A fluid sensor for performing a reference measurement includes a support structure having a top main surface region; a thermal emitter on the top main surface region of the support structure; a first waveguide section and a first thermal radiation detector on the top main surface region of the support structure; and a cover structure on at least one part of the first waveguide section. The first waveguide section guides a first portion of the thermal radiation emitted by the thermal emitter to the first thermal radiation detector. The first thermal radiation detector detects the guided first portion of the thermal radiation for performing the reference measurement.

Corrosion detection systems and methods can include at least one fiber optic cable embedded in a material having at least two layers. Two of the layers can define an interface, and the fiber optic cable can be embedded at the interface. Each fiber optic cable can have a plurality of Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG's) formed therein at predetermined intervals. Each FBG can have a preselected geometry that can only allow a predetermined light wavelength to pass therethrough. A light source for inputting light and a photodetector can be connected to opposite exposed ends of the fiber optic cable. As corrosion occurs near an FBG, it experiences mechanical strain, which can further cause a slightly different wavelength to pass through the fiber optic cable. The change in in wavelength can be detected by the photodiode as being indicate of corrosion occurring at the site near the FBG.

One or more embodiments relates to a system for simultaneously detecting vibration and the presence of a target gas having a tunable fiber ring laser in electronic and optical communication with a vibration sensor and a gas detection sensor. One or more embodiments relate to a method for simultaneously measuring vibration and detecting the presence of a target gas in an environment having the steps of providing a system for simultaneously measuring vibration and detecting a target gas into an environment; sending an optical signal to a vibration sensor and gas detection sensor; and collecting and analyzing modified signals from the vibration sensor and gas detection sensor.

The present disclosure provides an analysis device for a detection chip, an analysis system and a method of operating the analysis device. The analysis device includes a loading part, a temperature control part and a signal detection part. The loading part is configured to receive and hold the detection chip in use and is capable of moving the detection chip. The temperature control part includes a heater and a cooler, the heater is configured to heat the detection chip and the cooler is configured to cool the detection chip. The signal detection part includes an optical sensor. The optical sensor is configured to receive light from the detection chip and perform detection according to the light.

Arrays of integrated analytical devices and their methods for production are provided. The arrays are useful in the analysis of highly multiplexed optical reactions in large numbers at high densities, including biochemical reactions, such as nucleic acid sequencing reactions. The devices allow the highly sensitive discrimination of optical signals using features such as spectra, amplitude, and time resolution, or combinations thereof. The devices include an integrated diffractive beam shaping element that provides for the spatial separation of light emitted from the optical reactions.

In one aspect, a photonic device includes a substrate layer comprising magnesium fluoride and an optical guiding layer disposed on the substrate layer. The optical guide layer includes silicon dioxide. The substrate layer and the optical guide layer are transparent at an ultraviolet and visible wavelength range. In another aspect, a method includes oxidizing silicon to form a silicon dioxide layer, bonding the silicon dioxide layer to magnesium fluoride, removing the silicon and performing lithography and etching of the silicon dioxide to form a photonic device.

A sensor including an optical cavity capable of receiving the gas, and defined by first and second opposite ends and a connecting portion connecting said ends; a light source arranged to emit infrared light in the optical cavity; at least one infrared detector arranged to detect the infrared light; at least one mirror arranged in the optical cavity to guide the infrared light towards said at least one infrared detector; the sensor being remarkable in that it includes first and second reflective elements respectively extending at the first and second ends of the optical cavity, and having an infrared light reflection coefficient greater than or equal to 75% for any angle of incidence.

A quantum cascade detector includes a semiconductor substrate; an active layer having a cascade structure; a lower cladding layer provided between the active layer and the substrate and having a lower refractive index than the active layer; a lower metal layer provided between the lower cladding layer and the substrate; an upper cladding layer provided on an opposite side to the substrate with respect to the active layer and having a lower refractive index than the active layer; and an upper metal layer provided on an opposite side to the active layer with respect to the upper cladding layer. A first end face being in a waveguide direction in a waveguide structure with the active layer, lower cladding layer, and upper cladding layer is an entrance surface for light to be detected.

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 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).