Abstract: A method for measuring a sample to identify a chemical includes receiving respective spectra for each of a plurality of chemicals. Using a processor, a plurality of binary mathematical filters are computed using the received spectra. A spatial light modulator is adjusted according to a selected mathematical filter. Light that has interacted with the sample is dispersed over the surface of the spatial light modulator, so that the spatial light modulator provides light at wavelengths corresponding to the selected mathematical filter. The light provided by the spatial light modulator is measured to provide a score corresponding to the selected mathematical filter. Filter scores are combined to determine a chemical amount. The processor can operate detection apparatus having a light source, an objective for focusing source light onto the sample, a spatial light modulator, and a detector for detecting the modulator output.

Abstract: A method of differentiating tumors from healthy cells in tissue is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a marker-folate conjugate, placing the marker-folate conjugate in contact with the tissue and viewing the tissue.

Abstract: A method for measuring a sample to identify a chemical includes receiving respective spectra for each of a plurality of chemicals. Using a processor, a plurality of binary mathematical filters are computed using the received spectra. A spatial light modulator is adjusted according to a selected mathematical filter. Light that has interacted with the sample is dispersed over the surface of the spatial light modulator, so that the spatial light modulator provides light at wavelengths corresponding to the selected mathematical filter. The light provided by the spatial light modulator is measured to provide a score corresponding to the selected mathematical filter. Filter scores are combined to determine a chemical amount. The processor can operate detection apparatus having a light source, an objective for focusing source light onto the sample, a spatial light modulator, and a detector for detecting the modulator output.

Abstract: A method of differentiating tumors from healthy cells in tissue is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a marker-folate conjugate, placing the marker-folate conjugate in contact with the tissue and viewing the tissue.

Abstract: A labeling reagent having a distinct Raman, or surface enhanced Raman, spectral signature is used for the control and analysis samples. The labeling reagents can be fluorescent dyes with different isotopic substituents, such as the substitution of some hydrogen atoms for deuterium atoms. Such labeling does not have any detectable effect on separation retention. Raman spectroscopy is used for detection purposes. By combining SERS and SERRS, a concentration ratio prediction error of less than 3% can be obtained over four orders of magnitude of total concentration with up to a factor of 3 concentration ratio range. The method is reliable, reproducible and more sensitive than methods based on absolute SERS/SERRS intensity correlations, with no internal standard, or using a different molecule (rather than an IEIS) as a SERS/SERRS internal standard.

Abstract: Instruments for molecular detection at the nano-molar to femto-molar concentration level include a longitudinal capillary column (10) of known wall thickness and diameter. The column (10) contains a medium (24) including a target molecule (30) and a plurality of optically interactive dielectric beads (26) on the order of about 10?6 meters up to about 10?3 meters and/or metal nanoparticles (31) on the order of 1-500 nm. A flow inducer (34) causes longitudinal movement of the target molecule within the column (10). A laser (14) introduces energy laterally with respect to the column (10) at a wavelength and in a direction selected to have a resonant mode within the capillary column wall (12) and couple to the medium (24). A detector (40) is positioned to detect Raman scattering occurring along the column (10) due to the presence of the target molecule.

Abstract: Micro-droplets of liquid confining organic molecules of interest are dried on selected planar solvo-phobic substrates under conditions facilitating segregated precipitation of the larger, less soluable analytes toward edge portions of the deposit. Micro-spectrometer imaging using white light and FTIR false color can identify points of interest, and the same optics generally directed perpendicularly to the substrates selectively captures normal Raman spectra from selected points in the deposit. The spectra are manipulated using various data techniques to extract reliable information concerning analytes present at pico-Molar levels. The selected spots can also be subjected to FTIR spectroscopy followed by MALDI mass spectroscopy to obtain a variety of information from the identical specimen.

Abstract: Micro-droplets of liquid confining organic molecules of interest are dried on selected planar solvo-phobic substrates under conditions facilitating segregated precipitation of the larger, less soluable analytes toward edge portions of the deposit. Micro-spectrometer imaging using white light and FTIR false color can identify points of interest, and the same optics generally directed perpendicularly to the substrates selectively captures normal Raman spectra from selected points in the deposit. The spectra are manipulated using various data techniques to extract reliable information concerning analytes present at pico-Molar levels. The selected spots can also be subjected to FTIR spectroscopy followed by MALDI mass spectroscopy to obtain a variety of information from the identical specimen.

Abstract: An adaptive surface for supporting an analyte to be examined, includes a support layer, a metal island layer, and an adhesive layer by which the metal island layer is attached to the support layer, the adhesive layer and metal island layer being interactive with an analyte containing solution to permit movement of at least some of the islands on the adhesive layer into increasingly close proximity during drying of the analyte solution.

Abstract: Instruments for molecular detection at the nano-molar to femto-molar concentration level include a longitudinal capillary column (10) of known wall thickness and diameter. The column (10) contains a medium (24) including a target molecule (30) and a plurality of optically interactive dielectric beads (26) on the order of about 10?6 meters up to about 10?3 meters and/or metal nanoparticles (31) on the order of 1-500 nm. A flow inducer (34) causes longitudinal movement of the target molecule within the column (10). A laser (14) introduces energy laterally with respect to the column (10) at a wavelength and in a direction selected to have a resonant mode within the capillary column wall (12) and couple to the medium (24). A detector (40) is positioned to detect Raman scattering occurring along the column (10) due to the presence of the target molecule.

Abstract: A method of differentiating tumors from healthy cells in tissue is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a marker-folate conjugate, placing the marker-folate conjugate in contact with the tissue and viewing the tissue.

Abstract: A method of differentiating tumors from healthy cells in tissue is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing a marker-folate conjugate, placing the marker-folate conjugate in contact with the tissue and viewing the tissue.

Abstract: A hand-held material identification apparatus 10 uses a spectrograph and detector array detecting a Raman spectrum produced by a sample illuminated by a laser source to recognize a variety of materials with a command to recognition time cycle of about one second or less. The width of the spectrum detected by each detector in the array is less than ¼th the excitation source wavelength deviation to permit smoothing of the spectrum detected by the discrete spectral elements to eliminate pixel noise without loss of Raman spectral information. The Raman spectra are produced by materials illuminated by an inexpensive near-infrared multimode laser operated in a pulse mode to deliver between 0.05 and 0.5 joules of photon energy, with the Raman spectra being detected before any significant heating of the sample occurs.