OPTICAL ISOLATION ELEMENT FOR IMPLANTABLE SENSOR

摘要

An optical isolation element is provided on an optical sensor comprising a light source, at least one photodetector, and indicator material that emits light that is detected by the photodetector when optically excited by the light source. The optical isolation element limits the optical paths by which light may be transmitted by the light source, thereby limiting exposure of the excitation light source to regions of interest. The optical isolation element also limits the optical paths by which light may be transmitted to the photodetector, thereby limiting exposure of the photodetector to light from extraneous sources.

主权项

1. A sensor for detecting the presence and/or concentration of a substance of interest comprising:
at least one excitation light source; indicator material positioned and oriented with respect to said excitation light source to receive excitation light emitted from said excitation light source and configured to emit an optical signal when excited by the excitation light source and when contacted by the substance of interest; one or more optical detector elements positioned and oriented with respect to said indicator material to receive at least a portion of the optical signal emitted by the indicator material; and an optical isolation element partially surrounding said at least one light source and said one or more optical detector elements and formed of a material configured to substantially prevent the passage of light therethrough, said optical isolation element being positioned and oriented with respect to said at least one light source, said one or more optical detector elements, and said indicator material and including an opening formed therein so as to permit at least a portion of the light emitted by the excitation light source to impinge upon the indicator material and to permit at least a portion of the light emitted by the indicator material to impinge upon said optical detector element.