Patent ID: 6118126
Filing Date: 2000-09-12
Classification: B01L,G01N

Abstract:
A device for conducting reactions comprising:an assay device comprising a detection or reaction chamber which contains a textured material that enhances fluorescence of a fluorophor associated therewith, the association of the textured material with the fluorophor providing at least a 10-fold enhancement in fluorescence yield of the fluorophor, wherein the textured material comprises voids or pores effective to create backscatter of the fluorescence exciting light;a source of light selected to emit light that is not absorbed by the textured material in an amount effective to diminish the fluorescence enhancement, which light source is aligned with at least one detection or reaction chamber, wherein the light source directs light at an angle sufficiently close to a 90.degree. angle relative to the textured surface so that the fluorescence yield is at least 75% of that available with a 90.degree. angle; anda detector aligned to collect emissions located within a 20.degree. cone surrounding the axis of reflection of the light emitted by the light source.