Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system for configuring an access point in a wireless network. During operation, the access point discovers one or more existing access points associated with the wireless network. The access point then obtains a set of configuration information from one existing access point, and synchronizes a local timestamp counter to a selected existing access point, thereby allowing the access point to be configured without using a centralized management station.

Abstract: A method for increasing a spectroscopic signal in a biological assay is provided. The method includes forming a suspension of magnetically attractable particles. The method also includes introducing a first magnetic field at a first location to draw the magnetically attractable particles towards the first location and form a first agglomeration. The method also includes removing the first magnetic field. The method further includes introducing a second magnetic field at a second location to draw the first agglomeration towards the second location and form a second agglomeration. The method further includes focusing an excitation source on the second agglomeration formed at the second location.

Abstract: An optofluidic device is provided. The device includes a cladding region having a first refractive index, and a channel defined by the cladding region such that the cladding region forms an inner surface or an interface of the channel. The channel is configured to house one or more of a liquid, a solid, a gas, a colloidal, or a suspension sample, wherein the sample has a second refractive index, where the channel is configured to guide radiation, and where the first refractive index is lower than the second refractive index.

Abstract: An optofluidic device is provided. The device includes a cladding region having a first refractive index, and a channel defined by the cladding region such that the cladding region forms an inner surface or an interface of the channel. The channel is configured to house one or more of a liquid, a solid, a gas, a colloidal, or a suspension sample, wherein the sample has a second refractive index, where the channel is configured to guide radiation, and where the first refractive index is lower than the second refractive index.

Abstract: A lateral flow device is disclosed. The lateral flow device includes a substrate having a flow path and a detection zone disposed along the flow path. The detection zone includes an immobilized target-binding moiety directed against a target of a Raman-active complex. Also disclosed is a method of conducting a lateral flow assay and detection system. The method includes i) defining a flow path having a detection zone; ii) flowing a sample down the flow path; and iii) immobilizing a Raman-active complex if present, at the detection zone. The sample includes a Raman-active complex or a Raman-active tag.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a Raman signal of a test sample is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first optical path, a second optical path, a first station, and a second station. The first optical path is adapted for coupling with a radiation source that produces a test beam at the first optical path. The first station is responsive to the test beam and is adapted to house a test standard. The second station is responsive to the test beam and is adapted to house the test sample. In response to the test beam, Raman radiation from the test standard and the test sample are combined and directed to the second optical path, which is adapted for coupling with a spectrometer and a detector for producing a Raman spectrum of the test sample.

Abstract: A device for identifying an unknown substance includes an optical source configured to direct a laser excitation beam at the unknown substance. A detector is configured to detect scattered light from the unknown substance and generate at least one signal representative of a scattering spectrum corresponding to at least one chemical within the unknown substance. A microprocessor is in signal communication with the detector and configured to generate a pattern representative of the at least one chemical in response to the at least one signal received from the detector to identify the chemical composition of the unknown substance. The device is configured to complete a bioassay to identify a biological nature of the unknown substance.

Abstract: A method for increasing a spectroscopic signal in a biological assay is provided. The method includes forming a suspension of magnetically attractable particles. The method also includes introducing a first magnetic field at a first location to draw the magnetically attractable particles towards the first location and form a first agglomeration. The method also includes removing the first magnetic field. The method further includes introducing a second magnetic field at a second location to draw the first agglomeration towards the second location and form a second agglomeration. The method further includes focusing an excitation source on the second agglomeration formed at the second location.

Abstract: A lateral flow device is disclosed. The lateral flow device includes a substrate having a flow path and a detection zone disposed along the flow path. The detection zone includes an immobilized target-binding moiety directed against a target of a Raman-active complex. Also disclosed is a method of conducting a lateral flow assay and detection system. The method includes i) defining a flow path having a detection zone; ii) flowing a sample down the flow path; and iii) immobilizing a Raman-active complex if present, at the detection zone. The sample includes a Raman-active complex or a Raman-active tag.

Abstract: A cargo inspection apparatus for the inspection of an analyte carried by a medium is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing having an inlet allowing for entry of the medium and an outlet allowing for exit of the medium, and an adsorber disposed within the housing in fluid communication with the medium flow from the inlet to the outlet, the adsorber includes a substrate having disposed thereon a nanoparticle film. The nanoparticle film has nanoparticles having an average particle size of equal to or less than about 500 nanometers.

Abstract: An apparatus for generating a Raman signal of a test sample is disclosed. The apparatus includes a first optical path, a second optical path, a first station, and a second station. The first optical path is adapted for coupling with a radiation source that produces a test beam at the first optical path. The first station is responsive to the test beam and is adapted to house a test standard. The second station is responsive to the test beam and is adapted to house the test sample. In response to the test beam, Raman radiation from the test standard and the test sample are combined and directed to the second optical path, which is adapted for coupling with a spectrometer and a detector for producing a Raman spectrum of the test sample.

Abstract: A cargo inspection apparatus for the inspection of an analyte carried by a medium is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing having an inlet allowing for entry of the medium and an outlet allowing for exit of the medium, and an adsorber disposed within the housing in fluid communication with the medium flow from the inlet to the outlet, the adsorber includes a substrate having disposed thereon a nanoparticle film. The nanoparticle film has nanoparticles having an average particle size of equal to or less than about 500 nanometers.

Abstract: Metal-doped sol-gel materials, suitable for use as sensors for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic analysis for trace chemical detection, are produced by effecting gelation and solvent removal of a doped sol-gel under mild temperature conditions. At least in certain instances reaction and drying will desirably be effected in an oxygen-starved environment. The metal of the sol-gel material functions, when irradiated, to produce a plasmon field for interaction with molecules of an analyte in contact therewith, increasing by orders of magnitude Raman photons that are generate by excitation radiation, and the method allows matching of the metal and metal particle size to a wavelength of light (or incident radiation, e.g., laser radiation) to generate surface plasmons. The porosity of the sol-gel material dramatically increases the surface area, and thereby the amount of metal exposed for analyte interaction.