Abstract: A microfluidic device comprises inlets for a sample flow and an out-of-plane focusing sheath flow, and a curved channel section configured to receive the sample flow and out-of-plane focusing sheath and to provide hydrodynamic focusing of the sample flow in an out-of-plane direction, the out-of-plane direction being normal to a plane including the curved channel. Examples of the invention also include improved flow cytometers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus to identify at least one component from a plurality of components in a fluid mixture, the apparatus including a first input channel into which a first flow containing a plurality of components is introduced; a plurality of buffer input channels, into which additional flows of buffer solution are introduced, disposed on either side of the first input channel; wherein the first flow and the additional flows have a flow direction along a length of the apparatus; a detector apparatus which detects and identifies selected components of the plurality of components; a laser which emits a laser beam which damages or kills selected components of the plurality of components; and at least one channel disposed at the another end of the apparatus which is adapted to receive the first flow and the additional flows after operation of the laser on the selected components.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method of measuring a Raman scattered light which is capable of detecting a Raman scattered light derived from a specimen at a high sensitivity, and a container for a Raman scattered light measurement specimen for use therein. The method of measuring a Raman scattered light includes radiating an exciting light to a specimen on a sheet member made of a material different from a material of an accommodating section and disposed within the accommodating section, thereby detecting a Raman scattered light.

Abstract: An optical device is described for irradiating at least one object in a medium. The optical device may be a microfluidics device, and comprises at least one integrated planar waveguide that enables providing sheet irradiation of objects in the medium. A characterization system including such an optical device and a corresponding method of characterizing an object or a fluid are described.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to analytical and monitoring systems useful for analyzing and measuring cells and biological sample. More particularly, the invention relates to a unique cell counting chamber, e.g., a thin gap fluidic cell chamber for both bright field and fluorescent imaging of bacteria or parasites, and methods for making the same.

Abstract: Systems and method are disclosed for determining a concentration of an analyte (e.g., glucose) in a fluid (e.g., blood). The system can draw blood from a patient and deliver the blood to a sample cell. A centrifuge motor can spin the sample cell to separate the fluid into a plurality of components (plasma, red blood cells, etc.). A particular component of the fluid (e.g., plasma) may be positioned at a sample portion of the sample cell after centrifuging such that the concentration of the analyte is measured in the particular component of the fluid (e.g., plasma). The sample cell can include a cuvette that has two window pieces sandwiched between two clamshell pieces, and where the sample portion of the sample cell is defined by a gap between the window pieces.

Abstract: The invention makes it possible to measure binding of a biochemical substance with a high throughput and with high sensitivity using a small cell capable of being filled with a small amount of chemical solution. A space between a first substrate and a second substrate such that probes are immobilized on their mutually facing planes is used as a cell that houses a specimen solution. Light is irradiated from a first substrate side, and reflected light is subjected to spectroscopy. Binding of the target with the probe is detected by a wavelength shift in the refection spectrum.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present invention relates to a cuvette of which an inner space thereof is easily cleansed while minimizing its inner space. A cuvette according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes an upper portion having an inlet and forming a first inner space; a middle portion following the first inner space and forming a second inner space that is smaller than the first inner space; and a lower portion following the second inner space and forming a through hole having an interior diameter that is narrower than a cross-section of the second inner space. Accordingly, the through hole functions as a valve to stop the solution when the solution is divided to the inner space for the test, and after the test, the inlet is pressed such that the through hole functions as a nozzle when cleansing such that the solution may be exhausted therefrom.

Abstract: A micromachined flow cell (100), comprising a substrate (102), and a freestanding tube (104) delimiting a fluidic conduit (800) therein and being integrally formed from material of the substrate (102).

Abstract: A cuvette comprising a cuvette wall for limiting a sample reception space for receiving a fluid sample is disclosed. The cuvette wall is adapted to allow a traversal of measurement radiation through the fluid sample situated within the sample reception space. An information presenter is fixed at the cuvette wall. The information presenter wirelessly provides data to be transferred to an external data reception module. The data to be transferred relates to the cuvette. Further, an optical measurement apparatus is described.

Abstract: A sampler (10), in particular for use in testing the dissolution behavior of pharmaceutical products, wherein the sampler (10) comprises: a vial holder (20) for accommodating a plurality of vials (22a, 22b); a sampling needle assembly (30) with a plurality of sampling needles, wherein the sampling needle assembly (30) and the vial holder (20) may be moved relative to one another in such a way that the sampling needles of the sampling needle assembly (30) may be inserted into the vials of the vial holder (20); and a pump unit (40) with a plurality of diaphragm pumps (42a, 42b) which are designed to convey a fluid via the sampling needle assembly to the vials in the vial holder (20) and to withdraw a fluid therefrom.

Abstract: A device includes a handpiece having a probe tip disposed at an end thereof, and, connected to the handpiece such that, at the probe tip, a functionality of each is provided, a plurality of probes. The probes may include an optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe, an endoillumination probe, a laser therapy probe, an ultrasound imaging probe, an electrocautery probe, an RF ablation probe, a cryosurgical probe, an irrigator, and/or a mechanical probe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (10) for inspecting matter (12), the apparatus comprising: an emitting device (14) adapted to emit radiation; a stop element (20) adapted to block some (16a) of the radiation emitted by the emitting device; a scanning device (26) adapted to project a dark area (24) caused by the stop element on the matter, and to redirect radiation (16b) having passed the stop element towards the matter, wherein at least some of the redirected radiation is scattered within the matter and passes out of the matter as scattered radiation (42); and a detection device (34) adapted to receive or detect the scattered radiation via the scanning device, wherein the detection device's field of view (36) coincides with the projected dark area (24). The present invention also relates to a corresponding method.

Abstract: A device includes a handpiece having a probe tip disposed at an end thereof, and, connected to the handpiece such that, at the probe tip, a functionality of each is provided, a plurality of optical coherence tomography (OCT) probes.

Abstract: A chamber configured to increase an intensity of target radiation emitted therein is provided. The chamber includes an enclosure at least partially formed by a set of transparent walls. Each transparent wall can comprise a first material transparent to the target radiation and having a refractive index greater than 1.1 for the target radiation. The outer surface of the set of transparent walls can include a set of cavities, each cavity comprising an approximately prismatic void. Additionally, a medium located adjacent to an outer surface of the set of transparent walls can have a refractive index within approximately one percent of a refractive index of a vacuum for the target radiation.

Abstract: An optical measurement instrument includes: an excitation light source (120) arranged to produce an excitation beam for at least one of samples to be measured and a detector (132) arranged to detect an emission beam emitted by one of the samples to be measured and to produce a detection signal responsive to the detected emission beam. The optical measurement instrument further includes an arrangement for controlling temperature of the samples to be measured. The arrangement includes: one or more temperature sensors (176) for producing one or more temperature signals responsive to temperature of a measurement chamber (170) of the optical measurement instrument, one or more heating resistors (171-175) arranged to warm the measurement chamber, and a controller (177) arranged to control electrical power supplied to the heating resistors on the basis of the one or more temperature signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for generating at least one electrically contactable area on a polymer which is doped with a conductive substance, wherein a contact material is applied onto the polymer, which has a lower specific resistance at 23° C. than the polymer. According to the invention the contact material is applied onto the polymer so tightly that close contact between the contact material and the conductive substance is achieved. Due to the tight application of the contact material, which has a lower specific resistance than the polymer, the input resistance of the doped polymer is effectively reduced. The invention further concerns a formed body made of a polymer which is doped with a conductive substance, which has at least one contactable area, within which a contact material is applied onto the polymer, which has a lower specific resistance at 23° C. than the polymer.

Abstract: Cuvette, comprising at least one measuring area on each one of two arms that are pivotally connected to each other such that from a swung-apart condition, they can be swung together into a measuring position in which the two measuring areas have a distance for positioning a sample between the measuring areas, and means for positioning the two arms in a measuring position in a cuvette shaft of an optical measuring device with a sample between the two measuring areas in a beam path of the optical measuring device that crosses the cuvette shaft.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to microfluidic devices adapted for facilitating cytometry analysis of particles flowing therethrough. In certain embodiments, the microfluidic devices allow light collection from multiple directions. In certain other embodiments, the microfluidic devices use spatial intensity modulation. In certain other embodiments, the microfluidic devices have magnetic field separators. In certain other embodiments, the microfluidic devices have the ability to stack. In certain other embodiments, the microfluidic devices have 3-D hydrodynamic focusing to align sperm cells. In certain other embodiments, the microfluidic devices have acoustic energy couplers. In certain other embodiments, the microfluidic devices have phase variation producing lenses. In certain other embodiments, the microfluidic devices have transmissive and reflective lenses. In certain other embodiments, the microfluidic devices have integrally-formed optics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas cell (1) for optical measurements of gas content and/or concentration comprising a cavity (1a), at least one aperture (11) for gas exchange, at least one first socket (12) for light emitting means (2) and at least one second socket (13) for light detecting means (3). The length of an optical measuring path (A) through the cavity (1a) is defined by a direct or indirect distance between a light emitting means (2) in the first socket (12) and a light detecting means (3) in the second an epoxy mold compound is used to form at least the parts of the gas cell (1) that define the optical measuring path (A).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for detecting Chemical Species, Biomolecules and Biotargets (Analytes) using receptor functionalized metal nanoparticles and Dynamic Light Scattering.

Abstract: A fiber-type image capturing apparatus includes a fiber optic, an optical rotating module, an outer tube, an air inlet hole, and an air outlet hole. The optical rotating module is connected to one end of the fiber optic and has a light forward exit and a light lateral exit. The optical rotating module further includes a stator, a rotor, and a light path selector. The stator is fixed correspondingly to the fiber optic. The rotor has a fan blade which is pivotally connected to the stator. The light path selector is installed at the rotor and has a forward scanning path and a lateral scanning path. The outer tube fixes the fiber optic and the optical rotating module. The air inlet hole is disposed at the outer tube and feeds the fan blade with air. The air outlet hole is disposed at the outer tube and vents the air.

Abstract: A probe having a probe head in which is formed an opening for receiving a sample to be analyzed, the head comprising a pair of optical interfaces disposed at an opposing inner surface of the opening to delimit a path for optical radiation through the opening, wherein one of the pair of optical interfaces comprises a transparent element adapted to permit optical radiation in one or more wavelength regions of interest to travel between the probe head and the opening, the optical probe comprising a movable diaphragm in which one of the pair of optical interfaces is located for movement therewith and an actuator operably connected to the diaphragm to control its movement so as to vary the path length wherein the probe head comprises a hinge system cooperable with the actuator to move the optical interface in the movable diaphragm in an arc to vary the path length.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus related to optofluidic devices. In one aspect, an optofluidic device includes a substrate, a first nanostructure, a second nanostructure, and a cover. A channel having cross-sectional dimensions of less than about 100 nanometers is defined in a surface of the substrate. The first nanostructure is disposed on the substrate on a first side of the channel and proximate the channel. The second nanostructure is disposed on the substrate on a second side of the channel and proximate the channel. The first and the second nanostructures are disposed on a line that passes across the channel. The cover is disposed on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, an apparatus to detect fluorescence from a sample is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sample plane onto which the sample is arranged, an excitation light unit including at least a light source to illuminate the sample, and a detection unit comprising at least a detector having at least 100,000 active detection elements to detect a fluorescence signal from the sample.

Abstract: A highly compact multi-optical-junction optical flowcell includes a housing having an internal channel, to which a plurality of source optical signal modules can be coupled, e.g., in a peripheral manner. The source optical signal modules can include a set of LEDs and/or semiconductor lasers, and can be coupled to the flowcell by way of a standard optical coupling such as an SMA-type optical connector. An excitation detection apparatus or subsystem can also be coupled to the flowcell to facilitate multiple types of optical measurements, including fluorescence spectroscopy, absorption spectroscopy, and turbidity measurements. A sensing apparatus or system that includes a multi-optical-junction optical flowcell, a plurality of source optical signal modules, and an excitation detection apparatus can be carried by or deployed on a wide variety of platforms, such as Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs), buoys, or other platforms, in a space efficient and power efficient manner.

Abstract: This invention is to distinguish a position of a measurement cell without using a position sensor that is an electric component, and comprises a cell switching mechanism that switches a measurement position where the measurement cell is located on an optical path and an evacuating position where the measurement cell is evacuated from the optical path so as to make a first moving speed from the measurement position to the evacuating position different from a second moving speed from the evacuating position to the measurement position, and a distinguishing mechanism that detects speed information relating to the first moving speed and the second moving speed by the use of a measurement light and distinguishes the measurement position and the evacuating position.

Abstract: Cuvette, comprising at least one measuring area on each one of two arms that are pivotally connected to each other such that from a swung-apart condition, they can be swung together into a measuring position in which the two measuring areas have a distance for positioning a sample between the measuring areas, and means for positioning the two arms in a measuring position in a cuvette shaft of an optical measuring device with a sample between the two measuring areas in a beam path of the optical measuring device that crosses the cuvette shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow cell for absorption detection, in which a tube through which flow is to pass is held at its opposite ends in a supporting flange in each case and is suspended in a substantially cantilevered manner, the two supporting flanges being connected rigidly to each other in order to avoid stresses accidentally introduced into the tube.

Abstract: A method and system for optical measurement of a volume of dispensed fluid may be provided such as in connection with the calibration of pipettes. The method and system may include utilizing a fluid receptacle, an image recording device, and an image processing application to provide optical measurement of the volume of the dispensed fluid. The fluid receptacle may include a first plate and a second plate. The first and second plates may include respective opposing surfaces spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance to define a space between the opposing surfaces. At least one of the first plate and the second plate may be substantially transparent to ensure that the dispensed fluid received in the space of the fluid receptacle is visible to the image recording device.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking an accurate photometric measurement of a liquid by way of forming a specimen volume of a controlled optical path length for use with photometric measurement equipment is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a transparent body configured for displacing a volume of a fluid and at least one support element wherein the support element is configured to maintain the transparent body at a location such that specimen fluid may enter a void volume to form a specimen volume of a controlled optical path length. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a plurality of transparent bodies interconnected by a web such that the transparent bodies are maintained at a spacing arrangement which allows for them to be inserted into the wells of a microplate in order to create a plurality of specimen volumes of a controlled optical path length.

Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning means for a flow cell used for optical detection, comprising a base having at least one contact face, the contact face being provided to make contact with the end of the flow cell, wherein the base has at least one reference face, which is to be aligned and/or positioned relative to the flow channel of a flow cell, and wherein the base is designed to receive a connecting piece in such a way that the latter assumes a predefined attitude and alignment relative to the flow channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cartridge for containing a sample, for example a sample to be analysed in an analyser such as a spectroscopic analyser. A cartridge for containing a sample to be analysed by an analyser such as a spectroscopic analyser, said cartridge comprising: an upper member including a reservoir; a lower member said upper and lower members being interconnected by a tube for containing the sample, and the lower member including a coupling for connection to a driven rotary means of said analyser whereby the cartridge may be rotated about its axis.

Abstract: A flow cell module for use in a liquid sample analyzer includes a module housing, a liquid core waveguide mounted in the module housing to receive a flow of a liquid sample from a liquid sample source, an input optical fiber disposed in the module housing to transmit radiation from a radiation source to the liquid core waveguide, an input termination located on an input end of the input optical fiber, a first kinematic connection mechanism operative to bias the input termination in a first direction along a first axis while permitting displacement of the input termination in a first opposing direction along the first axis, and a second kinematic connection mechanism operative to bias the input termination in a second direction along a second axis while permitting displacement of the input termination in a second opposing direction along the second axis. The second axis is transverse to the first axis.

Abstract: Micro volume inline optical sensor comprising a flowcell having a sample chamber which has a volume less than 0.4 mL and increases in diameter from two ends toward the middle, a flow passageway intersecting the chamber where the diameter is the greatest, monitoring ports with optically transmissive windows at the ends of the chamber, mounting rings on opposite sides of the flowcell disposed coaxially of an optical axis that passes through the monitoring ports and the sample chamber, and a light source and an optical detector mounted on the mounting rings in alignment with each other along the optical axis. In one embodiment, the sample chamber has a side wall with oppositely inclined frusto-conical sections, and the ends of the chamber are closed and sealed by the monitoring port windows and O-ring gaskets that surround the open ends and are compressed between the body of the flowcell and the windows.

Abstract: An optical blood monitoring system for blocking unwanted light from reaching sensors in a sensor clip assembly fastened to a blood chamber connected in an extracorporeal blood treatment system. The blood chamber has an internal flow cavity for communicating the extracorporeal blood flow and viewing windows to enable the sensor clip assembly to illuminate the blood with light as the blood flows through the blood chamber in order to monitor characteristics of the blood. The sensor clip assembly includes opposing heads with LED emitters and photodetectors. In one embodiment, lenses in the heads are surrounded by shrouds extending from the lenses so that when the sensor clip assembly is fastened to the blood chamber the shrouds block unwanted light from reaching the photodetectors.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and devices are provided for focusing particles suspended within a moving fluid into one or more localized stream lines. The system can include a substrate and at least one channel provided on the substrate having an inlet and an outlet. The system can further include a fluid moving along the channel in a laminar flow having suspended particles and a pumping element driving the laminar flow of the fluid. The fluid, the channel, and the pumping element can be configured to cause inertial forces to act on the particles and to focus the particles into one or more stream lines.

Abstract: A device for detecting the level of a liquid in a container, includes an optical structure facing at least partly the region inside the container in a position corresponding to a predefined level of the liquid and having a main surface, a first side surface and a second side surface which are inclined at about 45° with respect to the main surface and about 90° relative to each other; and an emitter and a receiver facing the main surface of the optical structure and able to send a radiation beam towards the first side surface and, respectively, receive a radiation beam emitted by the emitter and reflected by the first and second side surfaces, when the level of the liquid inside the container is lower than the predefined level. The structure extends mainly outside the container and faces the region inside the container only opposite the first side surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for conducting the identification and quantification of micro-organisms, e.g., bacteria in biological samples. More particularly, the invention relates to a system comprising a disposable cartridge and an optical cup or cuvette having a tapered surface; wherein the walls are angled to allow for better coating and better striations of the light, an optics system including an optical reader and a thermal controller; an optical analyzer; a cooling system; and an improved spectrometer. The system may utilize the disposable cartridge in the sample processor and the optical cup or cuvette in the optical analyzer.

Abstract: There is provided a device, such as a microfluidic device, for performing an assay including: a substrate comprising a channel, such as a microfluidic channel; at least one optical element having an input port arranged to be optically coupled to a light source; an output port optically coupled to at least a portion of the channel; and a light guide portion optically connecting the input port and output port; and a detection port optically coupled to said at least a portion of the channel. The device provides an improved geometry which addresses problems related to traditional orthogonal detection arrangements and in-line detection systems.

Abstract: Plasmons on a waveguide may deliver energy to photocatalyze a reaction. The waveguide or other energy carrier may be configured to carry electromagnetic energy and generate plasmon energy at one or more locations proximate to the waveguide, where the plasmon energy may react chemically with a medium or interaction material.

Abstract: A biological fluid sample analysis cartridge, analysis system, and method for analyzing a biologic fluid sample are provided. The cartridge includes a collection port, at least one channel within the cartridge in fluid communication with the collection port, a passage in fluid communication with the at least one channel, and an analysis chamber mounted on a tray. The tray is mounted relative to the cartridge and selectively positionable relative to the passage in a first position where the analysis chamber will engage a bolus of sample extending out from the passage to permit selective transfer of sample from the bolus to the analysis chamber.

Abstract: An instrument and a method for the automated thermal treatment of liquid samples are disclosed. An inter-distance between a temperature-controlled receptacle for loading with a plurality of vessels for containing the samples and end portions of optical fibers can be varied, wherein the receptacle is configured to form a thermal communication with the loaded vessels and wherein the optical fibers have first and second end portions. The first end portion and the second end portion of each optical fiber is fixed with respect to each other for transmitting light, wherein the variation of the inter-distance allows the vessels to be loaded to or unloaded from the receptacle and to enable detection of light from the samples contained in the one or more receptacle-loaded vessels.

Abstract: A flow cell assembly for use in a liquid sample analyzer including a radiation source, a sensing device and a liquid sample source to supply a liquid sample includes an entrance joint member, a liquid core waveguide, a liquid sample feed tube, and an input optical fiber. The entrance joint member includes a waveguide receiving bore and a feed tube receiving bore. The liquid core waveguide is mounted in the waveguide receiving bore and defines a waveguide bore. The liquid sample feed tube is mounted in the feed tube receiving bore such that the liquid sample feed tube is in fluid communication with the waveguide bore to fluidly connect the liquid sample source to the waveguide bore. The input optical fiber is mounted in the entrance joint member to transmit radiation from the radiation source to the waveguide bore, which radiation is transmitted through the waveguide bore and the liquid sample therein to the sensing device.

Abstract: A cytometer cartridge insert includes a micro-molded component and a plastic laminate component. The micro-molded component is embedded in the plastic laminate component.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed that are configured to permit nanoplasmonic spectroscopy sensing in the form of colorimetric sensing. An example apparatus involves: (a) an array layer having a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein a plurality of nanoholes are defined in the top surface of the array layer, wherein the plurality of nanoholes each have at least one sidewall surface and a bottom surface, (b) a thin metal film disposed on the top surface of the array layer and on the bottom surface of each of the plurality of nanoholes, and (c) a plurality of nanoparticles disposed on the at least one sidewall surface of the plurality of nanoholes.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and devices are provided for focusing particles suspended within a moving fluid into one or more localized stream lines. The system can include a substrate and at least one channel provided on the substrate having an inlet and an outlet. The system can further include a fluid moving along the channel in a laminar flow having suspended particles and a pumping element driving the laminar flow of the fluid. The fluid, the channel, and the pumping element can be configured to cause inertial forces to act on the particles and to focus the particles into one or more stream lines.

Abstract: A flow cell for differential refractive index detection. The flow cell includes a transparent body that extends from a first end to a second end along a longitudinal axis. The transparent body defines a sample prism chamber and reference prism chamber. The sample prism chamber is configured to allow fluid flow between the first and second ends of the transparent body along the longitudinal axis. The reference prism chamber is configured to receive a reference fluid. The sample and reference prism chambers each include a grating comprising a plurality of grooves extending along the longitudinal axis in the direction of fluid flow.

Abstract: A device for clamping a hose line for determining the concentration of a constituent of blood in a hose line, in particular in the hose line of an extracorporeal blood circuit of an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus, includes a clamping unit with two receiving elements and an electric motor-driven actuation mechanism. Actuation mechanism is constituted such that, when a clamping force is applied, the first and second receiving element can be moved from a position releasing the hose line into a position clamping the hose line. Moreover, the device comprises an unlocking mechanism which is constituted such that, by actuating an unlocking element, the actuation mechanism in the position clamping the hose line can be decoupled from electromotive drive. Unlocking mechanism makes it possible for the receiving elements to be transferred easily and rapidly by hand from the position clamping the hose line into the position releasing the hose line.

Abstract: A microcuvette cartridge for optical measurement of a specimen includes: a substrate having a recess on an upper surface thereof to receive a fluid specimen therein, the substrate having a plurality of cavities therein to receive the fluid specimen transported from the recess, the substrate further defining a plurality of channels communicating with the recess and with the plurality of cavities, respectively, to transport the fluid specimen from the recess to the plurality of cavities, said substrate further having one or more of windows at positions corresponding to the plurality of cavities, the windows being transparent to wavelength of light with which the optical measurement is to be carried out so as to allow the light to interact with the fluid specimen in the cavities; and a transport mechanism to promote and complete flows of the fluid specimen from the recess to the plurality of cavities through the plurality of channels.