Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide amperometric analyte sensors having membranes made from materials selected to transport analytes such as glucose to an enzyme within the sensor while simultaneously inhibiting the movement of interfering species such as acetaminophen to the electrode within the sensor. While embodiments of the invention can be used in a variety of contexts, typical embodiments of the invention include glucose or ketone sensors used in the management of diabetes.

Abstract: An atmospheric condensate collector and electrospray source apparatus. The apparatus has a cooler having a surface with a sharp point. The cooler generates a condensate from ambient atmosphere exposed to the cooler. A ground electrode is electrically and mechanically separated from the cooler. A high voltage power supply switchably provides a high voltage between the sharp point of the cooler and the ground electrode. A controller is electrically connected to the cooler power supply and the high voltage power supply. The controller controls the operation of the cooler power supply and the high voltage power supply. The atmospheric condensate collector and electrospray ionizer apparatus generates the condensate and generates particulate spray from the condensate in response to command signals issued from the controller. In some embodiments, an analyzer is provided to analyze particles of the spray to determine the chemical composition of the condensate.

Abstract: An atmospheric condensate collector and electrospray source apparatus. The apparatus has a cooler having a surface with a sharp point. The cooler generates a condensate from ambient atmosphere exposed to the cooler. A ground electrode is electrically and mechanically separated from the cooler. A high voltage power supply switchably provides a high voltage between the sharp point of the cooler and the ground electrode. A controller is electrically connected to the cooler power supply and the high voltage power supply. The controller controls the operation of the cooler power supply and the high voltage power supply. The atmospheric condensate collector and electrospray ionizer apparatus generates the condensate and generates particulate spray from the condensate in response to command signals issued from the controller. In some embodiments, an analyzer is provided to analyze particles of the spray to determine the chemical composition of the condensate.

Abstract: Systems and methods adapted for use with uncalibrated patterned surfaces for sensing any of position, displacement, velocity, acceleration, area, and volume are provided. A system includes a memory, processing electronics, and at least one readhead adapted to move relative to the surface and including a radiation source, lens, and an optical array transducer. One aspect includes generating a mapping data set representative of an intensity map of the patterned surface. Another aspect provides a variable travel speed readhead. Other aspects include multiple readheads adapted to travel in concert. Incremental and absolute sensing are provided, including systems having sub-pixel spatial resolution.

Abstract: Optical time domain reflectometry caused by absorption of a volatile or analyte into the fiber optic cladding is used an optical nose. The fiber optics (14) are covered with a gas permeable film (44) which is patterned to leave millimeter wide gas permeable notches (48a-48d). The notches contain a sensing polymer that responds to different gases by expanding or contracting.

Abstract: Integrated opto-electronic oscillators that use micro resonators in the optical section of the opto-electronic feedback loop.

Abstract: This application describes optical resonators having deposited optical material layers and optical resonators having layered structures to support whispering gallery modes.

Abstract: This application describes coupled and non-coupled opto-electronic oscillators with enhanced performance. Coupled OEOs implement a dispersion compensation mechanism to reduce dispersion-induced optical loss, a polarization control mechanism to reduce polarization-dependent optical loss, or a combination of the dispersion compensation mechanism and the polarization control mechanism to enhance the oscillator performance.

Abstract: Devices and techniques for filtering RF or microwave frequencies by optical filtering using a tunable optical filter.

Abstract: Integrated opto-electronic oscillators that use micro resonators in the optical section of the opto-electronic feedback loop.

Abstract: This application describes optical resonators substantially free of hydrogen and hydroxyl radicals and related fabrication techniques.

Abstract: Coupled opto-electronic oscillators with a whispering-gallery-mode (WGM) optical resonator inside the laser cavity to produce oscillation signals out of the optical spectral range, e.g., RF or microwave frequencies.

Abstract: Optical time domain reflectometry caused by absorption of a volatile or analyte into the fiber optic cladding is used an optical nose. The fiber optics (14) are covered with a gas permeable film (44) which is patterned to leave millimeter wide gas permeable notches (48a-48d). The notches contain a sensing polymer that responds to different gases by expanding or contracting.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope is combined with a laser induced breakdown spectrometer to provide spatially resolved chemical analysis of the surface correlated with the surface topography. Topographical analysis is achieved by scanning a sharp probe across the sample at constant distance from the surface. Chemical analysis is achieved by the means of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy by delivering pulsed laser radiation to the sample surface through the same sharp probe, and consequent collection and analysis of emission spectra from plasma generated on the sample by the laser radiation. The method comprises performing microtopographical analysis of the sample with a scanning probe, selecting a scanned topological site on the sample, generating a plasma plume at the selected scanned topological site, and measuring a spectrum of optical emission from the plasma at the selected scanned topological site.

Abstract: A two-phase etching system having an etchant solution and an overlayer of a protective solvent. The physical properties of the etchant solution and the protective solvent are matched to form a flat meniscus on the top surface of the etchant solution around a fiber immersed in the protective solvent and the etchant solution. Convective flows within the etchant solution are maintained in order to form a smooth and sharp fiber probe with a small tip apex.

Abstract: A two-phase etching system having an etchant solution and an overlayer of a protective solvent. The physical properties of the etchant solution and the protective solvent are matched to form a substantially flat meniscus on the top surface of the etchant solution around a fiber immersed in the protective solvent and the etchant solution. Convective flows within the etchant solution are maintained to form a smooth and sharp fiber probe with a small tip apex.