Patent ID: 6597456
Filing Date: 2003-07-22
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A measuring chip for a measuring apparatus, comprising:a dielectric block; a film layer which is formed on a first face of the dielectric block and is brought into contact with a sample; a light source which emits a light beam; an optical system which causes the light beam to enter the dielectric block through a second face thereof so that the light beam is reflected in total internal reflection at the interface of the dielectric block and the film layer and so that various angles of incidence of the light beam to the interface of the dielectric block and the film layer are obtained; photodetector means which detects attenuation in total internal reflection by detecting the intensity of the light beam which is reflected in total internal reflection at the interface and goes outside the dielectric block through a third face thereof; and a sample holder mechanism for holding the sample on the film layer; wherein the dielectric block of the measuring chip comprises all the first to third faces and the film layer integrally formed on the first face of the dielectric block; and wherein the sample holder mechanism comprises a member which defines above the film layer a space which has closed side walls and is flared upward.