Micro Freeze-Dryer and Infrared-Based PAT: Novel Tools for Primary Drying Design Space Determination of Freeze-Drying Processes

PURPOSE

Present (i) an infrared (IR)-based Process Analytical Technology (PAT) installed in a lab-scale freeze-dryer and (ii) a micro freeze-dryer (MicroFD®) as effective tools for freeze-drying design space calculation of the primary drying stage.

METHODS

The case studies investigated are the freeze-drying of a crystalline (5% mannitol) and of an amorphous (5% sucrose) solution processed in 6R vials. The heat (Kv) and the mass (Rp) transfer coefficients were estimated: tests at 8, 13 and 26 Pa were carried out to assess the chamber pressure effect on Kv. The design space of the primary drying stage was calculated using these parameters and a well-established model-based approach. The results obtained using the proposed tools were compared to the ones in case Kv and Rp were estimated in a lab-scale unit through gravimetric tests and a thermocouple-based method, respectively.

RESULTS

The IR-based method allows a non-gravimetric estimation of the Kv values while with the micro freeze-dryer gravimetric tests require a very small number of vials. In both cases, the obtained values of Kv and Rp, as well as the resulting design spaces, were all in very good agreement with those obtained in a lab-scale unit through the gravimetric tests (Kv) and the thermocouple-based method (Rp).

CONCLUSIONS

The proposed tools can be effectively used for design space calculation in substitution of other well-spread methods. Their advantages are mainly the less laborious Kv estimation process and, as far as the MicroFD® is concerned, the possibility of saving time and formulation material when evaluating Rp.

Multimodal Imaging Mass Spectrometry: Next Generation Molecular Mapping in Biology and Medicine

Imaging mass spectrometry has become a mature molecular mapping technology that is used for molecular discovery in many medical and biological systems. While powerful by itself, imaging mass spectrometry can be complemented by the addition of other orthogonal, chemically informative imaging technologies to maximize the information gained from a single experiment and enable deeper understanding of biological processes. Within this review, we describe MALDI, SIMS, and DESI imaging mass spectrometric technologies and how these have been integrated with other analytical modalities such as microscopy, transcriptomics, spectroscopy, and electrochemistry in a field termed multimodal imaging. We explore the future of this field and discuss forthcoming developments that will bring new insights to help unravel the molecular complexities of biological systems, from single cells to functional tissue structures and organs.

Metasurface with metallic nanoantennas and graphene nanoslits for sensing of protein monolayers and sub-monolayers

Biomolecule sensing plays an important role in both fundamental biological studies and medical diagnostic applications. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy presents opportunities for sensing biomolecules as it allows their fingerprints to be determined by directly measuring their absorption spectra. However, the detection of biomolecules at low concentrations is difficult with conventional IR spectroscopy due to signal-to-noise considerations. This has led to recent interest on the use of nanostructured surfaces to boost the signals from biomolecules in a method termed surface enhanced infrared spectroscopy. So far, efforts have largely involved the use of metallic nanoantennas (which produce large field enhancement) or graphene nanostructures (which produce strong field confinement and provide electrical tunability). Here, we propose a nanostructured surface that combines the large field enhancement of metallic nanoantennas with the strong field confinement and electrical tunability of graphene plasmons. Our device consists of an array of plasmonic nanoantennas and graphene nanoslits on a resonant substrate. We perform systematic electromagnetic simulations to quantify the sensing performance of the proposed device and show that it outperforms designs in which only plasmons from metallic nanoantennas or plasmons from graphene are utilized. These investigations consider the model system of a representative protein-goat anti-mouse immunoglobulin G (IgG) - in monolayer or sub-monolayer form. Our findings provide guidance for future biosensors for the sensitive quantification and identification of biomolecules.

Advances in Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy-Based Sensing Techniques for Exhaled Breath Diagnostics

Human exhaled breath consists of more than 3000 volatile organic compounds, many of which are relevant biomarkers for various diseases. Although gas chromatography has been the gold standard for volatile organic compound (VOC) detection in exhaled breath, recent developments in mid-infrared (MIR) laser spectroscopy have led to the promise of compact point-of-care (POC) optical instruments enabling even single breath diagnostics. In this review, we discuss the evolution of MIR sensing technologies with a special focus on photoacoustic spectroscopy, and its application in exhaled breath biomarker detection. While mid-infrared point-of-care instrumentation promises high sensitivity and inherent molecular selectivity, the lack of standardization of the various techniques has to be overcome for translating these techniques into more widespread real-time clinical use.

Féry Infrared Spectrometer for Single-Shot Analysis of Protein Dynamics

Current submillisecond time-resolved broad-band infrared spectroscopy, one of the most frequently used techniques for studying structure-function relationships in life sciences, is typically limited to fast-cycling reactions that can be repeated thousands of times with high frequency. Notably, a majority of chemical and biological processes do not comply with this requirement. For example, the activation of vertebrate rhodopsin, a prototype of many protein receptors in biological organisms that mediate basic functions of life, including vision, smell, and taste, is irreversible. Here we present a dispersive single-shot Féry spectrometer setup that extends such spectroscopy to irreversible and slow-cycling systems by exploiting the unique properties of brilliant synchrotron infrared light combined with an advanced focal plane detector array embedded in a dispersive optical concept. We demonstrate our single-shot method on microbial actinorhodopsin with a slow photocycle and on vertebrate rhodopsin with irreversible activation.

IR action spectroscopy of glycosaminoglycan oligosaccharides

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are a physio- and pharmacologically highly relevant class of complex saccharides, possessing a linear sequence and strongly acidic character. Their repetitive linear core makes them seem structurally simple at first glance, yet differences in sulfation and epimerization lead to an enormous structural diversity with only a few GAGs having been successfully characterized to date. Recent infrared action spectroscopic experiments on sulfated mono- and disaccharide ions show great promise. Here, we assess the potential of two types of gas-phase action spectroscopy approaches in the range from 1000 to 1800 cm⁻¹ for the structural analysis of complex GAG oligosaccharides. Synthetic tetra- and pentasaccharides were chosen as model compounds for this benchmark study. Utilizing infrared multiple photon dissociation action spectroscopy at room temperature, diagnostic bands are largely unresolved. In contrast, cryogenic infrared action spectroscopy of ions trapped in helium nanodroplets yields resolved infrared spectra with diagnostic features for monosaccharide composition and sulfation pattern. The analysis of GAGs could therefore significantly benefit from expanding the conventional MS-based toolkit with gas-phase cryogenic IR spectroscopy.

Multicolor Discrete Frequency Infrared Spectroscopic Imaging

Advancement of discrete frequency infrared (DFIR) spectroscopic microscopes in image quality and data throughput are critical to their use for analytical measurements. Here, we report the development and characterization of a point scanning instrument with minimal aberrations and capable of diffraction-limited performance across all fingerprint region wavelengths over arbitrarily large samples. The performance of this system is compared to commercial state of the art Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) imaging systems. We show that for large samples or smaller set of discrete frequencies, point scanning far exceeds (∼10-100 fold) comparable data acquired with FT-IR instruments. Further we show improvements in image quality using refractive lenses that show significantly improved contrast across the spatial frequency bandwidth. Finally, we introduce the ability to image two tunable frequencies simultaneously using a single detector by means of demodulation to further speed up data acquisition and reduce the impact of scattering. Together, the advancements provide significantly better spectral quality and spatial fidelity than current state of the art imaging systems while promising to make spectral scanning even faster.

Determination of Polypeptide Conformation with Nanoscale Resolution in Water

The folding and acquisition of proteins native structure is central to all biological processes of life. By contrast, protein misfolding can lead to toxic amyloid aggregates formation, linked to the onset of neurodegenerative disorders. To shed light on the molecular basis of protein function and malfunction, it is crucial to access structural information on single protein assemblies and aggregates under native conditions. Yet, current conformation-sensitive spectroscopic methods lack the spatial resolution and sensitivity necessary for characterizing heterogeneous protein aggregates in solution. To overcome this limitation, here we use photothermal-induced resonance to demonstrate that it is possible to acquire nanoscale infrared spectra in water with high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Using this approach, we probe supramolecular aggregates of diphenylalanine, the core recognition module of the Alzheimer's β-amyloid peptide, and its derivative Boc-diphenylalanine. We achieve nanoscale resolved IR spectra and maps in air and water with comparable SNR and lateral resolution, thus enabling accurate identification of the chemical and structural state of morphologically similar networks at the single aggregate ( i. e., fibril) level.

Ultrasonic standing wave preparation of a liquid cell for glucose measurements in urine by midinfrared spectroscopy and potential application to smart toilets

Smart toilets could be used to monitor different components of urine in daily life for early detection of lifestyle-related diseases and prompt provision of treatment. For analysis of biological samples such as urine by midinfrared spectroscopy, thin-film samples like liquid cells are needed because of the strong absorption of midinfrared light by water. Conventional liquid cells or fixed cells are prepared based on the liquid membrane method and solution technique, but these are not quantitative and are difficult to set up and clean. We generated an ultrasonic standing wave reflection plane in a sample and produced an ultrasonic liquid cell. In this cell, the thickness of the optical path length was adjustable, as in the conventional method. The reflection plane could be generated at an arbitrary depth and internal reflected light could be detected by changing the frequency of the ultrasonic wave. We could generate refractive index boundaries using the density difference created by the ultrasonic standing wave. Creation of the reflection plane in the sample was confirmed by optical coherence tomography. Using the proposed method and midinfrared spectroscopy, we discriminated between normal urine samples spiked with glucose at different concentrations and obtained a high correlation coefficient.

Accuracy of detection of carboxyhemoglobin and methemoglobin in human and bovine blood with an inexpensive, pocket-size infrared scanner

Detecting life-threatening common dyshemoglobins such as carboxyhemoglobin (COHb, resulting from carbon monoxide poisoning) or methemoglobin (MetHb, caused by exposure to nitrates) typically requires a laboratory CO-oximeter. Because of cost, these spectrophotometer-based instrument are often inaccessible in resource-poor settings. The aim of this study was to determine if an inexpensive pocket infrared spectrometer and smartphone (SCiO®Pocket Molecular Sensor, Consumer Physics Ltd., Israel) accurately detects COHb and MetHb in single drops of blood. COHb was created by adding carbon monoxide gas to syringes of heparinized blood human or cow blood. In separate syringes, MetHb was produced by addition of sodium nitrite solution. After incubation and mixing, fractional concentrations of COHb or MetHb were measured using a Radiometer ABL-90 Flex® CO-oximeter. Fifty microliters of the sample were then placed on a microscope slide, a cover slip applied and scanned with the SCiO spectrometer. The spectrograms were used to create simple linear models predicting [COHb] or [MetHb] based on spectrogram maxima, minima and isobestic wavelengths. Our model predicted clinically significant carbon monoxide poisoning (COHb ≥15%) with a sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 88% (regression r2 = 0.63, slope P<0.0001), with a mean bias of 0.11% and an RMS error of 21%. Methemoglobinemia severe enough to cause symptoms (>20% MetHb) was detected with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 71% (regression r2 = 0.92, slope P<0.001) mean bias 2.7% and RMS error 21%. Although not as precise as a laboratory CO-oximeter, an inexpensive pocket-sized infrared scanner/smartphone detects >15% COHb or >20% MetHb on a single drop of blood with enough accuracy to be useful as an initial clinical screening. The SCiO and similar relatively low cost spectrometers could be developed as inexpensive diagnostic tools for developing countries.

Hyperspectral reflectance as a tool to measure biochemical and physiological traits in wheat

Improving photosynthesis to raise wheat yield potential has emerged as a major target for wheat physiologists. Photosynthesis-related traits, such as nitrogen per unit leaf area (Narea) and leaf dry mass per area (LMA), require laborious, destructive, laboratory-based methods, while physiological traits underpinning photosynthetic capacity, such as maximum Rubisco activity normalized to 25 °C (Vcmax25) and electron transport rate (J), require time-consuming gas exchange measurements. The aim of this study was to assess whether hyperspectral reflectance (350-2500 nm) can be used to rapidly estimate these traits on intact wheat leaves. Predictive models were constructed using gas exchange and hyperspectral reflectance data from 76 genotypes grown in glasshouses with different nitrogen levels and/or in the field under yield potential conditions. Models were developed using half of the observed data with the remainder used for validation, yielding correlation coefficients (R2 values) of 0.62 for Vcmax25, 0.7 for J, 0.81 for SPAD, 0.89 for LMA, and 0.93 for Narea, with bias <0.7%. The models were tested on elite lines and landraces that had not been used to create the models. The bias varied between -2.3% and -5.5% while relative error of prediction was similar for SPAD but slightly greater for LMA and Narea.

Biomolecular dynamics studied with IR-spectroscopy using quantum cascade lasers combined with nanosecond perturbation techniques

Early events of protein folding can be studied with fast perturbation techniques triggering non-equilibrium relaxation dynamics. A nanosecond laser-excited pH-jump or temperature-jump (T-jump) was applied to initiate helix folding or unfolding of poly-l-glutamic acid (PGA). PGA is a homopolypeptide with titratable carboxyl side-chains whose protonation degree determines the PGA conformation. A pH-jump was realized by the photochemical release of protons and induces PGA folding due to protonation of the side-chains. Otherwise, the helical conformation can be unfolded by a T-jump. We operated under conditions where PGA does not aggregate and temperature and pH are the regulatory properties of its conformation. The experiments were performed in such a manner that the folding/unfolding jump proceeded to the same PGA conformation. We quantified the increase/decrease in helicity induced by the pH-/T-jump and demonstrated that the T-jump results in a relatively small change in helical content in contrast to the pH-jump. This is caused by the strong pH-dependence of the PGA conformation. The conformational changes were detected by time-resolved single wavelength IR-spectroscopy using quantum cascade lasers (QCL). We could independently observe the kinetics for α-helix folding and unfolding in PGA by using different perturbation techniques and demonstrate the high sensitivity of time-resolved IR-spectroscopy to study protein folding mechanisms.

Portable Infrared Laser Spectroscopy for On-site Mycotoxin Analysis

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites of fungi that spoil food, and severely impact human health (e.g., causing cancer). Therefore, the rapid determination of mycotoxin contamination including deoxynivalenol and aflatoxin B1 in food and feed samples is of prime interest for commodity importers and processors. While chromatography-based techniques are well established in laboratory environments, only very few (i.e., mostly immunochemical) techniques exist enabling direct on-site analysis for traders and manufacturers. In this study, we present MYCOSPEC - an innovative approach for spectroscopic mycotoxin contamination analysis at EU regulatory limits for the first time utilizing mid-infrared tunable quantum cascade laser (QCL) spectroscopy. This analysis technique facilitates on-site mycotoxin analysis by combining QCL technology with GaAs/AlGaAs thin-film waveguides. Multivariate data mining strategies (i.e., principal component analysis) enabled the classification of deoxynivalenol-contaminated maize and wheat samples, and of aflatoxin B1 affected peanuts at EU regulatory limits of 1250 μg kg-1 and 8 μg kg-1, respectively.

Research on the best measurement situation between optical probe and tissue surfaces in non-invasive detection

Near-infrared spectroscopy is often used for the non-invasive detection of composition in the human body, such as that of blood glucose and haemoglobin, due to its high penetration depth into tissues. Although it is feasible to position the optical probe precisely, contact situation between probe and human tissues is a difficult problem to determine because of physiological tremor and mechanical performance of bio-soft tissue. Here, we proposed a novel estimation method for the situation between the optical probe and tissue surfaces based on the dynamic auto-correlation matrix of two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy (2DCOS) and radar chart. The diffuse reflectance spectra from the left palm of 4 healthy volunteers were collected while the optical probe gradually approached and pressed bio-tissues with a custom-design controlling device. 2DCOS in the wavelength with lower absorption (1000-1400 nm) was calculated under the perturbation of relative-distance and contact pressure between the optical probe and tissue surface. The synchronous 2DCOS showed that the surface reflection and diffuse reflectance were greatly affected by the contact conditions in 1100 nm, 1220 nm, and 1300 nm. Then the dynamic auto-correlation matrix of 2DCOS was established for the adjacent spectra, and the significant difference wavelengths were used to build radar charts to determine the critical contact situation visually. Results showed that the maximum variations of dynamic auto-correlation matrix appeared at near 1300 nm, and the relative distance between the probe and tissue corresponding to the critical contact state can be easily observed with radar charts with 0.25 mm uncertainty, which was consistent with the self-feeling of each volunteer. So this method can be applied to exactly determine the optimal measurement status for the non-invasive body composition detection in vivo. It is important for the design of human-machine interface and the accuracy improvement of body composition measurements.

Calibration Adjustment of the Mid-infrared Analyzer for an Accurate Determination of the Macronutrient Composition of Human Milk

BACKGROUND

Human milk composition analysis seems essential to adapt human milk fortification for preterm neonates. The Miris human milk analyzer (HMA), based on mid-infrared methodology, is convenient for a unique determination of macronutrients. However, HMA measurements are not totally comparable with reference methods (RMs).

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study was to compare HMA results with results from biochemical RMs for a large range of protein, fat, and carbohydrate contents and to establish a calibration adjustment.

METHODS

Human milk was fractionated in protein, fat, and skim milk by covering large ranges of protein (0-3 g/100 mL), fat (0-8 g/100 mL), and carbohydrate (5-8 g/100 mL). For each macronutrient, a calibration curve was plotted by linear regression using measurements obtained using HMA and RMs.

RESULTS

For fat, 53 measurements were performed, and the linear regression equation was HMA = 0.79RM + 0.28 (R(2) = 0.92). For true protein (29 measurements), the linear regression equation was HMA = 0.9RM + 0.23 (R(2) = 0.98). For carbohydrate (15 measurements), the linear regression equation was HMA = 0.59RM + 1.86 (R(2) = 0.95). A homogenization step with a disruptor coupled to a sonication step was necessary to obtain better accuracy of the measurements. Good repeatability (coefficient of variation < 7%) and reproducibility (coefficient of variation < 17%) were obtained after calibration adjustment.

CONCLUSION

New calibration curves were developed for the Miris HMA, allowing accurate measurements in large ranges of macronutrient content. This is necessary for reliable use of this device in individualizing nutrition for preterm newborns.

Early diagnosis of NAFLD-NASH transition using mid infrared spectroscopy

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is defined as an excessive accumulation of fat in the liver in the absence of excessive drinking of alcohol. Initially considered as benign and self-limited, NAFLD may progress to the malignant stage of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) characterized by degenerate hepatocellular ballooning and lobular inflammation. NASH can lead to hepatic fibrosis and ultimately to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Unfortunately, the transition from NAFLD to NASH is difficult to detect so far. In this paper, we propose to evaluate the characterization of NASH using mid infrared fiber evanescent wave spectroscopy on blood serum. We used an heuristic variable selection method and a generalized linear model to classify NAFLD and NASH spectra. The obtained results proved that this technique is a promising non-invasive and simple diagnosis tool for NASH.

Towards a wearable near infrared spectroscopic probe for monitoring concentrations of multiple chromophores in biological tissue in vivo

The first wearable multi-wavelength technology for functional near-infrared spectroscopy has been developed, based on a custom-built 8-wavelength light emitting diode (LED) source. A lightweight fibreless probe is designed to monitor changes in the concentrations of multiple absorbers (chromophores) in biological tissue, the most dominant of which at near-infrared wavelengths are oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin. The use of multiple wavelengths enables signals due to the less dominant chromophores to be more easily distinguished from those due to hemoglobin and thus provides more complete and accurate information about tissue oxygenation, hemodynamics, and metabolism. The spectroscopic probe employs four photodiode detectors coupled to a four-channel charge-to-digital converter which includes a charge integration amplifier and an analogue-to-digital converter (ADC). Use of two parallel charge integrators per detector enables one to accumulate charge while the other is being read out by the ADC, thus facilitating continuous operation without dead time. The detector system has a dynamic range of about 80 dB. The customized source consists of eight LED dies attached to a 2 mm × 2 mm substrate and encapsulated in UV-cured epoxy resin. Switching between dies is performed every 20 ms, synchronized to the detector integration period to within 100 ns. The spectroscopic probe has been designed to be fully compatible with simultaneous electroencephalography measurements. Results are presented from measurements on a phantom and a functional brain activation study on an adult volunteer, and the performance of the spectroscopic probe is shown to be very similar to that of a benchtop broadband spectroscopy system. The multi-wavelength capabilities and portability of this spectroscopic probe will create significant opportunities for in vivo studies in a range of clinical and life science applications.

A 100 kHz Time-Resolved Multiple-Probe Femtosecond to Second Infrared Absorption Spectrometer

We present a dual-amplifier laser system for time-resolved multiple-probe infrared (IR) spectroscopy based on the ytterbium potassium gadolinium tungstate (Yb:KGW) laser medium. Comparisons are made between the ytterbium-based technology and titanium sapphire laser systems for time-resolved IR spectroscopy measurements. The 100 kHz probing system provides new capability in time-resolved multiple-probe experiments, as more information is obtained from samples in a single experiment through multiple-probing. This method uses the high repetition-rate probe pulses to repeatedly measure spectra at 10 µs intervals following excitation allowing extended timescales to be measured routinely along with ultrafast data. Results are presented showing the measurement of molecular dynamics over >10 orders of magnitude in timescale, out to 20 ms, with an experimental time response of <200 fs. The power of multiple-probing is explored through principal component analysis of repeating probe measurements as a novel method for removing noise and measurement artifacts.

Assessing Seasonal and Inter-Annual Variations of Lake Surface Areas in Mongolia during 2000-2011 Using Minimum Composite MODIS NDVI

A minimum composite method was applied to produce a 15-day interval normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) dataset from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) daily 250 m reflectance in the red and near-infrared bands. This dataset was applied to determine lake surface areas in Mongolia. A total of 73 lakes greater than 6.25 km²in area were selected, and 28 of these lakes were used to evaluate detection errors. The minimum composite NDVI showed a better detection performance on lake water pixels than did the official MODIS 16-day 250 m NDVI based on a maximum composite method. The overall lake area detection performance based on the 15-day minimum composite NDVI showed -2.5% error relative to the Landsat-derived lake area for the 28 evaluated lakes. The errors increased with increases in the perimeter-to-area ratio but decreased with lake size over 10 km². The lake area decreased by -9.3% at an annual rate of -53.7 km² yr^-1 during 2000 to 2011 for the 73 lakes. However, considerable spatial variations, such as slight-to-moderate lake area reductions in semi-arid regions and rapid lake area reductions in arid regions, were also detected. This study demonstrated applicability of MODIS 250 m reflectance data for biweekly monitoring of lake area change and diagnosed considerable lake area reduction and its spatial variability in arid and semi-arid regions of Mongolia. Future studies are required for explaining reasons of lake area changes and their spatial variability.

A quantum cascade laser infrared spectrometer for CO2 stable isotope analysis: Field implementation at a hydrocarbon contaminated site under bio-remediation

Real-time methods to monitor stable isotope ratios of CO2 are needed to identify biogeochemical origins of CO2 emissions from the soil-air interface. An isotope ratio infra-red spectrometer (IRIS) has been developed to measure CO2 mixing ratio with δ(13)C isotopic signature, in addition to mixing ratios of other greenhouse gases (CH4, N2O). The original aspects of the instrument as well as its precision and accuracy for the determination of the isotopic signature δ(13)C of CO2 are discussed. A first application to biodegradation of hydrocarbons is presented, tested on a hydrocarbon contaminated site under aerobic bio-treatment. CO2 flux measurements using closed chamber method is combined with the determination of the isotopic signature δ(13)C of the CO2 emission to propose a non-intrusive method to monitor in situ biodegradation of hydrocarbons. In the contaminated area, high CO2 emissions have been measured with an isotopic signature δ(13)C suggesting that CO2 comes from petroleum hydrocarbon biodegradation. This first field implementation shows that rapid and accurate measurement of isotopic signature of CO2 emissions is particularly useful in assessing the contribution of contaminant degradation to the measured CO2 efflux and is promising as a monitoring tool for aerobic bio-treatment.

Experimental implementations of 2D IR spectroscopy through a horizontal pulse shaper design and a focal plane array detector

Aided by advances in optical engineering, two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy (2D IR) has developed into a promising method for probing structural dynamics in biophysics and material science. We report two new advances for 2D IR spectrometers. First, we report a fully reflective and totally horizontal pulse shaper, which significantly simplifies alignment. Second, we demonstrate the applicability of mid-IR focal plane arrays (FPAs) as suitable detectors in 2D IR experiments. FPAs have more pixels than conventional linear arrays and can be used to multiplex optical detection. We simultaneously measure the spectra of a reference beam, which improves the signal-to-noise by a factor of 4; and two additional beams that are orthogonally polarized probe pulses for 2D IR anisotropy experiments.

Bees as Biosensors: Chemosensory Ability, Honey Bee Monitoring Systems, and Emergent Sensor Technologies Derived from the Pollinator Syndrome

This review focuses on critical milestones in the development path for the use of bees, mainly honey bees and bumble bees, as sentinels and biosensors. These keystone species comprise the most abundant pollinators of agro-ecosystems. Pollinating 70%–80% of flowering terrestrial plants, bees and other insects propel the reproduction and survival of plants and themselves, as well as improve the quantity and quality of seeds, nuts, and fruits that feed birds, wildlife, and us. Flowers provide insects with energy, nutrients, and shelter, while pollinators are essential to global ecosystem productivity and stability. A rich and diverse milieu of chemical signals establishes and maintains this intimate partnership. Observations of bee odor search behavior extend back to Aristotle. In the past two decades great strides have been made in methods and instrumentation for the study and exploitation of bee search behavior and for examining intra-organismal chemical communication signals. In particular, bees can be trained to search for and localize sources for a variety of chemicals, which when coupled with emerging tracking and mapping technologies create novel potential for research, as well as bee and crop management.

Structure of protonated thymidine characterized by infrared multiple photon dissociation and quantum calculations

RATIONALE

Many fundamental studies are motivated by the probable relationship between the presence of rare enol tautomers of nucleobases and point mutation developing during nucleic acid replication. The evaluation of the tautomeric behaviour of nucleobases is therefore of fundamental importance. This can be probed in the gas phase by combining action spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.

METHODS

Experimental Infrared Multiple Photon Dissociation spectra in the fingerprint region of electrospray-generated and subsequently selected ions were recorded at the CLIO free electron laser (FEL) facility, by coupling the FEL to a quadrupole ion trap, and compared to calculated harmonic vibrational infrared spectra of the different low-lying isomers computed at the B3LYP/6-31++G(d,p) level. Relative energies were refined using the extended basis set 6-311++G(3df,2p).

RESULTS

The Density Functional Theory (DFT) study shows that, as for protonated thymine, the global energy minimum of protonated thymidine corresponds to an enol tautomer, whose infrared absorption spectrum is found to be in very good agreement with the experimental IRMPD spectrum. A very weak IRMPD signal observed at ~1780 cm(-1) is very likely the signature of an oxo tautomer. Consequently, as for thymine, protonated thymidine generated by electrospray corresponds to a mixture of at least two tautomeric forms.

CONCLUSIONS

Tautomerization can be characterized by IRMPD spectroscopy. Interestingly, the dominant enolic tautomeric form(s) presently observed cannot be directly generated from the most stable neutral tautomer of the thymine residue.

Over 100 W ultra-flat broadband short-wave infrared supercontinuum generation in a thulium-doped fiber amplifier

An ultra-flat high-power short-wave infrared super-continuum (SC) source generated in an all-fiber thulium-doped fiber amplifier (TDFA) is reported. The SC had a high-spectral flatness with a 10 dB spectral bandwidth spanning from 1970 to 2431 nm and a power spectral density >23  dBm/nm. The output SC beam had Gaussian-shape profiles with a maximum average power of 101.6 W, a SC pulse repetition rate of 2 MHz, and a temporal duration of ∼5  ns. Benefiting from the high duty cycle of the 2 μm seed pulses, the power conversion efficiency from the 793 nm pump light to the maximal SC output power in the TDFA was as high as 35.4%, and the slope efficiency of the TDFA was linearly fitted to be 36.5%. Long-term high-power operation of the SC source showed its outstanding temporal stability. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the results obtained in this Letter represent a new power record for ultra-flat SC in the short-wave infrared region.

Opto-nanomechanical spectroscopic material characterization

The non-destructive, simultaneous chemical and physical characterization of materials at the nanoscale is an essential and highly sought-after capability. However, a combination of limitations imposed by Abbe diffraction, diffuse scattering, unknown subsurface, electromagnetic fluctuations and Brownian noise, for example, have made achieving this goal challenging. Here, we report a hybrid approach for nanoscale material characterization based on generalized nanomechanical force microscopy in conjunction with infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy. As an application, we tackle the outstanding problem of spatially and spectrally resolving plant cell walls. Nanoscale characterization of plant cell walls and the effect of complex phenotype treatments on biomass are challenging but necessary in the search for sustainable and renewable bioenergy. We present results that reveal both the morphological and compositional substructures of the cell walls. The measured biomolecular traits are in agreement with the lower-resolution chemical maps obtained with infrared and confocal Raman micro-spectroscopies of the same samples. These results should prove relevant in other fields such as cancer research, nanotoxicity, and energy storage and production, where morphological, chemical and subsurface studies of nanocomposites, nanoparticle uptake by cells and nanoscale quality control are in demand.

Solid hemoglobin-polymer phantoms for evaluation of biophotonic systems

Stable tissue phantoms that incorporate the spectral absorption properties of hemoglobin would benefit a wide range of biophotonic technologies. Toward this end, we have developed and validated a novel polymer material incorporating hemoglobin. Our solid hemoglobin-polymer (SHP) material is fabricated by mixing liquid silicone base with a hemoglobin solution, followed by sonication and low temperature curing. The optical properties of samples were determined over 450-1000 nm using the inverse adding-doubling method and the Beer-Lambert law. Measurements indicated SHP optical stability over four months. Near-infrared spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging measurements of SHP samples were performed to demonstrate the utility of this approach. SHP materials have the potential to improve tissue-simulating phantoms used for development, evaluation, and standardization of optical devices for oximetry and other applications.

A spectroelectrochemical cell for ultrafast two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy

A spectroelectrochemical cell has been designed to combine electrochemistry and ultrafast two-dimensional infrared (2D-IR) spectroscopy, which is a powerful tool to extract structure and dynamics information on the femtosecond to picosecond time scale. Our design is based on a gold mirror with the dual role of performing electrochemistry and reflecting IR light. To provide the high optical surface quality required for laser spectroscopy, the gold surface is made by electron beam evaporation on a glass substrate. Electrochemical cycling facilitates in situ collection of ultrafast dynamics of redox-active molecules by means of 2D-IR. The IR beams are operated in reflection mode so that they travel twice through the sample, i.e., the signal size is doubled. This methodology is optimal for small sample volumes and successfully tested with the ferricyanide/ferrocyanide redox system of which the corresponding electrochemically induced 2D-IR difference spectrum is reported.

Application of a portable infrared instrument for simultaneous analysis of sugars, asparagine and glutamine levels in raw potato tubers

The level of reducing sugars and asparagine in raw potatoes is critical for potato breeders and the food industry for production of commonly consumed food products including potato chips and French fries. Our objective was to evaluate the use of a portable infrared instrument for the rapid quantitation of major sugars and amino acids in raw potato tubers using single-bounce attenuated total reflectance (ATR) and dial path accessories as an alternative to time-consuming chromatographic techniques. Samples representing a total of 84 experimental and commercial potato varieties harvested in two consecutive growing seasons (2012 and 2013) were used in this study. Samples had wide ranges of sugars determined by HPLC-RID (non-detectable (ND)-7.7 mg glucose, ND-9.4 mg fructose and 0.4-5.4 mg sucrose per 1 g fresh weight), and asparagine and glutamine levels determined by GC-FID (0.7-2.9 mg and 0.3-1.7 mg per 1 g fresh weight). Infrared spectra collected from 64 varieties were used to create partial least squares regression (PLSR) calibration models that predicted the sugar and amino acid levels in an independent set of 16 validation potato varieties. Excellent linear correlations between infrared predicted and reference values were obtained. PLSR models had a high correlation coefficient of prediction (rPred >0.95) and residual predictive deviation (RPD) values ranging between 3.1 and 5.5. Overall, the results indicated that the models could be used to simultaneously predict sugars, free asparagine and glutamine levels in the raw tubers, significantly benefiting potato breeding, certain aspects of crop management, crop production and research.

A Q-switched Ho:YAG laser assisted nanosecond time-resolved T-jump transient mid-IR absorbance spectroscopy with high sensitivity

Knowledge of dynamical structure of protein is an important clue to understand its biological function in vivo. Temperature-jump (T-jump) time-resolved transient mid-IR absorbance spectroscopy is a powerful tool in elucidating the protein dynamical structures and the folding/unfolding kinetics of proteins in solution. A home-built setup of T-jump time-resolved transient mid-IR absorbance spectroscopy with high sensitivity is developed, which is composed of a Q-switched Cr, Tm, Ho:YAG laser with an output wavelength at 2.09 μm as the T-jump heating source, and a continuous working CO laser tunable from 1580 to 1980 cm(-1) as the IR probe. The results demonstrate that this system has a sensitivity of 1 × 10(-4) ΔOD for a single wavelength detection, and 2 × 10(-4) ΔOD for spectral detection in amide I' region, as well as a temporal resolution of 20 ns. Moreover, the data quality coming from the CO laser is comparable to the one using the commercial quantum cascade laser.

The development of a μ-biomimetic uncooled IR-Sensor inspired by the infrared receptors of Melanophila acuminata

The beetle Melanophila acuminata uses a specialized organ to detect infrared radiation. The organ consists of about 100 individual sensilla. The main component of the sensillum is a pressure chamber. Upon absorption of radiation, the pressure increases, and the tip of a dendrite is deformed. A unique feature of the organ is a compensation mechanism that prevents large pressures. The beetle uses this organ to detect forest fires and to navigate inside burning woods. However, the sensitivity is part of a long-lasting discussion, providing thresholds between [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. To end the decade-long discussion and to provide a novel type of infrared sensor, we are developing an uncooled μ-biomimetic infrared (IR) sensor inspired by Melanophila acuminata using MEMS technology. Here, we present the development of a μ-capacitor that is used to detect pressure changes and the characterization of the compensation mechanism. We describe the microtechnological fabrication process for air-filled capacitors with a ratio of diameter-to-electrode distance of 1000 and a technique to fill the sensor bubble-free with water. Finally, we estimate the sensitivity of the beetle using a theoretical model of the sensillum.

Features for instantaneous emissions of low-level infrared signals of glucokinase enzyme from Pyrococcus furiosus

A noncontact infrared (IR) imaging-based methodology and signal recovery tools are applied on an enzyme reaction as a test target. The method is implemented by a long-wave (8-12 μm) IR microbolometer imaging array and a germanium-based IR optical vision. The reaction is carried out by the glucokinase, which produces a rapid exothermal release of energy that is weak, and, even worse, the IR video captured by the uncooled microbolometer detector is affected by spatial and temporal noise with specific complexities. Hitherto, IR-based signal recovery tools have worked with a standard acquisition frequency, which is clearly beyond the time scale of a real scenario. The implications of this (and similar) rapid reactions motivate the designs of a signal recovery method using prior information of the processes to extract and quantify the spontaneity of the enzymatic reaction in a three-dimensional (space and time) single and noncontact online measurement.

Methods to determine the pressure dependence of the molecular order parameter in (bio)macromolecular fibres

The experimental realization and an algorithm for analysing the pressure dependence of the molecular order parameter of specific structural moieties in (bio)macromolecular fibres are described. By employing a diamond anvil cell (DAC) the polarization-dependent IR-transmission and in parallel, using an integrated microscope, the macroscopic orientation of the fibres is determined. This enables one to separate between order and disorder at macroscopic and microscopic scales. Using the example of spider silk the pressure dependence of the molecular order parameter of alanine groups being located within nano-crystalline building blocks is deduced and found to decrease reversibly by 0.01 GPa(-1) when varying the external hydrostatic pressure between 0 and 3 GPa.

Approximating the detection limit of an infrared spectroscopic imaging microscope operating in an attenuated total reflection (ATR) modality: theoretical and empirical results for an instrument using a linear array detector and a 1.5 millimeter germanium hemisphere internal reflection element

Theoretical and empirical detection limits have been estimated for aripiprazole (analyte) in alpha lactose monohydrate (matrix model pharmaceutical formulation) using a micro-attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR FT-IR) spectroscopic imaging instrument equipped with a linear array detector and a 1.5 mm germanium hemisphere internal reflection element (IRE). The instrument yielded a theoretical detection limit of 0.0035% (35 parts per million (ppm)) when operating under diffraction-limited conditions, which was 49 times lower than what was achieved with a traditional macro-ATR instrument operating under practical conditions (0.17%, 1700 ppm). However, these results may not be achievable for most analyses because the detection limits will be particle size limited, rather than diffraction limited, for mixtures with average particle diameters greater than 8.3 μm (most pharmaceutical samples). For example, a theoretical detection limit of 0.028% (280 ppm) was calculated for an experiment operating under particle size-limited conditions where the average particle size was 23.4 μm. These conditions yielded a detection limit of 0.022% (220 ppm) when measured empirically, which was close to the theoretical value and only eight times lower than that of a faster, more simplistic macro-ATR instrument. Considering the longer data acquisition and processing times characteristic of the micro-ATR imaging approach (minutes or even hours versus seconds), the cost-benefit ratio may not often be favorable for the analysis of analytes in matrices that exhibit only a few overlapping absorptions (low-interfering matrices such as alpha lactose monohydrate) using this technique compared to what can be achieved using macro-ATR. However, the advantage was significant for detecting analytes in more complex matrices (those that exhibited several overlapping absorptions with the analyte) because the detection limit of the macro-ATR approach was highly formulation dependent while that of the micro-ATR imaging technique was not. As a result, the micro-ATR imaging technique is expected to be more valuable than macro-ATR for detecting analytes in high-interfering matrices and in products with unknown ingredients (e.g., illicit tablets, counterfeit tablets, and unknown powders).

Frequency-comb-referenced mid-infrared source for high-precision spectroscopy

We report on a tunable continuous-wave mid-infrared optical parametric oscillator (OPO), which is locked to a fully stabilized near-infrared optical frequency comb using a frequency doubling scheme. The OPO is used for 40 GHz mode-hop-free, frequency-comb-locked scans in the wavelength region between 2.7 and 3.4 μm. We demonstrate the applicability of the method to high-precision cavity-ring-down spectroscopy of nitrous oxide (N₂O) and water (H₂O) at 2.85 µm and of methane (CH₄) at 3.2 μm.

Non-collinear upconversion of infrared light

Two dimensional mid-infrared upconversion imaging provides unique spectral and spatial information showing good potential for mid-infrared spectroscopy and hyperspectral imaging. However, to extract spectral or spatial information from the upconverted images an elaborate model is needed, which includes non-collinear interaction. We derive here a general theory providing the far field of the upconverted light when two arbitrary fields interact inside a nonlinear crystal. Theoretical predictions are experimentally verified for incoherent radiation and subsequently applied to previously published data with good agreement.

Ge-on-Si and Ge-on-SOI thermo-optic phase shifters for the mid-infrared

Germanium-on-silicon thermo-optic phase shifters are demonstrated in the 5 μm wavelength range. Basic phase shifters require 700 mW of power for a 2π phase shift. The required power is brought down to 80 mW by complete undercut using focused ion beam. Finally an efficient thermo-optic phase shifter is demonstrated on the germanium on SOI platform. A tuning power (for a 2π phase shift) of 105 mW is achieved for a Ge-on-SOI structure which is lowered to 16 mW for a free standing phase shifter.

Microarray chip development using infrared imaging for the identification of catfish species

Several families of catfish species are extensively aquacultured around the world; however, only those from the family Ictaluridae can be labeled as catfish in the United States. Non-Ictalurid catfish species that are marketed as "catfish" in the USA are considered misbranded. Misbranding in general has led to an increased interest in developing deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)-based methods such as DNA barcoding, polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism, and DNA microarrays with fluorescence detection for the identification of fish species. In this proof-of-concept study, DNA microarrays coupled with a newly developed mid-infrared imaging detection method were applied to the identification of seven species of catfish for the first time. Species-specific DNA probes targeting three regions per species of the cytochrome c oxidase 1 (barcoding) gene were developed and printed as microarrays on glass slides. Deoxyribonucleic acid targets labeled with biotin were hybridized to their complementary probes using a strategy that allowed the selective formation of a silver layer on hybridized spots needed for detection. Using this three-probe format, the seven species were all identified correctly, even when a limited number of false positive spots were observed. Raman spectroscopy was employed to further characterize the arrays.

Quantum cascade lasers with a tilted facet utilizing the inherent polarization purity

We report on quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) with a tilted facet utilizing their polarization property. Contrary to diode lasers, QCLs generate purely TM polarized light due to the intersubband selection rules. This property enables the utilization of reflectivity in terms of only TM polarized light (TM reflectivity). The TM reflectivity is reduced by tilting the front facet, resulting in enhanced light output power from the tilted facet. The peak output power of a QCL with a facet angle of 12° are increased by 31 %. The slope efficiency of a QCL with a facet angle of 17° are increased by 43 %. Additionally, a peculiar property of TM reflectivity, the Brewster angle, is investigated by using COMSOL simulations to find its availability in QCLs.

Theoretical exploration of control factors for the high-order harmonic generation (HHG) spectrum in two-color field

In this work, the laser-parameter effects on the high-order harmonic generation (HHG) spectrum and attosecond trains by mixing two-color laser field, a visible light field of 800 nm and a mid-infrared (mid-IR) laser pulses of 2400 nm, are theoretically demonstrated for the first time. Different schemes are applied to discuss the function of intensity, carrier-envelope phase (CEP) and pulse duration on the generation of an isolated attosecond pulse. As a consequence, an isolated 16as pulse is obtained by Fourier transforming an ultrabroad XUV continuum of 208 eV with the fundamental field of duration of 6 fs, 9×10(14)W/cm2 of intensity, the duration of 12 fs, the CEPs of the two driving pulses of -π and the relative strength ratio √R=0.2.

Electrically tunable infrared filter based on the liquid crystal Fabry-Perot structure for spectral imaging detection

An electrically tunable infrared (IR) filter based on the liquid crystal (LC) Fabry-Perot (FP) key structure, which works in the wavelength range from 5.5 to 12 μm, is designed and fabricated successfully. Both planar reflective mirrors with a very high reflectivity of ∼95%, which are shaped by depositing a layer of aluminum (Al) film over one side of a double-sided polished zinc selenide wafer, are coupled into a dual-mirror FP cavity. The LC materials are filled into the FP cavity with a thickness of ∼7.5  μm for constructing the LC-FP filter, which is a typical type of sandwich architecture. The top and bottom mirrors of the FP cavity are further coated by an alignment layer with a thickness of ∼100  nm over Al film. The formed alignment layer is rubbed strongly to shape relatively deep V-grooves to anchor LC molecules effectively. Common optical tests show some particular properties; for instance, the existing three transmission peaks in the measured wavelength range, the minimum full width at half-maximum being ∼120  nm, and the maximum adjustment extent of the imaging wavelength being ∼500  nm through applying the voltage driving signal with a root mean square (RMS) value ranging from 0 to ∼19.8  V. The experiment results are consistent with the simulation, according to our model setup. The spectral images obtained in the long-wavelength IR range, through the LC-FP device driven by the voltage signal with a different RMS value, demonstrates the prospect of the realization of smart spectral imaging and further integrating the LC-FP filter with IR focal plane arrays. The developed LC-FP filters show some advantages, such as electrically tunable imaging wavelength, very high structural and photoelectronic response stability, small size and low power consumption, and a very high filling factor of more than 95% compared with common MEMS-FP spectral imaging approaches.

Design and analysis of a spectro-angular surface plasmon resonance biosensor operating in the visible spectrum

Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensing is one of the most widely used methods to implement biosensing due to its sensitivity and capacity for label-free detection. Whilst most commercial SPR sensors operate in the angular regime, it has recently been shown that an increase in sensitivity and a greater robustness against noise can be achieved by measuring the reflectivity when varying both the angle and wavelength simultaneously, in a so-called spectro-angular SPR biosensor. A single value decomposition method is used to project the two-dimensional spectro-angular reflection signal onto a basis set and allow the image obtained from an unknown refractive index sample to be compared very accurately with a pre-calculated reference set. Herein we demonstrate that a previously reported system operated in the near infra-red has a lower detection limit when operating in the visible spectrum due to the improved spatial resolution and numerical precision of the image sensor. The SPR biosensor presented here has an experimental detection limit of 9.8 × 10(-7) refractive index unit. To validate the system as a biosensor, we also performed the detection of synthetic RNA from pathogenic Legionella pneumophila with the developed biosensing platform.

Advances in mid-infrared detection and imaging: a key issues review

It has been over 200 years since people recognized the presence of infrared radiation, and developed methods to capture this signal. However, current material systems and technologies for infrared detections have not met the increasing demand for high performance infrared detectors/cameras, with each system having intrinsic drawbacks. Type-II InAs/GaSb superlattice has been recently considered as a promising candidate for the next generation of infrared detection and imaging. Type-II superlattice is a man-made crystal structure, consisting of multiple quantum wells placed next to each other in a controlled way such that adjacent quantum wells can interact. The interaction between multiple quantum wells offers an additional degree of freedom in tailoring the material's properties. Another advantage of type-II superlattice is the experimental benefit of inheriting previous research on material synthesis and device fabrication of bulk semiconductors. It is the combination of these two unique strengths of type-II superlattice--novel physics and easy manipulation--that has enabled unprecedented progress in recent years. In this review, we will describe historical development, and current status of type-II InAs/GaSb superlattice for advanced detection and imaging in the mid-infrared regime (λ = 3-5 µm).

Human movement detection and identification using pyroelectric infrared sensors

Pyroelectric infrared (PIR) sensors are widely used as a presence trigger, but the analog output of PIR sensors depends on several other aspects, including the distance of the body from the PIR sensor, the direction and speed of movement, the body shape and gait. In this paper, we present an empirical study of human movement detection and identification using a set of PIR sensors. We have developed a data collection module having two pairs of PIR sensors orthogonally aligned and modified Fresnel lenses. We have placed three PIR-based modules in a hallway for monitoring people; one module on the ceiling; two modules on opposite walls facing each other. We have collected a data set from eight subjects when walking in three different conditions: two directions (back and forth), three distance intervals (close to one wall sensor, in the middle, close to the other wall sensor) and three speed levels (slow, moderate, fast). We have used two types of feature sets: a raw data set and a reduced feature set composed of amplitude and time to peaks; and passage duration extracted from each PIR sensor. We have performed classification analysis with well-known machine learning algorithms, including instance-based learning and support vector machine. Our findings show that with the raw data set captured from a single PIR sensor of each of the three modules, we could achieve more than 92% accuracy in classifying the direction and speed of movement, the distance interval and identifying subjects. We could also achieve more than 94% accuracy in classifying the direction, speed and distance and identifying subjects using the reduced feature set extracted from two pairs of PIR sensors of each of the three modules.

High pressure and temperature optical flow cell for near-infra-red spectroscopic analysis of gas mixtures

A new optical flow cell with a new optical arrangement adapted for high pressures and temperatures using glass fibres to connect light source, cell, and spectrometer has been developed, as part of a larger project comprising new methods for in situ analysis of bio and hydrogen gas mixtures in high pressure and temperature applications. The analysis is based on measurements of optical, thermo-physical, and electromagnetic properties in gas mixtures with newly developed high pressure property sensors, which are mounted in a new apparatus which can generate gas mixtures with up to six components with an uncertainty of composition of as little as 0.1 mol. %. Measurements of several pure components of natural gases and biogases to a pressure of 20 MPa were performed on two isotherms, and with binary mixtures of the same pure gases at pressures to 17.5 MPa. Thereby a new method of analyzing the obtained spectra based on the partial density of methane was investigated.

Blood glucose measurement by using hollow optical fiber-based attenuated total reflection probe

A noninvasive glucose monitoring system based on mid-infrared, attenuated total reflection spectroscopy using a hollow optical fiber probe is developed. Owing to the flexible fiber probe, measurement of oral mucosa, where blood capillaries are near the skin surface, is possible. Blood glucose levels are measured by detecting the peak intensity of glucose absorption bands, and the experimental results showed that the reproducibility of the measurement is high enough for monitoring blood glucose.

CW-THz vector spectroscopy and imaging system based on 1.55-µm fiber-optics

We present a continuous-wave terahertz (THz) vector spectroscopy and imaging system based on a 1.5-µm fiber optic uni-traveling-carrier photodiode and InGaAs photo-conductive receiver. Using electro-optic (EO) phase modulators for THz phase control with shortened optical paths, the system achieves fast vector measurement with effective phase stabilization. Dynamic ranges of 100 dB · Hz and 75 dB · Hz at 300 GHz and 1 THz, and phase stability of 1.5° per minute are obtained. With the simultaneous measurement of absorbance and relative permittivity, we demonstrate non-destructive analyses of pharmaceutical cocrystals inside tablets within a few minutes.

Mid-infrared spectrometer using opto-nanofluidic slot-waveguide for label-free on-chip chemical sensing

A mid-infrared (mid-IR) spectrometer for label-free on-chip chemical sensing was developed using an engineered nanofluidic channel consisting of a Si-liquid-Si slot-structure. Utilizing the large refractive index contrast (Δn ∼ 2) between the liquid core of the waveguide and the Si cladding, a broadband mid-IR lightwave can be efficiently guided and confined within a nanofluidic capillary (≤100 nm wide). The optical-field enhancement, together with the direct interaction between the probe light and the analyte, increased the sensitivity for chemical detection by 50 times when compared to evanescent-wave sensing. This spectrometer distinguished several common organic liquids (e.g., n-bromohexane, toluene, isopropanol) accurately and could determine the ratio of chemical species (e.g., acetonitrile and ethanol) at low concentration (<5 μL/mL) in a mixture through spectral scanning over their characteristic absorption peaks in the mid-IR regime. The combination of CMOS-compatible planar mid-IR microphotonics, and a high-throughput nanofluidic sensor system, provides a unique platform for chemical detection.

Surface-enhanced infrared spectroscopy using metal oxide plasmonic antenna arrays

We successfully demonstrate surface-enhanced infrared spectroscopy using arrays of indium tin oxide (ITO) plasmonic nanoantennas. The ITO antennas show a strongly reduced plasmon wavelength, which holds promise for ultracompact antenna arrays and extremely subwavelength metamaterials. The strong plasmon confinement and reduced antenna cross section allows ITO antennas to be integrated at extremely high densities with no loss in performance due to long-range transverse interactions. By further reducing the spacing of antennas in the arrays, we access the regime of plasmonic near field coupling where the response is enhanced for both Au and ITO devices. Ultracompact ITO antennas with high spatial and spectral selectivity in spectroscopic applications offer a viable new platform for infrared plasmonics, which may be combined with other functionalities of these versatile materials in devices.

A modified infrared spectrometer with high time resolution and its application for investigating fast conformational changes of the GTPase Ras

Time-resolved infrared spectroscopy is a valuable tool for the investigation of proteins and protein interactions. The investigation of many biological processes is possible by means of caged compounds, which set free biologically active substances upon light activation. Some caged compounds could provide sub-nanosecond time resolution, e.g., para-hydroxyphenacyl-guanosine 5'-triphosphate (GTP) forms GTP in picoseconds. However, the time resolution in single shot experiments with rapid-scan Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectrometers is limited to about 10 ms. Here we use an infrared diode laser instead of the conventional globar and achieve a time resolution of 100 ns. This allows for the time-resolved measurement of the fast Ras(off) to Ras(on) conformational change at room temperature. We quantified the activation parameters for this reaction and found that the free energy of activation for this reaction is mainly enthalpic. Investigation of the same reaction in the presence of the Ras binding domain of the effector Raf (RafRBD) reveals a four orders of magnitude faster reaction, indicating that Ras·RafRBD complex formation directly induces the conformational change. Recent developments of broadly tunable quantum cascade lasers will further improve time resolution and usability of the setup. The reported 100 ns time resolution is the best achieved for a non-repetitive experiment so far.