METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING A MARKER

摘要

The present invention provides a method for applying a marker material to a surface of a carrier so as to form deposits of the marker materials at predetermined locations upon the surface of the carrier to which a sample of a product to be assessed can be applied so as to interact with the marker material in the deposit to provide a characteristic spectrum upon radiation of the predetermined location with IR, UV or other radiation. The marker material is applied through the nozzle of a continuous ink jet printer. The droplets of fluid striking the surface have a sufficiently low kinetic energy, that they do not cause an unacceptable level of disturbance of the layer and/or of scattering of the applied marker material upon the surface of the carrier. The carrier is a planar glass slide having an absorbent layer comprising fumed silica in a gelatin binder.