Extended dynamic range light detection systems and methods
US7952056B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 5, 2010 |
| Grant date | May 31, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 5, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/645
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems and methods for detecting and measuring light emitted from a sample and having a large dynamic range, e.g., a range of luminous intensity covering six or more orders of magnitude, that may be difficult to fully detect using a single detector with a limited detection range. Simultaneous measurements of the emitted light in two intensity ranges are performed using two detectors, e.g., one including a photomultiplier tube (PMT) and the other including a solid state detector such as a photodiode. A beam splitting element directs light emitted from a sample under investigation to both detectors simultaneously such that a portion of the light impinges on the first detector and a second portion of the light impinges on the second detector. A processor receives output signals from the two detectors and provides an output representing the luminous intensity of the sample over a detection range greater than the detection range of each individual detector, thereby providing a detection system having an enhanced dynamic range.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.