Abstract: Methods and devices for the measurement of molecular binding interactions. Preferred embodiments provide real-time measurements of kinetic binding and disassociation of molecules including binding and disassociation of protein molecules with other protein molecules and with other molecules. In preferred embodiments ligands are immobilized within pores of a porous silicon interaction region produced in a silicon substrate, after which analytes suspended in a fluid are flowed over the porous silicon region. Binding reactions occur when analyte molecules diffuse closely enough to the ligands to become bound. Preferably the binding and subsequent disassociation reactions are observed utilizing a white light source and thin film interference techniques with spectrometers arranged to detect changes in indices of refraction in the region where the binding and disassociation reactions occur.

Abstract: A device capable of receiving an optical fiber through an orifice in the housing of the device. The housing having a gold surface over a substrate material. An indium layer is located on the gold surface. A solder joint is formed with the indium layer covering the gold surface to have indium silver solder surrounding the fiber and maintaining the fiber in a desired position with the housing. The indium layer can be formed of pure indium and the solder joint is formed of indium silver solder having about 97% indium and about 3% silver. The fiber or fibers may be metallized with a pure indium coating. The indium silver solder joint can provide an improved hermetic seal at fiber entrances and exits of the device.