Abstract: Techniques, systems, devices and materials are disclosed for spectrally selective coatings for optical surfaces having high solar absorptivity, low infrared emissivity, and strong durability at elevated temperatures. In one aspect, a spectrally selective coating includes a substrate formed of a light absorbing material, and a composite material formed over the substrate and including nanoparticles dispersed in a dielectric material, in which the composite material forms a coating capable of absorbing solar energy in a selected spectrum and reflecting the solar energy in another selected spectrum.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, apparatus, methods and devices, including a method that includes generating two or more sequential surface plasmon interference patterns, at least one of the two or more sequential surface plasmon interference patterns being different from another of the two or more sequential surface plasmon interference patterns, and capturing respective images of a specimen resulting from the interference patterns. Also disclosed is a method that includes generating two or more sequential optical interference patterns, at least one of the two or more sequential optical interference patterns being different from another of the interference patterns, and removing from each of the generated interference patterns, using a beam stopper, a corresponding zero-order diffraction light component included in the respective generated patterns to obtain resultant corresponding two or more sequential optical interference patterns, directed at a specimen, with missing respective zero-order light components.

Abstract: Devices based on metamaterial structures to guide and manipulate light, other electromagnetic radiation and acoustic waves. For example, a lens can include a metamaterial structure comprising nano structures of metallic and dielectric materials; and a plasmonic waveguide coupler formed over the metamaterial structure for coupling electromagnetic radiation to or from metamaterial structure. The metamaterial structure has an anisotropic structure and the plasmonic waveguide coupler is structured to include metal and non-metal parts to support surface plasmon polaritons and to cause different phase delays at different locations of an interface with the metamaterial structure in a way that the metamaterial structure and the plasmonic waveguide coupler effect a lens for performing a Fourier transform of the electromagnetic radiation coupled between the metamaterial structure and the plasmonic waveguide coupler.

Abstract: Plasmonic condensers for generating surface plasmon at an evanescent wave surface can include a substrate layer, a metal layer comprising the evanescent wave surface; and a media layer disposed between the metal layer and the substrate layer. The media layer can be active or passive and can include a source of radiation that interacts with the metal layer to create surface plasmons that are not substantially optically detectable as far field radiation until an interfering object is brought into proximity with the evanescent wave surface. When an interfering object such as a sample or specimen is brought into proximity with the evanescent wave surface, it causes coupling of at least some of the surface plasmons into propagating radiation detectable by an objective lens. Systems, methods, and the like are disclosed, as are features of a plasmonic meta-materials illuminator.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, apparatus, methods and devices, including a method that includes generating two or more sequential surface plasmon interference patterns, at least one of the two or more sequential surface plasmon interference patterns being different from another of the two or more sequential surface plasmon interference patterns, and capturing respective images of a specimen resulting from the interference patterns. Also disclosed is a method that includes generating two or more sequential optical interference patterns, at least one of the two or more sequential optical interference patterns being different from another of the interference patterns, and removing from each of the generated interference patterns, using a beam stopper, a corresponding zero-order diffraction light component included in the respective generated patterns to obtain resultant corresponding two or more sequential optical interference patterns, directed at a specimen, with missing respective zero-order light components.

Abstract: According to a method of determining a size of a sample polynucleotide, a sample polynucleotide is subjected to electrophoresis in the presence of a fluorescent compound having a first fluorescence spectrum. Detection of light of the first fluorescence spectrum is indicative of the presence of the sample polynucleotide. One or more size standards are also subjected to electrophoresis, optionally in the presence of the sample polynucleotide. If more than one size standard is used, the different size standards typically have different mobilities. The size standards are generally essentially or completely free of polynucleotides. Migration coordinates, e.g., migration times, of the sample polynucleotide and size standard(s) are determined. A size of the sample polynucleotide can be determined using the migration coordinate of the sample polynucleotide and the migration coordinate(s) of the size standard(s).

Abstract: A method for determining a frequency of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within genomic DNA includes providing genomic DNA of each of a plurality of different organisms. The genomic DNA of each organism includes first and second portions, e.g., first and second strands. First and second amplicons are prepared from the genomic DNA of each organism. The first amplicon corresponds to the first portion of the genomic DNA and the second amplicon corresponds to the second portion of the genomic DNA. A plurality of duplexes is prepared from the first and second amplicons of the genomic DNA of each organism. At least some of the duplexes include a portion of one of the first amplicons and a portion of one of the second amplicons. The duplexes are subjected to temperature gradient electrophoresis to obtain first electrophoresis data indicative of the rate of SNP at a first location in the genomic DNA of the plurality of organisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining the genotype of a sample polynucleotide having at least a first variant site. At least a portion of the sample polynucleotide is amplified to obtain first amplicons, the first amplicons including the first variant site. The first amplicons are combined with first and second different polynucleotide controls, the first and second polynucleotide controls differing by at least one base therealong, the position of the at least one differing base corresponding to the first variant site of the sample polynucleotide. A plurality of first duplexes are prepared, each of at least some of the first duplexes comprising (i) a polynucleotide strand of one of the first amplicons and (ii) a complementary polynucleotide strand of the first polynucleotide control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the presence of a mutation in a first sample comprising first nucleotides. The reference sample comprising reference nucleotides. The first sample and a reference sample are subjected to electrophoresis in the presence of at least one intercalating dye. During electrophoresis the temperature of the first sample and the reference sample is changed by an amount sufficient to change an electrophoretic mobility of at least one of the first or reference nucleotides. Fluorescence intensity data are obtained. The fluorescence intensity data are indicative of the presence of the first and reference nucleotides. At least one of the first sample or reference samples comprises products resulting from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the products not having been desalted prior to electrophoresis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining whether a length of a first polynucleotide is equal to (a) a length of a second polynucleotide or (b) a length of a third polynucleotide. A sample including the first polynucleotide is provided. A first portion of the sample is combined with an amount of the second polynucleotide to form a first mixture. A second portion of the sample is combined with an amount of the third polynucleotide to form a second, different mixture. The second polynucleotide includes at least 1 additional base than the third polynucleotide. The at least 1 additional base is located intermediate terminal ends of the second polynucleotide. First duplexes including the first polynucleotide and the second polynucleotide are prepared. Second duplexes including the first polynucleotide and the third polynucleotide are prepared. The first and second duplexes are subjected to temperature gradient electrophoresis to obtain electrophoresis data.

Abstract: According to a method of determining a size of a sample polynucleotide, a sample polynucleotide is subjected to electrophoresis in the presence of a fluorescent compound having a first fluorescence spectrum. Detection of light of the first fluorescence spectrum is indicative of the presence of the sample polynucleotide. One or more size standards are also subjected to electrophoresis, optionally in the presence of the sample polynucleotide. If more than one size standard is used, the different size standards typically have different mobilities. The size standards are generally essentially or completely free of polynucleotides. Migration coordinates, e.g., migration times, of the sample polynucleotide and size standard(s) are determined. A size of the sample polynucleotide can be determined using the migration coordinate of the sample polynucleotide and the migration coordinate(s) of the size standard(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peptide nucleic acid probe-based method for generating data indicative of the presence of a nucleotide polymorphism, mutation, or methylated cytosine in a nucleotide containing compound. A peptide nucleic acid probe (PNAP) is subjected to temperature gradient electrophoresis in the presence of a nucleotide containing compound. The PNAP is irradiated to generate a spectroscopic signal. The spectroscopic signal is converted into data suitable for determining the presence of the nucleotide polymorphism or the mutation in the nucleotide-containing compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the presence of a mutation in a first sample comprising first polynucleotides. The reference sample comprises reference polynucleotides. The first sample and a reference sample are subjected to electrophoresis in the presence of at least one intercalating dye. During electrophoresis the temperature of the first sample and the reference sample is changed by an amount sufficient to change an electrophoretic mobility of at least one of the first or reference polynucleotides. Fluorescence intensity data are obtained. The fluorescence intensity data are indicative of the presence of the first and reference polynucleotides. The data are processed to determine the presence of mutation in the first polynucleotides.

Abstract: A method for determining a frequency of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within genomic DNA includes providing genomic DNA of each of a plurality of different organisms. The genomic DNA of each organism includes first and second portions, e.g., first and second strands. First and second amplicons are prepared from the genomic DNA of each organism. The first amplicon corresponds to the first portion of the genomic DNA and the second amplicon corresponds to the second portion of the genomic DNA. A plurality of duplexes is prepared from the first and second amplicons of the genomic DNA of each organism. At least some of the duplexes include a portion of one of the first amplicons and a portion of one of the second amplicons. The duplexes are subjected to temperature gradient electrophoresis to obtain first electrophoresis data indicative of the rate of SNP at a first location in the genomic DNA of the plurality of organisms.

Abstract: A first aspect of the invention relates to a method of determining whether a sequence of a first portion of a polynucleotide of a first organism and a sequence of a first portion of a polynucleotide of a second organism comprise a mismatch. The method may comprise preparing a plurality of duplexes, which may comprise either or both of (i) a first polynucleotide strand having a sequence corresponding to a sequence of a first portion of genomic DNA of a first organism and (ii) a first complementary polynucleotide strand having a sequence corresponding to a sequence of a first portion of genomic DNA of a second organism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining the genotype of a sample polynucleotide having at least a first variant site. At least a portion of the sample polynucleotide is amplified to obtain first amplicons, the first amplicons including the first variant site. The first amplicons are combined with first and second different polynucleotide controls, the first and second polynucleotide controls differing by at least one base therealong, the position of the at least one differing base corresponding to the first variant site of the sample polynucleotide. A plurality of first duplexes are prepared, each of at least some of the first duplexes comprising (i) a polynucleotide strand of one of the first amplicons and (ii) a complementary polynucleotide strand of the first polynucleotide control.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the presence of a methylated cytosine in a first sample comprising a first nucleotide containing compound. The first sample and a reference NCC are subjected to electrophoresis in the presence of at least one intercalating dye. During electrophoresis the temperature of the first NCC and the reference NCC is changed by an amount sufficient to change an electrophoretic mobility of at least one of the first or reference NCCs. Fluorescence intensity data are obtained. The fluorescence intensity data are indicative of the presence of the first and reference NCCs.

Abstract: An electrophoretic separation system configured to determine a size of each of a plurality of sample polynucleotides includes a plurality of sample separation lanes, such as capillaries. Each separation lane is configured to subject a number plurality of respective sample polynucleotides and a respective internal standard polynucleotide (ISP) to electrophoresis. The system also includes a ladder separation lane for subjecting at least two members of polynucleotide ladder to electrophoresis. A processor of the system is configured to determine migration coordinates of (1) the ISP and sample polynucleotides subjected to electrophoresis within each separation lane and (2) at least two of the PLMs. The processor also transforms the migration coordinates of the sample polynucleotides of each separation lane from a migration dimension of their respective separation lane to a migration dimension of the polynucleotide ladder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peptide nucleic acid probe-based method for generating data indicative of the presence of a nucleotide polymorphism, mutation, or methylated cytosine in a nucleotide containing compound. A peptide nucleic acid probe (PNAP) is subjected to temperature gradient electrophoresis in the presence of a nucleotide containing compound. The PNAP is irradiated to generate a spectroscopic signal. The spectroscopic signal is converted into data suitable for determining the presence of the nucleotide polymorphism or the mutation in the nucleotide-containing compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the presence of a mutation in a first sample comprising first nucleotides. The reference sample comprising reference nucleotides. The first sample and a reference sample are subjected to electrophoresis in the presence of at least one intercalating dye. During electrophoresis the temperature of the first sample and the reference sample is changed by an amount sufficient to change an electrophoretic mobility of at least one of the first or reference nucleotides. Fluorescence intensity data are obtained. The fluorescence intensity data are indicative of the presence of the first and reference nucleotides. At least one of the first sample or reference samples comprises products resulting from a polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the products not having been desalted prior to electrophoresis.