Fiber-optic assay apparatus based on phase-shift interferometry
US7728982B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 8, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 17, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/7703
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and method for detecting the presence or amount or rate of binding of an analyte in a sample solution is disclosed. The apparatus includes an optical assembly having first and second reflecting surfaces separated by a distance “d” greater than 50 nm, where the first surface is formed by a layer of analyte-binding molecules, and a light source for directing a beam of light onto said first and second reflecting surface. A detector in the apparatus operates to detect a change in the thickness of the first reflecting layer resulting from binding of analyte to the analyte-binding molecules, when the assembly is placed in the solution of analyte, by detecting a shift in phase of light waves reflected from the first and second surfaces.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.