Clamshell Analyzer for Static or Flowing Samples
OwnerBryan A. Hassell, David P. Marchessaultinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system for analyzing a sample, e.g., by NIR, includes a clamshell apparatus and a tunable laser. The apparatus has a fixed first section and a second section which can move between an open position and a closed position. A sample detection region is formed between an input rod and an output rod by lowering the second section to the closed position. A flowcell inserted between these sections can be used to analyze flowing samples. One illustrative arrangement employs a reference detector positioned in the first section and a sample detector positioned in the second section.
Claims26
A system for analyzing a sample, the system comprising:
- a tunable laser spectrometer for generating a swept wavelength signal;
- a clamshell apparatus defining a sample detection region and including a reference photodetector for detecting the swept wavelength signal from the tunable laser spectrometer and a sample photodetector for detecting the swept wavelength signal after transmission through the sample detection region;
- and
- a flowcell adapter defining a channel for passing a flowing sample to and from the sample detection region,
- wherein the clamshell apparatus has a first fixed section and a second section configured for movement between an open and a closed position of the clamshell apparatus.
A method for analyzing a sample, the method comprising:
- passing a flowing sample through a sample detection region formed in a closed configuration of a clamshell apparatus;
- generating a swept wavelength signal;
- transmitting the swept wavelength signal to a first section of a clamshell apparatus;
- detecting the swept wavelength signal in the clamshell apparatus prior to transmission through the sample detection region;
- detecting the swept wavelength signal after transmission through the flowing sample in the sample detection region;
- and
- resolving an absorption spectra of the sample with reference to the swept wavelength signal before and after transmission through the sample detection region.
A clamshell apparatus, comprising:
- a first section including a polarizer, a beam splitter and a reference photodetector;
- a second section including a sample photodetector;
- an input rod having a transmission port and an output rod having a detection port,
- a flowcell adapter for directing a flowing sample to and from a sample detection region, the sample detection region being defined by the transmission port and the detection port of the clamshell apparatus in a closed configuration.
A flowcell adapter for a system for analyzing a sample, the system comprising a tunable laser spectrometer for generating a swept wavelength signal and an apparatus defining a sample detection region and including a reference photodetector for detecting the swept wavelength signal from the tunable laser spectrometer and a sample photodetector for detecting the swept wavelength signal after transmission through the sample detection region;
- wherein the flowcell adapter defines a channel for passing a flowing sample to and from the sample detection region.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.