Abstract: A device and method for measuring optical properties of a sample are provided. The device comprises a housing surrounding a flow-through flow-cell having a sample inlet positioned proximate to a first end of the flow-cell and a sample outlet positioned proximate to a second end of the flow-cell and a sample chamber positioned between the sample inlet and the sample outlet. A plurality of excitation sources are positioned on the housing and are incident on a sample in the flow-cell. At least one excitation source has a wavelength that is different from the other excitation sources. At least one fluorescence emission detector, which detects a continuous broadband spectrum of emission wavelengths, is positioned in an operable relationship to the flow-cell. At least one signal interrogation system, which interprets a continuous fluorescence emission spectrum, is positioned in an operable relationship with each detector.

Abstract: The present invention is for a fiber optic flow cell. The flow cell comprises a substrate having at least one sample channel and at least one optical fiber channel holder. At least one optical fiber is disposed within each optical fiber channel holder. Each optical fiber has at least one grating wherein each grating is in contact with each sample channel, defining a sensing area. At least one sample port is positioned in an operable relationship to at least one sample channel. Alternatively, at least one sample outlet is positioned in an operable relationship to at least one sample channel. The flow cell may be of a modular design providing a flow cell kit that contains pieces that may be assembled to form custom-made flow cells. The flow cell is used for conducting measurement studies on a sample.

Abstract: A fiber-optic method for making simultaneous multiple parameter measurements employs an optical fiber sensor having at least one long period grating disposed therein. An excitation is created in the optical fiber sensor wherein a plurality of evanescent field sensing depths result. At least two long period grating signatures are created. When the optical fiber sensor is exposed to at least one material, changes in the material are identified by simultaneously measuring and comparing shifts in each long period grating signature; correlating the shifts to changes in the material; and solving a series of equations that compare changes in the coupling wavelength for a specific loss band. A reactive coating may be applied to the optical fiber sensor proximate to the long period grating such that changes in the reactive coating as it reacts with the material may also be monitored.

Abstract: A fiber-optic method for making simultaneous multiple parameter measurements employs an optical fiber sensor having at least one long period grating disposed therein. An excitation is created in the optical fiber sensor wherein a plurality of evanescent field sensing depths result. At least two long period grating signatures are created. When the optical fiber sensor is exposed to at least one material, changes in the material are identified by simultaneously measuring and comparing shifts in each long period grating signature; correlating the shifts to changes in the material; and solving a series of equations that compare changes in the coupling wavelength for a specific loss band. A reactive coating may be applied to the optical fiber sensor proximate to the long period grating such that changes in the reactive coating as it reacts with the material may also be monitored.

Abstract: The present invention is for a fiber optic flow cell. The flow cell comprises a substrate having at least one sample channel and at least one optical fiber channel holder. At least one optical fiber is disposed within each optical fiber channel holder. Each optical fiber has at least one grating wherein each grating is in contact with each sample channel, defining a sensing area. At least one sample port is positioned in an operable relationship to at least one sample channel. Alternatively, at least one sample outlet is positioned in an operable relationship to at least one sample channel. The flow cell may be of a modular design providing a flow cell kit that contains pieces that may be assembled to form custom-made flow cells. The flow cell is used for conducting measurement studies on a sample.