Abstract: A mechanical lysis method includes (a) spinning a mixing head at a spin rate in a liquid sample, containing cells and beads, such that the mixing head cooperates with the beads to lyse the cells, wherein the spin rate exceeds a threshold rate associated with a predefined lysis efficiency, and (b) preventing the mixing head from spinning if the spin rate cannot be maintained above the threshold rate. A lysis apparatus includes (a) a receptacle for holding a container containing a liquid sample with cells and beads, (b) a mixing head configured to spin in the liquid sample, (c) a motor configured to spin the mixing head such that the mixing head cooperates with the beads to lyse the cells, and (d) a switch configured to prevent spinning of the mixing head at a spin rate lower than a threshold rate associated with a predefined lysis efficiency.

Abstract: Cavity enhanced spectroscopy efficiently couples a broadband optical frequency comb to a high finesse optical cavity inside which a sample test gas is placed. The output of the optical cavity is a multiplicity of channels of data resulting from the differential absorption of light at various of the comb frequencies. The device can operate in a ringdown mode or a non-ringdown enhanced absorption spectroscopy mode. Careful measurement and control of cavity dispersion and comb spacing are part of the coupling process. Several dispersive detection methods adapted to detecting the multiplicity of channels are provided.

Abstract: Cavity enhanced spectroscopy efficiently couples a broadband optical frequency comb to a high finesse optical cavity inside which a sample test gas is placed. The output of the optical cavity is a multiplicity of channels of data resulting from the differential absorption of light at various of the comb frequencies. The device can operate in a ringdown mode or a non-ringdown enhanced absorption spectroscopy mode. Careful measurement and control of cavity dispersion and comb spacing are part of the coupling process. Several dispersive detection methods adapted to detecting the multiplicity of channels are provided.