US 6,917,726 B2 · Zero-mode clad waveguides for performing spectroscopy with confined effective observation volumes

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a method and an apparatus for analysis of an analyte. The method involves providing a zero-mode waveguide which includes a cladding surrounding a core where the cladding is configured to preclude propagation of electromagnetic energy of a frequency less than a cutoff frequency longitudinally through the core of the zero-mode waveguide. The analyte is positioned in the core of the zero-mode waveguide and is then subjected, in the core of the zero-mode waveguide, to activating electromagnetic radiation of a frequency less than the cut-off frequency under conditions effective to permit analysis of the analyte in an effective observation volume which is more compact than if the analysis were carried out in the absence of the zero-mode waveguide.

Claims33

Dependent claims

A method for analysis of an analyte comprising:

providing a zero-mode waveguide comprising:
a cladding surrounding a core, wherein said cladding is configured to preclude propagation of electromagnetic energy of a frequency less than a cutoff frequency longitudinally through the core of the zero-mode waveguide;
positioning the analyte in the core of the zero-mode waveguide;
and
subjecting the analyte in the core of the zero-mode waveguide to activating electromagnetic radiation of a frequency less than the cutoff frequency under conditions effective to permit analysis of the analyte in an effective observation volume which is more compact than if the analysis were carried out in the absence of the zero-mode waveguide.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Zero-mode clad waveguides for performing spectroscopy with confined effective observation volumes

Life of this patent

Zero-mode clad waveguides for performing spectroscopy with confined effective observation volumes

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims33