Abstract: Methods and apparatus for guidance systems according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a projectile including a guidance system having a guidance controller, a detector, and an optical system. The guidance controller controls the path of the projectile according to signals from the detector. The detector generates signals according to an angle of incident energy. The optical system transfers the energy to the detector via a spreader and a condenser. The spreader spreads the incident energy, and the condenser converges the spread energy onto the detector.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to prevent non-uniformity in the temperature distribution from occurring in a tip turbine fan in a vertical take-off and landing aircraft that uses the tip turbine fan as a source of thrust. In a vertical take-off and landing aircraft provided with a tip turbine fan in which a fan is rotated by blowing, in an annular turbine chamber provided around a rotation shaft of the fan at the center, compressed gas to a tip turbine attached to the fan to enable vertical take-off and landing, three or more compressed gas intake ports for supplying compressed gas to said turbine chamber are provided at regular intervals along the circumference of the turbine chamber.

Abstract: An airfoil for use with an aircraft having an engine positioned such that exhaust from the engine flows under an underside of the airfoil. The airfoil includes an upper surface and a movable control element. The upper surface has a leading edge and a trailing edge. The movable control element is positioned adjacent the trailing edge and is selectively controlled for movement between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the movable control element does not mix fluid flowing over the top of the airfoil with engine exhaust under the airfoil. In the second position, at least some of the fluid flowing over the top of the airfoil mixes under the airfoil with engine exhaust.

Abstract: An engine system for an aircraft capable of operating in a helicopter-type flight mode and a fixed-wing flight mode and is capable of transitioning between those flight modes while in-flight includes first and second engines, and a ducting assembly. The ducting assembly includes a first exhaust subassembly in fluid communication with the first engine and a second exhaust subassembly in fluid communication with the second engine. The first exhaust subassembly permits fluid transfer substantially independent of fluid transfer within the second exhaust subassembly.

Abstract: A cable mount for carrying a bundle of cables comprises a base comprising a slot for receipt of a cable tie, a shaft connected to the base and a head connected to the shaft, the head for securing the cable mount to a cable tray through an opening. The cable mount may be secured to the tray by rotating the mount less than 180 degrees such that a length of the head of the cable mount is transverse to a length of the opening in the cable tray. The cable mount is easy to use and may be installed without the use of tools.

Abstract: A mount for situating a sprinkler nozzle of a fire extinguishing system in an opening of a suspended ceiling system, the fire extinguishing system having a main line to which a downwardly directed sprinkler nozzle is connected by a flexible hose line, a bridge provided on the top side of the ceiling system extending essentially parallel thereto, the bridge being connected to girders of the ceiling system by a detachable clamp, and the sprinkler nozzle being at least indirectly attached to the bridge.

Abstract: A display apparatus is provided. The display apparatus includes a stand body arranging cables connected to a main body and reducing costs and time in manufacturing the display apparatus. The display apparatus includes a stand base, the stand body, the main body, and a cable holder. The stand body is supported by the stand base. The main body displaying images is supported by the stand body. The cable holder collecting cables is connected to the main body, the cable holder being attachable to a mounting portion of the stand body and detachable from the mounting portion of the stand body.

Abstract: A fixing device for fixing cameras and other optical devices to stands or for connecting them to other accessories, includes an adapter journal joined to the camera or other optical devices and a receiving device connected to the stand or other accessories and which is provided with an opening for receiving the adapter journal, and a rotatable locking device. The opening is configured as an insert opening on a part which can be displaced axially in an outward manner by means of housing part of the receiving device such that the adapter journal can be inserted radially into the insert opening.

Abstract: An application for a tripod stabilizer for holding steady a leg of a tripod includes an enclosure that has a mass disposed within it and an orifice in a top surface of the enclosure for accepting the pointed tip of the tripod leg. A strap for removably holding the tripod leg is attached at one end to the tripod stabilizer and a latch on the enclosure is adapted to accept a distal end of the strap for holding tight the tripod leg.

Abstract: A suction disc unit, especially a suction disc unit that can be adsorbed on a smooth surface to support a hung article, it comprises a pressing lid, a suction disc, a link and a pressing rod; wherein the pressing rod at least has a first eccentric protruding portion and a second eccentric protruding portion; when the pressing lid is pulled up to make abutment of the suction disc against the smooth surface by pushing of the pressing rod, the air in the gap between the suction disc and the smooth surface is removed as much as it can; when the pressing rod is pressed down, the pressing lid abuts against the periphery of the suction disc, and the central portion of the suction disc is pulled up tight, the air pressure in the gap is much lower than that of the atmosphere to thereby induce a strong suction force, and thereby to increase the bearing strength of the suction disc unit.

Abstract: An interlocking bracket assembly for removably securing a protective covering over a window in a structure during inclement weather conditions. The assembly includes at least two Z-shaped bracket members having a first portion offset a predetermined distance from a second portion thereof, and a first fastener for mounting the first portion of each of the Z-shaped bracket members to such structure on opposite sides of such window. Also included are at least two Y-shaped bracket members having a first portion, a substantially parallel spaced second portion and a third portion. A second fastener mounts opposing sidewall portions of such covering between the first and second portions of each of the Y-shaped bracket members. The third portion of each of such Y-shaped bracket members is slidably inserted between a corresponding second portion of each of the Z-shaped bracket members and such structure for removably securing such covering over such window.

Abstract: A pegboard assembly is secured in a spaced relation against a wall. The pegboard assembly has a plurality of pegboard members, in which a first pegboard member is coupled to a second pegboard member by a connector. The pegboard member has a front side and a rear side, and has a plurality of holes defined therethrough. The rear side has an integral spacer element and is adapted to contact the wall such that the holes are adapted to be spaced from the wall.

Abstract: A beverage holder that can be attached to a surface and repositioned. The holder has a c-shaped clamp portion. The lower jaw portion of the clamp has an aperture receiving a plunger member. The plunger member has a proximal end enlarged head portion. A compressible spring is positioned around the plunger member. A flange is attached to the distal end of the plunger member. A non-slip pad is attached to the upper surface of the flange and the upper jaw portion of the c-shaped clamp. A base portion and circumferential ring are attached to the vertical portion of the c-shaped clamp. A cup or beverage container can be accommodated by the base and circumferential ring. In use the plunger is retracted compressing the spring and allowing attachment beverage holder to a surface.

Abstract: A storage arrangement for a vehicle is disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the arrangement includes a first wall portion and a second wall portion, which wall portions are at least part of a delimitation of an accessible storage space and define at least part of an entry opening of the storage space. The second wall portion is movable and adjustable relative to the first wall portion between at least a first defined and directly accessible storage position and a second defined and directly accessible storage position, the storage space including a relatively greater storage capacity and a larger entry opening in the second storage position than in the first storage position.

Abstract: A wall mounted holder for an appliance is disclosed. The holder is capable of supporting a variety of conventional hair dryers and permitting the flow of air to be directed in any desired direction while leaving the user's hands free for other purposes.

Abstract: An improved wire clip 10 to better keep hung garments 22 separated when suspending onto clotheslines 30. Also useful for hanging banners 22, the clip 10 offers a non-symmetrically centered axis 20 which is perpendicular to the line 30. A friction body 14 provides a pressure means by a fulcrum locus 14-A opposing a counter locus 14-B; a catch tail 16 is provided for suspending the garment 22. The weight of the suspended garment 22 leverages the body 14 at the non-symmetrical axis 20 which disposes the fulcrum 14-A, and opposes the counter 14-B to create increased pressure onto the line 30.

Abstract: A mounting assembly for mounting a fixture such as a loudspeaker speaker in-wall or in-ceiling includes a bracket assembly to mechanically couple wall or ceiling and speaker to the supporting studs or joists on both sides of the hole in which the loudspeaker will be mounted. The bracket assembly may comprise two halves, each of which includes a bracket plate, a left bracket slider and a right bracket slider, and associated fasteners. Each half of the bracket is sized so that it will pass easily through the opening made in the partition for receiving the loudspeaker. Once inside the partition, the two bracket sliders expand to reach the nearby studs or joists where they are coupled to the studs or joists using fasteners such as screws. Once the bracket sliders are attached, they are secured to the bracket plate with fasteners such as thumbscrews, thereby making a rigid structure. This is repeated for the other half of the bracket assembly.

Abstract: A ceiling wire clamp device secures ceiling wire in place in a suspended ceiling system without the need for twisting and/or overlapping the wires. The device comprises a pair of jaws, which may be lined with teeth, that grasp and hold ceiling wire in place when the device is in a closed and locked position. The device may be pinched closed. A tab inserted through a slot on the device assists in locking the device in the closed position. A pin may be used to optimize the overall alignment of the device when in the closed and locked position. The device may be opened using a screwdriver or the like.

Abstract: A lap desk for supporting a mobile computer includes user-configurable accessory devices which attach to the side of the desk. The accessory devices may be attached to either side of the desk for right- or left hand support, and to allow multiple devices to be attached at one time. Accessory devices may include a mouse pad, calculator, lamp, notepad, document holder, cup warmer, snack tray, among others. One or more accessory devices may be stored in a compartment integral to the lap desk.

Abstract: A device for securing a laptop computer to a support panel comprises a pair of security devices each including a vertical member having a pair of prongs extending laterally outwardly therefrom. The laptop computer is securable with the security devices when the laptop computer is in the open position. The security devices are configured to be mountable to the support panel at a spacing greater than the laptop width. Each of the security devices include the prongs which are located above the lower surface of the vertical member at a height greater than a height of the keyboard and which are spaced apart from one another at a distance greater than a thickness of the display monitor. The pairs of prongs extending from respective ones of the vertical members are oriented in facing relationship to one another in order to secure the laptop computer to the support panel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seat slide locator for a seat mount assembly on a tractor, riding mower, or off-road utility vehicle. The seat slide locator has a first end, a second end, and a raised portion dimensioned to slidingly fit in a guide slot in the seat support. Each end has an aperture through which the seat securing member may be inserted. The seat slide locator provides a simple, economical component that helps maintain the seat securing members properly aligned and positioned so that the assembly can slide within the guide slot as the seat position is manually adjusted.

Abstract: An arrangement for orienting a device angularly, such as an outside rear view mirror for a motor vehicle, is provided with a back element on which the device to be oriented is installed. The back element has a first portion of a coupling element, which may be in the form of a ball, and a first spherical gear arranged concentrically in relation to the first portion of the coupling element. A base portion having a second portion of the coupling element, which may be a corresponding socket, engages with the first portion (the ball) of the coupling element. In addition, a motor having a rotatory shaft is installed on the base portion, and a worm drive element is installed on the rotatory shaft and arranged to engage the first spherical gear when the first and second portions of the coupling element are engaged with each other.

Abstract: Method and connecting piece for assembling a first and a second arm section in extension of one another in order thus to form at least a part of an arm, preferably a windmill arm, where two arm sections are connected to at least one connecting piece for mounting between the two arm sections. The connecting piece is provided with a first flange for attachment to the end of the first arm section and a second flange for attachment to the end of the second arm section, the first and the second flange being firmly interconnected. The first and the second flange are each provided with at least one hole for a bolt which extends through the hole from the connecting piece and into the adjacent arm section, this bolt or these bolts securing each arm section to the adjacent flange.

Abstract: An improved sucker pin bushing for an injection mold is disclosed. In various preferred embodiments, the improved sucker pin bushing maintains much of the configuration of a conventional sucker pin bushing, namely a body portion and a head portion having a larger diameter than the body portion. A shoulder is formed where the body portion meets the head portion. However, the need for a jam screw or other retaining means is eliminated by the present invention by the inclusion of threads on the head portion of the bushing.

Abstract: The disclosed system, device and method for spatial homogenization and focusing of electromagnetic radiation over an aperture to reduce the effects of atmospheric scintillation generally includes an optical lens having an at least partially undulating pattern mapped onto a curvilinear surface. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to eliminate or otherwise reduce the effects of atmospheric scintillation as well as other optical aberrations. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide improved systems and methods for the acquisition, tracking and engagement of military targets with missiles or other guided ordinance.

Abstract: A method for measuring relative motion between an illuminated portion of a surface and an optical sensing device comprising a coherent light source and a photodetector device comprising an array of pixels and comparators for extracting motion features, said method comprising the steps of: a) illuminating by means of said coherent light source said surface portion at a determined flash rate; b) detecting by means of said array of pixels a speckled light intensity pattern of said illuminated portion of the surface for each flash; c) extracting edge direction data of two different types from said detected speckled light intensity patterns by comparing light intensity between pixels; d) determining a measurement of the relative motion between said optical sensing device and said illuminated portion of the surface based on extracted edge direction data; wherein the extracting edge direction data step comprises a preliminary step consisting of introducing a selecting factor which promotes detection of one ty

Abstract: A monitoring device for security surveillance application, the device comprising: an electromagnetic wave sensor for sensing an electromagnetic wave of an external electromagnetic wave source; a detection window for forming a partition between the external electromagnetic wave source and the electromagnetic wave sensor; and an anti-tampering arrangement comprising an optical arrangement for deploying an optical surveillance beam and control circuitry, wherein i. the optical surveillance beam comprises a first beam portion and a second beam portion, the first beam portion being a beam emitted by the optical arrangement towards the detection window, and the second beam portion being due to reflection of the first beam portion by said detection window; and ii. the control circuitry is for detection of a variation of the second beam portion, wherein the variation is indicative of tampering of the detection window.

Abstract: The invention relates to displacement encoder for a movable shaft, comprising a sleeve (2) which is intended to be fixed in rotation to the shaft (3) and an encoding element (4) which is made from magnetisable polymer and which is solidly connected to the sleeve, said encoding element being equipped with an encoding zone (6) having at least one polarised mark. The aforementioned encoding zone of the encoding element is covered with a protective layer (10) which is made from a polymer having a surface abrasion resistance greater than that of the magnetisable polymer. The invention also relates to a device comprising one such encoder and to a production method thereof.

Abstract: A finger sensing device may include a finger sensing area, at least one processing stage coupled to the finger sensing area and having at least one adaptively determined processing parameter, and a controller for spoof reduction. More particularly, the controller may determine a spoof attempt based upon a change in the at least one adaptively determined processing parameter. For example, the at least one adaptively determined processing parameter may include a feedback determined processing parameter. Accordingly, the finger sensing device has enhanced spoof reduction, since different materials, for example, will cause a change in an adaptive processing parameter and thereby indicate the attempted spoof.

Abstract: A multiple point source test phantom is used for calibration of detector positioning of a nuclear medical imaging apparatus. An absolute coordinate system for the detectors is aligned to an image reconstruction space coordinate system by fitting a Gaussian surface to a peak of a center point source of said test phantom, and using displacement parameters as obtained from the fitted Gaussian surface to calculate a displacement correction parameter, which is used to move a patient bed of the imaging apparatus such that the image reconstruction space is aligned with the absolute coordinate system.

Abstract: A correction for pileup of measurements made by a nuclear detector is applied by selecting the energy of the first signal in a pileup, ignoring the remaining signals in the pileup, and correcting the count rate by a factor related to the total pulse widths within a unit time interval. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting gamma ray (GR) radiation having a plurality of detector cells arranged in an array is disclosed. Each cell includes a housing having an aperture, the housing comprising a GR absorbing material, and a GR detector disposed within the housing such that external gamma rays are received at the GR detector via the aperture. The apertures of each cell are aligned.

Abstract: There is provided an ion-mobility spectrometer. This apparatus includes the following configuration components: An ion source for generating first ions, a first drift unit for separating the first ions by flight drift times, an ion dissociation unit for generating second ions by dissociating the first ions separated, and a second drift unit for separating the second ions by flight drift times. Moreover, the first drift unit, the ion dissociation unit, and the second drift unit are located inside a chamber whose pressure is set at 10 mTorr or higher. This apparatus allows execution of low-cost and high-resolving-power ion separation and detection.

Abstract: An ionization chamber of an analytical apparatus (10) in which high concentration test sample ions are evaporated is provided with an ion introduction control means (8) to control the quantity of the test sample ions introduced to an ion attracting electrode (9). Therefore, an analytical apparatus can be provided that is capable of substantially simultaneous mass spectrometry and absorption, emission, and scattering spectroscopy. The apparatus also includes: a low temperature bath (106) which cools the test sample solution before it is introduced to the sprayer (104); and a cooling gas introduction tube (108), constructed separately from the sprayer, which cools the sprayer and the test sample solution introduced to the sprayer (104). The inclusion enables effective restriction of test sample heating upon high voltage application.

Abstract: A scanning probe microscope has a cantilever mounted to undergo oscillation movement over a surface of a sample. The cantilever has a probe on a distal end thereof. A Z-axis controlling amount calculating mechanism calculates a controlling amount for keeping constant an oscillation amount of the cantilever. A Z-axis driving mechanism drives in a Z direction the cantilever or the sample in accordance with the controlling amount from the Z-axis controlling amount calculating mechanism. A driving range limiting device limits a driving range of the Z-axis driving mechanism. A driving range setting device optionally sets the driving range of the Z-axis driving mechanism.

Abstract: A thermal measurement system includes a number of detectors configured to receive radiation within respective wavelength ranges. The system also includes a mirror configured to selectively direct the radiation from an object to each of the detectors. The system further includes an actuator mechanically coupled to the mirror and configured to rotate the mirror through a number of angles. The system also includes an optical and probe subsystem disposed between the object and the mirror to focus the radiation on to the mirror.

Abstract: An array of microlenses magnifies the effective negative luminescence regions of a sparsely populated NLCS so that the NLCS appears cold to a FPA. This approach reduces the total diode area with minimal effect on device processing. The microlenses are fabricated on the backside of the substrate away from the devices, either prior to or after device processing. This ensures high quality devices that maintain NL efficiency without negatively impacting power consumption.

Abstract: A method of detecting explosives in a vehicle includes providing a first rack on one side of the vehicle, the rack including a neutron generator and a plurality of gamma ray detectors; providing a second rack on another side of the vehicle, the second rack including a neutron generator and a plurality of gamma ray detectors; providing a control system, remote from the first and second racks, coupled to the neutron generators and gamma ray detectors; using the control system, causing the neutron generators to generate neutrons; and performing gamma ray spectroscopy on spectra read by the gamma ray detectors to look for a signature indicative of presence of an explosive. Various apparatus and other methods are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for characterizing gas flow through features fabricated in a hollow part. A pressurized gas is applied to an interior of the part, and this gas pressure flows outward through features fabricated in the part. At the same time, a stabilizing pressurized gas is applied to an exterior part skin; and the stabilizing gas has a controlled temperature differential from the gas applied to the part interior. An infrared signature of escaping gas and the surrounding part skin is analyzed by a classification method. Analysis of this infrared signature classifies the relative flow rate, size and position of the feature fabricated in the part.

Abstract: An adaptable imaging assembly is provided. The adaptable imaging assembly includes a free-standing phosphor film configured to receive incident radiation and to emit corresponding optical signals. An electronic device is coupled to the free-standing phosphor film. The electronic device is configured to receive the optical signals from the free-standing phosphor film and to generate an imaging signal. A free-standing phosphor film is also provided and includes x-ray phosphor particles dispersed in a silicone binder. A method for inspecting a component is also provided and includes exposing the component and a free-standing phosphor film to radiation, generating corresponding optical signals with the free standing phosphor film, receiving the optical signals with an electronic device coupled to the free-standing phosphor film and generating an imaging signal using the electronic device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for discriminating the types of radiation interacting with an integrated radiation detector having of a pulse-mode operating photosensor which is optically coupled to a gamma-ray scintillator sensor and a neutron scintillator sensor and uses an analog to digital converter (ADC) and a charge to digital converter (QDC) to determine scintillation decay times and classify radiation interactions by radiation type. The pulse processing provides for, among other things, faithful representation of the true energy spectrum of the gamma radiation field and allows for radioisotope identification by searching for the presence of characteristic energy lines in the gamma energy spectrum. The pulse shape discrimination method ensures that the high sensitivity and resolution of the isotope identification function is not affected during operation in mixed neutron-gamma fields.

Abstract: A scintillator array has a compact, two-dimensional arrangement of scintillators partitioned by light reflecting elements and light transmitting elements interposed between the scintillators. That is, the scintillator array has a lattice frame in the form of a crosswise combination of plate-like optical elements such as light reflecting elements and light transmitting elements. The lattice frame defines a plurality of cubicles. A transparent adhesive is poured into a rectangular vessel for receiving the lattice frame, the lattice frame is placed in the rectangular vessel, and then the scintillators are placed in the rectangular vessel. A cured resin object integrating the optical adhesive having cured, the lattice frame and the scintillators is removed from the vessel, and is contoured to make the scintillator array. In this way, the optical elements are arranged in the scintillator array without cutting them with a dicing saw or wire saw.

Abstract: An apparatus for medical imaging has a first detector system with a first radiation source for emission of first detection radiation, a first acquisition device for acquisition of the first detection radiation, and a first detection region that transversely penetrates an open space in the apparatus that opens at one side of the apparatus. The first detector system can be moved in the circumferential direction of the open space by a movement device. In order to enlarge the usable region of the apparatus, the apparatus has a second detector system with a second detection region that is offset in the longitudinal direction of the axis of the open space relative to the first detection region.

Abstract: A nuclear imaging device for positioning detectors in proximity to a subject generally includes one or more detectors disposed with respect to one another at an angle and at a distance from the subject. Each of the detectors has a field of view having a spatial window for receiving radiation. A positioning assembly is included for radially disposing the detectors away from the subject when one of the spatial windows receives attenuated radiation and toward the subject when non-attenuated radiation is received. A method according to the invention includes disposing a subject between a source of radiation and a field of view of the detectors, receiving radiation emanating from the source within the spatial window, determining the spatial location of the subject based on the radiation received, and positioning the detectors or the subject relative to the other based on the spatial location of the subject.

Abstract: A PET event position calculation method using a combination angular and radial event map wherein identification of the radial distance of the event from the centroid of the scintillation crystal with which the event is associated as well as angular information is performed. The radial distance can be converted to a statistical confidence interval, which information can be used in downstream processing. More sophisticated reconstruction algorithms can use the confidence interval information selectively, to generate higher fidelity images with higher confidence information, and to improve statistics in dynamic imaging with lower confidence information.

Abstract: A solid state ionizing radiation detector is provided, having an absorber within which, when in use, electrical charge is generated upon the absorption of ionizing radiation. The absorber has a front face with an active region through which incident ionizing radiation is received. A front electrode is located at the front face. A rear electrode substantially covers a rear face of the absorber. The front and rear electrodes are arranged in use to generate an electric field in the absorber so as to collect the generated electrical charge. The area of the rear face is substantially smaller than that of the active region of the front face. At least part of the absorber within which the electric field is generated is bounded by substantially smooth and substantially tapered sidewalls.

Abstract: An electrode assembly having an adjustable active area is provided. The electrode assembly is configured to detect photons. The electrode assembly includes a central readout electrode, and one or more bias control portions. The bias control portions are disposed adjacent to the central readout electrode. The active area is altered by controlling voltages of the bias control portions relative to a voltage of the central readout electrode.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus capable of reducing a line noise artifact in a simple configuration without complicated operations includes: a plurality of pixels arranged in row and column directions and having a photoelectric conversion element and a switch element; a plurality of signal wirings connected to the plurality of switch elements in the column direction; a read out circuit connected to the plurality of signal wirings; and a power source for supplying a voltage to the photoelectric conversion element. With the configuration, the plurality of pixels are classified into a plurality of groups, and the power sources are independently provided for each of the plurality of groups.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for treating a flowing fluid, in particular water, including a housing with an inlet for supplying the fluid and an outlet for discharging the fluid, an element for generating radiation, in particular UV radiation, the radiation at least acting on a part of the flowing fluid, and a means for influencing the fluid flow within the housing wherein the means for influencing the fluid flow is configured as a module with a large number of structured metal sheets.

Abstract: A system for carrying out fibered multiphoton microscopic imagery of a sample (10) for use in endoscopy or fluorescence microscopy includes: a femtosecond pulsed laser (1, 2) for generating a multiphoton excitation laser radiation; an image guide (8) having a number of optical fibers and permitting the sample to be illuminated by a point-by-point scanning in a subsurface plane; pre-compensating elements (4) for pre-compensating for dispersion effects of the excitation pulses in the image guide (8), these elements being situated between the pulsed laser and the image guide (8); scanning elements for directing, in succession, the excitation laser beam in a fiber of the image guide, and; in particular, an optical head (9) for focussing the excitation laser beam exiting the image guide in the sample (10).