摘要 |
The optical detection system typically used in micromechanical cantilever-based instruments, e.g. scanning probe microscopes, chemical or biological sensing probes like “artificial noses”, or molecular force probe instruments, can hardly cope when measuring samples immersed in a fluid, i.e. a gas, gel, or liquid having another refractive index than the environment. Optical readout or detection becomes problematic as soon as the refractive index of the fluid changes, because signals can shift significantly. The invention provides an improved optical means at the interface between the fluid and the environment, avoiding signal shifts, and thus avoiding time-consuming and difficult re-calibration or re-adjustment of the microscope or other cantilever-based instrument. |