Methods and instruments for measuring a liquid sample (S1) in a well plate (50) by means of an optical chip 10. The chip (10) comprises an optical sensor (13) that is accessible to the liquid sample (S1) at a sampling area (SA) of the chip. A free-space optical coupler (11,12) is accessible to receive input light (L1) and/or emit output light (L2) via a coupling area (CA) of the chip (10). The sampling area (SA) of the chip 10 is submerged in the liquid sample (S1) while keeping the liquid sample (S1) away from the coupling area (CA) for interrogating the optical coupler (11,12) via an optical path (P) that does not pass through the liquid sample (S1).

Methods, apparatuses, and systems associated with a sample testing device are provided. For example, an example sample testing device may include a substrate layer defining a bottom surface of the sample testing device, as well as a waveguide disposed on the substrate layer and includes at least one reference channel and at least one sample channel.

A three-layer system composed of a substrate, a metal or metal alloy thin film deposited on the substrate surface, and an overlaid stimulus-responsive polymer layer detects changes in environmental conditions brought about by physical, chemical, or biological stimuli. The thin metal or metal alloy film functions as an optical filter and the polymer layer changes properties (e.g., dimensions) in response to changing environmental conditions that manifests as a change in wavelength of reflected or filtered light. The system is useful in colorimetric sensors.

Methods, apparatuses, and systems associated with a sample testing device are provided. For example, an example sample testing device may include a substrate layer defining a bottom surface of the sample testing device, as well as a waveguide disposed on the substrate layer and includes at least one reference channel and at least one sample channel.

Disclosed is a structure (e.g., a lab-on-chip structure) including a substrate, an insulator layer on the substrate, and at least one optical ring resonator. Each ring resonator includes cladding material on the insulator layer and, embedded within the cladding material, a first waveguide core with an input and an output, and second waveguide core(s) (e.g., ring waveguide core(s)) positioned laterally adjacent to the first waveguide core. A reservoir is below the ring resonator within the insulator layer and substrate such that surfaces of the waveguide cores are exposed within the reservoir. During a sensing operation, the waveguide core surfaces contact with fluid within the reservoir and a light signal at the output of the first waveguide core is monitored (e.g., by a sensing circuit, which in some embodiments is also coupled to a reference optical ring resonator) and used, for example, for spectrum-based target identification and, optionally, characterization.

Disclosed is a structure (e.g., a lab-on-chip structure) including a substrate, an insulator layer on the substrate, and at least one optical ring resonator. Each ring resonator includes cladding material on the insulator layer and, embedded within the cladding material, a first waveguide core with an input and an output, and second waveguide core(s) (e.g., ring waveguide core(s)) positioned laterally adjacent to the first waveguide core. A reservoir is below the ring resonator within the insulator layer and substrate such that surfaces of the waveguide cores are exposed within the reservoir. During a sensing operation, the waveguide core surfaces contact with fluid within the reservoir and a light signal at the output of the first waveguide core is monitored (e.g., by a sensing circuit, which in some embodiments is also coupled to a reference optical ring resonator) and used, for example, for spectrum-based target identification and, optionally, characterization.

A sensor system includes a sensing element having a section of a layer assembly deposited onto a substrate. The layer assembly includes plural layers of different materials. The section of the layer assembly is configured to be etched to form plural individual pillars of the plural layers of the different materials. The individual pillars are configured to be in contact with a fluid to sense one or more analyte fluid components within the fluid. The sensing element is configured to generate a sensor signal responsive to the individual pillars being in contact with the fluid. The sensor system includes one or more processors configured to receive the sensor signal from the sensing element. The one or more processors may identify the one or more analyte fluid components within the fluid and an amount of each of the analyte fluid components within the fluid based on the sensor signal.

This disclosure presents a docking station into which a test card can be inserted for rapid analyte detection and reporting. This docking station has portable capability and can include wire or wireless transmission to a local server or cloud-based server. A test card that has a test structure located on the test structure that includes a modified waveguide can be inserted into the and a docking station that includes a laser and interferometer provides for accurate and rapid detection of a test sample.

A point of use analyte detection and quantification system for agricultural applications is provided. Related methods are also provided.

A colorimetric sensor for detecting an analyte of interest in a fluid sample includes a lamellar photonic material having alternating layers of a first polymer layer and a second polymer layer. Each first polymer layer can be a molecularly imprinted polymer defining a cavity shaped to receive an analyte of interest. The photonic material is configured such that, when an analyte contacts the photonic material and becomes disposed within a cavity of the molecularly imprinted polymer, a refractive property of the photonic material changes, causing a detectable color change in the sensor.