Abstract: A method of sensing Hg and related Hg sensing system for fluid samples includes the steps of providing a sensing solution including a plurality of anisotropic Au nanoparticles, and contacting a water sample or an air sample suspected of containing Hg or a vapor stream derived from the water sample with the plurality of anisotropic Au nanoparticles. A gold amalgam compound is generated when Hg is present in the sample. The presence, and optionally the concentration, of Hg in the sample are then determined using an optical method based on a change in at least one of absorption, reflectance and scattering of the solution. In a related inventive embodiment a filter for water treatment and remediation including the removal of Hg includes a first flow through grid having a Hg reducing material thereon on an inlet side of the filter and at least one flow through second grid including a surface having amalgamating material downstream from the first grid.

Abstract: A method of sensing glucose in subjects includes the steps of providing a sensing solution including a plurality of metal ions, introducing a bodily fluid sample from a subject into the sensing solution. An optically-based measurable derived from directing incident light on the solution is generated. The concentration of glucose in the bodily fluid using the measurable is then determined which permits the blood glucose level to be derived.

Abstract: A useful optical device to provide continuously variable rotation of polarization of linearly polarized light in a wavelength-independent manner. This device features a cell of twisted nematic liquid crystal sandwiched between an input window and a rotatable output window, both with surfaces prepared so as to orient the nematic liquid crystal molecules. This optical device has different applications such as: variable-angle polarization rotator; using broad band polarizers as an energy attenuator; working in both cases as a wavelength independent and temporal pulse width independent device. The low cost, the very wide field of view, the wavelength and pulse width independence, the high efficiency, and its mechanical simplicity make of this new optical device a very useful and novel invention.