Patent ID: 7489402
Filing Date: 2009-02-10
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. Optical system for the stimulation and collection of fluorescent signals emitted by a target fluorophore comprising: i) a frequency modulated optical source which emits excitation light of a wavelength which will stimulate at least one target fluorophore to emit a fluorescent signal when illuminated by said excitation light; ii) a first optical filter interposed between said optical source and said target fluorophore, said first optical filter substantially preventing radiation emitted by said optical source having a wavelength which will not stimulate said target fluorophore from impinging on said target fluorophore; iii) a second optical filter interposed between said fluorophore and a photo-detector positioned to receive said emitted fluorescent signal, said second optical filter substantially preventing radiation other than said fluorescent signal from impinging on said photo-detector; and wherein said target fluorophore's cross sectional area is at least π mm