Apparatus for single-molecule detection

摘要

An apparatus for detecting an object capable of emitting light. The apparatus comprises a light source and a waveguide. The waveguide comprises a core layer and a first cladding layer. At least one nanowell is formed in at least the first cladding layer. The apparatus further comprises a light detector. The light detector can detect a light emitted from a single molecule object contained in the at least one nanowell.

主权项

1. A method of sequencing a nucleic acid, comprising the steps of:
providing a detection apparatus comprising:
a waveguide comprising:
a core layer; anda first cladding layer made of a dielectric material; whereinat least one nanowell is formed in at least the first cladding layer, andan upper opening of the at least one nanowell is larger than a bottom of the at least one nanowell;a first opaque protection layer arranged over the first cladding layer without extending into the at least one nanowell;a second opaque protection layer arranged below the waveguide, the second opaque protection layer having a nanostructured metal pattern; andat least one light detector; providing at least one nucleic acid molecule; locating the at least one nucleic acid molecule individually within the at least one nanowell; performing single molecule sequencing-by-synthesis of the at least one nucleic acid molecule, wherein the single molecule nucleic acid sequencing-by-synthesis leads to emission of light correlated to the identity of at least one base in the nucleic acid; detecting the light with the detector, resulting in an output signal; and processing the output signal to determine an identity of at least one base comprised by the nucleic acid.