Abstract: A measuring device has a sensor for registering at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of at least one ingredient, at least one property, and both, of a material being investigated by the sensor, the sensor including at least one illumination source which directs at least one light beam toward the material to be investigated, at least one reference object for calibrating the measuring device, and an illumination source configured so that a portion of a light beam from the illumination source is redirected toward the reference object.

Abstract: A system and method permits for the separation of auto-fluorescence from a signal by applying a single probe to a sample, exciting the sample with a single wavelength light source, thereby emitting a light a distance from the light source. The emitted light is split, and the split light is collected into two or more distinct channels. A first channel of the distinct channels is positioned closer to the light source than a second distinct channel of the distinct channels, and the second channel is closer to the emission frequency of the single probe than is the first channel. The light collected in the first channel and the light collected in the second channel are investigated, and an output signal is generated based upon the investigation.

Abstract: A method for the ultrasensitive simultaneous measurement of nonlinear optical emission signals in one or two local dimensions wherein excitation light is irradiated in modulated form from at least one light source into an interactive space in which one or several emissions that are nonlinearly correlated with the excitement light can be excited. The light emanating from the interactive spaces is measured using a one or two-dimensional detector array. Measured data is then transmitted to a computer and formatted in a one or two-dimensional data matrix. Further, non-correlated portions of the light emanating from the interactive spaces that are linearly proportionate to the intensity of the excitement light available in the interactive spaces are separated from portions of the light emanating from the interactive spaces which are not linearly proportionate. The invention also relates to an analytical system for carrying out this method.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for automatic real-time monitoring for the presence of a pathogen in water using coherent anti-stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy. Water sample trapped in a trapping medium is provided to a CARS imager. CARS images are provided to a processor for automatic analyzing for the presence of image artifacts having pre-determined features characteristic to the pathogen. If a match is found, a CARS spectrum is taken and compared to a stored library of reference pathogen-specific spectra for pathogen identification. The system enables automatic pathogen detection in flowing water in real time.

Abstract: A method for measuring the concentration of the metal solution and reducing agent solution within the electroless plating solution is disclosed. Raman spectroscopy is used to measure the concentration of each solution within the electroless plating solution after they have been mixed together. By measuring the concentration of each solution prior to providing the solution to a plating cell, the concentration of the individual solutions can be adjusted so that the targeted concentration of each solution is achieved. Additionally, each solution can be individually analyzed using Raman spectroscopy prior to mixing with the other solutions. Based upon the Raman spectroscopy measurements of the individual solutions prior to mixing, the individual components that make up each solution can be adjusted prior to mixing so that the targeted component concentration can be achieved.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and methods for assessing occurrence of a hazardous agent in a sample by performing multipoint spectral analysis of the sample. Methods of employing Raman spectroscopy and other spectrophotometric methods are disclosed. Devices and systems suitable for performing such multipoint methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for applying pigment to a substrate includes a spectrophotometer integral to the system. Light received from the substrate is spectrally analyzed by a spectrometer. One or more pigment discharges apply one or more pigments to the substrate. The spectrometer spectrally analyzes the one or more pigments applied to the substrate. The spectrometer includes an optical sensing circuit having thereon a plurality of optical sensors and one or more processing elements. A plurality of filter elements are fixedly positioned over at least a first group of the optical sensors, and an optical manifold having a plurality of exit windows and at least one entrance port is fixedly positioned with respect to the plurality of filter elements.

Abstract: A biochip for implementing analysis on the basis of the distribution of a quantity of light of fluorescent light generated at sites disposed thereon, the biochip having, markers formed thereon and defined previously in a positional relationship relative to the sites; and a processor for recognizing positions of the sites on the biochip on the basis of the positions of the markers, wherein the markers are formed of at least one of dyes, pigment, metal colloid bonded to biopolymer, dyes bonded to biopolymer, and pigment bonded to biopolymer.

Abstract: This invention belongs to the luminous flux measurement field, and especially relates to the equipment and method for LED's total luminous flux measurement with a narrow beam standard light source. The system for LED's total luminous flux measurement with a narrow beam standard light source in this invention comprises an integrating sphere, the light source, a narrow aperture fiber, a spectrometer and a driver for the light source. The light source is lighted by the driver. The narrow beam standard light source (both luminous flux standard and spectrum standard) is placed on the interior surface of integrating sphere, there is not any baffle in the sphere, and a narrow aperture fiber transfers the light to a multi-channel spectrometer which measures the spectrum distribution of LED and calculates its total luminous flux. The equipment in this invention is easy to use, has small error and low cost, and can achieve accurate results for LED's total luminous flux.

Abstract: A biological and chemical detection system is provided that detects and identifies biological and/or chemical particulates of interest. The biological and chemical detection system comprises a collector, a first optical device, a second optical device and a processor. The collector is configured to deposit particulates drawn from a fluid stream onto a sample substrate to define a sample area. The first optical device derives first data relative to at least a portion of the sample area, which is analyzed to determine at least one field of view and/or specific target location. The second optical device then interrogates the sample area at each determined target location, e.g., using Raman spectroscopy, to produce interrogation data.

Abstract: Compositions and methods utilizing Raman Spectroscopy to detect and determine, directly or indirectly, the concentration of water treatment polymers in water or methods for measuring or quantifying the amount of water treatment polymer in a sample, such as an industrial, commercial, or municipal water sample, are provided. The compositions contain water treatment polymers that have been modified to include one or more Raman-active functional groups. The methods utilize Raman spectroscopy to detect the presence or amount of water treatment polymer either directly or indirectly. The method provides the ability to detect or measure the amount of active water treatment polymer remaining in the sample.

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 novel systems, devices, and methods comprising spatial light modulators for use in the reading and synthesis of microarrays. For example, the present invention provides micromirror systems for synthesizing and acquiring data from nucleic acid microarrays and systems for collecting, processing, and analyzing data obtained from a microarray.

Abstract: A system for detecting electromagnetic radiation from samples comprising: a plurality of sample volumes, each of said sample volumes confined within a portion of a capillary column; a plurality of electromagnetic radiation sources; a mirror for receiving electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic radiation sources and for reflecting the electromagnetic radiation to the sample volumes; a scanner attached to the mirror; a parabolic reflector for collecting sample electromagnetic radiation from the sample volumes, the sample electromagnetic radiation being generated as a result of interaction of the reflected electromagnetic radiation with the sample volumes; a plurality of filters for filtering the sample electromagnetic radiation; and a plurality of detectors for detecting sample electromagnetic radiation from the sample volumes, each of the detectors being configured to receive sample electromagnetic radiation that has passed through a corresponding one of the plurality of filters and generate a signa

Abstract: A biological and chemical detection system is provided that detects and identifies biological and/or chemical particulates of interest. The biological and chemical detection system comprises a collector, a first optical device, a second optical device and a processor. The collector is configured to deposit particulates drawn from a fluid stream onto a sample substrate to define a sample area. The first optical device derives first data relative to at least a portion of the sample area, which is analyzed to determine at least one field of view and/or specific target location. The second optical device then interrogates the sample area at each determined target location, e.g., using Raman spectroscopy, to produce interrogation data.

Abstract: Apparatus for analyzing light having at least one wavelength, the apparatus comprising: (a) a light deflector for deflecting the light so as to provide a deflected light beam characterized by at least one wavelength-dependent angle, respectively corresponding to the at least one wavelength of the light; (b) an encoder, capable of encoding the deflected light beam so as to provide an encoded light beam characterized by at least one angle-dependent polarization state, respectively corresponding to the at least one wavelength-dependent angle; and (c) a decoder, for decoding the encoded light beam so as to determine at least one spectral component of the light.

Abstract: To measure the critical dimensions and other parameters of a one- or two-dimensional diffracting structure of a film, the calculation may be simplified by first performing a measurement of the thickness of the film, employing a film model that does not vary the critical dimension or parameters related to other characteristics of the structure. The thickness of the film may be estimated using the film model sufficiently accurately so that such estimate may be employed to simplify the structure model for deriving the critical dimension and other parameters related to the two-dimensional diffracting structure.

Abstract: An apparatus, and method of use of such apparatus, for detecting particles of interest that are dispersed in a fluid mix, which typically includes other particles. The apparatus includes an interrogation platform arranged to operate in harmony with an opaque member having an orifice sized to promote single-file travel of the particles there-through. A radiation source is disposed on one side of the opaque member, and a radiation detector is disposed on the other side of the opaque member. Particles of interest are tagged using antibody-binding, fluorescing molecules. Radiation from the source causes the tagged particles to fluoresce in the vicinity of, and passing through, the orifice. The resulting fluorescence is detected by the radiation detector and indicates passage of the particles of interest. One workable opaque member is advantageously included in a thin film assembly carried on a removable and disposable card that is adapted for reception in the interrogation platform.

Abstract: Low concentrations of complex gas mixture components may be detected and quantified using a gas-chromatograph to separate a gas mixture prior to analysis of one or more eluting components using an absorption spectrometer. Substantial reductions in analytical system complexity and improvements in reliability are achieved compared with other commonly used methods for analyzing such complex mixtures.

Abstract: Spectral analysis system for downhole applications is provided utilizing an inorganic replica-type grating that is configured to operate as a diffractive element that provides broad spectral coverage in high temperature downhole environments.