| abstract |
In a method and apparatus for determining the speed of a stretched polymer molecule, the molecule (105) moves relative to one or more detection stations (101, 102, 103). The time correlation detection signal is used to determine the speed, length, and landmark distance of the numerator (105). A method for determining the speed of a stretched polymer according to the present invention comprises: a) defining at least one detectable region in the polymer; b) stretching through a plurality of linearly continuous detection zones. Causing relative motion of the polymer to cause an interaction between the detectable region and the detection zone; c) measuring each of the signal amplitude profiles in a time-correlated manner; and d) analyzing the time-correlation measurements. Determining the rate of the polymer. |