Abstract: A method, comprising placing a biological sample into a container for detecting a presence or an absence of at least one microorganism via testing of the biological sample within the container as directed by a processor system substantially in accordance with software executing on the processor system. The method further comprises performing at least one analysis on the biological sample within the container in an automated manner directed by the processor system. The method further comprises detecting the presence or the absence of the at least one microorganism as a result of the at least one analysis performed on the biological sample directed by the processor system.

Abstract: A method of detection of a microorganism includes selecting test parameters and preparing a sample based on at least one of the test parameters. The method includes conducting tests on the sample based on the test parameters and providing test results and related data. The test results indicate the presence or absence of the microorganism. The method includes analyzing the test results and related data, and providing qualitative and quantitative assessments of the test results and related data. The method includes adjusting the test parameters to optimize the test parameters. The method includes repeating the tests with the adjusted test parameters, and adjusting the test parameters based on analyses of the test results and related data to optimize the test parameters.

Abstract: Plasmonic gratings, along with methods of creating devices using width-graded plasmonic gratings are described. Plasmonic gratings may be transmission-type or closed-ended plasmonic gratings, and may be disposed on detectors to enhance the spectral range detection of the detectors or in further device architectures.

Abstract: Plasmonic gratings, along with methods of creating devices using width-graded plasmonic gratings are described. Plasmonic gratings may be transmission-type or closed-ended plasmonic gratings, and may be disposed on detectors to enhance the spectral range detection of the detectors or in further device architectures.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for controlling the propagation of electromagnetic radiation on conductive surfaces via the presence of coupled subwavelength conductor-dielectric unit plasmonic resonators. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the unit plasmonic resonators are selected to produce modal overlap and coupling between surface plasmons of adjacent conductive surfaces. The properties of the unit plasmonic resonators may be spatially graded to produce the slowing down and/or trapping of electromagnetic waves. Methods are provided for calculating resonant modes of structures that involve intra-resonator plasmonic coupling. Various example implementations of such devices and structures are provided.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for controlling the propagation of electromagnetic radiation on conductive surfaces via the presence of coupled subwavelength conductor-dielectric unit plasmonic resonators. In some embodiments, the dimensions of the unit plasmonic resonators are selected to produce modal overlap and coupling between surface plasmons of adjacent conductive surfaces. The properties of the unit plasmonic resonators may be spatially graded to produce the slowing down and/or trapping of electromagnetic waves. Methods are provided for calculating resonant modes of structures that involve intra-resonator plasmonic coupling. Various example implementations of such devices and structures are provided.