High-Flow Absorbance Cell

Abstract

An optical flow cell cuvette with short optical and fluidic paths, perpendicular to one another, with neither constriction nor any obstruction to fluid flow in the fluidic channel. Optical windows mounted flush to the walls of the rectangular fluidic channel keeps the light path short while keeping through-put high and maintaining a uniform cross-sectional area along the whole channel. Optical windows are independent of body structure allowing flexibility in manufacture and application.

Claims

1. A flow cell for optical transmission measurements with said flow cell comprising: a body structure that includes short-path optical and fluid channels, running perpendicular to one another, with each channel terminating in threaded apertures for optical and fluid ports respectively. where the optical and fluid channels cross, separation of the two is achieved using two windows, one mounted on the bottom of each optical port, in such a manner that the surface of the window facing the sample stream is at the same level and orientation as the inner wall of the flow channel. threaded adapters, used in conjunction with seals to keep the windows in place at the bottom of each optical port. These adapters also provide attachment for fiber optic cables. a fluid path that is rectangular in cross-section and uniform in cross-sectional area from proximal to distal fluidic ports; there are no protrusions nor partial obstructions within the fluid channel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a cross-sectional view of the flow cell as if it were cut along its longest axis (side view). The fluidic path runs vertically while the light path runs horizontally.

[0018] FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the flow cell (end view). The light path runs vertically while the fluidic path runs perpendicular to the plane of view.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the flow cells (side view). The fluidic path runs vertically while the light path runs perpendicular to the plane of view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] The present invention enables optical transmission measurements of moving fluids, across a short optical path, with no protruding elements in the detection area.

[0021] A side view of the flow cell is shown in FIG. 1. Fluidic ports 1 provide attachment for fluidic connectors and tubing. Optical ports 2 provide attachment for adapters 3 which hold in place seals 4 and windows 5. The inner window surface is flush with the wall of the flow channel 6. The threaded adapters 3 also provide attachment for fiber optic cables.

[0022] An end view of the flow cell is shown in FIG. 2. The cross section of the flow channel 6 has a rectangular shape, which maximizes cross-sectional area while allowing the optical path to be kept short. Furthermore, the rectangular shape provides a way of making the inner window surface flush and aligned with the channel wall.

[0023] A side view of the flow cell is shown in FIG. 3. The edges 5 of the fluidic channel 6 provide physical support that the windows rest on.

[0024] The previously unknown feature of the present invention is providing a design where the optical windows are flush and aligned with the walls of the flow channel. The advantage of such a design is that it minimizes entrapment of bubbles and debris around the detection area, and thus maximizes robustness and signal quality provided by the flow cell.

[0025] While certain specific details and embodiments have been described to illustrate the principles of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many modifications are possible within the scope of the disclosed invention.

SEQUENCE LISTING

[0026] Not Applicable