New architecture for miniaturized fluorescence analysis

This paper presents a novel design architecture and methodology for analyzing fluorescent indicators in a miniaturized instrumentation system. The system has distinct performance advantages over: (a) other portable systems; and (b) other benchtop fluorometers. A combination of closely integrated circuit components, fiber optic signal paths, and optimized, modular design enables improvements of: (a) a factor of 10 in size; (b) a factor of 100 in cost over benchtop fluorometers; and (c) a factor of 100 in detection limit over other portable systems. Significant, additional improvements in the set-up time and deconvolution capability (of multiple fluorescent indicators and interferents) over other existing systems are also possible with this design framework.