Abstract: An optical coherence tomography system for imaging a sample is configured so as to illuminate a region of interest of the sample with incident light from an optical source. The optical coherence tomography system is further configured so as to interfere, on an optical detector, reference light from the optical source with offset returning light emerging from the sample along an offset collection path which is spatially offset from the region of interest of the sample, thereby creating interference on the optical detector.

Abstract: An organic thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) compound selected from the group consisting of compounds according to formula (Ia) and formula (Ib): wherein: Het is a heteroaryl group containing at least one heteroatom; n(D) denotes n donor groups D bonding to the heteroaryl group Het; n is at least 1; and -a and -b denotes bonding to another group.

Abstract: A light sheet imaging system, such as a light sheet microscope, comprises an illumination arrangement for generating a light sheet for three-photon excitation of a fluorescent sample, and a fluorescence collection arrangement for collecting fluorescence generated in the sample as a result of three-photon excitation by the light sheet. The light sheet may be a non-diffractive, propagation-invariant light sheet. The light sheet may be formed from and/or comprise a Bessel beam. A method of light sheet imaging comprises using a light sheet for three-photon excitation of a fluorescent sample, and collecting fluorescence generated in the sample as a result of three-photon excitation of the sample by the light sheet. Such a method may be used for light sheet microscopy.

Abstract: A method for determining a spring constant/rigidity of a cantilever of a known shape, the method involving: measuring a resonance frequency of the cantilever in a plurality of static equilibrium positions in which the shape of the cantilever is different and determining a spring constant and/or rigidity of the cantilever using the measured frequencies. The resonance frequency may be at least one of a torsional and lateral resonance frequency.

Abstract: A gyroscope and method for navigating using the gyroscope can include a substrate that can define a cavity. The cavity can be placed under a vacuum, and a birefringent microrotor can be located in the cavity. A light source can direct light through the substrate and into the cavity to establish an optical spring effect, which act on the microrotor to establish an initial reference position, as well as to establish rotational and translational motion of said microrotor. A receiver can detect light that has passed through said cavity. Changes in light patterns that can be detected at the receiver can be indicative of a change in position of the microrotor. The change and rate of change in position of the microrotor can be used for inertial navigation.

Abstract: A holographic security or identification device (10) comprises an object, or a flexible substrate (12) configured to be conformable to a desired, curved shape; and a plurality of structures (14) formed on or in the object to have a desired curved configuration, or formed in or associated with the substrate and arranged to adopt a desired curved configuration when the substrate is conformed to a desired shape, wherein the plurality of structures (14) are configured to receive light (20) of a selected at least one wavelength or range of wavelengths and to produce, using the received light, a desired holographic image (22) for security or identification purposes when in the desired configuration.

Abstract: An optical system for generating an Airy beam light sheet comprising an optical arrangement for generating a Gaussian beam, and an optical element for converting the Gaussian beam into an Airy beam light sheet, wherein a single optical element is provided for converting the Gaussian beam into an Airy beam light sheet.

Abstract: A micro-fluidic system comprising means for optically trapping a particle and a Raman excitation source for causing Raman scatter from the particle whilst it is in the optical trap.

Abstract: An optical system comprising trapping optics for forming an optical trap using counter propagating beams of light and light sheet imaging optics for light sheet imaging a particle, for example a cell, that is positioned in the optical trap, wherein the wavelength of the counter propagating beams of light and the wavelength of the light used for light sheet imaging are non-interfering.

Abstract: A system for measuring a liquid sample comprising biological material, the system comprising an integrating light collector for collecting light and for at least partially containing the sample; a light source for introducing light in the integrating light collector; a signal generator or modulator configured to cause a known modulation of the light output by the light source; a phase-sensitive detector for detecting scattered light in the integrating light collector; at least one of an exit port to allow un-scattered light to exit the integrating light collector, a beam dump, or a baffle arranged to absorb unscattered light; and a processor configured to analyse the detected modulated light to determine changes in the detected modulated light as a function of time thereby to determine at least one of: drug susceptibility of the biological material; a change in a number of cells in the sample; a change in cell state; a change in the biological material.

Abstract: A system for measuring a sample comprising: an integrating sphere light collector (12) for collecting light and containing the sample; a light source (24) for introducing light in the integrating sphere light collector (12), wherein the light source (24) is operable to output light with a known modulation, preferably by using a signal generator (26); a detector (22) for detecting scattered light in the integrating sphere light collector (12) and generating a signal indicative of the scattered light, and a lock-in amplifier (28) operable use the known light modulation and the signal generated by the detector (22) to provide an output for analysis.

Abstract: This invention relates to an engineered leader-independent heterocyclase (also known as a cyclodehydratase) comprising a defined cyanobactin leader sequence which drives the efficient conversion of heterocyclisable amino acids, such as Ser, Thr and Cys, within a peptide substrate lacking a leader sequence into heterocycles produce a homogenous heterocycle-containing product. This may be useful in biotechnology and chemical synthesis.

Abstract: Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence (TADF) compounds wherein two aromatic heterocyclic moieties are provided as acceptor groups, spaced apart from two donor moieties by an aromatic spacer ring, are described. Charged organic TADF species having a similar structure are also described. The TADF compounds and charged organic TADF species may be employed as emitter material in light emitting devices such as OLEDs and LEECs. Also described TADF compounds wherein at least one donor moiety is substituted by at least one substituent that is a phosphine oxide or a phosphine sulphide.

Abstract: An optical apparatus comprising a disposable non-magnetic optical fibre probe for coupling light into a sample and receiving light from the sample for performing Raman spectroscopy, and a non-magnetic optical extension releasably connected to the disposable non-magnetic optical probe for transmitting light into the disposable non-magnetic optical probe and receiving light from the disposable non-magnetic optical probe.

Abstract: A light sheet imaging system comprises an acoustic trapping arrangement for forming an acoustic trap using one or more acoustic beams and an optical system for light sheet imaging a sample positioned in the acoustic trap. A light sheet imaging method comprises forming an acoustic trap using one or more acoustic beams and light sheet imaging a sample positioned in the acoustic trap. The system and/or the method may be used for light sheet microscopy using acoustic trapping for the contactless confinement of a sample to be imaged such as a particle, a colloid, a cell, a conglomerate of cells (e.g. a cell biopsy), an embryo, a larva or an organism such as a complex organism or a plurality of such samples.

Abstract: An optical system for generating an Airy beam light sheet comprising an optical arrangement for generating a Gaussian beam, and an optical element for converting the Gaussian beam into an Airy beam light sheet, wherein a single optical element is provided for converting the Gaussian beam into an Airy beam light sheet.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography system for imaging a sample is configured so as to illuminate a region of interest of the sample with incident light from an optical source. The optical coherence tomography system is further configured so as to interfere, on an optical detector, reference light from the optical source with offset returning light emerging from the sample along an offset collection path which is spatially offset from the region of interest of the sample, thereby creating interference on the optical detector.

Abstract: Disclosed are metal organic framework materials (MOFs), comprising an extra-framework NO releasing compound within the internal pores and/or channels of the MOF, the NO-releasing compounds and their preparation and uses. The MOFs and NO-releasing compounds are capable of releasing NO on application of an external stimulus and may provide materials with multiple modes of antibacterial and/or drug action.

Abstract: A light sheet optical system comprising means for forming a light sheet using a non-diffractive or quasi non-diffractive and/or propagation invariant beam that has an asymmetric intensity beam profile transverse to the direction of propagation, such as an Airy beam.

Abstract: A Raman spectroscopic detection device comprising at least one microfluidic sample channel; at least one excitation waveguide for exciting a Raman signal and at least one collection waveguide for collecting a Raman signal. The output of the excitation waveguide and the input of the collection waveguide are positioned directly in the microfluidic sample channel.