Abstract: A flow cell is disclosed for collecting and concentrating a sample dispersed in a flowing medium. The collected sample can be selectively manipulated within the cell by the use of one or more traveling wave grids. The cells are particularly useful as bio-enrichment devices and can be utilized upstream of conventional analytical or detection instruments.

Abstract: A compact sensor for detecting the presence of biological or chemical species includes a microdisk laser and a wavelength shift detector. The microdisk laser is coated with a biological or chemical recognition element, which binds preferentially with a target analyte. Because the recognition element and the target analyte adhere to the sidewall surface of the microdisk laser, they increase the effective diameter of the laser, which shifts the output wavelength by a detectable amount. The presence of a wavelength shift indicates the presence of the target analyte, and the magnitude of the wavelength shift corresponds to the mass load of the target analyte on the sidewall surface of the microdisk laser.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting and concentrating bioagents within a continuously flowing fluid medium includes a flow channel fluid inlet, in which bioagents are concentrated from three dimensions to a two-dimensional transport layer in a preconcentration area. Traveling wave grids cause the preconcentrated bioagents to migrate to one side of the flow channel and then to an extraction port. Each of the traveling wave grids includes a substrate, a collection of closely spaced and parallel electrically conductive electrodes extending across said substrate, and a collection of buses providing electrical communication with the collection of conductive electrodes. A voltage controller provides a multiphase electrical signal to the collection of buses and electrodes of the traveling wave grids. Fluid exits through an outlet port.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for extracting and concentrating bioagents within a fluid medium includes a container with sample solution inlet port and traveling wave grids patterned on surfaces of the container. The traveling wave grids cause bioagents to migrate to a specified surface within the container and then to an extraction port. The traveling wave grids include a substrate, across which extend a collection of closely spaced and parallel electrically conductive electrodes, and a collection of buses providing electrical communication with the collection of conductive electrodes. A voltage controller provides a multiphase electrical signal to the collection of buses and electrodes of the traveling wave grids.

Abstract: A compact sensor for detecting the presence of biological or chemical species includes a microdisk laser and a wavelength shift detector. The microdisk laser is coated with a biological or chemical recognition element, which binds preferentially with a target analyte. Because the recognition element and the target analyte adhere to the sidewall surface of the microdisk laser, they increase the effective diameter of the laser, which shifts the output wavelength by a detectable amount. The presence of a wavelength shift indicates the presence of the target analyte, and the magnitude of the wavelength shift corresponds to the mass load of the target analyte on the sidewall surface of the microdisk laser.

Abstract: A compact sensor for detecting the presence of biological or chemical species includes a microdisk laser and a wavelength shift detector. The microdisk laser is coated with a biological or chemical recognition element, which binds preferentially with a target analyte. Because the recognition element and the target analyte adhere to the sidewall surface of the microdisk laser, they increase the effective diameter of the laser, which shifts the output wavelength by a detectable amount. The presence of a wavelength shift indicates the presence of the target analyte, and the magnitude of the wavelength shift corresponds to the mass load of the target analyte on the sidewall surface of the microdisk laser.

Abstract: An improved method of analyzing target analytes in a sample is described. The method is based on anti-resonant guided optical waveguides which enables a strongly improved light-target interaction since the light can be guided within the target-containing medium. The light-target interaction can be monitored by many different means to determine characteristics of the target analyte. The anti-resonant waveguide concept is suitable for a large variety of characterization methods and combinations of them, since it is relatively unaffected by changes to both wavelength and film thickness.