Abstract: A device for dielectrophoretic separation of particles contained in a fluid, includes two sets of electrodes, each of the two sets of electrodes being brought to a different potential, so as to generate an electric field inside said fluid. The two sets of electrodes are positioned inside a chamber, itself provided with a particle collecting surface. Each of the two sets of electrodes is immersed in the fluid inside the chamber and is located in a plane different from the plane of the particle collecting surface. The two sets of electrodes are supplied with electrical current in phase opposition. The potential of each of the two sets of electrodes have a gradient based on the distance along a direction perpendicular to the plane of the particle collecting surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assaying a biological or chemical sample comprising the following steps: illuminating the sample (10) by means of a light beam (17) from a source (11), producing an image including the image of the beam (18) diffused by the sample (10), analysing the image according to reference criteria, extracting information specific to the light/sample beam interaction, calculating the assay.

Abstract: A device for dielectrophoretic separation of particles contained in a fluid, includes two sets of electrodes, each of the two sets of electrodes being brought to a different potential, so as to generate an electric field inside said fluid. The two sets of electrodes are positioned inside a chamber, itself provided with a particle collecting surface. Each of the two sets of electrodes is immersed in the fluid inside the chamber and is located in a plane different from the plane of the particle collecting surface. The two sets of electrodes are supplied with electrical current in phase opposition. The potential of each of the two sets of electrodes have a gradient based on the distance along a direction perpendicular to the plane of the particle collecting surface.

Abstract: An optical microscope is adapted for observation of several spots of an object by a modifiable optical transmission screen placed on the path of the optical beam and able to generate in the object plane a screen image coinciding substantially with the spots of the object. The modifiable optical transmission screen can comprise a matrix of mirrors, each of the mirrors presenting a first position enabling the light beam to be reflected to the object along the optical path and a second position enabling the light beam to be diverted from the optical path. Alternatively, the modifiable optical transmission screen can comprise a matrix of liquid crystal elements, each of the liquid crystal elements presenting a first transparent state, a second opaque state and, possibly, a third polarising state. The light source can be a light-emitting diode array.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for assaying a biological or chemical sample comprising the following steps: illuminating the sample (10) by means of a light beam (17) from a source (11), producing an image including the image of the beam (18) diffused by the sample (10), analysing the image according to reference criteria, extracting information specific to the light/sample beam interaction, calculating the assay.

Abstract: The invention concerns a standard micro-component (4) for calibrating or standardizing fluorescence measuring instruments, comprising a substrate (1) whereon is arranged at least one thin film (2). The thin film (2) includes fluorescent components. At least one first zone (3) of null thickness is formed in the thin film (2), thereby exposing the substrate (1). The thin film (2) comprises at least one exposed zone (2a), such that first and second fluorescence levels are respectively defined in the non exposed part and in the exposed part (2a) of the thin film (2). The second fluorescence level is lower than the first fluorescence level. The standard micro-component (4) can also include a plurality of stacked thin films so as to define a plurality of fluorescence levels.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (1) for testing at least one sample by optical detection of luminescence, comprising a site for receiving (3) the sample, said site being arranged in such a way that the sample can receive a luminescence excitation and emit a luminescence light in an optical guiding plane (2) of the device, the device further comprising collection means (7) optically connected to the optical guiding plane (2) to receive the luminescence light. The device further comprises means that make it possible to send back towards the collection means (4) a part of the luminescence light emitted in the optical guiding plane and not directly collected by the collection means.

Abstract: A device and process for the amplification of fluorescence emitted by an areal sample. The device includes a support transmitting all or part of a fluorescence signal and configured to support the areal sample and a thin layer interposed between the support and the areal sample. The thin layer has a refractive index greater than the refractive index of the support and than the refractive index of a medium flooding the areal sample during a fluorescence measurement. The thickness of the thin layer is chosen so that the thin layer transmits all or part of the fluorescence signal which is measured after passing through the support.

Abstract: An optical microscope is adapted for observation of several spots of an object by a modifiable optical transmission screen placed on the path of the optical beam and able to generate in the object plane a screen image coinciding substantially with the spots of the object. The modifiable optical transmission screen can comprise a matrix of mirrors, each of the mirrors presenting a first position enabling the light beam to be reflected to the object along the optical path and a second position enabling the light beam to be diverted from the optical path. Alternatively, the modifiable optical transmission screen can comprise a matrix of liquid crystal elements, each of the liquid crystal elements presenting a first transparent state, a second opaque state and, possibly, a third polarising state. The light source can be a light-emitting diode array.

Abstract: This invention relates to a substrate (1) with a reception surface (4) for a layer of material to be insolated by insolation light, wherein means forming a mirror (3) are arranged between said reception surface (4) and the layer of material to be insolated, these means forming a mirror (3) operating for the wavelength of the insolation light. This type of substrate may be used for making microelectronic or microtechnological devices, or biochips.

Abstract: A device for reading a biochip including plural molecular recognition areas and plural optical positioning marks, associated with recognition areas. The device includes an optical head capable of projecting excitation light onto the biochip. A device is provided to effectuate relative displacement between the head and the biochip. A first optical analysis system is associated with the optical head to receive any light arriving from recognition areas. A second optical positioning system is associated with the optical head to receive any light from at least one guide track and/or optical positioning mark. A device is further provided for servocontrolling scanning by the optical head. Such a device may find particular application to biological and chemical analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to the amplification of the fluorescence emitted by an areal sample. The device (10) includes a support (11) transmitting all or part of the fluorescence signal and intended to support the areal sample (13), a thin layer (12) being interposed between the support (11) and the areal sample (13), the thin layer having a refractive index greater than the refractive index of the support and than the refractive index of the medium flooding the areal sample during a fluorescence measurement, the thickness of the thin layer being chosen so that the thin layer (12) transmits all or part of the fluorescence signal which is measured after passing through the support (12).