Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for processing lithium batteries with a laser source having a wide process window, high efficiency, and low cost are provided. The laser source is adapted to achieve high average power and a high frequency of picosecond pulses. The laser source can produce a line-shaped beam either in a fixed position or in scanning mode. The system can be operated in a dry room or vacuum environment. The system can include a debris removal mechanism, for example, inert gas flow, to the processing site to remove debris produced during the patterning process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating electrodes used in energy storage devices are provided. In some implementations a surface of the electrode is activated for (a) a pre-treatment process to remove loosely held particles from the electrode surface; (b) a pre-treatment process to activate the surface of the electrode material for improved bonding or wetting for subsequently deposited materials; (c) a post-treatment of the pre-lithiation layer to improve subsequent bonding with additionally deposited layer, for example, passivation layers; and/or (d) a post-treatment of the pre-lithiation layer to improve/accelerate absorption of the lithium into the underlying electrode material.

Abstract: In a method for measuring luminescence of a biological sample utilizing two different luminescence reagents, the sample is agitated to improve mixing with the second luminescence reagent, allowing for a shorter delay time between injection of the second reagent and measurement of the resulting luminescence activity. The improved mixing may also allow for a shorter measurement time, thereby improving throughput when assaying a large number of samples.

Abstract: In a method for measuring luminescence of a biological sample utilizing two different luminescence reagents, the sample is agitated to improve mixing with the second luminescence reagent, allowing for a shorter delay time between injection of the second reagent and measurement of the resulting luminescence activity. The improved mixing may also allow for a shorter measurement time, thereby improving throughput when assaying a large number of samples.

Abstract: In a method for measuring luminescence of a biological sample utilizing two different luminescence reagents, the sample is agitated to improve mixing with the second luminescence reagent, allowing for a shorter delay time between injection of the second reagent and measurement of the resulting luminescence activity. The improved mixing may also allow for a shorter measurement time, thereby improving throughput when assaying a large number of samples.

Abstract: In a method for measuring luminescence of a biological sample utilizing two different luminescence reagents, the sample is agitated to improve mixing with the second luminescence reagent, allowing for a shorter delay time between injection of the second reagent and measurement of the resulting luminescence activity. The improved mixing may also allow for a shorter measurement time, thereby improving throughput when assaying a large number of samples.

Abstract: A system for performing spectrofluorometry of a fluorophore sample is provided. The system includes an input module that receives user input corresponding to spectrofluorometer settings. A control module transmits control signals for controlling the spectrofluorometer during respective wavelength scans of a fluorophore sample and a blank sample. The control signals provide for automatic execution of the wavelength scans over an excitation wavelength range and an emission wavelength range. A signal-to-background determination module automatically determines multiple signal-to-background ratios based on fluorescence measurements of the fluorophore sample and the blank sample received from the spectrofluorometer. A signal-to-background analysis module automatically determines the maximum signal-to-background ratio from the multiple signal-to-background ratios.

Abstract: A system for performing spectrofluorometry of a fluorophore sample is provided. The system includes an input module that receives user input corresponding to spectrofluorometer settings. A control module transmits control signals for controlling the spectrofluorometer during respective wavelength scans of a fluorophore sample and a blank sample. The control signals provide for automatic execution of the wavelength scans over an excitation wavelength range and an emission wavelength range. A signal-to-background determination module automatically determines multiple signal-to-background ratios based on fluorescence measurements of the fluorophore sample and the blank sample received from the spectrofluorometer. A signal-to-background analysis module automatically determines the maximum signal-to-background ratio from the multiple signal-to-background ratios.

Abstract: A cartridge and cartridge system for use in an apparatus for analyzing a sample is provided. The cartridge has one or more light sources and/or optical systems and other components that are specific for a certain type of application such as fluorescence, absorbance, or luminescence. The light source, optical systems, and other components for a specific application are housed in a single cartridge. The system has a plurality of cartridges for different applications for a multimode instrument. The cartridges are removably engaged with the apparatus in a “plug-in” format such that one cartridge may be removed from the apparatus and another cartridge may be easily installed.