Abstract: Apparatus including an optical signal generator, a data transmission path, and an optical signal receiver. Optical signal generator includes a coherent light source for generating a spectrum of carrier signals at different carrier frequencies, an optical demultiplexer that receives and separates the different carrier signals into separate optical paths, a pair of optical modulators located in each of the separate optical paths to modulate each different carrier signal with a data signal and produce an upper and lower sideband pair at each of the different carrier frequencies, and an optical interleaver to combine the upper and lower sideband pairs into an optical super-channel of interleaved sub-bands. Optical signal receiver includes a demodulator for extracting the data signals. Optical modulators are configured to reuse each carrier signal to transmit different data in each of the upper sideband and the lower sideband and increase the capacity of the super-channel. Also a method.

Abstract: A microfluidics device to provide real time monitoring of platelet aggregation of a biological sample obtained from a subject. The device comprises a channel configured for passage of the biological sample, the channel comprising a protrusion configured to induce an upstream region of shear acceleration coupled to a downstream region of shear deceleration and defining there-between a region of peak rate of shear, the downstream region of shear deceleration defining a zone of platelet aggregation. The device further comprises a platelet detection means for detecting aggregation of platelets in the zone of aggregation as a result of passage of the biological sample through the channel. Methods to assess real time platelet aggregation of a biological sample obtained from a subject are further described.