Abstract: A method of measuring the thickness or the rate of change of thickness of a layer as the layer is being formed on a substrate, includes illuminating the layer through the substrate with low coherence light that transmits through the layer; collecting a portion of the reflected light from each optical interface of the substrate and layer with a low coherence interferometer; and, calculating the thickness or the rate of change of thickness of the layer according to the obtained interferometric data.

Abstract: A method of measuring the thickness or the rate of change of thickness of a layer as the layer is being formed on a substrate, includes illuminating the layer through the substrate with low coherence light that transmits through the layer; collecting a portion of the reflected light from each optical interface of the substrate and layer with a low coherence interferometer; and, calculating the thickness or the rate of change of thickness of the layer according to the obtained interferometric data.

Abstract: A remote diagnostic device for medical testing includes a kit dispenser (315), a sampling device (85) contained in the kit (59), a receiving web (62) for receiving a sample (64) after use by a user (305), a processor for developing the latent image, a scanner (195) for detecting a developed image, and a microprocessor (205) for analyzing the scanned image for pathogens. The receiving web forms a latent image of any pathogens present in the sample.

Abstract: A method of using a compacted pellet having uniform blended mixture with at least first and second different organic components that sublime at temperatures T1 and T2 respectively, wherein T1 represents the temperature of the first organic material with the lowest sublimation temperature and T2 represents the temperature of the second organic material with the highest sublimation temperature, to form an organic layer having a uniform blended mixture of the organic components, includes providing a compacted pellet, having a top and bottom surface, into a boat having an open top surface wherein the compacted pellet conforms to the interior of the boat; and applying heat to the top of the compacted pellet to cause the deposition of a uniform blended mixture of the organic components to form an organic layer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sensor comprising a support; a sampling layer which can react with a target species to form or release a signal compound which is capable of effecting a reaction with silver halide to form a latent image, and a signal amplification layer comprising silver halide.

Abstract: This invention relates to a test strip comprising a support having thereon a non-sampling area and a sampling area wherein said sampling area further comprises a sampling layer which can react with a target species to form or release a signal compound which is capable of effecting a reaction with silver halide to form a latent image, and a signal amplification layer comprising silver halide. It further relates to a kit containing the test strip and a method of using the test strip.