Patent ID: 6071748
Filing Date: 2000-06-06
Classification: B01J,B01L,B82Y,C40B,G01N,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for detecting light transmitted from a composition, the apparatus comprising:a stage for supporting a composition in an examination site, the composition being contained in a spatial volume lying between boundary interfaces located at different points along a Z-axis, wherein the Z-axis is substantially perpendicular to tie stage;an automated registration device that automatically brings successive compositions and the examination site into register for successive analysis of the compositions;a light source positioned to deliver light to the composition in the examination site;a detector positioned to receive light transmitted from the composition in the examination site;an optical relay structure located between the light source and the detector, the optical relay structure being capable of transmitting light substantially exclusively from a sensed volume of the composition, wherein the sensed volume is spaced substantially away from at least one of the boundary interfaces of the composition; anda Z-axis optical adjustment device that automatically adjusts positions of the sensed volume along the Z-axis between and spaced away from the boundary interfaces.