Abstract: A dental amalgam separator operates to filter and trap mercury-containing waste, thus preventing the contamination of a downstream facility such as a municipal water treatment plant. The present invention employs a vertically-oriented pleated filter in a housing having an interior wall that tapers inward such that, at a bottom of the filter element, practically no space exists between the housing and the filter element. Such a design minimizes stagnant or void volume. This provides for an effective filter in a compact volume, thereby reducing disposal costs of the mercury-containing hazardous waste.

Abstract: Disclosed are system and method for characterizing a system consisting of a fluid sample on a two sided stage, utilizing data obtained by applying, from both sides thereof, beams of electromagnetic radiation to a fluid coated surface in a containing cell volume. The beams can have the same or different wavelength content and/or polarization state, and can be applied at the same or different magnitude angles-of-incidence, and a third typically unpolarized beam can be applied at a normal angle-of-incidence.

Abstract: A Spectroscopic Rotating Compensator Material System Investigation System including a Photo Array for simultaneously detecting a Multiplicity of Wavelengths is disclosed. The Spectroscopic Rotating Compensator Material System Investigation System is calibrated by a Mathematical Regression based technique involving, where desirable, Parameterization of Calibration Parameters. Calibration is possible utilizing a single two dimensional Data Set obtained with the Spectroscopic Rotating Compensator Material System Investigation System in a "Material System present" or in a Straight-through" configuration.

Abstract: A sample system investigation system, such as an ellipsometer or polarimeter system, for use in investigating sample systems with electromagnetic wavelengths in the infrared range, and a calibration method for compensating nonidealities in multi-dimensional system rotated and non-rotated component representing matricies, are disclosed. An essentially achromatic compensator of dual-rhomb construction, which introduces a (3*LAMBDA/4) phase shift, but essentially no deviation in the direction of propagation of a polarized beam of electromagnetic wavelengths caused to pass therethrough, even when said compensator is caused to continuously rotate, is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electromagnetic beam directing means for use with sample analysis systems, such as reflectometers, ellipsometers and polarimeters and the like, use of which facilitates investigation of sample systems which are not mounted to a sample analysis system sample system supporting stage. The present invention eliminates the requirement of extensive sample analysis system component realignment when alternatingly performing analysis of sample systems mounted upon, and mounted other than upon, a sample analysis system sample system supporting stage.