PHASE SYNCHRONIZING PULSE AMPLITUDE MODULATION FLUOROMETER

Abstract

A phase synchronizing pulse amplitude modulation fluorometer having an excitation light source capable of emitting a pulse of light that will induce fluorescence in an external object. A photo detector for detecting the pulse and a circuit to synchronize a pulse of light from the excitation light source with a pulse of light from an external light source.

Claims

1) A phase synchronizing pulse amplitude modulation fluorometer comprising, an excitation light source capable of inducing fluorescence in an external object; a fluorescence detector for detecting fluorescence in an external object, an external light source capable of generating a pulse of light, a photo detector for detecting a pulse of light generated by an external light source, and a circuit to synchronize a pulse of light from the excitation light source with a pulse of light from the external light source.

2) The phase synchronizing pulse amplitude modulation fluorometer of claim 1 wherein the photo detector for detecting a pulse generated by an external light source is configured to communicate at least one of the frequency, phase and duty-cycle of the pulse of the external light source to a phase synchronizing circuit.

3) The phase synchronizing pulse amplitude modulation fluorometer of claim 1 wherein a wired circuit connects the external light source with a phase synchronizing circuit and is configured to communicate at least one of the frequency, phase and duty-cycle of the pulse of the external light source to a phase synchronizing circuit.

4) The phase synchronizing pulse amplitude modulation fluorometer of claim 4 wherein a wireless circuit connects the external light source with a phase synchronizing circuit and is configured to communicate at least one of the frequency, phase and duty-cycle of the pulse of the external light source to a phase synchronizing circuit.

5) The phase synchronizing pulse amplitude modulation fluorometer of claim 1 wherein the photo detector for detecting a pulse generated by an external light source is a photodiode.

6) A phase synchronizing pulse amplitude modulation fluorometer comprising, an excitation light source capable of inducing fluorescence in an external object; a fluorescence detector for detecting fluorescence in an external object, an external light source capable of generating a pulse of light, a photo detector for detecting a pulse of light generated by an external light source, and a circuit to synchronize a pulse of light from the excitation light source with a pulse of light from the external light source wherein the photo detector for detecting a pulse generated by an external light source is in communication with a phase synchronizing circuit.

7) The phase synchronizing pulse amplitude modulation fluorometer of claim 6 wherein the photo detector is configured to detect the intensity of the external light source.

8) The phase synchronizing pulse amplitude modulation fluorometer of claim 6 wherein the phase synchronizing circuit is configured to determine at least one of the rising edge, the zero crossing, the falling edge, the variable frequency, and the duty-cycle of the pulse generated by an external light source.

9) The phase synchronizing pulse amplitude modulation fluorometer of claim 6, wherein the phase synchronizing circuit is configured to detect changes in the pulse between 1 Hz and 1 MHz.

10) The phase synchronizing pulse amplitude modulation fluorometer of claim 6, wherein the phase synchronizing circuit is configured to detect changes in the pulse between 0 and 100% duty-cycle.

11) The phase synchronizing pulse amplitude modulation fluorometer of claim 6, wherein the phase synchronizing circuit is configured to adapt the excitation light to changes in the pulse between 1 Hz and 1 MHz.

12) The phase synchronizing pulse amplitude modulation fluorometer of claim 6, wherein the phase synchronizing circuit is configured to adapt the excitation light to changes in the pulse between 0 and 100% duty-cycle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention will be more readily understood when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein:

[0038] FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 2 is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention where the excitation light source has a connection with the external light source.

[0040] FIG. 3 is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention utilizing an external reference.

[0041] FIG. 4 is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention showing the arrangement of an avalanche photo diode, optical long pass filter, lens, collimator tube, and fiber optic cable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

[0042] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitations of the inventive scope is thereby intended, as the scope of this invention should be evaluated with reference to the claims appended hereto. Alterations and further modifications in the illustrated devices, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0043] One exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 1, a phase synchronizing pulse amplitude modulation fluorometer has an excitation light source 1 capable of emitting light 2 that will induce fluorescence 3 in an external obj ect 4. A fluorescence detector 5 for detecting fluorescence 2 in an external object 4 is also provided. The present invention may further include a photo detector 9 capable of detecting the pulse of light 7 from an external light source 8. The photo detector 9 may be connected to a circuit 6 which in turn may be connected to the excitation light source 1 that can synchronize a pulse of light 2 from the excitation light source 1 with a pulse of light 7 from an external light source 8. The circuit 6 may further be connected to the fluorescence detector 5.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 2, the phase synchronizing pulse amplitude modulation fluorometer (PSPAMF) may include embodiments where the external light source 8 is included as a part of the PSPAMF. In these embodiments, the circuit 6 to synchronize the excitation light source 1 with a pulse 7 generated by the external light source 8 may include an electronic connection 10 between the external light source 8 and the circuit 6. The electrical connection 10 between the external light source and the excitation light source may be a wireless connection and it may be a wired connection. The circuit 6 may further be connected to the fluorescence detector 5.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, the PSPAMF may include embodiments where the external light source 8 is a part of the PSPAMF and where the circuit 6 to synchronize the excitation light source 1 with a pulse 7 generated by the external light source 8 makes use of an external reference 11. In such embodiments, the external light source 8 and the excitation light source 1 may both be configured to detect signals 12 sent by the external reference 10. The circuit 6 may further be connected to the fluorescence detector 5.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 4, the fluorescence detector of the PSPAMF may include an avalanche photo diode 13 in communication with an optical long pass filter 14. The avalanche photo diode 13 may further be mounted into a collimator tube 15. The collimator tube 15 may further hold a lens 16, and the lens may be aspherical. A fiber optic cable 17 may provide light 2 from the excitation light source 1, and may held at an angle 18 to the assembly of the avalanche photo diode 13, optical long pass filter 14, lens 16, and collimator tube 15.

[0047] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character. Only certain embodiments have been shown and described, and all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the invention described herein are desired to be protected. Any experiments, experimental examples, or experimental results provided herein are intended to be illustrative of the present invention and should not be considered limiting or restrictive with regard to the invention scope. Further, any theory, mechanism of operation, proof, or finding stated herein is meant to further enhance understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way to such theory, mechanism of operation, proof, or finding.

[0048] Thus, the specifics of this description and the attached drawings should not be interpreted to limit the scope of this invention to the specifics thereof. Rather, the scope of this invention should be evaluated with reference to the claims appended hereto. In reading the claims it is intended that when words such as a, an, at least one, and at least a portion are used there is no intention to limit the claims to only one item unless specifically stated to the contrary in the claims. Further, when the language at least a portion and/or a portion is used, the claims may include a portion and/or the entire items unless specifically stated to the contrary. Likewise, where the term input or output is used in connection with an electric device or fluid processing unit, it should be understood to comprehend singular or plural and one or more signal channels or fluid lines as appropriate in the context. Finally, all publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the extent not inconsistent with the present disclosure as if each were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety herein.