Abstract:
The invention proposes an apparatus (110) for determining at least one optical property of a sample (112). The apparatus (110) comprises a tunable excitation light source (114; 410) for applying excitation light (122) to the sample (112). The apparatus (110) also comprises a detector (128, 130; 312) for detecting detection light (132, 136; 314) coming from the sample (112). The excitation light source (114; 410) comprises a light-emitting diode array (114) which is at least partially in the form of a monolithic light-emitting diode array (114). The monolithic light-emitting diode array (114) comprises at least three light-emitting diodes (426) each with a different emission spectrum.
Abstract:
A miniature readhead for a photometric diagnostic instrument includes a housing of hand-held form factor, configured for receiving reagent sample media therein. The sample media has a plurality of test areas configured to react with, and change color, according to an amount of an analyte in a sample. The holder is sized and shaped for forming an indexed fit with the sample media and includes an array of light sources coupled to the housing, each of the light sources configured to emit light onto a respective one of the test areas. An array of chambers respectively containing an array of light detectors, is configured to enable each of the light detectors to receive diffuse, non-specular reflections of the light from the test areas, while substantially preventing the light detectors from receiving specular reflections of the light.
Abstract:
A sensor module and method for determining and imaging fluorescence lifetime based on the time-of-flight values are disclosed. The sensor module comprises an opaque housing (OH) having a first chamber (CH1) and a second chamber (CH2) which are separated by a non-transparent barrier (LB). Further, it comprises an optical emitter (OE) arranged in the first chamber (CH1) and configured to emit light through a first aperture (AP1). Pulsed excitation light of a specified wavelength is directed to optically excite a fluorescent probe (FP) positioned in the optical path of the excitation light. The module also comprises a detector (MD) arranged in the second chamber (CH2) and configured to detect through a second aperture (AP2) photons originating from the fluorescent probe (FP). The module further comprises: a measurement block (MB) configured to determine a temporal difference between an arrival time of one of the received photons with respect to the emission pulses; a histogram block (HIST) configured to accumulate the difference values in a histogram; a processing circuit (PRC) configured to compute time-of-flight values based on an evaluation of the histogram and then to compute a fluorescence lifetime from the time-of-flight values and generate an output signal (OS) being indicative of the fluorescence lifetime of the fluorescent probe; and a control unit (CU) configured to initiate pulsed emission of the optical emitter (OE).
Abstract:
The rapid screening of diseases in individuals is paramount in maintaining one's health and minimizing the spread of infectious diseases between individuals. There are many instances where this becomes challenging. For example, in developing countries like The Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and Sudan, there are frequent outbreaks of malaria. The World Health Organization estimated there were 216 million cases of malaria, of which more than 650,000 people died, many of which were pregnant woman and children. In such countries, malaria is the leading cause of morbidity and death. Incredibly there are 100 countries around the globe where malaria creates a burden on health and economic development.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a device and method for measuring the properties of a surface. The device comprises means for producing illuminating light, which means are arranged to aim the illuminating light at the surface to be measured using at least two different wavelengths and at least two different angles, as well as means for directing the light reflected or scattered from the surface to a detector, in order to create an image of the surface to be measured. The device according to the invention further comprises at least one reference surface, the contents of which can be placed in the vicinity of the surface to be measured, in such a way that the illuminating light is also aimed at the reference surface and the light reflected or scattered from the reference surface can also be directed to the detector. The invention makes possible excellent measurement precision and repeatability, using a simple device construction with low production costs.
Abstract:
A self-contained, optical hand-held diagnostic device is provided with a body having a pocket-sized form factor sized and shaped for engagement by a user's hand. The body includes an integral power supply and an integral display. A channel receives reagent sample media in an indexed fit. The sample media has a plurality of spaced test areas which change color according to an amount of a constituent or property in the sample. Imagers are located within the body so that each of the imagers is superposed with one of the test areas when the sample media is indexed within the channel, to capture an image thereof. A processor is coupled with the imagers to analyze the captured images. The processor also derives a diagnosis value from the analysis, and generates an output corresponding thereto. The display is configured to receive and display the output.
Abstract:
A system and method for detecting fluorescence in a sample (140). Where an efficient light source (120) projects light onto said sample, and where fluorescence in said sample is detected by a photodetector (180).