Abstract: A system and method of detecting spores includes a light source configured to emit a light pulse within a first wavelength range, and a light sensor configured to detect a resulting phosphorescence emitted from one or more desiccated spores phosphorescing within a second wavelength range in a vicinity of the light pulse. The spore detector also includes circuitry configured to trigger emission of the light pulse and record the emitted phosphorescence at a pre-determined time after the light pulse.

Abstract: An improved supercapacitor includes a first and second electrode with each electrode made at least in part from a highly-porous electrically conductive material, a insulative separator separating the electrodes; a first electrically conductive current collector in physical and electrical contact with the first electrode; and a second electrically conductive current collector in physical and electrical contact with the second electrode, wherein at least one current collector is configured to have multiple separate portions with each portion having a current capacity that varies as a function of current passing through during capacitive operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a mass spectrometer include an atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source, one or more low-pressure chemical ionization (LPCI) sources, a mass analyzer configured to separate ions of a sample flow from the APCI source and the one or more LPCI sources, a detector configured to identify and quantify the received separated ions, and a plurality of valves configured to open and close associated input lines to the APCI source and the one or more LPCI sources, via a computer-implemented controller, and configured to maintain a vacuum environment of the mass spectrometer during the opening and closing.

Abstract: An improved supercapacitor includes a first and second electrode with each electrode made at least in part from a highly-porous electrically conductive material, a insulative separator separating the electrodes; a first electrically conductive current collector in physical and electrical contact with the first electrode; and a second electrically conductive current collector in physical and electrical contact with the second electrode, wherein at least one current collector is configured to have multiple separate portions with each portion having a current capacity that varies as a function of current passing through during capacitive operation.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting spores includes a light source configured to emit a light pulse within a first wavelength range, and a light sensor configured to detect a resulting phosphorescence emitted from one or more desiccated spores phosphorescing within a second wavelength range in a vicinity of the light pulse. The spore detector also includes circuitry configured to trigger emission of the light pulse and record the emitted phosphorescence at a pre-determined time after the light pulse.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a mass spectrometer include an atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source, one or more low-pressure chemical ionization (LPCI) sources, a mass analyzer configured to separate ions of a sample flow from the APCI source and the one or more LPCI sources, a detector configured to identify and quantify the received separated ions, and a plurality of valves configured to open and close associated input lines to the APCI source and the one or more LPCI sources, via a computer-implemented controller, and configured to maintain a vacuum environment of the mass spectrometer during the opening and closing.

Abstract: A nanosensor and methods to manufacture are disclosed. For example, a detection system for detecting the presence of a target substance can include a nanosensor that includes a sensing layer, and a plurality of sockets embedded within the body of the sensing layer, each socket having a physical profile matching a shape of the target substance such that, when target substances occupy the sockets, at least one measurable physical characteristic of the sensing layer changes.

Abstract: A nanosensor and methods to manufacture are disclosed. For example, a detection system for detecting the presence of a target substance can include a nanosensor that includes a sensing layer, and a plurality of sockets embedded within the body of the sensing layer, each socket having a physical profile matching a shape of the target substance such that, when target substances occupy the sockets, at least one measurable physical characteristic of the sensing layer changes.