BR112018002329B1 - MULTI-EXCITATION MULTI-EMISSION FLUOROMETER FOR MULTI-PARAMETER WATER QUALITY MONITORING - Google Patents

Abstract

MULTI-EXCITATION MULTI-EMISSION FLUOROMETER FOR MULTI-PARAMETER WATER QUALITY MONITORING. A fluorometer is provided to monitor water quality, featuring a variety of excitation sources, a variety of multiple emission detectors, and a signal processor. In the excitation source array, each excitation source provides respective excitation source optical signaling at a respective illumination wavelength. The multiple emission detector array detects multiple emission wavelengths emitted from water containing information about multiple coexisting fluorescent species present in the water that emit optical radiation at at least two different wavelengths when illuminated by the respective illumination wavelength provided from the array of excitation sources and provides multiple emission detection signaling containing information about the multiple coexisting fluorescent species. The signal processor receives the multiple emission detector signaling and determines corresponding signaling containing information about an identification of the multiple coexisting fluorescent species present in the water using a quasi-simultaneous identification technique based on the received multiple emission detector signaling.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE FOR RELATED ORDERS

[001] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application no. 62/200,336 (911-023.1-1//N-YSI-0031), filed August 3, 2015; which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of Invention

[002] This invention relates to a technique for determining water quality; and more particularly relates to a technique for determining water quality based on the detection of multiple coexisting fluorescent species present in water.

2. Description of the related technique

[003] Water monitoring techniques are known in the art, including monitoring the presence of sewage and wastewater. Confirmation of sewage-contaminated water is a complicated process, for example, especially when using a single emission wavelength, which has been found to not unequivocally determine the presence of wastewater. In light of this, there is a need in the industry for a better way to monitor water.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[004] By way of example, the present invention includes new and unique water quality monitoring techniques.

[005] According to some embodiments, the present invention may include an apparatus, for example, in the form of a fluorometer, for monitoring water quality, featuring a combination of a set of excitation sources, a set of detectors of multiple emissions and a processor or signal processing module.

[006] Each excitation source in the excitation source array may be configured to provide respective excitation source optical signaling at a respective illumination wavelength, for example, relative to the water being monitored.

[007] The multiple emission detector array may be configured to detect multiple emission wavelengths emitted from the water containing information about multiple coexisting fluorescent species present in the water that emit optical radiation at at least two different wavelengths when illuminated. by the respective illumination wavelength provided from the array of excitation sources, and provides multiple emission detection signaling containing information about the multiple coexisting fluorescent species.

[008] The signal processor or processing module can be configured to receive multiple emission detector signaling, and determine corresponding signaling containing information about an identification of the multiple coexisting fluorescent species present in the water using a quasi-simultaneous identification technique, with based on received multiple emission detector signaling.

[009] The apparatus may include one or more of the following additional features.

[010] The excitation source assembly may include an excitation source, for example, such as an excitation LED, and the illumination wavelength may be 280 nanometers; and the multiple emission detector array may include a first emission detector configured to detect optical radiation at 340 nanometers to detect the presence of protein-like T-peak (e.g., including the T-tryptophan peak) in the water; and a second emission detector configured to detect optical radiation at 450 nanometers to detect the presence of humic/fulvic type A peak in the water.

[011] The multiple emission detector assembly may include a plurality of photodiodes and optical bandpass filters configured to detect and filter multiple emission wavelengths emitted by water, and provide multiple emission detector signaling.

[012] Optical bandpass filters may include, for example, a first optical bandpass filter and photodiode configured to filter optical radiation at 340 nanometers to detect the presence of protein-type T-peaks in water; and a second optical bandpass filter and photodiode configured to filter optical radiation at 450 nanometers to detect the presence of humic/fulvic type A peak in the water.

[013] The excitation source assembly may include a plurality of excitation sources configured to provide a plurality of excitation source optical signaling at a plurality of illumination wavelengths, for example, as a plurality of excitation LEDs.

[014] The array of multiple emission detectors may include optical bandpass filters spectrally centered on the fluorescence emission wavelengths of interest.

[015] The multiple emission detector array may include a combination of one or more optical fibers or focusing lens and an optical spectrum analyzer for fluorescence capture and analysis.

[016] The plurality of excitation sources can be configured to respond to appropriate control signaling and almost simultaneously provide the plurality of excitation source optical signaling to produce the plurality of illumination wavelengths and detect the emission wavelengths. multiple. Alternatively, the plurality of excitation sources may be configured to respond to corresponding appropriate control signaling and selectively provide the plurality of excitation source optical signaling to produce the plurality of illumination wavelengths and detect the multiple emission wavelengths. . In other words, the plurality of excitation sources and the array of multiple emission detectors may be configured to respond to control signaling and, almost simultaneously or selectively, provide the plurality of excitation source optical signaling to produce any combination of lengths. of excitation wave or detected fluorescence emission.

[017] The fluorometer can be configured in, or is part of, a single sensor body. The single sensor body may include, or take the form of, a probe having a watertight housing surrounding the fluorometer. The sonde may include a port; and the fluorometer may include an electrical connector configured to connect to the probe port. The electrical connector can be configured to connect to a printed circuit board (PCB), for example, containing the sensor electronics. The sensor electronics may include the signal processing or processor module. The fluorometer may include an opto-mechanical head that contains electro-opto-mechanical components, including the excitation source assembly and the multiple emission detector assembly. The watertight housing may include a window configured to permit optical transmission/interaction between the multiple coexisting fluorescent species to be measured in the water being monitored and the electro-opto-mechanical components contained in the probe. By way of example, the window can be made from sapphire as well as various other window materials.

[018] By way of example, the signal processor or processing module can be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing information about the identification of multiple coexisting fluorescent species present in the water using the quasi-simultaneous identification technique for subsequent processing. By way of example, additional processing may include, or take the form of, providing control signaling for further processing of the water being monitored; or further processing may include providing control signaling to adapt the water monitoring process itself to monitor water. By way of further example, corresponding signage may include information to provide a visual display relating to identification and/or an audio/visual alarm, etc.

[019] The fluorometer may include an opto-mechanical head configured with electro-opto-mechanical components, including the set of excitation sources and the set of multiple emission detectors.

[020] The plurality of excitation sources can be configured or arranged circumferentially about the array of multiple emission detectors.

[021] According to some embodiments, the present invention may include an apparatus taking the form of a signal processor or processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about excitation source signaling provided by a set of excitation sources excitation, each excitation source configured to provide respective excitation source optical signaling at a respective illumination wavelength, and multiple emission detector signaling provided by a set of multiple emission detectors configured to detect multiple emission wavelengths emitted from the water containing information about multiple coexisting fluorescent species present in the water that emit optical radiation at at least two different wavelengths when illuminated by the respective illumination wavelength provided from the array of excitation sources, the detector signaling of multiple emissions containing information about multiple coexisting fluorescent species; and determine corresponding signaling containing information on the identification of multiple coexisting fluorescent species present in the water using a near-simultaneous identification technique based on the received signaling.

[022] By way of example, the signal processor or processing module may take the form of some combination of a signal processor and at least one memory including a computer program code, wherein the signal processor and at least a memory are configured to cause the apparatus to implement the functionality of the present invention, for example, to respond to received signaling and to determine the corresponding signaling based on the received signaling. Furthermore, this device may also include one or more of the features presented above.

[023] According to some embodiments, the present invention may include a method comprising steps for: receiving into a signal processor or processing module signaling containing information about excitation source signaling provided by a set of excitation sources, each source of excitation configured to provide respective excitation source optical signaling at a respective illumination wavelength and multiple emission detector signaling provided by a set of multiple emission detectors configured to detect multiple emission wavelengths emitted from the water containing information about multiple coexisting fluorescent species present in the water that emit optical radiation at at least two different wavelengths when illuminated by the respective illumination wavelength provided from the set of excitation sources, the multiple emission detector signaling containing information about the multiple coexisting fluorescent species; and determining in the signal processor or processing module corresponding signaling containing information about an identification of the multiple coexisting fluorescent species present in the water using the quasi-simultaneous identification technique, based on the received signaling. The method may also include one or more of the features presented above.

[024] According to some embodiments, the present invention may include an apparatus taking the form of: means for receiving in a signal processor or processing module signaling containing information about excitation source signaling provided by a set of excitation sources , each excitation source configured to provide respective excitation source optical signaling at a respective illumination wavelength, and multiple emission detector signaling provided by a set of multiple emission detectors configured to detect multiple emission wavelengths emitted from water containing information about multiple coexisting fluorescent species present in the water that emit optical radiation at at least two different wavelengths when illuminated by the respective illumination wavelength provided from the array of excitation sources, the detector signaling of multiple emissions containing information about multiple coexisting fluorescent species; and means for determining in the signal processor and processing module corresponding signaling containing information about an identification of the multiple coexisting fluorescent species present in the water using the quasi-simultaneous identification technique, based on the received signaling. This device may also include one or more of the features presented above.

[025] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the apparatus may also take the form of a computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable components for performing the steps of the aforementioned method.

[026] The computer-readable storage medium may also include one or more of the characteristics presented above.

[027] At the time of filing the patent application, other similar products are known and manufactured by companies such as Turner Designs and Upplux Tryptophan Fluorometer.

[028] Similarities between the present invention and these known products may include: Fluorescence-based optical detection of wastewater, emission wavelength for tryptophan will overlap with only one of the emission wavelengths set forth herein.

[029] Differences between the present invention and these known products may include: The sensor presented herein in accordance with the present invention has a key advantage and innovation of utilizing dual emission wavelengths for significant and increased water detection reliability. residuals - all in a single detection body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[030] The drawing includes Figures 1 to 4, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, as follows: Figure 1 shows a diagram of apparatus in the form of a sensor body, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 2 includes Figures 2A and 2B, wherein Figure 2A is a front view of an opto-mechanical head that may form part of the sensor body in Figure 1, and wherein Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view ( or cut) of the optomechanical head in Figure 2A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; Figure 3 includes Figures 3A and 3B, wherein Figure 3A is a front view of an opto-mechanical head for multi-parameter sensing that may form part of the sensor body in Figure 1, and wherein Figure 3B is a view cross-section of the opto-mechanical head in Figure 3A, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention; and Figure 4 shows a block diagram of an apparatus, for example, having a signal processor or processing module for implementing signal processing functionality, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION The underlying technique in general

[031] In its first incarnation, a fluorometer generally indicated as 20 according to the present invention can be configured to measure T-tryptophan type peak fluorescence (Xθx/em = 280/340 nm) and humic/fulvic type A peak. (Àex/em = 280/450 nm), for example, using a single excitation source/dual emission detection as a means of identifying water affected by sewage in general. Affirmative confirmation of sewage-contaminated water is complicated in that it can be determined more precisely through the nearly simultaneous identification of multiple fluorescence species. For the particular case in question, and in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, one may seek to almost simultaneously identify two species that require two wavelengths of fluorescence emission detected within a single detection body. It is the combined multiple fluorescence information that serves to solve the unique question of wastewater identification. The inventors have come to understand that a single emission wavelength alone cannot unambiguously determine the presence of wastewater, and provide new and unique techniques disclosed herein to resolve this "single emission wavelength" problem in the art.

[032] Furthermore, the spirit of the present invention is not intended to be restricted to the identification of only two fluorescence species, but rather is intended to encompass the possibility of almost simultaneous detection of multiple fluorescence species, for example, including three or more fluorescence species. According to some embodiments, this notion can be extended to include multiple excitation sources and multiple emission wavelength detection to almost simultaneously detect multiple fluorescence species within a single detection body. For water quality monitoring, it is often the case that the presence of multiple fluorescence species tends to obscure or interfere with any desired measurement. The near-simultaneous identification of the multiple species disclosed or presented here serves to isolate and more individually describe/identify the water quality parameter of interest.

Figures 1-3

[033] Figures 1 and 2 show a first modality, based on one that seeks to almost simultaneously identify two species that require two wavelengths of fluorescence emission detected within a single detection body, for example, which can assume the form of apparatus 10 generally shown in Figure 1 with a fluorometer 20 with an opto-mechanical head 26 shown in detail in Figure 2. This notion can be extended to include multiple excitation sources and multiple emission wavelength detection to detect nearly simultaneously multiple fluorescence species within a single detection body using an opto-mechanical head 40, for example, consistent with that disclosed in relation to Figure 3.

[034] The implementations of the sensors or detection bodies 10 and the fluorometers 20 differ mainly in the details relating to the opto-mechanical heads 26 and 40 shown in Figures 2 and 3. The sensors or sensor bodies 10 described in this patent application have at least the following in common: the sensor body 10 generally includes, or consists of, a watertight housing 15a (Figure 1) that surrounds the fluorometer 20 and has at least part of an electrical connector 22 that connects to a port 15b on the main sensor body 10. The sensors or sensing bodies 10 may include, or take the form of, a probe structure. The fluorometer 20 may be configured with a printed circuit board (PCB) generally indicated as 24 and the electrical connector 22 may also be connected to the printed circuit board (PCB) 24 that contains the sensor electronics, for example, which may include a signal processing or processor module-like element 100 (Figure 4), for example, to implement signal processing functionality consistent with that described herein. The fluorometer 20 may be configured with opto-mechanical head elements 26 or 40, which may be connected to the PCB 24. The opto-mechanical head elements 26 or 40 may contain electro-opto-mechanical components, for example, including light emitting diodes (LEDs) type element 30 and emission detector type elements 32, 34 having photodetector type elements (PDs) 32a, 34a and optical band pass filters 32b, 34b. One end/side of the watertight housing 15a may also contain a window 15c (Figure 1) that may be configured to allow optical transmission/interaction between the fluorophore (i.e., fluorescent species to be measured) and the component-like elements of optical detection elements 30, 32 and 34 in relation to the embodiment in Figure 2, or elements 42 or 44 in relation to the embodiment in Figure 3. By way of example, the window may be made of sapphire, although the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to this. Embodiments are imagined using other types or types of window material already known or later developed in the art, for example, as one skilled in the art would appreciate.

[035] In particular, Figure 1 shows or represents the single sensor body 10 with the electrical connection 22 at its bottom, the PCB 24 (e.g., shown in Figure 1 as an electrically populated circuit board in the main body of the sensor 10), and the opto-mechanical head-type element similar to element 26 or 40 (as circled in Figure 1), for example, containing LEDs-type elements 30 (Figure 2), PDs and optical bandpass filter-type elements 32, 34 , as described with respect to Figure 2. In Figure 1, sensor body 10 is shown by way of example as a representation of a typical sensor body and is not intended to be accurate in scale or engineering details per se. . One of the essential components that differentiates all of the embodiments described here is the opto-mechanical head 26 or 40 (as circled in Figure 1). In view of this, and for this purpose, Figures 2A, 2B, 3A and 3B only show details associated with the opto-mechanical head 26 or 40.

Figure 2: Example of Private Modality

[036] Figures 2A and 2B show a first embodiment of the opto-mechanical head 26 that can form part of a sensor-type element 10 (Figure 1), according to some embodiments of the present invention. By way of example, the opto-mechanical head 26 includes an opto-mechanical head body 26a that may contain a single LED-type element 30 with an excitation wavelength of 280 nm, and two emission detector-type elements 32, 34 By way of example, the two emission detectors 32, 34 may include two silicon or other suitable photodetectors 32a, 34a with respective optical bandpass filters 32b, 34b centered on the spectrum at 340nm and 450nm. This opto-mechanical configuration is designed to detect two coexisting fluorescent species that emit optical radiation at 340nm and 450nm, respectively, when illuminated by the 280nm optical source-type element 30. By way of example, photodiodes 32a, 34a and LED 30 can be configured, or may employ, a sphere lens configuration to maximize fluorescence collection, for example, consistent with that shown in Figures 2A and 2B.

Figure 3: Example of Generalized Modality

[037] Figures 3A and 3B show a second, more generalized embodiment having the opto-mechanical head 40 with an opto-mechanical head body 40a that may form part of the sensor-type element 10 (Figure 1), according to some embodiments. of the present invention. By way of example, the opto-mechanical head 40 may contain an array 42 of many excitation LEDs. In Figure 3A, array 42 is shown having 16 excitation LEDs, although the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular number of excitation LEDs. The excitation wavelengths and number of LEDs can be chosen according to the desired application. For example, depending on the specific application, a different number of excitation LEDs can be used. In operation, each excitation LED is configured to provide respective excitation LED optical signaling at a respective illumination wavelength, e.g., consistent with that set forth herein. Furthermore, the opto-mechanical head 40 may include receiving optics 44, for example, either an array of photodiodes with associated optical bandpass filters spectrally centered over the fluorescence emission wavelengths of interest or, alternatively, such as a optical spectrum analyzer type element 46 as shown (Figure 3B). Both reception optics techniques serve as a means to spectrally discriminate the collected/captured fluorescence optical signaling generally denoted as Fc. Fluorescence can be captured through a focusing lens-type element 44 (Figure 3B) that provides optical signaling from focusing lens 44a to a spectrum analyzer-type element 46, or by using one or more fiber optic waveguides, e.g. example, including a bundle of optical fibers (also indicated by reference label 44). The opto-mechanical configuration 40 may be configured or designed to detect multiple, independent, or coexisting fluorescent species that emit optical radiation over a range or distribution of emission wavelengths when illuminated by the LED array 42. The LED array 42 and photodiodes (or spectrum analyzer type 46) do not need to be activated nearly simultaneously, but can be selectively activated or scanned to produce any combination of detected fluorescence excitation or emission wavelengths.

[038] In Figure 4, the plurality of LED excitation sources 42 may be configured or arranged circumferentially around the array of multiple emission detectors 44.

Figure 4: Implementation of Signal Processing Functionality

[039] By way of further example, Figure 4 shows the apparatus or sensor body 10 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention for implementing the associated signal processing functionality. The sensor apparatus or body 10 may include a signal processor or processing module 100 configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about excitation source signaling provided by a set of excitation sources, each excitation source configured to provide the respective excitation source optical signaling at a respective illumination wavelength and multiple emission detector signaling provided by a set of multiple emission detectors configured to detect multiple emission wavelengths emitted from water containing information about multiple species coexisting fluorescent species present in water that emit optical radiation at at least two different wavelengths when illuminated by the respective illumination wavelength provided from the array of excitation sources, the multiple emission detector signaling containing information about the multiple fluorescent species coexisting; and determine corresponding signaling containing information on the identification of multiple coexisting fluorescent species present in the water using a near-simultaneous identification technique based on the received signaling.

[040] In operation, the signal processor or processing module 100 may be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing identification information about the multiple coexisting fluorescent species present in the water using the quasi-simultaneous identification technique, e.g., for further processing, consistent with what is set out here. The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type, nature or mode of further processing and may include other processing techniques now known or further developed in the future.

[041] The signal processor or processing module 100 may be configured or form part of a sensor body, for example, as a probe.

[042] By way of example, the functionality of the signal processing or processor module 100 may be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In a typical software implementation, the signal processor or processing module 100 would include one or more microprocessor-based architectures having, for example, at least one signal processor or microprocessor-like element 100. One skilled in the art would be able to program with suitable program code, such as a microcontroller-based or microprocessor-based implementation to perform the signal processing functionality described herein without undue experimentation. For example, the signal processor or processing module 100 may be configured, for example, by one skilled in the art without undue experimentation, to receive signaling containing excitation source signaling information provided by a set of excitation sources, each excitation source configured to provide respective excitation source optical signaling at a respective illumination wavelength and multiple emission detector signaling provided by multiple emission detectors configured to detect multiple emission wavelengths emitted from water containing information about multiple coexisting fluorescent species present in the water that emit optical radiation at at least two different wavelengths when illuminated by the respective illumination wavelength provided from the set of excitation sources, the multiple emission detector signaling containing information about the multiple coexisting fluorescent species, consistent with what has been described here.

[043] Furthermore, the signal processor or processing module 100 can be configured, for example, by one skilled in the art without undue experimentation, to determine the corresponding signal containing information about an identification of the multiple coexisting fluorescent species present in the water using a near-simultaneous approach identification technique, consistent with what is described here. By way of example, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or nature of implementation and/or signal processing technique for the near-simultaneous identification of multiple coexisting fluorescent species present in water. The scope of the invention is intended to include implementations and/or signal processing techniques for the nearly simultaneous identification of multiple coexisting fluorescent species present in water that are now known or further developed in the future, as would be understood and appreciated by one skilled in the art.

[044] The scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular implementation using technology now known or later developed in the future. The scope of the invention is intended to include implementing the functionality of the signal processor(s) 100 as a stand-alone processor, signal processor, or signal processor module, as well as separate processor modules or processors, as well as some combination of these.

[045] The signal processor or processing module 10 may also include, for example, other signal processor circuits or components 102, including random access memory or memory module (RAM) and/or read-only memory (ROM ), input/output devices and control, and data and address buses connecting the same, and/or at least one input processor and at least one output processor, for example, which would be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

The Optical Components

[046] By way of example, and as one skilled in the art would appreciate, optical components such as LEDs, photodiodes, optical bandpass filters, optical fibers or fibers, LED arrays, focusing lenses, optical spectrum analyzers are known in the art, and the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to any particular type or nature thereof that may be used herein. The scope of the invention is intended to include the use of such optical components as may now be known in the art or further developed in the future.

The scope of the invention

[047] Although the invention has been described with reference to an exemplary embodiment, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes can be made and equivalents can be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Furthermore, modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its essential scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention is not limited to the embodiment(s) described herein as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this invention.

Claims (9)

1. Fluorometer (20) for monitoring water quality, comprising: an array (42) of excitation sources, each excitation source configured to provide respective excitation source optical signaling at a respective illumination wavelength; an array of multiple emission detectors configured to detect multiple emission wavelengths emitted from water containing information about multiple coexisting fluorescent species present in the water that emit optical radiation at at least two different wavelengths when illuminated by the respective wavelength of illumination, provided from the array of excitation sources, and provide multiple emission detection signaling containing information about the multiple coexisting fluorescent species; and a signal processor or processing module (100) configured to receive multiple emission detector signaling, and provide corresponding signaling containing information about an identification of the multiple co-existing fluorescent species present in the water using a quasi-simultaneous identification technique, based on received multiple emission detector signaling; wherein the fluorometer (20) is configured in, or forms part of, the body of a single sensor, and wherein the body of the single sensor comprises a probe with a watertight housing (15a) that surrounds the fluorometer (20); characterized by the fact that the multiple emission detector assembly includes a combination of a focusing lens (44) and an optical spectrum analyzer (46), wherein the focusing lens (44) focuses the optical signaling of the lens (44a) in the spectrum analyzer (46), and in which the set (42) of excitation sources is organized circumferentially on the optical spectrum analyzer (46). 2. Fluorometer (20), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the set of excitation sources comprises an excitation source, and the illumination wavelength is 280 nanometers. 3. Fluorometer (20), according to claim 2, characterized in that the excitation source comprises an excitation LED. 4. Fluorometer (20), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that a plurality of excitation sources and the optical spectrum analyzer (46) are configured to respond to the control signaling and almost simultaneously or selectively provide the plurality of wavelengths of excitation or detected fluorescence emission. 5. Fluorometer (20), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the probe comprises a port; and the fluorometer (20) comprises an electrical connector configured to fit the probe port. 6. Fluorometer (20), according to claim 5, characterized by the fact that the electrical connector is configured to connect to a printed circuit board (24) containing sensor electronics. 7. Fluorometer (20), according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the sensor electronics includes the signal processor or processing module (100). 8. Fluorometer (20), according to claim 6, characterized by the fact that the fluorometer (20) comprises an opto-mechanical head (26, 40) that contains electro-opto-mechanical components, including the set of sources of excitation and the multiple emission detector array (44). 9. Fluorometer (20), according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the watertight housing (15a) comprises a window (15c) configured to allow optical transmission/interaction between the multiple coexisting fluorescent species and the components electro-optomechanical, including where the window is made of sapphire.