Multicuvette centrifugal analyzer rotor with annular recessed optical

Abstract

A multicuvette rotor for use in a centrifugal analyzer includes a one piece body member of molded transparent material that defines a circumferential array of elongated cuvette recesses and a one piece cover member of molded transparent material, the cover and body member being bonded together to define a circumferential array of individually sealed separate analytical cuvettes. An annular recess in the cover member adjacent the periphery thereof has a planar optical finish base surface. Located inwardly of the annular recess in the cover member are first and second sets of circumferential arrays of loading ports so that each elongated cuvette defines a first chamber for receiving a first constituent introduced through a loading port of the first set, a second chamber region for storing a second constituent introduced through a loading port of the second set, divider structure between the first and second chamber regions that separates the two chamber regions and that has a crest portion that defines a transfer passage between the two chamber regions, and an analysis region adjacent the periphery of the cuvette where the reaction product formed by a mixture of the first and second constituents may be subjected to analysis. Structure in the base of each analytical region defines an optical window aligned with a corresponding portion of the annular recess in the cover such that an optical path for a beam of analysis radiation through the analysis region is defined.