Substrates and optical systems and methods of use thereof
AssigneePacific Biosciences of California, Inc.
InventorsCheng Frank Zhong, Paul Lundquist, Mathieu Foquet, Jonas Korlach, Hovig Bayandorian
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Abstract
This invention provides analytical devices for use in various applications, including detection of single-molecule analytical reactions. Methods for propagating optical energy within a substrate are provided. Devices comprising waveguide substrates, dielectric omnidirectional reflectors, and optical couplers are provided. Waveguide substrates with improved uniformity of optical energy intensity across one or more waveguides and enhanced waveguide illumination efficiency within an analytic detection region of the arrays are provided.
Claims14
An integrated analytical device for detecting single molecules, comprising:
- a plurality of nanoholes disposed in a mask layer above a substrate;
- an optical grating coupling an optical illumination energy source to the substrate;
- a reflector positioned below the substrate;
- and
- an optical detection system positioned to receive optical energy emitted from reaction sites of the nanoholes;
- wherein the substrate is a waveguide substrate;
- wherein the optical energy comprises a laser beam;
- wherein the reflector is a dielectric omnidirectional reflector comprising a stack of dielectric layers;
- wherein the reflector reflects illumination from the optical energy source;
- and
- wherein the integrated analytical device is configured to detect single molecules in the reaction sites of the nanoholes.
A method of detecting single molecules, comprising:
- a) providing an integrated analytical device comprising:
- a plurality of nanoholes disposed in a mask layer above a substrate;
- an optical coupling an optical illumination energy source to the substrate;
- a reflector positioned below the substrate;
- and
- an optical detection system positioned to receive optical energy emitted from reaction sites of the nanoholes;
- wherein the substrate is a waveguide substrate;
- wherein the optical energy comprises a laser beam;
- wherein the reflector is a dielectric omnidirectional reflector comprising a stack of dielectric layers;
- wherein the reflector reflects illumination from the optical energy source;
- and wherein the integrated analytical device is configured to detect single molecules in the reaction sites of the nanoholes;
- b) illuminating reaction sites of the nanoholes;
- c) detecting, at the optical detection system, light emitted from single molecules of the reaction sites.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.