Abstract: A microplate reader simultaneously obtains Raman measurements from samples contained in non-adjacent wells. At least two Raman probes are positioned perpendicularly above or below the microplate to simultaneously acquire Raman spectra data of the non-adjacent liquid samples. Each probe is coupled to a laser and a spectrometer and includes a lens focusing laser light within the sample and collecting light from the sample for the spectrometer. The spectrometer may include a 2D imaging sensor (sCMOS or CCD) to image light from multiple probes simultaneously, spaced from one another to reduce crosstalk. A positioner moves the microplate plate or probes to acquire data from a different subset of non-adjacent samples, and may also vary laser focus within wells during data acquisition. Multiple fluorescence probes may simultaneously acquire fluorescence data from the same samples, or non-adjacent samples. Probes may be fiber-coupled and positioned within a reaction chamber of a liquid handling system.

Abstract: A system and method for spectroscopic mapping, with configurable spatial resolution, of an object include a fiber optic bundle having a plurality of optical fibers arranged in a first array at an input end with each of the plurality of optical fibers spaced one from another and arranged in at least one linear array at an output end. A first mask defining a plurality of apertures equal to or greater in number than the plurality of optical fibers is positioned between an object to be imaged and the input end of the fiber optic bundle. An imaging spectrometer is positioned to receive light from the output end of the fiber optic bundle and to generate spectra of the object. A sensor associated with the imaging spectrometer converts the spectra to electrical output signals for processing by an associated computer.

Abstract: A method of photographing forensic evidence comprising the placing a frame on a stable surface is disclosed. An item of evidence is placed on the frame frame, followed by adjusting the position of said item of evidence; mounting a light source to said frame; adjusting the position of said light source; mounting a camera on said frame; adjusting the position of said camera; and actuating said camera to take a photograph.

Abstract: A forensic light source and method using an inventive light source comprising a short arc gas vapor discharge lamp is disclosed. A support structure is provided for supporting the source of light. A light guide having first and second ends, is coupled to the source of light at the first end to receive light from the source of light and transmit the light to the second end. The light guide is mounted on the support structure. A filter support member supports a plurality of filters. A portable hand holdable and movable light directing assembly is mounted on the second end of the light guide. The light directing assembly supports the filter support member and provides for movement of the filter support member to a plurality of positions.

Abstract: A scent collection method comprising putting an item bearing a sample of a scent to be identified in an enclosure and heating the item is disclosed. A quantity of air is introduced into the enclosure. The air from the enclosure is withdrawn after the item has been heated. The withdrawn air is passed through a scent collection member to collect scent on the scent collection member. The scent collection member may be cooled during the scent collection process and the scent collection member is then sealed in an envelope. The scent collection member is removed from the envelope in which the scent collection member has been sealed. The scent collection member is then heated and air passed through the scent collection member. The air passed through the scent collection member is used as a stimulus or other input in a scent identification procedure.

Abstract: A forensic light source which comprises a flexible liquid light guide receiving light from a light source and transmitting it to a selected interference filter which tilts with respect to the light source is disclosed. The filter is mounted for rotation with respect to the output of the light guide. The light exiting the filter is passed through a mixing member made of a randomized fiber optic bundle, that is positioned to receive the output of the filter. The mixing member defines multiple paths for light between the input face and the output face which are configured to disperse light from one mixing member input face region to a plurality of mixing member output face regions.

Abstract: An electrically powered image intensifier having an output and an input is optically coupled to a zoom lens to receive the focused light image from the lens and provide at the output of the image intensifier an intensified light image. A chassis is configured to support the intensifier and to mainly engage the lens by engaging the mounting structure. The lens is engaged by the mounting structure in a use position, and may be supported by a tripod. The use of the zoom lens allows convenient use in cramped quarters at a short focal length setting, i.e. at a wide angle setting. The intensifier may be used at a distance at a long focal length setting, i.e. at a telephoto setting, advantageously with a tripod and a standard panning handle.

Abstract: An electrically powered image intensifier having an output and an input is optically coupled to the lens to receive the focused light image from the lens and provide at the output of the image intensifier an intensified light image. A chassis is configured to support the intensifier and to mainly engage the lens by engaging the mounting structure. The lens is engaged by the mounting structure in a use position. A power source is coupled to the image intensifier by an electrical switch having an open and a closed state. The switch is connected to couple electrical power from the power source to the image intensifier in the closed state and to decouple electrical power from the power source from the image intensifier in the open state. The electrical switch comprises an operator for configuring the electrical switch in the open state in an open operator position or in a closed state in a closed operator position. The operator is biased in the open operator position.

Abstract: An ultraviolet imager for forensic and other purpose, e.g. for detection of fingerprints and other forensic evidence at crime scenes permits live simultaneous viewing, with live focusing adjustments, of an ultraviolet image, converted to visible light, and capture of the ultraviolet image on light sensitive film. A modified SLR camera provides film image capture and is optically coupled with a light intensifier for viewing and focusing. A preferred viewing system employs optical symmetry between the camera and the intensfier. Both the camera and the viewing system are optimized for processing ultraviolet light by employing ultraviolet transmissive lens elements and ultraviolet-reflective mirrors throughout.

Abstract: A UV-Imager system includes a camera. The camera includes a first UV coated mirror and a quartz UV transmittive camera lens. The UV-Imager system also includes a second UV coated mirror coupled to the camera, and an intensifier coupled to the second UV coated mirror.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention an improved forensic light source comprising a source of light and support structure for supporting the source of light is provided. A light guide having first and second ends is coupled to the source of light at the first end to receive light from the source of light and transmit the light to the second end. The light guide is mounted on the support structure. A filter support member supports a plurality of filters. A movable light directing assembly is mounted on the second end of the light guide for movably supporting the filter support member for movement to a plurality of positions. Each of the positions corresponds to the coupling of a selected one of the filters to the second end, whereby the light is filtered by the selected filter. A heat sink may be coupled to the first end of the light guide.

Abstract: A device for illuminating forensic depositions or other evidence that simultaneously provides output in three bands, the visible, ultraviolet and infrared. By a sequential mounting and rotation in two independent axis of a large selection of wavelength and bandwidth filters, the invention provides a highly-focused illumination system easily adjustable by the operator to enable selection of particular frequencies and bandwidths for enhanced observation of forensic subjects.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a low noise light source for illuminating a treated or untreated deposition of material for forensic examination is disclosed. A light having a wide range of wavelengths is generated. The light is directed toward a reflective diffraction grating. The relative position between an exit slit and the grating is repeatedly adjusted to result in passage through the exit slit of different desired bands of wavelengths of output light from portions of the light reflected by the grating. The output light is directed through a filter, toward the deposition to be examined. The filter has a pass characteristic which substantially passes the desired bands and blocks the light that has a wavelength in an expected range of fluorescence of the deposition.