Optofluidic microscope device with photosensor array

US8314933B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · US

Inventors

• Xiquan Cui · Pasadena, US
• Xin Heng · Hercules, US
• Lap Man Lee · Madison, US
• Changhuei Yang · Pasadena, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 4, 2009
• Grant date: Nov 20, 2012
• Expiry date: Oct 26, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N21/6458
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention relate to techniques for improving optofluidic microscope (OFM) devices. One technique which may be used eliminates the aperture layer covering the light detector layer. Other techniques retain the aperture layer, reversing the relative position of the light source and light detector such that light passes through the aperture layer before passing through the fluid channel to the light detector. Another technique adds an optical tweezer for controlling the movement of objects moving through the fluid channel. Another technique adds an optical fiber bundle to relay light from light transmissive regions to a remote light detector. Another technique adds two electrodes at ends of the fluid channel to generate an electrical field capable of moving objects through the fluid channel while suppressing rotation. These techniques can be employed separately or in combination to improve the capabilities of OFM devices.