Optical analytical device, waveguide and method

Abstract

A device for detecting a first material comprising (a) a waveguide having on a peripheral surface of the waveguide a second material which on contacting the first material selectively combines with the first material to measurably change the light transmitting capabilities of the waveguide, (b) a light source positioned to transmit light into the waveguide, and (c) means for measuring the light exiting from the waveguide. The waveguide described in the previous sentence is a new article of manufacture. The device is useful in a method for detecting a first material comprising the steps of (a) exposing a waveguide having on a peripheral surface of the waveguide a second material to an unknown material which may contain the first material, and second material upon being contacted by the first material selectively combines with the first material to measurably change the light transmitting capabilities of the waveguide; (b) transmitting light through the waveguide after exposure in step (a); and, (c) detecting the light transmitted in step (b) as a measure of the first material. The device and method can be used in either qualitative or quantitative analysis.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.