Abstract: The present invention facilitates improvements in laser ablation of solid samples to be analyzed by an external inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectrometer, ICP/mass-spectrometer (ICP-MS), or flowing afterglow (FAG) mass spectrometer (FAG-MS) for elemental analysis (ICP and ICP-MS) or molecular analysis (FAG-MS). A novel invention mirror-with-hole beam combiner eliminates chromatic aberration in the invention sample view and allows rad-hardening the laser ablation invention for use in a radiation hot cell for analysis of high activity nuclear waste. Many other novel invention rad-hardening attributes facilitate a comprehensive rad-hardened laser ablation system (the world's first).

Abstract: The present invention facilitates improvements in laser ablation of solid samples to be analyzed by an external inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectrometer, ICP/mass-spectrometer (ICP-MS), or flowing afterglow (FAG) mass spectrometer (FAG-MS) for elemental analysis (ICP and ICP-MS) or molecular analysis (FAG-MS). A novel invention mirror-with-hole beam combiner eliminates chromatic aberration in the invention sample view and allows rad-hardening the laser ablation invention for use in a radiation hot cell for analysis of high activity nuclear waste. Many other novel invention rad-hardening attributes facilitate a comprehensive rad-hardened laser ablation system (the world's first).

Abstract: Disclosed is a multiple longitudinal flow cell channel electromagnetic radiation absorption or fluorescence monitoring system wherein a source of electromagnetic radiation is positioned to input electromagnetic radiation to each of the longitudinal flow cell channels, and wherein a single low cost, low drift, preferably linear and sensitized to UV, array detector system is positioned to directly simultaneously monitor electromagnetic radiation from at least two of the longitudinal flow cell channels, at different locations thereupon.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spectrometer system with unique wavelength resolution improving relative positioning of diffraction grating and detector. Also disclosed is a modified evolving windowed factor analysis based method of detecting semiconductor etch end points which is particularly well suited for use in real time monitoring and process control. Use of wavelength group selecting mask filters is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multiple longitudinal flow cell channel electromagnetic radiation absorption or fluorescence monitoring system wherein a source of electromagnetic radiation is positioned to input electromagnetic radiation to each of the longitudinal flow cell channels, and wherein a single low cost, low drift, preferably linear and sensitized to UV, array detector system is positioned to directly simultaneously monitor electromagnetic radiation from at least two of the longitudinal flow cell channels, at different locations thereupon.

Abstract: Fractional-volatilization separation systems and methods are disclosed which enable a stable, continuous, non-bubbling liquid flow, essentially constant surface area/volume ratio, temperature controlled, fractional volatilization of volatile/semi-volatile components in a liquid analyte or component containing sample. The fractional volatilization separator system can be utilized in small scale analytical and large scale chemical purification, concentration and desalinization applications. Continuous rapid removal of residual liquid sample can provide concentrated non-volatile component/analyte solution, and allows quick and easy washout between sequential use with different liquid samples.

Abstract: A fibrous pant stalk decorticator is disclosed. The decorticator includes a feeding device a breaker roll having a first plurality of blades, and a skutcher roll having a second plurality of blades. The skutcher is positioned such that the first and second pluralities of blades overlap. A plurality of air outlets pass through the blades and are configured to provided pressurized air to the fibrous plant stalk as it is passed through the decorticator.