Fluorescence detection system including a photonic band gap structure

US7314751B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory, Inc. · US

Inventors

• William P. Kelleher · Acton, US
• Stephen P. Smith · Acton, US
• Richard E. Stoner · Framingham, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 27, 2001
• Grant date: Jan 1, 2008
• Expiry date: Jul 27, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10S435/808
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A fluorescence detection system includes a photonic band gap structure. An internal surface of the photonic band gap structure defines a core region, and is coated with a film formed of conjugated polymer molecules. The core region is filled with a sample fluid or gas having a plurality of either chemical or biological analytes dispersed therein. An optical source generates excitation light directed to the sample fluid. In response, a binding event between a bacterium or chemical species in the fluid or gas and one or more of the conjugated polymer molecules generates a fluorescent signal whose wavelength falls within the photonic band gap. The fluorescent signal is guided through said core region by resonant reflections, and is guided onto a detector. A plurality of photonic band gap structures may be combined so as to form a biosensor array.