IOS offers our customers innovative technological solutions to real-world problems through a comprehensive products and services portfolio. IOS researchers have developed cutting-edge technologies, including fiber optic-based sensors for pressure, temperature, electromagnetic fields, and a wide variety of chemicals; acoustic emission sensors; nondestructive visual and laser ultrasonic inspection systems; advanced signal and image processing systems; specialty light sources; and nonlethal weapons.

Research being conducted in environmental applications includes water quality monitoring, air quality monitoring, and the innovative use of Raman spectroscopy for toxic waste characterization. Recent advances by IOS researchers in the design and construction of optical instruments and advanced bioanalytical sensors has laid a solid foundation for the development of easy-to-use, reliable test kits for environmental monitoring applications.

In test kits developed for water quality monitoring, a microarray test strip utilizes nanoparticles as detection labels, and incorporates multiple antibodies to provide a broader detection profile. A simple, easy-to-use, portable reader measures the quantum dots sequestered on the lateral flow membranes. The microarray test strip assay represents a novel and easy-to-use format for measuring multiple waterborne pathogens, such as E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and can find applications both in drinking water and beach water monitoring applications.