Abstract: A sensor and method for the rapid detection of fluoride containing gaseous species specifically the chemical warfare agents Sarin and Soman nerve gas, in which a chemically sensitive composition containing dye indicator molecules complexed with a heavy metal salt is exposed to an environment under surveillance for toxic gasses. In one embodiment the sensing composition is introduced into a polymer-based substrate. The detection composition reacts with hydrogen fluoride which is a decomposition by-product of Sarin and Soman gas so as to change the color of the dye indicator, in one embodiment being pentamethoxy red, that is to change the color of the polymer-based substrate from colorless to a dark purple color. The complex of pentamethoxy red with the exemplary heavy metal salt, zirconyl chloride, is specific for Sarin and Soman nerve gas; it does not react to certain other toxic gases.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for the robust passive detection of airborne toxins using a colorimetric sensor coating onto a optically transparent substrate. In certain embodiments, the substrate is affixed to an adhesive material (tape). In certain embodiments, the sensor and substrate are transparent. In various embodiments, multiple sensors are coated onto selected substrate for the simultaneous detection of multiple toxins. In various embodiments, the sensed or detected toxins include a number of chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals. In various implementations, the tape is affixed to a remote surface, which may be visually monitored by a camera directly by focusing the camera on the tape or may be affixed to a camera lens by an adhesive backing, such that colorimetric sensor changes may be observed through the lens itself.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system which adds biochemical sensitivity to a standard biopsy needle such that the practitioner is provided immediate feedback on the metabolism and physiology of tissue in the local environment. Disclosed is a sensor integrated biopsy device for in situ and real time tissue analysis. The sensor integrated biopsy (SIB) needle system will enable biopsy teams to measure local tissue biochemistry in real time during biopsy procedures, adding a valuable new set of parameters to augment and extend conventional image-guided procedures.

Abstract: An unmanned vehicle operated autonomously or by remotely piloting incorporates an onboard camera which is affixed with clear tape coated with a chemical colorimetric sensor dye sensitive to chemical warfare agents. Chemical warfare agents are detected by visual review or autonomous measurement of sensor color changes while the unmanned vehicle travels through a region suspected of having chemical warfare agents present. In various implementations, the sensor output color changes may be visually monitored by a vehicle operator viewing the camera image from a remote location. In various embodiments, the detection of chemical warfare agents may be confirmed by processing the coated tape with a calibrated opto-electronic reader.

Abstract: A system, probe and method accurately measure the strain or extension of a fastener that occurs as a nut on the fastener is tightened and the fastener is put under load. The measurement technique is based on measurement of the time for an ultrasonic wave generated on one end of the fastener to travel a round trip through the fastener. As the fastener is tightened, the applied stress causes an associated increase in length. This length can be determined from a measurement of the increase in transit time. In various embodiments, the disclosed device and method uses laser ultrasonic testing (LUT), in which a pulsed laser generates the ultrasonic wave and a type of laser vibrometer detects the wave when it returns to the position of generation following a combination of longitudinal and shear wave reflections, which result in a higher magnitude and more easily and precisely measurable reflected signal peak than a signal peak associated with a signal directly reflected against the opposite end of the fastener.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of a lateral flow test strip (LFTS) platform which measure osteocalcin (OC) and deoxypyridinoline (Dpd) in saliva to identify early indications of bone loss and minimize bone fracture risk associated with osteoporosis. The OC assay embodiments are based on the experimentally identified optimal markers which exhibit selectivity with very low false positives, and sensitivity relevant to clinical requirements. A prospective clinical study sampling of 20 patients demonstrated excellent correlation of OC in saliva with bone mineral density (BMD). Salivary OC and Dpd levels were validated with a standard commercial ELISA kit against serum (OC) and urine (Dpd).

Abstract: Distributed fiber optic chemical and physical sensors provide a relatively highly uniform response over the length of the fiber by, for example, varying such properties as the core/cladding index of refraction ratio to compensate for the non-linearity in sensitivity due to the loss of higher order modes in multi-mode fibers. The variation of the ratio changes the absorption coefficient of the fiber and can be used to compensate for any non-linearity in response. Other techniques for compensation also are disclosed.

Abstract: A photonic band-gap (PBG) light-emitting fiber, including two-dimensional PBG structures in an environmentally robust glass matrix. The fiber limits photon emission to directions collinear with the fiber core to increase fluorescence and scintillation collection efficiency. The PBG structures are comprised of a plurality of high refractive index inclusions to increase the light-trapping efficiency of the fiber.

Abstract: Systems and methods using a spectrometer system for real-time automatic evaluation of tissue injury are described. A method of assessing an injury to tissue comprises reflecting an electromagnetic signal from the tissue to produce a reflected electromagnetic signal; producing spectral data pertaining to the intensities of individual wavelengths of the reflected electromagnetic signal; analyzing the spectral data to obtain a set of results; and providing an indication of the nature of the injury to the tissue based upon the set of results.

Abstract: An optical fiber waveguide including a selected period reflection grating structure for coupling the forward propagating mode of an optical signal transmitted through the waveguide into a backward propagating interfacial mode where a substantial portion of the optical signal is propagated in the cladding region of the fiber.

Abstract: The inner eye of a surgical patient is illuminated by incorporating an optical fiber in a ring configuration imbedded into or attached to a contact lens. The viewing surface of the lens if planar to optimize the surgeon's view. The opposite surface of the lens is curved to conform to the patient's eye. A solution conduit irrigates the eye. The apparatus is easily positioned and easily directed. The apparatus also is sufficiently inexpensive to be disposable.