Abstract: A cavity ring-down spectroscope includes a ring-down cavity. A trigger detector is optically coupled within the ring-down cavity to generate a signal to indicate a desired radiation level in the ring-down cavity. A controller is coupled to the trigger detector to control light provided to the ring-down cavity. A ring-down time may then be measured.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of optical resonators, a light source, an optical fiber that couples the plurality of optical resonators to the light source, and a detector that is coupled to the plurality of optical resonators. The detector is configured to detect an energy in the plurality of optical resonators.

Abstract: A toxic gas sensor or device which is a cavity ring-down spectroscopy device having two or more mirror components. Each of the mirror components has two Brewster windows attached to it. The Brewster windows are resistant to toxic gases and together with the respective mirror form a hermetically sealed volume for the mirror surface to protect it from the environment or test gases. The Brewster windows may have a heating mechanism to remove contaminants, condensation, and provide temperature stabilization and other beneficial features.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to detector structures for use in a micro gas analyzer, preferably in a differential setup. The detector structures may comprise one or more detector types, such as photo-ionization (PID), electron capture (ECD), ion mobility (IMS), differential mobility (DMS), ion-trap mass spectrometer (ITMS), in which all are provided with ions and electrons from one vacuum ultra violet (VUV) source. This source may also provide ions for ion-based gas pumps.

Abstract: A differential microdischarge detector system. The system comprises two microdischarge detectors (MDDs). One of the MDDs is connected to receive sample analytes to be measured, while the other MDD is connected to receive a reference sample that contains interfering gases and none or a much lower concentration of the sample analytes to be measured. The outputs of the two MDD's are fed to a circuit that generates either a difference or a ratio between the measurements of the two MDDs. In addition, the current, impedance or voltage across the electrodes of the two MDDs may be measured and processed to generate either a difference or a ratio signal, thus obtaining additional information about the sample gas analytes.

Abstract: A portable or wearable cytometer that can be used at remote locations, such as in the field or at home. The flow cytometer of the present invention may help improve the healthcare of many weak, sick or elderly people by providing early detection of infection. By detecting the infection early, the infection may be more readily treatable. In military applications, the portable cytometer of the present invention may help save lives by providing early detection of infection due to biological agents.

Abstract: An optical detection system for flow cytometry that uses two or more light sources positioned laterally at different distances from the central axis of the flow stream for providing light through different parts of the flow stream. By using two or more light sources, the particle position can be detected, and the alignment and width of the core stream can be monitored and controlled. In addition, the velocity and size of the particles can be more accurately determined than when only a single light source is used.

Abstract: A laser is manufactured with an increasing absorption layer disposed within one of the mirrors of the laser. The increasing absorption layer exhibits an increasing absorption coefficient in response to increasing current through the laser by increasing the temperature or carrier concentration of the layer. The increasing absorption coefficient of the increasing absorption layer prevents the output power from the laser from exceeding a preselected magnitude. The absorption coefficient of the increasing absorption layer increases as a function of increasing current and eventually quenches the operation of the laser to provide an inherently eye-safe laser. The laser may also exploit the increasing absorption layer to exhibit optical gating, switching or bistability. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the laser is a vertical cavity surface emitting laser.