초록 ▼

An optical assay apparatus of the type comprising an optic waveguide and a coating sensitized to a specific assay species. The light signal response of the apparatus is enhanced by coupling a resonant metallic medium to the waveguide and to the sensitized coating. To this end, a metal coated transpa

An optical assay apparatus of the type comprising an optic waveguide and a coating sensitized to a specific assay species. The light signal response of the apparatus is enhanced by coupling a resonant metallic medium to the waveguide and to the sensitized coating. To this end, a metal coated transparent buffer layer may be interposed between the waveguide and the sensitized coating. Alternatively, a metallized optically matched grating can be used in place of the buffer layer or the metallic medium can be of particulate form, with each particle having a sensitized coating. In using the optical assay apparatus, the sensitized coating is exposed to a fluid assay sample. A light beam is directed onto the sensitized coating and reflected onto a detector. The detected light is monitored for any change indicating the presence of the specific assay species in the fluid sample.

대표청구항 ▼

An optical assay method comprising the following steps: providing a coated metallic medium, the coating thereof being sensitized for a specific assay species; generating in the metallic medium a resonant signal at optical frequency, the power of this signal extending into the sensitized coating; pro

An optical assay method comprising the following steps: providing a coated metallic medium, the coating thereof being sensitized for a specific assay species; generating in the metallic medium a resonant signal at optical frequency, the power of this signal extending into the sensitized coating; providing coupling between said resonant signal and a monitored optical beam; exposing the coated metallic medium to a fluid assay sample; and, measuring any changes in the optical beam to detect a response to the presence of the specific assay species in the fluid sample.