Abstract: A content addressable memory (CAM) system, is disclosed for writing data including a key portion and an extended portion, and for reading the extended portion in response to the match of a search key a key portion of the data. The system includes a conventionally addressed RAM, organized into segments, each segment of which is identified by a starting address. It also includes a CAM, also organized into words. Each of the words of the CAM is identified by a CAM address. Data to be written into the memory includes a key portion and an extended data portion. The key portion of the data is written into the CAM at a selected address, and the extended data portion is written into a segment of the random access memory which begins at an address determined from the selected address. Data in the random access memory is read by searching the CAM for a search key and then using address of matching entries found in the CAM to generate address values for the random access memory.

Abstract: A scanning laser microscope system for assisting in the detection and characterization of fine details and structures of materials or other samples. The system can have means for enhancing light from the material to assist detection of anomalies, such as inclusions in the material and crystal lattice dislocations. The system can have means for enhancing fluorescent light emitted from the sample. The system can further have very precise means for processing signals representative of light detected from the material.