Abstract: A substance analysis system and method are provided, the system disposable a variable stand-off distance from a substance in situ, including an emitter disposed to emit radiation onto the substance in situ, and a detector disposed the variable stand-off distance from the substance in situ, the detector comprising a receiver defining a substantially collimated collection path over the variable stand-off distance.

Abstract: An auditing system (10) is provided for detecting at least one unauthorized operational activity in at least one website, and includes a processor coupled to at least one database (34) for storing data related to the at least one unauthorized operational activity. The processor is programmed to detect the at least one unauthorized operational activity in the at least one website using a monitoring module (22) configured to monitor the at least one website via a network (16) and provide unauthorized operational status information about the at least one website using a plurality of status messages generated based on the data, and a detection module (24) configured to examine the plurality of status messages and detect an anomaly caused by the at least one unauthorized operational activity.

Abstract: Analytical instrument inductors are provided that can include bundled wired conductive material about a substrate. Analytical instrument inductors are also provided that can include: a tubular substrate defining a plurality of flanges extending outwardly from a core of the substrate wherein opposing flanges define portions of the core; at least one pair of wires wound about a first portion of the core and between at least two flanges, the pair of wires extending to and wound about a second portion of the core; and wherein the one pair of wires are operatively coupled to an analytical instrument to provide inductance. Methods for preparing an instrument inductor are provided. The methods can include bundling wires about and within multiple exterior openings of a hollow-cored substrate; and connecting each of the bundles across the openings.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems for detecting a substance are disclosed. One system includes a light source, an optical cavity, a cavity detector, and a processor. The light source generates a beam of electro-magnetic radiation, wherein a wavelength of the beam of electro-magnetic radiation is tuned to operate at multiple wavelengths. The optical cavity receives the beam of electro-magnetic radiation, wherein the physical characteristics of the cavity define a plurality of allowed axial-plus-transverse electro-magnetic radiation modes, wherein only a subset of the allowed axial-plus-transverse electro-magnetic radiation modes are excited when the optical cavity receives the beam of electro-magnetic radiation. The cavity detector senses electro-magnetic radiation emanating from the optical cavity.

Abstract: A method of distinguishing effective pulses from test pulses in a scintillation detector that generates measurement light pulses includes providing a regularly-pulsed test light source that produces individual test light pulses having a time-dependent course of relative light intensity, which differs from a time-dependent course of relative light intensity of the measurement light pulses. The test light pulses are provided to a light detector for measurement of the test light pulses. The time-dependent courses of the relative light intensities of the test light pulses are analyzed. The measured pulses are separated into the test light pulses and the measurement light pulses according to the different time-dependent courses of the relative light intensities. The detector includes a scintillator, a light detector, a regularly-pulsed test light source that is adapted provide test light pulses to the light detector for measurement, and an electronic measuring circuit.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided to determine the presence of trace chemicals corresponding to various materials of interest. In one example, a method includes receiving a vapor-phase nitric acid precursor. The vapor-phase nitric acid precursor is subsequently hydrolyzed in the presence of an acid catalyst to form nitric acid. The nitric acid is then received at a chemical reporter of a chemical detector. A response of the chemical reporter to the nitric acid is detected by the chemical reporter to determine whether materials of interest are present. Additional methods and related devices are also provided.

Abstract: A leak detecting device for a fluid filled vessel including a housing having a continuous perimeter edge sized to extend around an underwater surface, the housing forming a hollow interior, an anchoring attachment extending through an aperture in the housing for immovably anchoring the housing to the underwater surface, a resilient member secured to the perimeter edge of the housing and adapted to contact and form a seal between the housing and the underwater surface, and an inlet forming an opening through an entirety of a wall of the housing accessible from an exterior of the housing.

Abstract: A sample inlet device and methods for use of the sample inlet device are described that include an ion funnel having a plurality of electrodes with apertures arranged about an axis extending from an inlet of the ion funnel to an outlet of the ion funnel, the ion funnel including a plurality of spacer elements disposed coaxially with the plurality of electrodes, each of the plurality of spacer elements being positioned between one or two adjacent electrodes, each of the plurality of spacer elements having an aperture with a diameter that is greater than a diameter of each adjacent electrode. The ion funnel is configured to pass an ion sample through the apertures of the electrodes and the spacer elements to additional portions of a detection system, such as to a mass analyzer system and detector.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to optical devices that can collect and detect signal emissions effectively while allowing the excitation light path and the sample flow path to coexist non-obstructively in a compact format. The device has various embodiments, such as an embodiment including a plurality of reporters disposed on a sensing surface, wherein each one of the plurality of reporters is configured to react with a least one target analyte, a hyperspectral detection module configured to capture hyperspectral image data corresponding to the plurality of reporters, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive the hyperspectral image data from the hyperspectral detection module and generate a temporal spectral signature corresponding to each one of the plurality of reporters from the received hyperspectral image data.

Abstract: A leak detecting device for water filled vessel such as a swimming pool. An annular resilient seal having a central opening contacts the surface of the vessel under water and creates a seal between the resilient seal and the vessel. A rigid housing open in its interior is coupled to the resilient seal and has an opening for an inlet to deliver fluid into the interior of the housing, or couple a flow meter thereto to measure the fluid flow, or deliver a dye into the housing and through the central opening of the resilient seal.

Abstract: Analytical instruments are provided that can include a sample inlet component with the sample inlet component including a first sampling port; a plurality of sample capturing assemblies; and a first valve assembly in fluid communication with both the sampling port and the sample capturing assemblies. The instrument can further include a sample analysis component in fluid communication with the first valve assembly of the sample inlet component; and an instrument control component in controlling communication with both the sample inlet component and the analysis component. Instrumental analysis methods are provided that can include continuously providing sample to at least one of a plurality of sample capturing assemblies; and selectively analyzing the contents of at least one of the plurality of sample capturing assemblies.

Abstract: An ion transfer tube assembly, a mass spectrometry system, and a method for providing an ion stream to an ion detection device are described that include using an ion transfer tube that provides a coaxial sheath gas flow. In an implementation, an ion transfer tube assembly includes an ion transfer tube for delivering the ion stream, where a sheath gas flows through the ion transfer tube, and where the ion transfer tube receives the ion stream from a first conduit coupled to an ion source; a pump fluidly coupled to the ion transfer tube, where the pump causes the sheath gas to flow through the ion transfer tube, where the ion stream is separated from the ion transfer tube walls by the coaxial sheath gas flow, and where the ion stream is received by a second conduit coupled to the ion detection device.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for optical spectrometer detection using, for example, IR spectroscopy components and Raman spectroscopy components are described. For instance, a system includes a first electromagnetic radiation source configured to illuminate a sample with a first portion of electromagnetic radiation in a first region of the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., an IR source) and a second electromagnetic radiation source configured to illuminate a sample with a second portion of electromagnetic radiation in a second substantially monochromatic region of the electromagnetic spectrum (e.g., a laser source). The system also includes a detector module configured to detect a sample constituent of a sample by analyzing a characteristic of electromagnetic radiation reflected from the sample associated with the first electromagnetic radiation source and a characteristic of electromagnetic radiation reflected from the sample associated with the second electromagnetic radiation source.

Abstract: Provided herein are improved solid phase micro-extraction (SPME) devices, systems comprising such devices, and methods of use and manufacture thereof. In particular, SPME devices provided herein are configured to prevent damage (e.g., to the device and/or to a system in which they are employed) incurred, for example, through user error.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein related to devices and methods for the collection and/or determination of analytes, such as illicit substances including military explosives, explosives, and precursors thereof. In some cases, the device may be a disposable device that incorporates highly efficient sample collection in combination with microfluidic-based chemical analysis resulting in the rapid detection and identification of unknown materials. In some cases, multiple colorimetric detection chemistries may be employed, and the resulting “barcode” of color changes can be used to positively identify the presence and/or identity of the analyte.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods using silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) based radiation detectors to detect radiation in an environment. An SiPM-based radiation detection system may include a number of detector assemblies, each including at least one scintillator providing light to a corresponding SiPM in response to ionizing radiation entering the scintillator. The radiation detection system may include a logic device and a number of other electronic modules to facilitate reporting, calibration, and other processes. The logic device may be adapted to process detection signals from the SiPMs to implement different types of radiation detection procedures. The logic device may also be adapted to use a communication module to report detected radiation to an indicator, a display, and/or a user interface.

Abstract: A method for efficiently decontaminating surfaces is provided comprising applying an indicator to a surface wherein the indicator provides an observable or machine readable response when a contamination is present on the surface, wherein the response is located relative to a location of the contamination; and decontaminating the location of the contamination, and optionally rechecking the location of the initial contamination post decontamination to ensure that the surface is free of contamination.