Fluorescence Meter

Abstract

A fluorescence meter for analyzing a sample, comprising a main beam path and at least one optical module. The fluorescence meter is embodied so as to provide at least one electromagnetic beam for exciting the sample and receive at least one electromagnetic beam emitted by the sample, at least some sections of at least two of the electromagnetic beams being located on one plane while extending along the main beam path.

1 . Fluorescence meter for investigating a specimen, which has a main optical path and at least one optical module and is constructed so as to provide at least one electromagnetic beam intended to excite the specimen, and to receive at least one electromagnetic beam emitted by the specimen, at least two of these electromagnetic beams being located at least partly in one plane and extending along the main optical path. 
     
     
         2 . Fluorescence meter according to  claim 1 , which has at least one source for providing electromagnetic beams. 
     
     
         3 . Fluorescence meter according to  claim 1 , which is constructed for the simultaneous measurement of two fluorescent dyes. 
     
     
         4 . (canceled) 
     
     
         5 . Fluorescence meter according to  claim 1 , wherein ambient light compensation is carried out. 
     
     
         6 . Fluorescence meter according to  claim 2 , wherein the at least one source is encapsulated with an encapsulation. 
     
     
         7 . Fluorescence meter according to  claim 5 , wherein the at least one source is encapsulated with an aluminium block. 
     
     
         8 . Fluorescence meter according to  claim 5 , wherein the encapsulation has an opening serving as a shutter. 
     
     
         9 . (canceled) 
     
     
         10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . Fluorescence meter according to  claim 1 , which is constructed so as to carry out simultaneous measurement of a fluorescence and a reflection. 
     
     
         12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . Fluorescence meter according to  claim 1 , which is constructed so as to provide at least one electromagnetic beam provided as a positioning beam. 
     
     
         15 . Fluorescence meter according to  claim 1 , which comprises filters, beam splitters and/or mirrors as optical modules. 
     
     
         16 . Fluorescence meter according to  claim 1 , which comprises light traps. 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . (canceled) 
     
     
         19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . Fluorescence meter according to  claim 17 , wherein the device for measuring the radiant output of an electromagnetic beam which is emitted by the at least one source and strikes a first location is provided, wherein the electromagnetic beam between the at least one source passes through a first optical module, e.g. a band-pass filter, with at least one optical property, and wherein part of the electromagnetic beam which is to be measured between the at least one source and the monitor diode passes through a second optical module, e.g. a band-pass filter, which has substantially the same at least one optical property as the first optical module. 
     
     
         21 . Adaptor having a fluorescence meter according to  claim 1 , which is constructed such that it can be used to take measurements both on microscope slides or similar specimens or specimen holders, which may not be transparent, and also on dishes. 
     
     
         22 . Process for examining a specimen with a fluorescence meter, which comprises a main optical path and at least one optical module, wherein the specimen is excited by at least one electromagnetic beam provided by the fluorescence meter and at least one electromagnetic beam emitted by the specimen is received by the fluorescence meter, at least two of these electromagnetic beams being guided at least partly in one plane along the main optical path. 
     
     
         23 . Process according to  claim 22 , wherein at least one electromagnetic beam intended as the positioning beam and at least one electromagnetic beam intended as the measuring beam are provided by means of the fluorescence meter. 
     
     
         24 . Process according to  claim 22 , wherein a surface of a component is examined. 
     
     
         25 . Process according to  claim 22 , wherein a specimen in a test strip is examined. 
     
     
         26 . Process according to  claim 22 , wherein measurements are made in a thin layer. 
     
     
         27 . Process according to  claim 22 , wherein measurements are made in a PCR tube. 
     
     
         28 . Process according to  claim 22 , wherein it is envisaged that an eye can concentrate on a marking within the fluorescence meter during examination. 
     
     
         29 . Process according to  claim 22 , wherein an illumination source of the fluorescence meter may provide a background illumination for the marking, the background illumination causing the pupil of the eye to become smaller during the examination. 
     
     
         30 . Process according to  claim 22 , wherein a radiant output of an electromagnetic beam produced by at least one source is stabilised by a device. 
     
     
         31 . Process according to  claim 22 , wherein the radiant output of the at least one source is measured continuously by a monitor diode of the device. 
     
     
         32 . Process according to  claim 23 , wherein the radiant output of an electromagnetic beam emanating from the source and striking a first location is measured, the electromagnetic beam along a first optical path passing through a first optical module with at least one optical property, e.g. a band-pass filter, and wherein part of the electromagnetic beam which is to be measured is guided along a second optical path branching off the first optical path, on which the mounting or photodiode is arranged, the second optical path comprising a second optical module which has substantially the same optical property as the first optical module, for example a band-pass filter. 
     
     
         33 . Process according to  claim 24 , wherein an ambient light compensation is carried out. 
     
     
         34 . (canceled) 
     
     
         35 . (canceled)