Patent ID: 7193703
Filing Date: 2007-03-20
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A sensor unit, including a prism, and a thin film having a first surface and a sensing surface, said first surface overlying said prism to constitute a thin film/prism interface, said sensing surface immobilizing a sample in sample fluid provided thereon, wherein illuminating light is applied to said interface in a form satisfying a condition for total internal reflection, to create attenuated total reflection in said illuminating light reflected by said interface, and an incident angle of said illuminating light at which said attenuated total reflection occurs is changed by interaction between said sample and said sensing surface, said sensor unit comprising: an enclosing cover, secured to said prism, for covering said sensing surface; a recess, formed in at least one of said prism and said enclosing cover, and positioned at said sensing surface; said recess constituting a flow channel extending through said prism for flow of said sample fluid on said sensing surface in a form closed by securing said enclosing cover to said prism.