Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method of sensing at least one characteristic of an analyte comprising: flowing media with the analyte through one or more microcavities; energizing the microcavity; and sensing at least one of the characteristics of the analyte via interrogation of the energized microcavity. Each of the one or more microcavities can comprise: a first mirror on a first planar surface; a second mirror on a second planar surface opposing the first planar surface; and at least one spacer between the first and second mirrors. The first mirror, second mirror, and at least one spacer can define a channel having an inlet and an outlet. The first and second mirrors can be positioned between the inlet and outlet.

Abstract: Two versions of a new chip-scale apparatus and method for controlling pre-cooled neutral atoms, molecules and other neutral particles are disclosed. The first version sends a beam of neutral atoms between a pair of permanent magnets on either side of a chip-scale apparatus. A plurality of plane parallel wires, or current-carrying conductors, is placed below the beam, each wire perpendicular to the direction of the beam. Currents are sequentially applied to each wire to create a moving magnetic field to sequentially slow the atoms. The second version sends a beam of neutral atoms above a four-wire waveguide. A pair of back and forth plane parallel wires are placed at a lower and a higher level above the beam, the straight portions of each wire alternately crossing above and perpendicular to the beam of neutral atoms.