Optical modulator/detector based on reconfigurable diffraction grating

Abstract

A system is provided for positioning separate portions of a sample in elongate, parallel channels of a sample chamber and for irradiating a sample in the chamber to create a diffraction pattern where the sample and chamber differ in refractive index. The system also can measure absorption of electromagnetic radiation by a sample in the chamber, and can measure the absorption simultaneously with measurement of diffraction by the sample.

1 . A method comprising:
 exposing a first surface of a first component and a second surface of a second component to plasma; and   contacting first portions of the first surface with the second surface while leaving a second portion of the first surface, intervening the first portions of the first surface, free of contact with the second surface.   
     
     
         2 . A method as in  claim 1 , the contacting step comprising contacting a plurality of first portions of the first portions of the first surface, each of the first portions including a second portion that remains free of contact with the second surface, between it and another first portion. 
     
     
         3 . A method as in  claim 2 , wherein the first portions are polymeric. 
     
     
         4 . A method as in  claim 2 , wherein the first portions are elastomeric. 
     
     
         5 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein the first surface is a contoured surface including a plurality of protrusions and intervening indentations and the contacting step involves contacting outward-facing surfaces of the protrusions with the second surface. 
     
     
         6 . A method as in  claim 5 , wherein the second surface is essentially flat. 
     
     
         7 . A method as in  claim 1 , further comprising forming a seal between the first portions and the second surface. 
     
     
         8 . A method as in  claim 7 , involving forming an irreversible seal between the first portions and the second surface. 
     
     
         9 . A method as in  claim 7 , involving forming a seal between the first portions and the second surface that is impermeable to agents to which the first and second surfaces are resistant. 
     
     
         10 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second components is flexible. 
     
     
         11 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second components is polymeric. 
     
     
         12 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first and second components is elastomeric. 
     
     
         13 . A method as in  claim 1 , the contacting step comprising defining, between the first surface and the second surface, a plurality of isolated, essentially parallel, elongate channels. 
     
     
         14 . A method as in  claim 13 , wherein each of the channels has a length at least three times its width. 
     
     
         15 . A method as in  claim 13 , wherein the plurality of channels comprises at least five channels. 
     
     
         16 - 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . A method comprising:
 joining a pre-oxidized polymeric surface to a second pre-oxidized surface; and   allowing the polymeric surface and the second surface to form a liquid-impermeable seal therebetween.   
     
     
         25 - 32 . (canceled) 
     
     
         33 . A method comprising:
 forming a siloxane bond between a first, conformable surface and a second surface.   
     
     
         34 . A method as in  claim 33 , comprising forming of the siloxane bond in the absence of auxiliary adhesive. 
     
     
         35 . A method as in  claim 33 , further comprising exposing the first surface and the second surface to plasma, then forming the siloxane bond. 
     
     
         36 - 42 . (canceled) 
     
     
         43 . A method comprising:
 applying a polymeric surface to a second surface; and   in the absence of auxiliary adhesive and at a temperature of between about 16° C. and about 27° C., allowing the polymeric surface and the second surface to bond to form a liquid-impermeable seal therebetween.   
     
     
         44 - 56 . (canceled)