Unified detection system for fluorometry, luminometry and spectrometry

Abstract

The devices and systems disclosed herein provide multiple optical capabilities in a single device or system. Methods for using these devices and systems are provided. These devices and systems are configurable for operation in each of a spectroscopy mode, a fluorescence mode, and a luminescence mode, and are capable of performing spectroscopic, fluorescence, and luminescence observations, measurements, and analyses when operated in the corresponding spectroscopy mode, fluorescence mode, or luminescence mode. These devices and systems include mirror dispersion elements having multiple faces including an optical dispersion element on one face (e.g., a diffraction grating or a prism) and a reflective element on another face (e.g., a mirror). These multiple capabilities eliminate the need to move or load a sample in multiple devices when subjecting a sample to multiple analyses, and thus provide greater accuracy, precision, and speed while reducing complexity and cost of sample analysis.

1 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A mirror dispersion element having a plurality of optical surfaces, wherein said plurality of optical surfaces comprises a first optical surface having a reflective surface, and a second optical surface having an optically dispersive surface. 
     
     
         28 . The mirror dispersion element of  claim 27 , wherein said first optical surface comprises a mirror. 
     
     
         29 . The mirror dispersion element of  claim 27 , wherein said second optical surface comprises a diffractive surface. 
     
     
         30 . The mirror dispersion element of  claim 29 , wherein said diffractive surface comprises a grating. 
     
     
         31 . The mirror dispersion element of  claim 30 , wherein said grating comprises a grating etched on said diffractive surface. 
     
     
         32 . The mirror dispersion element of  claim 30 , wherein said grating comprises a grating engraved on said diffractive surface. 
     
     
         33 . The mirror dispersion element of  claim 29 , wherein said diffractive surface comprises a prism. 
     
     
         34 . The mirror dispersion element of  claim 29 , wherein said diffractive surface comprises a compound prism. 
     
     
         35 - 38 . (canceled) 
     
     
         39 . The device of any of claims  35  to  37 , wherein said optical dispersion element comprises a prism. 
     
     
         40 . The device of  claim 39 , wherein said prism comprises a compound prism. 
     
     
         41 . The device of any of claims  35  to  37 , wherein said reflective surface comprises a reflective surface of a mirror. 
     
     
         42 . The device of  claim 41 , wherein said reflective surface comprises a reflective surface of a back surface mirror. 
     
     
         43 . The device of  claim 41 , wherein said reflective surface comprises a reflective surface of a front surface mirror. 
     
     
         44 - 56 . (canceled)