Abstract: A display system for sensing a finger of a user applied to the display system includes a display panel; a sensor for sensing the finger; a sensing light source configured to emit a first light having a first wavelength W1; and a reflective polarizer disposed between the display panel and the sensor. For a substantially normally incident light, an optical transmittance of the reflective polarizer versus wavelength for a first polarization state has a band edge such that for a first wavelength range extending from a smaller wavelength L1 to a greater wavelength L2 and including W1, where 30 nm?L2?L1?50 nm and L1 is greater than and within about 20 nm of a wavelength L3 corresponding to an optical transmittance of about 50% along the band edge, the optical transmittance has an average of greater than about 75%.

Abstract: A laser system is disclosed which is capable of selectively generating radiation at two competing wavelength regions. A gas discharge tube is provided which includes krypton as the lasing medium. A primary mirror is mounted at one of the tube. A switchable mirror assembly is mounted at the other end of the tube. The mirror assembly includes a frame. A cradle is pivotally mounted in the frame and is rotatable between two angular positions. A pair of mirrors are mounted to the cradle in a manner such for each of the two angular positions of the cradle, one of the two mirrors is in optical alignment with discharge tube. Each of the mirrors is provided with a wavelength selective coating which permits operation of the laser at different wavelengths. In the preferred embodiment used for ophthalmic applications, the laser can selectively generate red light or light in the yellow/green regime.

Abstract: Selected polyhydroxyl compounds, comprising monosaccharides, disaccharides and oligosaccharides, as well as certain of their derivatives, are effective in preventing the spontaneous activation of complement in vitro. The effect is enhanced in the presence of an anticoagulant together with a divalent cation chelator. Addition of these compounds makes it possible to store clinical samples at conventional temperatures from -20.degree. to +22.degree. C. for extended periods prior to performing complement protein assays. Effective compounds are selected through a screening protocol which comprises the use of immunoassays for complement fragments together with an algorithm for computing effectiveness. Polyhydroxyl compounds extend similar protection from activation to coagulation proteins.

Abstract: Red Blood Cells (RBC's) are removed from whole blood samples by contacting the whole blood sample with a solution containing an acid selected from the group consisting of acetic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, lactic acid, maleic acid, malic acid, and malonic acid. The agglutinated RBC's are then removed from the resultant suspension by procedures of filtration, centrifugation or decantation, leaving an essentially RBC-free serum or plasma sample.

Abstract: A gas laser includes a housing containing a lasing gas. Means are provided for electrically exciting the gas including a cathode mounted at one end of the housing and an anode mounted at the other end. The temperature of the anode is monitored and a control signal is generated which is indicative of the temperature that is measured. An automatic gas supply apparatus is activated to vary the gas pressure in the housing in response to the control signal. Additionally, the temperature that is measured may be normalized to counteract the effects of the ambient temperature of the anode.

Abstract: An improved laser mirror (22) is disclosed with wavelength selective coatings on the inner and outer surfaces (32) and (34) thereof. The coating on the inner surface (32) is reflective of light in a first wavelength region (36) and transmissive of light in a second wavelength region (38). The outer surface (34) is reflective of light in the second wavelength region ( 38). In the preferred embodiment, one of the surfaces of the mirror is planar and the other is curved to facilitate alignment. The different curvatures of the inner and outer surfaces allows the diameter of the beam of the two wavelength regions to be independently controlled allowing optimization of the mode generated by the laser (20).

Abstract: A thermal structure and cooling system for an argon-ion laser that is virtually free of thermal asymmetries includes a laser cathode having a housing constructed of a material of high thermal conductivity and relatively low thermal expansion in conjunction with a cooling structure configuration which readily and uniformly dissipates heat. In a specific embodiment the support structure is fabricated of copper material of at least a minimal thickness and the cooling fins are disposed in one and two stages of radial fins at specified regions along the support structure forming the discharge tube and enclosed by a tubular thermally conductive band.

Abstract: Maximum capillary discharge (bore) length within the distance available between the end mirrors in a gas laser assembly to thereby obtain maximum active gain length for the laser, is accomplished by utilizing a closed ended aluminum cathode in the glass envelope assembly. The cathode is arranged to shield a nickel-iron alloy end plate for the envelope and is attached directly to this end plate to effect both electrical contact by way of the end plate and at the same time be properly mechanically supported. The shape of the closed end of the cathode is further designed to provide for a more uniform current density distribution when the laser is operating. Further, small openings may be provided to admit ions into the area adjacent to the discharge capillary tube thereby facilitating initial breakdown of the gases in the laser when starting the laser.

Abstract: In an ignition circuit for a split section gas discharge laser having a common anode, a positive sustaining voltage is applied to the common anode while independent negative starting potentials are applied through high resistances to cathodes at either end of the laser tube which are grounded through diodes to prevent shorting of the ignition voltage source while providing a return path for the sustaining voltage source. The cathodes are immediately brought to ground potential upon ignition so that gas discharge in each of the two sections may be independently ignited while mirrors at either end of the laser tube are maintained at or near ground potential during operation of the laser after ignition.

Abstract: A laser utilizing a unique assembly for mounting a Brewster angle window. The mounting assembly includes an elongated annular member having a transverse slot at the appropriate Brewster angle to the plane perpendicular to the axis of the annular member. A rectangular window is held in place in the slot by the tension of a leaf spring. The mounting assembly may then be inserted in place at either the anode or cathode ends of the laser and permanently held in place without introducing any stresses in the window or affecting its alignment.

Abstract: A low cost improved adjustable mirror mount is disclosed. The adjustable mirror mount includes an inner cylindrical member one end of which is sealed to a laser tube and a mirror is mounted to the other end. The midsection circumference of the inner cylindrical member may be thinner in order that it be easily deflected about its axis. An outer cylindrical member is coaxial to and surrounds the inner cylindrical member. A plurality of adjustment screws are radially disposed at the end of the outer member for deflecting the inner cylindrical member and the mirror. Thus, the angle of the mirror to the axis of the laser discharge tube is very accurately adjusted.