Abstract: This invention relates to a PCR fluorescence reference standard and to a method for manufacturing a PCR fluorescence reference standard. The PCR fluorescence reference standard comprises a fluorophore suspended in a thermoplastic polymer matrix. The PCR fluorescence reference standard of the invention has a greater shelf life than fluorophores dissolved in a solution and can advantageously be used to validate a fluorescence signal obtained in a thermal cycler.

Abstract: A for traceably determining an unknown optical path length of a sample in an optical measuring device comprises the steps of: providing a drop analyzer connected to a standard spectrophotometer; providing a certified reference material contained in first and second closed high accuracy cuvettes; measuring absorbance of the certified reference material to obtain a first absorbance measurement for the first specified path length; measuring absorbance of the certified reference material for a second path length to obtain a second absorbance measurement; using a dropping device to drop a specified volume of the solvent on an optical surface so that the path length of the specified volume can be determined by reference to the first and second absorbance measurement; and using the dropping device to drop the same volume of sample as the specified volume of solvent on the optical measuring device.

Abstract: Reference cell (8) for use with a fiber optic probe (1) comprising a base wall (11), upstanding walls (12) each having an optical window (13, 15), and a top wall (14) having a further optical window (16) adapted to allow light to pass to and from a fiber optic probe. The base wall (11) comprises a reflector (19) which reflects incident light from the fiber optic probe back to said probe (1). The top wall (14) has an attachment for receiving an emitting and a receiving end of a fiber optic probe (1). The cell (8) allows use of standard fiber optic probe (1) with other optical equipment when the path length and the probe optical characteristics require validation to international standards. The calibration of the probe (1) is analogous to calibration of laboratory spectrophotometers and can therefore be validated. The device (8) enables probes (1) to be used for applications where precision and accuracy are essential.

Abstract: A for traceably determining an unknown optical path length of a sample in an optical measuring device comprises the steps of: providing a drop analyser connected to a standard spectrophotometer; providing a certified reference material contained in first and second closed high accuracy cuvettes; measuring absorbance of the certified reference material to obtain a first absorbance measurement for the first specified path length; measuring absorbance of the certified reference material for a second path length to obtain a second absorbance measurement; using a dropping device to drop a specified volume of the solvent on an optical surface so that the path length of the specified volume can be determined by reference to the first and second absorbance measurement; and using the dropping device to drop the same volume of sample as the specified volume of solvent on the optical measuring device.

Abstract: A cell for measuring the fluorescence of a sample comprising an incident wall surface (2), a sample chamber (6) and an emitting wall member (14) which collimates light though a lens (13). The lens (13) is adapted to collect light from the emitting wall member (14) and direct it towards a detector. In addition, the cell comprises a mirrored surface coating which reflects light back to the sample chamber (6), thereby energising the sample further. The cell is suitable for use with small sample volumes, as a result, it allows significant sample cost savings. In addition, fluorescence detection is enhanced by said mirrored surfaces which prevent emitted light from escaping, moreover, the light is reflected back to the sample, thereby energising it further. The collimated light directed to the detector also provides for more stable and reproducible results and higher detection limits when emission energy is low.

Abstract: A closed cell for use in spectrophotometers is adapted to receive a liquid to be subjected to analysis and an air space or bubble to absorb pressure differentials, wherein the cell includes means to retain the air space or bubble in a predetermined location in the cell.

Abstract: Reference cell (8) for use with a fibre optic probe (1) comprising a base wall (11), upstanding walls (12) each having an optical window (13, 15), and a top wall (14) having a further optical window (16) adapted to allow light to pass to and from a fibre optic probe. The base wall (11) comprises a reflector (19) which reflects incident light from the fibre optic probe back to said probe (1). The top wall (14) has an attachment for receiving an emitting and a receiving end of a fibre optic probe (1). The cell (8) allows use of standard fibre optic probe (1) with other optical equipment when the path length and the probe optical characteristics require validation to international standards. The calibration of the probe (1) is analogous to calibration of laboratory spectrophotometers and can therefore be validated. The device (8) enables probes (1) to be used for applications where precision and accuracy are essential.

Abstract: A cell for measuring the fluorescence of a sample comprising an incident wall surface (2), a sample chamber (6) and an emitting wall member (14) which collimates light though a lens (13). The lens (13) is adapted to collect light from the emitting wall member (14) and direct it towards a detector. In addition, the cell comprises a mirrored surface coating which reflects light back to the sample chamber (6), thereby energising the sample further. The cell is suitable for use with small sample volumes, as a result, it allows significant sample cost savings. In addition, fluorescence detection is enhanced by said mirrored surfaces which prevent emitted light from escaping, moreover, the light is reflected back to the sample, thereby energising it further. The collimated light directed to the detector also provides for more stable and reproducible results and higher detection limits when emission energy is low.

Abstract: A closed cell (1) for use in spectrophotometers, adapted to receive a liquid to be subjected to analysis and an air space or bubble to absorb pressure differentials, wherein the cell (1) includes means to retain the air space or bubble in a predetermined location in the cell.