LED densitometer for microtiter plate

摘要

Light emitting diodes (LEDs) are mounted in an array to an upper structure overlying a lower structure with a plurality of light detectors thereon. Each LED is configured to overlie a separate detector. Each LED emits light at a frequency relevant for measuring optical density of a specimen. LEDs having different frequencies are included within the LED array. A corresponding array of detectors is also provided, mounted to the lower structure. Spacing between adjacent LEDs and between adjacent detectors match a spacing between wells in a microtiter plate. Spacing between the lower structure and the upper structure supporting the LEDs is sufficient for the microtiter plate to fit between. Circuitry sequentially fires individual LEDs and gathers optical density data through the detectors for specimens in the wells of the microtiter plate. The structures are then moved to a next adjacent well position on the microtiter plate and the process repeated.

主权项

1. A densitometer for use with a sample support, the sample support including at least one sample support location adapted to hold a sample, each location formed of a location supporting material which is at least partially translucent, the densitometer comprising in combination:
a first structure adapted to reside on a first side of the sample support; a second structure adapted to reside on a second side of the sample support spaced from said first side; said first structure and said second structure spaced apart by a distance sufficient to allow the sample support to fit between said first structure and said second structure; at least one of said first structure and said second structure including at least one LED thereon; at least one of said first structure and said second structure including at least one detector thereon, said detector positioned to detect light from said LED after the light passes through a sample at the sample support location when the sample support is oriented between said first structure and said second structure; wherein a plurality of LEDs are coupled to at least one of said first structure and said second structure; wherein said plurality of LEDs include at least two LEDs spaced from each other a distance similar to a spacing between wells in the microtiter plate providing the sample support locations, and with which the densitometer is adapted to be used; and wherein said LEDs are coupled to a power source which supplies electric power to the LEDs to cause said LEDs to emit light, circuitry interposed between said power source and said LEDs provided to sequentially activate and deactivate individual LEDs, such that readings made by detectors result from illumination of only a single LED of known frequency.