Fiber Optic Connectors

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fiber optic connector for positioning and aligning an optical fiber within an analytical device, particularly a bioanalytical device. Also disclosed is a method for positioning and aligning an optical fiber within such a device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fiber optic connector for positioning and aligning an optical fiber within an analytical device, particularly a bioanalytical device. Also disclosed is a method for positioning and aligning an optical fiber within such a device. [Background technology]

[0002] A biosensor is an analytical device incorporating a biological sensing element. A biosensor can detect biomolecules in a complex sample by converting a physical or chemical signal into an optical or electrical signal, which can be further processed into the concentration of an analyte. The components of the biosensor or bioanalytical device include a sensing unit and a signal transduction and processing unit. Biomolecules, i.e., antigens / antibodies, enzymes, nucleic acids, hormone receptors, living cells and tissues, specifically recognize biological entities through catalytic action and affinity binding.

[0003] For example, optical biosensors using surface plasmon resonance technology have demonstrated valuable performance in detecting biological systems and facilitating significant advances in clinical diagnostics, drug discovery, food processing control, and environmental monitoring. Without the complexity of pretreatment and the possibility of affecting the properties of the target molecules, these biosensors have additional advantages such as high sensitivity, robustness, reliability, and the potential to be integrated on a single chip.

[0004] Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) has become a standard technique in biomolecular interaction analysis.

[0005] Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) has become a standard technique in biomolecular interaction analysis. Following prism-based SPR systems, fiberoptic SPR (FO-SPR) represents an alternative platform, offering multiple benefits such as remote sensing, continuous analysis and in-situ monitoring using small and inexpensive fiber-based sensing elements.

[0006] Fiber optic SPR sensors present several advantages such as low cost and small size, high performance, very small sample volume, remote sensing capability, portability and miniaturization. The small size of fiber optic SPR sensors allows them to be integrated into multi-fiber detection platforms for the simultaneous measurement of various components such as various biochemicals. In fact, efficient biosensors can be realized by immobilizing biochemical receptors across the surface of the fiber optic SPR platform. For example, optical fibers are used as probes that are inserted into liquid samples available, for example, in fluidic channels or shake wells.

[0007] Since the SPR signal is generated by shining light into a custom-made fiber optic SPR sensor, which must enter the FO-SPR below the critical angle, followed by capture and processing of the reflected light signal in real time, accurate alignment and positioning of the optical fiber is essential to avoid artifacts during the analysis. For this purpose, the optical fiber is placed in a specific connector, for example by using glue, specific clamps, or other fixing means, as shown for example in PCT publication WO 2005 / 023366. The main problem here is that accurate positioning and alignment is still difficult and an excess of bonding material in the bonding process can affect the signal transmission across the optical fiber. According to the present invention, a fiber optic connector is provided that ensures accurate positioning, alignment and fixation of the optical fiber in the connector and subsequently in the (bio)analytical device, without the need for a subsequent bonding process as required for example in PCT publication WO 2005 / 023366. Furthermore, according to the present invention, once the optical fiber is positioned and clamped in the fiber optic connector, the optical fiber cannot be moved or removed without damaging the fiber optic connector. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2011 / 091408 Summary of the Invention

[0009] It is an object of the present application to provide a fiber optic connector that allows for accurate positioning, alignment and fixation of optical fibers in analytical devices, in particular bioanalytical devices. The fiber optic connector of the present invention comprises an adapter body 3 with a connector portion 13, and a fiber optic aligner 2 with a base member 5 and an attachable member 4. Typically for the present invention, the base member and the adapter body of the fiber optic aligner are integrally molded, and the attachable member and the base member are configured to cooperate during positioning, alignment and fixation of the optical fibers such that the inner side of the base member and the inner side of the attachable member are oriented towards each other.

[0010] Thus, in a first aspect, the invention provides a fiber optic connector comprising an adapter body with an opening for receiving an optical fiber and a connector part 13 configured to be connected with a (bio)analytical device, in particular via a probe, a biosensor mount or a biosensor manifold of the (bio)analytical device. The fiber optic connector also comprises a fiber optic alignment body comprising a base member and an attachable member, said base member comprising an alignment groove on its inner side. The fiber optic connector is typically characterized in that the adapter body and the base member of the fiber optic alignment body are integrally molded, the attachable member and the base member being configured to cooperate not only during positioning and alignment of the optical fiber, but also during fixation of the optical fiber in the fiber optic connector, such that the inner side of the base member and the inner side of the attachable member are oriented towards each other. As mentioned above, it is an object of the invention to provide such fixation of the optical fiber without a subsequent splicing process.

[0011] To that end, according to a further feature of the optical fibre connector, the attachable member comprises one or more clamping means adapted to cooperate with one or more recesses in the base member and enabling fixation of the optical fibre in the optical fibre connector. In a further embodiment, the attachable member comprises at least two clamping means adapted to cooperate with at least two recesses in the base member. In yet another embodiment, the attachable member comprises two clamping means adapted to cooperate with two recesses in the base member. In yet another embodiment, the one or more clamping means are located on a longitudinal side of the attachable member and adapted to cooperate with one or more recesses in the longitudinal side of the base member. In another embodiment, the one or more clamping means are located in a central portion of the longitudinal side of the attachable member and adapted to cooperate with one or more recesses in the central portion of the longitudinal side of the base member. In another embodiment, the one or more clamping means are located in a central portion and at both ends of the longitudinal side of the attachable member and adapted to cooperate with one or more recesses in the central portion and at the ends of the longitudinal side of the base member. In a preferred embodiment, two clamping means are located in the centre of the attachable member on each longitudinal side of the attachable member and are arranged to cooperate with two recesses in the centre of each longitudinal side of the base member.

[0012] According to another feature of the fiber optic connector according to the invention, the base member comprises one or more guiding means for guiding the attachment of the attachable member onto the base member, the guiding means being located on the inside of the base member. In a further embodiment, the base member comprises on its inside at least two guiding means, preferably two guiding means, for guiding the attachment of the attachable member onto the base member. In a still further aspect, the one or more guiding means are located on the inside of the base member on either side of the alignment groove. In yet another embodiment, the one or more guiding means are raised edges located on the inside of the base member, in particular on either side of the alignment groove.

[0013] In another aspect of the fiber optic connector according to the invention, the attachable member of the fiber optic connector comprises one or more protrusions on its interior, configured to position, align and secure the optical fiber within the alignment groove of the base member and the opening of the adapter body. In a further embodiment, the attachable member comprises at least two of said protrusions. The one or more protrusions can be located in a central part of the interior of the attachable member, in particular the one or more protrusions are located over the entire length of the central part of the interior of the attachable member. In another aspect, the one or more protrusions are located at a first end and a second end of the interior of the attachable member. In a preferred embodiment, the protrusions are located at a first end and a second end of the interior of the attachable member, in particular one protrusion is located at the first end of the interior of the attachable member and another protrusion is located at the second end. In another preferred embodiment, the protrusions are located at a first end and a second end and a central part of the interior of the attachable member. For example, one protrusion may be located at a first end of the interior of the attachable member, another at a second end, and one or more protrusions at a central portion.

[0014] As previously described herein, the one or more protrusions of the attachable member, when present, are configured to mate with the optical fiber when the attachable member is disposed on the base member containing the optical fiber and secure the optical fiber within the fiber optic connector. In a further embodiment, the one or more protrusions of the attachable member are semicircular. In yet another embodiment, the one or more protrusions of the attachable member have a beveled surface. In yet a further embodiment, the one or more protrusions of the attachable member are semicircular with a beveled surface. It has been found that such a configuration in which the protrusions have a beveled surface provides the best grip and securement of the optical fiber without affecting the optical signal transmission across the optical fiber.

[0015] In another aspect of the fiber optic connector according to the invention, the attachable member of the optical fiber aligner comprises a longitudinal recess on its interior side that receives the optical fiber when the attachable member is placed on the base member containing the optical fiber. In a further embodiment, the longitudinal recess is present on the interior side of both ends of the attachable member. In particular, the longitudinal recess comprises one or more protrusions configured to position, align and secure the optical fiber within the fiber optic connector. In another embodiment, the longitudinal recess is present on the interior side of the entire length of the attachable member.

[0016] According to another feature, the adapter body of the fiber optic connector comprises a fiber receiving part, a flange part and a connector part, the fiber receiving part comprising an opening for receiving the optical fiber and the connector part configured for connecting the fiber optic connector with a (bio)analytical device. In a further embodiment, the flange part of the adapter body is configured for vertically positioning the fiber optic connector in the positioning plate.

[0017] In another embodiment, the connector part of the adapter body comprises one or more connection means for connecting and aligning the fiber optic connector with the probe of the analytical device. In a preferred embodiment, the connector part of the adapter body comprises at least two, preferably at least three, connection means for connecting and aligning the fiber optic connector with the probe of the analytical device. In an even more preferred embodiment, the connector part comprises three connection means for connecting and aligning the fiber optic connector with the probe of the analytical device.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the one or more connection means are positioned in circular positions relative to one another and are configured to receive a probe of an analytical device in the middle of said circular positioning.

[0019] In another aspect, the present application discloses a combination of a fiber optic connector according to any of the embodiments described herein and an optical fiber.

[0020] In yet another aspect, a fiber optic connector according to any of the embodiments described herein, in combination with an optical fiber and a seal cap is disclosed. The seal cap is positioned around the optical fiber, in particular the seal cap is positioned around the portion of the optical fiber that is not located in the fiber optic connector. When the optical fiber is placed in the receptacle, the seal cap ensures that the receptacle is closed. In particular, the seal cap is positioned directly above the detection zone of the optical fiber. By inserting the optical fiber into a well or vial containing a sample, the seal cap is pressed and slid upwards until the final insertion depth is obtained. Thus, the vial or well is sealed at this point, preventing evaporation of moisture or contamination of the environment. Thus, the head space of the vial or well is minimized. After analysis, when the optical fiber is retracted for disposal, the vial or well can be discarded together with the optical fiber, with the vial or well closed by the seal cap, since the vial or well remains attached to the optical fiber via the seal cap. As is evident from this embodiment, the optical fiber connector according to the invention allows positioning, alignment and fixation of the optical fiber not only with respect to the (bio)analytical device but also with respect to the sample in a simple single step procedure.

[0021] In a further aspect, the present application discloses a method for positioning and aligning an optical fiber in a bioanalytical device, the method comprising the steps of: 1) positioning and aligning an optical fiber in a base member of a fiber optic connector according to any of the embodiments described herein, 2) mounting an attachable member of the fiber optic connector on the base member to position, align and secure the optical fiber in the fiber optic connector, and 3) connecting the fiber optic connector including the optical fiber with a probe of an analytical device. In a further embodiment, a sealing cap is positioned around the optical fiber, particularly around a portion of the optical fiber before the optical fiber is positioned and aligned in the base member of the fiber optic connector.

[0022] The present invention can be further disclosed using the following numbered embodiments.

[0023] 1. A fiber optic connector for positioning and aligning an optical fiber within an analytical device (optical unit thereof), an adapter body comprising an opening for receiving an optical fiber and a connector part configured to be connected to a (bio)analytical device, in particular to a probe, a biosensor mount or a biosensor manifold of a (bio)analytical device; a fiber optic aligner comprising a base member and an attachable member, the base member having an alignment groove thereon; Equipped with The adapter body and the base member are integrally molded, An optical fiber connector, wherein the attachable member and the base member are configured to cooperate in positioning, aligning and securing an optical fiber within the optical fiber connector, and the inner side of the base member and the inner side of the attachable member are oriented toward each other.

[0024] 2. An optical fiber connector as described in embodiment 1, wherein the attachable member is configured to cooperate with one or more recesses in the base member and comprises one or more clamping means for fixing the optical fiber within the optical fiber connector, in particular for fixing the optical fiber within the optical fiber connector without the use of joining elements such as adhesives or epoxies.

[0025] 3. An optical fiber connector as described in embodiment 2, wherein the attachable member comprises two clamping means located on either longitudinal side of the attachable member, in particular across the central portion of the attachable member.

[0026] 4. An optical fiber connector according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3, wherein the base member is provided with one or more guiding means, preferably at least two guiding means, for guiding the attachment of the attachable member onto the base member.

[0027] 5. An optical fiber connector as described in embodiment 4, wherein the guiding means is located on both sides of the optical fiber alignment groove.

[0028] 6. An optical fiber connector as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 5, wherein the attachable member has one or more protrusions on its inner side configured to position, align and secure the optical fiber within the alignment groove of the base member and the opening of the adapter body.

[0029] 7. The optical fiber connector of any of the embodiments, wherein the attachable member comprises at least two protrusions.

[0030] 8. An optical fiber connector as described in embodiment 6 or 7, wherein the protrusion is present in the inner central portion of the attachable member, and in particular, one or more protrusions are positioned along the entire length of the inner central portion of the attachable member.

[0031] 9. An optical fiber connector according to any one of embodiments 6 to 8, wherein the one or more protrusions are present at an inner first end and a second end of the attachable member.

[0032] 10. An optical fiber connector described in any one of embodiments 6 to 9, wherein one or more protrusions are configured to mate with an optical fiber when the attachable member is placed on a base member containing the optical fiber.

[0033] 11. An optical fiber connector as described in embodiment 10, wherein one or more protrusions are hemispherical.

[0034] 12. An optical fiber connector as described in embodiment 11, wherein one or more protrusions of the attachable member have a beveled surface.

[0035] 13. An optical fiber connector as described in any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein the attachable member has an interior longitudinal recess for receiving the optical fiber when the attachable member is placed on a base member containing the optical fiber.

[0036] 14. An optical fiber connector as described in embodiment 13, wherein the longitudinal recesses are present on the inside of both ends of the attachable member.

[0037] 15. An optical fiber connector as described in embodiment 13 or 14, wherein the longitudinal recess has one or more protrusions configured to position and align the optical fiber.

[0038] 16. An optical fiber connector described in any one of embodiments 1 to 15, wherein the adapter body comprises a fiber receiving portion with an opening for receiving an optical fiber, a flange portion, and a connector portion for connecting the fiber connector to a probe of a bioanalysis device.

[0039] 17. An optical fiber connector as described in embodiment 16, wherein the flange portion of the adapter body is configured to vertically position the optical fiber connector within the positioning plate.

[0040] 18. An optical fiber connector as described in embodiment 16 or 17, wherein the connector portion of the adapter body comprises one or more connection means for connecting and aligning the optical fiber connector with a (bio)analytical device, preferably the connector portion of the adapter body comprises at least three connection means for connecting and aligning the optical fiber connector with a bioanalytical device, and even more preferably the connector portion of the adapter body comprises at least three connection means for connecting and aligning the optical fiber connector with a probe, biosensor mount or biosensor manifold of the bioanalytical device.

[0041] 19. The optical fiber connector according to embodiment 18, wherein the connection means is positioned in a circular location to receive a (bio)analytical device.

[0042] 20. A combination of an optical fiber connector according to any one of embodiments 1 to 19 and an optical fiber.

[0043] 21. A method for positioning and aligning an optical fiber in a bioanalytical device, comprising: 1) positioning and aligning an optical fiber within a base member of an optical fiber connector according to any one of the first to nineteenth embodiments; 2) attaching an attachable member defined in any one of embodiments 1 to 20 onto a base member of an optical fiber connector according to any one of embodiments 1 to 19; 3) connecting a fiber optic connector comprising an optical fiber to a (bio)analytical device; A method comprising:

[0044] 22. Use of a fiber optic connector according to any one of embodiments 1 to 19 for positioning and aligning an optical fiber within a bioanalytical device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram showing an optical fiber connector according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates a portion of a fiber optic connector according to an embodiment of the present invention, specifically an optical fiber alignment body and an adapter body. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 shows one embodiment of an attachable member of an optical fiber connector according to the present invention, the attachable member having two protrusions 15 on its inner side configured to position and align the optical fiber within the alignment groove of the base member and the opening of the adapter body, and to secure the optical fiber within the alignment groove of the optical fiber connector when attached onto the base member. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 shows another embodiment of an attachable member of an optical fiber connector according to the present invention, the attachable member having several protrusions 15 on its inner side configured to position and align the optical fiber within the alignment groove of the base member and the opening of the adapter body, and to secure the optical fiber within the alignment groove of the optical fiber connector when attached onto the base member. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 shows an attachable member according to one embodiment of the invention showing clamping means 6 and two openings 10 for receiving guiding means (not shown) of the base member. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side view of an attachable member according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a side view of a fiber optic connector according to one embodiment of the present invention and an optical fiber 17. The fiber optic connector comprises an integrally molded adapter body 3 and base member 5 and an attachable member 4, the attachable member and base member configured to cooperate in positioning, securing and aligning the optical fiber 17 such that the inner side of the base member and the inner side of the attachable member are oriented towards each other. [Figure 8] 1A is a side view of a positioning plate 18 including several fiber optic connectors 1 and corresponding optical fibers 17 according to the present invention; and FIG. 1B is a side view of a positioning plate 18 including several fiber optic connectors 1 and corresponding optical fibers 17 according to the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 1 shows an optical fiber connector 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention and an optical fiber 17 with a sealing cap 19. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0046] The present invention has the object of providing a fiber optic connector that allows for accurate positioning and alignment of an optical fiber in a (bio)analytical device, in particular on a probe, an optical unit, a biosensor mount or a biosensor manifold of a (bio)analytical device. The fiber optic connector of the present invention allows for optical fiber alignment and fixation without the use of adhesives, alignment corrections or polishing of the optical fiber ends. The connector of the present invention allows for a vertical and central alignment of the optical fiber towards the optical unit of the analytical device. Furthermore, the presence of the attachable member ensures that the alignment, fixation and positioning of the optical fiber in the connector is also improved, since the optical fiber is clamped (fixed) over a significant length in the connector.

[0047] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings, which are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0048] As already mentioned above, the fiber optic connector of the invention comprises an adapter body with an opening for receiving an optical fiber and configured to be connected with an optical unit of an analytical device, and an optical fiber alignment body with a base member and an attachable member, the base member having an alignment groove on its inside. Said fiber optic connector is typically characterized in that the adapter body and the base member are integrally molded. As a result, misalignment between the adapter body and the base member is avoided. Furthermore, since the adapter body and the base member are integrally molded, only one action is required to connect the fiber optic connector with the optical unit of the analytical device, which likewise reduces the probability of alignment artifacts. Furthermore, when the optical fiber is positioned in the base member, the attachable member is placed on the base member, which clamps the optical fiber in a fixed position, which likewise improves the accurate alignment, fixation and positioning of the fiber in the fiber optic connector. It does not require a typical splicing process for fixing the optical fiber in the connector or the optical unit of the optical device, all in a single step.

[0049] Figure 1 shows a fiber optic connector 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Shown in this figure is an adapter body 3 and a fiber optic alignment body 2 comprising a base member 5 and an attachable member 4. The attachable member 4 is fixed and clamped on the base member 5.

[0050] The fiber optic connector 1 is also characterized in that the attachable member 4 and the base member 5 are configured to cooperate in positioning, fixing and aligning the optical fiber, such that the inside of the base member 5 and the inside of the attachable member 4 are oriented towards each other. In FIG. 1, the optical fiber is not shown. By using the attachable member 4, the optical fiber can first be positioned in the base member 5, which is then attached onto said base member. This not only ensures that the optical fiber is fixed in the base member, but also ensures correct alignment and positioning of the optical fiber. Typical for the present invention, once the attachable member 4 is attached onto the base member 5, it cannot be removed without damaging the fiber optic connector. As a result, once the optical fiber is positioned and the attachable member is attached onto the base member, the optical fiber is fixed and cannot be removed, which also ensures correct alignment and positioning in the optical unit of the analysis device.

[0051] In a further aspect, the attachable member comprises one or more clamping means 6, as can be seen for example in Figures 1 and 2, which are configured to cooperate with one or more recesses 7 in the base member 5. Said clamping means 6 ensure that the attachable member 4 is fixedly and clampedly attached on the base member 5. The clamping means in the attachable member 4 and in the base member 5 together with the optical fiber alignment elements (alignment grooves 8 and longitudinal recesses 16) ensure the fixation of the optical fiber in the optical fiber connector according to the invention. In a particular embodiment, there are at least two clamping means, preferably two clamping means. Also preferably, said clamping means 6 are located on both longitudinal sides of the attachable member 4 and are configured to cooperate with recesses 7 present on the longitudinal sides of the base member 5. Positioning the clamping means 6 on both longitudinal sides of the attachable member 4 allows a balanced attachment of the attachable member on the base member 5. As a result, the clamping and alignment forces are distributed evenly over the entire length of the clamped optical fiber. Furthermore, the clamping means 6 are preferably located over the entire central portion of the attachable member 4, which ensures that the attachable member 4 is positioned in an evenly distributed manner over the entire length of the base member 5. In the attachable member 4 of Figure 1, there are two clamping means 6 on each longitudinal side of the central portion, said clamping means 6 cooperating with two recesses 7 on each longitudinal side of the central portion of the base member 5. As a result of these configurations, in which the clamping means extend longitudinally at least over the entire central portion of the attachable member, the clamping and alignment forces are evenly distributed over the entire length of the clamped optical fiber. Such even distribution of the clamping and alignment forces prevents undesired disturbances of the optical signal over the optical fiber.

[0052] A typical feature of a fiber optic connector is that the base member 5 and the adapter body 3 are integrally molded. This can be seen for example in FIG. 2. FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a fiber optic connector, but without the presence of an attachable member. As seen in this drawing, the base member 5 and the adapter body 3 are integrally molded, which facilitates perfect alignment and positioning of the optical fiber. Furthermore, FIG. 2 shows the presence of an optical fiber alignment groove 8 in the base member 5. The optical fiber alignment groove 8 facilitates alignment (i.e., alignment) of the optical fiber. There is no particular restriction on the shape of the optical fiber alignment groove, and the optical fiber alignment groove can be any shape that can receive an optical fiber. For example, the optical fiber alignment groove can be a U-groove, a semicircular groove, or a V-groove. In a preferred embodiment, the optical fiber alignment groove is a V-shaped groove or a V-groove.

[0053] FIG. 2 also shows the presence of two guiding means 9 in the base member, each guiding means 9 located on either side of an optical fiber alignment groove 8. As already mentioned above, the base member 5 can comprise one or more guiding means 9. Said guiding means 9 facilitate the attachment of the attachable member in the correct position on the base member 5. In particular, said guiding means 9 serve to guide the clamping means of the attachable member into a corresponding recess in the base member. In a particular embodiment, said guiding means 9 are raised edges on the inner side of the base member 5, located on either side of an optical fiber alignment groove, as shown in FIG. 2. Said guiding means 9 facilitate the release of the clamping means of the attachable member once the attachable member is placed on the base member. Furthermore, said guiding means 9 also ensure the proper orientation of the optical fiber when it is attached in the (bio)analytical device.

[0054] Moreover, in certain embodiments, the attachable member 4 can include one or more openings 10 for receiving the guiding means 9 when the attachable member is positioned over the base member. For example, in Figure 1, two openings 10 are present in the attachable member to receive the two guiding means 9 of the base member. These openings 10 likewise aid in proper positioning and contamination-free assembly of the optical fibers within the fiber optic connector of the present invention.

[0055] Additionally, FIG. 2 shows an opening 20 within the adapter body for receiving an optical fiber, particularly within the fiber-receiving section of the adapter body.

[0056] Furthermore, Figures 1 and 2 show an adapter body comprising a fibre receiving section 11, a flange part 12 and a connector part 13. The fibre receiving section 11 comprises an opening 20 for receiving an optical fibre, while the flange part 12 ensures that the fibre optic connector can be positioned precisely in a positioning plate in vertical direction, as shown for example in Figures 8 and 9. Furthermore, the flange part 12 ensures that the fibre optic connector can be suspended in the opening of such a positioning plate. The adapter body 3 further comprises a connector part 13 facilitating the connection with a (bio)analytical device. Said connector part comprises one or more connection means for connecting and aligning the fibre optic connector with the (bio)analytical device. In Figures 1 and 2, the connector part 13 comprises three connection means 14 which are positioned in a circular direction relative to each other. In this way, the connection means 14 can receive a probe of the (bio)analytical device in the middle of said circular positioning.

[0057] 3, 4, 5 and 6 all show different embodiments of the attachable member 4 of the fiber optic connector of the present invention.

[0058] The attachable member 4 typically includes one or more protrusions 15 on its inner side that ensure that when the attachable member 4 is positioned over a base member containing an optical fiber, the optical fiber is rigidly secured onto the base member, thereby ensuring accurate positioning and alignment of the optical fiber within the fiber optic connector. Furthermore, the use of the attachable member eliminates the need for adhesives or other fastening means.

[0059] The one or more protrusions 15 may be positioned within the interior center or both ends of the attachable member. In another embodiment, protrusions 15 may be positioned at both the interior center and both ends of the attachable member.

[0060] For example, Fig. 3 shows an attachable member 4 with protrusions 15 present only at both ends, in particular in said attachable member, each end comprises one protrusion. In the attachable member of Fig. 3, clamping means 6 is also shown. Figs. 4, 5 and 6 show an attachable member with protrusions both at the inner center and at both ends of said member. The presence of protrusions 15 in the inner center of the attachable member distributes the pressure of the attachable member on the optical fiber evenly. Fig. 4 further shows that the protrusions 15 are configured to fit perfectly onto the optical fiber, in particular in this embodiment, the protrusions 15 are semicircular. Furthermore, and as shown in Fig. 4, the protrusions 15 can have a bevel.

[0061] The attachable member 4 further comprises on its inside a longitudinal recess 16 for receiving the optical fiber, since the attachable member is placed on the base member at the moment the optical fiber is present in the base member. The longitudinal recess can be present over the entire length of the inside of the attachable member. In another embodiment, the longitudinal recess is present at least on both ends of the attachable member. In another embodiment, the longitudinal recess comprises one or more protrusions configured to position, fix and align the optical fiber. Thus, in one embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, 5 or 6, the attachable member comprises on its inside, on both ends, a longitudinal recess 16, which also comprises one or more protrusions 15.

[0062] As already outlined above, the fiber optic connector of the present invention facilitates the accurate positioning, fixation and alignment of an optical fiber in a (bio)analytical device. For this purpose, the fiber optic connector comprises an adapter body 3 configured to receive a probe of a (bio)analytical device. The adapter body 3 thus comprises one or more connection means 14, preferably at least two connection means 14, more preferably three connection means 14, which are positioned such that the adapter body 3 can receive a probe of an analytical device. Figures 7A and 7B show a fiber optic connector 1 and an optical fiber 17, which comprise three connection means 14 positioned in a circular direction to receive an analytical device. In particular, said connection means are configured to receive a probe, an optical unit or a biosensor mount or manifold of a (bio)analytical device. Said connection means may further comprise a tapered end that facilitates the sliding movement and positioning of the probe in the adapter body. Furthermore, the tapered end of the connection means also generates a clamping force such that the connection means is tightly held and aligned around the probe or manifold of the (bio)analytical device.

[0063] The present application further discloses a combination of a fiber optic connector according to any of the described embodiments and an optical fiber, which combination is also shown in Figures 7A and 7B.

[0064] The optical fiber in all embodiments of the present invention can be a bare optical fiber, or a coated optical fiber or an optical fiber with a jacket. The bare optical fiber can be, for example, a silica-based optical fiber. Furthermore, the coating of the optical fiber can be, for example, a resin coating formed by substantially concentrically coating one or more layers of a UV-cured resin or a polyamide resin. In a preferred embodiment, a coated optical fiber is used. In a further preferred embodiment, the optical fiber is a multimode optical fiber. In a further specific embodiment, the optical fiber is a rigid TECS clad silica core multimode optical fiber.

[0065] In a particular embodiment, the optical fiber is an optical fiber used for fiber-optic surface plasmon resonance (FO-SPR). SPR is a standard technique in biomolecular interaction analysis, allowing the measurement of the interaction of a substance (typically a biomolecule) with a surface coated with a bioreceptor without the use of labels. When used for FO-SPR, the optical fiber is coated with a metal having a real negative dielectric constant, such as gold or silver. Nevertheless, suitable metamaterials or nanomaterials having a real negative dielectric constant can also be used. In another preferred embodiment, when used for FO-SPR, the optical fiber is coated with a bioreceptor.

[0066] Fiber optics is a standard technology for directing light, enabling remote sensing, continuous analysis, and in-situ monitoring of biomolecular interactions. In the fiber optic embodiment, the SPR signal is generated by shining light into a custom-made optical fiber that serves as a fiber optic SPR sensor.

[0067] The analytical device to which the optical fiber and the optical fiber connector are connected can be any type of analytical device with a probe or a biosensor manifold, or a microfluidic analytical device. The microfluidic analytical device is, for example, a fiber optic refractometer in a microchannel, a fiber optic mediated immunoassay in a microchannel, or a fiber optic sensor using SPR. The analytical device is preferably a bioanalytical device for detecting an analyte. In a particular embodiment, the bioanalytical device is a device connected to a fiber optic SPR sensor.

[0068] 7A and 7B further show that after the optical fiber 17 is positioned within the base member 5 and the adapter body 3, the attachable member 4 is placed onto the base member 5, thereby precisely positioning, fixing and aligning the optical fiber.

[0069] Therefore, the present application also discloses a method for positioning and aligning an optical fiber in a (bio)analytical device, the method comprising: 1) positioning and aligning an optical fiber in a base member of a fiber optic connector, 2) attaching an attachable member onto the base member of the fiber optic connector, thereby fixing the optical fiber in the fiber optic connector, and 3) connecting the fiber optic connector containing the optical fiber with the (bio)analytical device.

[0070] As seen in Figures 8A and 8B, the fiber optic connector 1 containing the optical fiber 17 is positioned in a positioning plate 18 with a number of openings. The holes are configured to receive the fiber optic connector 1 containing the optical fiber 17. In particular, each fiber optic aligner 2 of the fiber optic connector is positioned in each opening of the positioning plate, while the fiber optic connector remains suspended in the positioning plate due to the presence of the flange portion 12. In any case, the diameter of the flange portion must be larger than the diameter of the opening in the positioning plate. Furthermore, the diameter of the opening in the positioning plate must be larger than the connector to allow control of the tilting of the connector for automatic attachment to the instrument mount. Therefore, the side of the connector facing the instrument mount (manifold) is also slightly angled towards the middle of the connector to ensure smooth automatic attachment in case the analytical device or the instrument's probe(s) or mount(s) are not perfectly aligned with the optical fiber(s).

[0071] Additionally, the locating plate and its openings are configured such that when the fiber optic connector is placed in the locating plate, the fiber optic connector is always positioned perfectly vertically.

[0072] In a further embodiment of the present application, a sealing cap 19 can be present on the optical fiber 17, in particular said sealing cap 19 is positioned on the optical fiber portion that is not placed in the optical fiber connector 1 (FIG. 9). The presence of the sealing cap 19 prevents evaporation of the sample on which the optical fiber is placed. Such a sealing cap can be, for example, a rubber cap that is mounted on the optical fiber before the fiber is mounted on the connector. By sealing the sample by the sealing cap, measurements can be performed at higher temperatures or for longer periods. For example, if DNA or RNA amplification is performed, the sample can be removed by a robot without opening the vial, thus avoiding contamination of the environment or contamination of the sample by contaminants present in the environment. The sealing cap can be made from any material that can withstand a temperature range of -20°C to +200°C, in particular a temperature range of -20°C to +130°C, even more particularly a temperature range of -20°C to +55°C. The material of the sealing cap should also be flexible to ensure a good seal of the vial or well containing the sample. Thus, the seal cap can be made from a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) polymer. In another embodiment, the seal cap is made from a specialty copolymer containing ethylene vinyl acetate, which provides a high moisture barrier.

[0073] The fiber optic connectors according to all embodiments of the present invention can be made from any type of material that is sufficiently strong to secure and align the optical fibers. In particular, the material should have at least one of the following properties: medical grade, resistant to gamma radiation, UV stable, relatively strong and rigid, and dimensionally stable. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1 Fiber Optic Connector 2 Fiber optic alignment body 3 Adapter body 4 Attachable parts 5 Base material 6 Clamping means 7 Recess 8 Fiber optic alignment groove 9 Guidance means 10 Opening 11 Fiber receiving section 12 Flange 13 Connector part 14 Connection means 15 Protrusion 16 Longitudinal recess 17 Optical Fiber 18 Positioning plate 19 Seal cap 20 Opening

Claims

1. A fiber optic connector for positioning and aligning optical fibers within a (bio)analytical device, comprising: an adapter body (3) having an opening (20) for receiving the optical fiber and a connector portion (13) configured to be connected to the (bio)analytical device; an optical fiber aligner (2) comprising a base member (5) and an attachable member (4), the base member having an optical fiber alignment groove (8) on an inner side thereof; Equipped with The adapter body (3) and the base member (5) are integrally molded, 1. An optical fiber connector, comprising: a base member configured to cooperate with an optical fiber connector in positioning, aligning and fixing the optical fiber such that an inner side of the base member and an inner side of the attachable member are oriented toward each other.

2. 2. The optical fiber connector according to claim 1, wherein the attachable member comprises one or more clamping means (6) adapted to cooperate with one or more recesses (7) in the base member and for fixing the optical fiber in the optical fiber connector, in particular for fixing the optical fiber in the optical fiber connector without a joining element.

3. 3. A fibre optic connector as claimed in claim 2, wherein the attachable member comprises two clamping means (6) located on either longitudinal side of the attachable member, in particular over a central part of the attachable member.

4. 2. The optical fiber connector of claim 1, wherein the base member comprises one or more guiding means (9) for guiding the attachment of the attachable member onto the base member, preferably at least two guiding means, said guiding means being located on either side of the optical fiber alignment groove.

5. 2. The optical fiber connector of claim 1, wherein the attachable member has one or more protrusions (15) on its interior configured to position, align and secure the optical fiber within the alignment groove (8) of the base member and the opening (20) of the adapter body (3).

6. 6. The optical fiber connector of claim 5, wherein the protrusion is located at a central inner portion of the attachable member, and in particular, the one or more protrusions are positioned over the entire length of the central inner portion of the attachable member.

7. 6. The fiber optic connector of claim 5, wherein the one or more protrusions are present at an inner first end and a second end of the attachable member.

8. The fiber optic connector of claim 5 , wherein the one or more protrusions are hemispherical and have a beveled surface.

9. 2. The optical fiber connector of claim 1, wherein the attachable member has a longitudinal recess (16) on its inside that receives the optical fiber when the attachable member is placed on the base member containing the optical fiber, and preferably the longitudinal recess (16) is present on the inside of both ends of the attachable member.

10. 10. The optical fiber connector of claim 9, wherein the longitudinal recess (16) has one or more protrusions (15) on its inner side configured to position, align and secure the optical fiber within the alignment groove (8) of the base member and the opening (20) of the adapter body (3).

11. 2. The optical fiber connector of claim 1, wherein the adapter body comprises a fiber receiving portion (11) having an opening (20) for receiving the optical fiber, a flange portion (12), and a connector portion (13) for connecting the fiber connector to a probe of the (bio)analytical device.

12. The optical fiber connector of claim 11, wherein the connector part of the adapter body comprises one or more connection means (14) for connecting and aligning the optical fiber connector with the (bio)analytical device, preferably the connector part of the adapter body comprises at least three connection means for connecting and aligning the optical fiber connector with the (bio)analytical device.

13. 13. A combination of the optical fiber connector of claim 1 and an optical fiber.

14. A method for positioning, aligning and fixing an optical fiber in a (bio)analytical device, comprising: 1) Positioning and aligning the optical fiber within a base member of the optical fiber connector of claim 1; 2) mounting an attachable member on the base member of the fiber optic connector; 3) connecting the optical fiber connector containing the optical fiber with the (bio)analytical device; A method comprising:

15. 13. Use of the fiber optic connector according to claim 1 for positioning, aligning and fixing an optical fiber in a (bio)analytical device.

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