Patent ID: 7889346
Filing Date: 2011-02-15
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for analyzing matter comprising the steps of: (a) introducing a liquid or gaseous matter into an optically reflective thin layer electrode, the electrode including a transparent base substrate with alumina film disposed thereon, the alumina film defining a plurality of pores therein, and a gold film disposed on the alumina film such that a quantity of the liquid or gaseous matter can enter at least one of the pores; (b) applying a potential to the gold film such that the quantity of the liquid or gaseous matter in the pores is isolated from a remaining bulk of the liquid or gaseous matter disposed about the electrode; (c) directing light from a source into the electrode from proximate the base substrate in a direction of the gold film, the gold film under the potential configured to reflect the light into the quantity of the liquid or gaseous matter in the pores for analysis of the reflected light; and (d) monitoring the reflected light by taking a reflectance measurement.