Abstract: The invention provides methods of label-free detection of changes in cell populations and mixed cell populations.

Abstract: A photonic crystal substrate exhibiting resonant enhancement of multiple fluorophores has been demonstrated. The device, which can be fabricated uniformly from plastic materials over a ˜3×5 in2 surface area by nanoreplica molding, features a 1-D periodic grating structure which utilizes two distinct resonant modes to enhance electric field stimulation of a first dye excited by a first laser (e.g., ?=632.8 nm laser exciting cyanine-5) and a second dye excited by a second laser (e.g., ?=532 nm laser exciting cyanine-3). The first and second lasers could be replaced by a single variable wavelength (tunable) laser. Resonant coupling of the laser excitation to the photonic crystal surface is obtained for each wavelength at a distinct incident angle ?. The photonic crystal is capable of amplifying the output of any fluorescent dye with an excitation wavelength in a given wavelength range (e.g., the range 532 nm <?<660 nm) by selection of an appropriate incident angle.

Abstract: A grating-based sensor is disclosed that has a grating structure constructed and designed for both evanescent resonance (ER) fluorescence detection and label-free detection applications. Some embodiments are disclosed which are optimized for ER detection in an air mode, in which the sample is dry. Other embodiments are optimized for ER detection in liquid mode, in which the sample is suspended in liquid medium such as water. One and two-dimensional gratings are also disclosed, including gratings characterized by unit cells with central posts, central holes, and two-level, two-dimensional gratings. A readout system for such sensors is also disclosed. One embodiment includes a first light source optimized for collecting label-free detection data, a second light source optimized for collecting ER fluorescence amplification data, and at least one detector. In one embodiment, the detector is an imaging system and includes a CCD camera for collecting both ER and label-free data.

Abstract: A grating-based sensor is disclosed that has a grating structure constructed and designed for both evanescent resonance (ER) fluorescence detection and label-free detection applications. Some embodiments are disclosed which are optimized for ER detection in an air mode, in which the sample is dry. Other embodiments are optimized for ER detection in liquid mode, in which the sample is suspended in liquid medium such as water. One and two-dimensional gratings are also disclosed, including gratings characterized by unit cells with central posts, central holes, and two-level, two-dimensional gratings. A readout system for such sensors is also disclosed. One embodiment includes a first light source optimized for collecting label-free detection data, a second light source optimized for collecting ER fluorescence amplification data, and at least one detector. In one embodiment, the detector is an imaging system and includes a CCD camera for collecting both ER and label-free data.

Abstract: A grating-based sensor is disclosed that has a grating structure constructed and designed for both evanescent resonance (ER) fluorescence detection and label-free detection applications. Some embodiments are disclosed which are optimized for ER detection in an air mode, in which the sample is dry. Other embodiments are optimized for ER detection in liquid mode, in which the sample is suspended in liquid medium such as water. One and two-dimensional gratings are also disclosed, including gratings characterized by unit cells with central posts, central holes, and two-level, two-dimensional gratings. A readout system for such sensors is also disclosed. One embodiment includes a first light source optimized for collecting label-free detection data, a second light source optimized for collecting ER fluorescence amplification data, and at least one detector. In one embodiment, the detector is in the form of an imaging system and includes a CCD camera for collecting both ER and label-free data.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of label-free detection of changes in cell populations and mixed cell populations.

Abstract: A grating-based sensor is disclosed that has a grating structure constructed and designed for both evanescent resonance (ER) fluorescence detection and label-free detection applications. Some embodiments are disclosed which are optimized for ER detection in an air mode, in which the sample is dry. Other embodiments are optimized for ER detection in liquid mode, in which the sample is suspended in liquid medium such as water. One and two-dimensional gratings are also disclosed, including gratings characterized by unit cells with central posts, central holes, and two-level, two-dimensional gratings. A readout system for such sensors is also disclosed. One embodiment includes a first light source optimized for collecting label-free detection data, a second light source optimized for collecting ER fluorescence amplification data, and at least one detector. In one embodiment, the detector is an imaging system and includes a CCD camera for collecting both ER and label-free data.

Abstract: A test device includes one or more sample wells and a biosensor placed in the well. The biosensor includes structural features promoting confinement of a deposited material, e.g., surface chemistry material, to stay within a specified predetermined area in the well. The biosensor is also constructed with two or more distinct spatial regions exhibiting different resonance values (“peak wavelength values” or PWV). One of the distinct spatial regions encompasses the specified predetermined area where the material is deposited and exhibits resonance at PWV1. A distinct spatial region surrounding the specified predetermined area exhibits resonance at PWV2. A buffer zone may be provided between the two areas. The device enables detection of lower analyte concentrations and improves intra-well self-referencing capability for the biosensor.

Abstract: A grating-based sensor is disclosed that has a grating structure constructed and designed for both evanescent resonance (ER) fluorescence detection and label-free detection applications. Some embodiments are disclosed which are optimized for ER detection in an air mode, in which the sample is dry. Other embodiments are optimized for ER detection in liquid mode, in which the sample is suspended in liquid medium such as water. One and two-dimensional gratings are also disclosed, including gratings characterized by unit cells with central posts, central holes, and two-level, two-dimensional gratings. A readout system for such sensors is also disclosed. One embodiment includes a first light source optimized for collecting label-free detection data, a second light source optimized for collecting ER fluorescence amplification data, and at least one detector. In one embodiment, the detector is an imaging system and includes a CCD camera for collecting both ER and label-free data.

Abstract: A grating-based biosensor is disclosed where the biosensor is constructed and arranged such that the grating lines of the sensor align with an optical axis of a birefringent substrate, so as to improve resonance peak uniformity. Methods of manufacturing biosensors to provide alignment of the grating lines with the optical axes of a birefringent substrate are also disclosed. One embodiment uses a grating master wafer to form a grating on a continuous web of substrate material. The grating master wafer is rotated relative to the web until the lines of the grating in the master wafer are in substantial alignment with the optical axis of the web. A UV curable material is applied to the wafer and cured in place to form the grating on the surface of the substrate web. With a web of some preferred materials, such as PET film, one need only determine the optical axis orientation once for a given web since the optical axis orientation is essentially constant along the length of the web.

Abstract: Calibration and normalization methods for a grating-based sensor design are disclosed. The sensor may be constructed in a manner optimized for both label-free and luminescence, e.g. fluorescence, amplification detection in a single device. Such a sensor, based on grating or another periodical structure with appropriate coating, dramatically increases the diversity of applications and allows realizing novel concepts that provide qualitative and quantitative information/data for each location or capture element in the sensor surface. The invention takes advantage of these different modes to carry out a quality control (QC) step and a calibration of each individual location of the sensor. Thus, the assay data can be flagged according to their quality and local density variations, batch variations and variations in the printed deposition of probes or the materials to the surface can be compensated.

Abstract: Touch panel systems and methods are disclosed that can distinguish temporally overlapping touch inputs from single touch inputs so that valid touch position coordinates can be determined. Touch panel systems and methods of the present invention can distinguish overlapping touches by comparing signal magnitudes to specified thresholds, by comparing the rates of change of signal magnitudes or measured positions to determined parameters, by locating the proximity a calculated location to icons or other such active areas, and the like. Because touch panel systems and methods of the present invention can discriminate single touches from double touches, they can be used in multiple user applications such as multiplayer games as well as in applications that may be subject to rapidly successive or overlapping touch inputs.

Abstract: A biosensor substrate structure is provided that eliminates the effects of optical interference of light reflected from a substrate/air interface with light reflected by the biosensor's active surface by incorporating a roughened or “non-specular” surface on the lower surface of the substrate opposite the grating. One can generate a useful non-specular or “anti-interference” surface in a number of ways in accordance with this disclosure, including (1) by adding a coating of optically diffuse material, such as UV cured acrylate, to the sensor substrate, (2) etching or otherwise roughening the surface of the sensor substrate, or (3) applying a grating structure to the surface.

Abstract: A touch sensing method and a touch sensing device are described for sensing a location of a touch. When the touch sensing device is touched, a first conductive layer disposed on a supporting layer is deflected toward a second conductive layer. The touch location is determined by sensing the change in capacitance at the location of the touch. A change in capacitance at the touch location is sensed by driving one of the conductive layers with an electrical signal referenced to the other conductive layer and measuring the current flow between the conductive layers. The sensed change in capacitance is greater than a change in the external capacitance of the touch sensor.

Abstract: Optical component for use in a touch sensor and method of fabrication of same are disclosed. Optical component includes a multilayer optical film at least some layers of which are fabricated on the same manufacturing line and using the same manufacturing method. Each layer of the multilayer optical film is designed primarily to provide a desired associated property.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving uniformity of the rate of removal of material from the surface of a workpiece, such as semiconductor substrate, by polishing. In accordance with the invention, the workpiece is subjected to a vibratory polishing method, and optionally at least one additional polishing motion selected from rotational, oscillating, sweeping, orbital and linear polishing motions. As a result, polished workpieces, such as semiconductor wafers, have reduced surface defects, improved planarity, and are polished more uniformly over a wider area.

Abstract: A flexible, capacitive touch sensor, and a method of manufacturing a plurality of such touch sensors, are provided. The capacitive touch sensor comprises a thin, flexible, transparent, insulating substrate. A thin, flexible, transparent layer of resistive material is applied to one side of the substrate, and a thin, flexible, transparent, pressure-sensitive layer of adhesive material is applied to the substrate's other side. A releasable sheet may cover this adhesive layer. A plurality of thin, flexible electrodes, electrical leads and conductive areas are applied to the resistive layer. A thin, flexible, transparent layer of protective material protects the touch sensor's active touch area. Compounds may be added to this protective layer to enhance its conductivity and lubricity. A reel-to-reel process for manufacturing a plurality of such capacitive touch sensors also is described.

Abstract: Optical component for use in a touch sensor and method of fabrication of same are disclosed. Optical component includes a multilayer optical film at least some layers of which are fabricated on the same manufacturing line and using the same manufacturing method. Each layer of the multilayer optical film is designed primarily to provide a desired associated property.

Abstract: A touch sensing method and a touch sensing device are described for sensing a location of a touch. When the touch sensing device is touched, a first conductive layer disposed on a supporting layer is deflected toward a second conductive layer. The touch location is determined by sensing the change in capacitance at the location of the touch. A change in capacitance at the touch location is sensed by driving one of the conductive layers with an electrical signal referenced to the other conductive layer and measuring the current flow between the conductive layers. The sensed change in capacitance is greater than a change in the external capacitance of the touch sensor.

Abstract: Touch panel systems and methods are disclosed that can distinguish temporally overlapping touch inputs from single touch inputs so that valid touch position coordinates can be determined. Touch panel systems and methods of the present invention can distinguish overlapping touches by comparing signal magnitudes to specified thresholds, by comparing the rates of change of signal magnitudes or measured positions to determined parameters, by locating the proximity a calculated location to icons or other such active areas, and the like. Because touch panel systems and methods of the present invention can discriminate single touches from double touches, they can be used in multiple user applications such as multiplayer games as well as in applications that may be subject to rapidly successive or overlapping touch inputs.