Abstract: A device for connecting optical components of a fiber optic probe and a jumper in a Surface Plasmon Resonator (SPR) has two high-pressure-liquid-chromatography (HPLC) polyetheretherketone (PEEK) connectors, one containing the optical fibers from a probe and the other containing optical fibers which link to a detector and a light source. A method of joining a probe's distal end to a jumper, with at least two fibers or a multimode fiber connected to a light source and to a detection apparatus, has the steps of covering the distal end of the probe with a plastic sleeve, placing the sleeved distal end into a PEEK connector, trimming the distal end of the probe to be even with the edge of the PEEK connection, and connecting the PEEK connector with the jumper.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for gathering image information from nanostructures includes a composite waveguide of conductive nanoparticles in a dielectric medium. The waveguide is irradiated with preferably coherent blue light to form a slow surface wave. The evanescent wave that is the “tail” of the surface wave exists outside the waveguide contiguous to its surface. The nanostructures are located to encounter the evanescent wave. The slowing of the wave that occurs in the waveguide reduces the wave's speed and wavelength sufficiently such that nanostructures can be imaged. Upon encountering the evanescent wave, the nanostructures radiate. This radiation causes a backward scattering from the structures and a forward perturbation of the wavefront of the surface wave. From the scattering and perturbation information about the physical characteristics of the nanostructures sufficient to form an image is derived.

Abstract: An optical biosensor carries one or more affinity legends or binding members that bind specifically to a marker being monitored. Light directed along optic fibers illuminates a surface plasmon resonance (SPRN) probe surface on which is immobilized the binding member. A spectrophotometer receives light reflected back along the fiber optic path and provides wavelength information indicative of the absence or presence of surface plasmon resonance indicative of the bound marker in known SPR manner. The probe is used in vitro or in vivo. When used in vivo the fiberoptic light path comprises a catheter that directs the probe to an implant site. For in vivo implantation a housing houses the probe at the implant site and is adapted to filter out larger particles that would adversely affect with the spectral analysis. In one embodiment the probe has two regions on its surface. The first region has no immobilized binding member. The second region does have the binding member immobilized on it.

Abstract: An optical analysis system includes an optical filter mechanism disposed to receive light from a light source and configured to optically compress data carried by the light into at least one orthogonal component of the light. A detector mechanism in operative communication with the optical filter mechanism measures a property of the at least one orthogonal component to measure the data.