Finesse Solutions, Inc.

Finesse Instruments, Llc.

Paul C Williams

John Havard

John M Harvard

A circularizated semiconductor laser diode (CSLD), such as for example a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) may be used for optical measurements. The CSLD may be used in a cell density probe to perform cell density determination and/or turbidity determination, such as in a biotech, fermentation, or other optical absorbance application. The cell density probe may comprise a probe tip section made from a polytetrafluoroethylene material, which provides sealability, ease of manufacture, durability, cleanability, optical semi-transparency at visible and near infrared wavelengths, and other advantages. The probe tip advantageously provides an optical gap that allows for in situ measurements of optical measurements including but not limited to absorbance, scattering, and fluorescence.

Systems and methods for in situ spectroscopic measurements

An in-situ technique is provided for automatically verifying proper operation of a photometric device, such as a cell density probe (CDP). The CDP has a first detector and a second detector. The first detector senses light that is transmitted from a light source of the CDP. The second detector senses light that has passed through an optical gap at a tip of the CDP, wherein the sensed light has been reduced in intensity due to light absorption. Electrical current provided to the light source is reduced, and the resultant values of a light characteristic (such as intensity) are sensed. These values from the detectors are compared against one or more predicted values. If the CDP is operating properly, the values from the detectors will be consistent with the predicted values. If there is a malfunction in the CDP, then the values from the detectors will be inconsistent with the predicted values.

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Livermore, CA, United States of America

Paul C Williams