With Selection Of Plural Discrete Wavelengths Or Bands Patents (Class 250/339.01)
- Including spectrometer or spectrophotometer (Class 250/339.07)
- With calibration steps in measurement process (Class 250/339.09)
- Determining moisture content (Class 250/339.1)
- Measuring infrared radiation reflected from sample (Class 250/339.11)
- Using sample absorption for chemical composition analysis (Class 250/339.12)
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Publication number: 20150147797Abstract: An apparatus for measuring moisture content of biomass is disclosed. Systems and methods for measuring the compositional content of biomass is disclosed, which assists in gauging quality of the biomass for any given purpose, and may assist in properly valuing the biomass during transactions. The system includes a coring probe apparatus located at a sampling area, a pneumatic transportation system which transports the core samples by collected by the coring probe to an analysis site, a sample homogenizer that homogenizes the core samples, and a near infrared analyzer calibrated for the biomass which generates a compositional profile for the homogeneous sample. The compositional profile generated by the near infrared analyzer includes values for ash, lignin and carbohydrates in the sample. Calibrating the near infrared analyzer for the biomass includes comparing near infrared scanning results against wet chemistry results.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 7, 2013Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventors: Alex C. Johnson, Adam R. Wirt
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Publication number: 20150136986Abstract: A prism member having an entrance surface for arranging a terahertz-wave generator for generating a terahertz wave in response to pump light incident thereon, an arrangement part for arranging an object to be measured, an exit surface for arranging a terahertz-wave detector for detecting a correlation between the terahertz wave transmitted through the object in the arrangement part and probe light, a first optical surface for collimating or condensing the terahertz wave incident thereon from the entrance surface toward the arrangement part, and a second optical surface for condensing the terahertz wave transmitted through the arrangement part toward the exit surface, the arrangement part forms a depression adapted to be filled with a liquid incapable of dissolving the object therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 2, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS K.K.Inventors: Kouichiro Akiyama, Takashi Yasuda, Yoichi Kawada, Atsushi Nakanishi
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Publication number: 20150120092Abstract: A system for detecting ice or supercooled large droplets within an area of interest having a detection system measuring radiance or reflectance of the area of interest when exposed to shortwave infrared radiation having a wavelength in the range of about 2.05 ?m to about 2.30 ?m. The detection system measures the radiance or reflectance in a first band having a wavelength in the range of about 2.05 ?m to about 2.15 ?m and outputting a first band signal, and further measures the radiance or reflectance in a second band having a wavelength in the range of about 2.15 ?m to about 2.30 ?m and outputting a second band signal. A processing unit determines a ratio of the first band signal and the second band signal and compares the ratio to a predetermined critical ratio and outputs a determination signal indicating presence of ice or supercooled water droplets.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGANInventor: Nilton O. RENNÓ
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Publication number: 20150120093Abstract: A system for detecting ice or water within an area of interest having a detection system measuring radiance or reflectance of the area of interest when exposed to shortwave infrared radiation having a wavelength in the range containing a crossover point between the curves representing the absorption of electromagnetic radiation by ice and water. The detection system measures the radiance or reflectance in a first band having a wavelength in a spectral band on a first side of the crossover point and outputting a first band signal, and further measures the radiance or reflectance in a second band having a wavelength in a spectral band on a second opposing side of the same crossover point and outputting a second band signal. A processing unit determines a ratio of the first band signal and the second band signal and compares the ratio to a predetermined critical ratio and outputs a determination signal indicating presence of ice or water.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 21, 2014Publication date: April 30, 2015Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGANInventor: NILTON O. RENNÓ
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Publication number: 20150090880Abstract: An optical spectrometer (102) comprises an adjustable sampling space (104) having two generally opposing, relatively movable, side-walls (106,108) which are here substantially formed of optically translucent material and between which in use a sample for analysis is charged and an actuator (116) mechanically coupled, here via a worm drive (118), to one or both of the opposing side-walls (108) and operable in response to a command signal applied thereto to effect their relative movement. The spectrometer (102) further comprises an optical position sensor (110,112,114) adapted to detect interference fringes generated by optical energy traversing the distance between the side-walls (106,108) a plurality of times and to generate the command signal in dependence thereof and preferably also adapted to generate an output indexing intensity against an indication of wavelength usable in the spectrometric analysis of a sample material within the sampling space (104).Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2012Publication date: April 2, 2015Applicant: Foss Analytical A/SInventors: Mads Andersen, Thomas Nikolajsen, Mogens Velsing, Bjarne Mølsted
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Patent number: 8981297Abstract: A coordinate measuring device includes a carrier that can be rotated automatically about two axes and that can be directed toward a measuring aid. The following are arranged on the carrier so as to be able to move together: an optical distance measuring device for measuring the distance to the measuring aid; a light source for emitting light, directly or by means of optical elements, wherein said light is visible as a target point when reflected on the measuring aid; a target detecting unit for determining a position as the position of the imaging of the target point on a position detection sensor. The control apparatus is designed to direct the carrier at the measuring aid by rotating the carrier about the at least two axes of the carrier according to the fine position and the rough position; and the light source is a superluminescent diode (SLED).Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2011Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Leica Geosystems AGInventors: Burkhard Boeckem, Thomas Luethi
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Terahertz wave detection device, terahertz wavelength filter, imaging device, and measurement device
Patent number: 8946633Abstract: A terahertz wave detection device includes a wavelength filter transmitting terahertz waves having a predetermined wavelength, and a detection portion detecting the terahertz waves having the predetermined wavelength that have passed through the wavelength filter by converting the terahertz waves into heat, wherein the wavelength filter includes a metal layer having a plurality of holes communicating with an incident surface onto which the terahertz waves are incident and an emission surface from which the terahertz waves having the predetermined wavelength are emitted, and a dielectric portion filling in the plurality of holes and made of a dielectric, wherein the plurality of holes are formed with a predetermined pitch along a direction that is perpendicular to a normal line of the incident surface.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 2012Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Hiroto Tomioka -
Publication number: 20150028211Abstract: The time-domain spectroscopy analysis system includes a splitter for splitting pulsed light entered, a variable delayer for delaying timing of a first part of the pulsed light split by the splitter, an electromagnetic wave generator for converting a second part of the pulsed light split by the splitter into an electromagnetic wave, a detector for detecting measurement data from a pulse having passed through a measurement object subjected to the electromagnetic wave emitted from the electromagnetic wave generator, and the pulse outputted from the variable delayer, and a comparator for detecting a phase difference between the pulsed light before being entered into the electromagnetic wave generator and the pulsed light outputted from the variable delayer, wherein a result obtained by the comparator is fed back to the variable delayer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2012Publication date: January 29, 2015Applicant: HITACHI, LTD.Inventors: Takahiro Nakamura, Nobuhiro Shiramizu
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Publication number: 20150028210Abstract: The present invention is provided to remove scattering from other parts, except for an end part of a nano-probe, in a near-field microscope, and to enable a spectral analysis by delaying the generation of multiple reflections caused through the shaft of the nano-probe. A first characteristic of the present invention is to temporally delay generation of multiple reflections by manufacturing a probe portion to have a predetermined length or more in a tuning-fork based near-field probe. A second characteristic of the present invention is to provide a near-field microscope which includes a tuning-fork based near-field probe having a structure as above, and can measure a time-domain transient reaction of a scattered wave. A third characteristic of the present invention is to provide a method for performing a spectral analysis on a time-domain signal measured by the near-field microscope.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2014Publication date: January 29, 2015Inventors: Hae Wook HAN, Young Woong DO, Ki Won MOON
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Publication number: 20150020878Abstract: An anti-reflective coating film is formed from a coating solution composition that includes a silane-based precursor. When measured via Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy using a wavelength of 1064 nm, the coating solution composition exhibits a peak intensity ratio IB/IA and a peak intensity ratio IC/IA of equal to or greater than 0.47, respectively. The peak intensity IB is in a range of about 930 cm?1 to about 960 cm?1, the peak intensity IA is in a range of about 1110 cm?1 to about 1130 cm?1, and the peak intensity IC is in a range of about 1020 cm?1 to about 1050 cm?1. A solar cell including the anti-reflective coating film, and a method of predicting the strength of the anti-reflective coating film for the solar cell have been disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2014Publication date: January 22, 2015Applicant: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.Inventors: Soo-Youn Park, Sang-Hyun Eom, Do-Young Park, Hye-Jin Park, Sung-Su Kim, Chun-Gyoo Lee, Jong-Hwan Park, Ji-Won Lee
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Publication number: 20150014537Abstract: A dual-band infrared detector is provided. The dual-band infrared detector includes a first absorption layer, a barrier layer coupled to the first absorption layer, and a second absorption layer coupled to the barrier layer. The first absorption layer is sensitive to only a first infrared wavelength band and the second absorption layer is sensitive to only a second infrared wavelength band that is different from the first infrared wavelength band. The dual-band infrared detector is capable of detecting the first wavelength band and the second wavelength band by applying a first bias voltage of a first polarity to the first absorption layer and by applying a second bias voltage of a second polarity that is opposite the first polarity to the second absorption layer, wherein the first bias voltage and the second bias voltage each have a magnitude of less than about 500 mV.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2013Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Rajesh D. Rajavel, Terence J. deLyon
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Patent number: 8927915Abstract: Apparatus and a method for intercepting a rocket body during boost phase. A sensor is arranged to detect thermal emission in a range that is characteristic of a firing rocket body. The image detected by the sensor is applied to an analog-to-digital converter for digitization and application to a computer that includes a routine for separating the modulated photon energy of the detected image from the substantially unmodulated photon energy that characterizes rocket body emissions. The unmodulated photon energy, signature of the rocket body, may be utilized by a fire control system for tracking, targeting and aiming munitions at the firing rocket body.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2012Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air ForceInventor: Frank O. Clark
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Publication number: 20140378284Abstract: A method for determining the softness of a sheet of tissue paper through NIR spectrometry, includes, after having created a softness values model according to data obtained through NIR spectrometry for a set of reference tissue paper sheets, carrying out the spectral analysis of said sheet and determining the softness value on the basis of the model. The method includes obtaining the softness values of the reference tissue paper sheets of the model through sensory analysis.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 30, 2013Publication date: December 25, 2014Applicant: SCA TISSUE FRANCEInventors: Gilbert Schohn, Hubert Pfister, Corinne Munerelle
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Patent number: 8912494Abstract: An apparatus for ultrasensitive long-wave imaging cameras is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a filter configured to allow high frequencies of interest to pass through the filter. The apparatus also includes an antenna that is configured to receive the high frequencies of interest. The apparatus further includes a plurality of bolometers that are configured to measure data regarding the high frequencies of interest.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2011Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics Space AdministrationInventors: James A. Chervenak, Ari D. Brown, Edward J. Wollack, Dominic J. Benford
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Publication number: 20140353503Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure provides methods for using NMR and NIR to evaluate biological samples. In some embodiments, the methods include a step of performing a Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis on a sample to obtain an NMR spectrum, a step of performing a Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR) analysis on the sample to obtain an NIR spectrum, and/or a step of performing a data fusion analysis to evaluate the NIR spectrum.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2012Publication date: December 4, 2014Applicant: BIOGEN IDEC MA INC.Inventors: Maureen Lanan, Amr Ali
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Patent number: 8897571Abstract: Provided is a process and system for detection of sparse or otherwise weak targets in a hyperspectral image. A hyperspectral image is received having a multitude of pixels, with each pixel having a respective spectrum. In some embodiments, multiple mean spectra are selectively determined for respective sub-regions of the hyperspectral image. The subset mean spectra can be selectively removed from respective pixels, thereby improving image fidelity due to sensor artifacts. Additionally, target detection of such an adjusted image can be determined by one or more of matched filter techniques or by partial un-mixing. In at least some embodiments target detection is enhanced by combining a measure of target match with a residual spectrum determined as a measure of un-match. Target detection can be further improved by application of rules, for example, related to target detection threshold.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2011Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Ian S. Robinson, James J. Dwulit, C. Ralph Waters, Bradley A. Flanders
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Patent number: 8897570Abstract: Provided is a process and system for detection of sparse or otherwise weak targets in a hyperspectral image. A hyperspectral image is received having a multitude of pixels, with each pixel having a respective spectrum. In some embodiments, multiple mean spectra are selectively determined for respective sub-regions of the hyperspectral image. The subset mean spectra can be selectively removed from respective pixels, thereby improving image fidelity due to sensor artifacts. Additionally, target detection of such an adjusted image can be determined by one or more of matched filter techniques or by partial un-mixing. In at least some embodiments target detection is enhanced by combining a measure of target match with a residual spectrum determined as a measure of un-match. Target detection can be further improved by application of rules, for example, related to target detection threshold.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2011Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Ian S. Robinson, James J. Dwulit, C. Ralph Waters, Bradley A. Flanders
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Publication number: 20140339428Abstract: A medication assurance system for verification of both the medication and the patient is disclosed. A portable spectrometer is used to obtain a light spectrum of the medication. A subject identification or biometric device is used to identify the patient. A controller coupled to the portable spectrometer and the subject identification device identifies the medication by performing a chemometric analysis of the light spectrum. Based on the medication identified and the patient identified, the controller can determine if the medication is to be taken by the patient.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 16, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: JDS UNIPHASE CORPORATIONInventors: Nada A. O'BRIEN, Christopher G. PEDERSON
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Publication number: 20140326884Abstract: In one embodiment, a heterodyne detection system for detecting light includes a first input aperture configured to receive first light from a scene input, a second input aperture configured to receive second light from a local oscillator input, a broadband local oscillator configured to provide the second light to the second input aperture, a dispersive element configured to disperse the first light and the second light, and a final condensing lens coupled to an infrared detector. The final condensing lens is configured to concentrate incident light from a primary condensing lens onto the infrared detector, and the infrared detector is a square-law detector capable of sensing the frequency difference between the first light and the second light. More systems and methods for detecting light are described according to other embodiments.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2014Publication date: November 6, 2014Inventors: Charles G. Stevens, Joseph W. Tringe, Christopher T. Cunningham
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Publication number: 20140326885Abstract: The present invention provides a technique that uses discrete wavelengths of illumination of an ore sample, and through the use of optical filters and laser illumination the signal-to-noise ratio of the measurement can be greatly improved, and may take the form of apparatus featuring a signal processor configured to: receive signaling containing information about a spectral reflectance caused by discrete wavelengths illuminating an ore sample; and determine information about a bitumen content of the ore sample based at least partly on the signaling. The signal processor may provide corresponding signaling containing information about the bitumen content of the ore sample, including for further processing, printing or displaying.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 29, 2012Publication date: November 6, 2014Inventors: Michael A. Davis, Mark R. Fernald
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Publication number: 20140323307Abstract: A method for managing plant biomass at harvest in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of: a) measuring the amount of fatty acids contained in a plant(s); b) obtaining the percentage of linolenic acid with respect to the total amount of fatty acids; and c) estimating the plant biomass at harvest from the percentage of linolenic acid thus obtained.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2012Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: JAPAN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AGENCYInventor: Kenichi Ogawa
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Publication number: 20140312232Abstract: Improved analytical, diagnostic, monitoring, and other methods (and their associated devices) for evaluating the extent of deposition of an agent onto a substrate are described. Exemplary methods may be used in the in the monitoring of the dental health of patients or in the fast, efficient screening and/or characterization of formulations in terms of their use for depositing oral actives onto tooth surfaces. The methods involve the direct or in situ analysis of substrates, onto which agents are deposited, using Near-IR spectroscopy and/or UV spectroscopy.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Inventors: Jennifer Gronlund, Guofeng Xu, Deborah A. Peru, Ravi Subramanyam
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Publication number: 20140312231Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for transmission infrared spectroscopic analysis for determining the degree of global cognitive impairment associated with Alzheimer's disease based on analyzing the 3100-1300 cm?1 infrared spectrum region of a previously obtained and fractionated sample of blood. Preferably, the fractionated sample of blood to be analyzed is a fraction of leukocytes. Likewise, another object of the present invention relates to the use of said method to obtain an indication of the status of the Alzheimer's disease and/or an indication of the degree of cognitive impairment associated with said disease.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2012Publication date: October 23, 2014Inventors: Pedro Carmona Hernandez, Adolfo Toledano Gasca, Miguel Calero Lara, Pablo Martinez Martin, Felix Bermejo Pareja
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Publication number: 20140246589Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a gas sensor, including: a gas collecting chamber including: (a) a nanoporous wall including alumina, on a portion of the gas collecting chamber in the near vicinity of the solid propellant fuel; a micro pump attached to the gas collecting chamber; and a gas analysis device connected to the gas collecting chamber. The gas analysis device measures both type and concentration of gases collected in the gas collecting chamber via the nanoporous wall, the gases measured being selected from the group consisting of CO, CO2, NO, N2O, NO2 and combinations thereof. The present disclosure also relates to a method of sensing propellant degradation in solid fuel and a method of using a gas collecting chamber to sense such degradation.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2013Publication date: September 4, 2014Applicant: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the ArmyInventors: Christina L. Brantley, Eugene Edwards, Paul B. Ruffin, Fang Luo
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Patent number: 8816284Abstract: In one embodiment, a heterodyne detection system for detecting light includes a first input aperture adapted for receiving first light from a scene input, a second input aperture adapted for receiving second light from a local oscillator input, a broadband local oscillator adapted for providing the second light to the second input aperture, a dispersive element adapted for dispersing the first light and the second light, and a final condensing lens coupled to an infrared detector. The final condensing lens is adapted for concentrating incident light from a primary condensing lens onto the infrared detector, and the infrared detector is a square-law detector capable of sensing the frequency difference between the first light and the second light. More systems and methods for detecting light are described according to other embodiments.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2011Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC.Inventors: Charles G. Stevens, Joseph W. Tringe, Christopher Thomas Cunningham
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Publication number: 20140231649Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting hidden hazardous substance including the steps of: performing terahertz imaging for a detected object; judging whether there is a suspicious area containing the hidden hazardous substance in a terahertz image of the detected object obtained by the terahertz imaging; performing a multi-wavelength spectroscopy measurement to the suspicious area, determining whether the hazardous substance is contained in the suspicious area according to results of multi-wavelength spectroscopy measurement; and outputting the image of the detected object and hazardous substance detecting result. Also disclosed is an apparatus for implementing the method for detecting the hidden hazardous substance according to the present invention. Determination of the hidden hazardous substance can be performed from the perspectives of shape features and substance composition, thus the accuracy of detection is greatly increased.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2012Publication date: August 21, 2014Applicants: TSINGHUA UNIVERSITY, NUCTECH COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Ziran Zhao, Yingxin Wang, Zhiqiang Chen, Wanlong Wu
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Patent number: 8803094Abstract: Carbon nanotube compositions suitable for printing, methods of making carbon nanotube compositions, and substrates having a print thereon containing carbon nanotube compositions, and uses thereof. The carbon nanotubes of the compositions are individualized. The carbon nanotube compositions can be used in applications, such as document security.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2013Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: University of Maryland, College ParkInventors: Jarrett Leeds, YuHuang Wang, John T. Fourkas
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Patent number: 8803093Abstract: An IR camera is disclosed, comprising two IR detectors for detecting a first and a second image of the imaged area. A beamsplitter is operable to split the incoming radiation into a first beam comprising a first wavelength spectrum and a second beam comprising a second wavelength spectrum different from the first wavelength spectrum. The first beam is received at the first IR detector and the second beam is received at the second IR detector. A processor is operable to calculate properties of the imaged area based on the first and the second image in relationship to each other. The information obtained may be used, for example, to detect the presence or identity of a gas or to determine the material properties of an imaged object.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2009Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: FLIR Systems ABInventor: Henrik Jönsson
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Publication number: 20140217289Abstract: An infrared detector may include a substrate, a resonant unit spaced apart from the substrate, the resonant unit configured to generate heat by inducing resonance at a plurality of wavelengths of incident infrared light, a thermistor layer configured to support the resonant unit and be spaced apart from the resonant unit, the thermistor layer having a resistance value that varies according to the heat generated in the resonant unit, and a connection unit configured to support the thermistor layer such that the thermistor layer is spaced apart from the substrate and electrically connect the thermistor layer to the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 3, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Sung-hyun NAM, Hae-seok PARK
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Publication number: 20140217290Abstract: A method for the non-destructive inspection of a part made from an organic-matrix composite material (CMO) includes the steps of: a) carrying out a surface inspection of the part by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIS), b) if step a) reveals a defect, carrying out in-depth inspections of the organic-matrix composite material according to two complementary ultrasound techniques.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2014Publication date: August 7, 2014Applicant: AIRCELLEInventors: Lionel GAY, Thibaud CHOPARD, Odile LEFEU, Frédéric JOUBERT
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Patent number: 8796626Abstract: An optical sensor includes a visible light sensor includes a visible light sensing transistor and an infrared light sensor includes an infrared light sensing transistor, wherein the visible light sensing transistor receives a first driving voltage through a first driving voltage line, the infrared light sensing transistor receives a second driving voltage through a second driving voltage line, and the visible light sensing transistor and the infrared light sensing transistor receive a reference voltage through a reference voltage line.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kun-Wook Han, Sung-Ryul Kim, Woong-Kwon Kim, Dae-Cheol Kim, Ki-Hun Jeong, Jung-Suk Bang, Yun-Jong Yeo, Byeong-Hoon Cho, Hong-Kee Chin, Sung-Jin Mun
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Publication number: 20140197315Abstract: An optical analysis system, optical device, and optical analysis process are disclosed. The system includes one or more optical filter mechanisms disposed to receive light from a light source and a detector mechanism in operative communication with the one or more optical filter mechanisms to measure properties of filtered light, filtered by the one or more optical filter mechanisms from the received light. The one or more optical filter mechanisms are configured so that the magnitude of the properties measured by the detector mechanism is proportional to information carried by the light filtered. The device is capable of including one of the one or more optical filter mechanisms in the system. The process is capable of relying upon the system, filtering light, and measuring properties of the filtered light.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2014Publication date: July 17, 2014Applicant: CIRTEMO, LLDInventor: Ryan J. PRIORE
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Patent number: 8779362Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the presence and concentration of organic and inorganic acids by their infrared absorption characteristics in a refrigeration unit while running. Acids of interest, such of those formed upon decomposition of refrigerant or refrigerant oil, are volatilized and subjected to infrared radiation. Optical filtering is used to limit the infrared radiation to relevant wavelengths. Organic acids are detected by the absorbance of energy between 4-6 microns while inorganic acids are detected by the absorbance of energy between 2-4 microns.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2012Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Inventors: Ted J. Amundsen, David C. Hahn
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Patent number: 8759773Abstract: A Fourier transform infrared spectrometer includes a beam splitter (22), end mirrors (21, 23), one of which may be scanned, and detectors (32) detecting the interfered light at the two outputs of a beam combiner (22), which may be the same optical element as the beam splitter (22). Time records of detector samples may be transformed by Fourier transform to obtain the corresponding spectra. The detectors (32) may be sampled alternately in time and the samples subsequently interleaved to provide an increased effective sampling rate. The detectors (32) may be masked by color filter mosaics so that each pixel of each detector is sensitive only to one color of light, and the spectra obtained from pixels detecting different colors may be concatenated.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Ian Stuart Robinson
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Patent number: 8749636Abstract: A multi-band aperture filter for optically coupling to a focal plane array (FPA) of a camera includes a substrate, and a first spectral coating on a first surface of the substrate that passes both a first longer and a second shorter wavelength band. A second spectral coating that passes the longer wavelength band and blocks the shorter wavelength band is on an outer annulus region, but not on an inner region on the first surface or a second surface of the substrate. The second spectral coating provides a larger aperture area for the longer wavelength band as compared to an aperture area for the shorter wavelength band to passively realize different F-numbers for the bands to provide substantially matched beam spot sizes on the detector array for the longer wavelength band and the shorter wavelength band, such as a long-wave infrared (LWIR) band and a mid-wave IR (MWIR) band.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventor: Kevin L. Brown
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Patent number: 8729472Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods which utilize a cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) technique implemented for the measurements of vapor transmission rate. In one embodiment, the vapor content to be measured is contained within an optical cavity. Light is then injected into the cavity up to a threshold level and the decay time of the injected light is measured. When the wavelength of the injected light is resonant with an absorption feature of the vapor the decay time increases linearly as a function of vapor content. In this manner, vapor content causes a longer decay time and thus the amount of vapor passing through the film (film permeation rate) can be determined in real-time.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2011Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics CorporationInventors: Aziz Mahfoud Familia, David Shackleford, Nafih Mekhilef, Mike Zimmerman
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Patent number: 8704179Abstract: The present invention provides thermal detectors having an optical cavity that is optimized to couple light into a sensor. Light that is on resonance is coupled with the sensor with as high as 100% efficiency, while light off resonance is substantially reflected away. Light that strikes the sensor from the sides (i.e. not on the optical cavity axis) only interacts minimally with sensor because of the reduced absorption characteristics of the sensor. Narrowband sensors in accordance with the present invention can gain as much as 100% of the signal from one direction and spectral band, while receiving only a fraction of the normal radiation noise, which originates from all spectral bands and directions.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2010Date of Patent: April 22, 2014Assignee: Regents of the University of MinnesotaInventor: Joseph J. Talghader
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Patent number: 8692172Abstract: A shield for use with a detector includes a first opening adjacent the detector, a second opening opposite the first opening along an optical axis intersecting the detector, and a field of view defined by the detector and the second opening. A shield body includes alternating curved profile regions and linear profile regions coaxially aligned along the optical axis. The curved profile regions have respective curved interior surfaces concave facing toward the second opening, and the linear profile regions have respective interior surfaces facing toward the first opening. In this way, specular reflections associated with stray light may be greatly reduced.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2009Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Kenneth G. Preston, Aron Traylor, David G. Jenkins
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Publication number: 20140061473Abstract: Disclosed herein are a system and corresponding method for sensing terahertz radiation. The system collects terahertz radiation scattered from a target and upconverts the collected radiation to optical frequencies. A frequency-domain spectrometer senses spectral components of the upconverted signal in parallel to produce a spectroscopic measurement of the entire band of interest in a single shot. Because the sensing system can do single-shot measurements, it can sense moving targets, unlike sensing systems that use serial detection, which can only be used to sense stationary objects. As a result, the sensing systems and methods disclosed herein may be used for real-time imaging, including detection of concealed weapons, medical imaging, and hyperspectral imaging.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 18, 2013Publication date: March 6, 2014Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyInventors: Mohammad J. Khan, Sumanth Kaushik, Jerry C. Chen
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Patent number: 8666113Abstract: Disclosed methods include: acquiring a first sequence of multiple images of a sample, with each image in the first sequence corresponding to a different spectral weighting function; unmixing the first sequence of images into data corresponding to a first set of unmixed images, where each unmixed image in the first set corresponds to a spatial distribution in the sample of a different one of multiple components at a first time; acquiring one or more additional images of the sample and combining the additional images with one or more of the images in the first sequence to form a second sequence of images; unmixing the second sequence of images into data corresponding to a second set of unmixed images; and displaying information about the sample as a function of time based on the data corresponding to the first and second sets of unmixed images.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2013Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: Cambridge Research & Instrumentation, Inc.Inventors: Scott Determan, Peter J. Miller
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Patent number: 8664604Abstract: A system for surveillance of a delimited area within which people move, wherein at least one hollow optical fiber is configured for extending through the area and is provided throughout its length with a plurality of holes that set an internal channel of the fiber in communication with the outside of the fiber itself. There is provided an optical source configured for supplying the optical signal to one end of the hollow optical fiber and a sensor designed to detect at one end of the hollow optical fiber the optical signal transmitted throughout the length of the fiber itself. A processing unit is configured for examining the spectrum of the optical signal detected by the sensors in order to detect the presence of toxic agents present in the area and drawn into said channel.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2011Date of Patent: March 4, 2014Assignee: FINMECCANICA—Società per azioniInventors: Roberto Viola, Sandro Mengali, Nicola Liberatore, Luigi Pierno
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Patent number: 8653461Abstract: An infrared camera system is provided to detect absorption of infrared radiation in a selected spectral bandwidth. In one example, an infrared camera system includes a lens adapted to receive infrared radiation from a survey scene comprising one or more gasses. The infrared camera system also includes a focal plane array comprising a plurality of quantum well infrared photo detectors (QWIPs). The QWIPs are tuned to detect a limited spectral bandwidth of the infrared radiation corresponding to at least a portion of an infrared absorption band of the one or more gasses. The infrared camera system also includes an optical band pass filter positioned substantially between the lens and the focal plane array. The optical band pass filter is adapted to filter the infrared radiation to a wavelength range substantially corresponding to the limited spectral bandwidth of the QWIPs before the infrared radiation is received by the focal plane array.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2009Date of Patent: February 18, 2014Assignee: FLIR Systems, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Benson, Thomas J. Scanlon, Paul A. Czerepuszko
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Publication number: 20140042322Abstract: A portable system and method for detecting drug materials. A portable system may comprise at least one collection lens for collecting a plurality of interacted photons, a tunable filter for filtering the photons, and a SWIR detector for generating at least one SWIR data set representative of a first location comprising an unknown sample. A processor may analyze the SWIR data set to associate the unknown material with a known drug material. A method may comprise collecting a plurality of interacted photons, filtering the interacted photons into a plurality of wavelength bands, detecting the filtered photons to generate a SWIR data set and analyzing the SWIR data set to associate an unknown material with a known drug material.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 16, 2013Publication date: February 13, 2014Applicant: ChemImage CorporationInventors: Patrick Treado, MATTHEW NELSON, CHARLES GARDNER, JR.
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Patent number: 8642965Abstract: A stray light baffle for a seeker or other sensor system and a method for making the same are provided. The seeker, for example, may include a first receiver configured to receive an infrared signal, a second receiver configured to receive a radio frequency signal, a dichroic mirror configured to reflect the infrared signal toward the first receiver and to transmit the radio frequency signal toward the second receiver, and a stray light baffle having a coarse surface comprising a plurality of peaks and a plurality of valleys, wherein an average height of the plurality of peaks is greater than or equal to an average width of the plurality of valleys.Type: GrantFiled: May 27, 2011Date of Patent: February 4, 2014Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventors: Christopher L. Hernandez, Nicholas B. Saccketti, Jason R. Petty, Lawrence A. Westhoven, Jr.
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Patent number: 8633440Abstract: Demultiplexing systems and methods are discussed which may be small and accurate without moving parts. In some cases, demultiplexing embodiments may include optical filter cavities that include filter baffles and support baffles which may be configured to minimize stray light signal detection and crosstalk. Some of the demultiplexing assembly embodiments may also be configured to efficiently detect U.V. light signals and at least partially compensate for variations in detector responsivity as a function of light signal wavelength.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Assignee: Newport CorporationInventor: Jamie Knapp
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Publication number: 20140008539Abstract: The present invention is thus directed to an automated system and method of varying the optical path length in a sample that a light from a spectrophotometer must travel through. Such arrangements allow a user to easily vary the optical path length while also providing the user with an easy way to clean and prepare a transmission cell for optical interrogation. Such path length control can be automatically controlled by a programmable control system to quickly collect and stores data from different path lengths as needed for different spectrographic analysis. Such a methodology and system, as presented herein, is able to return best-match spectra with far fewer computational steps and greater speed than if all possible combinations of reference spectra are considered.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Inventors: John Magie COFFIN, Damian W. ASHMEAD, Todd C. STROTHER
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Publication number: 20130306870Abstract: Carbon nanotube compositions suitable for printing, methods of making carbon nanotube compositions, and substrates having a print thereon containing carbon nanotube compositions, and uses thereof. The carbon nanotubes of the compositions are individualized. The carbon nanotube compositions can be used in applications, such as document security.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2013Publication date: November 21, 2013Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLANDInventors: Jarrett Leeds, YuHuang Wang, John T. Fourkas
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Publication number: 20130302851Abstract: A system and method for in-field near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) analysis of rubber and resin concentrations a guayule plant is provided. The system includes a wagon or other vehicle with the NIRS device mounted on the wagon. A computer or processor electrically coupled to the NIRS device is also housed within an area or extension of the wagon. During measurement of a guayule plant in the field, a guayule plant covering is placed over the guayule plant and a light shield coupled to the NIRS device is inserted into an opening on the guayule plant covering. The NIRS device is configured to perform a reading of the guayule plant within the plant covering and communicate results of the reading to the computer. A calibration equation is then preferably applied to the guayule plant readings to produce the rubber and resin concentrations of the guayule plant.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 8, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Applicant: PanAridus, LLCInventor: Michael Fraley
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Patent number: 8581168Abstract: A single camera capable of capturing high speed laser return pulses for a target, as well as provide imaging information on the background of the target. This capability is enabled by having a read-out integrated circuit (ROIC) capable of extracting both types of information from a pixel of a focal plane array (FPA). Further, an ROIC topology that allows for the ability to distinguish between high frequency and low frequency signal paths, and provide supporting circuitry to process the two paths separately. One path may integrate the low frequency background scene to provide a high fidelity image of the scene. The second path may process high frequency noise and multiple laser pulse returns within a frame. These two paths may be combined to provide a background image with a superimposed laser return.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2011Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Flir Systems, Inc.Inventors: Lloyd F. Linder, Daniel Renner, Michael MacDougal, Jonathan Geske, R. Jacob Baker
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Publication number: 20130284929Abstract: A terahertz-wave element includes a waveguide (2, 4, 5) that includes an electro-optic crystal and allows light to propagate therethrough, and a coupling member (7) that causes a terahertz wave to enter the waveguide (2, 4, 5). The propagation state of the light propagating through the waveguide (2, 4, 5) changes as the terahertz wave enters the waveguide (2, 4, 5) via the coupling member (7).Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2012Publication date: October 31, 2013Applicant: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventor: Toshihiko Ouchi