Patent ID: 8102533
Filing Date: 2012-01-24
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A total reflection illuminated sensor chip, which is employed in a detecting method for detecting a detection target substance comprising the steps of: supplying a sample that includes the detection target substance onto a detecting portion formed on a surface of a dielectric prism, irradiating a measuring light beam onto the interface between the dielectric prism and the detecting portion through a first light transmitting surface of the dielectric prism such that conditions for total reflection are satisfied at the interface, and utilizing evanescent waves which are generated at the detecting portion due to the irradiation of the measuring light beam to detect the detection target substance, the total reflection illuminated sensor chip comprising: the dielectric prism; the detecting portion formed on the surface of the dielectric prism; and a first protective member for protecting the first light transmitting surface; the first protective member being provided at a position which is a predetermined distance away from the first light transmitting surface so as to form a first light transmitting space, which is open at least toward the downward direction, between the first light transmitting surface and the first protective member; and the total reflection illuminated sensor chip being configured such that the interface can be irradiated by the measuring light beam that enters the first light transmitting space from below the first light transmitting space and passes through the first light transmitting surface.