Sensing apparatus having optical assembly that collimates emitted light for detection
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A sensing apparatus comprising:
- a sample holder configured to receive a sample;
an optical source configured to emit excitation light;
an optical assembly configured to receive the excitation light, the optical assembly being spaced from the sample holder and being rotatable about a first axis;
an objective lens; and
a detector, whereinthe optical assembly is configured to direct the excitation light to a first location on the sample when the optical assembly is in a first position, and to direct the excitation light from the optical source to a second location on the sample when the optical assembly is rotated to a second position,the optical assembly directs the excitation light to the sample along a second axis,the objective lens is configured to collimate light emitted from the first and the second locations on the sample,the detector is configured to receive the collimated light, anda distance from the first axis to the second axis defines a radius of a circle, the circle comprises a first arc and a second arc, and the sensing apparatus is configurable to direct excitation light to the sample while the optical assembly rotates through the first arc and the second arc.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for optical sensing of samples includes an optical source, an optical assembly, a sample holder, an objective lens, and a detector. The objective lens collimates light emitted by the sample. Preferably, the optical assembly rotates about an axis, 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. Preferably, light from the optical source enters the optical assembly along the axis of rotation. Sensing methods consistent with the invention are also described.
-
Citations
17 Claims
-
1. A sensing apparatus comprising:
-
a sample holder configured to receive a sample; an optical source configured to emit excitation light; an optical assembly configured to receive the excitation light, the optical assembly being spaced from the sample holder and being rotatable about a first axis; an objective lens; and a detector, wherein the optical assembly is configured to direct the excitation light to a first location on the sample when the optical assembly is in a first position, and to direct the excitation light from the optical source to a second location on the sample when the optical assembly is rotated to a second position, the optical assembly directs the excitation light to the sample along a second axis, the objective lens is configured to collimate light emitted from the first and the second locations on the sample, the detector is configured to receive the collimated light, and a distance from the first axis to the second axis defines a radius of a circle, the circle comprises a first arc and a second arc, and the sensing apparatus is configurable to direct excitation light to the sample while the optical assembly rotates through the first arc and the second arc. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
Specification