Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-contact infrared measurement of surface temperature. A method includes providing an infrared temperature measurement system, and increasing an emissivity of an interface between a metal and an infrared transparent window across which shear stresses are transmitted.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention concerns methods and apparatus for measuring the mechanical properties of soft materials across a frequency regime. In particular, the present invention concerns methods and apparatus using torsional waves to measure the mechanical properties of vocal fold tissue and candidate materials for use in human vocal fold reconstruction. In embodiments of the present invention, sample material is placed between two plates whose sides are faceted. One of the plates is attached to the shaft of a galvanometer, and the plate is twisted back and forth through angles of up to ±6° at frequencies of up to 2500 Hz. If required, the assembly may be enclosed in an environmental chamber to maintain the temperature and relative humidity of the sample at the conditions experienced by vocal folds in a living human or animal.