Methods and apparatus for measuring optical properties of biological and chemical substances
US5721435A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 9, 1996 |
| Grant date | Feb 24, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 9, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/253
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical measurement system includes a test surface having disposed thereon a plurality reference markings and a plurality of test spots containing chemical and biological substances. Molecules of interest contained in the chemical and biological substances are tagged with optically detectable labels. A light source generates a beam of light which is then directed by a deflecting sub-system across the test surface, thereby individually impinging the test spots and the reference markings. Optical signals resulting from the impingement are detected by a detection means, which records such detection and the time of the detection. The reference markings have optically unique signatures to distinguish the markings from the optical signatures of the signals emitted from the chemical and biological substances in the test spots. The reference markings are spaced apart at known distances and serve to provide a constant calibration of the scan speed of the beam of light. In one embodiment, a Winston concentrator directs the light emanating from the test surface to the detector. In another embodiment, an off-axis parabolic mirror arrangement directs the light to the detector.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.