Patent ID: 6024923
Filing Date: 2000-02-15
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A sensor assembly comprising:a platform having an upper surface and a bottom surface;a light source coupled to the upper surface of the platform;a detector coupled to the upper surface of the platform adjacent the light source; andan encapsulating housing extending over the platform and arranged to receive light from the light source;where at least a portion of the exterior surface of the housing has a fluorescence emitting chemistry layer disposed upon it to form a sensing surface, the fluorescence emitting chemistry layer has a characteristic quality that interacts with a specific analyte sample to produce a change in the layer's fluorescence emission;where the light source emits light having an wavelength that excites the fluorescence emitting chemistry layer; andwhere the housing has a substantially dome-shaped portion, the dome-shaped portion having a location and a radius such that the normal direction of the surface of the dome-shaped portion is oriented towards the detector, thereby increasing the amount of light emitted from the fluorescence emitting chemistry layer that impinges upon the detector.