Self-centering sample bottle holder for immersion probe

Abstract

A stent is described. A holder for a sample vial, comprising a base and a cap, where the holder and cap comprise one or more opaque or optically black materials. The holder comprises an interior space for placing the sample vial in a light-proof environment, and the holder cover comprises an opening for inserting the probe through the opening into the sample vial. The disclosure also includes systems and methods of using the stent.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 380,617, filed on October 24, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a sample vial holder. In particular, a sample vial holder is described that provides a light - proof environment for a sample vial during measurement using an immersion probe. Background Art

[0004] An immersion probe is a probe that can be partially or fully immersed in a sample to measure sample properties. Such probes can include, for example, pH probes, conductivity probes, temperature probes, and UV - Vis and Raman probes. Although immersion probes are also suitable for solid samples such as powders, they are more commonly used for liquid samples such as chemical and biological mixtures, as well as suspensions and dispersions. Immersion probes are suitable for batch processes, analysis of continuous processes, and use in flow cells.

[0005] The use of probes is a routine procedure in production and laboratory testing. Samples from batch or continuous processes are collected in small sample containers (such as sample vials, test tubes, etc.). By detecting the samples, the progress of reactions, cell growth, or other maturation processes can be monitored. Immersion probes can directly detect the properties of the samples in the sample vials, which is very convenient. If an immersion probe is used for measurement, light shielding treatment is often beneficial and sometimes even necessary, depending on the nature of the measurement. For example, for UV - vis and Raman measurements of the energy in the probe measurement, stray ambient light can generate unwanted signals, resulting in a decrease in the signal - to - noise ratio or even completely obscuring important measurement signals.

[0006] Although amber or opaque containers can block some light, the more common and less - costly option is to use containers made of transparent plastic or glass. In many cases, transparent sample vials are wrapped with light - shielding materials to provide a light - proof environment for the sample container as much as possible. For example, U.S. Patent Publication 2022 / 0220430 describes covering glass bottles or beakers to eliminate light interference for Raman scattering measurements. Practitioners also know that it is usually necessary to check and adjust the formed temporary coverings (such as when using aluminum foil) to ensure that light is fully eliminated. In addition to light shielding, in some cases, the sample container wall can also interfere with the measurement, for example, it will fluoresce when excited by the probe. Ensuring that the probe is not too close to or in contact with the container wall is an additional adjustment that can impede sample collection or extend the sample collection time.

[0007] Therefore, there is still an unmet need to measure samples in a light - shielded environment using an immersion probe to ensure that the probe can be accurately centered. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This specification describes systems, methods, and products that address the above and other needs, and relate to illustrative, non-limiting embodiments. Various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents are possible.

[0009] According to a first aspect, a holder is described. The holder includes a base and a lid, wherein the base and the lid comprise one or more opaque or optically black materials. The base includes: a first end including a bottom configured to place the base on a substantially flat surface; a second end extending from the first end; an opening in the second end opposite the bottom and providing access to an internal space in the base, the internal space being configured to receive a sample vial therein; a hole in the bottom (opposite the opening) and the hole being in fluid communication with the internal space. The lid is configured to mate with the second end and includes a sampling port configured to receive a probe through the sampling port and the opening and centered into the sample vial.

[0010] According to a second aspect, a system for measuring a signal from a sample is described. The system includes a holder (conforming to the first aspect) and an adjustable probe arm.

[0011] According to a third aspect, a method for measuring scattered light is described. The method includes: placing a sample in a sample vial, placing the vial in a holder conforming to the first aspect; inserting a probe through the sampling port of the lid such that the probe is immersed in the sample; irradiating the sample with light that is incident on the probe; and collecting the scattered sample light into the probe.

[0012] The holder provides a light-shielded measurement environment for the sample for measurements using an immersion probe. The holder can also guide and fix the probe to be centered within the sample vial during measurements. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] The following detailed description of illustrative embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings will facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the foregoing and other features and advantages of the embodiments.

[0014] Figure 1 is a 3D view of a holder according to some embodiments.

[0015] Figures 2A - 2D is Figure 1 different views of the holder: Figure 2A is an isometric view; Figure 2B is a front view; Figure 2C is a top view; Figure 2D is a bottom view.

[0016] Figures 3A - 3B is a view of a sample vial holder according to some embodiments.Figure 3A is the front view, Figure 3B is the bottom view.

[0017] Figures 4A - 4C are views of a sample vial holder according to some embodiments. Figure 4A is the front view, Figure 4B is the top view, Figure 4C is another front view.

[0018] Figures 5A - 5D shows a sample vial holder including centering elements according to another embodiment. Figure 5A and 5C are the front views, Figure 5B and 5D are the top views.

[0019] Figure 6 shows a system for measuring signals from a sample according to some embodiments.

[0020] Figure 7 is a flowchart of a method for measuring scattered light from a sample according to some embodiments.

[0021] The figures mentioned above are not necessarily drawn to scale and should be understood as providing a representation of particular embodiments and are inherently only conceptual and illustrative of the principles involved. The same reference numerals in the drawings are used for similar or identical components and parts shown in various alternative embodiments. Detailed Description

[0022] In the description of the present invention herein, it should be understood that unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly understood or stated, words in the singular form encompass their plural counterparts, and words in the plural form encompass their singular counterparts. In addition, it should be understood that for any given component or embodiment described herein, any possible candidates or alternatives listed for that component can generally be used alone or in combination with each other unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly understood or stated. Further, it should be understood that the figures shown herein are not necessarily drawn to scale, where only some elements may be drawn for the clarity of the present invention. Also, corresponding or similar elements may be shown by repeating reference numerals in the various figures. Additionally, it should be understood that any such list of candidates or alternatives is merely illustrative and not restrictive unless otherwise implicitly or explicitly understood or stated. Further, unless otherwise indicated, the numerical designations representing amounts of ingredients, components, reaction conditions, etc. used in this specification and claims should be understood to be modified in all instances by the term “about”.

[0023] Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in this specification and the appended claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the subject matter presented herein. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of the subject matter presented herein are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the measurement techniques found in their respective testing measurements.

[0024] According to some embodiments, Figure 1 is a 3D view of the holder 100. The sample vial holder 100 includes a base 102 and a lid 104, where the lid 104 is removable from and positioned above the base 102. Figures 2A - 2D The holder 100 is shown in different views. Figure 2A is an isometric view. Figure 2B is a front view (or one of the other 3 sides shown due to symmetry). Figure 2C is a top view. Figure 2D is a bottom view. Most components are visible in Figure 1 although other views are sometimes referred to.

[0025] The base 102 includes a first end 106 and a second end 108. The first end 106 includes a bottom 110 configured to place the base 102 on a substantially flat surface 112. In Figure 1 the illustrated embodiment, the bottom 110 has a flat surface that contacts the substantially flat surface 112. However, other embodiments of the holder 100 may include a bottom 110 having legs or other support structures that can also be placed on the substantially flat surface 112. For example, an alternative embodiment of the holder 100 may include a protruding member 302 (as shown in front view 3 and bottom Figure 3B view). Accordingly, the substantially flat surface 112 may include curvature, discontinuities, or other features (such as Figure 3A shown). Accordingly, the substantially flat surface 112 is a surface on which the bottom 110, including components such as 302, can be placed and on which the base 102 is stably supported (i.e., does not wobble or shift). For example, and without limitation, the substantially flat surface 112 can be a laboratory bench or table. In some embodiments, the bottom 110 can be magnetic or include magnets. For example, the component 302 can include a magnet. In some embodiments, the bottom 110 can include suction cups. For example, the component 302 can be formed as a suction cup that adheres to the substantially flat surface 112. In some embodiments, the substantially flat surface 112 is also substantially flush with the horizon.

[0026] The second end 108 of the base 102 extends from the first end 106. For example, the second end 108 extends along an axis 114 ( Figure 2B ). In some embodiments, the second end 108 extends from the first end 106 in a direction perpendicular to the substantially flat surface 112. For example, the angle defined by the axis 114 and the substantially flat surface 112 is about 90 degrees. In other embodiments, the second end 108 extends from the first end 106 at an angle relative to the substantially flat surface 112 that is less than 90°. For example, the angle defined by the axis 114 and the substantially flat surface 112 is between 45 degrees and 90 degrees (e.g., between 60 degrees and 90 degrees, or between 80 degrees and 90 degrees).

[0027] The second end 108 includes an opening 116 formed or positioned relative to the bottom 110 ( Figure 1 ). The opening 116 provides access to an internal space 118 that is configured to receive a sample vial 120 (e.g., a container, a test tube, etc.). The internal space 118 can provide a substantially snug fit for the sample vial 120. As used herein, "snug" or "snug fit" means a tight fit such that the outer surface of the sample vial 120 (e.g., the outer surface of the sidewall 126) and the adjacent inner surface of the internal space 118 are at least in contact with each other or ensure that the gap therebetween is very small (e.g., less than 5%, 2%, or 1% of the diameter of the sample vial 120). The outer surface of the bottom wall 128 of the sample vial 120 contacts or rests on the inner surface of the bottom of the internal space 118 by gravity. Although in the illustrated embodiment both the internal space 118 and the sample vial 120 have a cylindrical design, this is not a limiting requirement, and other geometries (e.g., an enclosure for receiving a rectangular sample vial or other shapes) can be applicable to other embodiments. In some embodiments, the inner sidewall is not smooth, for example, it includes recessed areas, ridges, or wavy structures.

[0028] The second end 108 further includes a hole 122, formed / located on the opposite side of the opening 116. The hole 122 forms a passage or conduit leading to the internal space 118, configured / designed to provide a fluid passage to and from the internal space 118. This design helps to drain the solution or liquid after sterilization or cleaning. The hole 122 allows air to escape / enter through the hole 122, thus facilitating the insertion / removal of the sample vial 120 through the opening 116 into / from the base 102. In embodiments using a non-smooth inner wall (e.g., having vertical grooves), the groove design facilitates the placement / removal of the sample vial 120 into / from the base 102. Although shown as being centered on the directly opposite side of the bottom 110, the hole 122 may also be off-center, and the hole 122 can be of any shape. In some embodiments, the hole 122 may also be located on another wall of the base 102 rather than at the flat surface where the bottom 110 contacts the substantially flat surface 112. In embodiments where light or other radiation can enter through the hole 122, an optically black or opaque plug configured to mate with the hole 122 may be included. As an alternative or addition, the hole may follow a tortuous path from the exterior of the base 102 to the internal space 118 to reduce or eliminate light leakage into the internal space 118. It should also be noted that in embodiments where the bottom 110 is substantially flat and the holder 100 is placed on the substantially flat surface 112, light is prevented from entering the internal space through the hole 122, provided that the material forming the substantially flat surface 112 is transparent or optically black (e.g., an opaque table). Thus, in some embodiments, the lid 104, the probe 204, the base 102, and the substantially flat surface 112 provide a light-tight environment for the internal space 118. In other embodiments, the plug is configured to cooperate with the hole 122, as well as the lid 104, the probe 204, the base 102, and the substantially flat surface 112, to provide a light-tight environment for the internal space 118.

[0029] The lid 104 is configured to be coupled to or decoupled from the second end 108 and includes an inlet 124. The inlet 124 is used to provide or is configured to allow the probe 204 ( Figure 2B)Pass through and enter the opening 116. During this process, the inlet 124 guides the probe 204 to the centered position of the sample vial 120. As used herein, centered means that the probe 204 and the sample vial 120 are aligned along the axis 114, where the probe 204 does not contact the inner surface of the sidewall 126 of the sample vial 120. In some embodiments, the holder 100 includes a stop element 206. The stop element 206 can be permanently or removably attached to the probe 204 and provides a stop against the top surface 208 of the lid 104, thereby allowing the depth to which the probe 204 descends into the sample vial 120 to be controlled. For example, the position of the stop element 206 can be selected such that the probe 204 does not contact the inner surface of the bottom of the wall 128 of the sample vial 120. In some embodiments, the stop element 206 takes the form of an adjustable ring (such as an adjustable ring clamp) or a compressible / stretchable ring (such as a rubber washer or grommet). In some embodiments, the stop element 206 also provides a light-tight seal such that stray radiation cannot pass through any gap between the probe 204 and the inlet 124.

[0030] The lid 104 can be removed from the base 102. In some embodiments, the mating surfaces of the lid 104 and the base 102 employ a tapered design to achieve a tight connection that can be fixed by friction. In some embodiments, the mating surfaces include snap-fit components to secure the connection. In other embodiments, the mating surfaces include corresponding threads for screwing the snap-fit components together. Other similar fasteners can be used to secure the lid 104 in place at the second end 108. In some embodiments, a flexible tether is included for attaching the base 102 to the lid 104, which allows the lid 104 to be removed from the base 102 while ensuring that the lid 104 and the base 102 do not separate / detach.

[0031] The holder 100 is made of an opaque or optically black material. The material selection is determined according to the use. For example, a material is selected to reduce or mask the following radiation: the same as the energy emitted or collected by the probe 204 and that may interfere with the measurement of the sample radiation (e.g., scattering, emission). These materials provide a radiation-sealed environment for the sample vial such that when the vial is placed within the holder 100, radiation within the energy range of interest can be effectively blocked. For example, in some embodiments, the material can provide a light-tight environment. In some embodiments, the material is optically black in the range of 500 to 1200 nm. In some embodiments, the material has a very low transmittance of approximately 99% of light in the range of 500 to 1200 nm.

[0032] In some embodiments, the holder 100 further includes a window 210 formed in a sidewall of the base 102 and a window cover 212. For clarity, these components are not shown in Figure 1 but they are shown in Figure 2AInside. The window 210 can be an opening leading to the internal space 118 or can include a transparent viewing barrier. The window 210 can be used to position the probe 204 to a desired depth within the sample vial 120. In some embodiments, the window 210 is large enough to position the sample vial 120 within the internal space 118. In other embodiments, the window 210 is smaller, less than the size through which the sample vial 120 passes.

[0033] In some embodiments, the window cover 212 is a hinged door. In other embodiments, the window cover 212 is fully removable and snaps into place to cover the window 210. In alternative embodiments, the window cover 212 slides on a track or guide mounted on the second end 108 to cover the window 210. Other embodiments include the window cover 212 formed as a semi-concentric cylinder around the second end 108 that can rotate around an axis 114 ( Figure 2B ) to cover the window 210. In some embodiments, the window cover 212 is under tension to hold it in a closed or open state. For example, the tension can be provided by a spring. In such embodiments, a latch can be included that engages if the window cover 212 is tensioned to remain closed to hold the window cover 212 open; or that engages if the window cover 212 is tensioned to remain open to hold the window cover 212 closed. In some embodiments, the opening and closing of the window cover 212 can be a one-handed operation, such as by releasing a button or a pin. The window cover 212 includes an opaque or optically black material and is configured to provide a light-tight (e.g., radiation-tight, light-tight) seal for the window 210.

[0034] In some embodiments, the inlet 124 of the lid 104 includes a sealing element configured to be adjustable for probes 204 having different diameters. For example, the sealing element can include an O-ring, a sleeve, or a set of such components having different diameters. The inlet 124 can include a groove or a rim for placement of a sealing element such as an O-ring. As an alternative or in addition, the stop element 206 previously referenced Figure 2B and discussed can be used as a seal.

[0035] In some embodiments, the bracket 100 further includes one or more adapters configured to accommodate sample vials 120 having different diameters. For example, the adapter can be a sleeve 402 as Figure 4A and 4B shown. The sleeve 402 is configured to be a tube that extends through the vertical length 406 of the internal space 118. The sample vial 120 fits snugly into the sleeve 402, which in turn fits snugly into the internal space 118. In some embodiments, the sleeve 402 does not extend upward to the opening 116, for example forming a ring that only partially extends upward along the vertical length 406, as Figure 4CAs shown in the middle ring 404. In some embodiments, the sleeve 402 includes a notch that can be aligned with the window 210 such that the observation through the window 210 is not blocked by the sleeve 402. In some embodiments, the adapter can be a compressible sleeve or ring such that a single sleeve or ring can accommodate several different sizes of sample bottles. In some embodiments, the sleeve 402 has grooves formed along the vertical direction on the inner surface (facing the sample bottle). These grooves can help load and unload the sample bottle 120 by providing air flow channels.

[0036] Other centering elements are also considered, and some of them are detailed here. In some other embodiments, the adapter can be one or more set screws (e.g., 3 or more), such as Figure 5A and 5B the screw 502 shown in. The screw 502 is screwed through the base wall 504, where the screw can be adjusted to center the sample bottle 120. In some other embodiments, the adapter is configured as a chuck, such as a chuck having three or four jaws that move radially in or out to surround and center the sample bottle 120. In some embodiments, the adapter can be a centering spring. An example of the centering spring 520 is shown in Figure 5C and 5D . The centering spring 520 is located between the base wall 504 and the sample bottle 120.

[0037] In some embodiments, the bracket 100 is made of a material that can be autoclaved. For example, the material used in the bracket 100 does not degrade or deform at temperatures above 100 °C (e.g., above 120 °C, above 140 °C), and / or the material is non-porous. Some materials used to construct the bracket 100 may include metals such as aluminum and steel, ceramics such as colored glass, high-temperature thermosetting plastics, and high-temperature thermoplastics. In some embodiments, one or more components of the bracket 100 are formed by additive manufacturing (such as 3D printing). In some embodiments, one or more components of the bracket 100 are formed by subtractive manufacturing, such as by CNC milling.

[0038] In some embodiments, the holder 100 includes a heating / cooling element coupled to one or more of the base 102 and the lid 104. For example, the holder 100 can be implemented with a hot plate that is part of the holder 100, or the holder 100 can be placed on a hot plate, where the holder 100 can be made of a thermally conductive material such as metal. In other embodiments, heating elements can be included in the walls of the base 102 and the lid 104, such as resistive heaters or fluid conduits for heating / and cooling a flowing fluid. In some other embodiments, heating can be provided by heating a tape-wrapped portion of the holder 100 (e.g., the second end 108). In other embodiments, a heating jacket can be used to cover a portion of the holder 100. The heating tape and the heating jacket can be externally added items or can be integrated as part of the holder 100.

[0039] In some embodiments, the holder 100 is incorporated as part of a measurement system 600 for measuring signals (e.g., scattered light signals) from a sample, as Figure 6 shown. The system includes an adjustable probe arm 602. The arm 602 is configured to hold the probe 204 at the holding end 605 and can also raise and lower the probe 204 through the opening 116 into the sample vial 120 placed in the interior space 118. In some embodiments, the system includes the probe 204 and a support system, such as a spectrometer 604 connected to the probe 204 by an optical fiber cable 606.

[0040] In some embodiments, the system 600 includes multiple holders 100 configured as a single unit or an array 608. For example, one or more holders 100 can be arranged on a stage 610. In some embodiments, the stage 610 includes fixtures for placing the holders 100 in a defined pattern, or alternatively, the holders 100 and the stage 610 can include complementary snap fits or interference fits, such as using studs and stud sockets. In some embodiments, the holders 100 can be connected to each other (e.g., by an interference fit or a magnetic connection) without using the stage 610 to form the array 608.

[0041] In some embodiments, the motor 612 is connected to the arm 602 and the stage 610 such that the arm 602 is movable relative to the stage 602. For example, in some embodiments, the motor 612 may permit the arm 602 to move relative to the stage 610 in the xyz directions. The motor 612 is coupled to a controller 614; and the controller 614 provides instructions to the motor to effect movement of the arm 602 relative to the stage 610. In some embodiments, for example at the location of one or more joints 603, a number of motors may be used, each motor being controlled by the controller 614. The controller may include or be connected to a computer, memory, input / output devices for receiving and sending instructions, a user interface, and may include algorithms for performing movement in the xyz directions. In some embodiments, the clamp for holding the holder 100 is formed as a continuous loop, such as a disk conveyor belt for the holder 100, where in addition to providing movement of the arm 602, the motor 612 may also provide movement of the disk conveyor belt. In some embodiments, the stage 610 provides a continuous surface, such as a conveyor belt connected to the motor 612. It is also contemplated that in some embodiments, the system 600 includes a cleaning station for cleaning / rinsing the probe 204. In some embodiments, the probe 204 (whether used with the system 600 or not) is a Raman probe.

[0042] Figure 7It is a flowchart 700, showing a method for measuring the scattered light of a sample. In step 702, the sample is placed in the sample bottle 120. In the subsequent step 704, the sample bottle 120 is placed in the bracket 100. This can be accomplished by removing the lid 104, placing the sample bottle 120 in the internal space 118, and fixing the lid 104 to the second end 108. It may also include putting the sleeve 402 into the internal space 118, or adjusting the screw 502 to ensure that the sample bottle 120 fits tightly in the internal space 118. In embodiments where the window 210 is large enough, the sample can be placed in the internal space 118 through the window 210. Step 706 includes inserting the probe 204 through the sample inlet 124 of the lid 104 and immersing the probe (e.g., a part of the probe such as the probe tip) into the sample. If the window 210 is included, the window 210 can be used to view the probe 204 in the sample bottle 120 and ensure the optimal placement (e.g., where at least the tip of the probe 204 is immersed in the sample and the probe does not touch the sample bottle 120). In step 708, the sample is irradiated with radiation such as UV-Vis light energy of one or more wavelengths. In step 710, the scattered light of the sample caused by the irradiation of the sample is collected into the probe 204. In some embodiments, the probe 204 is optically connected to the spectrometer 604, and the spectrometer 604 is used to analyze the scattered light. For example, when the probe 204 is immersed in the sample, the probe may include a focusing lens at the tip immersed in the sample, where the focusing lens collects the light and provides it to other optical elements in the probe for further processing, such as sending it to the spectrometer 604. In some embodiments, the probe 204 is a Raman probe. In some embodiments, the sample includes a liquid.

[0043] The following numbered paragraphs 1-20 provide various examples of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0044] Paragraph 1. A holder (100), comprising: a base (102), which includes: a first end (106) including a bottom (110), the bottom (110) being configured to place the base (102) on a substantially flat surface (112); a second end (108) extending from the first end (106); an opening (116) in the second end (108), opposite the bottom (110), and providing access to an internal space (118) in the base, the internal space (118) being configured to place a sample vial (120) therein; a hole (122) in the bottom 112 opposite the opening (116) being in fluid communication with the internal space (118); a lid (104) configured to mate with the second end (108) and including an inlet port (124) configured to receive a probe (204) through the inlet port (124) and the opening (116) and enter the sample vial (120) from the center; wherein the base (102) and the lid (104) comprise one or more opaque or optically black materials.

[0045] Paragraph 2. The holder (100) according to Paragraph 1, further comprising a window (210) and a window cover (212) forming a side wall of one side of the base, both being configured to observe the internal space (118) for placing the probe (204) and the sample vial (120).

[0046] Paragraph 3. The holder (100) according to Paragraph 1 or Paragraph 2, wherein the inlet port (124) comprises a sealing element configured to accommodate probes (204) with different diameters.

[0047] Paragraph 4. The holder (100) according to any one of Paragraphs 1 - 3, further comprising one or more adapters configured to accommodate sample vials 124 with different diameters.

[0048] Paragraph 5. The holder according to Paragraph 4, wherein the adapter is a sleeve (402) or an annular adapter (404).

[0049] Paragraph 6. The sample vial holder (100) according to Paragraph 4, wherein the adapter is a centering spring (520), a chuck or a set screw.

[0050] Paragraph 7. The holder (100) according to any one of Paragraphs 1 - 6, wherein the lid (104), the probe (204), the base (102) and the substantially flat surface (112) provide a light - proof environment for the internal space (118).

[0051] Paragraph 8. The holder (100) according to any one of Paragraphs 1 - 7, further comprising an optically black or opaque plug configured to mate with the hole (122).

[0052] Paragraph 9. The support (100) according to any one of paragraphs 1-8, characterized in that in the wavelength range of 500 to 1200 nm, the material is optically black in color.

[0053] Paragraph 10. The support (100) according to any one of paragraphs 1-9, characterized in that the material has a very low transmittance of about 99% of light in the wavelength range of 500 to 1200 nm.

[0054] Paragraph 11. The support (100) according to any one of paragraphs 1-10, characterized in that both the base (102) and the lid (104) are autoclaveable.

[0055] Paragraph 12. The support (100) according to any one of paragraphs 1-11, further comprising a heating or cooling element coupled to one or more of the base (102) and the lid (104).

[0056] Paragraph 13. A system (600) for measuring a signal from a sample, the system comprising: a support (100) according to any one of paragraphs 1-12 and an adjustable probe arm (602).

[0057] Paragraph 14. The system (600) according to paragraph 13, comprising a plurality of said supports (100) configured as a single unit.

[0058] Paragraph 15. The system (600) according to paragraph 13 or paragraph 14, further comprising a stage (610) for placing the support (100) and a motor (612), wherein the motor (612), the arm (602) and the stage 610 are coupled and configured to move the probe (100) relative to the stage (610) in the xyz directions.

[0059] Paragraph 16. The system (600) according to any one of paragraphs 13-15, wherein the probe is a Raman probe.

[0060] Paragraph 17. A method for measuring scattered light, comprising: loading a sample into a sample bottle (120); placing the sample bottle (120) into a support (100) according to any one of paragraphs 1-12; passing a probe (204) through an inlet (124) in the lid (104) and immersing the probe (204) in the sample; irradiating the sample (204) with light from the immersion probe; collecting the scattered sample light into the probe (204).

[0061] Paragraph 18. The method according to paragraph 17, wherein the probe (204) is optically connected to a spectrometer (604), and the spectrometer (604) is used to analyze the scattered light of the sample.

[0062] Paragraph 19. The method according to paragraph 17 or paragraph 18, wherein the probe (204) is a Raman probe.

[0063] Paragraph 20. The method according to any one of paragraphs 17 - 19, wherein the sample comprises a liquid.

[0064] Using the knowledge obtained from the present disclosure, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes can be made to the disclosed apparatus and methods without departing from the scope of the present disclosure in the process of obtaining these and other advantages. Thus, it should be understood that the features described herein are susceptible to modification, alteration, change, or substitution. For example, all combinations of elements and / or steps that perform substantially the same function in substantially the same manner to achieve the same result are explicitly contemplated to be within the scope of the embodiments described herein. Substituting an element in one described embodiment with an element in another embodiment is fully intended and contemplated to be implemented. The specific embodiments illustrated and described herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the embodiments set forth in the appended claims. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. It should be understood that the above description is for clarity only and is exemplary. The spirit and scope of the present disclosure are not limited to the specific implementations and embodiments above, but are encompassed by the following claims. All publications and patent applications cited above are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually designated to be incorporated by reference in such a manner.

Claims

1. A holder (100), comprising: a base (102), comprising: a first end (106) including a bottom (110), configured to place the base (102) on a substantially flat surface (112); a second end (108) extending from the first end (106); an opening (116) located on the second end (108) opposite the bottom (110), providing access to an internal space (118) in the base for placing a sample vial (120); a hole 122 in the bottom 112 opposite the opening (116), and the hole 122 is in fluid communication with the internal space (118); and a lid (104) configured to mate with the second end (108) and including a sampling port (124), configured to receive a probe (204) through the sampling port (124) and the opening (116) and centered into the sample vial (120); wherein the base (102) and the lid (104) are made of one or more opaque or optically black materials.

2. The holder (100) according to claim 1 and paragraph 1, further comprising a window (210) and a window cover (212) forming a side wall of one side of the base, both configured to observe the internal space (118) for placing the probe (204) and the sample vial (120).

3. The holder (100) according to claim 1, wherein the sampling port (124) includes a sealing element configured to be adjusted to accommodate probes (204) with different diameters.

4. The holder (100) according to claim 1, further comprising one or more adapters configured to accommodate sample vials 124 with different diameters.

5. The holder according to claim 4, wherein the adapter is a sleeve (402) or an annular adapter.

6. The sample vial holder (100) according to claim 4, wherein the adapter is a centering spring (520), a chuck or a set screw.

7. The holder (100) according to claim 1, wherein the lid (104), the probe (204), the base (102) and the substantially flat surface (112) provide a light-proof environment for the internal space (118).

8. The holder (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a plug made of optically black or opaque material, configured to mate with the hole (122).

9. The holder (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the material is optically black in color within the light energy range of 500 to 1200 nm.

10. The holder (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the material has a very low transmittance of about 99% of light in the wavelength range of 500 to 1200 nm.

11. The holder (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that both the base (102) and the lid (104) can be autoclaved.

12. The holder (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a heating or cooling element connected to one or more bases (102) and lids (104).

13. A system (600) for measuring a signal from a sample, the system comprising: The support according to claim 1 and an adjustable probe arm.

14. The system (600) according to claim 13, including configuring a plurality of supports (100) as a single unit.

15. The system (600) according to claim 13, further comprising a stage (610) for placing the support (100) and a motor (612), wherein the motor (612), the arm (602) and the stage 610 are coupled and configured to move the probe (100) relative to the platform (610) in the xyz directions.

16. The system (600) according to claim 13, wherein the probe (204) is a Raman probe.

17. A method for measuring scattered light, comprising: Placing the sample in a sample vial (120); Placing the sample vial (120) in the support (100) according to claim 1; Inserting the probe (204) through the sample inlet (124) in the lid (104) and immersing the probe (204) in the sample; Irradiating the sample with light from the immersion probe (204); and Collecting the sample light scattered into the probe (204).

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The probe is optically connected to a spectrometer (604), and the spectrometer (604) is used to analyze the sample scattered light.

19. The method according to claim 17, wherein the probe (204) is a Raman probe.

20. The method according to claim 17, wherein the sample comprises a liquid.

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