Abstract: The disclosure is generally directed to a method and apparatus for providing an image of a sample. The apparatus includes an illuminating source for transmitting photons to a sample. The transmitted photons illuminate the sample or are scattered upon reaching the sample. A lens collects the scattered photons and transmits the scattered photons to a tunable filter for forming an image. The illuminating photons traveling from the illuminating source to the sample do not pass through the lens.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a method and apparatus for compact Fabry-Perot imaging spectrometer. More specifically, in one embodiment, the disclosure concerns a tunable Fabry-Perot optical filter for providing a spatially accurate wavelength-resolved image of a sample having two spatial dimensions. The optical filter may include plural filter elements having an initial predetermined spacing between adjacent filter elements; and a micro electromechanical system (“MEMS”) actuator. One of the plural filter elements may be attached to the MEMS actuator so that the actuator is capable of moving said one filter element relative to another of said plural filter elements to thereby tune said Fabry-Perot optical filter.

Abstract: Authentication systems, apparatus, and methods authenticate an identification marking including a nanocrystalline material. One or more properties of the marking are ascertained to provide a measured profile. The measured profile is compared to at least one member of a closed set of reference profiles. Each reference profile has predetermined values of one or more properties. Each reference profile is unique within the set. At least one reference profile is characteristic of an indicator material in a nanocrystalline morphology and non-characteristic of the same indicator material in a bulk morphology.

Abstract: An ion implanted semiconductor surface is illuminated with a flood illumination of monochromatic radiation, and an image of the surface is taken using light which has been Raman scattered. The illumination and imaging system are calibrated by flood illuminating a uniformly Raman scattering surface.