Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to the preparation of microbeads that exhibit a “turn on” fluorescence response within seconds of exposure to an analyte vapor (e.g., a chemical warfare agent or a reactive stimulant). This sensing approach is modeled after the mechanism for inhibition of acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity, and utilizes a specific and irreversible reaction between phosphonyl halides and a fluorescent indicator. The present invention also relates to a sensor and a method for sensing an analyte through detection of changes in the fluorescing properties of the inventive microbeads.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention relate to the preparation of microbeads that exhibit a “turn on” fluorescence response within seconds of exposure to an analyte vapor (e.g., a chemical warfare agent or a reactive stimulant). This sensing approach is modeled after the mechanism for inhibition of acetylcholinesterase enzyme activity, and utilizes a specific and irreversible reaction between phosphonyl halides and a fluorescent indicator. The present invention also relates to a sensor and a method for sensing an analyte through detection of changes in the fluorescing properties of the inventive microbeads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system of array imaging that extends or maximizes the longevity of the sensor array by minimizing the effects of photobleaching. The imaging system has a light source, a variable exposure aperture, and a variable filter system. The system extends the longevity of sensors by (1) using the variable exposure aperture to selectively expose sections of the sensor array containing representative numbers of each type of sensor, and/or (2) using the variable filter system to control the intensity of the excitation light, providing only the intensity required to induce the appropriate excitation and increasing that intensity over time as necessary to counteract the effects of photobleaching.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system of array imaging that extends or maximizes the longevity of the sensor array by minimizing the effects of photobleaching. The imaging system has a light source, a variable exposure aperture, and a variable filter system. The system extends the longevity of sensors by (1) using the variable exposure aperture to selectively expose sections of the sensor array containing representative numbers of each type of sensor, and/or (2) using the variable filter system to control the intensity of the excitation light, providing only the intensity required to induce the appropriate excitation and increasing that intensity over time as necessary to counteract the effects of photobleaching.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system of array imaging that extends or maximizes the longevity of the sensor array by minimizing the effects of photobleaching. The imaging system has a light source, a variable exposure aperture, and a variable filter system. The system extends the longevity of sensors by (1) using the variable exposure aperture to selectively expose sections of the sensor array containing representative numbers of each type of sensor, and/or (2) using the variable filter system to control the intensity of the excitation light, providing only the intensity required to induce the appropriate excitation and increasing that intensity over time as necessary to counteract the effects of photobleaching.