An apparatus detects a material within a sample and includes signal generation circuitry that generates a first light beam having at least one orbital angular momentum applied thereto and applies the first beam to the sample. The orbital angular momentum imparts a phase factor of exp(im), where m is at least one of an integer value or fractional value and is the azimuth angle, to the first light beam. A detector receives the first light beam after the first light beam passes through the sample and detects the material responsive to a detection of a predetermined phase factor within the first light beam received from the sample.

Encapsulated fluorescent metal nanoparticles for radiation detection comprising metal ions in an aqueous solution encapsulated in a nanocapsule, wherein the metal ions form atoms when exposed to gamma-ray initiated reduction of the ions and then aggregate to form fluorescent nanoparticles.

An apparatus for detecting a presence of a predetermined material within a sample uses signal generation circuitry for generating a first signal having a first distinct signature including a first eccentricity of a mode intensity, a first shift in a center of the mode intensity and a first rotation of an ellipsoidal intensity output of the mode intensity and applying the first signal to the sample. A detector receives the first signal after the first signal passes through the sample and detects a second distinct signature including a second eccentricity of the mode intensity, a second shift in the center of the mode intensity and a second rotation of the ellipsoidal intensity output of the mode intensity. The detector also determines the presence of the predetermined material within the sample based on the detected second distinct signature within the first signal received from the sample and provides an output of an indication of the presence of the predetermined material responsive to the determination.

Techniques for deterministic switch microscopy include resolving at least one nitrogen vacancy center in a diamond structure. A magnetic field can be applied across the diamond structure and the nitrogen vacancy centers can be optically excited. The nitrogen vacancy centers can be switched from a dark state to a bright state or a bright state by a dark state by applying at least one microwave pulse. A fluorescent response of each nitrogen vacancy center can be detected and a nitrogen vacancy center can be resolved based on the fluorescent response of each nitrogen vacancy center as it corresponds to the orientation of the nitrogen vacancy center relative to the applied magnetic field.

Provided herein are Mycobacterium smegmatis porin nanopores, systems that comprise these nanopores, and methods of using and making these nanopores. Such nanopores may be wild-type MspA porins, mutant MspA porins, wild-type MspA paralog porins, wild-type MspA homolog porins, mutant MspA paralog porins, mutant MspA homolog porins, or single-chain Msp porins. Also provided are bacterial strains capable of inducible Msp porin expression.

A method of detecting and sequencing post translationally modified peptides is disclosed wherein a negative ion precursor scan is performed. A negative ion high resolution MS scan is then performed and then MRM channels in positive ion mode are determined and monitored. A positive ion MS/MS scan is then performed.

The invention relates to the detection of vitamin D metabolites. In a particular aspect, the invention relates to methods for detecting derivatized vitamin D metabolites by mass spectrometry.

A non-radioactive atmospheric pressure device for ionization of analytes comprises an atmospheric pressure chamber having an inlet for carrier gas, a first electrode at one end, and a counter-electrode at the other end of the chamber for creating an electrical discharge in the carrier gas thus creating metastable neutral excited-state species. Optionally, a grid is provided to generate electrons or ions by contact with the excited-state species. The carrier gas containing the excited-state species or the electrons generated therefrom is directed at an analyte at atmospheric pressure near ground potential to form analyte ions.

The invention features a method of monitoring a clotting process by measuring a signal characteristic of the NMR relaxation of water in a sample undergoing clotting to produce NMR relaxation data and determining from the NMR relaxation data a magnetic resonance parameter of water in the sample characteristic of the clots being formed.

A mass spectrometer is disclosed comprising a glow discharge device within the initial vacuum chamber of the mass spectrometer. The glow discharge device may comprise a tubular electrode located within an isolation valve, which is provided in the vacuum chamber. Reagent vapour may be provided through the tubular electrode, which is then subsequently ionised by the glow discharge. The resulting reagent ions may be used for Electron Transfer Dissociation of analyte ions generated by an atmospheric pressure ion source. Other embodiments are contemplated wherein the ions generated by the glow discharge device may be used to reduce the charge state of analyte ions by Proton Transfer Reaction or may act as lock mass or reference ions.