Patent ID: 7403292

Claim:
A fluid analysis element, to be employed to analyze fluid samples, in which a measuring light beam that enters the fluid analysis element is emitted as an emitted light beam having different physical properties depending on the type of fluid sample to be analyzed, comprising: a first reflector, which is semi transmissive/semi reflective; a transmissive apertured member, having a plurality of fine apertures, with diameters sufficiently smaller than the wavelength of the measuring light beam, formed therein for holding the fluid sample; and a second reflector, which is fully reflective or semi transmissive/semi reflective; the first reflector, the transmissive apertured member, and the second reflector being provided in the order of enumeration from the side of the fluid analysis element into which the measuring light beam enters; the emitted light beam being emitted from at least one of the first reflector and the second reflector; the fluid analysis element displaying absorption properties that absorb light of specific wavelengths according to the mean complex refractive index of the first reflector, the mean complex refractive index of the second reflector, and the mean complex refractive index and the thickness of the transmissive apertured member; and the analysis of the fluid sample being performed by detecting the physical properties or changes in physical properties that occur according to the absorption properties.