Abstract: An apparatus comprises: a photonic cavity; a substrate comprising a waveguide layer, wherein the waveguide layer comprises waveguides configured to direct light towards the photonic cavity; and a wafer comprising: a top side, and a nanowire array affixed to the top side. A method of performing a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) analysis, the method comprises: directing, using a waveguide layer of a SERS device, an incident light towards a photonic cavity of the SERS device; permitting, using the photonic cavity, a fluid to flow freely into and out of the SERS device; causing, within the photonic cavity, an interaction among the incident light, the fluid, and a nanowire array of the SERS device to create scattered light; converting the scattered light into an electrical signal; and analyzing the electrical signal to determine whether a contaminant exists in the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises: a photonic cavity; a substrate comprising a waveguide layer, wherein the waveguide layer comprises waveguides configured to direct light towards the photonic cavity; and a wafer comprising: a top side, and a nanowire array affixed to the top side. A method of performing a surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) analysis, the method comprises: directing, using a waveguide layer of a SERS device, an incident light towards a photonic cavity of the SERS device; permitting, using the photonic cavity, a fluid to flow freely into and out of the SERS device; causing, within the photonic cavity, an interaction among the incident light, the fluid, and a nanowire array of the SERS device to create scattered light; converting the scattered light into an electrical signal; and analyzing the electrical signal to determine whether a contaminant exists in the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for stimulating or enhancing the conversion of coal to methane. The methods of the current invention subject coal to an oxidation step, for example ozonolysis, thereby converting at least a portion of the coal to partially-oxidized and water-soluble forms of organic matter. Subsequent contact of the oxidized coal components with a suitable inoculum containing a methanogenic microbial community produces methane.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for stimulating or enhancing the conversion of coal to methane. The methods of the current invention subject coal to an oxidation step, for example ozonolysis, thereby converting at least a portion of the coal to partially-oxidized and water-soluble forms of organic matter. Subsequent contact of the oxidized coal components with a suitable inoculum containing a methanogenic microbial community produces methane.