Abstract: A photo acoustic detector for detecting a concentration of a sample in a mixture includes a light source for producing a light beam for exciting molecules of the sample, and a light modulator for modulating the light beam for generating pressure variations in the sample mixture, where an amplitude of the pressure variations is a measure of the concentration. The detector further includes a detector element for converting the pressure variations into a detector current and a processing section for processing the detector current to generate an output signal representing the concentration. The processing section includes an integrating amplifier for integrating the detector current, the integrating amplifier being coupled to the detector element via a hold switch, and a timing circuit for generating a hold signal, SWHOLD, for operating the hold switch to couple the integrating amplifier to the detector element during a predetermined interval of the detector current.

Abstract: Conventional accelerometers are based on test masses that are suspended in some kind of spring damper system. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a two-dimensional adaptive accelerometer based on dielectrophoresis is provided, which measures an acceleration of a test mass freely floating in a medium by determining the movement of the test mass due to an accelerating force acting on the test mass. A non-uniform electric force field provides for a wide and adjustable dynamic range.

Abstract: An oscillator element is provided, e.g., for use in a photo acoustic detector for detecting a concentration of a sample in a sample mixture using a light beam for excitation of molecules of the sample in proximity of an excitation area of the oscillator element. The oscillator element includes piezoelectric material for generating a voltage when mechanically distorted. Electrodes at least partially cover a surface of the oscillator element for detecting the generated voltage. The excitation area is arranged in such a way that heating of the electrodes in the excitation area by the light beam is avoided.

Abstract: A photo, acoustic detector (200) for detecting a concentration of a sample in a sample mixture. The photo acoustic detector (200) comprises a light source (101 ) for producing a light beam for exciting molecules of the sample and a light modulator (102) for modulating the light beam for generating pressure variations in the sample mixture, an amplitude of the pressure variations being a measure of the concentration. The photo acoustic detector (200) further comprises a detector element (103) for converting the pressure variations into a detector current and a processing section (106) for processing the detector current to generate an output signal representing the concentration.

Abstract: An oscillator element (10) for use in a photo acoustic detector is provided for detecting a concentration of a sample in a sample mixture. The photo acoustic detector uses a light beam (11) for excitation of molecules of the sample (15) in proximity of an excitation area (25) of the oscillator element (10). The excitation results in resonance of the oscillator element (10). The oscillator element (10) comprises piezoelectric material (20) for generating a voltage when mechanically distorted and electrodes (21-24), at least partially covering a surface of the oscillator element (10) for registering the generated voltage. The excitation area (25) is arranged in such a way that heating of the electrodes (21-24) in the excitation area (25) by the light beam (11) is avoided.

Abstract: A method for measuring a concentration of a sample in a sample mixture, the method comprising bringing the sample mixture in contact with an organic semiconductor transistor, applying measurement signals to electrodes of the transistor for enabling measuring a drain current through the transistor, applying a refreshment signal to the gate electrode for counteracting effects imposed on the transistor during the measurement signal, measuring the drain current, applying an adaptation to at least one of said signals for stabilizing the drain current, and determining the concentration based on the adaptation.

Abstract: A control circuit (40) for electrowetting lenses (41, 42) includes a driver circuit (45) for producing a controllable voltage supply (46) and a first (43) and a second (44) voltage modulator, each connected to receive the controllable voltage supply. The first and second voltage modulators are configured to respectively produce first (32) and second (33) modulated voltage outputs from the voltage supply. A controller (49) receives at least one set point signal (53, 52) and, as a function thereof, (i) controls the driver circuit to produce the voltage supply, and (ii) controls the first and second voltage modulators to produce the first and second modulated outputs.

Abstract: A system and method to minimize the power consumed by a light source. The power of a light source in controlled in response to a determination of the quality of the received data in order to optimize a reduction in power consumption. If the quality of the received data is sufficient, then the laser power can be reduced in order to save power.

Abstract: Conventional accelerometers are based on test masses that are suspended in some kind of spring damper system. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a two-dimensional adaptive accelerometer based on dielectrophoresis is provided, which measures an acceleration of a test mass freely floating in a medium by determining the movement of the test mass due to an accelerating force acting on the test mass. A non-uniform electric force field provides for a wide and adjustable dynamic range.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuator position control method for use in a recorded information reproducing apparatus. Front, main and rear beams are directed onto a recorded track formed on a rotating optical recording medium and respective first, second and third signals are produced in response to light reflected by said recorded track when scanned by the front, main and rear beams. The control method comprises the steps of producing from a source of light said beams; scanning with said main beam the recorded track; controlling the position of said main beam with respect to the recorded track in response to position control signals generated from said first and third signals, and reading the recorded information by means of a processing operation of said second signal.