Abstract:
The invention relates to an integrated optical waveguide evanescent field sensor (1) for sensing of chemical and/or physical quantities, comprising a substrate (2) carrying a waveguide layer structure provided with—a waveguide core layer (10) sandwiched between two cladding layers (11, 12) formed by a lower (11) and a upper (12) cladding layer, of a lower refractive index than the waveguide core layer (10), —a sensing section (14A, 14B) comprising a sensing layer (13) included in the upper cladding layer (12), wherein a longitudinal section of said substrate including said waveguide layer structure and said sensing section (14A, 14B) is exchangeable as a separate element (20).
Abstract:
An instrument is provided that can monitor nucleic acid sequence amplification reactions, for example, PCR amplification of DNA and DNA fragments. The instrument includes a multi-notch filter disposed along one or both of an excitation beam path and an emission beam path. Methods are also provided for monitoring nucleic acid sequence amplifications using an instrument that includes a multi-notch filter disposed along a beam path.
Abstract:
An instrument for fluorometric assays in liquid samples is disclosed. The instrument may include multiple optical channels for monitoring a first fluorophore associated with a target analyte and a second fluorophore associated with a control. The disclosed instrument finds utility in any number of applications, including microfluidic molecular biological assays based on PCR amplification of target nucleic acids and fluorometric assays in general.
Abstract:
An optical instrument is provided for simultaneously illuminating two or more spaced-apart reaction regions with excitation beams generated by a light source. The light source can include an area light array of light emitting diodes, one or more solid state lasers, one or more micro-wire lasers, or a combination thereof. According to various embodiments, a Fresnel lens can be disposed along a beam bath between the light source and the reaction regions. Methods of analysis using the optical instrument are also provided.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a compact, microprocessor-controlled instrument for fluorometric assays in liquid samples, the instrument having a floating stage with docking bay for receiving a microfluidic cartridge and a scanning detector head with on-board embedded microprocessor for controlling source LEDs, emission signal amplification and filtering in an isolated, low noise, high gain environment within the detector head. Multiple optical channels may be incorporated in the scanning head. In a preferred configuration, the assay is validated using dual channel optics for monitoring a first fluorophore associated with a target analyte and a second fluorophore associated with a control. Applications include molecular biological assays based on PCR amplification of target nucleic acids and fluorometric assays in general, many of which require temperature control during detection. Sensitivity and resistance to bubble interference during scanning are shown to be improved by use of a heating block with reflective mirror face in intimate contact with a thermo-optical window enclosing the liquid sample.
Abstract:
Gas analyzer systems and methods for determining gas flux in a short intake tube configuration without using any Webb-Pearman-Leuning density correction. Gas analyzer systems and methods for measuring concentrations of gasses and in particular dry mole fraction of components of a gas. The systems and method allow for rapid measurement of the gas density and/or dry mole fraction of gases for a number of environmental monitoring applications, including high speed flux measurements. A novel coupling design allows for tool-free removal of a cell enclosing a flow path to enable in field cleaning of optical components.
Abstract:
An apparatus for optically inspecting an at least partially reflecting surface of an object includes first and second transverse carriers (12, 14) defining respective substantially circular segment-shaped cutouts (32). The transverse carriers (12, 14) are disposed at a longitudinal distance (D) from one another and the longitudinal distance (D) defines a longitudinal direction (17). A plurality of longitudinal members are configured to hold the first and second transverse carriers at the longitudinal distance (D). The longitudinal members are arranged at a defined radial distance to the circular segment-shaped cutouts. A translucent diffusing screen is held in the circular segment-shaped cutouts by the transverse carriers to form a tunnel-shaped inspection space. A multiplicity of light sources are arranged outside of the tunnel-shaped inspection space behind the diffusing screen. The light sources are configured to be controlled individually or in small groups to generate variable light-dark patterns on the diffusing screen. A workpiece receptacle is configured for accommodating the object in the tunnel-shaped inspection space. At least one camera is directed into the tunnel-shaped inspection space. An evaluation and control unit is configured to control the light sources and the camera to generate various light-dark patterns on the diffusing screen and to record and evaluate a plurality of images of the object in dependence on the light-dark patterns.
Abstract:
A photometer is provided with modular lighting units wherein each lighting unit includes one or more light emitters. A user may select a desired lighting unit and install it within a photometer base unit, and thereafter activate one or more of the emitters (which may emit light of different wavelengths) to illuminate a specimen. The light provided by the specimen in response can then be captured at a detector, and analyzed to provide an indication of the specimen's characteristics. Different lighting units may optionally include one or more input light adapters (filters or polarizers which modify the light provided by the emitter(s) to the specimen), and/or one or more output light adapters (filters or polarizers which modify the light provided by the specimen to the detector). Users may therefore select lighting units with emitters and light adapters which are particularly suited for detection/analysis of particular specimens and/or components therein.
Abstract:
An instrument is provided that can monitor nucleic acid sequence amplifications reactions, for example, PCR amplification of DNA and DNA fragments. The instrument includes a multi-notch filter disposed along one or both of an excitation beam path and an emission beam path. Methods are also provided for monitoring nucleic acid sequence amplifications using an instrument that includes a multi-notch filter disposed along a beam path.
Abstract:
An optical instrument is provided for simultaneously illuminating two or more spaced-apart reaction regions with excitation beams generated by a light source. The light source can include an area light array of light emitting diodes, one or more solid state lasers, one or more micro-wire lasers, or a combination thereof. According to various embodiments, a Fresnel lens can be disposed along a beam bath between the light source and the reaction regions. Methods of analysis using the optical instrument are also provided.