Systems for the monitoring of bacterial levels in samples, using spectral analysis of the light diffracted from a substrate with an ordered array of pores having diameters enabling the targets to enter them. The trapping pore array is cyclically illuminated by light of different wavelengths, and the light diffracted from the pore array is imaged by a 2-dimensional detector array, with one pixel, or a small group of pixels receiving light from each associated pore. The temporal sequence of frames provides a series of images, each from the reflection of a different wavelength. A time sequenced readout of the signal from the pixel or pixels associated with each pore region, provides a spectral plot of the reflected light from that pore region. Spectral analysis of the light intensity from this series of different wavelength enables the effective optical thickness (EOT) of each pore to be extracted.

Devices, systems, and methods for strain-specific identification and assessment of susceptibility of microorganisms based on the response of sensors in a colorimetric sensor array to metabolic products of the microorganism. An exemplary method includes culturing a sample containing microorganisms in a medium and in gaseous communication with a colorimetric sensor array. Sensors in the colorimetric sensor array are exposed to volatile organic compounds produced by the microorganism. The method then includes assessing a resistance of the microorganism to at least one substance. The resistance is assessed based on a response of the sensors in the colorimetric sensor array to the volatile organic compounds produced by the microorganism.

Apparatus and methods for analyzing single molecule and performing nucleic acid sequencing. An apparatus can include an assay chip that includes multiple pixels with sample wells configured to receive a sample, which, when excited, emits emission energy; at least one element for directing the emission energy in a particular direction; and a light path along which the emission energy travels from the sample well toward a sensor. The apparatus also includes an instrument that interfaces with the assay chip. The instrument includes an excitation light source for exciting the sample in each sample well; a plurality of sensors corresponding the sample wells. Each sensor may detect emission energy from a sample in a respective sample well. The instrument includes at least one optical element that directs the emission energy from each sample well towards a respective sensor of the plurality of sensors.

The present describes a system and method for determining the concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) including a tray comprising a first analyte including an infusion of a solvent and cannabis, a light emitting element configured to illuminate the first analyte, a light receiving element configured to receive a first light transmitted through the first analyte, and a control circuit configured to calculate a concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol in the first analyte based at least in part on the first light.

The disclosure provides microstructured articles and methods useful for detecting an analyte in a sample. The articles include microwell arrays. The articles can be used with an optical system component in methods to detect or characterize an analyte.

Multiscale lens systems and methods for imaging well plates and including event-based detection is disclosed. In some embodiments, the multiscale lens systems and methods provide a multiple read-head optical detection system, a step-and-shoot optical detection system, a multiscale microlens optical detection system, and/or a multiscale GRIN lens optical detection system. Further, a fluidics system may include a liquid handling system and a multiscale optical detection system in relation to a well plate. Further, a method of using a multiple read-head optical detection system is provided. Further, a method of using a step-and-shoot optical detection system is provided. Further, a method of using a lens array optical detection system is provided.

The disclosure provides microstructured articles and methods useful for detecting an analyte in a sample. The articles include microwell arrays. The articles can be used with an optical system component in methods to detect or characterize an analyte.

In one aspect an imaging system includes: an illumination system including an array of light sources; an optical system including one or more lens arrays, each of the lens arrays including an array of lenses, each of the lenses in each of the one or more lens arrays in alignment with a corresponding set of light sources of the array of light sources; an imaging system including an array of image sensors, each of the image sensors in alignment with a corresponding lens or set of lenses of the one or more lens arrays, each of the image sensors configured to acquire image data based on the light received from the corresponding lens or set of lenses; a plate receiver system capable of receiving a multi-well plate including an array of wells, the plate receiver system configured to align each of the wells with a corresponding one of the image sensors; and a controller configured to control the illumination of the light sources and the acquisition of image data by the image sensors, the controller further configured to perform: an image acquisition process including a plurality of scans, each scan associated with a unique pattern of illumination, each of the image sensors configured to generate an image for a respective one of the wells during each scan; and an image reconstruction process during which the controller performs a fourier ptychographic operation to generate a reconstructed image for each of the wells based on the image data captured for the respective well during each of the scans.

Microplate reader has a housing, at least one optical measuring/detection device, a microplate support, a moving unit and an integrated lid holding apparatus. The lid holding apparatus moves the microplate in one respective, at least approximately vertical direction for moving the microplate lid away from the microplate. The lid holding apparatus is arranged inside the housing as a magnetic lifter and comprises a non-array arrangement of at least one permanent magnet, or at least three electro magnets, or at least one switchable permanent magnet. Each microplate lid to be moved away from the microplate comprises magnetizable material with a physical area. A projected area of the at least one permanent magnet, electro magnet, or switchable permanent magnet is smaller than the physical area of the magnetizable material of the microplate lid.

An electro-optical stimulation and recording system is disclosed, including a substrate and a plurality of wells coupled to the substrate. The system also includes at least one electrode set disposed proximate a respective one of the plurality of wells, wherein the electrode set comprises at least one electrode configured to collect an electric signal associated with at least a portion of the respective well. The system also includes a light-emitting element set corresponding to a respective one of the wells and configured to deliver optical stimulation to at least a portion of the respective well.