High sensitivity fluorescent single particle and single molecule detection apparatus and method
US4979824A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 26, 1989 |
| Grant date | Dec 25, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 26, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2015/0222
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus is described for ultrasensitive detection of single fluorescent particles down to the single fluorescent molecule limit in a fluid or on a substrate comprising means for illuminating a predetermined volume of the fluid or area of the substrate whereby to emit light including background light from the fluid and burst of photons from particles residing in the area. The photon burst is detected in real time to generate output representative signal. The signal is received and the burst of energy from the fluorescent particles is distinguished from the background energy to provide an indication of the number, location or concentration of the particles or molecules.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.