Patent ID: 7586614
Filing Date: 2009-09-08
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A measurement system having a self-referenced measurement channel for analyzing a characteristic of a sample, the system comprising: an illumination source, which generates an input beam; a refractive index sensor which receives the input beam, and transmits an output beam, wherein the refractive index sensor includes an interface where an element of the sample is adsorbed on a binding element of the refractive index sensor, wherein the interface provides a measurement spot which receives the input beam and reflects a portion of the input beam as the output beam, and wherein the refractive index sensor has a bulk index proportionality constant; an optical energy sensor which receives the output beam and generates an output signal; and a processor which receives the output signal, wherein the processor uses the output signal and the bulk index proportionality constant of the refractive index sensor to determine an amount corresponding to adsorption on the binding element.