Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods utilizing an infrared probe and discriminating software to rapidly discriminate abnormal tissue processes from normal tissue during surgery, physical examination of in-situ lesions, and in the assessment of biopsy and resected tissue specimens. Examples demonstrate discrimination of cancerous from noncancerous tissues. The discriminating software, i.e. the metrics, algorithms, calibrant spectra, and decision equations, allows tissue to be identified as abnormal or normal using a minimum of infrared (IR) wavelengths in order to be measured rapidly. The probe records IR metrics approximately 1000 times faster than current commercial instruments, i.e. on a timescale fast enough for clinical use. The probe uses a tunable mid-infrared laser with a small set of selected wavelengths that are optimized for detecting the chemical and molecular signatures of tissue specific lesions to include, but not limited to, cancer, preneoplasia, intracellular accumulations (e.g.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a method for reactively cleaning a contact mechanism. The method includes measuring contact resistance (CRES) associated with a plurality of electrical contacts of the contact mechanism. The method also includes generating at least one statistic of the measured CRES associated with the plurality of electrical contacts of the contact mechanism, and comparing the at least one statistic of the CRES associated with the plurality of electrical contacts of the contact mechanism with at least one CRES threshold parameter associated with an unacceptable level of CRES. The method further includes cleaning the plurality of electrical contacts of the contact mechanism based on the comparison of the at least one statistic of the CRES and the at least one CRES threshold parameter.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention includes a method for reactively cleaning a contact mechanism. The method comprises measuring contact resistance (CRES) associated with a plurality of electrical contacts of the contact mechanism. The method also comprises generating at least one statistic of the measured CRES associated with the plurality of electrical contacts of the contact mechanism, and comparing the at least one statistic of the CRES associated with the plurality of electrical contacts of the contact mechanism with at least one CRES threshold parameter associated with an unacceptable level of CRES. The method further comprises cleaning the plurality of electrical contacts of the contact mechanism based on the comparison of the at least one statistic of the CRES and the at least one CRES threshold parameter.