Patent ID: 7397043
Filing Date: 2008-07-08
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A multilayered spherical structure comprising: a low loss spherical dielectric core constructed of a material capable of passing an excitation light and an emission light having an emission wavelength; a metallic layer positioned on the core, the metallic layer supporting surface plasmon resonance, the metallic layer generating a surface plasmon resonance signal in response to receiving the emission light; a dielectric spacer layer positioned on the metallic layer; and an emitting layer positioned on the spacer layer, the emitting layer having a thickness less than one-half of the emission wavelength, the emitting layer defining a sphere having a diameter between one and one hundred of the emission wavelength and having a curved surface, a first aspect facing the excitation light and a second aspect, and the emitting layer constructed of a material capable of generating the emission light in response to receiving the excitation light, wherein the excitation light enters the sphere at the first aspect and propagates to the second aspect of the emitting layer through the dielectric core, the metallic layer, and the dielectric layer; and wherein the emitting layer generates the emission light at the emission wavelength in response to receiving the excitation light, a portion of the metallic layer positioned adjacent to the second aspect receiving the emission light from the emitting layer through the spacer layer and generating the surface plasmon resonance signal at the emission wavelength in response, the curved surface of the sphere coupling the surface plasmon resonance signal into the dielectric core to collimate the emission light whereby the collimated emission light exits the sphere at the first aspect.