Patent ID: 7419576
Filing Date: 2008-09-02
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A microchip comprising: a channel having at least one internal surface, a substantially trapezoidal-shaped cross-section, and the channel having an upper surface thereof that is longer than a lower surface thereof, wherein an object to be analyzed is capable of traveling through the channel; an optical element facing the channel to receive light from the object, the optical element having a surface forming a part of the at least one internal surface of the channel; and a light guide for guiding a light from an external light source to a prescribed area of the channel, a light-emitting surface of the light guide being a portion of a first side surface of the channel, wherein the first side surface of the channel is adapted to concentrate the light emitted from the light guide to the surface of the optical element; the microchip further comprising, as deflecting elements for approximating the object in the channel to the optical element: wherein the optical element is provided at the prescribed area, and wherein the object is capable of being approximated to the optical element in a direction transverse to a length of the channel by applying a predetermined electric field between the first and second electrodes.