Patent ID: 8088615
Filing Date: 2012-01-03
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A sample analysis method using an optical component comprising: providing an optical component for observing a sample, the component comprising a substrate and at least one complex index layer of predetermined thickness designed to show a high intensity or a colour contrast for optical path variations, reliefs, nanometric thicknesses and diameters when the index layer is observed by incoherent light reflection convergent around a normal incidence under a polarization extinction condition, wherein the upper index layer has specific surface properties providing it with selective affinity relative to at least one characteristic of the sample, and wherein the optical component produces a signal only when said component is combined with an external agent and otherwise produces no signal; placing the sample to be studied in contact with the selective affinity surface of the component; directly and in real-time observing the component thus prepared with an incoherent light source convergent around the normal incidence, thereby allowing the observation of the sample under polarised light and in extinction conditions; and optionally storing the image thus observed.