Abstract: A flow cell system for an optical fluid analysis comprises a disposable flow cell having at least one flow chamber comprising a fluid pathway, and at least one pair of opposed light transmitting windows along the fluid pathway, an external flow cell holder for holding the flow cell, at least one light source, and an external detection device couplable with at least one of the flow cell holder and the flow cell for bringing the external detection device in optical communication with the flow cell, the device having at least one optical detection unit. The external detection device is configured to conduct optical measurements of the fluid that flows in the flow cell through at least one pair of windows from externally under illumination by the at least one light source.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) based detection system is employed for spectroscopy based applications. LEDs are used as monochromatic light sources for applications at specific and pre-defined wavelengths. Spectrographic information is generated using LEDs of different wavelengths ranging from 260 nm to 1400 nm. Multiple wavelength information is generated by coupling light from each LED into an intensity and mode mixing fiber bundle. A dual beam approach of using a reference and a sample photodiode ensures automatic drift correction. Interference filters at the LED input fiber reduce the spectral bandwidth of the monochromatic light emission to a useful 10 nm bandwidth by cutting off the LEDs trailing emission distribution allowing for absorbance measurements similar to typical spectrometers.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) based detection system is employed for spectroscopy based applications. LEDs are used as monochromatic light sources for applications at specific and pre-defined wavelengths. Spectrographic information is generated using LEDs of different wavelengths ranging from 260 nm to 1400 nm. Multiple wavelength information is generated by coupling light from each LED into an intensity and mode mixing fiber bundle. A dual beam approach of using a reference and a sample photodiode ensures automatic drift correction. Interference filters at the LED input fiber reduce the spectral bandwidth of the monochromatic light emission to a useful 10 nm bandwidth by cutting off the LEDs trailing emission distribution allowing for absorbance measurements similar to typical spectrometers.

Abstract: A coating technique for amorphous fluoropolymer involves adding amorphous fluoropolymer resin to a solvent. The resin solvent mixture is heated to a predetermined temperature above room temperature. The amorphous fluoropolymer resin is dissolved in a heated solvent, and the liquid coating solution is applied to a substrate. The solvent is then removed from the applied liquid coating solution. The coating technique may be employed in connection with liquid core waveguides.

Abstract: A coating technique for amorphous fluoropolymer involves adding amorphous fluoropolymer resin to a solvent. The resin solvent mixture is heated to a predetermined temperature above room temperature. The amorphous fluoropolymer resin is dissolved in a heated solvent, and the liquid coating solution is applied to a substrate. The solvent is then removed from the applied liquid coating solution. The coating technique may be employed in connection with liquid core waveguides.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (LED) based detection system is employed for spectroscopy based applications. LEDs are used as monochromatic light sources for applications at specific and pre-defined wavelengths. Spectrographic information is generated using LEDs of different wavelengths ranging from 260 nm to 1400 nm. Multiple wavelength information is generated by coupling light from each LED into an intensity and mode mixing fiber bundle. A dual beam approach of using a reference and a sample photodiode ensures automatic drift correction. Interference filters at the LED input fiber reduce the spectral bandwidth of the monochromatic light emission to a useful 10 nm bandwidth by cutting off the LEDs trailing emission distribution allowing for absorbance measurements similar to typical spectrometers.

Abstract: A photometric detection system including a light source, a photometric detector, and a flow cell assembly. The flow cell assembly includes a tubular liquid core waveguide having inlet and discharge ends for receiving and discharging a flow of the sample fluid. A first coupling device optically couples the light source to the waveguide at a first position along the length of the waveguide. A second coupling device optically couples the detector to the waveguide at a second position along the length of the waveguide. The first and second positions define an optical path length within the waveguide. The second position is variable relative to the first position such that the optical path length is selectively varied.

Abstract: A photometric detection system including a light source, a photometric detector, and a flow cell assembly. The flow cell assembly includes a tubular liquid core waveguide having inlet and discharge ends for receiving and discharging a flow of the sample fluid. A first coupling device optically couples the light source to the waveguide at a first position along the length of the waveguide. A second coupling device optically couples the detector to the waveguide at a second position along the length of the waveguide. The first and second positions define an optical path length within the waveguide. The second position is variable relative to the first position such that the optical path length is selectively varied.

Abstract: Low concentrations of substances dissolved in liquids are detected by coupling analysis/excitation light into the liquid core of an optical waveguide in the form of a capillary. When the substance of interest is to be excited to cause the emission of fluorescent light, the excitation light is transversely coupled into the hollow core of the waveguide and the generated fluorescent light is kept in the optical path of the waveguide for as long as possible. The invention also contemplates the use, in either an absorption or fluorescence mode, of specially treated fused silica fibers to deliver analysis/excitation light with very short wavelengths into the liquid core of an optical waveguide.