Abstract: An apparatus (and concomitant method) for rapid detection of a plurality of pathogens and/or chemicals, comprising a laser generating laser-induced breakdown spectra from a sample inserted into the apparatus, a receiver recording the spectra, and a data analysis component acquiring the spectra from the receiver and a display and/or data storage component displaying and/or receiving from the data analysis component which pathogens and/or chemicals are present in the sample and/or the likelihood of such presence, wherein the data analysis component comprises: predictive models for the plurality of pathogens and/or chemicals, a queue to order automated analysis by the predictive models in a predetermined order, and statistical analysis models for each of the predictive models to automatically provide likelihoods of presence of the respective pathogens and/or chemicals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of detecting parasites, viruses, bacteria and drugs in human and animal blood and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). The method includes developing and using algorithmic detection models for detecting compounds, bacteria, viruses and parasites in blood or CSF. The models are developed from a sample of blood or fluid, knowingly having one or more of the compounds or bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Spectra are generated by a LIBS instrument from the sample, and are grouped into either classification spectra or verification spectra. Algorithmic models are developed from the classification spectra; these models are verified with the verification spectra. A second sample of different blood or CSF may then be assessed using the algorithmic models. Spectra generated from this second sample are applied to the models to determine the presence or absence of compounds or bacteria, viruses and parasites of interest.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for forming a recognition algorithm for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy may include: determining a most mathematically different dataset of a plurality of spectral datasets corresponding to materials; dividing the spectral datasets into model development datasets and performance evaluation datasets; transforming, automatically with a processor, one of the model development datasets into a first discrimination model that discriminates the first spectra; removing the first spectra from the model development datasets to yield a subset of development datasets; determining a next most mathematically different spectral dataset of the spectral datasets; transforming the subset of development datasets into a second discrimination model that discriminates the second spectra; and combining the first discrimination model and the second discrimination model to form the recognition algorithm for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for forming a recognition algorithm for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy may include: determining a most mathematically different dataset of a plurality of spectral datasets corresponding to materials; dividing the spectral datasets into model development datasets and performance evaluation datasets; transforming, automatically with a processor, one of the model development datasets into a first discrimination model that discriminates the first spectra; removing the first spectra from the model development datasets to yield a subset of development datasets; determining a next most mathematically different spectral dataset of the spectral datasets; transforming the subset of development datasets into a second discrimination model that discriminates the second spectra; and combining the first discrimination model and the second discrimination model to form the recognition algorithm for laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.

Abstract: A system for determining the relative displacement of a rigid object is described herein. In one embodiment, the system includes three data sources positioned on an object. The data sources are configured to transmit data relating to positional displacement of the object. Each data source has predefined movement parameters based on the position of each data source on the object. In one embodiment, the system further includes a receiver unit configured to display positional information relating to the object based on the data received from each data source. The positional information represents a single valid solution set generated in part by eliminating positional movements that exceed the predefined movement parameters.

Abstract: A system for determining the relative displacement of a rigid object is described herein. In one embodiment, the system includes three data sources positioned on an object. The data sources are configured to transmit data relating to positional displacement of the object. Each data source has predefined movement parameters based on the position of each data source on the object. In one embodiment, the system further includes a receiver unit configured to display positional information relating to the object based on the data received from each data source. The positional information represents a single valid solution set generated in part by eliminating positional movements that exceed the predefined movement parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus utilizing a series of optical components and systems which effectively detect and locate electromagnetic imaging or detection systems or devices, such as cameras and passive infrared detectors. A light source is arranged in a specially-prescribed manner, and is used in conjunction with imaging optics to illuminate an area. Any electromagnetic imaging or detection system in the illuminated area is detected with either the user's eye directly, or with detection optics to determine the existence of such electromagnetic imaging or detection system.

Abstract: An environmental cabinet is described for simulating the effects of extended outdoor weathering on a sample material, the outdoor weathering effects including subjecting the sample material to cycles of at least the application of a corrosive solution and exposure to electromagnetic radiation. The cabinet comprises a chamber (11) for containing a sample material to be tested and a source (55) of electromagnetic radiation for subjecting the sample material within the chamber to cycles of radiation. Spray device (19) provides a cyclic spray of a corrosive solution to be deposited on the sample material within the chamber. Control unit subjects the sample material within the chamber to electromagnetic radiation and corrosive solution in a cyclic manner. The source (55) of electromagnetic radiation is disposed within a radiation transparent shield (57) passing through and sealed to the chamber.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for forming articles from materials in particulate form in which the materials are melted by a laser beam and deposited at points along a tool path to form an article of the desired shape and dimensions. Preferably the tool path and other parameters of the deposition process are established using computer-aided design and manufacturing techniques. A controller comprised of a digital computer directs movement of a deposition zone along the tool path and provides control signals to adjust apparatus functions, such as the speed at which a deposition head which delivers the laser beam and powder to the deposition zone moves along the tool path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the qualitative and quantitative spectroscopic investigation of elements present in a liquid sample using the laser spark. A series of temporally closely spaced spark pairs is induced in the liquid sample utilizing pulsed electromagnetic radiation from a pair of lasers. The light pulses are not significantly absorbed by the sample so that the sparks occur inside of the liquid. The emitted light from the breakdown events is spectrally and temporally resolved, and the time period between the two laser pulses in each spark pair is adjusted to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio of the emitted signals. In comparison with the single pulse technique, a substantial reduction in the limits of detectability for many elements has been demonstrated. Narrowing of spectral features results in improved discrimination against interfering species.

Abstract: Laser sustained discharge apparatus for the production of intense beams of high kinetic energy atomic species. A portion of the plasma resulting from a laser sustained continuous optical discharge which generates energetic atomic species from a gaseous source thereof is expanded through a nozzle into a region of low pressure. The expanded plasma contains a significant concentration of the high kinetic energy atomic species which may be used to investigate the interaction of surfaces therewith. In particular, O-atoms having velocities in excess of 3.5 km/s can be generated for the purpose of studying their interaction with materials in order to develop protective materials for spacecraft which are exposed to such energetic O-atoms during operation in low earth orbit.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for near real-time in-situ monitoring of particulates and vapors contained in fluids. Initial filtration of a known volume of the fluid sample is combined with laser-induced dielectric breakdown spectroscopy of the filter employed to obtain qualitative and quantitative information with high sensitivity. Application of the invention to monitoring of beryllium, beryllium oxide, or other beryllium-alloy dusts is demonstrated. Significant shortening of analysis time is achieved from those of the usual chemical techniques of analysis.

Abstract: The thermal lensing phenomenon is used as the basis for measurement of weak optical absorptions when a cell containing the sample to be investigated is inserted into a normally continuous-wave operation laser-pumped dye laser cavity for which the output coupler is deliberately tilted relative to intracavity circulating laser light, and pulsed laser output ensues, the pulsewidth of which can be related to the sample absorptivity by a simple algorithm or calibration curve. A minimum detection limit of less than 10.sup.-5 cm.sup.-1 has been demonstrated using this technique.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the measurement of small differences in optical absorptivity of weakly absorbing solutions using differential interferometry and the thermooptic effect has been developed. Two sample cells are placed in each arm of an interferometer and are traversed by colinear probe and heating laser beams. The interrogation probe beams are recombined forming a fringe pattern, the intensity of which can be related to changes in optical pathlength of these laser beams through the cells. This in turn can be related to small differences in optical absorptivity which results in different amounts of sample heating when the heating laser beams are turned on, by the fact that the index of refraction of a liquid is temperature dependent. A critical feature of this invention is the stabilization of the optical path of the probe beams against drift. Background (solvent) absorption can then be suppressed by a factor of approximately 400. Solute absorptivities of about 10.sup.-5 cm.sup.