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Title: Biochip reader with enhanced illumination and bioarray positioning apparatus

Abstract

A method of illumination and illumination apparatus are provided in a biochip reader. Illumination is provided by a non-collimated laser source or a light emitting diode (LED). The light is directed to opposing sides of a glass substrate by a pair of optical fiber bundles. The glass substrate carries a bioarray. Each of the optical fiber bundles are splayed out to make a fan, the fan being one fiber thick and defining a line of optical fiber faces. This process randomizes any non-uniformity in the illumination source, creating a more uniform illumination source. A respective divergent diffuser engages each row of optical fiber faces coupling and diffusing light substantially evenly through the opposing sides of the glass substrate to illuminate the bioarray supported by the glass substrate. The glass substrate functions as a secondary light guide. The divergent diffusers separate the optical fiber faces from the edges of the glass substrate, protecting the optical fibers from mechanical damage. A glass holder supports the glass substrate carrying the bioarray. The glass holder including a plastics springs member in spring contact engagement with the glass substrate for positioning said bioarray in a focal plane. Light also can be directed to opposing endsmore » of the glass substrate by a second pair of optical fiber bundles. Also a single optical fiber bundle can be used to direct light in one side of the glass substrate or three optical fiber bundles can be used to direct light into the glass substrate. This method of illumination provides a superior signal to noise ratio as compared with conventional illumination systems.« less

Inventors:
; ;
Publication Date:
Research Org.:
Univ. of Chicago, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Org.:
USDOE
OSTI Identifier:
1531462
Patent Number(s):
6,620,623
Application Number:
10/139,842
Assignee:
The University of Chicago (Chicago, IL)
DOE Contract Number:  
W-31-109-ENG-38
Resource Type:
Patent
Resource Relation:
Patent File Date: 2002-05-06
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Subject:
42 ENGINEERING; 71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSICS

Citation Formats

Yershov, Gennadiy, Alferov, Oleg, and Kukhtin, Alexander. Biochip reader with enhanced illumination and bioarray positioning apparatus. United States: N. p., 2003. Web.
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Yershov, Gennadiy, Alferov, Oleg, & Kukhtin, Alexander. Biochip reader with enhanced illumination and bioarray positioning apparatus. United States.
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Yershov, Gennadiy, Alferov, Oleg, and Kukhtin, Alexander. Tue . "Biochip reader with enhanced illumination and bioarray positioning apparatus". United States. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1531462.
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@article{osti_1531462,
title = {Biochip reader with enhanced illumination and bioarray positioning apparatus},
author = {Yershov, Gennadiy and Alferov, Oleg and Kukhtin, Alexander},
abstractNote = {A method of illumination and illumination apparatus are provided in a biochip reader. Illumination is provided by a non-collimated laser source or a light emitting diode (LED). The light is directed to opposing sides of a glass substrate by a pair of optical fiber bundles. The glass substrate carries a bioarray. Each of the optical fiber bundles are splayed out to make a fan, the fan being one fiber thick and defining a line of optical fiber faces. This process randomizes any non-uniformity in the illumination source, creating a more uniform illumination source. A respective divergent diffuser engages each row of optical fiber faces coupling and diffusing light substantially evenly through the opposing sides of the glass substrate to illuminate the bioarray supported by the glass substrate. The glass substrate functions as a secondary light guide. The divergent diffusers separate the optical fiber faces from the edges of the glass substrate, protecting the optical fibers from mechanical damage. A glass holder supports the glass substrate carrying the bioarray. The glass holder including a plastics springs member in spring contact engagement with the glass substrate for positioning said bioarray in a focal plane. Light also can be directed to opposing ends of the glass substrate by a second pair of optical fiber bundles. Also a single optical fiber bundle can be used to direct light in one side of the glass substrate or three optical fiber bundles can be used to direct light into the glass substrate. This method of illumination provides a superior signal to noise ratio as compared with conventional illumination systems.},
doi = {},
url = {https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1531462}, journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {2003},
month = {9}
}
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Works referenced in this record:

Devices for molecular biological analysis and diagnostics including waveguides
patent, November 2001

Biochip detection system
patent, August 2001

Methods for concurrently processing multiple biological chip assays
patent, February 1999

Method and device for fluorescence measurement
patent, May 2003

Optical scanning apparatus
patent, December 1996

Darkfield illuminator for a microscope slide
patent, September 1993

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