Abstract: A spectroscopic device, which may be a handheld spectroscopic light source, which uses ambient light as a primary broadband light source, but which may be supplemented with an auxiliary light source to supplement band regions which may be deficient in the broad band source. The spectroscopic device makes use of a number of parallel control channels to monitor for sufficient light and to compensate for variations in the input light levels.

Abstract: According to some embodiments a method of measuring the refractive index profile of a consolidated glass body having a cylindrical surface comprises the steps of: (a) forming an image of a slit behind the glass body; (b) optionally pre-scanning the cylindrical surface of the test glass body or a reference glass body and analyzing the data within a fixed window to determine the likely location of the zero-order, un-diffracted beam while ignoring other diffracted beams; (c) optionally adjusting the optical power to improve the intensity of the data within the fixed window in order to improve the analysis; (d) predicting the trajectory of the zero-order beam through the preform based on the sampling location xi (incidence position) of the light impinging on the cylindrical surface and the location at which the zero-order beam impinges on the detector; (e) measuring the cylindrical surface of a glass body while using the estimated location of the zero-order beam and adjusted optical power to set the center of a f

Abstract: A guided mode resonance device, comprising—a substrate,—a waveguide,—a grating structure associated with said waveguide, said grating structure being arranged to an incident surface of said substrate, said incident surface being intended to receive an incident light beam provided by at least one light source, said incident light beam having an incident angle, defined relative to the normal of said waveguide, said grating structure comprising at least one elementary structure comprising at least a first-type grating structure and at least a second-type grating structure,—wherein:—said waveguide is arranged to transfer light from the first-type grating structures to the second-type grating structure and also to transfer light from the second-type grating structures to the first-type grating structure,—said first-type grating structure is arranged to couple out a first light beam,—said second-type grating structure is arranged to couple out a second light beam,—said first light beam having a different spectral d

Abstract: Calibration device for calibrating an operation wavelength characteristic of a refractometer for determining an information which is indicative for a refractive index of the sample, wherein the calibration device comprises an itself traceably calibratable determination unit, which is preferably at least partially external of the refractometer, which is adapted for determining an information which is indicative for a discrepancy between a pre-givable set-point-operation wavelength characteristic and an actual-operation wavelength characteristic of the refractometer, on whose basis the refractometer is calibratable.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods of generating multi combs can be used in a variety of applications. In various embodiments, a passive resonator can be disposed in the laser cavity of a mode-locked laser to generate a nested frequency comb. The passive resonator can be a sample under investigation, where a characteristic of the sample is determined using the generated nested frequency comb. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A miniature optical biosensor and biosensor array where high sensitivity for detection of biomolecular interaction does not require a fluorescent label. Non-linear frequency-shifts of optical resonators (‘nanobeams’) provide a digital all-or-nothing response to equilibrium binding of a biomarker to surface-immobilized bio-recognition elements, a signal suitable to identify active components in genetic and proteomic circuits, as well as toxic substances. The threshold level for the digital response is adjustable to accommodate for varying receptor affinities. A bistable cavity sensing (BCS) method can be used to track the shift of the resonance induced by the analyte more precisely than the conventional cavity sensing method, where the resolution is limited by the cavity linewidth. BCS method can be used to quantitate the concentration of the analyte, and their binding kinetics, affinities and etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring panes. The device comprises a light source and a light sensor which are arranged in such a way that a light beam emitted from the light source passes through the pane and impinges on the light sensor. According to the invention, the light beam has a linear polarization, wherein the polarization direction forms an angle of between 50° and 130° with an incidence plane stretching between the axis of the light beam and the pane normal at the point at which the light beam impinges on the pane. The light sensor is dimensioned such that both a primary beam and a secondary beam of the light beam impinge on the light sensor. The invention also relates to a corresponding method. According to the invention, the second beam has an increased brightness, so that it is easier to measure both beams.

Abstract: An avalanche diode includes an absorption region in a germanium body epitaxially grown on a silicon body including a multiplication region. Aspect-ratio trapping is used to suppress dislocation growth in the vicinity of the absorption region.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, configured to determine a characteristic of glasses based on a first contour position and a second contour position, the first contour position indicating a contour position of a face that appears without the glasses and being detected from an obtained face image data of a user, and the second contour position indicating a contour position of the face that appears through the glasses and being detected from the obtained face image data of the user.

Abstract: An exemplary method for measuring a refractive index of a substance being measured through an optical window, includes arranging the optical window in contact with the substance being measured, directing light to the interface of the optical window and substance being measured, where part of the light is absorbed by the substance being measured and part of it is reflected from the substance being measured to form an image, in which the location of the boundary of light and dark areas expresses a critical angle of the total reflection dependent on the refractive index of the substance being measured, and examining the formed image. Light is directed on a first structure and to desired angles on an interface between the optical window and substance being measured. Light reflected from the interface of the optical window and substance being measured is directed on a second structure.

Abstract: An image processing device includes a memory; and a processor coupled to the memory, configured to determine a characteristic of glasses based on a first contour position and a second contour position, the first contour position indicating a contour position of a face that appears without the glasses and being detected from an obtained face image data of a user, and the second contour position indicating a contour position of the face that appears through the glasses and being detected from the obtained face image data of the user.

Abstract: A tool sensor calibration system and tool calibration method are disclosed herein. A tool sensor calibration system (200) comprises a flow pipe (206), an isolation cell (214) in fluid communication with the flow pipe, a sensor (210) positioned proximate to the isolation cell, a fluid chamber (213) containing a reference fluid (212) with a known property value, and a first valve (222a) coupled to the fluid chamber that provides selective fluid communication between the fluid chamber and the flow pipe. A tool calibration method comprises introducing a first fluid (208) into a flow pipe, introducing a reference fluid into the flow pipe from a fluid chamber in fluid communication with the flow pipe through a valve, wherein the first fluid and the reference fluid mix to form a composite fluid, and detecting a property of the composite fluid at an isolation cell in fluid communication with the flow pipe.

Abstract: Systems, including methods, apparatus, and algorithms, for spectrally imaging a two-dimensional array of samples.

Abstract: A silicon oil sensor is provided and includes a transparent member and a laser source emitting a laser beam. The transparent member includes a light receiving passageway with an oil receiving section and a side surface. The laser beam is directed into the light receiving passageway such that an incident angle ? of the laser beam (L) with respect to the side surface is selected so that a total reflection of the laser beam (L) occurs on the side surface when the oil receiving section is filled with air and exits out of the transparent member along a total reflection path (L1). A refraction of the laser beam (L) occurs along a refraction path (L2) when the oil receiving section collects silicon oil.

Abstract: Techniques described herein generally relate to a refractometer. Using electromagnetic energy, the refractometer can accurately measure refractive index of a liquid without bulky precision optics. By empirically determining a relationship between the refractive index of a liquid sample and a measured reflected power from a resonant structure when in contact with the liquid sample, the refractive index of a liquid can be determined by measuring this reflected power. Furthermore, using multiple light sources of different frequencies, the refractive index of the liquid sample can be determined over a very broad spectral range, for example from ultra-violet to far infrared.

Abstract: An implantable diagnostic device in accordance with the present disclosure provides various benefits such as a compact size thereby allowing implanting of the device inside animate objects; low cost due to incorporation of inexpensive detection circuitry and the use of conventional IC fabrication techniques; re-usability by heating thereby allowing multiple diagnostic tests to be performed without discarding the device; and a configuration that allows performing of simultaneous and/or sequential diagnostic tests for detecting one or more similar or dissimilar target molecules concurrently or at different times.

Abstract: There is provided a device, such as a microfluidic device, for performing an assay including: a substrate comprising a channel, such as a microfluidic channel; at least one optical element having an input port arranged to be optically coupled to a light source; an output port optically coupled to at least a portion of the channel; and a light guide portion optically connecting the input port and output port; and a detection port optically coupled to said at least a portion of the channel. The device provides an improved geometry which addresses problems related to traditional orthogonal detection arrangements and in-line detection systems.

Abstract: A refractive index sensor is provided for analyzing an analyte, the sensor including: a strip waveguide for receiving an input light signal therein and transmitting the light signal, subject to manipulation as it propagates through the strip waveguide, to a detector for analysis with respect to the analyte; and a slot waveguide for sensing the analyte disposed thereon and for receiving a sensing signal, corresponding to said manipulation of the light signal, from the strip waveguide, wherein a grating is formed on a surface of the strip waveguide to enable coupling of the sensing signal from the strip waveguide to the slot waveguide, and the sensor is configured with enhanced sensitivity based on a sensitivity difference between the slot waveguide and the strip waveguide, and/or a group index difference between the slot waveguide and the strip waveguide.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical module 1 in which an optical fiber 10 is fixed to two fixing portions (a fiber mount 30 and a pipe part 51) includes a first fixing step P3 of fixing apart of the optical fiber 10 to the fiber mount 30, and a second fixing step P4 of applying tension by pulling the optical fiber 10 while a base 20 connected to the respective fixing portions has been heated to an upper limit or higher of guaranteed temperature of the optical module 1 and fixing the other part of the optical fiber 10 to the pipe part 51.

Abstract: For cavity enhanced optical spectroscopy, the cavity modes are used as a frequency reference. Data analysis methods are employed that assume the data points are at equally spaced frequencies. Parameters of interest such as line width, integrated absorption etc. can be determined from such data without knowledge of the frequencies of any of the data points. Methods for determining the FSR index of each ring-down event are also provided.

Abstract: A degree of cure measuring apparatus has: a second optical fiber for emitting light from a tip face thereof; a probe for holding adhesive agent and irradiating the adhesive agent with light while the adhesive agent is in contact with the tip face of the second optical fiber; a detector for detecting light that is reflected from an interface between the tip face of the second optical fiber and the adhesive agent and then returns to the second optical fiber; and a computer for calculating the refractive index of the adhesive agent from the rate of the light amount of the light detected by the detector to the emission light amount from the tip face of the second optical fiber.

Abstract: This invention related to a method of and a system for estimating evaporation representing an area at a particular location The method comprises receiving air temperature information, using the received air temperature information to determine at least average air temperature, standard deviation of the air temperature, and skewness of the air temperature at the particular location, receiving soil heat flux information and net irradiance information indicative of soil heat flux and net irradiance at the particular location respectively, determining, sensible heat flux at the particular location by using at least the determined average air temperature, standard deviation of the air temperature, and skewness of the air temperature associated with the particular location, and determining an estimate of the evaporation at the particular location by using the determined sensible heat flux, received soil heat flux and net irradiance information.

Abstract: The invention relates to sensors for monitoring a medium, comprising an electromagnetic radiation source and a detector of electromagnetic radiation, the medium being located in the ray path between the electromagnetic radiation source and the detector and the refraction varying when the medium varies. The sensors are characterized by their ease of production. To that end, the electromagnetic radiation source and detector are disposed in at least one housing. Furthermore, either at least one region or at least one component of the housing consists of material which is transparent to electromagnetic radiation, the medium being located in the region or at the component of the housing. At least one wall of the region is so disposed or designed that the radiation for refraction impinges on or emerges from the surface at an angle which is different from 90°.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to devices for the completely automated detection and characterization of a resin flash in a part consisting of a composite material, the device including an OCT measuring head including an OCT measuring module, a manipulator capable of moving the OCT head in space, a control for the manipulator, and a computer including a memory for acquiring the definition of the geometry of the area to be tested, for recording the measurements, for storing a criterion file, and for performing calculations pertaining to the comparison of the recording with the criterion file. The disclosure also relates to a method for detection and characterization of such a resin flash.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus including an image forming unit configured to form an image includes a storage unit configured to store a reference feature quantity acquired using a result of measuring a first chart by a measurement device, a first acquisition unit configured to acquire a first feature quantity using a result of measuring a second chart by the measurement device, the second chart being created by the image forming unit, and an estimation unit configured to estimate a defective point generated in the image processing apparatus, by acquiring a second feature quantity from the reference feature quantity stored in the storage unit and the first feature quantity acquired by the first acquisition unit and using data in which the second feature quantity is associated with information about a defect generated in the image processing apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for measuring the formation of scale within a process system. The method involves measuring changes in the cell fouling as reflected on the refraction index measurements of a liquid medium with a refractometer and determining the scale formation from changes in the cell fouling factor. This allows for a refractometer to determine the formation of scale in locations that otherwise would not be measurable.

Abstract: A device for measuring refractive index of medium based on optical delay technology comprises: a signal processing and controlling module, an optical transmitter module, and an optical receiver module, wherein the signal processing and controlling module controls the optical transmitter module to transmit an optical signal having a certain wavelength; the optical signal is injected into a medium to be measured; the optical signal is transmitted and delayed by the medium; the optical receiver module receives the optical signal delayed, and transforms the optical signal delayed into a electrical signal; the electrical signal is amplified and transmitted to the signal processing and controlling module; the signal processing and controlling module measures a delay time between transmitting and receiving the optical signal; and the refractive index of the medium at the certain wavelength is calculated based on the delay time and a known length of the medium.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to processing SPR signals, in particular signals obtained by illuminating a conductive surface with light at two wavelengths. Processing SPR signals can involve processing a first and second signal indicative of an intensity of light, received from a conductive layer at which SPR has occurred, as a function of angle of incidence, reflection or diffraction at the layer. The first and second signals each have two dips corresponding to a respective wavelength of the light at a respective angle at which surface plasmon resonance occurs for the respective wavelength and a peak between the two dips. The processing includes deriving a first and second value of a quantity indicative of signal magnitudes in the region of the peak. The first and second values can be compared to detect a change in refractive index at the layer after the first signal and before the second signal was captured.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: A method of calculating, using a computer, a refractive index of at least a portion of a specimen by using electromagnetic wave measurement. The method includes measuring a first scattered waveform from a structure of the specimen, measuring a second scattered waveform from a structure, in which a material for calculating a refractive index is disposed on a surface of the specimen, and comparing intensities of peak positions at corresponding portions of the first scattered waveform and the second scattered waveform.

Abstract: An optical sensor apparatus includes an optically transmissive structure (e.g., a prism) having two planar faces and a third planar face that connects the two planar faces, two or more light sources located outside the structure, and a photodetector array located outside the prism. The structure, light sources, and photodetector array are configured such that light from the light sources that is totally internally reflected at an optical interface between the prism and a sample outside the structure proximate one of the two planar faces is incident on a portion of the photodetector array that depends on a refractive index of the sample. The light sources are positioned with respect to the structure and photodetector array such that the totally internally reflected light from each light source corresponds to a different range of refractive index of the sample and maps to a corresponding portion of the photodetector array.

Abstract: The invention relates to sensors for monitoring a medium, comprising an electromagnetic radiation source and a detector of electromagnetic radiation, the medium being located in the ray path between the electromagnetic radiation source and the detector and the refraction varying when the medium varies. The sensors are characterized by their ease of production. To that end, the electromagnetic radiation source and detector are disposed in at least one housing. Furthermore, either at least one region or at least one component of the housing consists of material which is transparent to electromagnetic radiation, the medium being located in the region or at the component of the housing. At least one wall of the region is so disposed or designed that the radiation for refraction impinges on or emerges from the surface at an angle which is different from 90°.

Abstract: In a refractive index measuring device (1) for measuring a refractive index of a solid sample (S), the solid sample (S) is closely attached to a prism (3) having a predetermined refractive index with a refractive index liquid (4) having a predetermined refractive index interposed therebetween. A scaled angle (light receiving member) (6) having a light receiving surface (6a) that receives first reflected light (R1), which is a part of light from a light source (2) and which is reflected by the prism (3), is provided. When the prism (3) is rotationally driven by a rotary table (rotational drive unit) (5) and an intensity of second reflected light (R2) detected by a detector (7) becomes lower than a predetermined value, the refractive index of the solid sample (S) is measured by using a position of the first reflected light (R1) on the light receiving surface (6a) of the scaled angle (6).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for identifying optical materials, and more specifically to methods employed to identify glass and other optical materials used in medical devices. The method includes the steps of (1) selecting refractive index liquids matching a given optical sample; (2) determining the matching points for the refractive index liquids; and (3) calculating the refractive indices and selecting best fit optical materials. The invention also relates to a system for identifying optical materials. The system is under the control and operation of a computing device which documents, displays and stores all the data.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for measuring the formation of scale within a process system. The method involves measuring changes in the cell fouling as reflected on the refraction index measurements of a liquid medium with a refractometer and determining the scale formation from changes in the cell fouling factor. This allows for a refractometer to determine the formation of scale in locations that otherwise would not be measureable.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling interdetector band broadening during the analysis of a sample injected into a chromatography system. A column flow is diluted with a dilution flow after the sample exits the chromatography system, and the diluted sample is analyzed by one or a combination of analysis instruments such as a light scattering detector, refractive index detector, an ultraviolet absorption detector.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a method for validating the human visual inspection process or an optical analysis instrument for use with biological particles may include inspecting a standard particle solution using the optical analysis instrument. The standard particle solution may include a known concentration of standard particles suspended in solution with the standard particles having a defined size and shape distribution. The standard particles may have a refractive index that is substantially similar to a refractive index of the biological particles. The method may include assessing a concentration of standard particles in the standard particle solution from the inspection. The method may include assessing a difference between the assessed concentration of standard particles and the known concentration of standard particles. The method may include modifying one or more parameters of the optical analysis instrument based on the assessed difference between the concentrations.

Abstract: A microscope system includes: a wavefront modulator that modulates a wavefront of light from a light source; an objective that irradiates a sample with light whose wavefront has been modulated by the wavefront modulator; a spherical aberration corrector that corrects spherical aberration caused by a difference between a refractive index of a medium between the objective and the sample and a refractive index of the sample; a refractive index calculator that calculates, for each wavelength of the light from the light source, an average refractive index of a medium between the objective and a condensing position of light emitted from the objective on the basis of an amount of the corrected spherical aberration; and a controller that controls the wavefront modulator to correct chromatic aberration calculated on the basis of the calculated average refractive index for each wavelength.

Abstract: Method for validating the accuracy of automated analyzers by performing an improved dye method procedure that uses at least first and second dye solutions in combination with gravimetric measurement of selected test solutions.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to temperature modulated refractive index measurement. In accordance with the invention a method for determination of the complex temperature coefficient of the refractive index of a sample is provided, wherein the determination of the complex temperature coefficient of the refractive index of the sample is based on a refractive index measurement. Furthermore, the refractive index of the sample is measured over a period of time, wherein the temperature of the sample is modulated over said period of time and the complex temperature coefficient of the refractive index is calculated on the basis of the refractive index measurement over the period of time and the temperature modulation over the period of time. Additionally, a measurement system, in particular comprising a temperature control system and a processing system to carry out the above method, is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus arranged to analyze a multi-layer optical material structure, the apparatus constituted of: a control unit, a light source outputting light; and a light receiver arranged to receive the light from the light source after interaction with the target structure, the control unit arranged to: detect the amplitude of the received light as a function of wavelength; perform a transform of a function of the detected amplitudes to the optical thickness domain; determine, responsive to a planned composition of the target multi-layer structure, optical thickness and amplitude of expected peaks of the performed transform to the optical thickness domain which correspond with interactions with single interface between layers; identify actual peaks of the performed transform to the optical thickness domain which correspond with interfaces between layers; and determine at least one physical characteristic of the target structure responsive to the determined peaks.

Abstract: An optical detection system for measuring a refractive index of a liquid analyte comprising a light transmitting assembly fiber, which includes a single-mode fiber, an optical fiber sensing module and a multi-mode fiber. The optical detection system is configured to emit a coherent light beam to one end of the assembly fiber; and a detector is configured to capture a specklegram from an exit end of the assembly fiber. When the optical detection system is in operation, the optical fiber sensing module is configured to be submerged into the liquid analyte. By analyzing the correlation between the specklegram corresponding to the liquid analyte and the reference specklegram, the refractive index of the liquid analyte can be obtained.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for exciting a sub-wavelength inclusion structure, comprising: providing a first medium having a first refractive index ni and a second medium having a second refractive index nt, wherein ni>nt, wherein the sub-wavelength inclusion structure is arranged at a boundary between the first and second media, wherein the sub-wavelength inclusion structure exhibits polarizability properties; and directing light through the first medium towards the sub-wavelength inclusion structure. The angle of the incident light to the normal of the boundary, ?i, is such that, for a given set of: frequency of the light; surface density of inclusions; average polarizability of the inclusion structure at the frequency; first refractive index; and second refractive index, ?i fulfils at least one of the relations for s-polarized light and for p-polarized light described herein.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for determining a property of a fluid is disclosed that in one embodiment may include a transparent member having an axis and a first end substantially perpendicular to the axis and a second end having an outer surface at a first angle to the axis, a light source directing light at the first end, a detector placed spaced from the second end, the space between the second end and the detector containing a fluid, wherein the detector detects light exiting from the outer surface at a second angle to the axis and passing through the fluid, and a controller for determining the second angle from the light detected by the detector. A processor determines the bulk fluid refractive index from the light detected by the detector and a property of the fluid therefrom.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow cell for absorption detection, in which a tube through which flow is to pass is held at its opposite ends in a supporting flange in each case and is suspended in a substantially cantilevered manner, the two supporting flanges being connected rigidly to each other in order to avoid stresses accidentally introduced into the tube.

Abstract: An exemplary method for measuring a refractive index of a substance being measured through an optical window, includes arranging the optical window in contact with the substance being measured, directing light to the interface of the optical window and substance being measured, where part of the light is absorbed by the substance being measured and part of it is reflected from the substance being measured to form an image, in which the location of the boundary of light and dark areas expresses a critical angle of the total reflection dependent on the refractive index of the substance being measured, and examining the formed image. Light is directed on a first structure and to desired angles on an interface between the optical window and substance being measured. Light reflected from the interface of the optical window and substance being measured is directed on a second structure.

Abstract: A method and a sensor for detecting a target gas by laser spectroscopy using a laser or a laser diode having a monochrome emission wavelength that can be modulated by varying the operating temperature or the operating current. The wavelength range of the target gas comprises a first modulation of the laser or the laser diode over a first large modulation width, in addition to at least two absorption lines of a reference gas and at least one absorption line of the target gas. The absorption lines are used to calibrate the wavelength scale of the laser or the laser diode in relation to the varied operating temperature or operating current, a second modulation of the laser or the laser diode being performed over a second small modulation width, with the at least one absorption line of the target gas, for detecting the target gas.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for nondestructively measuring the refractive index and the central thickness of a lens. The system comprises a radius measurement module arranged for measuring the curvature radius of the first surface of the lens; a focus measurement module arranged for measuring the best focus distance of the first surface of the lens; and a calculation module arranged for performing the first or the second calculation process according to the lensmaker's formula. Wherein, when the central thickness is given, the calculation module performs the first calculation process according to the curvature radius, the best focus distance and the central thickness to calculate the refractive index. On the contrary, when the refractive index is given, the calculation module performs the second calculation process according to the curvature radius, the best focus distance and the refractive index to calculate the central thickness.

Abstract: A low coherence enhanced backscattering tomography (LEBT) method is disclosed for depth-selective sensing of the superficial layer of tissue. 3D images of the microarchitecture and molecular conformation of the superficial layer of tissue are obtained. The method combines the high resolution advantage of low coherence light and the high sensitivity advantage of light scattering to tissue structure and composition. Intact tissue can be examined without the need of excision or processing. The method can be applied in in situ measurements. According to the method, 3D images of the nuclear morphology and cellular structure for the superficial layer of the tissue are generated; this is particularly useful in detecting cancer and precancer at the earliest stage of carcinogenesis.

Abstract: A method and system for testing the functional capability of an analytical instrument uses first and second blind samples. Each blind sample is a test substance with an amount of a parameter to be tested that is unknown to the user. Each blind sample is provided with an identification means with a unique identification. When the blind samples are tested by the user in the instrument being tested, the measurement values obtained and the unique identifications read are compared against predetermined values that are accessible to a test program configured as software on the analytical instrument. By comparison of the measurement values and the predetermined values, the functional capability of the analytical instrument is determined and the result is transmitted to an output unit of the analytical instrument.