Optical waveguides – Optical waveguide sensor
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-22
2001-12-18
Ngo, Hung N. (Department: 2874)
Optical waveguides
Optical waveguide sensor
C385S125000, C436S172000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06332049
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the detection of luminescence. More particularly, the invention relates to novel apparati and methods for the detection of photoluminescence, and for the generation and detection of chemiluminescence, using a detector having a liquid-core waveguide (LCW).
In commercial, conventional, and state-of-the-art LCW photoluminescence detectors, the exciting illumination is provided axially with respect to the main axis of the detector tube. These prior-art luminescence detectors require monochromators and focusing optics. The present invention provides LCW luminescence detectors which can operate without monochromators or focusing optics, and provides a novel method for the generation of chemiluminescence.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention in a first aspect provides a photoluminescence detector. The detector comprises (a) a liquid-core waveguide comprising a transparent tube having first and second ends, for containing a liquid which can emit photoluminescence; (b) a light source which can provide illumination suitable for exciting the liquid to emit photoluminescence, the radiation from the light source being provided transversely with respect to the liquid-core waveguide tube; and (c) a photodetector, for detecting photoluminescence emitted by the liquid in the liquid-core waveguide tube.
In a second aspect the invention provides a chemiluminescence detector. The detector comprises (a) a liquid-core waveguide comprising a tube having first and second ends, for containing a liquid which emits chemiluminescence; (b) a photodetector, for detecting chemiluminescence emitted by the liquid in the liquid-core waveguide tube; (c) a first passageway for introducing a first reagent into the first end of the liquid-core waveguide tube; (d) a second passageway for introducing a second reagent into the first end of the liquid-core waveguide tube, whereby the first and second reagents are mixed within the first end of the liquid-core waveguide tube to form the liquid emitting chemiluminescence; and (e) a third passageway for discharging the liquid emitting chemiluminescence from the second end of the liquid-core waveguide tube.
In a third aspect the invention provides an apparatus for electrogeneration, as an anodic or a cathodic product, of an unstable reagent for the production of chemiluminescence in a liquid-core waveguide chemiluminescence detector. The apparatus comprises (a) a cell having an anode and a cathode; (b) a source of current connected to the anode and to the cathode; (c) a first passageway for introducing into the cell at a point substantially midway between the anode and the cathode an electrolyte to be electrolyzed; (d) a second passageway for conveying an anodic product from the cell; (e) a third passageway for conveying a cathodic product from the cell; (f) a fourth passageway for introducing the anodic or the cathodic product into a liquid-core waveguide chemiluminescence detector having first and second ends; and (g) a fifth passageway for introducing into the liquid-core waveguide detector a second reagent which, when mixed with the unstable reagent comprising the anodic or the cathodic product, forms a liquid which emits chemiluminescence. The fourth and fifth passageways and the liquid-core waveguide detector are constructed and arranged so that the unstable reagent and the second reagent are mixed with one another as they enter the first end of the liquid-core waveguide detector, forming in situ in the liquid-core waveguide detector the chemiluminescent liquid, which flows through the liquid-core waveguide detector and is discharged from the second end of the liquid-core waveguide detector.
In a fourth aspect the present invention provides an electrochemical method of generating, as an anodic or a cathodic product, an unstable reagent for the production of chemiluminescence in a liquid-core waveguide chemiluminescence detector. The method comprises (a) providing a cell having an anode and a cathode; (b) providing electrical current to the anode and the cathode; (c) introducing into the cell through a first passageway at a point substantially midway between the anode and the cathode an electrolyte to be electrolyzed; (d) conveying an anodic product from the cell through a second passageway; (e) conveying a cathodic product from the cell through a third passageway; (f) introducing the unstable reagent comprising the anodic or the cathodic product into a liquid-core waveguide chemiluminescence detector having first and second ends; and (g) introducing into the liquid-core waveguide detector through a fifth passageway a second reagent which, when mixed with the unstable reagent, forms a liquid which emits chemiluminescence. The fourth and fifth passageway and the liquid-core waveguide detector are constructed and arranged so that the unstable reagent and the second reagent are mixed with one another as they enter the first end of the liquid-core waveguide detector, thereby forming in situ in the liquid-core waveguide detector the chemiluminescent liquid, which flows through the liquid-core waveguide detector and is discharged from the second end of the liquid-core waveguide detector.
In a fifth aspect the invention provides an apparatus for the electrogeneration and separation of anodic and cathodic products. The apparatus comprises (a) a cell having an anode and a cathode; (b) a source of current connected to the anode and to the cathode; (c) a first passageway for conveying to the cell at a point substantially midway between the anode and the cathode an electrolyte to be electrolyzed; (d) a second passageway for conveying an anodic product from the cell; (e) a third passageway for conveying a cathodic product from the cell; and (f) means for simultaneously and continuously passing the electrolyte through the cell, the anodic product through the second passageway, and the cathodic product through the third passageway, thereby providing a flow-through system for the electrolysis of the electyrolyte, and for the separate recovery of the anodic and cathodic products.
In a sixth aspect the present invention provides a method for the electrogeneration and separation of anodic and cathodic products. The method comprises (a) providing a cell having an anode and a cathode; (b) connecting a source of current to the anode and to the cathode; (c) conveying to the cell through a first passageway disposed substantially midway between the anode and the cathode an electrolyte to be electrolyzed while (d) conveying an anodic product from the cell through a second passageway and a cathodic product from the cell through a third passageway, thereby providing continuous flow through the cell and the first, second, and third passageways, and separation of the anodic and cathodic products.
In a seventh aspect, the invention provides a liquid-core waveguide chemiluminescence detector. The detector comprises (a) a tubular member made of a material having a refractive index less than that of water; (b) a chemiluminescent solution disposed within and contained by the tubular member; and (c) a photodetector, for detecting the chemiluminescence emitted by the solution.
In an eighth aspect, the present invention provides a method for detecting chemiluminescence using a liquid-core waveguide. The method comprises (a) providing a liquid-core waveguide tube having a refractive index less than that of water; (b) disposing in the tube a water solution of a material which emits chemiluminescence; and (c) detecting the chemiluminescence which is emitted by the solution.
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Global FIA, Inc.
Ngo Hung N.
Roberts, Jr. Reginald F.
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