Optical cell with disposable fluid cartridge

摘要

An optical apparatus with a single-use, disposable fluid flow cartridge and cell and associated optical interface is employed in determining characteristics of a fluid and/or suspended materials or cells contained therein which are introduced into the apparatus. The optical interface communicates electromagnetic radiation from an optical instrument through the fluid within the cell and to an appropriate sensor within the optical instrument. The interaction of the electromagnetic radiation with the fluid is measured by the signal generated by the sensor. Fluid present within the cell may be static or flowing, allowing both discrete sample measurements and monitoring of continuous processes.

主权项

1. An optical apparatus for examination of a fluid sample, said optical apparatus comprising:
a. a first compression surface and a corresponding second compression surface defining a measurement zone therebetween; b. a fluid conduit situated within said measurement zone, said fluid conduit having at least a portion comprising a material being at least partially transparent at one or more wavelengths, said fluid conduit further comprising at least one section that is at least partially compressible; c. a housing containing said fluid conduit whereby said fluid conduit is within said measurement zone; and d. one or more optical elements for communicating electromagnetic radiation between said measurement zone and an instrument; whereby a length of an optical path of the electromagnetic radiation passing through the fluid conduit is defined by compression of the partially compressible section of the fluid conduit between the first compression surface and the second compression surface.