Abstract: One or more computer processors obtain one or more time-dependent signals with one or more sensor pairs in a sensing system, respectively, wherein each of the one or more time-dependent signals are obtained as a differential signal of a respective pair of the one or more sensor pairs by successively sensing a reference liquid and each liquid in a set of liquids to be characterized with the respective pair; extracting one or more sets of features from one or more portions of the one or more time-dependent signals, respectively, each of the one or more portions including a signal portion obtained while sensing each liquid in the set of liquids with said respective pair; and characterize each liquid in the set of liquids based on the one or more extracted sets of features.

Abstract: Embodiments presented provide for an acoustic based radioactive source tracking apparatus, system, and method. The apparatus includes a shield frame configuring an internal volume, a sensing device positioned within the internal volume, a first acoustic transmitter/receiver within the internal volume, and a second acoustic transmitter/receiver external to the shield frame. The sensing device is configured to detect a radioactive source and communicate a signal to the first acoustic transmitter/receiver. The first acoustic transmitter/receiver is configured to receive the signal generated by the sensing device, and to communicate an acoustic signal to the second acoustic transmitter/receiver.

Abstract: A test fixture is provided with a pair of specimen molds. Each specimen mold includes a cylindrical specimen barrel with at least one open end with a guide rail attached to a bottom of the specimen barrel. The test fixture also includes a support body having a trough shaped to match the shape of the specimen barrel. A track is located at the bottom of the trough and extends the length of the trough. The specimen barrels are positioned in the support body having an open end of a first specimen barrel facing the open end of a second specimen barrel. The guide rail for each specimen barrel is positioned in the track at the bottom of the trough in the support body.

Abstract: Temperature measurement is an important part of many potential applications in the fields of metallurgy. Conventional temperature measurement methods do not provide accurate and precise average temperature of fluid inside an enclosed chamber. The present disclosure provides multi-sensory techniques for measuring average temperature of mixed fluid inside a chamber. The average temperature is measured based on acoustic interferometry technique on standing wave and inputs received from one or more sensors and radar. The present disclosure utilizes radar to compensate the effect of fumes, noise based on Doppler effect. Further, the inputs received from the one or more sensors are used to determine the concentration of one or more fluids present in the chamber. The method of proposed disclosure depends on the principle of dependence of temperature on sound speed in fluid. So, measurement of sound speed can be mapped to report average temperature of mixed fluid inside the chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for diagnosing cylinders in an engine. In one example, the method may include while receiving first feedback from a vibration sensor coupled to a first cylinder of the engine, perturbing the first cylinder during engine operation. Responsive to the first feedback indicating a first vibration level difference greater than or equal to a first threshold difference, a first indication of a first degradation condition of the first cylinder may be set, and thereafter the engine may be operated based on whether or not the first indication was set.

Abstract: A display device that senses externally applied pressure and a change in the resonant frequency of a piezoelectric element. The display device includes a piezoelectric sensor layer including a piezoelectric sensor; and a display panel disposed on the piezoelectric sensor layer. The piezoelectric sensor includes: a piezoelectric element having a first electrode, a second electrode facing the first electrode, and a piezoelectric material disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode; an alternating current (AC) voltage generator connected to the first electrode and applies a voltage having a resonance frequency to the piezoelectric element. A sensing circuit connected to the second electrode is configured to measure a change in impedance of the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: An in situ cure monitoring control system for use with a volumetric three dimensional (3D) printing system, wherein the volumetric 3D system includes a container defining a build volume, the container includes a photocurable resist used for making a 3D part, and the resist is responsive to an optical curing beam from a light source, which is controlled by a controller, and which is passed through the resist. The cure monitoring control system includes an optical signal source which generates optical signals having a wavelength selected in relation to a characteristic of the resist, and directed to pass through the build volume. A detector detects the optical signals and generates output signals in accordance therewith. Software monitors the output signals and uses the output signals to modify the curing beam to help optimize curing of the resist.

Abstract: A refrigerator including a compressor, a condenser, and an expansion unit that constitute a refrigeration cycle, an evaporator that evaporates a refrigerant that has passed through the expansion unit, a heating unit that provides heat for defrosting the evaporator, and a frost sensor unit that is provided at one side of the evaporator to sense the amount of frost on the evaporator, the frost sensor unit including a sound-source transmitting unit that generates a sound-source of a first volume to the evaporator, and a sound-source receiving unit that receives a sound-source of a second volume formed after the sound-source transmitted by the sound-source transmitting unit reflects from or passes through the evaporator, and a controller that controls the heating unit to generate heat, when the difference between the first volume and the second volume reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: To provide an erosion characteristics database and a method for constructing the same, an erosion prediction method and an erosion prediction system using the database for predicting a widespread erosion amount of a fluid machine or the like in a short time without the need for an operation of a model machine or an actual machine.

Abstract: Method for testing a pipe for carrying hydrocarbons. The pipe has at least one internal sealing sheath made of polymer material, incorporating elements of reactive compound capable of reacting with corrosive gases contained in the hydrocarbons which diffuse radially through the sheath. The reaction forms a first layer, extending radially from the internal surface, in which the elements of reactive compound have reacted with the gases. A second layer, extends between the first layer and the external surface, in which the elements of reactive compound have not yet reacted with the gases. The method uses ultrasound to determine the position of an interface between the first and second layers to measure the progression of the diffusion of the gases through the sheath.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide an unexpected detecting apparatus enabled to evaluate an evenness of a compound coated on an electrode of a battery. The detecting apparatus (1) detects an evenness of a compound (12) coated on an electrode (10) of a battery, and includes a first sensor (20) for measuring a mass per unit area of the compound (12) in any points thereof, a second sensor (30, 50) for measuring a thickness of the compound (12) in the any points, and a holder (40, 60) for holding the first and second sensors (20, 30, 50), in which the first and second sensors (20, 30, 50) measure the mass and thickness at the same time, and the evenness is evaluated on the basis of the measured mass and thickness.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor assembly for a test pipe includes a sensor array. The sensor array includes a plurality of sensor elements for detecting a characteristic of the test pipe and included a flexible backing material on which the plurality of sensor elements are supported. The sensor array is adjustable in length to form an adjusted length. An excess portion is removed from the sensor array to form the adjusted length. This adjusted length of the sensor array substantially matches a perimeter distance around an outer surface of the test pipe. An associated method of positioning the ultrasonic sensor assembly on the test pipe is also provided.

Abstract: A system for predicting fouling and corrosion of a combustion system in an industrial process includes a pipe, a restrictive element, and a fouling and corrosion detector. The pipe contains a fuel. The restrictive element is coupled to the pipe and the fuel passes through the restrictive element. The fouling and corrosion detector is coupled to the pipe and is adapted to detect a characteristic signature of the restrictive element and to generate an alarm if a change in the detected signature exceeds a predetermined limit relative to a baseline signature.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide an agitation method for sufficiently agitating a mixture of a solution such as a buffer solution and a material to be detected, with no need of any dedicated unit for agitation, for measurements using a quartz crystal oscillator. The method for agitating a liquefied material using a quartz crystal oscillator in vibrating the quartz crystal oscillator at a given frequency and measuring the variation of the frequency due to a substance in contact with the quartz crystal oscillator, is that the quartz crystal oscillator is vibrated at other frequency different from the given frequency and equal to or higher than the fundamental vibration frequency to agitate a liquid containing the substance.

Abstract: A macromolecular docking event between a macromolecule of a first type (e.g. an antibody) and a macromolecule of a complementary type (e.g., an antigen) may be detected by dispersing macromolecules of the first type in a microscopic test region within an aqueous test volume and introducing at least one macromolecule of the complementary type into the microscopic test region. When the complementary macromolecule docks with one of the macromolecules of the first type, micro-acoustic radiation propagating through the microscopic test region is detected and the micro-acoustic wave emitted by the macromolecular docking is identified. Methods and apparatuses for detecting macromolecular docking events in such a manner are described.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a nuclear reactor monitoring device comprises: an ultrasonic wave transmission means which is installed on the outside surface of a reactor pressure vessel and transmits ultrasonic pulses to the interior of the reactor pressure vessel; an ultrasonic wave receiving means which is installed on the outside surface of the reactor pressure vessels and receives reflected pulses including ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic pulses reflected by an inspection object in the reactor pressure vessel; a preprocessing means which specifies and removes the reflected ultrasonic pulses generated in the wall of the reactor pressure vessel from the reflected pulse signal received by the ultrasonic wave receiving means or selectively extracts the reflected pulse signal; and a calculation means which determines the vibration of the inspection object from the reflection pulse signal processed by the preprocessing means in accordance with the observation time of the inspection object.

Abstract: A system for detecting an interface between polymer-rich phase and solvent-rich phase comprising a liquid-liquid separator configured to receive a polymer solution as an inlet stream produced in a solvent-based polymerization reactor through an inlet feed, wherein the tank is configured to permit the stream to separate into a polymer rich phase and a solvent rich phase; a first sonic transponder for sending a first sonic signal from either a top or bottom of the liquid-liquid separator and for receiving a first reflected portion of the sonic signal, the reflected portion of the sonic signal created by the passage of the sonic signal through a liquid-liquid interface between the solvent rich phase and the polymer rich phase is provided.

Abstract: Analytical apparatus for analysing at least one substance has an array of sensors (1) driven by an electronic driver (14) for operating each sensor. The signals produced by the sensors are received by a receiver (82), and the apparatus includes one or more calibration elements connected to the driver and the receiver for enabling changes in parasitic losses in the apparatus to be determined. The invention is particularly applicable to apparatus in which the sensors are electrical-mechanical transducers, individually connectable (in sequence) to the driver and receiver by a corresponding array of switches forming part of an interface (4).

Abstract: A stirring apparatus includes an acoustic wave generating unit that is provided in a vessel keeping a liquid and generates an acoustic wave toward the liquid, the liquid being stirred by the acoustic wave; a driving unit that drives the acoustic wave generating unit; a detecting unit that detects a reflected power reflected from the acoustic wave generating unit; and a determining unit that determines a presence of an abnormality based on the reflected power detected by the detecting unit. The determining unit determines the presence of the abnormality when a difference between an in-operation reflected power which is reflected from, during an operation, the acoustic wave generating unit and a reference reflected power of the acoustic wave generating unit at a same driving frequency exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a target analyte gas concentration using a photoacoustic spectroscopy cell comprising: i) a modulatable light source which provides optical radiation at an absorption wavelength of a target analyte; ii) a resonant acoustic chamber for containing said analyte; iii) a microphone positioned within said chamber whereby the acoustic reactance of the microphone is a substantial factor in determining the acoustic resonant frequency of the acoustic chamber and where the magnitude of the acoustic reactance of the microphone is at least two times the acoustic resistance of the microphone.

Abstract: An acoustic wave sensing device integrated with micro-channels and a method for the same are described. The present invention uses a piezoelectric substrate with a thinner portion serving as a sensing area and formed via a micromaching or chemical process. An inter-digital transducer (IDT) is located on the thinner portion to produce flexural plate waves (FPW). The micro-channels can be formed together with the thinner portion via the same manufacturing process, or integrated into the piezoelectric substrate via linkage. In the present invention, a novel manufacturing process and design are proposed for fabrication of the acoustic wave sensing devices with a good piezoelectric characteristic, a stable temperature compensation property, and a robust structure. Thereby, the techniques of flexural plate waves can be applied for liquid sensors. In this way, the drawbacks of the conventional acoustic wave sensing devices, such as poor piezoelectric properties and fragile film structures, are removed.

Abstract: A method for characterizing cavitation that occurs in a fluid exposed to acoustic energy. The method comprises the steps of exposing a volume of process fluid to acoustic energy at a specified power level; measuring the photon output from the fluid over a period of time; and when the photon output deviates from a desired level, initiating a remedial step to bring the photon output back to approximately the desired level.

Abstract: Fluid sensor methods and systems adapted for monitoring and/or controlling distillation operations in fluidic systems, such as batch distillation operations or continuous distillation operations, are disclosed. Preferred embodiments are directed to process monitoring and/or process control for unit operations involving endpoint determination of a distillation, for example, as applied to a liquid-component-switching operation (e.g., a solvent switching operation), a liquid-liquid separation operation, a solute concentration operation, a dispersed-phase concentration operation, among others.

Abstract: A frequency measuring device measures a natural frequency of a reactor jet pump sensing line supported by a sensing line support bracket in a nuclear reactor. The frequency measuring device includes a base member, a sensing line clamp attached to the base member that attaches to the sensing line support bracket, and at least one actuator attached to the base member. The actuator is positioned relative to the sensing line when the sensing line clamp is attached to the sensing line so that the actuator can strike the sensing line. A proximity probe attached to the base member measures vibration of the sensing line and outputs a vibration signal. A processor receives and processes the vibration signal from the proximity probe to determine the natural frequency.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus comprising a measurement chamber and a resonator, which can be integrated in the measurement chamber via a quick-action closure, for the liquid sensor system and for verification and measurement of the concentration of materials, substances, particles and/or microorganisms in liquids. The invention is characterized in that the resonator is held only on its outer circumference by a thin elastomer ring, and in that at the radial distance of the external diameter of the resonator, the elastomer ring on the one hand rests on an upper sealing ring of the measurement chamber, forming a seal, and on the other hand rests on a holding ring.

Abstract: Method and system (i) to determine when a selected target molecule is present or absent in a fluid, (2) to estimate concentration of the target molecule in the fluid and (3) estimate possible presence of a second (different) target molecule in the fluid, by analyzing differences in resonant frequencies of vibration of a thin beam suspended in the fluid, after the fluid has moved across the beam.

Abstract: A stirring apparatus includes an acoustic wave generating unit that is provided in a vessel keeping a liquid and generates an acoustic wave toward the liquid, the liquid being stirred by the acoustic wave; a driving unit that drives the acoustic wave generating unit; a detecting unit that detects a reflected power reflected from the acoustic wave generating unit; and a determining unit that determines a presence of an abnormality based on the reflected power detected by the detecting unit. The determining unit determines the presence of the abnormality when a difference between an in-operation reflected power which is reflected from, during an operation, the acoustic wave generating unit and a reference reflected power of the acoustic wave generating unit at a same driving frequency exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A system and methodology for the trace detection of organic explosives is described. The detector system combines a separation system, such as a gas chromatograph to separate the components of an explosive mixture, with a pyrolysis detector. In operation, effluent from the separation system is pyrolyzed and the fragments produced on pyrolysis of the explosive compound are then detected. The small molecule fragments exhibit sharply banded, characteristic spectrum, enabling detection of the explosive materials. The system is tested using the explosive materials nitrobenzene and 2,4-dinitrotoluene, and with the nitramine explosive tetryl. Detection limits are 25 ng for nitrobenzene, and 50 ng for 2,4-dinitrotoluene. Tetryl is detected with a detection limit of 50 ng.

Abstract: A method for characterizing cavitation that occurs in a fluid exposed to acoustic energy. The method comprises the steps of exposing a volume of process fluid to acoustic energy at a specified power level; measuring the photon output from the fluid over a period of time; and when the photon output deviates from a desired level, initiating a remedial step to bring the photon output back to approximately the desired level.

Abstract: Analytical apparatus for analysing at least one substance has an array of sensors (1) driven by an electronic driver (14) for operating each sensor. The signals produced by the sensors are received by a receiver (82), and the apparatus includes one or more calibration elements connected to the driver and the receiver for enabling changes in parasitic losses in the apparatus to be determined. The invention is particularly applicable to apparatus in which the sensors are electrical-mechanical transducers, individually connectable (in sequence) to the driver and receiver by a corresponding array of switches forming part of an interface (4).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for characterizing cavitation that occurs in a fluid exposed to acoustic energy. The apparatus comprises a vessel for holding the fluid; an acoustic energy generating means for generating acoustic energy, the acoustic energy generating means being positioned to transmit the acoustic energy into the fluid while the fluid is held in the vessel; and a cavitation detection means for detecting cavitation in the fluid held in the vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the cavitation detection means comprises a light detection means, such as a photomultiplier tube, that detects sonoluminescent emission from the fluid. The method comprises the steps of exposing a volume of process fluid to acoustic energy at a specified power level; measuring the photon output from the fluid over a period of time; and when the photon output deviates from a desired level, initiating a remedial step to bring the photon output back to approximately the desired level.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetic piezoelectric acoustic sensor (EMPAS). The sensor comprises a piezoelectric sensor plate spaced apart from an induced dynamic electromagnetic field, such as from an electromagnetic coil through which AC current flows. The electromagnetic field induces vibration in the sensor plate by fluctuating the aligned dipole moments of the piezoelectric material. Changes on the surface of the sensor plate can be detected by variation in resonance frequency of the sensor plate. The invention represents an improvement over conventional sensor methodologies in that no metallization of the sensor surface is required, and no permanent magnet is needed. The sensor may be used to detect absorption of molecules or biomolecular interactions between probe and target molecules.

Abstract: A measurement method and a biosensor apparatus using a resonator with which it is not necessary to agitate a sample solution in a cell and even if the amount of the sample solution is very small the influence of pressure waves is greatly reduced and extremely easy and accurate measurement is possible. In a method of the kind wherein a sample solution is brought into contact with one side of a resonator having first and second electrodes on opposite sides of a crystal plate and an a.c. signal is applied across the first and second electrodes and a frequency change of the resonator is measured from a relationship between the frequency of the a.c. signal and an electrical characteristic of the resonator, the resonator is made to oscillate at an N-tuple harmonic (N=3, 5, 7 . . . ) as the frequency change is measured.

Abstract: A surface wave chemical detector comprising at least one surface wave substrate, each of said substrates having a surface wave and at least one measurable surface wave parameter; means for exposing said surface wave substrate to an unknown sample of at least one chemical to be analyzed, said substrate adsorbing said at least one chemical to be sensed if present in said sample; a source of radiation for radiating said surface wave substrate with different wavelengths of said radiation, said surface wave parameter being changed by said adsorbing; and means for recording signals representative of said surface wave parameter of each of said surface wave substrates responsive to said radiation of said different wavelengths, measurable changes of said parameter due to adsorbing said chemical defining a unique signature of a detected chemical.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensing system for sensing process conditions within an ultrasonic process tank that includes process liquid, the liquid being subjected to ultrasound produced by transducers coupled to a generator. The sensing system includes an enclosure for housing a sample liquid, the enclosure passing ultrasonic energy from the process liquid to the sample liquid, the sample liquid being responsive to the ultrasonic energy, and at least one sensing device within the sample liquid, the sensing device generating signals indicative of characteristics of the sample liquid. The sample liquid includes materials adapted to produce chemiluminescence in response to the ultrasonic energy. The at least one sensing device includes a photo sensor for sensing the produced chemiluminescence and generating signals in response to the produced chemiluminescence.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromagnetic piezoelectric acoustic sensor (EMPAS). The sensor comprises a piezoelectric sensor plate spaced apart from an induced dynamic electromagnetic field, such as from an electromagnetic coil through which AC current flows. The electromagnetic field induces vibration in the sensor plate by fluctuating the aligned dipole moments of the piezoelectric material. Changes on the surface of the sensor plate can be detected by variation in resonance frequency of the sensor plate. The invention represents an improvement over conventional sensor methodologies in that no metallization of the sensor surface is required, and no permanent magnet is needed. The sensor may be used to detect absorption of molecules or biomolecular interactions between probe and target molecules.

Abstract: A method for analyzing cavitation in a component includes establishing an energy level associated with a system condition associated with the component and analyzing cavitation in response to said energy level.

Abstract: A piezoelectric crystal element and a sensor utilizing the same are presented for use in a sensor device for identifying at least one foreign material from environment. The crystal element comprises at least one crystal resonator in the form of an inverted mesa structure, which has a membrane-like region and has a certain resonance frequency value. A surface region of the crystal resonator is modified by reactive molecules of a kind capable of interacting with the foreign material to yield a reaction product that effects a change in the resonance frequency of the crystal resonator from said certain resonance frequency value. This change is indicative of the identity and quantity of the foreign material.

Abstract: A fermention process is monitored by detecting ultrasound backscattered from the cells as a function of time. A transducer 46 is placed in a fermentor 30 and transmits ultrasound towards a reflecting surface 50. The transducer receives that portion of the ultrasound which reflects from the reflecting surface 50, as well as that portion of the ultrasound which backscatters from cells 34 between the transducer 46 and the reflecting surface 50. Signals from the transducer are conditioned and subsequently processed to provide output to a controller regarding the status of the fermentation process in real time. The backscattering measurements can be used to determine a growth phase transition, such as the transition between the logarithmic growth phase of the cells and their stationary phase.

Abstract: Ultrasonic apparatus and associated methods for the in-line monitoring of melting, mixing and chemical reaction processes of materials inside an enclosed chamber having rotating elements associated therewith are presented. The chamber may be heated and the rotating elements may be blades and/or screws. The chamber may be a heating barrel and the materials may be polymer and polymer composites pellets, metal pellets and chemical compounds. Ultrasonic sensors, which are preferably coupled to a wall of the chamber, may be high temperature ultrasonic transducers attached to the external surface of the chamber or ultrasonic buffer rods embedded into the chamber and coupled to cooled ultrasonic transducers. These sensors are operated in the reflection mode and are placed over the rotating elements. The number and locations of the sensors depend on applications.

Abstract: In a method for determining the state of a road during driving of a motor vehicle, the sound which is generated when a vehicle tire rolls on an underlying surface is sensed. A frequency signal is determined by means of a sound level signal which describes the sound, and is divided into at least two sub-zones by means of at least one limiting frequency. The sub-zones are each assigned to an associated frequency band, and an intensity value is determined for each of at least two frequency bands from the assigned sub-zone of the frequency signal. The intensity value is characteristic of the sound intensity which is present in a frequency band. An intensity ratio is formed from two intensity values by dividing the first intensity value of the first frequency band by the second intensity value of the second frequency band, and is used to determine the state of a road.

Abstract: A method, probe, and system for detecting presence of cavitation in a fluid and measuring cavitation density and intensity of a specific locale in the fluid. A first cavitation void and associated energy perturbation, produced in a first fluid, moves within the first fluid and is received at a very thin plate, which separates the first fluid from a second fluid and is part of a light-proof chamber containing the second fluid. An energy perturbation in the first fluid is received at the thin plate and produces at least one cavitation void or associated energy perturbation in the second fluid; and the energy perturbation in the second fluid is eventually converted into an electromagnetic signal. This signal is received by a photomultiplier and converted to an electronic signal that indicates the presence of cavitation. The system can distinguish between cavitation voids produced at one location and/or time interval and voids produced at another location and/or another time interval.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in characterising liquids by obtaining a fingerprint of the liquid. This allows one to measure a property of a liquid, and thereby distinguish between liquids. The apparatus comprises means for directing acoustic energy at a sample of the liquid, which is preferably in the form of a drop, and means for deriving a signal related to the interaction of the acoustic energy with the liquid sample. The drop may change in volume or shape during the measurements, to derive additional properties of the liquid. The apparatus and method of the invention are used in distinguishing and analysing a variety of liquid samples.

Abstract: A shock wave vibration generator system is disclosed and includes methods and apparatus that sever objects and thereby produce shock waves. The shock waves then may be focused and coupled to objects for measuring or testing. The shock wave generator may be utilized for a sound source for imaging such as in ultrasound or sonar.

Abstract: The present invention relates to remotely determining local physical parameters in a fluid-filled cavity (e.g. heart cavities, blood vessels, industrial container) by means of ultrasound waves and encapsulated or stabilised gas bubbles. A measuring method, a method of diagnostic ultrasound of the same and an apparatus for remotely determining ambient physical local parameters of a fluid-filled cavity are disclosed.

Abstract: A evaluation process of a vibration level at the surface of silicon melt held in a silica glass crucible is provided by setting in the vacuum furnace, the test piece of the silica glass cut out from a silica glass crucible, melting a little amount of silicon put on said piece of the glass, and measuring a vibration cycle of the silicon melt. Moreover, a silica glass crucible not causing the vibration at the surface of the silicon melt held in the silica glass crucible is also provided, wherein the vibration cycle of a silica glass of a side wall of the crucible is controlled at more than ⅙ seconds.

Abstract: A micromechanical sensor element for recording the bonding of molecules to the micromechanical sensor element. The sensor element having a substrate and at least one electrical terminal. There is also an oscillatable element that is coupled to the electrical terminal in such a manner that an electrical variable that characterizes the oscillation behavior of the oscillatable element may be provided at the electrical terminal. Further, there is a molecule coupling layer, arranged in such a manner that molecules may bond to the molecule coupling layer. The molecule coupling layer is coupled to the oscillatable element in such a manner that bonding of molecules to the molecule coupling layer causes a change in the oscillation behavior of the oscillation element.

Abstract: The invention includes a particle detection system that detects bioparticles in a sample utilizing a sensor device that receives photoacoustic signals from a sample. The invention includes a system for distinguishing biologically active particles from non-biologically active particles in a sample utilizing a transducer to receive a laser induced photoacoustic signal from the sample and a fluorescence detector to receive laser induced fluorescence. The invention includes a method of screening a sample for the presence of one or more particle types by subjecting a sample to laser light and measuring at least one photonic response and at least one acoustic response are measured from the sample to produce a sample composite data set which is compared to a signature data set from a control sample. The invention also includes methods for detecting a change in the particle composition within a test area.

Abstract: An acoustical cell for analysis of materials by measuring parameters of acoustical velocity, attenuation and/or resonance. The cell comprises a main frame 5 and an electroacoustical transducer assembly. The main frame includes at least one interstice and has substantially parallel exterior surfaces mat engage, in use, with walls to define a sample cavity into which a specimen for analysis is placed in use. The electroacoustical transducer assembly is acoustically coupled to at least one of the walls and comprises at least one electroacoustical transducer. Analysing means for analysing me output of the electroacoustical transducer assembly is also provided. A corresponding method is also provided.

Abstract: The invention includes a particle detection system that detects bioparticles in a sample utilizing a sensor device that receives photoacoustic signals from a sample. The invention includes a system for distinguishing biologically active particles from non-biologically active particles in a sample utilizing a transducer to receive a laser induced photoacoustic signal from the sample and a fluorescence detector to receive laser induced fluorescence. The invention includes a method of screening a sample for the presence of one or more particle types by subjecting a sample to laser light and measuring at least one photonic response and at least one acoustic response are measured from the sample to produce a sample composite data set which is compared to a signature data set from a control sample. The invention also includes methods for detecting a change in the particle composition within a test area.