Abstract: A fluid distributor for uniformly distributing flow of a feed onto a chromatography column in a cost-effective way defines a distribution channel of generally conical shape between a solid back plate and a packed bed in the column, wherein the fluid distributor comprises at least two circular and/or annular fluid-permeable porous disks essentially filling the volume of the distribution channel.

Abstract: An optical measuring system includes at least one radiation source, at least one radiation receiver, and at least one flow through cell. The radiation emitted by the at least one radiation source passes at least partially in an optical path between the radiation source and the radiation receiver through the flow through cell and then strikes the at least one radiation receiver. The radiation receiver is embodied to output a signal dependent on the intensity of the radiation striking the radiation receiver, wherein the flow through cell is arranged in a cell holder, which is connected via a first connection interface releasably with the radiation receiver and which is connected via a second connection interface releasably with the radiation source.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward microfluidic systems, apparatus, and methods for measuring a quantity of cells in a fluid. Examples include a differential white blood cell measurement using a centrifugal microfluidic system. A method may include introducing a fluid sample containing a quantity of cells into a microfluidic channel defined in part by a substrate. The quantity of cells may be transported toward a detection region defined in part by the substrate, wherein the detection region contains a density media, and wherein the density media has a density lower than a density of the cells and higher than a density of the fluid sample. The substrate may be spun such that at least a portion of the quantity of cells are transported through the density media. Signals may be detected from label moieties affixed to the cells.

Abstract: An apparatus for hemolyzing a blood sample and for measuring at least one parameter thereof comprises a sample chamber for accommodation of the blood sample, the sample chamber having a first sidewall and an opposite second sidewall. The apparatus also comprises ultrasonic generator for generating ultrasonic waves in the first and second sidewalls so as to cause the blood sample provided between the first and second sidewall to be hemolyzed. Further, the apparatus comprises an optical measuring device for measuring the at least one parameter in the hemolyzed blood sample when the hemolyzed blood sample is provided between the first and second sidewalls. The ultrasonic generator of the apparatus comprises a first ultrasonic generator for generating ultrasonic waves in the first sidewall and a second ultrasonic generator for generating ultrasonic waves in the second sidewall.

Abstract: A sample handling method may include drawing an encapsulating liquid from an encapsulating-liquid input; discharging the drawn encapsulating liquid (a) onto a free surface of a carrier liquid in a carrier-liquid conduit comprising a stabilization feature and (b) proximate to the stabilization feature, the encapsulating liquid being immiscible with the carrier liquid, so that the discharged encapsulating liquid does not mix with the carrier liquid, floats on top of the carrier liquid, and is immobilized by the stabilization feature; drawing a sample liquid from a sample-liquid input; and discharging the drawn sample liquid, the sample liquid being immiscible with the encapsulating liquid and with the carrier liquid, so that the sample liquid does not mix with the encapsulating liquid or with the carrier liquid.

Abstract: Motion strategies in two and three dimensions for scanning microscope imaging are described. An object, sample, or specimen is mounted on a precision three-dimensional stage. The object is moved concurrently with respect to a first axis and a second axis orthogonal to the first against a cutting tool to cut the object. An image of the cut portion is generated as the object is moved. The cutting tool may act as an optical waveguide for illuminating the portion of the object cut. An optical element captures images of the cut and illuminated object. The object may further be concurrently moved with respect to a third axis orthogonal to both the first and second.

Abstract: A pre-treatment method for analyzing a specified portion in a specimen composed of a biological tissue includes the steps of preparing a specimen to be analyzed, determining a specified portion in the specimen; and applying an analysis inhibitor to a portion except the specified portion of the specimen using a droplet spray method.

Abstract: Methods and systems for setting up a wafer inspection process using programmed defects are provided. One method includes altering a design for a dummy area of a production chip such that printing of the dummy area on a wafer results in printing of a variety of defects. Two or more of the defects have different types, one or more different characteristics, different contexts in the design, or a combination thereof. The dummy area printed on a wafer may then be scanned with two or more optical modes of an inspection system to determine which of the optical mode(s) are better for defect detection. Additional areas of the wafer may then be scanned with the optical mode(s) that are better for defect detection to determine noise information. The noise information may then be used to select one or more of the optical modes for use in a wafer inspection process.

Abstract: Methods and devices for cutting and collecting dissected specimens are described herein.

Abstract: A apparatus for microfluid detection for detecting a sample fluid including a plurality of magnetic particles is provided. The apparatus for microfluid detection includes a microfluidic chip and a magnetic generating module. The microfluidic chip includes a substrate and microfluidic channels, wherein the sample fluid is carried by a carry surface of the substrate. The magnetic generating module is adapted for providing a positioning magnetic field and a surrounding magnetic field. The magnetic module controls to move the sample fluid and change a distribution of the magnetic particles in the sample fluid through the positioning magnetic field and the surrounding magnetic field.

Abstract: Thickness and group index variations in test strip samples of ultra-low expansion glass are made by extracting the strip samples with front and back faces oriented at an acute skew angle to the axis of the boule. The strip samples are positioned the within an interferometric measurement cavity so that a set of subcavities formed by pairings of each of two reference surfaces together with each of the front and back faces of the strip sample which each subcavity having a different optical path length spacing. The skew angle is sized to avoid diffusion effects of striae present in the boule.

Abstract: To perform accurate measurement in the analysis of chemical components with low concentration, pretreatment such as concentration and purification of samples is essential. For high-throughput of pretreatment of biological samples, various random clinical testing is encountered, where analytes change from sample to sample. The pretreatment apparatus has a separating agent selectively separating a specific component by allowing a sample solution to flow therethrough. A holding section holds a plurality of housing sections, which house the separating agent therein, and has an endless track. A pressurizing section applies pressure to the housing section in a continuous and random-accessible manner; and an extraction solution receiver mechanism selectively receives an extracted solution from the separating agent housed in the housing section. A mass spectrometer is that can be connected to the pretreatment apparatus. Thus, a large number of specimens can be simultaneously processed.

Abstract: Among other things, a first surface is configured to receive a sample and is to be used in a microscopy device. There is a second surface to be moved into a predefined position relative to the first surface to form a sample space that is between the first surface and the second surface and contains at least part of the sample. There is a mechanism configured to move the second surface from an initial position into the predefined position to form the sample space. When the sample is in place on the first surface, the motion of the second surface includes a trajectory that is not solely a linear motion of the second surface towards the first surface.

Abstract: The invention encompasses analyzers and analyzer systems that include a single molecule analyzer, methods of using the analyzer and analyzer systems to analyze samples, either for single molecules or for molecular complexes. The single molecule uses electromagnetic radiation that is translated through the sample to detect the presence or absence of a single molecule. The single molecule analyzer provided herein is useful for diagnostics because the analyzer detects single molecules with zero carryover between samples.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for determining an optimized purge gas flow in a semi-conductor inspection metrology or lithography apparatus, comprising receiving a permissible contaminant mole fraction, a contaminant outgassing flow rate associated with a contaminant, a contaminant mass diffusivity, an outgassing surface length, a pressure, a temperature, a channel height, and a molecular weight of a purge gas, calculating a flow factor based on the permissible contaminant mole fraction, the contaminant outgassing flow rate, the channel height, and the outgassing surface length, comparing the flow factor to a predefined maximum flow factor value, calculating a minimum purge gas velocity and a purge gas mass flow rate from the flow factor, the contaminant mass diffusivity, the pressure, the temperature, and the molecular weight of the purge gas, and introducing the purge gas into the semi-conductor inspection metrology or lithography apparatus with the minimum purge gas velocity and the purge gas flow rate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a test paper is disclosed in the present invention, and at least comprises the following steps. First, a chemical precursor comprising at least a reducing agent is coated onto a substrate. The substrate is then dipped into a metal salt solution comprising a plurality of metal ions for a predetermined time to reduce the metal ions to form metal particles on the substrate. Finally, the substrate is taken out and dried to complete a manufacture of at least a test paper. In the meantime a method for using the test paper, and a chemical composition used in the abovementioned for manufacturing the test paper are also disclosed in the present invention.

Abstract: An optical measurement instrument includes: an excitation light source (120) arranged to produce an excitation beam for at least one of samples to be measured and a detector (132) arranged to detect an emission beam emitted by one of the samples to be measured and to produce a detection signal responsive to the detected emission beam. The optical measurement instrument further includes an arrangement for controlling temperature of the samples to be measured. The arrangement includes: one or more temperature sensors (176) for producing one or more temperature signals responsive to temperature of a measurement chamber (170) of the optical measurement instrument, one or more heating resistors (171-175) arranged to warm the measurement chamber, and a controller (177) arranged to control electrical power supplied to the heating resistors on the basis of the one or more temperature signals.

Abstract: A temporary optical wave diffusion-promoting film is adhered to a lidded microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) wafer. Testing is performed on the lidded MEMS wafer using an interferometer directed towards the temporary optical wave diffusion-promoting film applied to the lidded MEMS wafer. The temporary optical wave diffusion-promoting film is peeled from the lidded MEMS wafer to remove the temporary optical wave diffusion-promoting film from the lidded MEMS wafer after performing the testing.

Abstract: Methods and devices for cutting and collecting dissected specimens are described herein.

Abstract: A rapid test method for evaluating the delamination in glass packaging is provided. The method includes exposing the glass packaging means to an atmosphere consisting of steam in order to form a corrosion zone; and subsequently carrying out at least one other step. The other step includes: visualizing the corrosion zone using a light microscope; visualizing the corrosion zone by a staining process with a subsequent inspection process; or removing glass components in ultrapure water and quantifying the removed glass components. The rapid test method provides a conclusion about whether a glass packaging exhibits a tendency to delaminate or not in a simple and reliable manner and in a relatively short time span.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a lithography original checking method includes applying resin onto a first lithography original having a first concavo-convex pattern, hardening the resin, releasing the hardened resin from the first lithography original and producing a second lithography original having a second concavo-convex pattern corresponding to the first concavo-convex pattern, enlarging the second lithography original, detecting a defect on the enlarged second lithography original, and calculating a position of a defect on the first lithography original based on the position of the detected defect.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a composition in transition from liquid to solid state includes the steps of providing an apparatus having a temperature pyrometer, a drying element, a laser displacement sensor, and an electronic balance; providing a composition in a liquid state; converting the composition to a solid state; and measuring the a process condition during said step of converting. The apparatus can include a drying element, a temperature pyrometer, a laser displacement sensor, a platform for holding a composition, an electronic balance, and a spectral birefringence measurement system.

Abstract: According to an example, an apparatus for performing spectroscopy includes a substrate on which a plurality of surface-enhanced spectroscopy (SES) elements are positioned substantially along a first plane. The apparatus also includes a first electrode positioned adjacent to the plurality of SES elements substantially along the first plane and a second electrode positioned adjacent to the plurality of SES elements substantially along the first plane and on a side of the plurality of SES elements that is opposite the first electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are to generate an electric field around the plurality of SES elements when voltages are applied through the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for scanning and measuring transparent fibers. One example method includes placing the transparent fibers on a platen of a flat-bed style scanner and compressing the transparent fibers to the platen with a cover including a non-reflective surface adjacent to the transparent fibers. The method also includes spacing an image sensor apart from a light source on a carriage below the platen and transmitting light from the light source through the platen. The light refracts within the transparent fibers and reflects from the transparent fibers to the image sensor and is absorbed by the non-reflective surface of the cover. The method also includes capturing an image of the transparent fibers with the image sensor.

Abstract: Methods for determining the planarity of two components of a semiconductor processing tool, such as a 3D wafer bonder are disclosed. The two components may be fixtures, chucks, or platens of the tool. A test wafer comprising multiple solder balls is compressed and the deformity of multiple solder balls is measured to assess the planarity of the tool. The measurement of the deformed solder balls may be performed manually, or with an automated wafer inspection tool, which may use lasers to measure the height of each solder ball. The planarity of the two components is computed based on the height of the deformed solder balls.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for suppression of bubbles in an optical measurement cell. A measurement cell is filled with a fluid sample. Valves connected through plumbing connections to the cell are operated such that any flow in and out of the cell is stopped. A pressure source is then applied through a valve and flow impedance mechanism to the liquid contained within the cell, causing any bubbles contained or generated within the cell to be dissolved back into solution or reduced in size such that optical measurements taken of the sample are more accurate and free of interference with the measurement beam and of measured stray light. Possible pressure sources include compressed gas, a piston, and a constant flow-rate pump.

Abstract: A laser ablation chamber, which is suitable for use in a conventional laser-assisted micro dissection unit (LMD), in combination with the LMD allows for both quantitative spatially resolved nanolocal analysis and distribution analysis of element concentrations of a sample, and a microscopic detection of the surface topography of the same sample, in the nanometer range. Optionally, further examinations may follow, without having to remove the sample from a microscope slide bearing the sample. For the examination, a region of the sample to be analyzed is selected with the aid of a microscope of a LMD. For this purpose, the sample is located on the lower face of a cover slip (microscope slide), which also forms part of a laser ablation chamber mounted beneath the microscope slide and inside the LMD. A portion of the sample is ablated and analyzed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for predicting the tint strength of a pigmented coating composition, such as automotive OEM or refinish paint, on a real time basis while it is being made. The tint strength of a coating resulting from a layer, obtained by adding a reference binder to the coating composition, is measured. The process is repeated by subjecting the coating compositions to successive grinding intervals. The tint strength vs. reflectance is plotted on a graph and then by using a curve fitting equation, a tint strength prediction curve is obtained. By measuring the reflectance of a wet layer of a target coating composition, the tint strength of that target coating composition can then be predicted by using the tint strength prediction curve. The process is most useful during the manufacture of coating compositions, such as automotive OEM and refinishes paints.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated laser microdissection are disclosed including automatic slide detection, position detection of cutting and capture lasers, focus optimization for cutting and capture lasers, energy and duration optimization for cutting and capture lasers, inspection and second phase capture and/or ablation in a quality control station and tracking information for linking substrate carrier or output microdissected regions with input sample or slide.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated laser microdissection are disclosed. In one variation, targeted biological material is manually or automatically selected and a transfer film is placed in juxtaposition to the location of an interior of a cut path. In another variation, a sample of biological material is mounted onto a polymer membrane which is then placed onto a substrate. Targeted biological material is manually or automatically selected and a transfer film is placed in juxtaposition with the targeted biological material on the side of the biological material. In yet another variation, a sample of biological material is mounted onto a polymer membrane which is then inverted onto a substrate. Targeted biological material is manually or automatically selected and a transfer film is placed in juxtaposition with the targeted biological material on the side of the polymer membrane.

Abstract: There is provided a method for performing a pretreatment on an unknown sample including: preparing a plurality of different types of first solutions; adding an unknown sample to the plurality of first solutions and determining whether or not the unknown sample is dissolved; selecting one among the plurality of first solutions in which the unknown sample is dissolved; preparing a plurality of second solution by differentiating concentrations of the selected solution; adding an unknown sample to the second solution and determining whether or not the unknown sample is dissolved; selecting a solution having the lowest concentration in which the unknown sample can be dissolved from among the second solutions; and dissolving the unknown sample by using the solution having the lowest concentration.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for monitoring a treatment of a patient, preferably for monitoring hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and/or peritoneal dialysis, the method comprising the steps of irradiating a sample of a dialysis liquid used in the treatment with irradiation light of at least a first irradiation wavelength, detecting light emitted by the irradiated sample in at least a first detection wavelength, the detection wavelength being different from the first irradiation wavelength, and determining the presence and/or concentration of at least one analyte in the sample on the basis of the detected light.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus for a non-contact method of obtaining accurate three-dimensional measurements of a dry contact lens, more specifically, using dry lens metrology to know the exact thickness of a contact lens.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a device for inspecting glass substrate of liquid crystal display. The method includes (1) providing an inspection device, wherein the inspection device comprises a device body, an operation table mounted on the device body, an irradiation lamp mounted to the device body and located above the operation table, and a steam nozzle mounted to the device body and located above the operation table, the operation table having a bearing surface, the bearing surface forming an included angle with respect to the horizon; (2) positioning a glass substrate-to-be-inspected on the bearing surface; and (3) turning on the irradiation lamp and spraying steam through the steam nozzle toward the glass substrate-to-be-inspected and at the same time, performing visual inspection of the glass substrate to which the steam attaches.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a system for improving the precision of element measurement based on laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy. The method comprises: press-forming a sample to be measured with a tablet press; making a hole on or immediately above a surface of the press formed sample; forming a layer of aerosol immediately above the surface of the sample to be measured with the components thereof completely identical to those of the sample to be measured; testing the sample to be measured by using a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopic system, so as to obtain the intensities of the characteristic spectral lines of a target element in the sample to be measured; and determining the concentration of the target element in the sample to be measured according to a calibration curve of the target element in prearranged calibration samples.

Abstract: The present process adjusts the amount of flattener added to the coating composition, the gloss of a coating resulting therefrom can be controlled from glossy to flat (matte) finish. The process includes measuring reflectance (L-value) of a layer of the coating composition applied over a test substrate by using gloss prediction device of the present invention. The metallic gloss of a coating resulting from the layer is then measured. The process is repeated with varying amounts of one or more flatteners added to the composition and the metallic gloss vs. reflectance is plotted on a graph. Then by means of a curve fitting equation, a metallic gloss prediction curve is plotted. By measuring the reflectance of a wet layer of a target coating composition, the metallic gloss that would be produced by a coating from that target coating composition can then be predicted by using the gloss prediction curve.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for classifying different parts of a sample into respective classes based on an image stack that includes one or more images.

Abstract: The invention encompasses analyzers and analyzer systems that include a single molecule analyzer, methods of using the analyzer and analyzer systems to analyze samples, either for single molecules or for molecular complexes. The single molecule uses electromagnetic radiation that is translated through the sample to detect the presence or absence of a single molecule. The single molecule analyzer provided herein is useful for diagnostics because the analyzer detects single molecules with zero carryover between samples.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for optical visualization of graphene domains, and more particularly to a method for optical visualization of graphene domains, which can optically visualize the domains and domain boundaries of graphene by forming on a substrate a graphene layer to be measured, forming a liquid crystal layer on the formed graphene layer, and then measuring the optical properties of the formed nematic liquid crystal layer. The method for optical visualization of graphene domains according to the invention uses a liquid crystal-coating method, which is simpler and easier than a conventional method for observing graphene domains. Thus, the method of the invention is simple, time-saving and inexpensive and, at the same time, enables very-large-area graphene domains to be observed with a polarizing microscope or the like. Therefore, the inventive method will be very useful in the research of graphene's properties.

Abstract: A method for measuring intensity distribution of light includes a step of providing a carbon nanotube array located on a surface of a substrate. The carbon nanotube array has a top surface away from the substrate. The carbon nanotube array with the substrate is located in an inertia environment or a vacuum environment. A light source irradiates the top surface of the carbon nanotube array, to make the carbon nanotube array radiate a visible light. A reflector is provided, and the visible light is reflected by the reflector. An imaging element images the visible light reflected by the reflector, to obtain an intensity distribution of the light source.

Abstract: An optical detection process relates to detecting micron- or submicron-sized particles or organisms by means of a contact imaging device, the particles or organisms being immersed in a liquid droplet and the detection being carried out by means of a matrix of photosensitive cells or photosites. The process includes one detection step or a succession of detection steps carried out while the liquid droplet is evaporating. The process may also include a detection step carried out after the liquid droplet has evaporated. The process allows a three-dimensional distribution of the particles or organisms in the initial unevaporated droplet to be reconstructed.

Abstract: A method of removing a target from a biological sample which involves placing a transfer surface in contact with the biological sample, and then focally altering the transfer surface to allow selective separation of the target from the biological sample. In disclosed embodiments, the target is a cell or cellular component of a tissue section and the transfer surface is a film that can be focally altered to adhere the target to the transfer surface. Subsequent separation of the film from the tissue section selectively removes the adhered target from the tissue section. The transfer surface is activated from within the target to adhere the target to the transfer surface, for example by heating the target to adhere it to a thermoplastic transfer surface. Such in situ activation can be achieved by exposing the biological sample to an immunoreagent that specifically binds to the target (or a component of the target).

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for measuring full field deformation characteristics of a deformable body. The method includes determining optical setup design parameters for measuring displacement and strain fields, and generating and applying a dot pattern on a planar side of a deformable body. A sequence of images of the dot pattern is acquired before and after deformation of the body. Irregular objects are eliminated from the images based on dot light intensity threshold and the object area or another geometrical cutoff criterion. The characteristic points of the dots are determined, and the characteristic points are matched between two or more of the sequential images. The displacement vector of the characteristic points is found, and mesh free or other techniques are used to estimate the full field displacement based on the displacement vector of the characteristic points. Strain tensor or other displacement-derived quantities can also be estimated using mesh-free or other analysis techniques.

Abstract: A method for analyzing molecular pollutants of a fluid. From a calibrated flow of fluid, a combination of a measurement of a total amount of molecular pollutants and a determination of chemical compositions and relative amounts of the molecular pollutants by adsorption on materials is carried out. The determination of the chemical compositions and relative amounts advantageously occur after a threshold value for the total measured amount is exceeded.

Abstract: Automatic devices that determine when pollutant deposits have accumulated in ductwork may be employed to notify maintenance personnel or automated cleaning equipment of the need for ducts to cleaned or replaced. Various detection devices may be employed to detect a property of accumulated grease and generate an indication of an accumulation. The detection device may present a surface to the fume stream inside a duct. The surface may be cooled to a temperature that represents a worst case temperature so that the accumulation due to condensation on the detector surface is at least as high as the coolest surface in the ductwork which is being monitored. Alternatively, the detection device may be located external to the duct. The detection device may interrogate the surface of the duct through contact or noncontact measurements to determine the thickness of an accumulated grease layer on the interior of the duct.

Abstract: A coal analysis system and method includes an extrusion subsystem configured to produce an extrusion from coal samples. An auger drives coal samples through a centering ring producing the extrusion. A LIBS subsystem is configured to analyze the extrusion and an NMR analysis subsystem is downstream of the LIBS subsystem to further analyze the coal.

Abstract: This invention provides a body fluid detection method by using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy. In this method, some biological macromolecules in body fluid samples could be separated with membrane electrophoresis technique firstly. Next, samples are cut off along with the substrates and touched with glacial acetic acid. Transparent colloid formed while incubating. Then add enhancing substrates and continue to incubate and stir. When solid impurities precipitated, stop incubating and stand for layering. In the end, take upper layer resulted to be tested using SERS detection method and build SERS database. This invention successfully eliminated disturbance of other complex components on the SERS detection of protein, DNA and RNA. High quality SERS spectrum obtained is beneficial to the analysis and process of SERS spectrum. Thus body fluid can be differentiated by comparing body fluid SERS spectrum belonging to the healthy people and patients.

Abstract: Method for irradiating granules, in the case of which the granules are arranged in a sample container (2) and are irradiated with an irradiation lamp (3), the granules being periodically mixed during the irradiation such that different surfaces of the granules are irradiated. It is preferred to make use for the irradiation of a device which comprises a. at least one irradiation lamp (3), and b. at least one sample container (2) for the granules to be irradiated, the sample container being connected to a drive so that the sample container can be moved during the irradiation and the granules can be mixed.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating birefringence of an adhesive agent, and of designing and producing an adhesive agent using the evaluation method, as well as adhesive agents produced using these methods. A polarizing plate and a liquid crystal display device using the obtained adhesive agent are proposed, as well as methods for producing the same.

Abstract: A multilayer light reflective self assembly film or coating which reflects light of a desired wavelength is obtained by blending block copolymer fractions of different molecular weight. The colour of light reflected by the film or coating depends on the relative amounts of the block copolymers in the blend. Thus, the colour of the reflected light is selectable by varying the relative amounts of the block copolymers in the blend. The polymers may be cross-linked by means of a suitable cross-linking agent. Applications of the film or coating include anti-counterfeiting devices.