Apparatus and method for analysing a biological sample in response to microwave radiation

Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the controller (58) is operable to modulate at least one of the intensity, phase, polarisation and frequency against a control waveform or modulation function to allow study of the influence of the intensity, phase, polarisation, frequency or modulation thereof.

Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sample passage (42) is a tube formed of a material permeable to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave, millimetre-wave, infrared light, visible light and ultraviolet light wavebands.

Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further including a waveguide block (50) by which the radiation is introduced to the sample passage and hence to the material contained therein.

Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sample thickness is below 0.5 millimetres.

Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insertion angle is relatively low and preferably no more than 20° to the horizontal.

Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further including one or more further sources (48) or generators of electromagnetic radiation which are directed towards said sample passage, and hence the material contained therein, at one or more points along said sample path.

Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said radiation detectors (46) detect radiation in the microwave, millimetre-wave, infrared light, visible light or ultraviolet light wavebands.

Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detectors (46) are used to monitor either the effect of energy deposited in the same waveband or the effect of energy deposited in a different waveband.

Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further including a device (514) for dividing the liquid sample into two or more segments which pass in sequence along said sample path (804) in use.

Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the detectors (810) are spaced apart along the sample path so that the radiation reflected and/or emitted and/or transmitted by the sample at different times from introduction of the sample into the sample passage (804) can be measured.

Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said apparatus includes a device (56) for pumping the sample through said sample passage.

Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus includes a device (44) for controlling the flow of the analytical sample through the sample passage according to a preferred rate, a pattern or profile of rates and/or a pattern of segmentation.

Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further including a pumping mechanism (56) which is not in direct contact with the sample.

Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further including a temperature probe (46A) or sensor for measuring the temperature of the sample.

Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further including a temperature control device (46B) for controlling the temperature of the sample.

Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the sample passage (42) is permeable to gas or gases such as oxygen.

Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, further including a source (48A) of ultrasound energy for directing ultrasound energy into the sample.

Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, configured to be used in combination with a continuous culture system (504) whereby the apparatus is connected to a continuous culture vessel (602) and sample material is caused to exit the vessel and pass along said sample path (804).

A method of analysing a chemical, biological or biochemical sample to determine the response thereto to microwave radiation, the method including steps of:

• passing said sample in vapour or liquid phase along a sample path (42) within a sample passage;
• directing radiation at said sample, and
• detecting radiation emitted by luminescent material within the sample after exposure to the radiation.

A method of characterising a sample which comprises exposing the sample to radiation, monitoring the radiation transmitted, reflected and/or emitted at a plurality of intervals thereafter, and thereafter characterising said sample on the basis of at least one of said measurements.