Sensor Apparatus and Method using Optical Interferometry

Abstract

A sensor includes a sensor head with at least two surfaces separated by a gap. One surface is mechanically fixed, a second surface is free to move and deflections of the second surface relative to the first surface are monitored by optical interferometry. An optical fiber could be used to direct light from a light source to the sensor and collect light reflected by the sensor. Interaction of molecules or other objects in the sample with the second surface is detected as a change in amplitude and/or phase of deflection the second surface in response to an applied driving signal. A layer of binding molecules may be immobilized on the second surface and this surface exposed to a sample.

1 . A device for detecting, monitoring, modifying or analyzing an analyte in a sample comprising:
 (a) a support including at least one membrane;   (b) one or more apertures in said membrane;   (c) a sensor for sensing deflections of said membrane;   
       wherein the interaction of said analyte with one or more apertures in said membrane generates a force on said membrane that is detected by said sensor.