Abstract: A self-adapting classification system (“SACS”) generates an evolving classification for content. The classification may start with a seed review process, which generates a level of trust for initial reviews of the content. Once the seed review is completed and distributed, users may submit content reviews to the self adapting classification system. Using the SACS, users may identify themselves with one or more community groups, which indicate certain shared values and preferences with respect to other members of the same community group. Content reviews received by the SACS may comprise a user identifier pertaining to the submitting user, a content descriptor and an associated classification.

Abstract: A self-adapting classification system (“SACS”) generates an evolving classification for content. The classification may start with a seed review process, which generates a level of trust for initial reviews of the content. Once the seed review is completed and distributed, users may submit content reviews to the self adapting classification system. Using the SACS, users may identify themselves with one or more community groups, which indicate certain shared values and preferences with respect to other members of the same community group. Content reviews received by the SACS may comprise a user identifier pertaining to the submitting user, a content descriptor and an associated classification.

Abstract: Multi-ordered spectral data is obtained from various known substances and is stored in a spectral library. The identification of an unknown material is accomplished by correlating the sample's multi-ordered spectrum against all or a portion of the spectrum in the library, and finding the closest match.

Abstract: A resonance ionization imaging device (RIID) and method for imaging objects using the RIID are provided, the RIID system including a RIID cell containing an ionizable vapor including monoisotopic atoms or molecules, the cell being positioned to intercept scattered radiation of a resonance wavelength .lambda..sub.1 from the object which is to be detected or imaged, a laser source disposed to illuminate the RIID cell with laser radiation having a wavelength .lambda..sub.2 or wavelengths .lambda..sub.2, .lambda..sub.3 selected to ionize atoms in the cell that are in an excited state by virtue of having absorbed the scattered resonance laser radiation, and a luminescent screen at the back surface of the RIID cell which presents an image of the number and position of charged particles present in the RIID cell as a result of the ionization of the excited state atoms.

Abstract: Raman spectroscopy uses a resonance ionization detector. In particular, a first laser source is provided for application of laser energy to a sample cell. A second laser source provides energy to the ionization detector, which ionization detector includes metal vapor having at least three energy states or levels. The laser from the second laser source has a frequency such that it will promote the metal vapor from one of its levels to a higher level, whereas the first laser source is tunable such that upon Raman scatter from the sample cell promoting the metal vapor as well, the metal atoms will be ionized and the ionization detector will detect the scatter from the sample material. The scatter from the sample cell is provided to the ionization detector by way of an optical coupler such as a lens. The ionization detector may be a flame-type ionization detector, a metal vapor cell ionization detector, for a glow discharge tube (such as a hollow cathode lamp) ionization detector.