Detection of biochemical interactions on a biosensor using tunable filters and tunable lasers

摘要

An apparatus and method for detection of peak wavelength values of colorimetric resonant optical biosensors using tunable filters and tunable lasers is disclosed. Biomolecular interactions may be detected on a biosensor by directing collimated white light towards a surface of the biosensor. Molecular binding on the surface of the biosensor is indicated by a shift in the peak wavelength value of reflected or transmitted light from the biosensor, while an increase in the wavelength corresponds to an increase in molecular absorption. A tunable laser light source may generate the collimated white light and a tunable filter may receive the reflected or transmitted light and pass the light to a photodiode sensor. The photodiode sensor then quantifies an amount of the light reflected or transmitted through the tunable filter as a function of the tuning voltage of the tunable filter.