Interferometric detection and quantification system and methods of use in chemical processing

A portable interferometric system for detection and quantification of analyte within a chemical test sample composition, the system comprising:

• an optical assembly unit, the optical assembly unit comprising a light unit and a detector unit each adapted to fit within a portable housing unit;
• a cartridge system adapted to be inserted in the portable housing unit and removed after one or more uses, the cartridge system comprising:
• an interferometric chip including one or more waveguide channels having a sensing layer thereon, the sensing layer adapted to selectively bind or otherwise be selectively disturbed by one or more analytes within the chemical test sample composition;
• and
• a flow cell wafer disposed adjacent to and in fluidic communication with the interferometric chip;
• and
• a cartridge housing enclosing the interferometric chip and flow cell wafer;
• at least one display unit;
• and
• an alignment means for aligning the cartridge system within a cartridge recess in the optical assembly unit upon insertion thereby providing optical and microfluidic alignment of the interferometric chip and flow cell wafer, the alignment means comprising at least one male key portion on an exterior surface of the cartridge housing for engaging and securing the cartridge within a corresponding female rail of the optical assembly unit,
• wherein insertion of the cartridge system into the portable housing unit provides functional optical and microfluidic coupling between the cartridge system and the optical assembly unit.