Patent ID: 6020207
Filing Date: 2000-02-01
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A method for the optical detection of chemical species comprising the steps of:immobilizing indicator molecules on the inner wall of a capillary tube comprised of an optically clear material, the capillary tube having an interior wall which defines an open core region, the capillary tube further having an intimate exterior coating of an amorphous polymer, the polymer having a refractive index of less than 1.33;filling the core region of the capillary tube with a liquid having an index of refraction which is greater than that of the coating, the filled tube thus defining a liquid core optical waveguide, the liquid containing an analyte which interacts with the immobilized indicator molecules, the result of the interaction being a modification of an optical characteristic of the waveguide;illuminating the waveguide core region with analysis light subsequent to the interaction between the indicator molecules and the analyte;collecting light emanating from the illuminated waveguide; andanalyzing the collected light for the occurrence of said optical characteristic modification.