Abstract: A device configured to furnish hydration monitoring employs a method using multiple different wavelengths of light transmitted into a human body part, each wavelength being input at a given respective input intensity. Respective output intensities of respective ones of the multiple wavelengths can be measured, upon transmission thereof through the human body part. The corresponding input intensity and the corresponding output intensity for the respective ones of the transmitted wavelengths can be used along with a form of an equation for the Beer-Lambert law to calculate a concentration-related slope, the concentration-related slope being proportional to the relative concentration of water in the human body part at a given time. A hydration-level output indicative of a level of hydration can then be generated based on the concentration-related slope.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a camera for the three-dimensional measurement of a dental object, comprising at least one light source, which emits an illumination beam, at least one projection means, which produces a projection pattern, focusing optics, which display the projection pattern in a plane of sharp focus at a defined focal distance relative to the dental camera. The projection pattern projected onto the object is reflected by the object as an observation beam and is acquired by means of a sensor. In the measurement of the object, the focusing optics are controlled in such a way that the focal distance of the plane of sharp focus relative to the camera is varied incrementally between a plurality of defined scan positions.

Abstract: A system and method for aligning a light beam in a spectroscopic measuring device such as a pump-probe device is provided. The system and method comprise a first motorized mirror (66b) positioned to receive and transmit a light beam (60a); a second motorized mirror (66c) positioned relative to the first mirror to receive the light beam from the first mirror and transmit the light beam to a delay line (64); a third mirror (78) positioned to receive the light beam from the delay line and transmit said light beam to a detector (80); and a computer-based processor (82) in communication with the detector and the first and second mirrors, the processor configured to a) receive and process data relating to the light beam from the detector, and b) cause movement of the first and second mirrors to change an angle of the mirrors based on the data relating to the light beam.

Abstract: Embodiments of measurement apparatus for measuring the optical properties of a sample film are described. The measurement apparatus includes a first stage, a second stage, and an arm structure coupled to the second stage. The first stage includes an optical source and a block of transparent material. The block of transparent material includes a surface that supports a sample film. The second stage includes a plurality of layers and an optical detector. The arm structure is designed to translate the second stage with respect to the first stage.

Abstract: The invention discloses the use of Raman spectroscopy to analyze one or more process streams (5) of a urea synthesis production plant, where urea is synthesised from ammonia and carbon dioxide at high pressure (100-300 bar) and high temperature (50-250° C.). The radiation generated by the Raman scattering is analyzed to determine the concentration of components such as urea, ammonia and carbon dioxide in the process streams (5). A logic system implemented in a plant control unit (1) generates signals to target plant actuators to optimize the operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a concentration of chemicals in a fluid flowing in a fluid passage is disclosed. A sample of the fluid is placed on a substrate comprising a first layer of carbon nanotubes and a second layer of metal nanowires. An energy source radiates the fluid sample with electromagnetic radiation at a selected energy level, and a detector measures an energy level of radiation emitted from the fluid sample in response to the electromagnetic radiation. A processor determines a Raman spectrum of the fluid sample from the energy level of the emitted radiation and estimates the concentration of a selected chemical in the fluid sample based on the Raman spectrum.

Abstract: A system capable of highly sensitive measurement of material concentration values in a sample using an optical spectroscopic method is disclosed. The system utilizes high-speed data acquisition and high resolution sampling of the raw signals output by the sensors with reduced total channel counts, and performs frequency analysis of the signals using the Fourier transform method to process all sensor channels in parallel. When each sensor is targeting the detection of some certain materials at some certain frequencies, the system is capable of simultaneous detection of multiple materials of interest in the sample with high measurement sensitivity and high speed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for a Cart Inspector to create a suspicion level for a transaction when a video image of the transaction portrays an item(s) left in a shopping cart. Specifically, the Cart Inspector obtains video data associated with a time(s) of interest. The video data originates from a video camera that monitors a transaction area. The Cart Inspector analyzes the video data with respect to target image(s) associated with a transaction in the transaction area during the time(s) of interest. The Cart Inspector creates an indication of a suspicion level for the transaction based on analysis of the target image(s). Creation of a high suspicion level for the transaction indicates that the transaction's corresponding video images most likely portray occurrences where the purchase price of an item transported through the transaction area was not included in the total amount paid by the customer.

Abstract: A method of microscopy is disclosed. The method comprises directing a pulse of a pump optical beam to form an optical spot on a substance and measuring changes in a temperature-dependent or photo-excited property of the substance. The method further comprises analyzing the measured changes to distinguish between information pertaining to the property at a portion of the spot, and information pertaining to the property at other portions of the spot. A largest diameter of the portion of the spot is optionally and preferably less than a central wavelength of the pump optical beam.

Abstract: A fuel sensing system utilizes a fiber optic sensor comprising a membrane made of a direct band gap semiconductor material (such as gallium arsenide) that forms an optical cavity with an optical fiber inside a hermetically sealed sensor package located at the bottom of a fuel tank. The optical fiber inside the fuel tank is not exposed to the fuel. The optical cavity formed by the bottom surface of the membrane and the surface of the distal end of the internal optical fiber is capable of behaving as a Fabry-Pérot interferometer. Multiple light sources operating at different wavelengths and multiple spectrometers can be coupled to the confronting surface of the membrane via the optical fiber inside the fuel tank, a hermetically sealed fiber optic connector that passes through the wall of the fuel tank, and a fiber optic coupler located outside the fuel tank.

Abstract: A LIDAR system emits laser pulses, wherein each pulse is associated with a power level. A laser emitter is adjusted during operation of a LIDAR system using power profile data associated with the laser. The power profile data is obtained during a calibration procedure and includes information that associates charge duration for a laser power supply with the actual power output by laser. The power profiles can be used during operation of the LIDAR system. A laser pulse can be emitted, the reflected light from the pulse received and analyzed, and the power of the next pulse can be adjusted based on a lookup within the power profile for the laser. For instance, if the power returned from a pulse is too high (e.g., above some specified threshold), the power of the next pulse is reduced to a specific value based on the power profile.

Abstract: A degassing device 2 includes: a built-in absorbance measurement section 28 using an LED light source and measuring the intensity of light transmitted through a mobile phase passing through a flow cell; and a solenoid valve 26 switchable between two states with and without the mobile phase passed through a degassing tube 21. The passage-switching operation by the solenoid valve is performed so as to obtain detection signals of the transmitted light in the absorbance measurement section when the mobile phase drawn from a mobile phase container by a liquid-feeding pump 40 is passed through the degassing tube for degassing as well as when the mobile phase is not passed through the degassing tube for degassing. A signal processor 29 calculates the difference in absorbance based on those detection signals, estimates the degree of degassing based on that difference, and displays the result on a display unit 32.

Abstract: A spectroscopy device is disclosed for inline monitoring of analytes in bulk fluid streams, capable of maintaining sterile conditions. The device comprises a cassette suitable for holding a fluid analyte (151) and having a laser entry wall part and a detector wall part, the laser entry wall part arranged to be optically transparent to laser radiation of a predetermined wavelength and the detector wall part arranged to be optically transparent for spectral parts of interest. Laser transmission optics are provided to focus a laser beam to produce a breakdown plasma discharge within the fluid inside the cassette. A photodetector substrate is provided comprising an array of photosensors, tuned to detect characteristic emission lines from the plasma. The photodetector substrate is conformal to at least the detector wall part of the cassette. A placement provision is arranged for user removable placement of the cassette.

Abstract: An apparatus including an electromagnetic radiation source that emits electromagnetic radiation, a sample chamber comprising a fluid sample inlet for introducing a solids-laden fluid sample therein, and a detector that receives a backscattering signal and generates an output signal corresponding to a concentration of solids in the solids-laden fluid sample. The electromagnetic radiation transmits through the sample chamber and optically interacts with the solids-laden fluid sample to generate a backscattering signal. The sample chamber may include one or more of a shear bob for applying a shear rate to the solids-laden fluid sample, the shear bob suspended in the sample chamber and rotatable about an axis, a sealable fluid pressurizing inlet for pressurizing the sample chamber and a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure in the sample chamber when pressurized, and/or a temperature source for heating the solids-laden fluid sample.

Abstract: A spectrometer for examining the spectrum of an optical emission source may include: an optical base body, a light entry aperture connected to the optical base body to couple light into the spectrometer, at least one dispersion element to receive the light as a beam of rays and generate a spectrum, and at least one detector for measuring the generated spectrum. A light path may run from the light entry aperture to the detector. A mirror group with at least two mirrors may be provided in a section of the light path between the light entry aperture and the at least one detector, in which the beam does not run parallel, which may compensate for temperature effects. In the mirror group, at least one mirror or the entire mirror group may be moveable relative to the optical base body and may be coupled to a temperature-controlled drive.

Abstract: A spectrometer includes a light detection element having a substrate made of a semiconductor material, a light passing part provided in the substrate, and a light detection part put in the substrate, a support having a base wall part opposing the light detection element, and side wall parts integrally formed with the base wall part, the light detection element being fixed to the side wall parts, the support being provided with a wiring electrically connected to the light detection part, and a dispersive part provided on a surface of the base wall part on a side of a space. An end part of the wiring is connected to a terminal of the light detection element. An end part of the wiring is positioned on a surface in the base wall part on an opposite side from the side of the space.

Abstract: A multifunctional particle analysis device includes a particle measuring device and a particle composition analysis device. Calibration particles for which at least the number, size, and composition thereof are known are input to the particle measuring device and the particle composition analysis device and analyzed. The sensitivity of the particle measuring device is calibrated in accordance with the number and size of the calibration particles as measured by the particle measuring device, and the sensitivity of the particle composition analysis device is calibrated in accordance with the mass composition of the calibration particles as measured by the particle composition analysis device. Moreover, the irradiation axis of particles that enter the particle composition analysis device relative to a capturing unit is calibrated in accordance with a state in which the calibration particles are captured on the capturing unit of the particle composition analysis device.

Abstract: A spectrometer and a spectrometer module are disclosed. The spectrometer includes a liquid crystal (LC) filter including an LC layer configured to pass light having a wavelength that is tunable based on an electrical stimulus that is applied to the LC layer, and a photodetector configured to detect the light passed through the LC filter.

Abstract: A method of monitoring component health is provided. The method includes moving a health monitor over a scattering surface of the component, emitting light of various wavelengths toward the scattering surface from a light source of the health monitor, observing one or more responses of the scattering surface to the light of the various wavelengths at a detector of the health monitor and identifying a condition of the scattering surface from the observed one or more responses of the scattering surface to the light of the various wavelengths.

Abstract: A dental laser treatment system includes a treatment laser beam and a pilot (e.g., aiming/marking) laser beam sharing a collinear beam path, where the beam path is guided by a guidance system through a handpiece/main chamber assembly having a beam exit. A laser beam presence detector is removably affixed to or within the handpiece/main chamber assembly. The laser beam presence detector provides feedback to a computer which can control actuation of the treatment laser beam and the pilot laser beam, and the beam guidance system. The computer performs a search for determining the center location of the beam exit based on the feedback and controls the beam guidance system to guide the beam path approximately to the center of the beam exit, thereby providing automatic alignment of the laser beam with the beam exit or an optional hollow waveguide.