Abstract: Objects having a confusingly similar appearance, e.g., laboratory vessels, are provided with a random or pseudo-random pattern. The pattern can be provided during the manufacture of the object and is formed in a part or on a surface of the object, By way of example, the pattern can be a two-dimensional black/white pattern, an N-dimensional color or gray scale pattern, a one-dimensional emission spectrum with peaks of variable heights or a two-dimensional excitation spectrum with peaks of variable height. At least one section of the pattern is identified, for example, by a photographed imagine of the pattern. The so-identified section is then electronically saved and labeled as a representative of the pattern. The object is then capable of automated recognition by matching the pattern with the previously saved representative section of the identified pattern, Also disclosed is a device configured to translate the identified pattern into an electronic code and then recognize the object by the saved code.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laboratory apparatus for simultaneously carrying out reactions in a plurality of samples which are arranged in an array. The apparatus includes an illumination device, which emits illumination light onto the samples, a detection device, which generates a signal dependent on the light intensity of the light coming from the samples and which forwards the signal to an evaluation device, and a monitoring device for checking the functioning of the illumination device. The illumination device has a plurality of light-emitting diodes assigned in each case to one of the samples, and the monitoring device has electrical devices which can be used to perform an electrical functional check of the light-emitting diodes. The monitoring device is adapted to generate a signal when a functional disturbance of a light-emitting diode is ascertained.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying out real-time PCR reactions, including a thermocycler having a reaction region with a plurality of temperature-regulable receptacles for reaction vessels, an illumination device, which has a plurality of light-emitting diodes and is assigned to the reaction region and by means of which excitation light can be radiated into the receptacles, a detector device, which generates measured values in a manner dependent on a measured light intensity, optical devices defining a beam path that leads from the illumination device to the receptacles and from there to the detector device, a reference device, which generates a reference measured value by measurement of the light intensity of a light-emitting diode, and an evaluation device, which takes into account the reference measured value with the measured values, wherein the reference device has a reference light-emitting diode, the light of which is coupled into the beam path behind the reaction region.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laboratory apparatus for simultaneously carrying out reactions in a plurality of samples which are arranged in an array. The apparatus includes an illumination device, which emits illumination light onto the samples, a detection device, which generates a signal dependent on the light intensity of the light coming from the samples and which forwards the signal to an evaluation device, and a monitoring device for checking the functioning of the illumination device. The illumination device has a plurality of light-emitting diodes assigned in each case to one of the samples, and the monitoring device has electrical devices which can be used to perform an electrical functional check of the light-emitting diodes. The monitoring device is adapted to generate a signal when a functional disturbance of a light-emitting diode is ascertained.

Abstract: An apparatus for photometrically testing several specimens each irradiated by a light source, the light altered by the specimens being detected by an optical device and analyzed, the apparatus including a light source, a plurality of sample holders configured adjacent to one another on a support, a detector that receives altered light from sample within the sample holders, the detector including a filter for eliminating interfering light, a sensor having a sensor face and a diffusing optical member located between the filter and the sensor, wherein light is diffused and shines on a greater portion of the sensor surface, and with a more homogeneous brightness as compared to when the light is not diffused.

Abstract: An apparatus for photometrically testing several specimens each irradiated by a light source, the light altered by the specimens being detected by an optical device and analyzed, the apparatus including a light source, a plurality of sample holders configured adjacent to one another on a support, a detector that receives altered light from sample within the sample holders, the detector including a filter for eliminating interfering light, a sensor having a sensor face and a diffusing optical member located between the filter and the sensor, wherein light is diffused and shines on a greater portion of the sensor surface, and with a more homogeneous brightness as compared to when the light is not diffused.

Abstract: A beam characterization monitoring apparatus receives an input VUV beam and measures a beam profile characteristic of the beam. An enclosure has an interior substantially free of VUV photoabsorbing species and configured for receiving the input VUV beam therein. Optics within the enclosure separate the input VUV beam into a first component for measuring a near field beam profile characteristic and a second component for measuring a far field beam profile characteristic. A detector coupled with the enclosure via a beam path substantially free of VUV photoabsorbing species preferably detects the first and second components simultaneously. A quantum converter is preferably disposed along the beam path before the detector for converting the VUV beam to a beam having a wavelength above 240 nm. A second detector preferably detects an energy of an additional component of the input VUV beam.

Abstract: A beam characterization monitoring apparatus receives an input VUV beam and measures a beam profile characteristic of the beam. An enclosure has an interior substantially free of VUV photoabsorbing species and configured for receiving the input VUV beam therein. Optics within the enclosure separate the input VUV beam into a first component for measuring a near field beam profile characteristic and a second component for measuring a far field beam profile characteristic. A detector coupled with the enclosure via a beam path substantially free of VUV photoabsorbing species preferably detects the first and second components simultaneously. A quantum converter is preferably disposed along the beam path before the detector for converting the VUV beam to a beam having a wavelength above 240 nm. A second detector preferably detects an energy of an additional component of the input VUV beam.