Patent ID: 7999944
Filing Date: 2011-08-16
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. An optical interrogation system comprising: a tunable laser that emits an optical beam which has a predetermined sequence of distinct wavelengths over a predetermined time period; a distribution unit that splits the optical beam into a plurality of interrogation beams; an array of optical interrogation units that receive and direct the interrogation beams towards an array of biosensors, wherein each of the optical interrogation units receives one of the interrogation beams and directs the one interrogation beam to one of the biosensors, wherein each biosensor has a signal area and a reference area, and wherein each optical interrogation unit further includes a photo detector with two photodiodes; said array of optical interrogation units receive a plurality of reflected interrogation beams from the array of biosensors, wherein each of the optical interrogation units receives a directed one interrogation beam as a reflected interrogation beam from one of the biosensors; a data processing device that receives and processes information associated with the reflected interrogation beams; and a holder that supports the array of biosensors where said holder includes an array of masks, wherein each of the masks blocks a portion of one of the biosensors from being illuminated by one of the interrogation beams, wherein the portion is a central portion between the signal area and the reference area of the one biosensor, and wherein each mask blocks one of the reflected interrogation beams off the corresponding one biosensor from illuminating a gap between the two photodiodes of the photo detectors of the corresponding optical interrogation unit.