Abstract: The apparatus (1) for agricultural crop analysis, comprises: a light source (2) for sending light radiation towards a crop; a plurality of sensors (21) for acquiring light radiation reflected by the crop and a plurality of filtering elements (22) adapted to enable complete passage only of light having frequencies within a predetermined passband. The filtering elements (22) have passbands that differ from each other and each filtering element (22) is functionally coupled with a respective sensor (21) in such a manner that the latter receives only light radiation that has traversed the former.

Abstract: A submersible sensor device configured as a small pellet for testing biological and other liquid samples is provided. In one aspect, a sensing device includes: a housing; and one or more sensors contained within the housing, wherein the housing hermetically seals the sensors such that the sensing device is fully submersible in a liquid analyte. A method and system for analysis of a liquid sample using the present sensing device are also provided.

Abstract: A measuring device for sensing different gases and gas concentrations, includes an infrared radiation source, a measurement channel, which has an optical path and a gas interaction path, and radiation detectors arranged along the measurement channel. The optical path has a first band-pass interference filter arranged at a first deflection point and a first radiation detector is arranged after the band-pass interference filter. A method that uses the measuring device, includes: measurement radiation is introduced into the measurement channel containing the gas to be measured, the measurement radiation hits the first band-pass interference filter, wherein only radiation of a wavelength defined by the first band-pass interference filter hits the first radiation detector, radiation reflected at the band-pass interference filter is forwarded along the optical path in the measurement channel to a second radiation detector, and the gas concentrations measured by the radiation detectors are evaluated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure can comprise a method for multiplexed analysis. The method can comprise acquiring interrogation data associated with a microstructure in a population and analyzing the microstructure based on the interrogation data. In some embodiments, the microstructure can have a different shape than at least another microstructure in the population and comprise a plurality of cells. Additionally, the acquiring the interrogation data can comprise acquiring interrogation data of microstructures in a population at a structure concentration of at least 100 microstructures/?L. Therefore, in some embodiments, acquiring the interrogation data can comprises flowing the population through a flow cytometer.

Abstract: A blood glucose meter (component measurement apparatus) includes a measurement chip, and an apparatus main body including an insertion hole. The measurement chip includes a pair of plate pieces, a spacer arranged between the pair of plate pieces, and a cavity that can retain blood. A pair of wall portions of the insertion hole, facing each other at a measurement unit and in the vicinity of the measurement unit, is separated from each other with a width smaller than a thickness of the measurement chip in a lamination direction. The spacer elastically deforms by a state in which the pair of plate pieces is pressed by the pair of wall portions and defines a width of the cavity.

Abstract: An optical fluid sensor (OFS) is disclosed that includes a body defining a chamber and having one or more apertures to allow a fluid to enter the chamber, a light source optically coupled to the chamber and configured to emit light into the chamber, and a detector optically coupled to the chamber and configured to receive light from the chamber. The light source may emit IR, visible, and UV light into the chamber, and the detector may measure an intensity of one or more wavelengths of IR or visible light received by the detector. When fluid is disposed within the chamber, the light emitted by the light source may pass into and through the fluid disposed in the chamber before being received by the detector. A crossover protection system is also disclosed that includes an OFS for determining a transported liquid type.

Abstract: A flow cell (2) includes a plate-shaped body 21 that is almost rectangular in a plan view, an introduction portion (22) that is made of a concave portion formed in the upper surface of the body (21), a channel (23) that is formed inside the body (21) and has one end connected to the lower end of the introduction portion (22), and a delivery portion (24) that is made of a concave portion formed in the body (21) and has the lower end connected to the other end of the channel (23). The introduction portion (22) is formed to cause the meniscus of a liquid introduced from an opening to apply, to the liquid, a positive pressure or a negative pressure whose absolute value is smaller than that of a negative pressure applied to the liquid introduced into the channel (23) by the meniscus of the liquid. The channel (23) is formed to cause the meniscus of the liquid introduced into the channel (23) to apply a negative pressure to the liquid.

Abstract: A device for determining the composition of a mixture of fluids by spectral absorption, comprises: a radiation source; a detector for detecting radiation that has been attenuated by the mixture; and a device for separating the radiation into a wavelength band corresponding to an absorption band of one of the fluids, a wavelength band corresponding to an absorption band of another of the fluids, and at least one reference wavelength band substantially adjacent to each of the absorption bands, and especially adjacent to each side of the absorption band or group of absorption bands. The device may be used to determine the composition of mixtures of oil, water and gaseous hydrocarbons in oil wells where there is a very large degree of time varying scattering e.g. Rayleigh and Mie scattering due to turbulence.

Abstract: Sensor structure (16) is provided for online monitoring of levels of Furans in oil of a transformer tank. The sensor structure includes a UV light source (26), a filter (30) permitting only UV light of a certain wavelength range to pass, a window (32) permitting the filtered UV light to passes there-through and a UV light detector (36) to receive UV light that passes through the window. When the sensor structure is mounted to the transformer tank that is online so that the window is exposed to oil, and Furans in the oil are being monitored, the Furans will absorb UV light, creating a difference in UV light received by the light detector when compared to the UV light received by the light detector when the monitored oil has no Furans therein. The output signal of the light detector is substantially proportional to a total of Furans in the monitored oil.

Abstract: A method for analyzing a sample includes the step of irradiating a reaction portion of a sample BL and a reagent 40 in a reaction cell 34A of an analysis unit with light to obtain data D0 indicating optical characteristics of this portion. The method further includes the steps of irradiating a reference cell 34B which is not provided with a reagent 40 with light in a state in which the sample BL is supplied to the cell to obtain reference data D1 indicating optical characteristics of this portion, irradiating a base portion 34C of the analysis unit with light to obtain reference data D2 indicating optical characteristics of this portion, and obtaining data D3 indicating optical characteristics of the sample BL before reaction with the reagent 40 based on the reference data D1 and D2.

Abstract: Various embodiments of integrated measurement cell systems for the simultaneous or near simultaneous measurement of light scattering and UV absorption measurements, and methods of their use, are disclosed. In the flow cell implementations, the height of the measurement cell is traversed by the UV beam multiple times by beam directing optics, allowing thereby, the accurate determination of concentration present in the integrated flow cell and allowing the user to select the desired sensitivity which is proportional to the number of passes the beam makes through the cell. Batch implementations also allow for near simultaneous measurement of light scattering and UV absorption within the cuvette. These embodiments aid in the reduction or elimination of errors due to interdetector band broadening while also decreasing the amount of sample required and improving design flexibility of integrated measurement systems.

Abstract: A sample cell can be designed to minimize excess gas volume. Described features can be advantageous in reducing an amount of gas required to flow through the sample cell during spectroscopic measurements, and in reducing a time (e.g. a total volume of gas) required to flush the cell between sampling events. In some examples, contours of the inners surfaces of the sample cell that contact the contained gas can be shaped, dimensioned, etc. such that a maximum clearance distance is provided between the inner surfaces at one or more locations. Systems, methods, and articles, etc. are described.

Abstract: A chromatography system has a multi-channel detection device including a flow cell, optics for directing light from light sources to the flow cell and outputting light that has passed through the flow cell, and a multi-channel detector. The optics has a function of dispersing light in wavelength in an optical path. The detector receives the light dispersed in wavelength. The multi-channel detection device also has a signal processing part connected to the detector. The chromatography system has a data processing apparatus. The signal processing circuit has a function of calculating an absorbance by absorbance=?log10(I/I0) using the intensity I of light having a wavelength to be measured that is outputted from the detector and a reference intensity I0 of light that is an average of intensities of light having different wavelengths that is produced at the same point of time as the light having a wavelength to be measured.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel methods and devices for measurement of particle concentration or changes in particle concentration over a wide linear range. The invention comprises one or more radiation sources and one or more detectors contained in a housing which is interfaced to a medium containing particulate matter. The one or more radiation sources are directed into the medium, scattered or transmitted by the particulate matter, and then some portion of the radiation is detected by the one or more detectors. Methods for confining the measurement to a specific volume within the medium are described. Algorithms are provided for combining the signals generated by multiple source-detector pairs in a manner that results in a wide linear range of response to changes in particle concentration. In one embodiment the sensor provides non-invasive measurements of biomass in a bioreactor. In another embodiment an immersible probe design is described, which may be suited for one-time use.

Abstract: An optical probe for measuring physical and chemical characteristics of a transparent fluid medium during flow comprises two fingers parallel to one another and to the flow. Each finger consists of a solid bar of transparent material, in which a light beam propagates and is reflected on an end face of the bar, said face being situated upstream in the flow. Such an optical probe may be reduced in size, and provides results which are less sensitive to disturbances of the flow that are caused by the probe itself.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the pH value of a liquid. The system and method excite the liquid molecules in the liquid by light with a predetermined wavelength and an intensity component, transmitted through the liquid in a predetermined wavelength range, of the light used for excitation is captured. This intensity component is used to produce a wavelength/intensity absorption characteristic and this absorption characteristic is related to a reference absorption characteristic associated with a specific pH value of the liquid. The system and method thus can be used to obtain drinking water from a fuel for aircraft.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods facilitate analyzing, identifying and sorting particles in fluids, including cytometry devices and techniques. The described techniques can be used in a variety of applications such as in chemical or biological testing and diagnostic measurements. One exemplary flow cytometry device includes a channel that is capable of conducting a fluid containing at least one particle and also capable of allowing light be transmitted to and from the channel. The flow cytometry device also includes a lens that is positioned between the channel and a color filter. The lens directs at least a portion of light transmitted from the channel to the color filter. The color filter includes a plurality of zones, where each zone is adapted to allow transmission of only a particular spectral range of light. The flow cytometry device further includes a detector configured to receive the light that is transmitted through the color filter.

Abstract: Methods for probing multiple targets in a biological sample are provided. The methods include the steps of providing a sample containing multiple targets, binding at least one probe having a binder coupled to an enzyme to one or more target present in the sample, and reacting the bound probe with an enzyme substrate coupled to a fluorescent signal generator. The methods include the steps of observing a signal from the fluorescent signal generator and applying to the sample a solution containing an oxidizing agent that substantially inactivates both the fluorescent signal generator and the enzyme. The methods further include the steps of binding at least one probe having a binder coupled to an enzyme to one or more target present in the sample of step, reacting the bound probe with an enzyme substrate coupled to a fluorescent signal generator; and observing a signal from the fluorescent signal generator.

Abstract: Sensors can be used to obtain encoded sensing results from objects that have nonuniform relative motion. A photosensor or impedance-based sensor, for example, can obtain sensing results from objects that have relative motion within a sensing region relative to the sensor, with the relative motion being, for example, periodically varying, randomly varying, chirp-varying, or modulated relative motion that completes at least one modulation cycle within the sensing region. Relative motion can be caused by varying objects' speed and/or direction or by controlling flow of fluid carrying objects, movement of a channel, movement of a support structure, movement of a sensor, and/or pattern movement. A fluidic implementation can include shaped channel wall parts and/or a displacement component causing time-varying lateral displacement.

Abstract: There is provided a capillary electrophoresis apparatus wherein coupling efficiency of exciting irradiation light to a capillary array does not decline even if any one capillary array of two capillary arrays is removed. Light emission generated by capillaries of each capillary array of 2n (n is a positive integer) capillary arrays radiating exciting light from one side is detected by one optical detection system.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for determining chemical and/or physical properties of working substances in a machine system, particularly in a floating device. In at least one embodiment, the working substance is irradiated with light, wherein the working substance has at least one temperature from a defined temperature range during irradiation; and the light penetrating the working substance or reflected by the working substance is spectrally analyzed.

Abstract: A fluid content monitor including a cuvette, a colorimeter adapted to generate a signal indicative of contents of a fluid sample contained in the cuvette, a container for holding a reagent, and a pump assembly for delivering reagent from the container to the cuvette. The pump assembly includes a tube extending from the container to the cuvette, check valves preventing reverse flow in the tube, and a hammer driven by a solenoid for repetitively compressing the tube to pump reagent to the cuvette. The cuvette can be removed for cleaning and replacement.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspection of fluids having a fluid analysis cell with a cavity therein enclosed by two light transmitting windows and having a spacer member fixedly positioned therebetween which provides a fluid analysis chamber of fixed pathlength where fluid flows by the windows and preferably wherein the flow laminar and at a uniform shear to provide accurate color measurements. Light transmitting and receiving probes are positioned adjacent to the viewing windows and wherein the faces of each probe are contiguous and flush with the viewing windows but are separated from the flow by the viewing windows, so that transmission measurements can be taken orthogonal to the direction of flow. The apparatus is particularly useful in the manufacture of dispersions and tints used in the manufacture of paints, so that the color of material being made can be accurately matched to a standard color in the wet state with confidence that the color will match in the dry state.

Abstract: A transmissive and/or reflective optical filter can receive input light, which can emanate from objects traveling along paths past the filter, e.g. from biological cells, viruses, colored spots or other markings on documents, and so forth. In response, the filter can provide output light in accordance with a combined transmission function that is approximately equal to a superposition or scaled superposition of a set of simpler transmission functions. The set can include two or more non-uniform transmission functions, a subset of which can be different from each other and positioned relative to each other so that the output light has time variation in accordance with each of the functions in the subset. The subset could include, for example, a random function and a periodic function, a chirp function and a periodic function, or any other suitable combination of two or more simpler functions.

Abstract: A sensor array comprises a first blue sensor and a second blue sensor; and a first green sensor and a second green sensor, wherein the blue sensors have a filter that only passes blue light, and the green sensors have a filter that only passes green light.

Abstract: A transmittance sensor that detects the optical transmittance of biofuel is provided on a fuel tank that stores biofuel to be supplied to an internal combustion engine. An ECU periodically acquires the optical transmittance detected by the transmittance sensor, and calculates the amount of change from the previous value. In addition, the ECU calculates a degradation index value indicating the degree of degradation of the biofuel by accumulating the amount of change.

Abstract: A fluidic structure includes a channel and along the channel is a series of sensing components to obtain information about objects traveling within the channel, such as droplets or other objects carried by fluid. At least one sensing component includes a set of cells of a photosensor array. The set of cells photosense a range of photon energies that emanate from objects, and include a subset of cells that photosense within subranges. A processor can receive information about objects from the sensing components and use it to obtain spectral information. The processor can perform an initial analysis using information from one set of sensing components and, based on the results, control a fluidic device in the channel, such as a gate, to retain objects, such as for concentration and more detailed analysis by other sensing components, or to purge objects from the channel.

Abstract: A conduit-mounted light-transmitting device (10) for allowing optical analysis of a substance through a process line conduit (14) made of a light-transmitting material. The device (10) comprises a clip (24) adapted to be detachably secured about the conduit section. The clip (24) defines an optical path intersecting the conduit section when the clip (24) is mounted thereon.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for detecting aerosols. The systems and methods can be used to detect harmful aerosols, such as, bio-aerosols.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Drop Counter for counting a succession of falling liquid drops. The Drop Counter includes a light emitting diode for providing a light beam directed to a falling liquid drop. A photo diode sensor is positioned in side-by-side relation with the light emitting diode and detects reflected light from the falling liquid drop. The photo diode sensor provides an output signal when reflected light is detected and further includes a counter for receiving the output signal and counting the number of times the output signals are received.

Abstract: A fluidic structure includes a channel and along the channel is a series of sensing components to obtain information about objects traveling within the channel, such as droplets or other objects carried by fluid. At least one sensing component includes a set of cells of a photosensor array. The set of cells photosense a range of photon energies that emanate from objects, and include a subset of cells that photosense within subranges. A processor can receive information about objects from the sensing components and use it to obtain spectral information. The processor can perform an initial analysis using information from one set of sensing components and, based on the results, control a fluidic device in the channel, such as a gate, to retain objects, such as for concentration and more detailed analysis by other sensing components, or to purge objects from the channel.

Abstract: A color adjustment system for changing the color of fluid flowing from a source. The color adjustment system includes a main mixing pipe connected to storage vessels to continuously receive flows of colorants from the storage vessels. A fluid inspection cell is connected to the main mixing pipe for continuously receiving a sample portion of the flow of the fluid composition. A spectrophotometer is positioned to view the sample portion of the flow of the fluid composition through a window of the fluid inspection cell. The spectrophotometer transmits measured color values to a control unit, which generates control signals in response thereto. The control signals are transmitted to colorant pumps, which pump colorants to the main mixing pipe in response to the control signals.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) includes a photosensor array, some cells of which are reference cells that photosense throughout an application's energy range, while other cells of which are subrange cells that photosense within respective subranges. For example, the subrange cells can receive photons in their respective subranges from a transmission structure that has laterally varying properties, such as due to varying optical thickness. The reference cells may be uncoated or may also receive photons through a transmission structure such as a gray filter. Subrange cells and reference cells may be paired in adjacent lines across the array, such as rows. Where photon emanation can vary along a path, quantities of incident photons photosensed by subrange cells along the path can be adjusted based on quantities photosensed by their paired reference cells, such as with normalization.

Abstract: A laser diffraction particle size analyzer irradiates a laser beam on particles in a scattered state, and measures a spatial intensity distribution of diffracted and scattered light from the particles. A particle size distribution of the particles is calculated from a result of the measurement. The laser diffraction particle size analyzer includes a laser device for generating an ultraviolet laser beam as a light source for generating a laser beam, and a fluorescent member closely attached to or disposed adjacent to a detecting surface of a photodiode array that measures the spatial intensity distribution of the diffracted and scattered light upon incidence thereof.

Abstract: A blood leak detector is disclosed having a light source projecting a beam along an optical path, wherein the beam has a wavelength in a range of about 800 to 930 nm; a light detector receiving the beam through an aperture having a diameter in a range of 30 to 60 thousands of an inch; and a housing to receive a tubular liquid passage between the light source and light detector, the housing having a slot transverse to the optical path to receive the tubular liquid passage and the slot has a width narrower than the tubular liquid passage when uncompressed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting the presence of a color dye in a water sample are described. Light is generated and passed through a water sample. A color sensor is utilized to measure the light that passes through the water sample. Based on the measured light, it is determined whether a dye color is present in the water sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspection of fluids, particularly dispersions and tints, having a fluid analysis cell with a cavity enclosed by two light transmitting windows and having a spacer member fixedly positioned therebetween which provides a fluid analysis chamber of fixed pathlength where fluid flows by the windows and wherein the flow is laminar and at a uniform shear to provide accurate color measurements. The apparatus is particularly useful in the manufacture of dispersions and tints used in the manufacture of paints, so that the color of material being made can be accurately matched to a standard color in the wet state with confidence that the color will match in the dry state.

Abstract: A method for refining fluid sample data includes obtaining optical density data for a fluid sample in at least two color channels and at least one fluid component channel and determining a color-absorption function from the optical density data for the fluid sample in the at least two color channels. The method also includes calculating a portion of the optical density caused by color absorptions in each of the at least one fluid component channels, and de-coloring the optical density data in each of the at least one fluid component channels by removing the portion of the optical density data caused by color absorption.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspection of fluids, particularly dispersions and tints, having a fluid analysis cell with a cavity therein defining a fluid analysis chamber, fluid inlet and outlets extending from the cavity in opposite directions to enable fluid flow into and out of the analysis chamber, and a light transmitting probe and a light receiving probe extending within the cavity juxtaposed from each other across the flow path in spaced apart relation, with the probes being movable relative to each other, thus providing a fluid analysis chamber having an adjustable pathlength and allowing flow across and around the faces of the probes for pressure relief of the fluid, to provide accurate color measurements. The apparatus is particularly useful in the manufacture of dispersions and tints used in the manufacture of paints, so that the color of material being made can be accurately matched to a standard color in the wet state with confidence that the color will match in the dry state.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for examining particles in a flow stream of a flow cytometer, employing incoherent light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), and detectors. The light emitting diodes operate as the excitation light sources and emit light toward said flow stream, and the detectors detect light, in particular, fluorescent light, emanating from the particles in response to the excitation light striking the particles. A controller controls each of the light emitting diodes to emit their excitation light for a predetermined period during which the excitation light radiates onto particles of interest. The controller evaluates the detected light to ascertain characteristics of the particles, such as particle size, density and granularity. The apparatus and method can further employ one or more coherent and homogenous light emitting devices, such as a laser, as an additional excitation light source.

Abstract: An on-line sensor is provided that supplies light to a spectrophotometer to measure the color a product extruded through a conduit having a bypass section. The on-line sensor includes a transparent member with an opaque outer surface and an interior portion extending from a first end to a second end to the transparent member. The interior portion is connected to the bypass section, and the product that flows through the bypass section is supplied to the interior section of the transparent member. A light source connected to the transparent member and provides light to the transparent member inside the opaque outer surface. A light receiver is connected to the transparent member and captures light from the light source in the transparent member that is affected by the product. The captured light is supplied to the spectrophotometer to at least measure the properties of the product supplied to the interior portion of the transparent member.

Abstract: A liquid measuring cell for measuring optical properties of liquids, with a measuring chamber (16), which is adjoined on one side by a transparent window (11), and with a reflector (30) disposed on the opposite side of the measuring chamber (16), which reflects the light striking it toward the outside through the measuring chamber (16) and the window (11), is particularly easy to clean and permits favorably reproducible measurements if another transparent window (33) is disposed between the reflector (30) and the measuring chamber (16) and this window (33) adjoins the measuring chamber (16) on the other side.

Abstract: An optical scheme that substantially eliminates spherical aberration and coma, thereby substantially improving fluorescence excitation and collection efficiency. The optical scheme utilizes a laser beam focused by an optical component through the curved surface of a hyper-hemisphere. The hyper-hemisphere focuses the beam sharply at a known point while avoiding spherical aberration and coma. The optical scheme includes both a hyper-hemisphere and a hemisphere. Both the hyper-hemisphere and hemisphere have a substantially planar surface. The substantially planar surface of the hyper-hemisphere is optimally located so that a capillary or cell can be positioned at an internal aplanatic radius. This results in an aplanatic focus at the capillary or cell such that the spherical aberration and coma are zero. A single hyper-hemisphere having a substantially planar surface can be used, wherein the capillary is located at an aplanatic point on the substantially planar surface of the single hyper-hemisphere.

Abstract: An optical gasket system for use in a colorimeter or other instrument which utilizes a light beam and a sample cell or chamber for a liquid to be tested. Each gasket is optically clear and is pliable so as to conform to the surface of the sample cell which is in the path of the light beam. The gaskets prevent moisture from condensing on the surface of the sample cell and interfering with the passage of the light beam through the cell.

Abstract: A method and device for making measurements of the characteristics of a fluid, particularly the milk, which flows in pulsations in a conduit. The device has a measuring region wherein at least one characteristic of the fluid is determined. The measurement is made during an optimal measuring window which constitutes a time interval while a pulsation of the fluid is received in the measuring region which contains a sensor or sensors for measuring one or more selected characteristics of the fluid, such as color, conductivity or acoustic qualities. The measuring region may be in a bypass passageway in the conduit which may be incorporated in a teat cup. The pulsations in the teat cup may be used to define an optimal measuring window for measuring one or more characteristics of the fluid as it flows in pulsations through the conduit. The sensed entry or approach of a pulsation into the measuring region may also be used to define the optimal measuring window.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspection of fluids, particularly dispersions and tints, having a fluid analysis cell with a cavity therein defining a fluid analysis chamber, fluid inlet and outlets extending from the cavity in opposite directions to enable fluid flow into and out of the analysis chamber, and a light transmitting probe and a light receiving probe extending within the cavity in juxtaposed from each other across the flow path in spaced apart relation, with the probes being movable relative to each other, thus providing a fluid analysis chamber having an adjustable pathlength and allowing flow across and around the faces of the probes for pressure relief of the fluid, to provide accurate color measurements. The apparatus is particularly useful in the manufacture of dispersions and tints used in the manufacture of paints, so that the color of material being made can be accurately matched to a standard color in the wet state with confidence that the color will match in the dry state.

Abstract: A fluid analysis system, for analyzing a specified physical characteristic of a fluid, and a method for the same, the system having a sampling region in communication with a fluid inlet to permit feeding of the fluid between opposed fluid contact surface to form a fluid film with a thickness defined by the distance between the opposed surfaces. A film irradiator irradiates the film with electromagnetic radiation in order to produce an interaction radiation containing information associated with the specified physical characteristic of the fluid, a receptor for receiving the interaction radiation, and a detector associated with the receptor for detecting the interaction radiation. At least one of the opposed fluid surfaces is pervious to electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: An optical scheme that substantially eliminates spherical aberration and coma, thereby substantially improving fluorescence excitation and collection efficiency. The optical scheme utilizes a laser beam focused by an optical component through the curved surface of a hyper-hemisphere. The hyper-hemisphere focuses the beam sharply at a known point while avoiding spherical aberration and coma. The optical scheme includes both a hyper-hemisphere and a hemisphere. Both the hyper-hemisphere and hemisphere have a substantially planar surface. The substantially planar surface of the hyper-hemisphere is optimally located so that a capillary or cell can be positioned at an internal aplanatic radius. This results in an aplanatic focus at the capillary or cell such that the spherical aberration and coma are zero. A single hyper-hemisphere having a substantially planar surface can be used, wherein the capillary is located at an aplanatic point on the substantially planar surface of the single hyper-hemisphere.

Abstract: A blood parameter measurement device especially useful for surgical procedures includes a compact housing with a light source, light detector and signal converter contained within the housing. In use, the device is releasably coupled to a cassette that can be either used as an in-line cell in series with a cardiopulmonary by-pass circuit, or in another passageway that shunts the cardiopulmonary by-pass circuit. Preferably, the housing of the device has a longitudinal axis that extends in a direction generally parallel to the direction of blood flowing through the cassette.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for and method of improving collection efficiency and signal strength of optical instruments used in capillary electrophoresis, such as laser-induced fluorescence detectors are provided. The apparatus and method provides a concave reflector positioned at one side of the capillary flow cell as a first high numerical aperture (N.A.) collector, a lens collector positioned at an opposite side of the flow cell as a second high N.A. collector, and an optical fiber positioned at close proximity of the flow cell for delivery of an excitation light to cause a sample contained in the flow cell to emit emission lights. The reflector has a concave surface for reflecting the emission lights, and the collector has a proximal convex surface for collecting the emission lights, and a distal convex surface for collimating the emission lights. This arrangement achieves a larger solid collection angle from both sides of the flow cell and therefore an increased collection efficiency.