Abstract: A reactor for the quantitative analysis of target nucleic acids using an evanescent wave detection technique and a method for the quantitative analysis of target nucleic acids are provided. The reactor includes a substrate with a cavity, a buffer layer arranged over the substrate, a quartz cover plate arranged over the buffer layer, and inlet and outlet ports. The reactor is thermally and chemically stable for PCR processing and suitable for an evanescent wave detection technique.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices and methods for making a light emitting diode (LED) activated photocatalyst air filter. One or more embodiments include a filter material that includes a photocatalyst, and a frame that includes an array of a number of LEDs positioned on the frame to project a wavelength of light directed toward the filter material, wherein the array of LEDs is positioned a distance from the filter material.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to detection of end of service life for respirator filter cartridges for organic vapor(s). Typically, detection of end of service life might use a competitive UV absorbance-fluorescence approach. Thus, a sensor that emits light upon application of UV may be placed within the cartridge, with a UV lamp and a light detector directed at the sensor. In some embodiments, a plurality of corresponding sensor and UV lamp and light detector might be used. Typically, the light level emitted by the sensor(s) might be used to estimate effective end of service life.

Abstract: A photocatalytic air purification apparatus and method of fabricating the same. The apparatus may be configured to include a light source surrounded by one or more porous plate substrates. An inner and outer surface of each plate substrate may be coated with a photocatalyst material. The light source may be placed in a direction parallel to the direction of an air flow and in optical proximity to the plate substrates in order to activate the photocatalyst coating. The photocatalyst coating associated with the plate substrates may be activated by absorbing light with a wavelength shorter than a cut-off activation wavelength from the light source in order to capture and decompose organic components and airborne pollutants in the air by the activated photocatalyst.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a microarray reader that includes a light source which emits light and beam shaping elements positioned near the light source to direct the light. The microarray reader further includes a microarray that is at least formed of an optical substrate and a reaction chamber in contact with the optical substrate. A buffer solution is encapsulated by the optical substrate and the reaction chamber and a holder aligns the microarray relative to the light source such that when light hits the buffer solution molecules in the buffer solution are excited to emit fluorescent light. A temperature control component is thermally engaged with the holder such that the temperature control component adjusts the temperature of the buffer solution. The microarray reader further includes a sensor that receives the fluorescent light emitted by the excited molecules in the buffer solution to generate a signal.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to detection of end of service life for respirator filter cartridges for organic vapor(s). Typically, detection of end of service life might use a competitive UV absorbance-fluorescence approach. Thus, a sensor that emits light upon application of UV may be placed within the cartridge, with a UV lamp and a light detector directed at the sensor. In some embodiments, a plurality of corresponding sensor and UV lamp and light detector might be used. Typically, the light level emitted by the sensor(s) might be used to estimate effective end of service life.

Abstract: An illustrative solar cell may include an electron conductor, an absorber, a hole conductor, and one or more other layers that help reduce interfacial charge recombination within the solar cell for improved solar cell efficiency. In one example, an electron inhibiting/hole transporting layer is provided that blocks or at least substantially inhibits movement of electrons that may otherwise move from within the absorber and/or electron conductor into the hole conductor of the solar cell, while permitting holes to travel from the absorber to the hole conductor. In some cases, the electron inhibiting/hole transporting layer may be transparent or substantially transparent to incident light so that the incident light may reach the absorber material.

Abstract: A microarray reader (500) includes a light source (501) which emits light and beam shaping elements (502) positioned near the light source (501) to direct the light. The microarray reader (500) further includes a microarray (504) that is at least formed of an optical substrate (505) and a reaction chamber (506) in contact with the optical substrate (505). A buffer solution (507) is encapsulated by the optical substrate (505) and the reaction chamber (506) and a holder (508) aligns the microarray (504) relative to the light source (501) such that when light hits the buffer solution (507) molecules in the buffer solution (507) are excited to emit fluorescent light. A temperature control component (509) is thermally engaged with the holder (508) such that the temperature control component (509) adjusts the temperature of the buffer solution (507).

Abstract: An illustrative solar cell may include an electron conductor, an absorber, a hole conductor, and one or more other layers that help reduce interfacial charge recombination within the solar cell for improved solar cell efficiency. In one example, an electron inhibiting/hole transporting layer is provided that blocks or at least substantially inhibits movement of electrons that may otherwise move from within the absorber and/or electron conductor into the hole conductor of the solar cell, while permitting holes to travel from the absorber to the hole conductor. In some cases, the electron inhibiting/hole transporting layer may be transparent or substantially transparent to incident light so that the incident light may reach the absorber material.

Abstract: Solar cells and methods for manufacturing solar cells and/or components or layers thereof are disclosed. An example method for manufacturing a multi-bandgap quantum dot layer for use in a solar cell may include providing a first precursor compound, providing a second precursor compound, and combining a portion of the first precursor compound with a portion of the second precursor compound to form a multi-bandgap quantum dot layer that includes a plurality of quantum dots that differ in bandgap.

Abstract: A reactor for the quantitative analysis of target nucleic acids using an evanescent wave detection technique and a method for the quantitative analysis of target nucleic acids are provided. The reactor includes a substrate with a cavity, a buffer layer arranged over the substrate, a quartz cover plate arranged over the buffer layer, and inlet and outlet ports. The reactor is thermally and chemically stable for PCR processing and suitable for an evanescent wave detection technique.

Abstract: Disclosed are solar cells and methods for making solar cells. Also disclosed are counter electrodes for solar cells including dye-sensitized and/or nanocrystal-sensitized solar cells. An example counter electrode for a solar cell may include a substrate, a microstructured template disposed on the substrate, and a layer of catalytic material disposed on the microstructured template.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices and methods for making a light emitting diode (LED) activated photocatalyst air filter. One or more embodiments include a filter material that includes a photocatalyst, and a frame that includes an array of a number of LEDs positioned on the frame to project a wavelength of light directed toward the filter material, wherein the array of LEDs is positioned a distance from the filter material.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a porous membrane for retaining antigens from a sample as the sample passes through the membrane. The apparatus also includes a first binding region within the membrane. The first binding region includes antibodies associated with a first antigen of interest. At least some of the antigens retained in the membrane are brought into contact with the first binding region by applying an electrophoresis field across the membrane. The porous membrane could also include an electrophoresis buffer. A presence of the first antigen of interest could be detected by exposing the first binding region to a chemiluminescent reagent, and a quantity of the first antigen of interest could be determined by performing a chemiluminescent assay on the binding region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for real-time, simultaneous, quantitative measurement for detecting a single nucleotide polymorphism in a target nucleic acid is provided. This method involves combining a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique with invader assay technique.

Abstract: Disclosed are solar cells and methods for making solar cells. Also disclosed are counter electrodes for solar cells including dye-sensitized and/or nanocrystal-sensitized solar cells. An example counter electrode for a solar cell may include a substrate, a microstructured template disposed on the substrate, and a layer of catalytic material disposed on the microstructured template.

Abstract: A photocatalytic air purification apparatus and method of fabricating the same. The apparatus may be configured to include a light source surrounded by one or more porous plate substrates. An inner and outer surface of each plate substrate may be coated with a photocatalyst material. The light source may be placed in a direction parallel to the direction of an air flow and in optical proximity to the plate substrates in order to activate the photocatalyst coating. The photocatalyst coating associated with the plate substrates may be activated by absorbing light with a wavelength shorter than a cut-off activation wavelength from the light source in order to capture and decompose organic components and airborne pollutants in the air by the activated photocatalyst.

Abstract: Quantum dot solar cells with enhanced efficiency are disclosed. An example solar cell includes an electron conductor layer, a quantum dot layer and a hole conductor layer. The electron conductor layer may include a plurality of nanoparticles having an average outer dimension that is greater than about 25 nanometers. The hole conductor layer may include an electrolytic salt, and/or a low surface tension solvent, as desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample is provided. This method involves combining enhanced chemiluminescence with microchip capillary electrophoresis or microchip liquid chromatography.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the concentration of one or more microbes in a sample is provided. This method involves filtering a sample through a filter inside a sample tube to retain the one or more microbes on the filter. The resulting filtrate, which contains or produces adenosine triphosphate, is passed through the sample tube and enters the reporter region. In the reporter region, the adenosine triphosphate in the filtrate comes in contact with a transparent porous matrix, which includes a luciferin-luciferase complex. The adenosine triphosphate interacts with the luciferin-luciferase complex to provide light response, which is measured by a detector. The light response is compared with a calibration curve to determine the total concentration of one or more microbes in a sample.