Abstract: A method for determining the abrasion resistance of at least one wear layer arranged on a carrier plate, including: capturing at least one NIR spectrum of the wear layer arranged on the at least one carrier plate using at least one NIR detector and determining the abrasion resistance of the at least one wear layer by comparing the NIR spectrum for the abrasion resistance that is to be determined with at least one NIR spectrum ascertained for at least one reference sample by multivariant data analysis (MDA).

Abstract: A radiation detector and method and computer program product for detecting radiation. The detector comprises a waveguide structure, a sensing structure comprising a phase change material, an optical transmitter and optical receiver. The optical transmitter transmits an optical sensing signal for receipt at the optical receiver via the waveguide structure. The phase change material comprises a first phase state at a first temperature range and a second phase state at a second temperature range and transitions from the first phase state to the second phase state under exposure of the radiation. The sensing structure is arranged in an evanescent field area of the waveguide structure and provides for an evanescent field of the optical sensing signal a first complex refractive index in the first phase state and a second complex refractive index in the second phase state. The first complex refractive index is different from the second complex refractive index.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an optical module, including a laser, the laser including a light emitting region and a modulation region, and light emitted by the light emitting region emitting toward the modulation region; a first driver circuit, the first driver circuit being connected to the light emitting region, so that the light emitting region emits light with adjusted optical power; and a second driver circuit, the second driver circuit being connected to the modulation region, so that the modulation region changes the optical power of the light emitted from the light emitting region.

Abstract: A spectral camera for producing a spectral output is disclosed. The spectral camera has an objective lens for producing an image, a mosaic of filters for passing different bands of the optical spectrum, and a sensor array arranged to detect pixels of the image at the different bands passed by the filters, wherein for each of the pixels, the sensor array has a cluster of sensor elements for detecting the different bands, and the mosaic has a corresponding cluster of filters of different bands, integrated on the sensor element so that the image can be detected simultaneously at the different bands. Further, the filters are first order Fabry-Perot filters, which can give any desired passband to give high spectral definition. Cross talk can be reduced since there is no longer a parasitic cavity.

Abstract: A film thickness measuring device including: a terahertz wave generator; a prism that has an entrance surface, an abutment surface capable of abutting a surface of a sample including a first film on a side where the first film is formed, and an emission surface; a terahertz wave detector that detects an S-polarization component and a P-polarization component of a reflected wave from the sample, emitted from the emission surface of the prism; and a control section configured to determine a thickness of the first film formed in the sample, based on a difference between a time waveform of the S-polarization component of the reflected wave and a time waveform of the P-polarization component of the reflected wave.

Abstract: A target gas sensor employing a radiation source (20) and a radiation sensor (30) including a reference radiation detector (31), a target radiation detector (32), a temperature sensor (34), a temperature controller (35) and a target gas detection processor (37). In operation, radiation source (20) controls a propagation of radiation (RAD) through a gas mixture (GM) contained by an airway (10) to radiation sensor (30). Reference radiation detector (31) generates a reference detection signal (RD) indicative of a detected magnitude of a reference wavelength (?REF) of the radiation, and target radiation detector (32) generates a target detection signal (TD) indicative of a detected magnitude of a target wavelength (?TG) of the radiation. Temperature sensor (34) senses a temperature of radiation detectors (31, 32) whereby temperature controller (35) regulates a heating of the radiation detectors (31, 32) relative to a regulated detector temperature (TREG).

Abstract: A device and method of use are provided for measuring the concentration of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) in jet fuel to a limit of detection of 1 ppm. The device measures concentration of FAME in jet fuel via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) with a spectral resolution of 1 cm?1. The device can use an infrared light emitting diode (IR LED) and mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) detector in which the spectral output of the IR LED and the spectral response of the MCT detector is centered on the spectral absorbance of an ester bond, a defining spectral characteristic of FAME. Other IR LEDs with differing spectral outputs can be used to measure the presence and/or concentration of different analytes in different fluids.

Abstract: A device and method of use are provided for measuring the concentration of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) in jet fuel to a limit of detection of 1 ppm. The device measures concentration of FAME in jet fuel via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) with a spectral resolution of 1 cm?1. The device can use an infrared light emitting diode (IR LED) and mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) detector in which the spectral output of the IR LED and the spectral response of the MCT detector is centered on the spectral absorbance of an ester bond, a defining spectral characteristic of FAME. Other IR LEDs with differing spectral outputs can be used to measure the presence and/or concentration of different analytes in different fluids.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a computer-implemented method is provided in which data is received that represents connectivity state between a plurality of nodes interconnected in a hierarchical manner in a network and including a first tier of nodes and a second tier of nodes, wherein the nodes in the second tier have at least one link to each node in the first tier. Display data is generated based on the connectivity state among the plurality of nodes, the display data describing a graphical user representation of the inter-tier link status of individual nodes or groupings of nodes. The display data is presented to a display device.

Abstract: Systems and methods may provide for an integrated miniature sensor that operates in the Terahertz region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The integrated miniature sensor may detect a remote target and operate in a non-contact, non-invasive manner. Numerous signal analysis techniques may be employed such as Doppler radar technology, absorption spectroscopy, and others when the integrated miniature sensor is used in biomedical, physiological and other settings where prolonged recording of bio-signals is needed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing an unknown geological sample are disclosed. The system may include at least two analytical subsystems, and each of the at least two analytical subsystems provides different information about the geological sample. The data sets from various analytic subsystems are combined for further analysis, and the system includes a chemometric calibration model that relates geological attributes from analytical data previously obtained from at least two analytical techniques. A prediction engine applies the chemometric calibration model to the combined analytical information from the geological sample to predict specific geological attributes in the unknown geological sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for correcting an optical signal produced by a sample comprising the following steps: illuminating a surface of the sample by a first light beam, produced by a first light source, the said first light source being coupled to a first optical system, focusing the said first light beam in an object focal plane of the first optical system, the said object focal plane being situated, in the sample, at a measuring depth z from the surface of the sample; measuring, with a first photodetector, of a first optical signal backscattered by the sample in response to the first light beam, the first photodetector producing a first measured signal representative of the said first optical signal, a spatial filter being interposed between the first optical system and the first photodetector, the spatial filter comprising a window which transmits the said first optical signal towards the said first photodetector, the window being disposed in a conjugate focal plane of the object focal plane

Abstract: A histogram includes a plurality of channels Ch1, Ch2, . . . ChN, which have respective channel numbers C1, C2, . . . CN. ChA with channel number CA, 1<A<N, representing a first peak, is associated with a known first-peak energy (EA). ChB with channel number CB, 1<B<N, A?B, representing a second peak, is associated with a known second-peak energy (EB). A system of equations, including a first equation that is a function of EA and CA and a second equation that is a function of EB and CB, is solved for an energy scale, ?, and a zero offset, E0. A function of EM, CM, ?, and E0 is used to identify features in the histogram, wherein EM is an energy associated with the Mth channel in the histogram, and CM is the channel number of the Mth channel (ChM) in the histogram.

Abstract: An optical system includes at least one optical apparatus. The optical apparatus includes a first light source, a second light source, and a dynamic switch. The first light source is configured for providing a first light beam. The second light source is configured for providing a second light beam. The dynamic switch includes a plurality of mirrors arranged in an array manner. Each of the mirrors has a first tilt angle and a second tilt angle. The first light beam and the second light beam impinge on the dynamic switch from different directions. The dynamic switch reflects the first light beam to a desired position when the mirrors are at the first tilt angles, and reflects the second light beam to the desired position when the mirrors are at the second tilt angles.

Abstract: An imaging microscope (12) for generating an image of a sample (10) comprises a beam source (14) that emits a temporally coherent illumination beam (20), the illumination beam (20) including a plurality of rays that are directed at the sample (10); an image sensor (18) that converts an optical image into an array of electronic signals; and an imaging lens assembly (16) that receives rays from the beam source (14) that are transmitted through the sample (10) and forms an image on the image sensor (18). The imaging lens assembly (16) can further receive rays from the beam source (14) that are reflected off of the sample (10) and form a second image on the image sensor (18). The imaging lens assembly (16) receives the rays from the sample (10) and forms the image on the image sensor (18) without splitting and recombining the rays.

Abstract: Biological cells or spores are analyzed by using enhanced THz coupling to molecules by depositing a test material in a channel of a microfluidic chip using near field sensing of sub-THz radiation from the molecules. The THz radiation is enhanced by transmitting THz radiation through slots in the chip, illuminating molecules of the test material with the enhanced THz radiation transmitted through the slots. A spectroscopic signature of the test material is generated, and a database of signatures of materials is generated. The test material is identified by comparing the signature of the test material with signatures of materials in the database.

Abstract: We describe a method for detection of the presence of an invertebrate or an invertebrate component in a sample of substantially non invertebrate material, comprising impinging said sample with a source of electromagnetic radiation at a wavelength of at least 600 nm and detecting Raman scattering/fluorescence of said invertebrate or a component of said invertebrate at a wavenumber where the non-invertebrate components of said sample either do not fluoresce or fluoresce with sufficiently low intensity wherein the non invertebrate material is edible and/or living.

Abstract: Downhole spectrometer tools are provided with two ways to increase the number of filters on an optical path. A first approach employs multiple filter wheels that rotate alternately in a common plane to intersect the optical path. Portions of the wheels are cut out to avoid mechanical interference between the wheels. A second approach drives the one or more filter wheels with a wobble that causes the filters to trace one or more hypocycloidal curves that each intersect the optical path.

Abstract: A tunable laser transmitter configured in a small package subassembly coupled to a printed circuit board such as an ITLA assembly. The tunable laser transmitter includes a housing with a volume formed by exterior walls. An electrical input interface is positioned at the first end of the housing. An optical output interface is positioned at the second end of the housing and configured to transmit a modulated optical beam.

Abstract: In a method for outputting freshness information used by a freshness information output apparatus, ultraviolet light is radiated onto an eye of a fish, an ultraviolet image of the eye of the fish is captured using an ultraviolet camera, a computer analyzes the ultraviolet image to determine freshness of a fish on the basis of luminance of an iris portion of the eye of the fish, and freshness information indicating the freshness of the fish is output to a display.

Abstract: A particle counter may include a housing having an inlet, an outlet, and a window therebetween. The inlet and the outlet may be configured such that a fluid can be flowed therethrough. A plurality of light sources may be arranged outside the housing to provide lights of different wavelengths into the housing through the window. Sensors may be provided outside the housing to detect fractions of the lights scattered by a bubble and/or a particle in the fluid. A control part may be configured to monitor intensities of the lights detected by the sensors and to analyze a difference in intensity between the scattered lights, thereby distinguishing the particles from the bubbles in the fluid.

Abstract: Highly advantageous transceiver systems with common mode phase drift rejection and associated methods are disclosed which utilize certain phase modulators in configurations that reduce or eliminate inconsistent interference patterns caused by phase modulator phase drift.

Abstract: Exemplary quantitative susceptibility mapping methods, systems and computer-accessible medium can be provided to generate images of tissue magnetism property from complex magnetic resonance imaging data using the Bayesian statistical approach. The likelihood is constructed directly using the complex data. A prior is constructed from matching structures or information content in known morphology. The quantitative susceptibility map can be determined by, e.g., maximizing the posterior. Thus, according to the exemplary embodiment, system, method and computer-accessible medium can be provided for determining information associated with at least one structure. Using such exemplary embodiment, it is possible to receive signals associated with the structure(s), where the signals can include complex data that is in the complex domain.

Abstract: A plating system comprises a plating solution and an apparatus for control of the plating solution, the apparatus including a Raman spectrometer for measurement of organic components, a visible light spectrometer for measurement of metallic components, and a pH probe. The plating solution can be sampled continuously or at intervals. Dosing of the plating solution adjusts for components consumed or lost in the plating process. The method of dosing is based on maintaining a desired composition of the plating solution.

Abstract: A method and analyser for identifying, verifying or otherwise characterising a sample involves emitting electromagnetic radiation in at least one beam at a sample. The electromagnetic radiation includes at least two different wavelengths. A sample detector detects affected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the emitted electromagnetic radiation affected by the sample and provides output representing the detected affected radiation. A processor determines sample coefficients from the output and identifies, verifies or otherwise characterises the sample using the sample coefficients and training coefficients determined from training samples. The coefficients reduce sensitivity to a sample retainer variation and/or are independent of concentration.

Abstract: Provided is a terahertz wave generator having the following structural feature in a plane perpendicular to an optical propagation direction of an optical waveguide. Specifically, 0<r1<r2 is satisfied, where r1 represents a radius of curvature of a terahertz wave emitting plane of a coupling member at a point A at which a line extending from the optical waveguide in the normal direction to a surface of a substrate crosses the terahertz wave emitting plane of the coupling member, and r2 represents a radius of curvature of a wavefront of a terahertz wave at the same point A. Here, r1 has a positive value when being convex in a propagation direction of the terahertz wave.

Abstract: Devices and methods for remotely collecting data for the assessment of value and/or like, kind, and quality are provided, including a mobile device equipped with an application configured to enable collection of data; the data acquired using the device are received by a service provider; and following the assessment transmitting of the assessment analysis by the service provide to the display of the mobile device of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing, identifying or imaging an target including first and second laser beams coupled to a pair of photoconductive switches to produce CW signals in one or more bands in a range of frequencies greater than 100 GHz focused on, and transmitted through or reflected from the target; and a detector for acquiring spectral information from signals received from the target and using a multi-spectral heterodyne process to generate an electrical signal representative of some characteristics of the target. The lasers are tuned to different frequencies and a phase modulator in the path of one laser beam allows the constructive or destructive interference of the signals on the detector as the laser beams are swept in frequency to be adjusted to achieve greater resolution in one or more selected frequency bands.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods of detecting strain associated with an object by: (1) irradiating a composition that has been applied to the object, where the composition comprises semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes; (2) measuring an emission from the irradiated composition, where the emission comprises near infrared emission; and (3) correlating the near infrared emission to the presence or absence of strain associated with the object. In some embodiments, the aforementioned steps occur without physically contacting the object or the composition. In some embodiments, the aforementioned steps occur without utilizing Raman spectroscopy. Further embodiments of the present invention also include a step of applying the composition to the object.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for quantitating one or more biomolecules in a sample using IR based techniques, sample holder devices for use in such methods as well as methods for manufacturing such sample holder devices.

Abstract: A method and a system for measuring an optical asynchronous sample signal. The system for measuring an optical asynchronous sampling signal comprises a pulsed optical source capable of emitting two optical pulse sequences with different repetition frequencies, a signal optical path, a reference optical path, and a detection device. Since the optical asynchronous sampling signal can be measured by merely using one pulsed optical source, the complexity and cost of the system are reduced. A multi-frequency optical comb system using the pulsed optical source and a method for implementing the multi-frequency optical comb are further disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns a pathogen inspection system that includes a handling system that presents single cells from a sample to at least one QCL laser source. The QCL laser source is configured to deliver light to a cell within the cells in order to induce vibrational bond absorption in one or more analytes within the cell. The system includes a detection facility that detects the mid-infrared wavelength light transmitted by the cell and identifies the cell as either a pathogen or not a pathogen.

Abstract: A drug inspection device and method for distinguishing tablets that have different amounts of active pharmaceutical ingredients and are indistinguishable in appearance. The device focuses on a tablet packaging process for tablets containing different amounts of active pharmaceutical ingredients, every row or every pocket, having housed therein a plurality of tablets, is used for conveyance. A beam having near-infrared light irradiates the tablets, a spectroscope receives reflected light, a near-infrared imaging unit captures a spectrum obtained through dispersion of the reflected light by the spectroscope and generates image data, and a control unit processes the image data and performs an operation for distinguishing the types of tablets. The control unit controls the near-infrared imaging unit to perform image capture at least once on the tablets included in the one row, to compute average spectrum data per tablet, and to distinguish the type of tablet based on the average spectrum data.

Abstract: A seed sorter system is operable to sort seeds based on one or more characteristics of the seeds. The system includes a seed loading station operable to isolate individual seeds from a plurality of seeds and load the isolated seeds into a seed tray, an imaging and analysis subsystem operable to collect image data of at least a top portion and a bottom portion of each of the seeds in the seed tray and determine one or more characteristics of each of the seeds, a seed off-load and sort station operable to remove the seeds from the seed tray and sort the seeds to desired receptacles based on the determined one or more characteristics of the seeds, and a seed transport operable to move the seed tray between the seed loading station, the imaging and analysis subsystem, and the seed off-load and sort station.

Abstract: A device for detecting a drug remaining in a target area that includes an irradiation unit configured to irradiate the area with a light beam including near-infrared light, a spectroscope on which reflected light from the area is incident, and a near-infrared imaging unit configured to capture a spectrum obtained through dispersion of the reflected light by the spectroscope, to generate image data, and to capture each spectrum of a predetermined number of pixels within the area. A control unit is configured to process the image data, to compute average spectral data of the area by averaging the spectrums of the pixels, and to compute an amount of the drug corresponding to the average spectral data, based on an equation. A storage unit is configured to store an equation expressing a relationship between a prescribed amount of a drug and spectral data based on the spectrum.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing, identifying or imaging an target including first and second laser beams coupled to a pair of photoconductive switches to produce CW signals in one or more bands in a range of frequencies greater than 100 GHz focused on and transmitted through or reflected from the target; and a detector for acquiring spectral information from signals received from the target and using a multi-spectral heterodyne process to generate an electrical signal representative of some characteristics of the target. The lasers are tuned to different frequencies and a frequency shifter in the path of one laser beam allows the terahertz beam to be finely adjusted in one or more selected frequency bands.

Abstract: Described are techniques for obtaining spectroscopic information from sub-micron regions of a sample using a probe microscope. The current invention uses the response of an AFM cantilever at a plurality of frequencies to substantially reduce the impact of background absorption away from the sub-micron region of interest. This innovation substantially improves the quality of spectra for top down illumination of samples that are not suitable for bottoms up illumination of the prior art.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, a system and method of cytometry may include presenting a single sperm cell to at least one laser source configured to deliver light to the sperm cell in order to induce bond vibrations in the sperm cell DNA, and detecting the signature of the bond vibrations. The bond vibration signature is used to calculate a DNA content carried by the sperm cell which is used to identify the sperm cell as carrying an X-chromosome or Y-chromosome. Another system and method may include flowing cells past at least one QCL source one-by-one using a fluid handling system, delivering QCL light to a single cell to induce resonant mid-IR absorption by one or more analytes of the cell, and detecting, using a mid-infrared detection facility, the transmitted mid-infrared wavelength light, wherein the transmitted mid-infrared wavelength light is used to identify a cell characteristic.

Abstract: A concentration measurement method by an absorptiometric method which measures a concentration of a first solute component dissolved in a solution, in which the first solute component interacts with a solvent, includes: referring to an absorption coefficient (?aw(?)) of the solvent; measuring an absorption coefficient (?a(?)) of a first sample material, after an interaction between the solvent and the first solute component has occurred; and obtaining an unknown volume fraction (vg) of the first solute component and a volume fraction (vw) of the solvent, based on the absorption coefficient (?aw(?)) of the solvent, a apparent absorption coefficient (??ag(?)) of the first solute component, and the absorption coefficient (?a(?)) of the first sample material.

Abstract: Apparatus for inspecting an engineering material or food product comprising: a controller arranged to generate a time-variant drive signal; a source of Near Infra-Red (NIR) radiation, the source being operable by the controller to emit a repetitive time-varying beam thereby to illuminate an article; and a detector, the detector being configured to detect that portion of the source beam that has been transmitted through at least a portion of the article, and to generate an electrical signal that has a time variant modulation corresponding to the modulation of said portion of the source NIR beam, the controller being further configured to generate an output corresponding to a variation in the amplitude of the received NIR source beam.

Abstract: A handheld moisture sensing device for use in determining the moisture content of biological material, such as animal feed. Adapted to be pressed against biological material to be analyzed, the device includes a sensor assembly, including a housing with an end structure including a grate adapted to engage the material to be examined, a near infrared (NIR) LED, an NIR light sensor, a glass mounted in the housing adjacent the light source so that light from the light source passes through the glass, a glass heater positioned adjacent the glass for heating the glass, a lens mounted in the housing adjacent the NIR sensor so that the NIR light reflected off the biological material passes through the glass and is focused by the lens onto the NIR sensor, and a controller connected to the NIR sensor and receiving a signal related to the reflected NIR light received by the NIR sensor.

Abstract: A handheld moisture sensing device for use in determining the moisture content of biological material, such as animal feed. Adapted to be pressed against biological material to be analyzed, the device includes a sensor assembly, including a housing with an end structure including a grate adapted to engage the material to be examined, a near infrared (NIR) LED, an NIR light sensor, a glass mounted in the housing adjacent the light source so that light from the light source passes through the glass, a glass heater positioned adjacent the glass for heating the glass, a lens mounted in the housing adjacent the NIR sensor so that the NIR light reflected off the biological material passes through the glass and is focused by the lens onto the NIR sensor, and a controller connected to the NIR sensor and receiving a signal related to the reflected NIR light received by the NIR sensor.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the prevention, treatment and diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, based on the glycosylation pattern of amyloid-beta peptides in body fluids and tissues.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an apparatus includes a module assembly and a main assembly. The module assembly includes a module assembly housing, a first faceplate and an analysis unit attached to the first faceplate. The main assembly includes a main assembly housing, a second faceplate and an engine unit rigidly attached to the second faceplate. The engine unit generates a light that passes to the analysis unit via a first lens assembly and a second lens assembly. The first lens assembly is attached to the first faceplate and the second lens assembly is attached to the second faceplate. The module assembly when attached to the main assembly causes the first and second faceplates to act as a single mechanical unit that moves independent of movement of the module assembly housing and/or the main assembly housing.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A system comprises a micro-mirror device including a surface having a plurality of micro-mirrors movable to reflect light incident to the micro-mirrors in at least a first direction and a second direction, a control circuit configured to arrange the micro-mirrors to project a spatial image using the incident light and to generate spectral content for the formed spatial image, and a spectrometer circuit configured to extract spectral image information from the generated spectral content and provide the spectral image information to the control circuit. The spectral content includes light having one or more wavelengths outside a range of wavelengths for visible light, and the control circuit is configured to rearrange one or more micro-mirrors of the micro-mirror device to adjust spectral content based on the extracted spectral image information.

Abstract: A tunable mid-infrared laser operated in a pulsed mode is coupled off-axis into a high-finesse optical cavity to produce a long-path spectrometer. The cavity receives a gas sample. Laser pulses may be wavelength-scanned by stepping an external grating, allowing the grating to mechanically settle, then measuring the ring-down with a set of laser pulses, before moving on the next wavelength. A detector receiving infrared light exiting the cavity supplies a cavity ring-down trace representative of sample absorption of the infrared pulses. A processor determines an absolute absorption spectrum of the gas sample from the ring-down trace and analyzes sample gas composition and trace concentration from that spectrum. The absorption baseline is highly reproducible and stable, improving the accuracy of multivariate fits, and the spectral resolution can be better than 0.001 cm?1 (contingent upon the laser source), allowing for high-resolution measurements of sharp absorption features.

Abstract: A probe having a probe head in which is formed an opening for receiving a sample to be analyzed, the head comprising a pair of optical interfaces disposed at an opposing inner surface of the opening to delimit a path for optical radiation through the opening, wherein one of the pair of optical interfaces comprises a transparent element adapted to permit optical radiation in one or more wavelength regions of interest to travel between the probe head and the opening, the optical probe comprising a movable diaphragm in which one of the pair of optical interfaces is located for movement therewith and an actuator operably connected to the diaphragm to control its movement so as to vary the path length wherein the probe head comprises a hinge system cooperable with the actuator to move the optical interface in the movable diaphragm in an arc to vary the path length.