Fluorescence reader based on anti-resonant waveguide excitation
A sample detection system including an anti-resonant waveguide, including a sample having a first index of refraction, a top layer and a substrate surrounding the sample, where the top layer has a second index of refraction, and the substrate has a third index of refraction. The second index of refraction, and the third index of refraction are both greater than the first index of refraction. A detection device of the system includes a low power light source used to direct light into the sample and generate an anti-resonant optical mode in the sample, and an analyzing system to detect the interaction of the light propagating in the sample.
1. A sample detection system comprising:
an anti-resonant waveguide including,
a sample including a target analyte, the sample having a first index of refraction, and
a top layer and a substrate surrounding the sample, the top layer having a second index of refraction and the substrate layer having a third index of refraction, the second index of refraction and the third index of refraction both greater than the first index of refraction;
a detection device including,
a low power light source to direct light into the sample and generate an anti-resonant optical mode in the sample,
an analyzing system to detect the interaction of the light propagating in the sample with the target analyte; and
a light retention component configured with light reflective material to maintain light within the anti-resonant waveguide.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the low power light source is a light source of approximately 700 mW or less.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the light retention component is configured to surround at least three sides of the anti-resonant waveguide.
4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the light retention component is configured to cover at least a portion of a side of the anti-resonant waveguide into which the light is directed.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the light retention component is formed as part of the detection device.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the light source is one of an LED, LD or SLD.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the light source is a plurality of one of LEDs, LDs, or SLDs.
8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the detection device is a fluorescence detection device.
9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the detection device is a biochip reader.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the detection device is a fluorescence microscope.
11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the top layer and substrate are of differing lengths.
12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the light source emits a plurality of wavelengths into the sample.
13. A sample detection system comprising:
an input area configured to receive a sample contained as part of an anti-resonant waveguide;
a light retention component configured with light reflective material to maintain light within the anti-resonant waveguide;
a lighting system arrangement positioned to emit light to a location within the input area, the location selected to reflect the light into the sample to operate the anti-resonant waveguide in an anti-resonant mode, the lighting system consisting of at least one diode; and
an analyzing system positioned to detect the interaction of the light propagating in the sample.
14. The sample detector according to claim 13 , wherein the diode is at least one of an LED, LD or SLD.
15. The sample detector of claim 13 , wherein the light source is a plurality of one of LEDs, LDs, or SLDs.
16. The sample detector of claim 13 , wherein the detection device is a fluorescence detecting device.
17. The sample detector of claim 13 , wherein the detection device is a biochip reader.
18. The sample detector of claim 13 , wherein the detection device is a fluorescence microscope.
19. The sample detector of claim 13 , wherein the top layer and substrate are of differing lengths.
20. The sample detector of claim 13 , wherein the light source emits a plurality of wavelengths into the sample.
21. A system to analyze a sample comprising:
a sample including a target analyte, the sample having a first index of refraction;
a top layer and a substrate surrounding the sample, one of the top layer or the substrate having a tilted end facet for receiving light, the top layer having a second index of refraction and the substrate having a third index of refraction, the second index of refraction and the third index of refraction both greater than the first index of refraction;
a light source to direct light into the sample via the tilted end facet and generate an anti-resonant guided optical mode in the sample;
an analyzing system to detect the interaction of the light propagating in the sample with the target analyte; and
a light retention component configured with light reflective material to maintain light within the anti-resonant waveguide.
22. The system of claim 21 , wherein one of the top layer or the substrate has a tilted end facet for receiving light.