Abstract: A process and apparatus for analyzing quantities of grain in-line and separating the grain into batches on the basis of one or more grain parameter values is disclosed. The grain is separated in-line on the basis of the grain parameter value thus allowing the grain to be separated into homogeneous batches.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for estimating characteristics of a formation including collecting a formation sample, preparing the sample, and analyzing the sample using FTIR comprising identifying the kerogen lineshape and intensity. The method includes using the lineshape to obtain kerogen maturity, using the maturity to obtain the kerogen spectrum, and using the kerogen spectrum to obtain the mineralogy and kerogen content.

Abstract: A filter wheel and a spectrometer including the filter wheel are disclosed. The filter wheel has a first support structure on which a first plurality of filters are mounted and a second support structure on which at least one filter is provided. A radiation source generates a radiation beam, and a beam splitter splits the radiation beam into a first detection path and a second detection path. The first plurality of filters are selectively movable into the first detection path. The at least one filter on the second support structure is arranged to be disposed in the second detection path. The spectrometer includes a first radiation detector that detects radiation that passes through the selected filter in the first detection path, and a second radiation detector that detects radiation passing through the filter in the second detection path.

Abstract: A system including a sensor to receive scattered light from a scene in a thermal infrared spectral region, a Modified Integrated Thermal (MIT) band filter to acquire MIT band data within a thermal detection bandwidth, a sub-band filter to acquire a first sub-band data within a first sub-band bandwidth which is within the thermal detection bandwidth. The sub-band filter is a Reference band filter to capture Reference band data or a Reststrahlen band filter to capture Reststrahlen band data. The system also includes one or more processors configured to perform differencing of the MIT band data and the first sub-band data to compute a second sub-band data. The computed second sub-band data is Reference band data when the sub-band filter is the Reststrahlen band filter or the computed second sub-band data is Reststrahlen band data when the sub-band filter is the Reference band filter. A method and a computer software product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhanced THz radiation coupling to molecules, includes the steps of depositing a test material near the discontinuity edges of a slotted member, and enhancing the THz radiation by transmitting THz radiation through the slots. The molecules of the test material are illuminated by the enhanced THz radiation that has been transmitted through the slots, thereby producing an increased coupling of EM radiation in the THz spectral range to said material. The molecules can be bio-molecules, explosive materials, or species of organisms. The slotted member can be a semiconductor film, a metallic film, in particular InSb, or layers thereof. THz detectors sense near field THz radiation that has been transmitted through said slots and the test material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor substrate for surface-enhanced spectroscopy, which is transparent in the infrared and/or visible spectral range and is penetrated by a plurality of continuous channels. In the channels, a plurality of metallic nanotubes spaced from one another in the longitudinal direction of the channels are formed as antenna elements by portions of metallic coating. The proposed sensor substrate can be produced with a large area in a simple manner and enables selective adjustment of the plasmon resonance via the length of the antenna elements.

Abstract: According to one aspect, the invention relates a spectral band-pass filter, which is optimized for the transmission of an incident wave at at least a first given central wavelength ?0, and which includes: a metal grating having a thickness (t) greater than approximately ?0/50 and including at least a first set of substantially identical, parallel slots having a width (W) less than around ?0/10, and being spaced apart periodically or quasi-periodically according to a first period that is less than said first central el wavelength, a layer of dielectric material having a thickness (h) and a given refractive index (ng), which is coupled to the metal grating to form a waveguide for the waves diffracted by the grating, said first period of the grating being designed such that only orders 0 and ±1 of a wave having normal incidence and a wavelength ?0 are diffracted in the layer of dielectric material, the assembly of the dielectric layer and grating being suspended, during use, in a fluid having a refractive index

Abstract: A system and method for transducer placement in soft-field tomography are provided. One system includes a plurality of transducers configured for positioning at a surface of an object in a non-soft-field tomography configuration. The system also includes an interface and a processor communicating with the plurality of transducers via the interface. The processor is configured to perform soft-field sensing using soft-field data acquired by the plurality of transducers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for the determination of the secondary structure composition of proteins using coherent two-dimensional infrared (2DIR) spectroscopy of backbone amide I vibrations (1580-1720 cm?1). Fractions of ?-helix, ?-sheet, and unassigned regions in globular proteins were determined by singular value decomposition using basis spectra from sixteen commercially-available proteins with known crystal structures. Preferred methods included removing each protein from the set and comparing the predicted composition against the crystal structure. The root-mean-squared (RMS) errors of the predicted secondary structure compositions were found to be 7.9% for ?-helix, 5.5% for ?-sheet, and 7.6% for unassigned regions. The structure analysis can also be performed using one-dimensional absorption spectra and the RMS errors are compared with those obtained from 2DIR.

Abstract: A method of determining cleanliness of a manufacturing area is disclosed. The method of determining cleanliness of a manufacturing area comprising swabbing at least one target area within the manufacturing area, placing the swab in a testing apparatus, analyzing for the presence of the at least one substance with the testing apparatus and determining in real time the cleanliness of the manufacturing area.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing unknown materials on surfaces including, but not limited to, chemical materials, biological materials, hazardous materials, drug materials, and non-threat materials using SWIR and/or extended range SWIR hyperspectral and spectroscopic techniques. A system comprising a collection optics, a tunable filter, and a first detector for generating a test data set representative of the unknown sample. A second detector, comprising a visible imaging device, may be configured to operate in a scanning mode to locate areas of interest for further interrogation using SWIR. A method comprising generating a SWIR test data set representative of the unknown sample and analyzing the unknown sample to detect, identify and/or distinguish an unknown material as a known material. This analysis may be achieved by comparing the test data set to a reference data set using at least one chemometric technique.

Abstract: A system for surveillance of a delimited area within which people move, wherein at least one hollow optical fibre 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 fibre in communication with the outside of the fibre itself. There is provided an optical source configured for supplying the optical signal to one end of the hollow optical fibre and a sensor designed to detect at one end of the hollow optical fibre the optical signal transmitted throughout the length of the fibre 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.

Abstract: A dispersive infrared spectrometer in which only a minimum number of optical components, for example, the detector sub-system only, are housed within a cold/cryogenic dewar and the remaining optical components are at ambient temperature during operation of the spectrometer. In one example, the spectrometer includes a slit substrate with a highly reflective surface, and the optical components of the spectrometer are configured and arranged such that for all in-band wavelengths, substantially all off-slit optical paths in the detector field of view are retro-reflected off the reflective surface of the slit substrate into the cryogenic dewar.

Abstract: An improved net radiometer that measures the total net difference between incoming solar and surface reflected radiant short-wave solar energy flux, and inclusive of the down and upwelling long-wave infrared terrestrial radiant energy flux, within the combined short-wave and long-wave far infrared spectral range is disclosed. Disclosed are net radiometers with thermal absorbers structured to reduce wind sensitivity while maintaining or improving response time. Also disclosed are net radiometers that are configured in a novel way to reduce moisture and water accumulation on the thermal absorber surfaces. In addition, net radiometers are disclosed where the components are configured and thermal absorber structured to reduce unit-to-unit inconsistencies and minimize absorber sensitivity asymmetry effect between the upper and lower instrument absorbers.

Abstract: An apparatus for optical spectrometry utilizes a simplified construction, reducing the number of independent optical elements needed while providing a sizeable dispersed spectrum. The apparatus provides a spectral intensity distribution of an input source wherein individual spectral components in the source can be measured and, in some embodiments, can be manipulated or filtered.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor including a first sensor element formed in a first substrate and at least one optical element formed in a second substrate, the first and second substrates being configured relative to one another such that the second substrate forms a cap over the first sensor element, the at least one optical element being configured to guide incident radiation on the cap to the first sensor element. The sensor also includes a reference sensor element whose output can be used to reference the output of the first sensor element.

Abstract: In a device for the detection of thermal radiation and a method for production of such a device, a stack is formed with a detector support having a detector element for converting the thermal radiation into an electric signal, a circuit support with a read-out circuit for reading out the electrical signal and a cover to shield the detector element. The detector support and the cover are so arranged that a first stack cavity is formed between the detector element and the cover and a second stack cavity is formed between detector support and the circuit support. The first stack cavity and/or the second stack cavity is evacuated and hermetically sealed. In the manufacturing operation, functionalized silicon-substrates are stacked upon one another, firmly bonded together and subsequently sub-divided. Preferably, the detector elements are pyro-electric detector elements. The device finds application in motion detectors, presence reporters and thermal-image cameras.

Abstract: The infrared detector includes a sensitive retina capable of detecting a radiation in the wavelength range between 8 and 14 micrometers; and a package containing the sensitive retina and including a window located opposite to the retina, said window comprising a substrate at least partially transparent in the wavelength range between 2 and 14 micrometers; and a set of optical filters formed on the window to attenuate an incident radiation on the retina in a wavelength range between 2 and 8 micrometers, and respectively an optical filter formed on a first surface of the window and attenuating the incident radiation in a first interval of the wavelength range between 2 and 8 micrometers, and a periodic diffraction grating formed on a second surface of the window and attenuating the incident radiation in a second interval of the wavelength range between 2 and 8 micrometers, different from the first interval.

Abstract: An improved net radiometer that measures the total net difference between incoming solar and surface reflected radiant short-wave solar energy flux, and inclusive of the down and upwelling long-wave infrared terrestrial radiant energy flux, within the combined short-wave and long-wave far infrared spectral range is disclosed. Disclosed are net radiometers with thermal absorbers structured to reduce wind sensitivity while maintaining or improving response time. Also disclosed are net radiometers that are configured in a novel way to reduce moisture and water accumulation on the thermal absorber surfaces. In addition, net radiometers are disclosed where the components are configured and thermal absorber structured to reduce unit-to-unit inconsistencies and minimize absorber sensitivity asymmetry effect between the upper and lower instrument absorbers.

Abstract: An image processing device for detecting a skin region representing a skin of a subject from a pickup image obtained by imaging said subject, the image processing device includes: a first irradiating section; a second irradiating section; an image pickup section; an adjusting section; and a skin detecting section.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Infrared (IR) radiation detecting and sensing systems using aligned or bundled carbon nanotubes and methods to making the same. In certain embodiments of the invention, it includes a substrate, aligned or bundled carbon nanotubes, first and second conducting interconnects each in electrical communication with the nanotubes. Bundled nanotubes can be tuned to increase the temperature coefficient of resistance to increase sensitivity to IR radiation. In addition bundled nanotubes are independent of Nyquist frequency limitations found in other IR sensors because of the lack of 1/f or flicker noise sources. These detectors can be fabricated on CMOS foundry wafers resulting in large format focal planes greater than 1000×1000 and pixel sizes only limited by photolithographic technologies. The increase in temperature coefficient of resistance claimed within results in IR detectors capable of NEDT of less than 10 mK at low cost.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the amount of water in an organic solvent solution, such as a DMSO solution. The apparatus comprises an infrared LED for emitting near infrared light; a laser diode collimator for forming a collimated light beam from the light emitted by the LED; a sample container holder for accepting a sample container containing a sample solution; a photodiode for generating an output signal that is related to the intensity of the collimated light beam after the collimated light beam has passed through the sample solution; and a control means for controlling the stability of the near infrared light emitted by the infrared LED by controlling an amount of current flowing through the infrared LED.

Abstract: Since known detection devices include detectors of the same number as that of samples, the system configuration is complicated. According to the present invention, therefore, a plurality of electromagnetic-wave-transmission lines with different propagation-delay times and a coupled-transmission line coupling the electromagnetic-wave-transmission lines with each other are provided, and an electromagnetic wave is detected by the same electromagnetic-wave-detection unit. Subsequently, a detection device including at least one electromagnetic-wave detector of a number smaller than that of samples can be provided, which decreases the system complexity.

Abstract: A method and device for processing mammalian adipose tissue such that the vascular rich fraction is separated from the vascular poor fraction, Mammalian adipose tissue in the form of morselated surgical biopsies and/or lipoaspirate from liposuction is placed within a novel syringe attached to a detection device measuring either color, light saturation, infra-red light, heme, iron or oxygen saturation. This process involves no label and minimal manipulation and handling of the tissue. This process and device may also be used intra-operatively under sterile conditions for immediate use within the same individual receiving liposuction or surgery.

Abstract: A method for generating a deselect mapping for a focal plane array according to one embodiment includes gathering a data set for a focal plane array when exposed to light or radiation from a first known target; analyzing the data set for determining which pixels or subpixels of the focal plane array to add to a deselect mapping; adding the pixels or subpixels to the deselect mapping based on the analysis; and storing the deselect mapping. A method for gathering data using a focal plane array according to another embodiment includes deselecting pixels or subpixels based on a deselect mapping; gathering a data set using pixels or subpixels in a focal plane array that are not deselected upon exposure thereof to light or radiation from a target of interest; and outputting the data set.

Abstract: A terahertz wave detecting device includes a wavelength filter and a detection part. The wavelength filter is configured to convert terahertz waves to heat. The detection part is configured to detect the heat converted by the wavelength filter. The wavelength filter includes a wavelength selection layer and a terahertz wave absorption layer. The wavelength selection layer is configured to transmit terahertz waves of a prescribed wavelength among the terahertz waves. The terahertz wave absorption layer is provided in contact with the wavelength selection layer and the detection part, and contains a material for absorbing the terahertz waves of the prescribed wavelength.

Abstract: Disclosed is a net radiometer that measures the net difference between incoming solar and outgoing terrestrial radiant flux energy in the combined short-wave and long-wave far infrared spectral range. In accordance with principles of the invention, a balanced net radiometer can be constructed where each thermal absorber is formed from two separate pieces joined together to form a single thermal mass. Within each thermal absorber, each piece is coated with a separate surface coating of different spectral sensitivity. By constructing an absorber from two separate pieces, it is possible to apply spectral coatings with different curing characteristics, to thermal absorber that acts as a single thermal mass. The pieces within each thermal absorber are sized in a proportion that thermally balances the absorber's thermal sensitivity between short-wave and long-wave far infrared radiant energy.

Abstract: There is provided a visible-region light measuring instrument including: a first photodiode and a second photodiode. At least one of the first photodiode and the second photodiode comprises plural photodiodes, when the first photodiode comprises a first plural photodiodes, the visible-region light measuring instrument has first fuses that control connections between the first plural photodiodes and at least one of the first node and the first power supply node. When the second photodiode comprises a second plural photodiodes, the visible-region light measuring instrument has second fuses that control connections between the second plural photodiodes and at least one of the first node and the second power supply node.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying ammunition type and/or weapon type used to fire the ammunition from gunshot residue. This method involves providing a sample including a gunshot residue, subjecting the sample to spectroscopic analysis to produce a spectroscopic signature for the sample, and identifying the spectroscopic signature to ascertain the type of ammunition and/or the type of weapon used to fire the ammunition. A method of establishing reference spectroscopic signatures for ammunition type and/or weapon type used to fire the ammunition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a miniaturized optical proximity sensor are disclosed. In one embodiment, an ambient light sensor and a light detector are mounted on first and second spacers, which in turn are mounted to a top surface of an integrated circuit die-attached to a substrate. An optically-transmissive infrared pass compound is molded over the ambient light sensor, the light detector, the integrated circuit, a light emitter and peripheral portions of the substrate. Next, an optically non-transmissive infrared cut compound is molded over the optically-transmissive infrared pass compound to provide a miniaturized optical proximity sensor having no metal shield but exhibiting very low crosstalk characteristics.

Abstract: A self check-type flame detector includes a casing provided with a monitoring window formed therein. A wavelength generation unit is disposed inside the casing and generates a wavelength in a direction of the monitoring window. A wavelength detection element is disposed inside the casing and detects the wavelength. A comparison unit is provided with a wavelength DB for storing intensity of a reference wavelength and determines whether the monitoring window has been contaminated. A display unit is located outside the casing and displays a state of the monitoring window. A communication unit is disposed inside the casing and configured to receive operation information for the wavelength generation unit, to provide the operation information to the wavelength generation unit, and to transmit the intensity of the wavelength, or a normal signal or a contamination signal of the monitoring window.

Abstract: Methodology, systems, and apparatus for remote sensing as by detection and mapping of subsurface artifacts including clandestine tunnels and other subterranean facilities that may carry enemy soldiers, terrorists, weapons, munitions and explosives and other material of war or terrorism by use of visual and thermal imagery, specifically including the use of infrared (IR) thermography and related analysis, including visual imagery and its analysis including correlation between IR thermography data, visual data and other information which can be taken into consideration in relation to IR thermography data and visual data. Various types of data enhancements may be used to assist in target detection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapidly and accurately identifying and quantifying analytes in a complex mixture is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an ultra-sensitive cavity-enhanced spectrometer coupled to data-collection and analysis devices. The method comprises the use of a database containing the absorption cross-sections of various analytes to numerically determine the composition of the sample.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: In a specimen identification system, an oscillator directs a THz wave toward a channel that accommodates a specimen. A receiver detects the THz wave transmitted through the specimen. A first controller controls the oscillator to sweep the oscillation frequency of the THz wave within a frequency band. A receiver generates a receiving signal by sweeping the receiving frequency of the THz wave within the frequency band. A specimen identification unit specifies the specimen based on the waveform of the receiving signal within the frequency band.

Abstract: A laser energy detector may include at least one photodetector device formed on a semiconductor substrate. The photodetector device may have an active area effective to detect laser energy at a laser wavelength. The active area of the laser energy detector may be substantially transparent for a first wavelength band within an infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Abstract: An infrared gas detector includes an infrared reception member, a package configured to accommodate the infrared reception member, and an optical filter. The infrared reception member includes a plurality of thermal infrared detection elements each configured to detect infrared based on heat caused by received infrared. The thermal infrared detection elements are placed side by side. The package is provided with a window opening configured to allow the infrared reception member to receive infrared. The optical filter is attached to the package so as to cover the window opening, and includes a plurality of filter elements respectively corresponding to the plurality of the thermal infrared detection elements. Each of the filter elements includes a filter substrate made of an infrared transparent material, a transmission filter configured to transmit infrared of a selected wavelength, and a cut-off filter configured to absorb infrared of a wavelength longer than the selected wavelength.

Abstract: A series of electronic-chemometric control processes to enhance the selectivity, concentration, analysis, and detec tion of chemical species (analytes) in the gas phase, such as when using SERS-based techniques. Controls consist variously of: 1) feedback of electronic signals corresponding to changes of static and variable parameters in targeted chemical species that vary according to a reduction, increase, maximization, linearization, or improved confidence in one or more chemometric output parameters; 2) methods for spatially locating the source of an analyte species; and, 3) variable duty cycling to save power and materials according to altered physical and environmental conditions within a monitored zone.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for scanning objects and associated substances, where the methods include: (a) using a first electronic device to scan a feature of an object and provide reference information about the object based on the scanned feature, where the feature identifies the object or a substance associated with the object; (b) using a second electronic device to measure electromagnetic radiation emitted from the object and provide sample information about the object based on the measured electromagnetic radiation; and (c) comparing the sample information and the reference information to determine whether the object includes the substance associated with the object.

Abstract: An image sensor includes near-infrared cut filters formed over an array of photosensitive elements in a predetermined pattern. The near-infrared cut filters may be formed over one half of a photosensitive element in a split pixel arrangement, over one half the photosensitive elements in the array, over every other photosensitive element in the array, and/or in a checkerboard pattern.

Abstract: An infrared imaging camera (4) acquires a plurality of frames (94) of infrared radiation from a patient (P) positioned in a field-of-view (92) of the camera (4). Each frame (94) is acquired during a corresponding frame sample interval and each frame (94) corresponds to the infrared radiation acquired from an array of optical elements (90) in the field-of-view (92) during its frame sample interval. Plural rates of change are determined from infrared radiation received from the array of optical elements (90), with each rate of change corresponding to a change of infrared radiation received from the same optical element (90) in at least two frames (94). Each rate of change is mapped to a color or a shade of gray and the color or shade of gray of each rate of change is mapped to a position in an image corresponding to the position of the corresponding optical element (90) in the field-of-view (92).

Abstract: Two-color (two-photon) excitation with two confocal excitation beams is demonstrated with a Raman shifter as excitation light source. Two-color excitation fluorescence is obtained from Coumarin 6H dye sample (peak absorption=394 nm, peak fluorescence=490 nm) that is excited using the first two Stokes outputs (683 nm, 954 nm, two-color excitation=398 nm) of a Raman shifter pumped by a 6.5 nsec pulsed 532 nm-Nd:YAG laser (Repetition rate=10 Hz). The two Stokes pulses overlap for a few nanoseconds and two-color fluorescence is generateven with focusing objectives of low numerical apertures (NA?0.4). We observed the linear dependence of the two-color fluorescence signal with the product of the average intensities of the two Stokes excitation beams. The two-color fluorescence distribution is strongly localized around the common focus of the confocal excitation beams.

Abstract: A remote sensing system includes a first light source, a second light source, two image capturing devices and a processing unit. The first light source is configured for emitting infrared light of a first central wavelength. The second light source is configured for emitting infrared light of a second central wavelength. The two image capturing devices is configured for capturing images of the first and second light sources. The image capturing devices each includes an infrared sensitive image sensor and an infrared pass filter having two passbands for respectively allowing the infrared light of the first and second central wavelengths to pass therethrough. The processing unit is configured for analyzing the images captured by the image capturing devices thereby determining positions of the light sources relative to the image capturing devices.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for adjusting the spectral detectivity of a thermal detector is described. The method includes coating the light sensitive portion of a thermal detector with a first material to reduce the response of the detector. The first material is coated with a second material that is thermally thin and has spectral absorption characteristics. The second material is coated with a third material that is thermally thick, whereby the spectral absorbance of the second material as filtered by the third material primarily determines the thermal conversion of the thermal detector.

Abstract: According to the invention, an integrated hyperspectral imager includes a planar photonic substrate. A plurality of imaging pixel photonic circuits is disposed in a M×N array on the planar photonic substrate. Each imaging pixel photonic circuit includes an input coupler configured to receive a broadband input electromagnetic radiation. A waveguide is optically coupled to the input coupler. A plurality of wavelength filters is optically coupled to the waveguide. Each wavelength filter has a wavelength filter input and a wavelength filter output. Each detector has a detector input optically coupled respectively to each of the wavelength filter outputs. Each detector has a respective detector output. The integrated hyperspectral imager is configured to provide electrical signals that are representative of a hyperspectral image of the received broadband input electromagnetic radiation. A method for recording an image based on a received electromagnetic radiation is also described.

Abstract: A portable device for detecting explosives and other target materials using SWIR spectroscopic imaging, including hyperspectral imaging. The device may comprise a lens, a tunable filter, and a detector. The device may use solar radiation, or may comprise an illumination source such as a laser, to illuminate at target material and thereby produce interacted photons. The device may utilize multi-conjugate liquid crystal filter technology to filter interacted photons. The disclosure also provides for a method for using the portable device comprising illuminating a target material to produce interacted photons. The interacted photons are used to form a SWIR spectroscopic image, which may be a hyperspectral image. This image is analyzed to thereby identify the target material. This analysis may comprise comparing at least one spectrum or image representative of the target material to a reference spectrum or image. This comparison may be accomplished using a chemometric technique.

Abstract: In an embodiment of methods and systems for optical focusing For laser guided seekers using negative index metamaterial, the methods and systems comprise a light focusing system comprising: a lens comprising a negative index metamaterial to focus at least one selected wavelength while defocusing other wavelengths, and a sensor upon which the lens focuses the selected wavelength.

Abstract: A collision prevention detector (22), and a method therefor, to be mounted on a vehicle (10), transmits a sequence of transmissions of IR signals. The signals are transmitted in sequences alternating between at least one at the right and to the left positioned LED (24, 26, 34, 36), when both signals provide a return/reflected signal to IR-receiver an object (12) is determined as present within the area/zone from the point where the transmitted signals intersect/cross. Sequencing of signals makes it possible to position a return signal from an object (12), as one of the signals has to confirm the other signal to provide a warning signal. Moreover, a first set of LED's detects objects in a near-field zone (40) of the vehicle, and a second set detects objects beyond the first field in a far-field zone (42), whereby at least two sets of the LED's are positioned to the right and to the left.