Metallic overcoating as a light attenuating layer for optical sensors
US6368869B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 31, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 31, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2021/7786
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A liquid permeable metallic coating is utilized in conjunction with a fluorescence based optical sensor. The metallic coating is deposited directly on, and is in physical contact with, the sensing membrane. The metallic coating does not require an intervening substrate layer or other components. When light from a light source is shone through the substantially light transmissive substrate onto the sensing membrane, the metallic overcoating reflects back the excitation light as well as the fluorescence light generated by the sensor such that substantially no light reaches the sample where the light may be scattered and/or absorbed by the sample. Accordingly, the accuracy and repeatability of the sensor is improved while the cost and production times associated with manufacturing the sensor are minimized.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.