Abstract: The present invention is a multiple channel electrophoresis system which includes a multiple laser diode illumination source. The multiple laser diode illumination source has a plurality of individual laser diodes, each of which is situated so as to provide independent fluorescence inducing illumination to one of the electrophoresis channels in the multiple channel electrophoresis system. The channels in the multiple channel electrophoresis system can be of many embodiments. And use of the present invention system in a multiple angle light scattering mode is also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inducing and detecting sample analyte(s) identifying fluorescence are disclosed. In particular, a system which includes at least two fiber optic means, within a "throw-away" modular component system component with at least four ports, in which sample analyte fluorescence is caused to occur, by the application of energy to sample analyte(s), is disclosed. The present invention system provides that sample analyte(s) fluorescence inducing energy be entered via an optic fiber means and that produced fluorescence be provided to a detector system via a second optic fiber means. A preferred source of sample analyte(s) fluorescence inducing energy includes lasers, and a preferred method by which to provide sample analyte(s) to the present invention system involves electrophoresis.

Abstract: A system for sampling and analyzing a material located at a hazardous site. A laser located remote from the hazardous site is connected to an optical fiber, which directs laser radiation proximate the material at the hazardous site. The laser radiation abates a sample of the material. An inductively coupled plasma is located remotely from the material. An aerosol transport system carries the ablated particles to a plasma, where they are dissociated, atomized and excited to provide characteristic optical reduction of the elemental constituents of the sample. An optical spectrometer is located remotely from the site. A second optical fiber is connected to the optical spectrometer at one end and the plasma source at the other end to carry the optical radiation from the plasma source to the spectrometer.

Abstract: The present invention system includes an axially oriented end of a fiber optic present in an axially oriented system component bore in which, during use, sample analyte fluorescence is caused to occur. The present invention system and method provides that sample analyte(s) fluorescence inducing energy be entered along a path which is other than essentially parallel to the axially oriented system component bore and that detected fluorescence be transmitted to a detector by the fiber optic. A preferred source of sample analyte(s) fluorescence inducing energy is a laser system, and a preferred method by which to provide sample analyte(s) to the present invention system axially oriented system component bore involves use of electrophoresis.

Abstract: A system and method for extending the limits of detection of plasma based sample analysis systems is disclosed. The preferred embodiment of the present invention system provides a reaction tube which is connected to both a furnace tube and a discharge tube. During use a nebulized sample is caused to pass through the furnace tube wherein its temperature is caused to become elevated. As well, a volatile atom containing, primarily molecular, gas is caused to flow through the discharge tube, while an energy providing electrical discharge occurs therein, such that dissociated volatile atoms are produced. The method of the present invention provides that typically elevated temperature nebulized sample, and the dissociated volatile atoms, be simultaneously entered into a reaction means wherein relatively easily dissociated molecules containing nebulized sample components are formed.

Abstract: Single and multiple photoionization lamp systems contained in machinable photon radiation transparent material such as crystalline magnesium or lithium fluoride are disclosed. A preferred embodiment of a photoionization lamp fabricated in machinable photon radiation transparent material is also disclosed.

Abstract: An afterglow electric discharge detector system for use in analysis of samples is disclosed. Fabrication is predominately from machined radiation transparent material such as crystalline magnesium or lithium fluoride.

Abstract: A double pass tandem cooling aerosol condenser apparatus for receiving aerosol from a liquid solution for a specimen sample which has been prepared for injection into an inductively coupled plasma associated with an emission spectra or mass spectrometer comprises inner and outer compartments for circulating a coolant therethrough. The aerosol, comprising solvent and analyte particles, is passed through compartments of the condenser which are interposed between the inner and outer coolant compartment. The temperature of the aerosol compartment is adjusted and controlled such that the solvent particles, which would otherwise quench the inductively coupled plasma, are condensed and stripped from the aerosol leaving a relatively stable, dry aerosol containing the desolvated analyte particles for spectrometric analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a simple, low-frequency electrodeless discharge system for atmospheric pressure afterglow generation. A single quartz tube through which a gas mixture is passed is extended beyond a concentric electrode positioned thereabout. A grounding rod is placed directly above the tube outlet to permit optical viewing of the discharge between the electrodes.