence from the specimen as a result of the burst of concentrated light energy,

means coupled to the burst producing means, to the detecting means and to the controlling means for timing the operation of the detecting means to sequence the detection of the fluorescence during the particular time period as a result of the production of the burst of concentrated light energy,

means coupled to the detecting means for forming signals representative of the particular fluorescence from the specimen, and

means responsive to the detection of the particular fluorescence from the specimen during the particular time period for producing an image of the particular fluorescence during the particular time interval.

93. The fluorometer of claim 91 including, a stepping stage for supporting the specimen and for moving the specimen to a plurality of different positions for providing a detection of the fluorescence emanating from the specimen at the different positions.

94. A fluorometer for measuring a particular fluorescence emanating from particular fluorophore molecules in a specimen, including

means for producing a burst of concentrated light energy having a pulse time short compared to the decay time of the particular fluorescence and having sufficient energy to excite substantially all of the particular fluorophore molecules,

means responsive to the burst of concentrated light energy for directing the burst of concentrated light energy toward the specimen to produce a fluorescence from the specimen including the particular fluorescence,

means responsive to the fluorescence from the specimen for detecting the fluorescence and for producing signals in accordance with such detection,

means coupled to the detecting means for obtaining a controlled operation of the detecting means during a particular time period to optimize the detection of the particular fluorescence wherein the particular time period has a beginning time and an ending time to enhance the detection of the particular fluorescence relative to the total fluorescence, the beginning time and the ending time occurring during the production of the particular fluorescence from the specimen as a result of the burst of concentrated light energy,

means coupled to the burst producing means, to the detecting means and to the controlling means for timing the operation of the detecting means to sequence the detection of the particular fluorescence during the particular time period as a result of the production of the burst of concentrated light energy,

means coupled to the detecting means for forming signals representative of the particular fluorescence from the specimen during the particular time period, and

means responsive to the fluorescence from the specimen for producing an image of the particular fluorescence during the particular time period.

95. The fluorometer of claim 94 wherein the means for detecting includes a photodetector for detecting the fluorescence emanating from the specimen.

96. The fluorometer of claim 94 wherein the means for detecting includes an image tube to reproduce the pattern of fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen.

97. The fluorometer of claim 94 wherein the means for detecting includes the camera to analyze or record the fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen.

98. The fluorometer of claim 94 wherein the means for producing the burst of concentrated light energy is a continuous wave source directing light energy through a modulator.

99. The fluorometer of claim 94 wherein the means for controlling the detecting means within a particular time period is an electro-optic modulator.

100. A fluorometer for measuring a particular fluorescence emanating from particular fluorophore molecules in a specimen, including

means for producing a burst of concentrated light energy having a pulse time short compared to the decay time of the particular fluorescence and having sufficient energy to excite substantially all of the particular fluorophore molecules,

means responsive to the burst of concentrated light energy for directing the burst of concentrated light energy toward the specimen to produce a fluorescence from the specimen including the particular fluorescence,

means responsive to the fluorescence from the specimen for detecting the fluorescence and for producing signals in accordance with such detection,

means coupled to the detecting means for obtaining a controlled operation of the detecting means during a particular time period to optimize the detection of the particular fluorescence during the particular time period, the particular time period having a beginning time and an ending time to enhance the detection of the particular fluorescence relative to the fluorescence including the particular fluorescence, the beginning time and ending time occurring during the production of the particular fluorescence from the specimen as a result of the production of the burst of concentrated energy,

means coupled to the burst producing means, to the detecting means and to the controlling means for timing the operation of the detecting means to sequence the detection of the fluorescence during the particular time period as a result of the production of the burst of concentrated light energy,

means coupled to the detecting means for forming signals representative of the particular fluorescence from the specimen, and

means responsive to the signals from the detecting means during the particular time period for producing an image of the particular fluorescence during the particular time period.

101. The fluorometer of claim 100 wherein the means for detecting includes a photodetector for detecting the fluorescence emanating from the specimen.

102. The fluorometer of claim 100 wherein the means for detecting includes an image tube to reproduce the pattern of fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen.

103. The fluorometer of claim 100 wherein the means for producing the burst of concentrated light energy is a laser.

104. The fluorometer of claim 100 additionally including data processing means responsive to the signals produced by the detecting means for analysing the signals to enhance the portion of the signals representing the particular fluorescence relative to the portion of the signals representing the remaining fluorescence.

105. A fluorometer as set forth in claim 100, including,

means for recording the particular fluorescence from the specimen during the particular time period as a result of the burst of concentrated light energy.

106. A fluorometer for measuring a particular fluorescence emanating from particular fluorophore molecules in a specimen, including

means for producing a burst of concentrated light energy having a pulse time short compared to the decay time of the particular fluorescence and having sufficient energy to excite substantially all of the particular fluorophore molecules,

means responsive to the burst of concentrated light energy for directing the burst of concentrated light energy toward the specimen to produce a fluorescence from the specimen including the particular fluorescence,

means responsive to the fluorescence from the specimen for detecting the fluorescence and for producing signals in accordance with such detection,

means coupled to the detecting means for obtaining a controlled operation of the detecting means during a particular time period to optimize the detection of the particular fluorescence during the particular time period the particular time period having a beginning time and an ending time to enhance the detection of the signals representing the particular fluorescence during the particular time period relative to the portion of the signals representing the remaining fluorescence during the particular time period, the beginning time and the ending time occurring during the production of the particular fluorescence from the specimen as a result of the burst of concentrated light energy,

means coupled to the burst producing means, to the detecting means and to the controlling means for timing the operation of the detecting means to sequence the detection of the fluorescence from the specimen during the particular time period as a result of the production of the burst of concentrated light energy,

data processing means responsive to the signals produced by the detecting means for analysing the signals to enhance the portion of the signals representing the particular fluorescence during the particular time interval relative to the portion of the signals representing the fluorescence during the particular time interval other than the particular fluorescence, and

means responsive to the signal from the data processing means for producing an image of the particular fluorescence.

107. The fluorometer of claim 106 wherein the means for detecting includes a photosensitive array for detecting the fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen and means are included for scanning the fluorescence from the specimen and the means for scanning includes an array control for scanning the photosensitive array to reproduce the detected fluorescence of the different spots on the specimen.

108. The fluorometer of claim 106 wherein means are included for scanning the fluorescence from the specimen and the means for scanning includes a stepping stage for supporting the specimen and for moving the specimen to a plurality of different positions for providing a detection of the fluorescence emanating from the specimen at the different positions.

109. A fluorometer as set forth in claim 106 wherein the

means for forming signals includes means for scanning the fluorescence produced from the specimen during the particular time period as a result of the burst of concentrated light energy.

112. The fluorometer of claim 106 wherein the means for detecting includes an image tube to reproduce the pattern of fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen.

110. A fluorometer for measuring a particular fluorescence emanating from particular fluorophore molecules in a specimen, including

means for producing a burst of concentrated light energy having a pulse time short compared to the decay time of the particular fluorescence and having sufficient energy to excite substantially all of the particular fluorophore molecules,

means responsive to the burst of concentrated light energy for directing the burst of concentrated light energy toward the specimen to produce fluorescence from the specimen including the particular fluorescence,

means responsive to the fluorescence from the specimen for detecting such fluorescence and for producing signals in accordance with such detection,

means coupled to the detecting means for obtaining a controlled operation of the detecting means within a particular time period to optimize the detection of the particular fluorescence wherein the particular time period has a beginning time and an ending time to enhance the detection of the signals representing the particular fluorescence during the particular time period relative to the portion of the signals representing the fluorescence during the particular time period other than the particular fluorescence, the beginning and ending times occurring during the production of the particular fluorescence from the specimen as a result of the burst of concentrated energy,

means coupled to the burst producing means, to the detecting means and to the controlling means for timing the operation of the detecting means to sequence the detection of the particular fluorescence from the specimen during the particular time period as a result of the production of the burst of concentrated light energy,

data processing means responsive to the signals produced by the detecting means during the particular time period for analysing the signals to enhance the portion of the signals representing the particular fluorescence during the particular time period relative to the portion of the signals representing the fluorescence during the particular time period other than particular fluorescence, and

means responsive to the signals from the data processing means for producing an image of the fluorescence.

111. The fluorometer of claim 110 wherein the means for detecting includes a photodetector for detecting the fluorescence emanating from the specimen.

113. The fluorometer of claim 110 wherein the means for detecting includes a camera to analyze or record the fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen.

114. The fluorometer of claim 110 wherein the means for producing the burst of concentrated light energy is a continuous wave source directing light energy through a modulator.

115. A fluorometer as set forth in claim 110, including,

means for recording the particular fluorescence produced from the specimen during the particular time period as a result of the burst of concentrated light energy.

116. A fluorometer for measuring a particular fluorescence emanating from particular fluorophore molecules in a specimen, including

means for producing a burst of concentrated light energy having a pulse time short compared to the decay time of the particular fluorescence and having sufficient energy to excite substantially all of the particular fluorophore molecules,

means responsive to the burst of concentrated light energy for directing the burst of concentrated light energy toward the specimen to produce fluorescence from the specimen including the particular fluorescence,

means responsive to the fluorescence from the specimen for detecting such fluorescence and for producing signals in accordance with such detection,

means coupled to the detecting means for obtaining a controlled operation of the detecting means within a particular time period to optimize the detection of the particular fluorescence wherein the time period has a beginning time and an ending time to enhance the detection of the signals representing the particular fluorescence during the particular time interval relative to the portion of the signals representing the fluorescence during the particular time period other than the particular fluorescence, the beginning and ending times occurring during the production of the particular fluorescence from the specimen as a result of the burst of concentrated light energy,

means coupled to the burst producing means, to the detecting means and to the controlling means for timing the operation of the detecting means to sequence the detection of the fluorescence within the particular time period as a result of the production of the burst of concentrated light energy,

data processing means responsive to the signals produced by the detecting means during the particular time period for analysing the signals to enhance the portion of the signals representing the particular fluorescence during the particular time period relative to the portion of the signals representing the fluorescence during the particular time period other than the particular fluorescence, and

means responsive to the enhanced signals from the data processing means for producing an image of the particular fluorescence during the particular time period.

117. The fluorometer of claim 116 wherein the means for detecting includes a photodetector for detecting the fluorescence emanating from the specimen.

118. The fluorometer of claim 116 wherein the means for detecting includes an image tube to reproduce the pattern of fluorescence emanating from a plurality of spots on the specimen.

119. The fluorometer of claim 116 wherein the means for producing the burst of concentrated light energy is a laser.

120. A fluorometer as set forth in claim 116, including,

means for recording the particular fluorescence produced from the specimen during the particular time period as a result of the burst of concentrated light energy.

121. A fluorometer for measuring a particular fluorescence emanating from particular fluorophpre molecules in a specimen, including

means for producing a burst of concentrated light energy having a pulse time short compared to the decay time of the particular fluorescence and having sufficient energy to excite substantially all of the particular fluorophore molecules,

means responsive to the burst of concentrated light energy for directing the burst of concentrated light energy toward the specimen to produce fluorescence from the specimen including the particular fluorescence,

means responsive to the fluorescence from the specimen for detecting such fluorescence and for producing signals in accordance with such detection,

means coupled to the detecting means for obtaining a controlled operation of the detecting means within a particular time period to optimize the detection of the particular fluorescence wherein the particular time period has a beginning time and an ending time to enhance the detection of the signals representing the particular fluorescence during the particular time relative to the portion of the signals representing the fluorescence during the particular time period other than the particular fluorescence the beginning and ending times occurring during the production of the particular fluorescence,

means coupled to the burst producing means, to the detecting means and to the controlling means for timing the operation of the detecting means to sequence the detection of the fluorescence during the particular time period as a result of the production of the burst of concentrated light energy,

data processing means responsive to the signals produced by the detecting means during the particular time period for analysing the signals to enhance the portion of the signals representing the particular fluorescence during the particular time period relative to the portion of the signals representing the fluorescence during the particular time period other than the particular fluorescence, and

the means for controlling the passage of the image constituting an electro-optic modulator formed by a cubic crystal of the class T_d.

122. The fluorometer of claim 121 wherein the cubic crystal of the class T_d is cuprous chloride.

123. The fluorometer of claim 121 wherein the electro-optic modulator is formed from at least one of the following group of materials:

CuCl (Cuprous chloride)

CuBr (Cuprous bromide)

CuI (Cuprous iodide)

ZnS (Zinc sulfide)

ZnSe (Zinc selenide)

ZnTe (Zinc telluride)

(CH₂)₆ N₄ (Hexamine or Hexamethylenetetramine)

(Na, Ca)_8-4 (SO₄)_2-1 [(AlSiO₄)₆ ] (Hauynite)

GaP (Gallium phosphide)

Bi₄ (GeO₄)₃ (Bismuth germanate)

NaClO₃ (Sodium chlorate)

BaTiO₃ (Barium titanate)

SrTiO₃ (Strontium titanate)

KTaO₃ (Potassium tantalate)

KTa_x Nb_1-x O₃ (Potassium tantalate niobate)