Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus and methods to detect a target analyte in a test sample by forming a fluorescent complex comprising the target analyte and a probe. The fluorescence decay and/or lifetime changes upon complex formation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for rapid and sensitive quantitative analysis of a sample's fluorescence decay properties. A repetitively pulsed excitation light source generates pulsed fluorescence in the sample. A fluorescence wavelength selector receives a portion of the pulsed fluorescence emanating from the sample and outputs fluorescence photons whose wavelengths lie within a specified wavelength range. A photodetector receives the fluorescence photons within the specified wavelength range as an input from the fluorescence wavelength selector and outputs a time-dependent electrical signal. An array of memory elements stores a representation of the time-dependent electrical signal as a time-series of analog voltages or charges. Successive elements in the array correspond to a time increment of no greater than 4 ns. An analog-to-digital converter transforms the time-series of analog voltages or charges into a corresponding digitized fluorescence waveform.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided to monitor hybridization of a probe polynucleotide for detection and analysis of a target polynucleotide in a test sample. A single-stranded probe polynucleotide is attached to an identifiable region on a substrate and allowed to hybridize to a complementary target polynucleotide that may be present in a test sample. A fluorophore noncovalently interacts with the double-stranded polynucleotides that may be formed. The fluorescence decay or lifetime of the fluorophore associated with the double-stranded polynucleotide is different from the fluorescence decay or lifetime of the fluorophore when it is associated with a single-stranded polynucleotide. The detection of double-stranded polynucleotides at a particular region is an indication that the target polynucleotide is present in the test sample.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for rapid and sensitive quantitative analysis of a sample's fluorescence decay properties. A repetitively pulsed excitation light source generates pulsed fluorescence in the sample. A fluorescence wavelength selector receives a portion of the pulsed fluorescence emanating from the sample and outputs fluorescence photons whose wavelengths lie within a specified wavelength range. A photodetector receives the fluorescence photons within the specified wavelength range as an input from the fluorescence wavelength selector and outputs a time-dependent electrical signal. An array of memory elements stores a representation of the time-dependent electrical signal as a time-series of analog voltages or charges. Successive elements in the array correspond to a time increment of no greater than 4 ns. An analog-to-digital converter transforms the time-series of analog voltages or charges into a corresponding digitized fluorescence waveform.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to provide rapid and sensitive quantitative analysis of mixtures by obtaining combined fluorescence wavelength and fluorescence lifetime information, the apparatus having a pulsed light source that induces fluorescence in the sample, the pulses being of a repetitive nature, of short duration, and with very high stability in the pulse energy; a fluorescence wavelength-selector to control the wavelengths of fluorescence photons presented to a photodetector; a digitizer to process the time-dependent electrical signal from the photodetector; and, a memory device that can accept and store a large number of complete fluorescence decay curves from the digitizer each second.

Abstract: A spectroscopic system that processes spatially dispersed electromagnetic emissions at a number of wavelengths from a test material. The spectroscopic system includes a converter that generates an electrical signal that is proportional to the intensity of electromagnetic radiation received by the converter. An optical delay circuit is coupled to an input of the converter. The optical delay circuit selectively delays application to the converter of electromagnetic emissions from the test material for at least one wavelength of electromagnetic emissions. A data processing circuit is coupled to an output of the converter. The data processing circuit records the value of the electrical signal from the converter over time so as to measure, contemporaneously, the intensity of electromagnetic emissions at each wavelength as a function of time.