Abstract: Image scanning apparatus comprises a plurality of imaging sensors for generating image data; a focusing system and a scanning system. The focusing system defines an optical axis and directs light received from a target on to the imaging sensors. Each imaging sensor is positioned with respect to the focusing system such that, the light directed to the imaging sensor has an optical focus level with respect to the target which is different from each other imaging sensor, and the light is received from a position on the target with respect to the optical axis which is different from the respective position for each other imaging sensor. The focusing system comprises a optical path modifier so as to generate a first light path between the optical path modifier and at least one of the plurality of imaging sensors, and a second light path between the optical path modifier and at least one of the imaging sensors, wherein the first light path is different from the second light path.

Abstract: A method is provided of forming a micro-channel structure for use in a biosensing device. A master structure is provided having a first configuration of micro-channels with respective first fluid flow characteristics. One or more regions of material are deposited onto the master structure using a fluidjet process so as to modify the first configuration into a second configuration having respective second fluid flow characteristics, different from the first. Functional biosensing devices formed using the method are also described.

Abstract: A light filtering apparatus includes a first dispersion device, a spatial filter and a second dispersion device. The first dispersion device is arranged to cause spatial dispersion of an incident light beam as a function of its frequency. The spatial filter is arranged to filter the dispersed light beam so as to produce a spatially filtered resultant beam. The second dispersion device is arranged to recombine the dispersed and filtered light beam so as to produce an output light beam having a substantially similar spectrum at any position within the output beam cross-section.

Abstract: A method of operating a radiation monitoring device is provided. The device has a plurality of photo-sites upon which when in use, electrical charges accumulate in response to received radiation, and a transport register comprising a plurality of register locations adapted to receive the accumulated charges from the photo-sites. Electrical charges are extracted from target register locations corresponding to target photo-sites at a first clock frequency from non-target register locations corresponding to non-target photo-sites at a second clock frequency. The second clock frequency is higher than the first clock frequency. Apparatus for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method of forming a conductive pattern on a substrate. The method comprising providing a substrate carrying a conductive layer; forming a first portion of the conductive pattern by exposing the conductive layer to a laser and controlling the laser to remove conductive material around the edge(s) of desired conductive region(s) of the first portion; and laying down an etch resistant material on the conductive layer, the etch resistant material defining a second portion of the conductive pattern, removing conductive material from those areas of the second portion not covered by the etch resistant material, and then removing the etch resistant material.

Abstract: A method is provided of estimating an in-focus position of a target in an image scanning apparatus. A first part of the target is scanned at a nominal focus level so as to obtain corresponding image information. One or more further parts of the target are scanned at one or more respective further focus levels so as to obtain corresponding image information. A focus parameter is then calculated for each of the nominal and the one or more further focus levels using the respective image information. An in-focus position common to each of the first and further parts of the target is then estimated using the calculated focus parameters. Corresponding apparatus for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the sharpness of spatial frequencies in a digital image obtained by a digital imaging system. The method comprising modifying digital data defining the pixel content of the image so as to replace the spatial frequency characteristics of the digital image due to the digital imaging system with spatial frequency characteristics of an image produced by a microscope.

Abstract: Light filtering apparatus comprises a first dispersion device arranged to cause spatial dispersion of an incident light beam as a function of its frequency. A spatial filter is arranged to filter the dispersed light beam so as to produce a spatially filtered resultant beam. A second dispersion device is arranged to recombine the dispersed and filtered light beam so as to produce an output light beam having a substantially similar spectrum at any position within the output beam cross-section.

Abstract: A method is provided of producing a multiple focus stack image of a target. The stack image has a plurality of images of the target, each image having a corresponding focal range or position. The method utilises relative scanning movement between the target and an array of light detectors, the array being used to repeatedly receive image information as scan lines from the target during the scan. During the scan the relative focus between the target and the array is modified between the focal range or position of the respective images so as to obtain the images in the stack. Each image is thereby formed from the image information obtained at the respective focal range or position during the scan. Apparatus for performing the method is likewise provided.

Abstract: A slit confocal microscope comprises a linear light source; a detection system; and a focusing system for focusing light from the source onto a sample and focusing returning light onto the detection system. The detection system comprises a one-dimensional, linear array of detectors onto which light from the sample is focused directly or indirectly by the focusing system. A control system causes the linear array of detectors to integrate light from a corresponding line of pixels in the sample.

Abstract: A method of forming a two-dimensional mask pattern on a substrate (1). The method comprises: (a) printing a non-electrically conductive material (2) on a substrate in a coarse version of a desired mask pattern (3A-3D); and (b) selectively ablating a portion (3B) of the material using a laser to refine the coarse pattern to form the desired mask pattern.

Abstract: A method of printing an image (12) on a substrate (11) comprises controlling an inkjet printer head (10) having a plurality of nozzles (21-23) to print the image on a substrate in a series of swaths (30A, 30B). Periodically, a check for full or partial blockages in a nozzle of the inkjet printer head is performed by causing each nozzle (21-23) to print the same predetermined pattern (1, 1?, 1?) on a substrate and analysing the patterns to determine any differences between them and to identify a blocked or partially blocked nozzle if its printed pattern differs by more than a predetermined amount from that of the other nozzle(s). The checking step is carried out following each swath (30A, 30B) of the inkjet printer head (10) across the substrate (11).