Disposable, pre-sterilized, and pre-calibrated, pre-validated sensor components are provided. The sensor components interact with a sensor system having disposable fluid conduit or bioreactor bag and a reusable sensor assembly. The components can include an optical bench or inset optical component or module designed to be integrated within the disposable fluid conduit or bioreactor bag, which provides an optical light path through the conduit or bag. The sensors systems are designed to store sensor-specific information, such as calibration and production information, in a non-volatile memory chip on the disposable fluid conduit or bag and on the reusable sensor assembly. Methods for calibrating the sensor and for determining a target property of an unknown fluid are also disclosed. The devices, systems and methods relating to the sensor are suitable for and can be outfitted for turbidity sensing.

An apparatus for generating a two dimensional map representative of a turbid or clear medium (11) includes a system (12) for generating incoherent light within a medium (11), a light collecting system (13) that is movable or stationary relative to the medium (11) being analyzed and that is arranged for collecting light exiting the medium (11), and a spectrum analyzer (14) configured to determine spectrum data of the light exiting the turbid medium (11) and to transmit the spectrum data to a computing unit (15). The computing unit (15) is configured to generate a two dimensional map, in which one dimension of the map is wavelength and a second dimension is a position of the light collecting system (13). The invention is also direct-ed to a method for classifying media using the two dimensional map generated with the apparatus. The method comprises steps of feeding and training neural networks and using the trained neural networks to classify unknown media.

An apparatus for generating a two dimensional map representative of a turbid or clear medium (11) includes a system (12) for generating incoherent light within a medium (11), a light collecting system (13) that is movable or stationary relative to the medium (11) being analyzed and that is arranged for collecting light exiting the medium (11), and a spectrum analyzer (14) configured to determine spectrum data of the light exiting the turbid medium (11) and to transmit the spectrum data to a computing unit (15). The computing unit (15) is configured to generate a two dimensional map, in which one dimension of the map is wavelength and a second dimension is a position of the light collecting system (13). The invention is also direct-ed to a method for classifying media using the two dimensional map generated with the apparatus. The method comprises steps of feeding and training neural networks and using the trained neural networks to classify unknown media.

An apparatus for analysing a liquid sample comprising particles, comprises: a first chamber (12) and a second chamber (14), and an optical path between the first chamber (12) and the second chamber (14), wherein: the first chamber (12) is a sample chamber comprising: a sample space for receiving the sample; a light input (24) for input of light into the first chamber (12) for interaction with the sample; and an exit aperture (26) arranged for scattered and/or reflected light to pass from the first chamber via the optical path to the second chamber (14); the second chamber (14) is a detection chamber comprising: an input aperture (28) for receiving light from the optical path; and a detector (25) for detecting, or a detector aperture for receiving, light to be detected; wherein the first chamber (12) and the second chamber (14) provide at least one light integrating volume, and wherein the first chamber (12) is configured such that in operation the liquid sample is present in the first chamber (12) and isolated from the second chamber (14).

An apparatus for analysing a liquid sample comprising particles, comprises: a first chamber (12) and a second chamber (14), and an optical path between the first chamber (12) and the second chamber (14), wherein: the first chamber (12) is a sample chamber comprising: a sample space for receiving the sample; a light input (24) for input of light into the first chamber (12) for interaction with the sample; and an exit aperture (26) arranged for scattered and/or reflected light to pass from the first chamber via the optical path to the second chamber (14); the second chamber (14) is a detection chamber comprising: an input aperture (28) for receiving light from the optical path; and a detector (25) for detecting, or a detector aperture for receiving, light to be detected; wherein the first chamber (12) and the second chamber (14) provide at least one light integrating volume, and wherein the first chamber (12) is configured such that in operation the liquid sample is present in the first chamber (12) and isolated from the second chamber (14).

A test device includes a specimen a specimen with a circular cross section that accommodates a test target, a specimen holding part that has an opening with a circular cross section and holds the specimen, a plurality of light emitting elements that irradiate the specimen with light from a plurality of directions, a light-receiving element that faces the light emitting elements through the specimen, and a pressing member that projects from an interior wall of the opening into the opening to press the specimen and press the specimen against the interior wall on an opposite side.

A compact optical imaging system including a single filter and a light source that provides lateral illumination for bead detection in digital assays. The light source is configured to emit light toward the detection vessel. The single filter is positioned to receive light reflected from a sample in the detection vessel, that originated from the light source, and receive an output from a sample in the detection vessel. A detector is configured to receive a portion of the reflected light and a portion of the output that passes through the single filter.

A compact optical imaging system including a single filter and a light source that provides lateral illumination for bead detection in digital assays. The light source is configured to emit light toward the detection vessel. The single filter is positioned to receive light reflected from a sample in the detection vessel, that originated from the light source, and receive an output from a sample in the detection vessel. A detector is configured to receive a portion of the reflected light and a portion of the output that passes through the single filter.

Provided is a flocculation state monitoring sensor with which blockage of an ejecting part which ejects a gas towards a light emitting part and a light receiving part can be prevented, and which performs stable monitoring. A flocculation state monitoring sensor comprising: a light emitting part which irradiates laser light towards a measuring region which measures a flocculation state; and a light receiving part which receives light scattered along a direction which intersects with a direction along an optical axis of said light emitting part, wherein the light emitting part and the light receiving part are cleaned by air being ejected from nozzles theretowards. A small amount of air is provided to the nozzles between cleaning periods to purge floc, etc.

Provided is a flocculation state monitoring sensor with which blockage of an ejecting part which ejects a gas towards a light emitting part and a light receiving part can be prevented, and which performs stable monitoring. A flocculation state monitoring sensor comprising: a light emitting part which irradiates laser light towards a measuring region which measures a flocculation state; and a light receiving part which receives light scattered along a direction which intersects with a direction along an optical axis of said light emitting part, wherein the light emitting part and the light receiving part are cleaned by air being ejected from nozzles theretowards. A small amount of air is provided to the nozzles between cleaning periods to purge floc, etc.