disclosed is a device for detecting at least one ligand contained in a sample that is to be analyzed . said device comprises an optical waveguide , on the surface of which at least one ligand - specific receptor is directly or indirectly immobilized . the ligand bonds to said receptor during contact therewith . the inventive device comprises at least one optical source of radiation for injecting excitation radiation into the waveguide , the radiation being used for exciting emission of luminescence radiation in accordance with the bonding of the ligand to the receptor . at least one radiation receiver is integrated into the semiconductor substrate of a semiconductor chip so as to detect the luminescence radiation . the waveguide is integrated in a monolithic manner into the semiconductor substrate or is applied thereupon as a wave - guiding layer .