Optical sensor for measuring fluorescence anisotropy during polymer

USH1843H · kind H · statutory invention registration

Inventors

• Anthony J. Bur · Rockville, US
• Steven C. Roth · Frederick, US

Key dates

• Grant date: Mar 7, 2000

Classification

• Technology area (CPC —): General

Abstract

An optical sensor containing polarizing optical components measures fluorescence anisotropy of fluorescent dyes. The measurement involves the detection of vertical and horizontal components of fluorescent light. Using Glan-Taylor and Wollaston calcite polarizers, both vertical and horizontal components are collected by separate optical fibers and measured simultaneously using a two-channel photon counter. One application of this sensor is the measurement of molecular orientation during polymer processing. Two sensor head designs are described, one of which fits into the 1/2 inch instrumentation port in polymer processing machines. To carry out process monitoring, a fluorescent dye is mixed with a polymer resin at approximately 10 ppm by weight concentration. Dyes which have geometrical asymmetry in their molecular structure or are covalently bonded to the polymer molecule are usually used. The anisotropy measurement yields information about the orientation of the dye molecule in an oriented medium. Anisotropy measurements of fluorescent dyes in media other than polymers can also be obtained using this sensor.