Abstract: A method of analysing a sample of biological material including components (2a to 2d) tagged with respective fluorescent labels (4a to 4d), comprises the steps of identifying a specific labeled component (2d) to be monitored, and irradiating with an energy beam at least one region (8) of the sample which substantially surrounds said specific component. The energy beam modifies the optical properties of labels in the region (8) such that they are distinguishable from the label (4d) associated with said specific component (2d). This assists the tracking of a specific component of interest as it moves through a sample. Apparatus for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: An infrared imaging microscope, particularly of the type used to carry out FT-IR measurement, including a detector in the form of a relatively small detector array of individual detector elements. The outputs of the detector elements are fed in parallel to an electronic circuit for processing. The relatively small array allows the outputs to be processed without need for multiplexing thereby avoiding reduction in signal-to-noise. The detector array may substantially range from about 3 to about 100 detector elements, and is preferably in a range from about 16 to about 64 detector elements.

Abstract: An accessory for a spectrometer for carrying out measurements of specular reflectance of a sample. The accessory is designed so that all components can be located in a housing and the sample can be located horizontally on a top-plate of the housing with the components disposed below the plane of that plate.

Abstract: A method for determining concentration of an analyte in a sample includes generating a spectrum of a selected analyte and interferents, generating a spectrum of an unknown sample, computing first and second derivatives of the sample spectrum, deriving a matrix model that includes the analyte spectrum and the derivatives, and applying the matrix model to the sample spectrum so as to yield a parameter representing concentration of the selected analyte in the unknown sample. Multiple linear least squares regression is utilized to fit the model and calculate the parameter.