Hologram containing sensor

Abstract

The invention relates to a sensor (9) comprising a hologram (17) supported on or within a holographic support medium (10). A species to be detected is reactive with a substance disposed throughout, the sensor (9). Optionally, a chemical reactive with a species to be detected or a specific binding conjugate of a species to be detected is disposed throughout part of or all of the sensor (9). The resulting reaction(s) cause(s) variation(s) in the hologram (17) or holographic support medium (10) which in turn varies one or more optical characteristic(s) of the hologram (17). The variation in the optical characteristic(s) of the hologram (17) and/or the holographic support medium (10), preferably give(s) rise to a wavelength shift in incident radiation. The variation of the optical parameter is related to the species to be detected. The advantages of the sensor are that it is cheap, easy to manufacture and, once calibrated, reliable and robust.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.