Abstract: The invention includes a particle detection system that detects bioparticles in a sample utilizing a sensor device that receives photoacoustic signals from a sample. The invention includes a system for distinguishing biologically active particles from non-biologically active particles in a sample utilizing a transducer to receive a laser induced photoacoustic signal from the sample and a fluorescence detector to receive laser induced fluorescence. The invention includes a method of screening a sample for the presence of one or more particle types by subjecting a sample to laser light and measuring at least one photonic response and at least one acoustic response are measured from the sample to produce a sample composite data set which is compared to a signature data set from a control sample. The invention also includes methods for detecting a change in the particle composition within a test area.

Abstract: Methods for analyzing chemicals and chemical reactions on the nanosecond to microsecond time scales. A liquid sample includes a solvent and chemical(s) of interest. A proton-emitting compound is included in the sample. A laser or other stimulating electromagnetic pulse is beamed onto the sample. The beam causes volumetric changes in the sample which produce pressure waves. The pressure waves are sensed by an acoustic detector. Beam energies and acoustic information are analyzed to extract information from the acoustic signal which is indicative of volumetric changes caused by conformational changes in the chemical of interest or by reactions between molecules.