Patent ID: 7612349
Filing Date: 2009-11-03
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A surface plasmon enhanced fluorescence sensor, comprising: i) an exciting light source, which produces exciting light having a predetermined wavelength λ ii) a dielectric material block, which has been formed from a material capable of transmitting the exciting light, iii) a metal film, which has been formed on one surface of the dielectric material block, iv) a sample support section for supporting a sample at a position in the vicinity of the metal film, v) an exciting light irradiating optical system for irradiating the exciting light through the dielectric material block toward an interface between the dielectric material block and the metal film, such that total reflection conditions may be satisfied, and vi) analysis fluorescence detecting means for detecting an intensity of analysis fluorescence having a wavelength λ wherein the improvement comprises the provision of: a) a reference fluorescent substance, which is different from the analysis fluorescent substance and has been located at a position for excitation by the exciting light, b) reference fluorescence detecting means for detecting an intensity of reference fluorescence having a wavelength λ c) operation processing means for normalizing the intensity of the analysis fluorescence, which has been detected by the analysis fluorescence detecting means, in accordance with the intensity of the reference fluorescence, which has been detected by the reference fluorescence detecting means.