Abstract: Configurations herein include a novel process and apparatus for generating and maintaining sulfur trioxide gas. The generation system and process operate to provide sulfur trioxide calibration gas for calibrating sulfur trioxide detection devices. The system and process provides a known, concentration of sulfur trioxide gas via a heated catalyst, which enables accurate calibration of measurement equipment. The system functions in part by controlling temperature, amount of moisture, residence time, catalyst selection, diluting generated sulfur trioxide and by locating the sulfur trioxide generator at a point of injection of a sulfur trioxide detection system.

Abstract: An inlet for a process mass spectrometer, the inlet comprising, a capillary in fluid communication with a sample gas feed; a transfer line in fluid communication to the capillary; a first orifice configured to generate a change in pressure, the orifice comprising at least two measuring ports; a pressure sensor operatively connected to at least one of the two measuring ports; and a second transfer line in fluid communication with the first orifice, the second transfer line also in fluid communication with an external disposal point.

Abstract: A method for controlling gain of a scintillation detector includes using a reference radiation source and a photomultiplier tube and controlling the gain of the scintillation detector based on the reference radiation source. The controlling includes detecting change in the gain of the scintillation detector, determining an amount of the change in the gain, outputting a control signal to compensate the amount of the change in the gain, and stabilizing the gain against the reference radiation source based on the control signal. A gain control system for controlling gain of a scintillation detector includes computer-readable instructions stored in the memory for causing the processor to detect change in the gain of the scintillation detector determine an amount of the change in the gain, output a control signal to compensate the amount of the change in the gain, and stabilize the gain against the reference radiation source based on the control signal.

Abstract: An imaging system for deployment within a high-radiation environment. The imaging system has an imaging array of photosensitive pixels, each of which contains a sense gate for integrating photogenerated charge during the course of a frame and an amplifier transistor for sampling voltage on the sense gate. Each pixel also contains an inject gate and select and reset FETs, for operation as a charge injection device (CID). Moreover, a circuit including a monitor transistor on each polysilicon layer of the imaging array provides a threshold voltage monitor signal used to compensate a drive signal applied to the array on the basis of threshold voltage shifts induced by exposure to radiation. The array is contained within a remote head that may be evacuated and temperature-controlled and that may contain radiation-hardened drive electronics for generating drive signals upon receipt of a start pulse received from a camera control unit located at a significant distance from the remote head.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pump device 50 which is usable to dilute a sample 52 before analysis. A first pump 54 pumps the sample to a mixing region 58 where it mixes with a diluent 66. A second pump 64 pumps the diluted sample to the analysis instrument. The flow of the diluent to the mixer is equal to the difference of the flow of the sample to the mixer and the flow of the diluted sample to the instrument. Pumps 54 and 64 are independently controllable by a controller unit which is arranged so that data from the instrument can be used to determine the dilution factor of the sample. Thus, the controller can control this dilution factor in real time, upon receipt of such data from the instrument, by change either one of (or both) the pump's flow rate.

Abstract: Encapsulated switches are disclosed which substitute non-toxic gallium alloy for mercury. In one embodiment, wetting of the interior surfaces of the housing is prevented by coating the surfaces with an electrically insulative inorganic non-metallic material, such as alumina or boron nitrate. According to another embodiment, a perfluorocarbon liquid is employed as the anti-wetting agent.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid flow including a solenoid valve. The solenoid valve includes a valve body located outside an instrumentation enclosure, wherein the valve body includes at least one connection port for controlling fluid flow and a valve plunger housing located within the instrumentation enclosure, wherein a solenoid coil is wound around the valve plunger housing portion. The apparatus also includes an instrumentation enclosure wall including an aperture through which the valve plunger housing is inserted into the instrumentation enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out both x-ray diffraction (XRD) and x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis of a crystalline sample. A sample holder is located within an evacuable chamber. An x-ray fluorescence source and separate x-ray diffraction source are mounted within the evacuable chamber. An XRF detection arrangement is also provided, for detecting secondary x-rays emitted from the surface of the crystalline sample as a result of illumination by x-rays from the said x-ray fluorescence source. An XRD detection arrangement is then provided for detecting x-rays of a characteristic wavelength which have been diffracted by the crystalline sample. A moveable XRD support assembly is provided, comprising a first part configured to mount the XRD source for relative movement between the XRD source and the sample holder, and a second part configured to mount the XRD detection arrangement for relative movement between the XRD detection arrangement and the sample holder.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for implementing a power source including a power amplifier that generates a radio-frequency power signal with an adjustable operating frequency. The power amplifier also generates a reference phase signal that is derived from the radio-frequency power signal. An impedance match provides the radio-frequency power signal to a plasma coil that has a variable resonance condition. A phase probe is positioned adjacent to the plasma coil to generate a coil phase signal corresponding to the adjustable operating frequency. A phase-locked loop then generates an RF drive signal that is based upon a phase relationship between the reference phase signal and the coil phase signal. The phase-locked loop provides the RF drive signal to the power amplifier to control the adjustable operating frequency, so that the adjustable operating frequency then tracks the variable resonance condition.

Abstract: A method for controlling gain of a scintillation detector includes using a reference radiation source and a photomultiplier tube and controlling the gain of the scintillation detector based on the reference radiation source. The controlling includes detecting change in the gain of the scintillation detector, determining an amount of the change in the gain, outputting a control signal to compensate the amount of the change in the gain, and stabilizing the gain against the reference radiation source based on the control signal. A gain control system for controlling gain of a scintillation detector includes computer-readable instructions stored in the memory for causing the processor to detect change in the gain of the scintillation detector determine an amount of the change in the gain, output a control signal to compensate the amount of the change in the gain, and stabilize the gain against the reference radiation source based on the control signal.

Abstract: An X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis system for analysing an insulating sample 20, and a method of XPS analysis. The system comprises an X-ray generating means 30 having an exit opening 32 and being arranged to generate primary X-rays 46,56 which pass out of the exit opening in a sample direction towards a sample surface 22 for irradiation thereof. It has been found that the X-ray generating means in use additionally generates unwanted electrons 258 which may pass out of the exit opening substantially in the sample direction and cause undesirable sample charging effects. The system further comprises an electron deflection field generating means 380,480,580 arranged to generate a deflection field upstream of the sample surface. The deflection field is configured to deflect the unwanted electrons away from the sample direction, such that the unwanted electrons are prevented from reaching the sample surface.

Abstract: A rotor assembly includes an actuator moveable between a first position and a second position. The rotator assembly also includes an engagement mechanism connected and moveable relative to the actuator, wherein the engagement mechanism engages a portion of a centrifuge when the actuator is in the first position and disengages from the portion of the centrifuge when the actuator is in the second position. Also, a method of connecting a rotor assembly to a centrifuge.

Abstract: A gas analyzer system includes an optical source, an optical filter assembly, a controller, and an analyzer. The optical source generates an optical signal. The optical filter assembly includes different optical filters in which to filter the optical signal. During operation, the controller selects sequential application of each of the different optical filters in a path of the optical signal to modulate the optical signal using different frequency bands of optical energy. The modulated optical signal passes through an unknown sample. Based on absorption of the optical signal by the sample gas at different frequencies, the optical analyzer detects which types of multiple different gases are present in the sample.

Abstract: A floating mullion that includes a bracket which is designed to be used when two interior doors are used to close off a desired chamber from ambient. The bracket is specially designed to close off the natural gap between the doors. This bracket will allow the opening and sealing of the inner doors without the need for a fixed mullion. The bracket is not limited to sealing two door chambers but may be used on multiple chambers as well.

Abstract: Transducer assemblies and methods of replacing having a housing, a removable diaphragm, and a sealing diaphragm. The transducer assembly may be used with a spool piece to prevent fluid from escaping from the spool piece when parts of the transducer assembly are removed.

Abstract: An improved radiation detection device measures a broad range of dose rate levels. According to one arrangement, the radiation detection device calculates a radiation value based on, gamma count information representing counts for different energy levels of radiation in a radiation field as well as a radiation intensity indicator value (e.g., photomultiplier tube anode DC current, measured directly by conventional Analog to Digital Converters or indirectly by power or current consumption information indicating how much energy is required to maintain a photomultiplier tube at a constant voltage) that is at least proportional to an amount of overall radiation energy detected in the radiation sample. Based on a combination of the gamma count information and the radiation intensity indicator value, a controller associated with a corresponding radiation detection device can calculate a radiation dose rate associated with the received radiation sample.

Abstract: A reaction chamber enables a reaction between received elemental mercury gas and an oxidizing agent gas. The reaction chamber includes a porous (or permeable) medium through which to pass the elemental mercury gas and the oxidizing agent gas. Passing of the elemental mercury gas and the oxidizing agent gas through the porous medium supports a number of useful functions. For example, the porous medium enhances mixing of the elemental mercury gas with the oxidizing agent gas to enhance a reaction. Also, the porous medium increases an amount of surface area in a reaction chamber on which reactions (e.g., heterogeneous surface reactions) can take place between the elemental mercury gas and the oxidizing agent gas to form oxidized mercury gas. Accordingly, the reaction chamber configured to include a porous medium enhances a conversion of elemental mercury gas into oxidized mercury gas.

Abstract: Systems and methods for testing an integrated circuit device using transmission path and charged device model electrostatic discharge testing. The method includes measuring a electrostatic discharge signal from a charged transmission path of the system, measuring a electrostatic discharge signal from the charged transmission path of the system and a charged integrated circuit device coupled with the charged transmission path, and determining a charged device model waveform based upon distinctions between these electrostatic discharge signals.

Abstract: A spectrometer (10) for sample surface analysis by irradiation of the surface by primary particles and a corresponding method of surface analysis spectroscopy. The spectrometer (10) provides sample viewing and secondary charged particle collection substantially normal to the sample surface. A collection chamber (22) comprises a secondary charged particle lens arrangement (20) to focus the emitted particles in a downstream direction along a first normal axis (24) and thereby to define a charged particle optical crossover location (25); and a light-reflecting optical element (50) downstream of the lens arrangement and arranged to receive image light (41) and reflect it away from a second normal axis (42) for providing a viewable image of the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a strength of a magnetic field, including a switch including contacts configured to change position when a switching threshold is reached, wherein the switching threshold is reached by modifying an external magnetic field around the switch, and a coil wound around the switch, wherein the coil is used to modify the external magnetic field, wherein a first current is driven through the coil wound around the switch until a first switching threshold is obtained, wherein a second current is driven through the coil wound around the switch until a second switching threshold is obtained, and wherein a value of the first current when the first switching threshold is reached and a value of the second current when the second switching threshold is reached are used to determine the strength of the magnetic field.