Multi-dimensional fluorescence apparatus and method for rapid and highly sensitive quantitative analysis of mixtures
US7015484B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 7, 2003 |
| Grant date | Mar 21, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 23, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2021/6417
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and methods are provided for rapid and sensitive quantitative analysis of a sample's fluorescence decay properties. A repetitively pulsed excitation light source generates pulsed fluorescence in the sample. A fluorescence wavelength selector receives a portion of the pulsed fluorescence emanating from the sample and outputs fluorescence photons whose wavelengths lie within a specified wavelength range. A photodetector receives the fluorescence photons within the specified wavelength range as an input from the fluorescence wavelength selector and outputs a time-dependent electrical signal. An array of memory elements stores a representation of the time-dependent electrical signal as a time-series of analog voltages or charges. Successive elements in the array correspond to a time increment of no greater than 4 ns. An analog-to-digital converter transforms the time-series of analog voltages or charges into a corresponding digitized fluorescence waveform.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.