Multi-channel swept wavelength optical interrogation system and method for using same

US7999944B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• CORNING INCORPORATED · US

Inventors

• Stephen J. Caracci · Elmira, US
• Michael Joseph Dailey, JR. · Corning, US
• William James Miller · Horseheads, US
• Robert Adam Modavis · Corning, US
• Deepti J. Mudaliar · Horseheads, US
• David Andrew Pastel · Horseheads, US
• Michael Brian Webb · Lindley, US
• Qi Wu · Corning, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 23, 2008
• Grant date: Aug 16, 2011
• Expiry date: Jul 14, 2029

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N21/45
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A multi-channel swept wavelength optical interrogation system and a method are described herein that enable the interrogation of one or more biosensors which for example could be located within the wells of a microplate. In one embodiment, the optical interrogation system comprises: (a) a tunable laser that emits an optical beam which has a predetermined sequence of distinct wavelengths over a predetermined time period; (b) a distribution unit that splits the optical beam into a plurality of interrogation beams; (c) an array of optical interrogation units that receive and direct the interrogation beams towards an array of biosensors; (d) the array of optical interrogation units receive a plurality of reflected interrogation beams from the array of biosensors; (e) a data processing device that receives and processes information associated with the reflected interrogation beams to determine for example whether or not there was a biochemical interaction on anyone of the biosensors.