This interdisciplinary book covers the fundamentals of optical whispering gallery mode (WGM) microcavities, light–matter interaction, and biomolecular structure with a focus on applications in biosensing. Novel biosensors based on the hybridization of WGM microcavities and localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) in metal nanoparticles have emerged as the most sensitive microsystem biodetection technology that boasts single molecule detection capability without the need for amplification and labeling of the analyte. The book provides an ample survey of the physical mechanisms of WGMs and LSPRs for detecting affinity, concentration, size, shape and orientation of biomarkers, while informing the reader about different classes of biomolecules, their optical properties and their importance in label-free clinical diagnostics. For the more advanced reader, advanced applications of WGMs and LSPRs in exploring the fundamental nature of quantum physics are discussed.

Polarized Light and Optical Systems presents polarization optics for undergraduate and graduate students in a way which makes classroom teaching relevant to current issues in optical engineering. This curriculum has been developed and refined for a decade and a half at the University of Arizona’s College of Optical Sciences. Polarized Light and Optical Systems provides a reference for the optical engineer and optical designer in issues related to building polarimeters, designing displays, and polarization critical optical systems. The central theme of Polarized Light and Optical Systems is a unifying treatment of polarization elements as optical elements and optical elements as polarization elements. Key Features Comprehensive presentation of Jones calculus and Mueller calculus with tables and derivations of the Jones and Mueller matrices for polarization elements and polarization effects Classroom-appropriate presentations of polarization of birefringent materials, thin films, stress birefringence, crystal polarizers, liquid crystals, and gratings Discussion of the many forms of polarimeters, their trade-offs, data reduction methods, and polarization artifacts Exposition of the polarization ray tracing calculus to integrate polarization with ray tracing Explanation of the sources of polarization aberrations in optical systems and the functional forms of these polarization aberrations Problem sets to build students’ problem-solving capabilities.

Biosensors combine biological recognition elements and signal conversion elements into a biodetection system. They have been developed for a wide variety of biodetection applications, offering the advantages of increased speed and ease of use compared to traditional detection methods. In Biosensors and Biodetection: Methods and Protocols, leading experts describe the major technologies in the field in extensive technical detail, allowing readers both to understand the technology and to construct similar devices. Volume 1: Optical-Based Detectors delves into direct and indirect optical detectors, including methods involving surface plasmon resonance, interferometric sensors, CCD based detectors, and spectrometers, among many other cutting-edge technologies. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, chapters include brief introductions to the subjects, lists of the necessary materials, step-by-step, readily reproducible protocols, and Notes sections, which highlight tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and up-to-date, Biosensors and Biodetection: Methods and Protocols is an ideal, user-friendly guide to this vital, versatile technology and a perfect tool for those who wish to further the field.

As biosensors comprise a prospective alternative to traditional chemical analyses, enabling fast on- and in-line measurements with sufficient selectivity, the field is expanding rapidly and is offering new ideas and developments every day. This book aims to cover the present state of the art in the biosensor technology and introduce the general aspects of biosensor- based techniques and methods. The book consists of 13 chapters by 44 authors and is divided into 3 sections, focused on bio-recognition techniques, signal transduction methods and signal analysis.

Nanomaterials for Biosensors: Fundamentals and Applications provides a detailed summary of the main nanomaterials used in biosensing and their application. It covers recent developments in nanomaterials for the fabrication of biosensor devices for healthcare diagnostics, food freshness and bioprocessing. The various processes used for synthesis and characterization of nanostructured materials are examined, along with the design and fabrication of bioelectronic devices using nanostructured materials as building blocks. Users will find the fundamentals of the main nanomaterials used in biosensing, helping them visualize a systematic and coherent picture of how nanomaterials are used in biosensors. The book also addresses the role of bio-conjugation of nanomaterials in the construction of nano-biointerfaces for application in biosensors. Such applications, including metal nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, nanocomposites, carbon nanotubes, conducting polymers and plasmonic nanostructures in biosensing are discussed relative to each nanomaterial concerned. Finally, recent advancements in protein functionalized nanomaterials for cancer diagnostics and bio-imaging are also included. - Provides a detailed study on how nanomaterials are used to enhance sensing capabilities in biosensors - Explains the properties, characterization methods and preparation techniques of the nanomaterials used in biosensing - Arranged in a material-by-material way, making it clear how each nanomaterial should be used