Abstract: During the processing of complex semiconductor devices, dielectric material systems comprising a patterned structure may be analyzed in a non-destructive manner by using an FTIR technique in combination with a plurality of angles of incidence. In this manner, topography-related information may be obtained and/or data analysis may be made more efficient due to the increased amount of information obtained by the plurality of angles of incidence.

Abstract: An evaluation device for evaluating analog measuring signals of a detector, e.g., an IR detector, includes: an analog/digital converter device for digitally converting the analog measuring signal of the detector or an analog signal derived from the analog measuring signal into a digital measuring signal; a control device for receiving the digital measuring signal; and a subtraction device. The evaluation device receives a first analog measuring signal from a first measurement and stores the digital measuring signal formed from the first analog measuring signal, and also receives a second analog measuring signal from a second measurement. The subtraction device receives the analog measuring signal of the second measurement and an analog comparison signal formed as a function of the stored digital measuring signal of the first measurement, and forms a differential signal.

Abstract: An authentication system includes: a measuring portion that radiates terahertz waves to a portable medium for authentication including materials having a characteristic oscillation frequency in a terahertz frequency band, measures a spectrum, and outputs a measurement spectrum that is a measurement result; a characteristic spectrum database which stores a characteristic spectrum of the materials; a discriminating portion that discriminates the materials that are included in the portable medium for authentication based on the measurement spectrum and the characteristic spectrum, and outputs a discrimination result.

Abstract: The invention relates to recording of position-specific optical measurements of substances such as foodstuff, building materials, combustion products etc. The invention provides online, in-situ recording of wavelength absorption spectra in substances, performed without removing a sample from the substance. In inhomogeneous products, the position correlated to each spectrum allows for extraction of both average values for larger regions as well as specific values characteristic for smaller individual portions. In a preferred embodiment, a probe with two elongate arms has light guiding and light collecting means for recording infrared absorption spectra of portions between them, as well as means for determining an insertion distance into the product.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an IR spectrometer includes a light source adapted to illuminate a sample, a grating adapted to spectrally disperse a light that has illuminated the sample, a MEMS array adapted to be electrostatically actuated by a controller to control a diffraction of the light, a detector configured to detect the light, and a power source adapted to supply power to the light source and to the MEMS array, wherein the controller is adapted to control the MEMS array so as to manage a power consumption of the IR spectrometer. In one embodiment, the IR spectrometer includes a housing sized and arranged to house the light source, the grating, the MEMS array, the controller, the detector, to and the power source in a hand-held device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for generating and detecting coherent electromagnetic radiation (8) in the THz frequency range, comprising an optically parametric oscillator (2) for generating electromagnetic radiation in the THz frequency range (8). In order to provide a device for generating and detecting electromagnetic radiation in the THz frequency range, according to the invention the device comprises a coherent phase-sensitive detector (3, 21) for detecting the intensity and phase of the electromagnetic radiation generated by the optically parametric oscillator (2).

Abstract: A machine tool monitoring device having a detection unit, which is configured to detect the presence of a material type in a machine tool work area by spectral analysis of a radiation. The detection unit has a sensor unit having at least one sensitivity region for detecting radiation in a wavelength range that is situated at least partially in the infrared spectrum.

Abstract: A method and a portable device for assessing the occurrence of an agent in a sample. A sample is illuminated with photons emanating from a portable device to produce photons reflected, emitted, or absorbed from a set of multiple points in the sample having a defined geometric relationship. The portable device is used to simultaneously illuminate the sample and analyze the photons reflected, emitted, or absorbed from the set of multiple points using spectroscopic methods, including infrared, fluorescence, and UV/visible. The agent assessed may include a hazardous agent, a chemical agent, a biological agent, a microorganism, a bacterium, a protozoan, a virus, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of qualitatively analyzing high-molecular additives in a metal plating solution, including: removing sulfate ions and metal ions from a metal plating solution; and qualitatively analyzing the metal plating solution, from which sulfate ions and metal ions are removed, using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF MS). The method is advantageous in that the structure and molecular weight of high-molecular additives present in very small amounts in a plating solution can be accurately measured while maintaining the specific structure and molecular weight thereof without degrading the high-molecular additives.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing, identifying or imaging an target including an integrated dual laser module coupled to a pair of photoconductive switches to produce cw signals in the range of frequencies from 100 GHz to over 2 THz 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 homodyne process to generate an electrical signal representative of some characteristics of the target with resolution less than 250 MHz. The photoconductive switches are activated by laser beams from the dual laser module. The lasers in the module are tuned to different frequencies and a phase shifter in the path of one beam allows the beams to have an adjustable phase difference.

Abstract: This invention relates to a detection system for detecting an analyte in a fluid medium. The detection system comprises a substrate that provides mechanical stability and is sized and shaped to intercept an infrared beam. A reactive material is coated on the substrate. When contacted with the analyte in the fluid medium, the reactive material reacts with the analyte and is altered. The detection system also comprises an infrared spectrometer producing the infrared beam that passes through the reactive material to a detector of the spectrometer. The alteration of the reactive material allows the spectrometer to identify and quantify the analyte. In one embodiment, the reactive material irreversibly reacts with the analyte. In another embodiment, the spectrometer is a non-ATR infrared spectrometer. In a further embodiment, the substrate is a disposable substrate.

Abstract: The content of casein in milk is determined by two measurements of infrared absorbance in a milk sample by infrared spectrometry before and after a separation of the casein. The casein content is calculated by use of absorbance data recorded during the two absorbance measurements. The new method is considerable faster than the known wet-chemical methods, such as the normal wet chemical reference method for casein determination in milk using a Kjeldahl nitrogen determination of the milk sample, then a coagulation of the milk, and finally a Kjeldahl nitrogen determination of the filtrate.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for examining a sample with a broadband radiation while preserving a small spot and low wave front distortion. The apparatus has a broadband source for generating the broadband radiation and a first reflective optics that employ toroidal mirrors that are barrel or donut-shaped and may be placed in a crossed or parallel arrangement for producing a broadband test beam that is guided to the sample such that it is incident on it at a small spot. A sampling aperture is provided for filtering a certain center portion from the broadband test beam. A second reflective optics is provided for shaping a reflected response beam from the broadband radiation that is reflected from the spot. The response beam is delivered by second reflective optics to a detector for examination. The apparatus and method can be applied to improve wave front distortion in reflectance measurements and for performing transmittance measurements with chromatic distortion compensation.

Abstract: A method for predicting a physical property of a residue obtainable from a crude oil by a process of distillation, wherein the conditions during the process are represented by a processing parameter, is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: a) using a spectroscopic technique to acquire a spectrum for the crude oil; and b) applying a predictive model based upon a correlation between the spectrum, the physical property and the processing parameter. The method may be used to predict the suitability of crude oil for bitumen production.

Abstract: An optical system for detecting ice and water on the surface of an aircraft includes an elongated transparent optical element having first and second end portions. A light source and light detector are disposed in one end of the optical element and a reflective surface is disposed in the opposite end portion. The reflective surface defines a critical angle and reflects light from the light source to the light detector when the critical angle is in contact with air and refracts the light toward the external environment when the reflective surface is in contact with ice or water. The system may also incorporate an optical element wherein the reflective surface includes a continuous array of convex elements extending outwardly from and across one end of the optical element and wherein each of the convex elements defines a critical angle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of classifying a polymer containing surface is provided including collecting one or more spectra of infrared energy reflected from the surface over a spectrum of wavelengths; performing multivariate processing at one or more wavelengths; comparing results of the multivariate processing with one or more predetermined material classification models derived from model material infrared energy spectra collected from one or more model material surfaces, the one or more model material surfaces each having a known polymer material composition; and, sorting the polymer containing surface into the proper class based on a similarity of the results of the multivariate processing at one or more wavelengths with the predetermined material classification models.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of a target material comprising a source of a beam of terahertz radiation comprising illuminating a suspected subject with THz radiation having been determined to provide sufficiently clustered PCA classification to distinguish the target materials from non-target materials. The method further provides for determining the PCA classification for target materials as being sufficiently clustered and differently placed in n-space coordinates as to permit differentiating target materials from non-target materials. Then the weighting factors along with the n-spaced coordinates can be used for subjects under interrogation.

Abstract: A method for determining at least one gas variable by way of a gas sensor system, and at least one system variable of that gas sensor system, in which:—the gas variable is measured at least twice, the at least two measurements differing because two different values are set for a parameter of the gas sensor system, and—based on the at least two measurements, the at least one system variable and the at least one gas variable are determined.

Abstract: A gas detector (10) that is arranged to sense the concentration levels of target gases oxygen, methane, carbon monox-ide, and hydrogen sulphide, within a gas sample from an environment surrounding the detector. The gas detector (10) comprises laser sources (12a-12d) that are arranged to transmit radiation through the gas sample at four target wavelengths that correspond approximately to the optimum absorption wavelengths of each of the target gases and an optical detector (16) that is arranged to sense the intensity of the radiation transmitted through the gas sample at each of the target wavelengths. A control system (22) generates representative concentration level information for the target gases based on the level of absorption of the radiation transmitted.

Abstract: A computer facilitated method of requesting a spectral analysis of a sample having an unknown concentration or purity, performing an energy absorption analysis of the sample to obtain spectral data regarding the analysis and comparing the spectral data to stored spectral data regarding the analyses of the samples having a predetermined concentration and purity to determine the concentration or purity of the sample having an unknown concentration or purity. The spectral analysis is performed on site where the sample is prepared or administered using a portable analytical apparatus and provides a real time report of the concentration or purity of the sample. The apparatus requires only a small sample size.

Abstract: A method for the on-line analysis of a process stream, which process stream is a feedstream to or an exit stream from a steam reformer, which process stream has a temperature of at least 200° C., the components of which process stream are in the vapour phase, which method comprises: (a) taking a slipstream from the process stream; (b) cooling the slipstream to a temperature above its dew point; (c) analysing the cooled slipstream by near infra-red (NIR) spectroscopy to obtain a spectrum characterising NIR-absorbing components of the process stream; and (d) correlating the spectrum obtained to established calibration models from NIR spectroscopy using chemometric techniques to determine the concentration of, and/or to determine the partial pressure of one or more of the NIR-absorbing components of the process stream.

Abstract: This patent presents a method for measuring the concentration of biodiesel in a homogeneous biodiesel-diesel oil mixture using mid infrared radiation for use as fabrication monitor, quality control, law enforcement and multi-fueled vehicles. The method is characterized by the use of mid infrared absorption measurement in the range from 1870 to 1600 cm?1 (5347.6 to 6250.0 nm) which corresponds to the carbonyl group absorption peak (C?O) that is only present in biodiesel. Both intensity and area of the carbonyl absorption peak present power law dependence with the biodiesel percentile in the biodiesel-diesel oil mixture.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting the presence of concealed objects.

Abstract: A method of detecting a target gas includes the step of traversing a target area with a gas-filter correlation radiometer having a field of view oriented towards the target area. The gas-filter correlation radiometer receives reflected radiation in a passband from the target area and produces gas-filter correlation radiometer signals from the received reflected radiation. A surface reflectivity spectral profile of the target area is determined. The presence of the target gas in the target area is then determined based upon the received reflected radiation and the surface reflectivity spectral profile of the target area.

Abstract: A time-domain pulsed spectroscopy apparatus which has a pulsed laser light source; a splitting unit to split pulsed laser light; a pulsed-light emitting unit; a detector; a sample holder; and a sample-unit entrance and exit optical systems; wherein the time-domain pulsed spectroscopy apparatus further comprises: at least one optical-path-length varying unit for setting a photometric range; at least one optical delay unit for the wave form signal measurement; and, at least one gate member to pass or block the pulsed light to a reflector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for the measurement of the concentration of at least one substance in a turbid medium. The device comprises at least one radiation source (12) adapted to illuminate the turbid medium (17) on at least one irradiation area. The device further comprises at least one detector adapted to detect backscattered light from the turbid medium from at least one detection area and to generate detection signals representative of the backscattered light. The device is arranged to generate detection signals with respect to at least two different irradiation-detection distances. The irradiation-detection distances are defined as the respective distances between the irradiation areas and the detection areas.

Abstract: A system for near infrared spectroscopy includes a controller that automates selection of light intensities for one or more light sources. The system may stepwise increase or decrease a current driving a light source until a signal received at a light detector is within a desired range. The system may maintain closed loop control over the intensity of a light source after the intensity has been set. The closed loop control may be based on a signal from a second light detector that senses light from the light source. Current/intensity settings may be established for each of multiple light detectors. In response to selection of a light detector, the corresponding current may be delivered to drive the light source.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an IR spectrometer includes a light source adapted to illuminate a sample, a grating adapted to spectrally disperse a light that has illuminated the sample, a MEMS array adapted to be electrostatically actuated by a controller to control a diffraction of the light, a detector configured to detect the light, and a power source adapted to supply power to the light source and to the MEMS array, wherein the controller is adapted to control the MEMS array so as to manage a power consumption of the IR spectrometer. In one embodiment, the IR spectrometer includes a housing sized and arranged to house the light source, the grating, the MEMS array, the controller, the detector, to and the power source in a hand-held device.

Abstract: Methods and systems related to soil testing are disclosed. One exemplary embodiment of a system of the present disclosure includes a calibrated near-infrared (NIR) spectrophotometer and a soil sample with an unknown value of at least one of pH and b disposed in proximity to the calibrated NIR spectrophotometer, the NIR spectrophotometer configured to produce a spectrum from a reading of the sample.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for identifying one or more materials in a scene by determining a set of spectral vectors, called endmembers, from a data set comprised of spectra from the image data, and matching the set of endmembers to predefined library materials. The image data of the scene is captured with a sensor, and comprises a plurality of spectra. The method applies an iterative mathematical criterion, termed residual minimization, to find the endmembers. The first endmember may be selected based on the largest mean square value or the largest mean magnitude value. Subsequent endmembers are determined by calculating weighting factors, such that the weighting factors are non-negative and the calculated vector differences, or residuals, generate the smallest error metric. The error metric is dependent upon the vector difference between two spectra in the image data set, and may be the mean squared vector difference between two spectra.

Abstract: A measurement accessory with multiple transmission-reflections uses for an infrared spectrometer, laid accessory is arranged in the sample cavity of the infrared spectrometer. Said accessory includes two parallel plane mirrors (7, 8) and a sample holder fixed between the two mirrors (7, 8). Said sample holder can fix the sample piece (9) between the two plane mirrors (7, 8) and make the sample piece parallel with plane mirrors (7, 8). During measuring, the infrared ray emitted from infrared spectrometer (17) forms a certain angle incident to the space between said plane mirrors and reflects for several times between the two parallel plane mirrors (7, 8) and the sample piece (9) is measured with multiple transmission-reflections by the infrared spectrometer. Then the infrared spectrometer (20) enters into the detector of infrared spectrometer.

Abstract: An online sensor for monitoring chemical contaminations in hydraulic fluids, having a receiving device for the fluid to be monitored, the device having observations windows disposed on two opposite sides, is characterized in that the online sensor has an IR emitter and an IR detector comprising at least two, preferably four detector fields for IR spectroscopy, wherein the fields are disposed opposite of each other on both observations windows. This provides a sensor that is capable of detecting the maintenance-relevant parameters of hydraulic fluids based on phosphate esters online, which is to say without having to withdraw the same from the airplane's hydraulic system and remove the same as a sample.

Abstract: This invention relates to a compact cavity ring down spectrometer for detection and measurement of trace species in a sample gas using a tunable solid-state continuous-wave mid-infrared PPLN OPO laser or a tunable low-power solid-state continuous wave near-infrared diode laser with an algorithm for reducing the periodic noise in the voltage decay signal which subjects the data to cluster analysis or by averaging of the interquartile range of the data.

Abstract: An IR spectroscopic method of determining the presence or absence of metallic material embedded in polymer material including irradiating a surface of said polymer material and collecting at least one spectrum of reflected infrared energy from said surface of said over a spectrum of wavelengths including the near-infrared wherein said metallic material is at least partially absent in a affected condition; performing a multivariate comparison of said at least one spectrum with at least one reference spectrum to determine a change in reflectance of said at least one spectrum with respect to at least one reference spectrum wherein said metallic material is present in an unaffected condition; and, correlating the amount of said change in reflectance with the presence or absence of said metallic material embedded in said polymer material.

Abstract: A method of non-destructively determining the amount of ultraviolet degradation of a surface and/or paint adhesion characteristics of the surface corresponding with UV damage including determining a physical property of a composite material/surfacing film by providing a series of composite materials/surfacing films which are subjected to increasing UV light experience to create a set of UV damage standards, collecting mid-IR spectra on those standards, performing data pre-processing and then multivariate calibration on the spectra of the composite materials/surfacing films, and using that calibration to predict the UV damage for samples in question.

Abstract: A method of non-destructively determining the physical property of a material surface, the method including irradiating a surface with infrared energy over a spectrum of wavelengths; detecting said infrared energy reflected from said surface over said spectrum of wavelengths; performing multivariate calibration of said reflected infrared energy at a plurality of selected wavelengths including said spectrum of wavelengths; using results of said multivariate calibration to predict one or more physical properties of said model material; and, determining said one or more physical properties of said surface. Details are included for the case where uni-directional fiber CFRP materials are to be calibrated and predicted because special care must be taken for that material to insure the incident light from the spectrometer is at the proper orientation for calibration and for prediction of samples in question.

Abstract: In a method for analyzing photoresist, light having a wavelength which responds to a photoresist film is selected. The photoresist film is exposed to the selected light. Changes of components and properties of the photoresist film are analyzed while the photoresist film is being exposed to the selected light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the determination of the total acid number and naphthenic acid number of petroleum, petroleum cuts and petroleum emulsions of water-in-oil type by mid-infrared spectroscopy utilising correlation between data gathered by means of absorption spectrums obtained with a Fourier-transform infrared spectrophotometer operating in the mid-infrared band equipped with an attenuated total reflectance (ATR) accessory, and acidity results obtained through reference methods utilising a multivariate regression model.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing, identifying or imaging an target including an integrated dual laser module coupled to a pair of photoconductive switches to produce cw signals in the range of frequencies from 100 GHz to over 2 THz 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 homodyne process to generate an electrical signal representative of some characteristics of the target with resolution less than 250 MHz. The photoconductive switches are activated by laser beams from the dual laser module. The lasers in the module are tuned to different frequencies and a phase shifter in the path of one beam allows the beams to have an adjustable phase difference.

Abstract: There is provided an infrared light emitting device that is capable of polarizing emission light without causing loss of the emission light and having a simple configuration. Included are a photoconductive layer 22 which generates optical carriers upon being irradiated with pulsed excitation light; a pair of first antenna electrodes 21a for emitting infrared light, which are formed on the photoconductive layer 22 with a gap 32 disposed between tips thereof; a pair of second antenna electrodes 21b for emitting infrared light, which are formed on the photoconductive layer 22 and which are disposed with the gap 32 between tips thereof and having an angle with respect to the first antenna electrodes 21a; and a control unit for independently applying voltages to the first antenna electrodes 21a and the second antenna electrodes 21b.

Abstract: A robust, compact spectrometer apparatus for determining respective concentrations or partial pressures of multiple gases in a gas sample with single as well as multiple and even overlapping, absorption or emission spectra that span a wide spectral range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for analyzing a sample containing a number of substances. The method comprises the following steps: recording one or more mass spectra (mass spectra data D) of the sample (P); deconvoluting the mass spectra in a first evaluating device (A), which assigns the chromatographic peaks (a) and their associated deconvoluted mass spectra of one substance at a time based on the correspondence with a reference spectrum of the substance, and/or determining the intensity of the obtained peaks of the ions of the mass spectra in an evaluating device (B), which assigns the chromatographic peaks (b) of the ions and their associated mass spectra based on the correspondence of selective ions and their retention time ranges of the peaks (b) with the reference values of the substance predetermined for a substance, and verifying the assignments in a validating device (V).

Abstract: A photo-thermal, interferometric spectroscopy system is disclosed that provides information about a chemical, such as explosives and the like, at a remote location. It may be used for solid residue detection on a surface. The system includes a novel light detector system with a matrix of optical elements focusing portions of a received light beam on input waveguides of an optical combiner. The combiner adjusts the phases of the received beam portions and combines them together to maximize the intensity of an output beam. The output beam is detected by a detector, and information about at least one of, absorption spectrum and concentration of the chemical is recovered. In the preferred embodiment the detector is a coherent detector based on 90-degrees optical hybrid.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, variables are grouped in an unsupervised manner after principal component analysis of a plurality of variables from a plurality of samples. A number of principal components are selected. A subset principal component space is created for those components. A starting variable is selected. A spatial angle is defined around a vector extending from the origin to the starting variable. A set of one or more variables is selected within the spatial angle. The set is assigned to a group. The set is removed from further analysis. The process is repeated starting with the selection of a new starting variable until all groups are found.

Abstract: Apparatus for measurement of a sample comprises means for generating electromagnetic radiation comprising a photoconductive device, the generating means is arranged to generate an output signal comprising electromagnetic radiation in dependence upon radiation received by the photoconductive device and to transmit the output signal towards a sample space, the apparatus further comprises a first radiation source and a second radiation source, arranged such that the radiation received by the photoconductive device comprises a mixture of radiation from the first radiation source and radiation from the second radiation source, control means for varying the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation of the output signal by varying the temperature of the first radiation source and/or the temperature of the second radiation source, and detecting means for detecting a response signal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a compact cavity ring down spectrometer for detection and measurement of trace species in a sample gas using a tunable solid-state continuous-wave mid-infrared PPLN OPO laser or a tunable low-power solid-state continuous wave near-infrared diode laser with an algorithm for reducing the periodic noise in the voltage decay signal which subjects the data to cluster analysis or by averaging of the interquartile range of the data.

Abstract: An optical absorption spectrometer is provided for determining the concentration of a substance within a sample. The optical absorption spectrometer comprises a first radiation source for supplying radiation to the sample to be measured; at least one cavity for containing the sample during measurement; and a detector assembly for detecting radiation transmitted along first and second optical paths through the sample, the length of the first optical path being greater than that of the second optical path.

Abstract: Methods for screening and preparing solid forms are described herein. Such methods comprise sonicating a solid paste to provide a sonicated paste. The sonicated paste may be analyzed for the presence of solid forms.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided employing rapid scanning continuous wave terahertz spectroscopy and imaging for the non-destructive evaluation of materials such as animal hides and natural cork, and explosive detection, concealed weapon detection, and drug detection. A system employing an aperiodic detector array and implementing phase modulation at 100 kHz significantly reduces the imaging time and enables interferometric images of a THz point source to be obtained at several frequencies between 0.3 and 0.95 THz.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for non-invasive analysis of the identity and concentration of drugs that are to be administered by injection or infusion.