Sample holder for prism-based analytical instruments

A sample holder device (100) for plasmon-waveguided resonance (PWR) spectroscopy, or a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) spectroscopy, said sample holder device comprising a prism retainer (200) that is operatively attached to a sample holder (300),

• wherein
• (i) said prism retainer (200) comprises:
• a top portion (204);
• a bottom portion (208) comprising a slotted opening (212) that is adapted to allow insertion of a prism (400) and holding the prism (400) in place during operation;
• and
• a joining element (220),
• (ii) said sample holder (300) comprises:
• a prism retainer joining region (302) comprising a complementary joining element (332), such that said joining element (220) and said complementary joining element (332) are configured to join said prism retainer (200) to said sample holder (300);
• a prism compartment (304) comprising:
• a first protuberance (324) adapted for holding the prism (400) within said prism compartment (304);
• and
• at least one second protuberance (328A) adapted for holding the prism (400) within said prism compartment (304);
• a fluid inlet port (308A);
• a fluid outlet port (308B);
• and
• an annular groove (340) adapted to receive an annular seal (312) to prevent leakage of a fluid from said sample holder (300) when said sample holder (300) and the prism (400) are mated together.