Patent ID: 6728429
Filing Date: 2004-04-27
Classification: B01L,G01N

Abstract:
A detection system, comprising:(a) a cell directing at least one sample to a metallic film that supports a surface plasmon wave and covers at least a portion of at least one waveguide; (b) a light source that transmits light beams into the waveguides; (c) a detector to convert the transmitted light into an electrical signal; (d) a processor that performs the steps of converting the electrical signals into measured intensities; computing a first calculated difference between measured intensities for two light beams at a first time, wherein the two light beams each have a distinct light propagation velocity within the waveguides; computing a second calculated difference between measured intensities for the two light beams at a second time later than the first time; and comparing the first calculated difference to the second calculated difference, wherein a difference between the first calculated difference and the second calculated difference indicates a shift of the surface plasmon resonance curve.