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.

Abstract: Sampling device geometry reduces specular reflectance, using lenses to focus electromagnetic energy to predominately return scattered rather than reflected electromagnetic energy to detector(s), reducing effect of non-matte surfaces and/or window. Sampling device includes inherent automatic optical calibration, and optionally thermal calibration. Calibration detectors are optically isolated with respective emitters.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method of detecting a defect of a semiconductor exposure mask includes acquiring a background intensity from a surface height distribution of the mask, acquiring a standard background intensity distribution from the background intensity, making light of an arbitrary wavelength incident on the mask, and acquiring an image at a position of interest of the mask, acquiring background intensity raw data, based on a signal intensity of the acquired image at the position of interest and a mean value of image intensity data in a peripheral area of the position of interest, finding a correction coefficient of the signal intensity, based on a ratio of the background intensity raw data to the standard background intensity distribution, correcting the signal intensity by multiplying the signal intensity.

Abstract: Disclosed is an infrared optical sensor for the continuous analysis of a liquid flowing in a pipe. The sensor includes, in a housing, a central section of duct through which the liquid to be analyzed flows, and a spectral analysis device using a light beam, including an infrared source which emits a signal which is received by a receiving device having passed through the liquid, an optical component which allows the light beam to pass through the liquid, and a support plate which carries the infrared source and the receiving device. The liquid to be analyzed circulates through a loop formed by walls in the form of an arch of the optical component and by a projection of the housing in the optical component. A sealing gasket is compressed between the optical component and the housing, in order to prevent any diffusion of liquid on the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A closed path infrared sensor includes an enclosure, a first energy source within the enclosure, at least a second energy source within the enclosure, at least one detector system within the enclosure and a mirror system external to the enclosure and spaced from the enclosure. The mirror system reflects energy from the first energy source to the at least one detector system via a first analytical path and reflects energy from the second energy source to the at least one detector system via a second analytical path. Each of the first analytical path and the second analytical path are less than two feet in length.

Abstract: A balanced-detection spectra domain optical coherence tomography system is disclosed. A light beam L emitting from the light source module is passed through the second beam splitter, the first beam splitter in series, and then split to the mirror and the sample respectively, and further simultaneously reflected to the first beam splitter, a light beam L1 and a light beam L2 are refracted by the first beam splitter and the second beam splitter respectively, and then transmitted to the first collimator and the second collimator respectively, and a phase difference between the light beam L1 and the light beam L2 is 180°. Thereby, simple and efficient background noise suppression, including DC noise and the light interferences at each interface of the sample, is provided.

Abstract: A method and a system for characterization of optical components through characterized decomposition of an optical device includes: directing incident light over a range of wavelengths to a device under test, wherein the incident light includes a primary signal and at least one sideband signal, the distance between the primary signal and any one of the sideband signals is substantially larger than the width of the band pass area of the device under test; detecting output light from the device under test to obtain a detected signal; correcting the detected signal to account errors associated with the sideband signal.

Abstract: An efficient absorption spectroscopy system is provided. The spectroscopy system may be configured to measure solid, liquid or gaseous samples. Vacuum ultra-violet wavelengths may be utilized. Some of the disclosed techniques can be used for detecting the presence of trace concentrations of gaseous species. A preferable gas flow cell is disclosed. Some of the disclosed techniques may be used with a gas chromatography system so as to detect and identify species eluted from the column. Some of the disclosed techniques may be used in conjunction with an electrospray interface and a liquid chromatography system so as to detect and identify gas phase ions of macromolecules produced from solution. Some of the disclosed techniques may be used to characterize chemical reactions. Some of the disclosed techniques may be used in conjunction with an ultra short-path length sample cell to measure liquids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the spectrophotometric determination of the concentration of multiple substances, preferably bilirubin, haemoglobin and lipids, in a sample of body fluid.

Abstract: A method for determining the absorption of a blank (2) for producing an optical element (3), including: radiating a heating light ray (8) through the blank (2) for the purpose of heating the blank (2), and determining the absorption in the blank (2) by measuring at least one property of a measurement light ray (10) influenced by the heating of the blank (2). In the method, either the heating light ray (8) and the measurement light ray (10) or the heating light ray and a further heating light ray are oriented to enter into the blank (2) through a first polished surface (2a) or a second polished surface (2b), situated opposite the first surface, and meet one another exclusively in the interior of the blank (2), preferably in a volume (12) used for the production of the optical element (3). An associated measuring apparatus (1), optical element (3), and optical arrangement are also disclosed.

Abstract: An eyeglass support is adapted for pinch-holding the eyeglass (5) between three first contact portions (41-43) and three second contact portions (61-63). The first contact portions form a height reference for positioning the eyeglass whereas the second contact portions ensure application of the eyeglass against the first contact portions while conforming to any possible shape for the eyeglass. The support suits for being incorporated in a reflection measurement apparatus. In particular, it is useful for measuring reflection of eyeglasses provided with antireflecting coatings or for rating a protection against UV hazards which is provided by an eyeglass to a wearer of the eyeglass.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for the determination of a concentration of a component to be measured in a gas, comprising a light source, a wavelength selection unit, a measurement cuvette, a reference cuvette arranged in the optical beam path in parallel thereto, at least one light receiver and an evaluation unit which determines the concentration from the signals of the light receiver, wherein the gas to be analyzed is supplied to the measurement cuvette, on the one hand, and, on the other hand, to the reference cuvette via an absorption apparatus which includes a substance which completely absorbs the component to be measured. Further, the component to be measured is H2S and a wavelength selection unit is provided for the selection of an absorption wavelength.

Abstract: In some embodiments, aspects of the disclosure relate to methods of evaluating cell culture materials, for example, nutrient materials, or other materials that can be used in cell culture media.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring a fiber content of polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) and polytrimethyleneterephthalate (PTT) fibers, particularly wherein the method includes: a qualitative analysis step of identifying a presence of polyethyleneterephthalate (PET) and polytrimethyleneterephthalate (PTT) fibers in a mixed-spun fiber product; and a quantitative analysis step of measuring the fiber content by a microscopic count through difference in color between PET and PTT fibers by birefringence in a cross polarization state of a polarized light microscope (PLM). Through the present invention, it is possible to simply and accurately calculate the fiber content of PET and PTT fibers in a mixed-spun fiber material in which various kinds of fibers are mixed.

Abstract: A soil analysis device and a method are disclosed for measuring characteristics of a soil sample. A mixing chamber combines a soil sample and an extractant into a liquid mixture. A filtration system receives and filters the liquid mixture. The filtered liquid mixture is transmitted to a measurement cell. The measurement cell is coupled to a light source so that light propagating from the light source is attenuated and/or reflected by the liquid mixture and is measured by one or more optical detectors that are also coupled to the measurement cell. The optical detector generates an attenuation spectrum and/or a reflection spectrum indicating light received by the one or more detectors at different wavelengths. The attenuation and/or reflection spectrum is used to determine the characteristics of the soil sample.

Abstract: A method for measuring a position of an element of a structure includes the steps of: attaching a receiving device to the element at a measurement position; attaching a first reference device to the receiving device; determining a first measurement point with a first measurement device adapted to measure a position of the first reference device; removing the first reference device; attaching a second reference device to the receiving device; and determining a second measurement point with a second measurement device adapted to measure a position of the second reference device.

Abstract: A spectrometer includes: a tungsten lamp which emits light with no peak wavelength within a wavelength range of visible light and having a light amount increasing as the wavelength becomes longer; a violet LED which emits light having a peak wavelength within the wavelength range of visible light; a light mixer which mixes light emitted from the tungsten lamp and the violet LED; an etalon which receives light mixed by the light mixer and transmits light contained in the received mixed light and having a particular wavelength; a light receiving unit which receives light transmitted by the etalon; and a measurement control unit which changes the wavelength of light that can pass through the etalon and measures spectral characteristics of the light having passed through the etalon based on the light received by the light receiving unit.

Abstract: An inspection method and an inspection fixture for the scribing lines of a wafer are disclosed. The inspection method includes the following steps: providing a wafer having multiple chips and a lower surface attached with a dicing tape, wherein scribing lines are formed between the chips; connecting the dicing tape with a transparent carrier supporting a first liquid medium such that the dicing tape is contacted seamlessly with the first liquid medium, wherein the difference of refractive index between the first liquid medium and the dicing tape is less than 0.3; and inspecting the scribing lines through the transparent carrier from below the lower surface of the wafer by an inspection lens of an optical inspector. The inspection method and fixture increase the image resolution of the scribing lines so as to facilitate the detection of lower-surface defects of the scribing lines.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and a method that reduces fluid loss from a cask during a maturation process by sealably enclosing the cask in a vessel that provides an expansion volume to receive fluid vapour from the cask, a monitoring system and a method that monitors fluid loss from a cask during a maturation process using a light source and a detector to determine the presence of fluid vapour in the vicinity of the cask, a corresponding system for controlling a maturation process in which environmental conditions are controlled, and a cask leak testing system and method making use of the above.

Abstract: An aging apparatus including a pulse laser, a beam expansion assembly, and a platform configured to carry an object is provided. The pulse laser transmits a first beam to the beam expansion assembly. The beam expansion assembly expands the first beam to a second beam and projects the second beam onto the object.

Abstract: A sensor component for an optical flow rate sensor for fluid and/or gaseous media includes at least one component segment and at least one sensor segment. The sensor segment includes at least two inspection windows in the region of a plurality of cutouts in a sensor segment disposed such that it is possible for light to pass through a transverse section of the sensor segment. The sensor segment may include exactly one inspection window in the region of a cutout and a reflective surface, for example a mirrored or polished surface, provided on the side opposite the cutout, such that it is possible for light to pass through the sensor segment twice through a transverse section of the sensor segment. The sensor component includes a receiving component that can be inserted in the one or more cutouts and the sight glass is bonded to the receiving component.

Abstract: A wafer crack detection system includes a rotational wafer stage assembly configured to secure a wafer and selectively rotate the wafer, a light source positioned on a first side of the wafer and configured to direct a light beam through the wafer, a sensor positioned on a second side of the wafer and configured to monitor one or more characteristics of light transmitted through the wafer as the wafer is rotated, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor and a portion of the rotational wafer stage assembly, the controller configured to: determine the presence of one or more cracks in the wafer based on the monitored one or more characteristics of light transmitted through the wafer, and, responsive to the determination of the presence of one or more cracks in the wafer, direct the rotational stage assembly to adjust the rotational condition of the wafer.

Abstract: A man portable device for detecting the presence of hazardous material includes a pulsed or time-modulated light source and an objective scannable across the surface of a sample for projecting light from the light source onto a succession of spots on the surface of the sample. A spectrometer performs a spectral analysis of the induced fluorescence to create a first dataset defining a first vector as a function of wavelength. A time domain detector for measuring the time decay of the induced fluorescence collected simultaneously creates a second dataset defining a second vector as a function of time. A computer identifies hazardous material by performing independent multivariate analysis on the first and second vectors as the objective is scanned across the sample surface based on fluorescent signal models for hazardous materials in the spectral and time domains.

Abstract: Estimating reflectance of a surface adjacent a handheld electronic device having a orientation sensor and a light sensor, including estimating a location of the handheld electronic device relative to the surface in dependence on information from the orientation sensor; measuring light from the surface with the light sensor; and estimating a reflectance of the surface in dependence on the estimated location and measured light.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spectrophotometer for the automated optical characterization of solar collector tubes and to a method for the operation thereof, that measures the coefficient of transmission of the glass tube and of reflection of the metal tube. The device includes all the necessary components for taking said measurement, such as the optical bench supporting the tube, the standard or framework, and the optical modules for the device, a main module that generates the light bundles, a measuring module that measures the coefficient of transmission of the outer glass tube and the coefficient of reflection of the inner metal tube, a mechanical system of tube rotation, an electronic system of data acquisition and processing, an external computer for controlling the device and processing the data measured, and a system of communication between the device and the computer.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus to identify a material and thickness of each of a plurality of layers included in a layered body, based on a measurement result obtained by measuring a time domain waveform of an electromagnetic wave pulse from the layered body, includes a database configured to store data of a plurality of material candidates and a plurality of thickness candidates, an input unit configured to input a search range of the data stored in the database, and a processing unit configured to reproduce a time domain waveform of an electromagnetic wave pulse from the layered body by employing data of a plurality of material candidates and a plurality of thickness candidates within the search range, and to compare this reproduced time domain waveform and the time domain waveform of the measurement result, thereby identifying the material and thickness of each of the plurality of layers.

Abstract: A man portable device for detecting the presence of hazardous material includes a pulsed or time-modulated light source and an objective scannable across the surface of a sample for projecting light from the light source onto a succession of spots on the surface of the sample. A spectrometer performs a spectral analysis of the induced fluorescence to create a first dataset defining a first vector as a function of wavelength. A time domain detector for measuring the time decay of the induced fluorescence collected simultaneously creates a second dataset defining a second vector as a function of time. A computer identifies hazardous material by performing independent multivariate analysis on the first and second vectors as the objective is scanned across the sample surface based on fluorescent signal models for hazardous materials in the spectral and time domains.

Abstract: Multi-spectral defect inspection for 3D wafers is provided. One system configured to detect defects in one or more structures formed on a wafer includes an illumination subsystem configured to direct light in discrete spectral bands to the one or more structures formed on the wafer. At least some of the discrete spectral bands are in the near infrared (NIR) wavelength range. Each of the discrete spectral bands has a bandpass that is less than 100 nm. The system also includes a detection subsystem configured to generate output responsive to light in the discrete spectral bands reflected from the one or more structures. In addition, the system includes a computer subsystem configured to detect defects in the one or more structures on the wafer using the output.

Abstract: Methods and systems for achieving a small measurement box size specification across a set of metrology system parameters are presented. The small measurement box size specification is achieved by selectively constraining one or more of the sets of system parameters during measurement. A subset of measurement system parameters such as illumination wavelength, polarization state, polar angle of incidence, and azimuth angle of incidence is selected for measurement to maintain a smaller measurement box size than would otherwise be achievable if the full, available range of measurement system parameters were utilized in the measurement. In this manner, control of one or more factors that affect measurement box size is realized by constraining the measurement system parameter space. In addition, a subset of measurement signals may be selected to maintain a smaller measurement box size than would otherwise be achievable if all available measurement signals were utilized in the measurement.

Abstract: A multispectral staring array comprises, amongst other things, at least two sensors where each sensor is adapted to detect an image in a different predetermined spectral sensitivity; a first lens to focus capture spectral bands; a spectral filter between the lens and the sensors to subdivide the incident spectral bands; and a second lens to direct and focus the subdivided incident spectral bands on each of the sensors.

Abstract: The fiber direction of a carbon fiber material of a test object is detected by means of the polarization direction of light reflected by the test object. If, for example, non-polarized light impinges upon carbon fibers, light reflected by the fibers is polarized in fiber direction.

Abstract: A source of light that could cause ocular damage within a given range from the source of light, such as a first laser, is accompanied by an optical hazard avoidance device, such as a second laser, that stimulates voluntary, involuntary, or both voluntary and involuntary responses, either physiological or behavioral or both physiological and behavioral, within one or more hazard zones, such as by inducing gaze aversion within the viewer. For example, a visible laser beam induces gaze aversion, pupil contraction or a combination of gaze aversion and pupil contraction, reducing the dose rate or exposure of the ocular tissue to damaging radiation from a primary source. In one example, the primary source is a UV Raman detector and the visible laser beam is selected to induce gaze aversion.

Abstract: A gas analyzer includes: a first signal processing section for synchronously detecting a light detection signal at a frequency being an integral multiple of a modulation frequency fa of a laser light, to detect a harmonic signal intensity Signal(?) by a harmonic synchronous detection method; a second signal processing section for capturing a light detection signal and cutting off a frequency component not smaller than the frequency fa to detect a light intensity signal I(?) at a specific light frequency absorbed by a component to be measured in a sample gas; and an operation section. The operation section includes a first operation means for calculating a density c of the component from the harmonic signal intensity Signal(?) and a reference light intensity signal I0(?) and a second operation means for calculating the density c from the light intensity signal I(?) and the reference light intensity signal I0(?).

Abstract: According to one embodiment of a method for measuring a stacking overlay error, the method may use a differential interference contrast microscope system to measure a stacking overlay mark and focus on one overlay mark of a lower layer overlay mark and an upper layer overlay mark when measuring the stacking overlay mark. Then, the method uses an image analysis scheme to obtain an image of the stacking overlay mark from a photo-detector and obtains a first reference position of the lower layer overlay mark in a direction and a second reference position of the upper layer overlay mark in the direction from the image; and computes the stacking overlay error in the direction according to the first and the second reference positions.

Abstract: A first location comprising an unknown material may be scanned using SWIR hyperspectral imaging in a dual polarization configuration. Surveying may also be applied to thereby determine whether or not a human is present. This surveying may be achieved my assessing LWIR data, data acquired from motion sensors, and combinations thereof. If no human is present, a second location may be interrogated using Raman spectroscopic techniques to thereby obtain a Raman data set representative of the region of interest. This Raman data set may be assessed to associate an unknown material with a known material. This assessment may be achieved by comparing the Raman data set to one or more reference data sets in a reference database, where each reference data set is associated with a known material.

Abstract: A method of detecting the presence of bacterial spores in a sample comprises non-destructively to the spores carrying out the steps of assessing the absorption, reflectance, and/or index of refraction (IOR) of the sample, subjecting the sample to UV radiation, and reassessing the absorption, reflectance, and/or index of refraction (IOR) of the sample to determine the presence or absence of spores. A detector is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided which derive target characteristics from interferometry images taken at multiple phase differences between target beams and reference beams yielding the interferometry images. The illumination of the target and the reference has a coherence length of less than 30 microns to enable scanning the phase through the coherence length of the illumination. The interferometry images are taken at the pupil plane and/or in the field plane to combine angular and spectroscopic scatterometry data that characterize and correct target topography and enhance the performance of metrology systems.

Abstract: A detection device that detects a mark provided on the back side of an object, the detection device includes a first detection unit configured to detect the mark from a surface side of the object; a second detection unit configured to detect a surface position of the object; and a processing unit. The processing unit determines a thickness of the object based on a difference between a first focus position acquired with reference to the position of the mark detected by the first detection unit and a second focus position acquired with reference to the surface position detected by the second detection unit.

Abstract: Disclosed and claimed herein is an apparatus and method for measuring hexavalent chromium in water samples using a colorimetric method. The apparatus includes a means for correcting interference due to sample turbidity.

Abstract: A method of discriminating a banknote using terahertz waves includes irradiating a banknote with terahertz waves; detecting reflected waves reflected from the banknote; generating a reflected image of the banknote based on the detected reflected waves; and discriminating the banknote based on the reflected image. Accordingly, whether a banknote is genuine or counterfeit, and the denomination of the banknote, may be easily and correctly determined using the reflected waves or transmitted waves passing through the banknote.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting adhesive used to produce an envelope in a mailpiece creation system. The system includes a source of ElectroMagnetic (EM) energy in at least the short UV range to illuminate a surface of the substrate material anticipated to have an adhesive deposited thereon in select regions, an EM energy detection device operative to detect energy reflected from the surface of the substrate material in the visible light range and produce a response indicative of the optical absorbance of EM energy in the short UV range; and a processor operative to analyze the response of the EM energy detection device to determine whether light energy in the visible range is below a threshold level to indicate the presence of adhesive deposited on the substrate material.

Abstract: A system and method for the in-line analysis of protein-containing compositions for protein denaturation. The system and method employ providing a protein-containing composition in a container that can be directly used in an analytical method for evaluating the denaturation of a protein. The container can be directly employed in an analytical technique such as UV spectroscopy, circular dichroism, etc.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the area of a sash opening in a fume hood formed by at least one movable sash panel. An emitter and sensor panel is mounted in a fume hood enclosure space. The emitter and sensor panel comprises at least one light emitter mounted on one side of an optical sensor. The at least one light emitter is configured to illuminate the fume hood enclosure space. At least one reflective marker is mounted on one edge of the sash opening to reflect light from the at least one light emitter. Optical information detected at the optical sensor is used to determine a variable distance to the at least one reflective marker. The variable distance and known distance parameters are used to determine the area of the sash opening.

Abstract: Systems and methods of for measuring birefringence and stress in a sample made of ion-exchanged glass or a ceramic are disclosed, wherein the method includes digitally capturing TE and TM angular spectra of intensity versus pixel number for the sample. The TE and TM angular spectra are processed to minimize differences between respective regions of the TE and TM angular spectra. The amount of shift in pixels that best overlaps the processed TE and TM spectra is determined. The birefringence B is calculated by multiplying the pixel shift by the index resolution. The stress is calculated by multiplying the birefringence by the stress-optic coefficient.

Abstract: A method of making a laminated touch fastener includes introducing a flexible substrate to a resin applicator, applying flowable resin to a limited region of a surface of the substrate, and molding the applied resin to form a plurality of defined structures extending from a layer of the applied resin. The substrate surface, as the substrate is introduced to the resin applicator, has a surface characteristic that varies across the surface. The surface includes both a first region and a second region adjacent the first region, the surface characteristic varying to a greater degree within the second region than within the first region. The flowable resin may be applied within the first region such that an edge of the resin layer is disposed within, and adjacent an exposed portion of, the first region of the substrate surface.

Abstract: Novel systems and methods for performing treatment (e.g., coloration) of keratinous fibers are disclosed. The methods and systems utilize one or more of a dispensing device which is configured to provide customized composition for treating keratinous fibers (e.g., a coloring composition), optionally formed from tablets; an optical reader, for obtaining sufficient characteristics of the keratinous fibers to make a realistic prediction of the outcome of a treatment (e.g., coloring treatment); a computational units for predicting an outcome of a treatment, optionally being interfaced with the dispensing device and for selecting a customized treatment; and tablet formulations which are useful in preparing customized composition for treating keratinous fibers. Further disclosed are rapidly disintegrating tablets for use in the preparation of compositions for treating keratinous fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10; 210; 310; 410; 510) for tomographic image recording. The device comprises a sample retainer (14), a light source (12), and a detector unit (16). The light source (12) is designed to produce a pencil beam (38), which has a beam direction (40) and which passes through a sample volume of the sample retainer (14) provided in order to accommodate a sample, and has an optical control element (30), which is able to move the pencil beam (38) passing through the sample retainer (14) transversely to the beam direction (40) while the beam direction (40) remains substantially unchanged. The detector unit (16) is designed to detect at least a portion of scattered radiation (64; 64?) escaping from a section of the pencil beam (38) within the sample volume or the sample retainer (14) in a non-spatially-resolved manner.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to labels having one or more information dyes and methods for their use.

Abstract: A gas detector including an assembly of two hemispherical caps having opposite concavities, and which are reflective on at least a portion of their opposite surfaces, and a wafer arranged in an equatorial plane of the assembly of the two caps, in the vicinity of but spaced apart from the center of the equatorial plane, including, back-to-back: a diverging light emitter directed towards the first cap and a light receiver directed towards the second cap.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides various systems and methods for focusing electromagnetic radiation (EMR) within a diffusion medium, such as a turbid medium. A diffusion medium is irradiated with EMR. The EMR may be modulated by an acoustical wave focused on a focus volume within the diffusion medium. The EMR may be modulated by a beat frequency or other function of multiple focused acoustical waves. The EMR may be modulated at a harmonic of a fundamental frequency of one or more acoustical waves. A filter may filter the emerging EMR to remove all but specifically modulated EMR scattered from the focus volume. The modulated EMR may be focused and/or used for various purposes, including imaging. In some embodiments, the modulated EMR may be reflected and/or amplified by a phase conjugating mirror. Furthermore, in some embodiments, acoustical phase conjugation may be used to focus an acoustical wave on a focus volume.