Abstract: A method for detecting crude oil or gas in a drilling sample includes introducing a drilling sample into a sample solution containing nano particles, illuminating the sample solution comprising the drilling sample and the nano particles by a laser beam, collecting light scattered by the drilling sample and the nano particles in the sample solution, obtaining a Raman spectrum from the light scattered by the drilling sample and the nano particles in the sample solution, identifying, in the Raman spectrum, a spectral signature associated with a substance around a predetermined Raman shift, and detecting targeted chemicals correlated with crude oil or gas existence underground from where the drilling sample, based on the spectral signature of the substance in the Raman spectrum.

Abstract: An integrated chemical separation device includes a chemical separation unit configured to separate a plurality of substances in a sample solution, a mixing chamber configured to receive the plurality of substances in the sample solution at different times, a chemical separation and detection controller, and a multi-channel valve configured to direct the plurality of substances in the sample solution to the mixing chamber under the control of the chemical separation and detection controller. The chemical separation and detection controller can introduce nano particles in the mixing chambers to allow each of the plurality of substances to be adsorbed on the nano particles. A Raman scattering spectrometer unit emits a laser beam to illuminate molecules adsorbed on the surfaces of the nano particles and obtains Raman spectra from the plurality of substances.

Abstract: An optical sensor includes a substrate having an upper surface, a plurality of protrusions on the substrate, wherein each of the plurality of protrusions is defined by a base at the upper surface of the substrate and by one or more sloped surfaces oriented at oblique angles relative to the upper surface, and two or more structural layers in the sloped surfaces. The surfaces of the two or more structural layers can adsorb molecules of a chemical or biological substance.

Abstract: A method for inspecting an edible oil includes obtaining a first Raman spectrum from an edible oil sample, discovering an unhealthy, unsanitary, unsafe, or adulterated content in the edible oil sample in part by the intensity level of the fluorescence background in the first Raman spectrum, introducing the edible oil sample to nano-scale surface structures to allow molecules of the edible oil sample to be adsorbed to the nano-scale surface structures, illuminating the edible oil sample and the nano-scale surface structures by a laser beam, obtaining a second Raman spectrum from light scattered by molecules of the edible oil sample adsorbed to the nano-scale surface structures, and identifying the unhealthy, unsanitary, or unsafe content in the edible oil sample using one or more first spectral signatures in the second Raman spectrum.

Abstract: An integrated chemical separation device includes a single device body, a chemical separation unit configured to separate a chemical from a fluid, a Raman sensor substrate comprising one or more surfaces configured to be adsorbed by molecules of the chemical from the fluid, and a Raman scattering spectrometer unit that can emit a laser beam to illuminate the Raman sensor substrate and to detect the chemical from the light scattered from the Raman sensor substrate. The chemical separation unit, the Raman sensor substrate, and the Raman scattering spectrometer unit are held in or mounted to the single device body.

Abstract: An integrated chromatography-immunoassay system for integrated chromatography-immunoassay system includes a chromatographic unit that receives labeled nano-structured probes comprising nano particles and antibodies attached to the nano particles, and a test membrane comprising coating antigens. The chromatographic unit allows the labeled nano-structured probes to diffuse there through and into the test membrane, wherein the antibodies on the nano particles are bound to the coating antigens. A laser device emits a laser light to illuminate the labeled nano-structured probes having the antibodies bound to the coating antigens on the test membrane. A spectral analyzer obtains a Raman spectrum from light scattered from the labeled nano-structured probes having the antibodies bound to the coating antigens on the test membrane, and to identify a spectral signature in the Raman spectrum associated with the antibody-antigen pair, which enables detection and identification of the antibody.

Abstract: A micro structure for sensing a substance using light scattering includes a substrate, a first layer on the substrate, wherein the first layer comprises a metallic material, a second layer over the first layer, and a mask layer over the second layer. A plurality of nano holes are formed through the mask layer and the second layer, wherein the plurality of holes are defined in part by internal surfaces on the second layer and the mask layer. Two or more structure layers are formed on the mask layer and the internal surfaces in the plurality of holes. The two or more structure layers comprise different material compositions.

Abstract: A method for detecting an ingredient in a food product or detecting a disease includes allowing a food sample solution obtained from a food product or a body fluid from an individual to come to contact with a nano-scale surface structure in a sensor, wherein the nano-scale surface structure comprises a plurality of columns over a substrate or a plurality of holes in a substrate. The method includes illuminating the food sample solution or the body fluid on the nano-scale surface structure on the sensor by a laser beam; obtaining a Raman spectrum from the scattered light using a spectral analyzer; and identifying the spectral signature in the Raman spectrum to determine the existence of the chemical substance in the food product or identifying a disease in the individual.