Abstract: An evanescent-field sensor system and method of using the system to detect either liquid- or airborne biological pathogens, chemical agents, and other harmful or toxic species is provided. The sensor system involves 1) an evanescent-field sensor having a substrate surface with at least a partial bio- or chemo-responsive layer, which forms a part of a serially renewable sensing region; 2) an optical interrogation apparatus for monitoring the bio- or chemo-responsive layer; and 3) an air-fluid delivery system. The optical interrogation apparatus has a light source, an optical delivery system, and a detection instrument or device. The air-fluid delivery system includes either macro or micro-fluidic passages designed to convey biological or chemical analytes to a sensing region.

Abstract: An evanescent-field sensor system and method of using the system to detect either liquid- or airborne biological pathogens, chemical agents, and other harmful or toxic species is provided. The sensor system involves 1) an evanescent-field sensor having a substrate surface with at least a partial bio- or chemo-responsive layer, which forms a part of a serially renewable sensing region; 2) an optical interrogation apparatus for monitoring the bio- or chemo-responsive layer; and 3) an air-fluid delivery system. The optical interrogation apparatus has a light source, an optical delivery system, and a detection instrument or device. The air-fluid delivery system includes either macro or micro-fluidic passages designed to convey biological or chemical analytes to a sensing region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining an identity of at least one constituent on a soot that is deposited on a substrate is disclosed. The method includes the steps of sending a pulse of energy toward the substrate, focusing the energy to a predetermined point on the substrate to thereby generate a plasma on the substrate and to create at least one photon, detecting the photon using an analysis element, and identifying the constituent in the soot. The method may also include the step of determining the concentration of the constituent. Furthermore, the method may be used to determine the identity and concentration of at least one reactant in a flame of a burner or a reactant stream.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for splicing optical waveguide fibers to achieve a splice with minimum attenuation wherein light providing an alignment signal is inserted through the cladding and into the core of a first end section, transmitted into the core of the second end section, and extracted from and monitored at the second end section, with splicing being accomplished after the ends have been moved to a position providing an intensity maximum in the extracted signal.