Patent US6157449A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6157449A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Depolarized light scattering array apparatus and method of using same
Assignee: Freeslate Inc
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Filing: 1998-10-19
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Granted: 2000-12-05
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Expires: 2018-10-19
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for characterizing and scanning an array of material samples in a combinatorial library in parallel is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sample block having a plurality of regions for containing the material samples, a polarized light source to illuminate the materials, an analyzer having a polarization direction oriented 90° relative to the polarization direction of the polarized light source so as to filter out light intensities having the same polarization direction as the incident light beams from the light source after illuminating the material samples, and a detector for analyzing changes in the intensity of the light beams. In one aspect, the light source in combination with a polarizer, includes a plurality of light beams to simultaneously illuminate the entire array of materials with linearly polarized light such that the characterization can be performed quickly. In another aspect, the materials in the sample block are subjected to different environmental conditions wherein the detector analyzes the array as a function of those environmental conditions.
Inventors
- 👤 Damian A. Hajduk
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 13:40
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/17; G01N21/21; B; B01; B01J; B01J2219/00; B01J2219/00274; B01J2219/00277; B01J2219/00279; B01J2219/00281; B01J2219/00286; B01J2219/00306; B01J2219/00313; B01J2219/00315; B01J2219/00583; B01J2219/00585; B01J2219/00603; B01J2219/00659; B01J2219/0068; B01J2219/00702; B01J2219/00707; B01J2219/00718; B01J2219/0072; B01J2219/00745; C; C40; C40B; C40B40/00; C40B40/18; C40B60/00; C40B60/14; G01J; G01J4/00; G01J4/04; G01N2201/00; G01N2201/08; G01N2201/0813
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 109
Claim 1
Independent Claim
159 words
An apparatus for characterizing an array of material samples in a library, comprising: a sample block adapted to receive a plurality of material samples to be characterized at predefined regions on said sample block; a light source for providing at least one linearly polarized light beam of a predetermined wavelength, said light source being positioned on a first side of said sample block such that said light beam may be directed to pass through at least one region and said material sample contained therein; an analyzer positioned on a second side of said sample block, said analyzer having a predetermined polarization direction different than said polarization direction of said linearly polarized light beam; and a detector for outputting a signal corresponding to a detected intensity of said light beam passing through said at least one material sample and said analyzer, said detector located adjacent said analyzer such that said analyzer is positioned between said detector and said sample block.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
159 words
An apparatus for characterizing an array of material samples in a library, comprising: a sample block adapted to receive a plurality of material samples to be characterized at predefined regions on said sample block; a light source for providing at least one linearly polarized light beam of a predetermined wavelength, said light source being positioned on a first side of said sample block such that said light beam may be directed to pass through at least one region and said material sample contained therein; an analyzer positioned on a second side of said sample block, said analyzer having a predetermined polarization direction different than said polarization direction of said linearly polarized light beam; and a detector for outputting a signal corresponding to a detected intensity of said light beam passing through said at least one material sample and said analyzer, said detector located adjacent said analyzer such that said analyzer is positioned between said detector and said sample block.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further including an optical filter to convert said linearly polarized light beam into circularly polarized light, said optical filter being positioned on said first side of said sample block between said light source and said sample block.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further including a collimator to collimate said polarized light beam, said collimator being positioned on a second side of said sample block between said sample block and said analyzer.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further including a temperature controlled block having a plurality of holes through which said polarized light beams may pass, said sample block being positioned in said temperature controlled block such that said light beams are directed to pass through said holes and through said predefined regions to said material samples.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the temperature of said temperature controlled block is varied by predetermined amounts by at least one resistance heater or a thermoelectric device.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the temperature of said temperature controlled block is monitored by a thermocouple, thermistor, or resistive thermal device.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus of claim 6, wherein a signal is outputted by said thermocouple, thermistor or resistive thermal device to an external processor, said external processor supplying power to said heater or said thermoelectric device in predetermined amounts so as to control the temperature of said temperature controlled block.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said temperature controlled block includes a plurality of passages formed therein, said passages receiving a temperature control agent to vary the temperature of said temperature controlled black by predetermined amounts.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said temperature control agent is water, silicone oil or fluorinated solvent.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said outputted signal corresponds to said intensity of said light beam as a function of temperature.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
59 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further including a support plate for supporting said light source and a polarizer, wherein said polarizer is positioned between said light source and said sample block to provide said at least one linearly polarized light beam, said analyzer said predetermined polarization direction of said analyzer being different than a polarization direction of said polarizer.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said polarization direction of said analyzer is oriented 90 degrees with respect to said polarization direction of said polarizer.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said light source includes a plurality of individual light sources that are inserted into an array of corresponding apertures disposed in said support plate, said individual light sources simultaneously producing a plurality of light beams.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said detector simultaneously outputs a signal that corresponds to said detected intensity of all of said linearly polarized light beams passing through each material disposed in of said predefined regions and passing through said analyzer.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus of claim 14, further including an imaging system having a fiber optic system positioned adjacent to said analyzer to capture said light beams passing through said analyzer, said fiber optic system being in communication with said detector.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
130 words
The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said fiber optic system includes: a first fiber optic plate positioned adjacent said analyzer, said first fiber optic plate having a first array of apertures arranged a predetermined distance apart so as to be in substantial alignment with said array of regions; and a second fiber optic plate positioned adjacent said first fiber optic plate, said second fiber optic plate having a second array of apertures arranged a predetermined distance apart such that said apertures in said second array are closely packed together relative to said first array of apertures of said first fiber optic plate, wherein said first fiber optic plate and said second fiber optic plate are connected together at said first and second arrays of apertures by a fiber optic bundle.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said outputted signal corresponds to said intensity of said light beam as a function of time.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further including an environmental chamber having optically transparent windows to permit the passage of said light beam, wherein said sample block is mounted within said environmental chamber.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said environmental chamber is pressurized by at least one gas.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
68 words
The apparatus of claim 19, wherein said environmental chamber further includes a pressure sensor for monitoring pressure in said environmental chamber, a regulator valve for controlling the pressure of said environmental chamber, and a processor for monitoring signals from said pressure sensor and for controlling the regulator valve so as to maintain the desired pressure inside said environmental chamber based on the signals received from said pressure sensor.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said outputted signal corresponds to said intensity of said light beam as a function of pressure.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 20, wherein said outputted signal corresponds to said intensity of said light beams as a function of time at a given pressure.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 18, wherein said environmental chamber is continuously filled with a mixture of two or more gases.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 23, wherein amounts of each of said gases are controlled by regulator valves.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said environmental chamber further includes a vent valve, wherein said vent valve continuously permits a predetermined amount of said mixture to be vented from said environmental chamber.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said outputted signal corresponds to said intensity of said light beam as a function of gas composition.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 23, wherein said outputted signal corresponds to said intensity of said light beams as a function of time at a given gas composition.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said sample block further includes pairs of electrodes embedded therein, wherein each pair of said electrodes is arranged in an opposing manner with one of said regions disposed therebetween.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 28, wherein each pair of electrodes are connected in parallel to a power supply such that application of a voltage across said pair generates an electric field extending across each of said regions.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said outputted signal corresponds to said intensity of said light beams as a function of applied voltage.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said outputted signal corresponds to said intensity of said light beams as a function of time after a given voltage is applied.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 29, wherein said outputted signal corresponds to said intensity of said light beams as a function of time after a given voltage is removed.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said sample block further includes pairs of solenoid devices embedded therein, wherein each of said pairs of solenoid devices are arranged in an opposing manner with a region disposed therebetween, so as to create a magnetic field extending across each of said regions.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said solenoid devices include circular coils wrapped around a solid metal core, wherein said coils are electrically connected to a power supply such that application of current across each of said circular coils generates said magnetic field extending across each of said regions.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said outputted signal corresponds to said detected intensity of said light beam as a function of magnetic field strength.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said outputted signal corresponds to said detected intensity of said light beam as a function of time after said magnetic field is applied.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 33, wherein said outputted signal corresponds to said intensity of said light beams as a function of time after said magnetic field is removed.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further including a pair of circular wire coils connected to a power supply, wherein said wire coils are positioned adjacent to said apparatus in an opposing manner such that said apparatus is disposed therebetween so as to generate a uniform magnetic field over said apparatus.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 38, wherein said outputting signal corresponds to said detected intensity of said light beam as a function of magnetic field strength.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
29 words
The apparatus of claim 38, wherein said outputted signal corresponds to said detected intensity of said light beam as a function of time after said magnetic field is applied.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
30 words
The apparatus of claim 38, wherein said out putted signal corresponds to said detected intensity of said light beam as a function of time after said magnetic field is removed.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
228 words
An apparatus for characterizing an array of material samples, comprising; a light source for providing at least one light beam, said light source being positioned in a support plate; a polarizer having a predetermined polarization direction, said polarizer positioned adjacent to said light source such that said light beam may be directed through said polarizer to produce a linearly polarized light beam; a temperature controlled block having a well with plurality of holes therethrough, said well adapted to receive a sample block having an array of predefined regions therein for containing the array of material samples, said linearly polarized light beam being directed through at least one of said holes of said well to pass through at least one of said regions in said sample block such that said linearly polarized light beam is directed at least one material sample; an analyzer positioned adjacent said temperature controlled block on a side opposite of said polarizer, said analyzer having a predetermined polarization direction that is different than a polarization direction of said polarizer; and a detector for outputting a signal corresponding to an intensity of said polarized light beam passing through said at least one material sample and said analyzer, said detector being located adjacent said analyzer on a side opposite said temperature controlled block such that said analyzer is positioned between said detector and said temperature controlled block.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
228 words
An apparatus for characterizing an array of material samples, comprising; a light source for providing at least one light beam, said light source being positioned in a support plate; a polarizer having a predetermined polarization direction, said polarizer positioned adjacent to said light source such that said light beam may be directed through said polarizer to produce a linearly polarized light beam; a temperature controlled block having a well with plurality of holes therethrough, said well adapted to receive a sample block having an array of predefined regions therein for containing the array of material samples, said linearly polarized light beam being directed through at least one of said holes of said well to pass through at least one of said regions in said sample block such that said linearly polarized light beam is directed at least one material sample; an analyzer positioned adjacent said temperature controlled block on a side opposite of said polarizer, said analyzer having a predetermined polarization direction that is different than a polarization direction of said polarizer; and a detector for outputting a signal corresponding to an intensity of said polarized light beam passing through said at least one material sample and said analyzer, said detector being located adjacent said analyzer on a side opposite said temperature controlled block such that said analyzer is positioned between said detector and said temperature controlled block.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus of claim 42, further including a collimator to collimate said polarized light beam, said collimator being positioned adjacent said temperature controlled block on a side opposite of said polarizer such that said collimator is positioned between said temperature controlled block and said analyzer.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
45 words
The apparatus of claim 42, further including an optical filter to convert said linearly polarized light beam into a circularly polarized light beam, said optical filter being positioned on a first side of said temperature controlled block between said polarizer and said temperature controlled block.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the temperature of said temperature controlled block is varied by predetermined amounts by at least one resistance heater or a thermoelectric device.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said temperature controlled block includes a plurality of passages formed therein, said passages receiving a temperature control agent to vary the temperature of said temperature controlled block by predetermined amounts.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 46, wherein said temperature controlled block further includes resistance heaters or thermoelectric devices, such that said temperature agent and said resistance heaters or thermoelectric devices, in combination, serve to vary the temperature of said temperature controlled block by predetermined amounts.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
62 words
The apparatus of claim 46, wherein said resistance heaters or thermoelectric devices are monitored by a thermocouple, a thermistor or resistive thermal device, said thermocouple, thermistor or resistive thermal device outputting a signal to an external processor which supplies power to said resistance heaters or thermoelectric devices in varying predetermined amounts so as to control the temperature of said temperature controlled block.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said polarization of said analyzer is oriented 90 degrees with respect to said predetermined polarization direction of said polarizer.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus of claim 42, wherein said light source produces a plurality of individual light beams that simultaneously illuminate all of said material samples of said array, and wherein said detector simultaneously outputs a signal corresponding to the detected intensity of said polarized light beams passing through each of said material samples and said analyzer.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 50 wherein said detector includes a fiber optic system to simultaneously capture said detected intensity of said plurality of light beams, said fiber optic system being positioned adjacent said analyzer and in communication with a charge-coupled device.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 50, wherein said outputted signal corresponds to said detected intensity of said polarized light beams as a function of time.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 50, wherein said outputted signal corresponds to said detected intensity of said polarized light beams as a function of temperature.
Claim 56
Independent Claim
222 words
An apparatus for characterizing an array of material samples, comprising; a light source providing at least one light beam, said light source being positioned in a support plate; a polarizer having a predetermined polarization direction, said polarizer positioned adjacent to said light source such that said at least one light beam is directed through said first sheet of said polarizer to produce a linearly polarized light beam; a substantially gas-tight environmental chamber having optically transparent windows to permit the passage of said linearly polarized light beam, wherein a sample block is mounted within said environmental chamber, said sample block having an array of predetermined regions therein for containing the array of material samples to be characterized, said linearly polarized light beam being directed through said windows and at least one region to illuminate at least one material sample; an analyzer positioned adjacent to said environmental chamber on a side opposite of said polarizer, said analyzer having a polarization that is different than said predetermined polarization of said polarizer; and a detector for outputting a signal corresponding to a detected intensity of said polarized light beam passing through said at least one material sample and said analyzer, said detector located adjacent said analyzer on a side opposite said environmental chamber such that said analyzer is positioned between said detector and said environmental chamber.
Claim 57
Independent Claim
222 words
An apparatus for characterizing an array of material samples, comprising; a light source providing at least one light beam, said light source being positioned in a support plate; a polarizer having a predetermined polarization direction, said polarizer positioned adjacent to said light source such that said at least one light beam is directed through said first sheet of said polarizer to produce a linearly polarized light beam; a substantially gas-tight environmental chamber having optically transparent windows to permit the passage of said linearly polarized light beam, wherein a sample block is mounted within said environmental chamber, said sample block having an array of predetermined regions therein for containing the array of material samples to be characterized, said linearly polarized light beam being directed through said windows and at least one region to illuminate at least one material sample; an analyzer positioned adjacent to said environmental chamber on a side opposite of said polarizer, said analyzer having a polarization that is different than said predetermined polarization of said polarizer; and a detector for outputting a signal corresponding to a detected intensity of said polarized light beam passing through said at least one material sample and said analyzer, said detector located adjacent said analyzer on a side opposite said environmental chamber such that said analyzer is positioned between said detector and said environmental chamber.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said environmental chamber is pressurized by at least one gas.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said environmental chamber is continuously filled with a mixture of at least two gases.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus of claim 56, wherein said environmental chamber further includes a vent valve, wherein said vent valve continuously permits a predetermined amount of said mixture to be vented from said environmental chamber.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 54, further including a collimator to collimate said polarized light beam, said collimator being positioned adjacent said environmental chamber on a side opposite said polarizer such that said collimator is positioned between said environmental chamber and said analyzer.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 54, further including an optical filter to convert said linearly polarized light beam into circularly polarized light, said optical filter being positioned on a first side of said environmental chamber between said polarizer and said environmental chamber.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
77 words
The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said light source is a plurality of individual light sources that are inserted into an array of corresponding apertures disposed in said support plate, wherein said individual light sources simultaneously illuminate the array of material samples, and wherein said detector outputs a signal corresponding to said detected intensity of said polarized light beams passing through each of said material samples contained in said regions of said sample block and said analyzer.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
128 words
The apparatus of claim 54, wherein said detector includes a fiber optic system to simultaneously capture said intensity of said plurality of light beams, wherein said fiber optic system includes: a first fiber optic plate positioned adjacent to said analyzer, said first fiber optic plate having a first array of apertures arranged a predetermined distance apart so as to be in substantial alignment with said regions; and a second fiber optic plate having a second array of apertures arranged a predetermined distance apart such that said apertures in said second array are closely packed together relative to said first array of apertures of said first fiber optic plate, wherein said first fiber optic plate and said second fiber optic plate are connected together by a fiber optic bundle.
Claim 65
Independent Claim
201 words
An apparatus for characterizing an array of materials, comprising; a light source for providing at least one light beam, said light source being positioned in a support plate; a polarizer having a predetermined polarization direction, said polarizer positioned adjacent to said light source such that said light beam may be directed through said polarizer to produce a linearly polarized light beam; a sample block having predefined regions for containing said array of material samples, wherein said sample block further includes pairs of solenoid devices embedded therein, wherein each of said pairs of solenoid devices are arranged in an opposing manner with one of said predefined regions disposed therebetween; an analyzer positioned adjacent to said sample block on a side opposite of said polarizer, said analyzer having a polarization direction that is different than said predetermined polarization direction of said polarizer; and a detector for outputting a signal corresponding to a detected intensity of said polarized light beam passing through said at least one material sample contained in at least one region and said analyzer, said detector being located adjacent said analyzer on a side opposite said sample block such that said analyzer is positioned between said detector and said sample block.
Claim 66
Independent Claim
201 words
An apparatus for characterizing an array of materials, comprising; a light source for providing at least one light beam, said light source being positioned in a support plate; a polarizer having a predetermined polarization direction, said polarizer positioned adjacent to said light source such that said light beam may be directed through said polarizer to produce a linearly polarized light beam; a sample block having predefined regions for containing said array of material samples, wherein said sample block further includes pairs of solenoid devices embedded therein, wherein each of said pairs of solenoid devices are arranged in an opposing manner with one of said predefined regions disposed therebetween; an analyzer positioned adjacent to said sample block on a side opposite of said polarizer, said analyzer having a polarization direction that is different than said predetermined polarization direction of said polarizer; and a detector for outputting a signal corresponding to a detected intensity of said polarized light beam passing through said at least one material sample contained in at least one region and said analyzer, said detector being located adjacent said analyzer on a side opposite said sample block such that said analyzer is positioned between said detector and said sample block.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 62, wherein said solenoid devices include circular coils wrapped around a solid metal core, wherein said coils are electrically connected to a power supply such that application of current across each of said circular coils generates a magnetic field extending across each of said regions.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 62, further including a collimator to collimate said polarized light beam, said collimator being positioned adjacent said sample block on a side opposite said polarizer such that said collimator is positioned between said sample block and said analyzer.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
75 words
The apparatus of claim 62, wherein said light source is a plurality of individual light sources that are inserted into an array of corresponding apertures disposed in said support plate, wherein said individual light sources simultaneously illuminate the array of materials, and wherein said detector outputs a signal corresponding to said detected intensity of said polarized light beams passing through each of material samples contained in said regions of said sample block and said analyzer.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
130 words
The apparatus of claim 62, wherein said detector includes a fiber optic system to simultaneously detect said intensity of said plurality of light beams, wherein said fiber optic system includes: a first fiber optic plate positioned adjacent to said analyzer, said first fiber optic plate having a first array of apertures arranged a predetermined distance apart so as to be in substantial alignment with said array of regions; and a second fiber optic plate having a second array of apertures arranged a predetermined distance apart such that said apertures in said second array are closely packed together relative to said first array of apertures of said first fiber optic plate, wherein said first fiber optic plate and said second fiber optic plate are connected together by a fiber optic bundle.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 62, further including an optical filter to convert said linearly polarized light beam into circularly polarized light, said optical filter being positioned on said first side of said sample block between said polarizer and said sample block.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
207 words
An apparatus for characterizing an array of material samples, comprising: a light source for providing at least one light beam, said light source being positioned in a support plate; a polarizer having a predetermined polarization direction, said polarizer positioned adjacent to said light source such that said light beam may be directed through said polarizer to produce a linearly polarized light beam; a sample block having predefined regions therein for containing said array of material samples in said sample block, wherein said sample block further includes pairs of electrodes embedded therein, wherein each of said pairs of electrodes are arranged in an opposing manner with one of said regions disposed therebetween; an analyzer positioned adjacent to said sample block on a side opposite of said polarizer, said analyzer having a polarization direction that is different than said predetermined polarization direction of said polarizer; and a detector for outputting a signal corresponding to a detected intensity of said polarized light beam passing through said at least one material sample contained in at least one of said predefined regions and said analyzer, said detector being located adjacent said analyzer on a side opposite said sample block such that said analyzer is positioned between said detector and said sample block.
Claim 73
Independent Claim
207 words
An apparatus for characterizing an array of material samples, comprising: a light source for providing at least one light beam, said light source being positioned in a support plate; a polarizer having a predetermined polarization direction, said polarizer positioned adjacent to said light source such that said light beam may be directed through said polarizer to produce a linearly polarized light beam; a sample block having predefined regions therein for containing said array of material samples in said sample block, wherein said sample block further includes pairs of electrodes embedded therein, wherein each of said pairs of electrodes are arranged in an opposing manner with one of said regions disposed therebetween; an analyzer positioned adjacent to said sample block on a side opposite of said polarizer, said analyzer having a polarization direction that is different than said predetermined polarization direction of said polarizer; and a detector for outputting a signal corresponding to a detected intensity of said polarized light beam passing through said at least one material sample contained in at least one of said predefined regions and said analyzer, said detector being located adjacent said analyzer on a side opposite said sample block such that said analyzer is positioned between said detector and said sample block.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 68, wherein said pairs of electrodes are connected in parallel to a power supply, such that application of a voltage across said pairs generates an electric field extending across each of said regions.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 68, further including a collimator to collimate said polarized light beam, said collimator being positioned adjacent said sample block on a side opposite said polarizer such that said collimator is positioned between said sample block and said analyzer.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 68, further including an optical filter to convert said linearly polarized light beam into circularly polarized light, said optical filter being positioned on said first side of said sample block between said polarizer and said sample block.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
78 words
The apparatus of claim 68, wherein said light source is a plurality of individual light sources that are inserted into an array of corresponding apertures disposed in said support plate, wherein said individual light sources simultaneously illuminate the array of material samples, and wherein said detector outputs a signal corresponding to said detected intensity of said polarized light beams passing through each of said material samples contained in said predefined regions of said sample block and said analyzer.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
130 words
The apparatus of claim 68, wherein said detector includes a fiber optic system to simultaneously detect said intensity of said plurality of light beams, wherein said fiber optic system includes: a first fiber optic plate positioned adjacent to said analyzer, said first fiber optic plate having a first array of apertures arranged a predetermined distance apart so as to be in substantial alignment with said array of regions; and a second fiber optic plate having a second array of apertures arranged a predetermined distance apart such that said apertures in said second array are closely packed together relative to said first array of apertures of said first fiber optic plate, wherein said first fiber optic plate and said second fiber optic plate are connected together by a fiber optic bundle.
Claim 79
Independent Claim
209 words
An apparatus for characterizing an array of material samples, comprising: a light source for providing at least one light beam, said light source being positioned in a support plate; a polarizer having a predetermined polarization direction, said polarizer positioned adjacent to said light source such that said light beam may be directed through said polarizer to produce a linearly polarized light beam; a sample block having predefined region therein for containing said array of material samples in said sample block; an analyzer positioned adjacent to said sample block on a side opposite of said polarizer, said analyzer having a polarization direction that is different than said predetermined polarization direction of said polarizer, wherein said light source, polarizer, sample block and analyzer are connected together as a single unit; a detector for outputting a signal corresponding to a detected intensity of said polarized light beam passing through said at least one material sample contained in said predefined regions and said analyzer, said detector located adjacent said analyzer on a side opposite said sample block such that said sample block is positioned between said detector and said sample block; and a pair of circular coils positioned adjacent said single unit in an opposing manner with said single unit being disposed therebetween.
Claim 80
Independent Claim
209 words
An apparatus for characterizing an array of material samples, comprising: a light source for providing at least one light beam, said light source being positioned in a support plate; a polarizer having a predetermined polarization direction, said polarizer positioned adjacent to said light source such that said light beam may be directed through said polarizer to produce a linearly polarized light beam; a sample block having predefined region therein for containing said array of material samples in said sample block; an analyzer positioned adjacent to said sample block on a side opposite of said polarizer, said analyzer having a polarization direction that is different than said predetermined polarization direction of said polarizer, wherein said light source, polarizer, sample block and analyzer are connected together as a single unit; a detector for outputting a signal corresponding to a detected intensity of said polarized light beam passing through said at least one material sample contained in said predefined regions and said analyzer, said detector located adjacent said analyzer on a side opposite said sample block such that said sample block is positioned between said detector and said sample block; and a pair of circular coils positioned adjacent said single unit in an opposing manner with said single unit being disposed therebetween.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 74, wherein said circular coils are connected to a power supply, such that application of voltage across said pair of circular coils generates a uniform magnetic field across said single unit.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 75, wherein said single unit further includes a collimator to collimate said polarized light beam, said collimator being positioned adjacent said sample block on a side opposite said polarizer such that said collimator is positioned between said sample block and said analyzer.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus of claim 75, wherein said single unit further includes an optical filter being positioned on said first side of said sample block between said polarizer and said sample block.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
53 words
The apparatus of claim 75, wherein said individual light sources simultaneously illuminate the array of material samples, and wherein said detector outputs a signal corresponding to said detected intensity of said polarized light beams passing through each of said material samples contained in said predefined regions of said sample block and said analyzer.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
131 words
The apparatus of claim 75, wherein said unit further includes a fiber optic system to simultaneously detect said intensity of said plurality of light beams, wherein said fiber optic system includes: a first fiber optic plate positioned adjacent to said analyzer, said first fiber optic plate having a first array of apertures arranged a predetermined distance apart so as to be in substantial alignment with said array of regions; and a second fiber optic plate having a second array of apertures arranged a predetermined distance apart such that said apertures in said second array are closely packed together relative to said first array of apertures of said first fiber optic plate, wherein said first fiber optic plate and said second fiber optic plate are connected together by a fiber optic bundle.
Claim 86
Independent Claim
132 words
A method of characterizing an array of material samples, comprising the steps of: providing an array of material samples disposed in regions spaced apart at a predetermined distance in a sample block containing; illuminating at least one material sample of said array with at least one linearly polarized light beam passing through said region; passing said linearly polarized light beam that has illuminated said at least one material sample through an analyzer that has a polarizing direction that is different than said polarization direction of said linearly polarized light beam; detecting changes in intensity of said linearly polarized light beam after said light beam is passed though said material sample and said analyzer; and determining characteristics of said material sample based on said detected changes in said intensity of said light beam.
Claim 87
Independent Claim
132 words
A method of characterizing an array of material samples, comprising the steps of: providing an array of material samples disposed in regions spaced apart at a predetermined distance in a sample block containing; illuminating at least one material sample of said array with at least one linearly polarized light beam passing through said region; passing said linearly polarized light beam that has illuminated said at least one material sample through an analyzer that has a polarizing direction that is different than said polarization direction of said linearly polarized light beam; detecting changes in intensity of said linearly polarized light beam after said light beam is passed though said material sample and said analyzer; and determining characteristics of said material sample based on said detected changes in said intensity of said light beam.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 80, wherein said detecting step is performed at predefined intervals of time, and wherein said determining step determines said characteristics as a function of time.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 80, further comprising the step of varying the temperature of said sample block at a predetermined rate; wherein said determining step determines said characteristics of said material samples as a function of temperature.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 80, wherein said step of illuminating further comprises providing a light beam from a light source and polarizing said light beam by passing said light beam through a polarizer.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 80, wherein said step of detecting further comprises collecting changes in said detected intensity and transmitting said changes to an imaging system.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 80, wherein said step of illuminating further comprises simultaneously illuminating said array of material samples with a plurality of linearly polarized light beams, and wherein said characteristics of each of said material samples are determined simultaneously.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 80, further including the step of collimating said linearly polarized light beam prior to step of passing said polarized light beam through said analyzer.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 80, further including the step of converting said linearly polarized light into circularly polarized light prior to said illuminating step.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 80, further comprising the step of subjecting the array of material samples to pressure by enclosing said array of materials in a substantially gas-tight environmental chamber and filling said environmental chamber with at least one gas.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method of claim 88, wherein said step of pressurizing is performed at a predefined rate, wherein said determining step determines said characteristics as a function of pressure.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 80, further comprising the step of subjecting the array of material samples to a mixture of two or more gases.
Claim 98
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 90, wherein said determining step determines said characteristics of said material sample as a function of gas composition.
Claim 99
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 80, further comprising the step of generating an electric field extending across each material sample disposed in each of said regions.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 92, wherein said determining step determines said characteristics of said material sample as a function of electric field strength.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 80, further comprising the step of generating a magnetic field extending across each material sample disposed in each of said regions.
Claim 102
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 94, wherein said determining step determines said characteristics of said material sample as a function of magnetic field strength.
Claim 103
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 80, further comprising the step of generating a substantially uniform magnetic field extending across the entire array of material samples.
Claim 104
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 80, wherein said step of detecting further comprises collecting changes in said intensity and transmitting said changes to a charge-coupled device.
Claim 105
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 80, wherein said providing step further requires that said array of material samples is composed of at least 10 material samples.
Claim 106
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 80, wherein said providing step further requires that said array of material samples is composed of at least 50 material samples.
Claim 107
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 80, wherein said providing step further requires that said array of material samples is composed of at least 100 material samples.
Claim 108
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method in claim 80, wherein the rates of said detecting step and determining steps equal a rate that is equal to or less than one minute per sample.
Claim 109
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method in claim 80, wherein detecting and determining steps are each performed at rates equal to or less than one minute per sample.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-12-05 | 2004-06-05 | 2004-12-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-12-05 | 2008-06-05 | 2008-12-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
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