Geometric beamsplitter, an integral component of the optical design of fluorescence scanning system, covered by US patent as of March 2002
PerkinElmer has announced that the US Patent and Trademark Office has issued the company patent number 6,355,934 for all claims relating to an 'Imaging system for an optical scanner'. This patent covers the use of the company's geometric beamsplitter, an integral component of the optical design for its ScanArray Express fluorescence scanning system.
This laser scanner technology offers wavelength flexibility, ensuring upgradeability and application flexibility unmatched by other scanning technologies in the industry.
All scanning-laser microarray scanners require a beamsplitter that causes the excitation beam to be directed to the sample while allowing the fluorescence beam to travel toward the detector.
The fundamental design of the patented geometric beamsplitter allows for efficient light delivery and collection for many wavelengths and delivers signal-to-noise ratio that is five times higher than traditional designs.
"The ScanArray Express is the cornerstone of PerkinElmer Life Sciences's microarray instrumentation platform, and this patent preserves our ability to provide customers with the industry's leading signal-to-noise performance and wavelength flexibility," said Neil Cook, vice president, global research and development, and chief scientific officer, PerkinElmer Life Sciences. "Innovations such as the beamsplitter have enabled PerkinElmer Life Sciences to maintain the industry-leading position in microarray imaging since its inception." As a result of this patented technology, ScanArray Express systems can be configured with nearly any laser and emission filter combination without a decrease in image quality.
The rights of the patent are effective as of the patent award date: 12 March 2002.
