Radiation Carrier and Use Thereof in an Optical Sensor

Abstract

A radiation carrier for carrying at least a radiation beam has, on a surface thereof, at least one excitation grating, for directing at least an excitation radiation beam directionally out of the radiation carrier, thereby illuminating a region of interest; and at least one structure for redirecting emission radiation emanating from the region of interest. Further a sensor is provided comprising at least one such radiation carrier and at least one detector, the structure being adapted for redirecting radiation from the region of interest into the at least one detector.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to the field of particle detection and optionally analysis. More specifically it relates to particle detection and optionally analysis via optical means. In particular, it relates to luminescence based detection, e.g. fluorescence based detection, of particles or detection of particles based on Raman scattering, in flow.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Cytometry, in particular flow cytometry, consists in identification of analytes (e.g. tumor cells) based on morphological and / or chemical characteristics. In the latter case, markers, e.g. luminescent markers such as for instance fluorescent markers, are often used to label particular molecules, such as proteins, that can identify the cell. This typically requires an optical system that focuses laser light to excite the luminophores, e.g. fluorophores, and that collects and filters the luminescence, e.g. fluorescence, coming from the cell.[0003]Luminescent, e.g. fluorescent, de...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a small and easy-to-use optical sensor and analyzer that can detect luminescence, such as fluorescence or Raman scattering. Its technical effects include improved detection and analysis of luminescence, allowing for more accurate and reliable data collection in various fields such as medical diagnostics and environmental monitoring. The invention's compact design and easy operation make it ideal for use in portable or field-based applications.

Problems solved by technology

In prior art devices, the remaining number of unbound luminophores, e.g. fluorophores, have to be removed before activating the luminophores, e.g. fluorophores, bound to the particle, because the background noise reduces the sensibility of the detectors, which typically have low resolution.

These additional steps of removal of unbound markers increase the complexity of the process and the area needed for washing the markers off as well as controllable pumps and other elements for flow control, typically making the devices bulky.

Even simple cell counting tests require a lot of throughput.

To perform cell counting, cells need to flow through the system very fast, which means that only little signals are available from every single cell.

However, the breadth of the frequency spectrum of luminescent, e.g. fluorescent, light (broadband spectrum) hinders or impedes an efficient input in a waveguide.

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