Abstract: Methods and systems for improved chemical event detection from back scattering interferometry fringe data provide sensitive detection of a chemical event by more selectively analyzing fringe shift data.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and systems for detecting interaction between members of a binding pair. The method involves associating one member of the binding pair with a nanoparticle and detecting the interaction between the two molecules by back-scattering interferometry.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting interaction between components associated with lipid membranes and analytes are described herein. In certain methods, a surface of a compartment of a device is coated with a material that attaches to lipid membrane from a sample. An analyte is introduced and interaction is detected, for example, by back scattering interferometry. In another method, a surface is passivated with a material that does not bind a lipid membrane. A sample is introduced that contains a membrane comprising a component for testing and an analyte. Interaction is detected. In a third method, a channel is filled with a first liquid that does not comprise a lipid membrane. A bolus of a second liquid that comprises a membrane comprising a component for testing and an analyte is introduced under laminar flow conditions so that a leading edge of the second liquid does not completely displace the first liquid in a sensing area that is interrogated by optical methods, for example, a laser.

Abstract: A polarimetry technique for measuring optical activity that is particularly suited for high throughput screening employs a chip or substrate (22) having one or more microfluidic channels (26) formed therein. A polarized laser beam (14) is directed onto optically active samples that are disposed in the channels. The incident laser beam interacts with the optically active molecules in the sample, which slightly alter the polarization of the laser beam as it passes multiple times through the sample. Interference fringe patterns (28) are generated by the interaction of the laser beam with the sample and the channel walls. A photodetector (34) is positioned to receive the interference fringe patterns and generate an output signal that is input to a computer or other analyzer (38) for analyzing the signal and determining the rotation of plane polarized light by optically active material in the channel from polarization rotation calculations.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting interaction between components associated with lipid membranes and analytes are described herein. In certain methods, a surface of a compartment of a device is coated with a material that attaches to lipid membrane from a sample. An analyte is introduced and interaction is detected, for example, by back scattering interferometry. In another method, a surface is passivated with a material that does not bind a lipid membrane. A sample is introduced that contains a membrane comprising a component for testing and an analyte. Interaction is detected. In a third method, a channel is filled with a first liquid that does not comprise a lipid membrane. A bolus of a second liquid that comprises a membrane comprising a component for testing and an analyte is introduced under laminar flow conditions so that a leading edge of the second liquid does not completely displace the first liquid in a sensing area that is interrogated by optical methods, for example, a laser.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and devices for analyzing interference patterns. The methods include fitting a Gaussian distribution to a cross correlation of two patterns from interferometric analysis of a liquid at a first and second time; identifying a positional shift of the pattern by comparing a selected value of the Gaussian distributions of the pattern at the first and second times; and determining a change in refractive index of the liquid from the positional shift. In another aspect, a method of extending the dynamic range of an interferometric data set is provided that comprises linearizing the data set, for example, using the arcsine function.

Abstract: This invention provides a device and method for collection and analysis of heterogeneous samples in a single sample container by back scattering interferometry. The sample container is configured to allow collection of a heterogeneous sample, such as blood, from a subject, separation of insoluble materials, such as blood cells by, for example, centrifugation, and mounting on a back scattering interferometer for analysis. In certain embodiments the container is a capillary tube and the interferometer comprises a mounting to hold the capillary tube in position for analysis. The device and method allow point-of-care analysis of samples.

Abstract: A polarimetry technique for measuring optical activity that is particularly suited for high throughput screening employs a chip or substrate (22) having one or more microfluidic channels (26) formed therein. A polarized laser beam (14) is directed onto optically active samples that are disposed in the channels. The incident laser beam interacts with the optically active molecules in the sample, which slightly alter the polarization or the loser beam as it passes multiple times through the sample. Interference fringe patters (28) are generated by the interaction of the laser beam with the sample and the channel walls. A photodetector (34) is positioned to receive the interference fringe patterns and generate an output signal that is input to a computer or other analyzer (38) for analyzing the signal and determining the rotation of plane polarized light by optically active material in the channel from polarization rotation calculations.

Abstract: A portable system (20) for testing an electro-optical guidance assembly (22) includes an electro-optical test unit (40) with at least two sources of electromagnetic energy at different wavelengths for selectively illuminating the guidance assembly. The electro-optical test unit (40) is mounted within a frame (56) that can be part of a wheeled cart (50). The system (20) further includes one or more of: an adjustable fixture (84) for supporting a guidance assembly (22) for testing, a processor unit (42) for controlling the electro-optical test unit (40), a power supply unit (44) for providing electrical power to the electro-optical test unit (40) and the guidance assembly (22), and a leak test unit (46) for generating a vacuum in the guidance assembly (22) or for pressurizing the guidance assembly (22) with an inert gas to test for leaks.