Abstract:
An optical sensor including an irradiation system including at least one light irradiator, the at least one irradiator including a surface emitting laser array having a plurality of light-emitting units, and a lens disposed in an optical path of the plurality of rays of light emitted from the plurality of light-emitting units to cause light exit directions of at least two of the plurality of light-emitting units to be not parallel to each other, such that the at least one irradiator irradiates a same point of a test object with a plurality of rays of light that are not parallel to each other. The optical sensor also including a detection system configured to detect the plurality of rays of light that are emitted from the irradiation system and propagated inside the test object.
Abstract:
A cartridge for processing a sample includes (a) a planar waveguide with upper and lower planar surfaces defining an optical axis therebetween, wherein the upper planar surface has a plurality of capture molecules bound thereto, (b) a lens portion, coupled to the planar waveguide, for focusing and refracting a light beam propagating parallel to, but offset from, the optical axis such that the light beam couples into the planar waveguide and propagates therein along the optical axis at a non-zero, internal propagation angle β relative to the upper planar surface, and (c) a sample chamber for positioning the sample in contact with the plurality of capture molecules such that a target analyte of the sample is detectable through (i) an assay involving the target analyte and the capture molecules and (ii) evanescent illumination of the assay using the light beam within the planar waveguide.
Abstract:
A sample holding carrier includes: a substrate to which irradiation light is entered from an under face; a first reflective film disposed on a top face side of the substrate and having electrical conductivity; a sample accommodating portion disposed on a top face side of the first reflective film and having a bottom portion; and a first current carrying part configured to apply a voltage to the first reflective film from an outside.
Abstract:
An intracavity laser absorption infrared spectroscopy system for detecting trace analytes in vapor samples. The system uses a spectrometer in communications with control electronics, wherein the control electronics contain an analyte database that contains absorption profiles for each analyte the system is used to detect. The system can not only detect the presence of specific analytes, but identify them as well. The spectrometer uses a hollow cavity waveguide that creates a continuous loop inside of the device, thus creating a large path length and eliminating the need to mechanically adjust the path length to achieve a high Q-factor. In a preferred embodiment, the laser source may serve as the detector, thus eliminating the need for a separate detector.
Abstract:
An optical measurement instrument is an integrated instrument that includes an optical cavity with a light source, a sample cuvette, and an optical sensor. The instrument can be used for taking measurements of organism concentration in one or more samples. Preferably, the instrument holds multiple, individually-loaded, independent fluid samples and determines bacteria concentration via a forward-scattering signal. The instrument can incorporate onboard incubation to promote bacterial growth in the samples such that, once a certain bacterial concentration is achieved, the higher concentration sample can be used with a mass spectrometer to identify the type of bacteria. The instrument and mass spectrometer can be a part of a network for medical diagnostic testing data where data is stored in a manner that is inherently untainted by patient identifiable information.
Abstract:
An intracavity laser absorption infrared spectroscopy system for detecting trace analytes in vapor samples. The system uses a spectrometer in communications with control electronics, wherein the control electronics contain an analyte database that contains absorption profiles for each analyte the system is used to detect. The system can not only detect the presence of specific analytes, but identify them as well. The spectrometer uses a hollow cavity waveguide that creates a continuous loop inside of the device, thus creating a large path length and eliminating the need to mechanically adjust the path length to achieve a high Q-factor. In a preferred embodiment, the laser source may serve as the detector, thus eliminating the need for a separate detector.
Abstract:
A spectroscopy system comprising at least two laser modules, each of the laser modules including a laser cavity, a quantum cascade gain chip for amplifying light within the laser cavity, and a tuning element for controlling a wavelength of light generated by the modules. Combining optics are used to combine the light generated by the at least two laser modules into a single beam and a sample detector detects the single beam returning from a sample.
Abstract:
A device (1) for analyzing the material composition of an object (2) has a casing (3) with a handle (4), an operating trigger (5), a window (6) for abutment against the object to be analyzed and a display (7) for displaying the analysis of the object. Mounted in the casing is a housing (11) having a base (12) to which it is pivotally connected about an axis (14) at one end (15). At the other end (16), a stepper motor (17) is provided for traversing the end across the base. This end has an opening (18) generally in alignment with an opening (19) in the housing in which the window is mounted. Within the housing, are mounted: a laser diode (21); a laser amplification crystal (22); a collimating lens (23); a laser focusing lens (24). The components are arranged on a laser projection axis (25), which passes out through the openings (18,19). A plane mirror (32) can receive light emitted by a plasma P excited at the surface of the object (2). Light from the plasma P is reflected in the direction (34) across the projection axis to a curved focusing mirror (35). From this mirror, the light is reflected again across the projection axis and focused on the end of an optical (fiber (37) set in an aperture (38) in the side wall (39) of the housing opposite from the reflecting mirror.
Abstract:
Provided are a multi-channel fluorescence detecting module and a nucleic acid analysis system including the multi-channel fluorescence detecting module. The nucleic acid analysis system includes: a plurality of loaders configured to accommodate a plurality of cartridges respectively, the cartridges comprising microfluidic devices; a transfer module including a linear actuator, the linear actuator including a movable unit configured to move linearly; and a fluorescence detecting module fixed to the movable unit, the fluorescence detecting module being configured to emit excitation light to the cartridges and detect fluorescence emitted from samples on the cartridges. The loaders are arranged in a row in a linearly moving direction of the movable unit.
Abstract:
Systems and methods are disclosed that provide a direct indication of the presence and concentration of an analyte within the external cavity of a laser device that employ the compliance voltage across the laser device. The systems can provide stabilization of the laser wavelength. The systems and methods can obviate the need for an external optical detector, an external gas cell, or other sensing region and reduce the complexity and size of the sensing configuration.