Abstract: A differential microdischarge detector system. The system comprises two microdischarge detectors (MDDs). One of the MDDs is connected to receive sample analytes to be measured, while the other MDD is connected to receive a reference sample that contains interfering gases and none or a much lower concentration of the sample analytes to be measured. The outputs of the two MDD's are fed to a circuit that generates either a difference or a ratio between the measurements of the two MDDs. In addition, the current, impedance or voltage across the electrodes of the two MDDs may be measured and processed to generate either a difference or a ratio signal, thus obtaining additional information about the sample gas analytes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to detector structures for use in a micro gas analyzer, preferably in a differential setup. The detector structures may comprise one or more detector types, such as photo-ionization (PID), electron capture (ECD), ion mobility (IMS), differential mobility (DMS), ion-trap mass spectrometer (ITMS), in which all are provided with ions and electrons from one vacuum ultra violet (VUV) source. This source may also provide ions for ion-based gas pumps.

Abstract: An optical spectrometer having a multi-wafer structure. The structure may be fabricated with MEMS technology. The spectrometer may be integrated with a fluid analyzer. A reflective grating such as a diffraction or holographic grating situated on the circumference of a Rowland circle along with a point of light emission and a detector may be a configuration of the spectrometer. Some configurations may use an external light source where the light may be optically conveyed to the point of emission on the circle. There may be a Raman configuration where an interaction of light with a sample or an interactive film of a channel in a fluid analyzer is the point of light emission for the spectrometer. In some configurations of the spectrometer, the grating and/or the film may be reflective or transmissive.

Abstract: The invention provides photonic crystal optical demultiplexer devices produced from a three-dimensionally-periodic, porous, dielectric, photonic crystalline structure, which has surfaces or interfaces that are inverse replicas of the surfaces of a monodispersed sphere array. Such a photonic crystal optical demultiplexer comprises a three-dimensionally-periodic, porous, dielectric, photonic crystalline structure, which structure has surfaces or interfaces that are inverse replicas of the surfaces of a monodispersed sphere array, wherein necks exists between neighboring spheres in said sphere array and the average sphere diameter does not exceed about 1000 nm. A first optical waveguide is positioned to direct a broad wavelength band of incident light onto the crystalline structure. A second optical waveguide positioned to receive a narrow wavelength band of reflected light from the crystalline structure.

Abstract: The invention provides photonic crystal optical demultiplexer devices produced from a three-dimensionally-periodic, porous, dielectric, photonic crystalline structure, which has surfaces or interfaces that are inverse replicas of the surfaces of a monodispersed sphere array. Such a photonic crystal optical demultiplexer comprises a three-dimensionally-periodic, porous, dielectric, photonic crystalline structure, which structure has surfaces or interfaces that are inverse replicas of the surfaces of a monodispersed sphere array, wherein necks exists between neighboring spheres in said sphere array and the average sphere diameter does not exceed about 1000 nm. A first optical waveguide is positioned to direct a broad wavelength band of incident light onto the crystalline structure. A second optical waveguide positioned to receive a narrow wavelength band of reflected light from the crystalline structure.