Multiplexed fluorescent detection in microfluidic devices
AssigneeAclara Biosciences, Inc.
InventorsKevin Maher, Timothy F. Smith, Torleif O. Bjornson
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Abstract
An optical detection and orientation device is provided comprising a housing having an excitation light source, an optical element for reflecting the excitation light to an aspherical lens and transmitting light emitted by a fluorophore excited by said excitation light, a focusing lens for focusing the emitted light onto the entry of an optical fiber, which serves as a confocal aperture, and a moveable carrier for accurately moving said housing over a small area in relation to a channel in a microfluidic device. The optical detection and orientation device finds use in detecting fluorophores in the channel during operations involving fluorescent signals.
Claims44
An optical detection and orientation system for irradiating a fluorescent sample in a detection volume of a microchannel, wherein said microchannel is in a solid substrate, said system comprising:
- a movable optical train comprising a source of excitation light and an optical element for directing said light at said detection volume;
- a detector for receiving light emanating from said detection volume and transferring said emanating light for analysis;
- and
- a carrier for moving said optical train and excitation light across the surface of said solid substrate comprising said microchannel in response to changes in light emanating from said detection volume.
An optical detection and orientation system for detecting fluorescence of a sample material in a detection volume of a microchannel wherein said microchannel is in a solid substrate, said system comprising:
- at least one source of excitation light optically coupled to a movable optical train, said optical train comprising at least one optical element configured to direct said excitation light from said at least one source to said detection volume;
- a carrier supporting said optical train, said carrier being adapted to move said optical train relative to said solid substrate;
- at least one optical receiver configured to collect light emanating from said detection volume, and to transfer said emanating light to at least one detector;
- and
- a data analyzer configured to analyze said emanating light.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.