Abstract: Methods, storage mediums, and systems for correlating pulses generated from multiple interrogation regions in a flow cytometer to particular particles flowing through the flow cytometer are provided. Embodiments of the methods, storage mediums, and systems include configurations for calibrating a flow cytometer using a calibration particle having a unique signature to determine a time-of-flight for particles flowing through the flow cytometer. Based on the calculated time-of-flight and relative positions of interrogation regions corresponding to collectors of the flow cytometer, the methods, storage mediums, and systems may further include configurations for associating other signal pulses to particles of one or more different particle sets.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer program product for measuring a composition of a multiphase fluid, including radiating a photon beam through the multiphase fluid and measuring radiation absorption by the multiphase fluid for at least three energy levels to obtain measured radiation absorption data, and providing the measured radiation absorption data to processing unit configured to calculate the composition of the multiphase fluid using the measured radiation absorption data, whereby an effect of an injected fluid on the absorption of the photon beam is taken into account during calculation of the composition of the multiphase fluid.

Abstract: A spectrometer for determining a composition of a sample is described. The spectrometer includes a radiation source, a detector, and a processing device coupled to the radiation source and the detector. The radiation source is configured to generate a primary beam of radiation to be directed toward the sample. The detector is configured to generate a detector signal representative of a secondary beam of radiation from the sample after being impinged by the primary beam of radiation. The processing device is configured to control operation of the spectrometer in connection with performing a first elemental analysis of the sample. The processing device is also configured to determine an alloy grade of the sample based on the detector signal generated in connection with the first elemental analysis. Furthermore, the processing device is configured to determine at least one measurement condition based at least partially on the alloy grade.

Abstract: A method for determining chemical composition from optical properties of a stack formed with a process, by preparing test samples of the stack using known and intentional variations to the process to affect a variation in the chemical composition, measuring the optical properties of the test samples, measuring the chemical composition of the test samples, performing a processor-based regression analysis to determine an optical state function including correlations between the optical properties of the test samples and the chemical composition of the test samples, fabricating production samples of the stack using the process, measuring the optical properties of the production samples, and estimating the chemical composition of the production samples using the optical state function.

Abstract: The amplification of secondary-electron multipliers in mass spectrometers is automatically adjusted by generating mass spectra with single ion signals, determining the average value of the peak heights of these single ion signals, and setting the amplification so that the average peak height assumes a desired nominal value. The amplification may be set via the supply voltage of the secondary-electron multiplier and can be increased or decreased by a desired factor using the known characteristic of the secondary-electron multiplier.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for topographically characterizing a workpiece. The workpiece is scanned with a scanning probe along a first directional grid, thereby scanning a reference surface and an area of interest subportion of the reference surface, at a variable pixel density including a first pixel density outside the area of interest and a second pixel density inside the area of interest to derive a first digital file characterizing topography of the workpiece. The workpiece is further scanned along the reference surface and the area of interest with the scanning probe along a second directional grid that is substantially orthogonal to the first directional grid and at a constant pixel density to derive a second digital file characterizing topography of the workpiece. A processor executes computer-readable instructions stored in memory that generate a topographical profile of the workpiece in relation to the first and second digital files.

Abstract: Radiation scattering is one of the main contributors to the uncertainty of near infrared (NIR) measurements. Enhanced absorption-measurement accuracy for NIR sensors is achieved by using a combination of NIR spectroscopy and time-of-flight techniques to select photons that are the result of a given mean free path within a moving sample target. By measuring absorption as a function of path length or by windowing signals that are attributable to excessive scattering of NIR radiation within the sample, this technique affords the calculation of more accurate and more universal calibrations. The NIR sensor employs short or ultra-short laser pulses to create NIR that is directed to the moving sample and emerging radiation is detected over time. Windowing effectively truncates non-contributing measurements.

Abstract: Embodiments of a probe for measuring an oil viscosity are provided. In one embodiment, the probe includes a housing, a magnetoelastic ribbon, an electromagnetic coil, a temperature sensor and an electrical board. The housing is mounted to an oil containing member. The magnetoelastic ribbon is fixed to an inside of the housing through a first insert member at one end and is at least partially immersed in the oil at an opposite end. The electromagnetic coil is disposed in the housing to surround the magnetoelastic ribbon. The temperature sensor is mounted to the housing for measuring a temperature of the oil. The electrical board is electrically connected to the electromagnetic coil and the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A method utilizing characteristic x-ray emission from a single thin film or multilayer thin film when an electron beam impinges at a grazing angle with respect to the surface of the sample to capture structural and physical properties of the layers such as layer thickness, interfacial roughness, and stoichiometry of the sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection and quantification of polypeptides using mass spectrometry. Specifically, the invention provides a method for testing whether a target polypeptide is present in a sample of a set of polypeptides, a method for deriving a value for distinguishing polypeptides of a set of polypeptides from each other, a database containing values for distinguishing each polypeptide of a set of polypeptides from each other, and an apparatus for configuring a mass scan of a mass spectrometer to test whether a target polypeptide of a set of polypeptides is present in a sample of the set.

Abstract: Protein confidence values are calculated in proteomic analysis. A protein database is searched for proteins matching peptides found from mass spectrometry of a sample producing a set of proteins and a corresponding set of peptides. Peptide confidence values for the set of peptides are determined. Protein confidence values are calculated for the set of proteins based on the peptide confidence values. A protein is selected from the set of proteins with a largest protein confidence value, the largest protein confidence value is saved for the protein, the protein is removed from the set of proteins, and one or more peptides corresponding to the protein are removed from the set of peptides. Protein confidence values are recalculated for the set of proteins based on the peptide confidence values and an effect of removing the one or more peptides from the set of peptides.

Abstract: Methods of characterizing a chemical sample, and in particular, assessing stability of a sample, identifying trace amounts of an amorphous phase in a sample, and identifying structural variations in the internal structure of a sample.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided that include sampling a light intensity signal at different frequencies based on the waveform of the signal to produce a more accurate digitized signal. The light intensity signal is an analog signal proportional to the intensity of light received at a detector of a pulse oximetry system. In one embodiment, the signal may be sampled exponentially during pulse width periods, such that the end of the pulse width periods where the signal reaches a maximum amplitude may be sampled more frequently. The signal may also be exponentially sampled or oversampled during periods when the signal is expected to near maximum amplitude. Further, the signal may be sampled less frequently during low amplitude periods of the signal, and during dark periods, such that processing power may be conserved.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of using a near-infrared (NIR) model to predict the amount of accessible carbohydrate material in a feedstock sample. The NIR model is generated by subjecting a set of biomass calibration feedstock samples to near infrared spectroscopy which produces NIR spectroscopic data, measuring the chemical compositions of each said calibration feedstock sample by wet chemical techniques, and measuring the total amount of monosaccharides and disaccharides solubilized by each said calibration feedstock sample after processing under a defined pretreatment condition or defined enzyme load condition. The method is then applied to NIR spectral data obtained from a test feedstock sample to predict the amount of accessible carbohydrate material in the test feedstock sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for elemental analysis of particles such as single cells or single beads by mass spectrometry is described. The apparatus includes means for particle introduction; means to vaporize, atomize and ionize elements associated with a particle; means to separate the ions according to their mass-to-charge ratio; means to detect the separated ions, means to digitize the output of the means to detect the ions; means to transfer and/or to process and/or record the data output of the means to digitize, having means to detect the presence of a particle in a mass spectrometer; and means to synchronize one of the means for ion detection, data digitization, transfer, processing and recording with the means to detect the presence of a particle. Methods and computer readable code implementing aspects of the apparatus, and for reducing the rates of data generation, digitization, transfer, processing and recording are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for LC/IMS/MS analysis involve obtaining noisy raw data from a sample, convolving the data with an artifact-reducing filter, and locating, in retention-time, ion mobility, and mass-to-charge-ratio dimensions, one or more ion peaks of the convolved data.

Abstract: A method of determining a parameter of an object using penetrating radiation such as X-rays. The parameter of the object could be weight or mass or volume. The method comprises the step of passing the penetrating radiation through the object; determining a first value derived from the total energy of penetrating radiation absorbed by the object; determining a second value related to the mean energy per unit area of penetrating radiation absorbed by the object and determining the parameter from the first and second values. An algorithm representing a proportionality relationship is derived from the first and second value. The parameter is determined by establishing an exponential relationship to an amount derived from the algorithm.

Abstract: Provided is a method for quantitatively estimating the probability of substance identification based on the result of an MS2 analysis using a certain MS1 peak as the precursor ion, before performing the MS2 analysis. Based on the result of MS1 and MS2 analyses and substance identification performed for each of a number of fractionated samples obtained from a known preparatory sample, an identification probability estimation model creator grasps m/z and S/N ratios of MS1 peaks having high probabilities of successful identification, calculates a parameter which determines the order of MS1 peaks and a parameter representing an identification probability estimation model, and stores the parameters in a memory. When identifying a substance, an approximate order is calculated for an MS1 peak obtained by the analysis. The identification probability for that peak is estimated from the approximate order with reference to the identification probability estimation model.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to apparatus and methods for performing mass spectrometry. Data pair information is subjected to an ion audit process in which data pair information that relates to scored compounds is subtracted from the data pair information. The depleted information more readily reveals data pair information for compounds present with smaller signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wavelet based elemental spectrum analysis is described. The system and method set forth allows for elemental decomposition of sampling spectral data to determine the presence of materials in the interrogated object. The method utilized and set forth implements wavelet decomposition of a spectrum and elemental analysis without requiring an empty background spectrum for subtraction of the background noise from the sampling spectrum. The system and method measures the presence of elements present in the sample being analyzed. The system may also measure the ratio of elements present in the sample being analyzed.

Abstract: A material analysis method by a focused electron beam and an equipment for performing such an analysis where an electron map B is created describing the intensity of emitted back-scattered electrons at various points on a sample, and a spectral map S is created describing the intensity of emitted X-rays at points on the sample depending on the radiation energy. For selected chemical elements, X-ray maps Mi are created representing the intensity of X-rays characteristic for such elements. The X-ray maps Mi and the electron map B are converted into differential X-ray maps Di, which are subsequently merged into a final differential X-ray map D. The final differential X-ray map D is then used to search particles. Subsequently, a cumulative X-ray spectrum Xj is calculated for each particle and subsequently the classification of particles based on the peak intensities and the intensity of back-scattered electron is performed.

Abstract: A system and method for determining at least one geometric property of a particle in a sample. A sample is irradiated to thereby generate Raman scattered photons. These photons are collected to generate a Raman chemical image. A first threshold is applied wherein the first threshold is such that all particles in the sample are detected. A particle in the sample is selected and a second threshold is applied so that at least one geometric property of the selected particle can be determined. At least one spectrum representative of the selected particle is analyzed to determine whether or not it is a particle of interest. The step of determining a second threshold may be iterative and automated via software so that candidate second thresholds are applied until a satisfactory result is achieved.

Abstract: A method for determining chemical composition from optical properties of a stack formed with a process, by preparing test samples of the stack using known and intentional variations to the process to affect a variation in the chemical composition, measuring the optical properties of the test samples, measuring the chemical composition of the test samples, performing a processor-based regression analysis to determine an optical state function including correlations between the optical properties of the test samples and the chemical composition of the test samples, fabricating production samples of the stack using the process, measuring the optical properties of the production samples, and estimating the chemical composition of the production samples using the optical state function.

Abstract: A method of characterizing an object includes determining a depth-wise composition of the object at a measurement site within the object. A property of the object within a region adjacent to the measurement site can, optionally, be estimated based on the determining. Another method of characterizing an object includes disposing at least a portion of an object within a measurement region of a metrology tool, aligning a feature of the object and a location of a designated measurement site within the measurement region relative to each other, and performing a performing a compositional analysis of a portion of the object occupying the measurement site. Various apparatus for performing these methods are also disclosed, as are methods of monitoring manufacturing processes based on these methods.

Abstract: A method of analyzing biological material by exposing the biological material to a recognition element, that is coupled to a mass tag element, directing an ion beam of a mass spectrometer to the biological material, interrogating at least one region of interest area from the biological material and producing data, and distributing the data in plots.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer is disclosed wherein an ion signal is split into a first and second signal. The first and second signals are multiplied by different gains and are digitised. Arrival time and intensity pairs are calculated for both digitised signals and the resulting time and intensity pairs are combined to form a high dynamic range spectrum. The spectrum is then combined with other corresponding spectra to form a summed spectrum.

Abstract: The present invention includes generating a three-dimensional design of experiment (DOE) for a plurality of semiconductor wafers, a first dimension of the DOE being a relative amount of a first component of the thin film, a second dimension of the DOE being a relative amount of a second component of the thin film, a third dimension of the DOE being a thickness of the thin film, acquiring a spectrum for each of the wafers, generating a set of optical dispersion data by extracting a real component (n) and an imaginary component (k) of the complex index of refraction for each of the acquired spectrum, identifying one or more systematic features of the set of optical dispersion data; and generating a multi-component Bruggeman effective medium approximation (BEMA) model utilizing the identified one or more systematic features of the set of optical dispersion data.

Abstract: The invention is a process for finding the accurate masses of subfragments comprising an unknown compound from the accurate-mass mass spectral data of the unknown compound obtained on a mass spectrometer. This process generates these accurate masses of subfragments using mass differences of fragment ions and a listing of plausible masses. In this way, the accurate masses of subfragments, useful for generating modular structures, can be obtained very rapidly.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for measuring a flow rate, in particular in an inductive flowmeter, in which an electrical signal is applied to a measuring medium flowing in a measuring tube at electrodes, and the response function at measuring electrodes is determined as a measure of the flow rate, and to a corresponding flowmeter device. So that the flow effects of gas bubbles and/or particles in the measuring medium can be distinguished from other faults and the determination of the flow rate is thus more reliable, the disclosure proposes that, in order to detect gas bubbles and/or particles in the measuring medium, a magnetic and/or electric field is applied to the latter and the potential and/or current is/are read out at one or more electrodes, the signal profile A(t), together with its signal-to-noise component, is measured electronically as a function of the time, and a statistical evaluation is used to infer the existence of gas bubbles and/or particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to the identification of molecules using electromagnetic write-heads and magneto-resistive sensors. In one embodiment, an electromagnetic write-head magnetically excites a molecule with an alternating magnetic field. A magneto-resistive sensor measures the resonant response of the magnetically excited molecule. A processor compares the resonant response to a table of known responses of different molecules to identify the chemical composition of the target molecule.

Abstract: An MS analysis is performed for each micro area within a specified mass analysis area on a sample. Based on the data obtained by this analysis, a distribution image of a specified m/z ratio of m/z range is created and displayed on a display screen (S10-S14). When an operator selects a substance of interest on the displayed image and indicates its m/z (S15), one or more micro areas in which the MS spectrum intensity at the specified m/z is equal to or higher than a threshold are extracted, and an MS/MS analysis using the m/z of the substance of interest as the precursor is performed on the extracted micro areas (S26 and S27). An average MS/MS spectrum is calculated from the MS/MS spectrum data obtained for those micro areas (S28), and the substance of interest is identified based on the information relating to the peaks appearing on the average MS/MS spectrum (S19).

Abstract: Methods of identifying polypeptides have been developed using a de novo sequencing technique. Methods use photodissociation and low-energy fragmentation and the spectra of peptide ions obtained therefrom, such as obtained by post-source decay (PSD), have been developed. The methods include photodissociation and the spectra therefrom obtainable from treating ions with predetermined wavelengths of radiation in the vacuum ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum. The confidence of amino acid assignments based on x-type ions is evaluated by observing complementary y-, v- and w-type ions that provide additional constraints to sequence identification.

Abstract: Reference features are updated based on a previous scan during each mass spectrometry scan of a sample. Reference features with reference feature confidence values are generated from a plurality of initial scans. For each subsequent scan of a sample, sample features and sample feature confidence values are calculated. The reference features and sample features are aligned to determine common features. Constants are determined for an equation of mass of the mass spectrometer using confidence weighted regression of the common features. The constants and the equation of mass are used to calculate new mass values for the sample features. The reference features are updated using the sample features and the reference feature confidence values are recalculated in order to maintain the accuracy of reference features for calibration.

Abstract: A method of determining physico-chemical properties of a petroleum sample from two-dimensional gas chromatography. The amounts of molecular compounds present in the sample are determined by means of two-dimensional gas chromatography. At least one physical property, such as the octane number, is then determined from these amounts. A previously calibrated relation connecting the physical property to the amounts is used to this end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of energy spectrum analysis for sodium iodide (NaI) detector, by which an energy spectrum characteristic obtained from a sodium iodide (NaI) detector is analyzed and used for establishing a system capable of qualitative nuclide identification and activity determination that can be adapted in applications of waste clearance management.

Abstract: An apparatus for elemental analysis of particles such as single cells or single beads by mass spectrometry is described. The apparatus includes means for particle introduction; means to vaporize, atomize and ionize elements associated with a particle; means to separate the ions according to their mass-to-charge ratio; means to detect the separated ions, means to digitize the output of the means to detect the ions; means to transfer and/or to process and/or record the data output of the means to digitize, having means to detect the presence of a particle in a mass spectrometer; and means to synchronize one of the means for ion detection, data digitization, transfer, processing and recording with the means to detect the presence of a particle. Methods and computer readable code implementing aspects of the apparatus, and for reducing the rates of data generation, digitization, transfer, processing and recording are also described.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, software, and systems for analyzing homogenous samples containing signal-emitting entities, such as, but not limited to, radioisotopes, are disclosed. The apparatuses mainly involve sample-container apparatuses that shape samples into different thicknesses; equipment; and software for detecting, processing, preserving, and presenting the signals and computational results. The methods mainly involve characteristic signal acquisition and processing in order to compute sample self-attenuation of signals emitted from within special sample-container apparatuses. The software intelligently pairs characteristic signals from samples of varying thicknesses; carries out the sample self-attenuation, transmittance, and other computations related to signal-detection-efficiency calibration of the detection system; and identifies and quantifies signal emitters.

Abstract: Absolute quantitation of protein in a sample is provided by comparing a sum or average of the N highest ionization intensities observed for peptides of a particular protein along with a calibration standard. The calibration standard can be in the form of a table generated by prior protein peptide analysis performed using one or more pre-determined proteins. The comparison is used to determine a corresponding absolute quantity of protein based on the observed sum or average of ionization intensities. A simple conversion factor can be applied to the calibration standard value to determine the absolute quantity of protein in the sample.

Abstract: A laser and monitoring system is provided. In another aspect of the present invention, the system includes a laser, pulse shaper and detection device. A further aspect of the present invention employs a femtosecond laser and binary pulse shaping (BPS). Still another aspect of the present invention uses a laser beam pulse, a pulse shaper and a SHG crystal. In yet another aspect of the present invention, a multiphoton intrapulse interference phase scan (hereinafter “MIIPS”) method is used to characterize the spectral phase of femtosecond laser pulses and to correct them. A further aspect of the system of the present invention is employed to monitor environmental chemicals and biological agents, including toxins, explosives, and diseases.

Abstract: A mass spectrometry apparatus configured to allow a user to designate an upper limit value UL together with a lower limit value, as a peak sorting condition. A data processing section is operable to determine whether respective peak intensities of a plurality of peaks appearing on a mass spectrum fall within an intensity range Ath defined by upper and lower limit values UL, LL, and exclude any peak out of the intensity range Ath. The remaining ions are selected as precursor ions, for example, in descending or ascending order of peak intensity so as to perform an MS2 analysis. The upper limit UL is adequately set to allow the MS2 analysis for a sample component with a low concentration, by priority, while avoiding a sample component exhibiting a high intensity and having no need for the MS2 analysis.

Abstract: Radiation scattering is one of the main contributors to the uncertainty of near infrared (NIR) measurements. Enhanced absorption-measurement accuracy for NIR sensors is achieved by using a combination of NIR spectroscopy and time-of-flight techniques to select photons that are the result of a given mean free path within a moving sample target. By measuring absorption as a function of path length or by windowing signals that are attributable to excessive scattering of NIR radiation within the sample, this technique affords the calculation of more accurate and more universal calibrations. The NIR sensor employs short or ultra-short laser pulses to create NIR that is directed to the moving sample and emerging radiation is detected over time. Windowing effectively truncates non-contributing measurements.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing noisy terahertz spectroscopy data transforms the measured time-dependent data into frequency space, for example, using a discrete Fourier transform, and then transforms the frequency spectrum into wavelet frequency space. The twice-transformed data is analyzed to identify spectroscopic features of the signal, for example, to identify a resonance frequency. The method may be used, for example, in a stand-off detector to identify particular chemicals in a target.

Abstract: A simplified X-ray imaging apparatus is capable of computationally determining effective atomic numbers with small error factors even for light elements. In one embodiment, the X-ray imaging apparatus has an X-ray generation unit 101 (400) for generating X-rays and a detector 105 (405) for detecting X-rays transmitted through an object of examination 104 (403). A computing unit 106 (406) computationally determines a quantity of an X-ray phase attributable to the object of examination and an X-ray transmittance of the object of examination from data detected by the detector. The computing unit also computationally determines an effective atomic number of the object of examination from ?et determined from the quantity of the X-ray phase and ?t determined from the X-ray transmittance.

Abstract: A method for matching precursor ions to product ions generated in a chromatography—mass spectrometry experiment comprises: choosing a time window defining a region of interest for precursor ion data and product ion data generated by the experiment; constructing a plurality of extracted ion chromatograms (XICs) for the precursor ion data and the product ion data within the region of interest; automatically detecting and characterizing chromatogram peaks within each XIC and automatically generating synthetic analytical fit peaks thereof; discarding a subset of the synthetic analytical peaks which do not satisfy noise reduction rules; performing a respective cross-correlation score calculation between each pair of synthetic analytical fit peaks; and recognizing matches between precursor ions and product ions based on the cross correlation scores.

Abstract: A mobile soil mapping system includes an implement for traversing a field to be mapped, and a reflectance module carried by the implement for collecting spectroscopic measurements of soil in the field. The reflectance module has a light source, an optical receiver for transmitting light to a spectrometer, and a shutter system that alters the optical path between the light source and the optical receiver. The shutter system allows the system to automatically collect a dark reference measurement and a known reference material measurement at timed intervals to compensate for drift of the spectrometer and the light source. A self-cleaning window on the reflectance module has a lower surface maintained in firm contact with the soil during operation. External reference blocks are used to calibrate the system to ensure standardized, repeatable data. Additional sensors are carried by the implement to collect other soil data, such as electrical conductivity and temperature.

Abstract: The system records the movement of tiny organisms housed in closed micro plates traversed by an infrared beam generating a signal as a function of the diffraction caused by the body of the microorganism. The behavior detection procedure includes processing the diffraction signal to discriminate the locomotor activity of the microorganism. The system may be used in the chronobiological field, longevity, toxicity, and pharmacology studies.

Abstract: A new method is presented for characterizing the associative properties of a solution of macromolecules at high concentration. Sample aliquots spanning a range of concentrations are injected sequentially into a light scattering photometer. Equilibrium association constants and association stoichiometry are derived from an analysis of the angular and concentration dependence of the scattering signals. Thermodynamic nonideality, which becomes important at high concentrations, is dealt with in the analysis in a simplified manner which is applicable to multiple associated species.

Abstract: A method for identifying a substance includes determining a first molecular interference function (MIF) for a first substance. The method also includes determining a second MIF for a second substance. The method further includes generating a residual MIF at least partially based on a comparison of the second MIF to the first MIF. The method also includes identifying the type of substance based on the residual MIF.

Abstract: A device for identifying a material of an object including: a source of X photons, and a spectrometric detector, the source irradiating the object with an incident beam and the detector measuring a magnitude of a backscattered beam from the incident beam after scattering in a volume of the material and an energy of the X photons of the backscattered beam, the incident and backscattered beams forming a scattering angle. Further, a mechanism adjusts position between the source, the detector, and the object for volume to be at different depths with a constant angle, and a mechanism processes the two magnitudes in two positions and the energy in one position to calculate an attenuation coefficient for estimating the density of the material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for LC/IMS/MS analysis involve obtaining noisy raw data from a sample, convolving the data with an artifact-reducing filter, and locating, in retention-time, ion mobility, and mass-to-charge-ratio dimensions, one or more ion peaks of the convolved data.