Abstract: A system for holding poured concrete in a desired shape until it sets is disclosed. The system can include a plurality of forms having two opposing end sections. Each of the end sections has an end bracket attached to it. A plurality of footing stakes may be used to connect the end brackets together such that the forms maintain the desired shape. At least one whaler bracket may be secured to a top of the forms to maintain the spacing between them. A skin panel can be used to bridge gaps between forms. Bulkhead brackets can be attached to the ends or centers of the forms and secured to allow end walls to be created where desired. Vertical footing panels can also be used to pour concrete onto adjoining inclined surfaces.

Abstract: The method of making an optoelectronic module (10, 20), which includes a first light source circuit (5) and a second photoreceptor circuit (6) for picking up light from the first light source circuit reflected on an external surface. A first moulding (20) with an encapsulation material is made on one part of a lead frame (10) having several conductive paths (12) and an external frame (11) connecting all of the conductive paths. A first light source circuit (5) is placed on one portion of a first conductive path (13) of the lead frame that is not covered by the first moulding. A second photoreceptor circuit (6) is placed on one portion of a second conductive path (14) of the lead frame not covered by the first moulding. A through opening (21) is also made in the first moulding (20) between the external frame (11) and the location of the first light source circuit (5) to give access to the first connecting path (13) and to a third connecting path (15) for the first light source circuit.

Abstract: There is provided a mold structure containing a substrate, and a plurality of convex portions formed in the shape of concentric circles at predetermined intervals on one surface of the substrate, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the convex portions with respect to a radial direction of the concentric circles is such that a middle width M of each of the convex portions with respect to a heightwise direction is greater than a width T of a top portion of each of the convex portions with respect to the radial direction of the concentric circles.

Abstract: A focus control method able to further correctly control a focal point of an optical system or optical apparatus. A reference system of the system as a whole is set by using a reference pattern for focal point control. A focal point of an optical apparatus for inspecting a sample or measuring a physical quantity of the sample and the focal point of an auto-focus mechanism are matched with the reference system. Then, a displaced object of the auto-focus mechanism is set on a sample surface, a displacement amount of the sample surface from a reference point is measured, and the focal point of an object lens of the optical apparatus is controlled by using the displaced point as an operation point of the control of the auto-focus mechanism. When setting the reference system, the focus is judged by utilizing the Becke effect for the reference pattern.

Abstract: An illuminating device includes a plurality of light sources, a light guide plate that has plate surfaces on front and rear sides and a plurality of end faces formed around the plate surfaces, receives light emitted from the plurality of light sources through a light incident surface, which is at least one end face among the plurality of end faces, and emits the light through a light-emitting surface, which is one of the plate surfaces, a plurality of photodetectors that are disposed to face the end faces or the plate surfaces of the light guide plate, and a light source control unit that controls light emission of the plurality of light sources on the basis of the output of the plurality of photodetectors. The plurality of photodetectors include at least two photodetectors including light receiving surfaces that face the end faces or the plate surfaces in different directions from each other.

Abstract: System and method for an optical position sensor architecture for use in servo systems. A preferred embodiment comprises a light source configured to produce a light with an intensity dependent upon a control signal, a first light sensor and a second light sensor positioned adjacent to one another, each light sensor configured to produce a current based upon an amount of light incident upon each light sensor. The preferred embodiment also comprises a slotted device coupled to the load and positioned between the light source and the first light sensor and the second light sensor. The slotted device regulates an amount of light striking the first light sensor and the second light sensor based upon a position of the load. The slotted device features a slot that has a radius with a linearly increasing radius as a function of rotation angle so that the optical position sensor has linear behavior.

Abstract: Clock circuitry, for an electronic system including a component requiring a clock signal, comprises an opto-electronic oscillator for producing an optical clock signal at an optical clock output; and a feedback loop coupling the optical clock output back to the opto-electronic oscillator.

Abstract: An integrated image sensor includes a sensing element and a microlens disposed over the sensing element, where the microlens incorporates a first material that blocks a first wavelength of visible light. By eliminating separate color filters and incorporating the color-filtering function into a microlens, such an integrated image sensor may have a smaller foot print and a higher sensitivity, and may generate images of higher quality as compared to a known image sensor. Furthermore, such an image sensor may be usable in a wider range of applications as compared to a known image sensor.

Abstract: In a solid-state imaging element, reflecting layers are provided on both sides of a photoelectric conversion means, a light entrance window 128 is provided in the first reflecting layer 121 disposed on the photon incidence side, and a concentration means 122 is provided at a position corresponding to the window. Further, a transparent layer 136 is provided between the photoelectric conversion means and a second reflecting layer 120. A structure where photons that entered between the two reflecting layers do not flow outside is preferably employed as the shape of the second reflecting layer 120. According to the present invention, detection sensitivity of a solid-state imaging element and a photo-detector using the same is improved, and a personal authentication system carrying a photo-detector showing improved detection sensitivity is provided.

Abstract: An exemplary driving circuit (400) for a backlight module includes a control circuit (420), a first driving branch circuit (440), a second driving branch circuit (450), and a light source (430). The control circuit is configured for providing a driving signal to the light source via the first driving branch circuit, and the second driving branch circuit is configured for providing a substitution driving signal to the light source according to intensity of ambient light beams. The first and second driving branch circuits are configured for driving the light source alternatively.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a reflection type optical detector including a detecting unit having a structure preventing outer shape dimensions of a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion from being increased, capable of being integrated by a small size and with a high accuracy and capable of being integrated simply.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting an article, the system includes a spatial filter that is shaped such as to direct output beams towards predefined locations and an optical beam directing entity, for directing the multiple output beams toward multiple detector arrays. The method includes spatially filtering multiple input light beams to provide substantially aberration free output light beams; and directing the multiple output beams by an optical beam directing entity, toward multiple detector arrays.

Abstract: A trackball in one embodiment includes a PCB including an aperture, a socket including upper and lower chambers communicated with each other, rollers disposed around bottom of the upper chamber, a ball rotatably supported by the rollers, a ring cover secured to the socket, a light guide plate mounted between the socket and the PCB and including an inclined light guide tube and an optical element; and an optical assembly mounted under the aperture and including a light source (e.g., LED) for emitting light through the light guide tube prior to impinging on the ball, and a photosensor. Rolling the ball will reflect the light from the ball through the optical element to be received by the photosensor such that the rotational movement of the ball can convert into a digital signal useable to move a cursor a corresponding distance and direction on a display.

Abstract: An optical navigation device includes a housing, a light source, a navigation sensor, and optics. In accordance with the invention, the light source is a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) that is configured to generate coherent light in the visible light spectrum. For example, the VCSEL generates red coherent light in the range of 600-700 nm. In an embodiment, the VCSEL generates red coherent light at 665 nm±20 nm. Because the light generated by the VCSEL is in the visible light spectrum, a human will sense contact with the corresponding beam and will naturally react to avoid injury. This enhances the overall safety of an optical mouse. Additionally, when using a VCSEL that generates visible red light, it is easy to visually determine whether or not the beam is focused directly on a measurement sensor during calibration.

Abstract: This device is a system actuated when a loop of fiber optic strand is exposed in a pathway characterized of a tripwire device. A basic system having a light source emits light through a fiber optic conductor to a light detector that converts the receiving status to an electrical signal. In event of a break event of the fiber optic the detector sends electrical energy to an actuator whereby a device is activated. The activated device could be, but not limited to, launched ordinance, video surveillance, alarm sound and complex systems can report speed and direction of objects. Furthermore systems are capable of determine the identification of the object causing the break event and stand the system down to reserve system assets. These systems cam be arranged as slave systems to a central processor. An important feature is that a system is that it can be programmed to time out to safely be repositioned and serviced.

Abstract: A physical quantity measuring system, includes an optical fiber in which plural fiber Bragg gratings having different reflection wavelength changing bands are formed along said optical fiber in a longitudinal direction, a light source which outputs a broadband light covering the reflection wavelength changing bands of all of the fiber Bragg gratings into the optical fiber, an arrayed waveguide grating which divides a light reflected by the fiber Bragg gratings and outputted from the optical fiber into plural divisional wavelength bands having a constant wavelength interval, and which outputs the divided lights to output channels, respectively, and an operating portion which detects a change of a reflected center wavelength of each fiber Bragg grating by a change of an output of each light-receiving element, and which operates a physical quantity and a position thereof given to the optical fiber, and which is capable of detecting light from adjacent output channels.

Abstract: An encoder includes a base member and a cover attachable to the base member. The cover includes a surface with an opening and a strain relief device associated with the opening. The strain relief device includes at least one extension member extending from the surface of the cover and at least one bar member extending from the at least one extension member. The strain relief device is integral with the cover.

Abstract: A method for characterising the structure or sub-structure of a glycan or glycan derivative, experimentally derives the mass of an unidentified glycan molecule and compares the mass of the unidentified glycan molecule with identified and characterised glycan structures to select candidate structures for the glycan molecule. Next the mass of fragments of the glycan molecule is experimentally derived and theoretical fragmentation of the selected candidates is conducted. The mass of the fragments of the unidentified glycan molecule is matched with the mass of fragments theoretically derived from the candidate structures. Next scoring occurs to produce ranked confidence scores for each of the candidate structures by comparing the masses of the experimentally derived fragments with the masses of the theoretically derived fragments. Two scoring methods are disclosed namely segmentation and correspondence scoring.

Abstract: A method of identifying molecules of biological origin is disclosed. The molecules are identified and the basis of the accurately determined mass to charge ratio of the molecules and at least a further physico-chemical property such as elution time or charge state. Further physico-chemical properties may be used. The experimentally determined accurate mass and physico-chemical properties can then be compared with a look-up table of information. The look-up table may generated or physico-chemical properties of data in a conventional database may be calculated. The ability to recognise and preferably identify the same molecules in two different samples may be used to determine whether a particular biological molecules has been expressed differently in an experimental sample relative to a control sample.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer may include a flow channel having an inlet end and an outlet end. A deflection electrode is positioned within the flow channel so that a non-linear electric field is created between at least a portion of the flow channel and at least a portion of the deflection electrode when an electrostatic potential is placed across the deflection electrode and the flow channel. The ion mobility spectrometer also includes means for producing ions at a position upstream from the leading edge of the deflection electrode, so that ions produced thereby are deflected by the deflection electrode into the non-linear electric field. A detector positioned within the flow channel for detects ions from the non-linear electric field.

Abstract: An ion source includes an ion transfer tube having two segments for transporting a sample fluid containing ions between a first chamber and a second chamber maintained at a reduced pressure relative to the first chamber. A first segment may include a plurality of channels and heat conductive walls forming the plurality of channels. The plurality of channels and walls forming the channels promote efficient convective heat transfer to the sample fluid, thereby enabling operation at relatively high sample fluid flow rates, resulting in an increase in the number of ions that may be delivered to a mass analyzer. A second segment forms a single common channel that receives a plurality of sample streams and enables them to combine into a single ion stream that may be introduced as a single gas stream expansion into the second chamber.

Abstract: An IMS or other analytical instrument has a corona discharge needle (20) to ionize sample gases or vapours. A gate (3) is opened or closed to admit or prevent entry of the ions produced by the corona discharge to a drift chamber (4). The operation of the corona discharge needle (20) and the gate (3) are controlled such that the gate is open during at least two discharges, to admit faster ions produced by the most recent discharge together with slower ions produced by an earlier discharge.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometer may include an inner electrode and an outer electrode arranged so that at least a portion of the outer electrode surrounds at least a portion of the inner electrode and defines a drift space therebetween. The inner and outer electrodes are electrically insulated from one another so that a non-linear electric field is created in the drift space when an electric potential is placed on the inner and outer electrodes. An ion source operatively associated with the ion mobility spectrometer releases ions to the drift space defined between the inner and outer electrodes. A detector operatively associated with at least a portion of the outer electrode detects ions from the drift space.

Abstract: The invention provides a GC mass spectrometry system, including a column for introducing a sample into the GC mass spectrometry system, a heating source for providing heat to the sample to be separated by the column, an ion source downstream from the heating source for ionizing the sample separated by the column, the ion source having a sensor for determining the temperature of the ion source, an interface coupled to the ion source sensor and the heating source wherein the interface provides a feedback loop between the ion source sensor and the heating source and the temperature of the ion source or the heating source can be tracked and altered during data acquisition.

Abstract: A focused ion beam device is described. The device includes an ion beam column including an enclosure for housing an emitter with an emitter area for generating ions, a first gas inlet adapted to introduce a first gas to the emitter area, a second gas inlet adapted to introduce a second gas different from the first gas to the emitter area, and a switching unit adapted to switch between introducing the first gas and introducing the second gas.

Abstract: The invention relates for preparing a matrix layer on a sample support for mass spectrometric analysis. An aspect of the invention includes detecting a light signal that is attenuated, reflected or scattered by the matrix layer, and using the light signal to examine the matrix layer or to regulate the preparation of the matrix layer.

Abstract: An improved sample introduction probe is disclosed for the production of ions from liquid sample solutions in an electrospray ion source. Nebulization of a liquid sample emerging from the end of an inner flow tube is pneumatically assisted by gas flowing from the end of an outer gas flow tube essentially coaxial with the inner sample flow tube. The disclosed probe provides for adjustment of the relative axial positions of the ends of the liquid and gas flow tubes without degrading the precise concentricity between the inner and outer tubes. Additionally, the terminal portion of the outer gas flow tube may be fabricated either from a conductive or dielectric material, thereby allowing the pneumatic nebulization and electrospray processes to be optimized separately and independently.

Abstract: A dual ion trap mass analyzer includes adjacently positioned first and second two-dimensional ion traps respectively maintained at relatively high and low pressures. Functions favoring high pressure (cooling and fragmentation) may be performed in the first trap, and functions favoring low pressure (isolation and analytical scanning) may be performed in the second trap. Ions may be transferred between the first and second trap through a plate lens having a small aperture that presents a pumping restriction and allows different pressures to be maintained in the two traps. The differential-pressure environment of the dual ion trap mass analyzer facilitates the use of high-resolution analytical scan modes without sacrificing ion capture and fragmentation efficiencies.

Abstract: In a linear ion trap in which an essentially quadrupole RF electrical field is generated between at least four rod-shaped electrodes, ions may be mass-selectively ejected orthogonally to the axis. An aspect of the invention comprises compensating for field irregularities along the axis of a linear ion trap, which result, at different ejection locations, in the ejection of ions of the same masses at slightly different times, by of measuring the ions that are ejected at the different ejection locations using a number of separate detectors, and correcting, after a mass calibration of each of the mass spectra, the time shifts of the various location-dependent mass spectra during their addition to a combined spectrum.

Abstract: An X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis system for analysing an insulating sample 20, and a method of XPS analysis. The system comprises an X-ray generating means 30 having an exit opening 32 and being arranged to generate primary X-rays 46,56 which pass out of the exit opening in a sample direction towards a sample surface 22 for irradiation thereof. It has been found that the X-ray generating means in use additionally generates unwanted electrons 258 which may pass out of the exit opening substantially in the sample direction and cause undesirable sample charging effects. The system further comprises an electron deflection field generating means 380,480,580 arranged to generate a deflection field upstream of the sample surface. The deflection field is configured to deflect the unwanted electrons away from the sample direction, such that the unwanted electrons are prevented from reaching the sample surface.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, a computer pointing device is interfaced with an SPM system to provide real time control of the SPM and improve the ease of use.

Abstract: Monolithic tetrahedra amorphous carbon (ta-C) nanoprobes and ta-C coated nanoprobes and methods for fabricating such nanoprobes are provided. The nanoprobes provide hard, wear-resistant, low friction, and chemically inert probes for use in such applications as atomic force microscopy, nanolithography and metrology.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cold cathode pressure sensor comprising a gastight housing having a test gas inlet, an anode and a cathode arranged in said housing, and a radiation source directed to said cathode for igniting a cold cathode discharge. Said housing is at least partly made of glass. Said radiation source is arranged outside said housing and irradiates said cathode through the housing glass. Said radiation source substantially emits a radiation of a wavelength of more than 350 nm and less than 1,400 nm.

Abstract: An analysis system has a charged particle beam instrument and a scanning probe microscope operably coupled with the charged particle beam instrument. A stage defines an aperture, the stage is adapted to support the sample over the aperture and finely move the sample at least along an X and Y axis, the aperture further situated in an operable area of the charged particle beam. The charged particle beam is used to mill the sample, while the scanning probe microscope is used to measure elements exposed by the milling.

Abstract: In a defect inspection apparatus which combines a plurality of probes for measuring electric properties of a specimen including a fine circuit line pattern with a charged particle beam apparatus, the charged particle beam apparatus reduces a degradation in resolution even with an image-shift of ±75 ?m or more. The defect inspection apparatus has a CAD navigation function associated with an image-shift function. The CAD navigation function uses coordinates for converting an image-shift moving amount to a DUT stage moving amount in communications between an image processing unit for processing charged particle beam images and a memory for storing information on circuit line patterns. The defect inspection provides the user with significantly improved usability.

Abstract: Vehicle including a system for obtaining information about an occupant in a compartment in the vehicle includes illuminating an area of the compartment in which the occupant is expected to be situated with infrared illumination, the infrared illumination being generated from at least one common source and being simultaneously directed from each common source in multiple directions into the area of the compartment in which the occupant is expected to be situated. Infrared receivers receive infrared waves from the area of the compartment in which the occupant is expected to be situated after illumination of the area of the compartment and generate images of the area of the compartment. A processor analyzes the received infrared waves and obtains information about the occupant therefrom when the occupant is situated in the compartment. One or more vehicular components may be controlled based on the obtained information.

Abstract: There is provided an image pickup device which picks up an image of an object by absorbing light in a near infrared region reflected from the object and which has semiconductor photodetectors including an absorption layer of a bandgap wavelength in the range of 1.65 to 3.0 ?m.

Abstract: A microscale planar device for detecting particles under high pressure with high sensitivity. The device may have an anode and cathode with an insulator situated between them. The insulator may have a number of holes, cavities or channels between the anode and cathode. There may be conductive rings at the perimeters of openings of the channels on the anode side of the insulator. These rings may be a part of the anode. An ion may be attracted into one of the channels where it interacts with a gas to result in an avalanche breakdown. The breakdown may be detected by instrumentation connected to the anode and cathode. The lateral and/or longitudinal dimensions of the channels may be such that the device may operate as a detector with ambient air as a gas under its pressure of about one atmosphere.

Abstract: A power-saving circuit is provided for saving electrical power by detecting a presence or absence of an object in a localized area. The power-saving circuit includes a sensor module, and a switch module connected to the sensor module. The detector is adapted for outputting a control signal at a first state when an object is detected in the localized area, and outputting a control signal at a second state when an object is detected not in the localized area. The switch module provides a stable DC voltage according to the control signal at the first state, and not provides the stable DC voltage according to the control signal at the second state.

Abstract: Gently heating a pyroelectric crystal in a deuterated atmosphere can generate fusion under desktop conditions. The electrostatic field of the crystal is used to generate and accelerate a deuteron beam (>100 keV and >4 nA), which, upon striking a deuterated target, produces a neutron flux over 400 times the background level. The presence of neutrons within the target is confirmed by pulse shape analysis and proton recoil spectroscopy. Several elements of the system may be modified, including the configuration of the crystal or crystals, the composition of the surrounding environment and the target, the use of multiple probe tips, and the composition of the probe tip.

Abstract: A system for measuring ionizing radiation with a scintillator incorporates a first assembly of at least two rod-shaped scintillator elements, which can be optically coupled to one another via their opposed face ends. The first assembly of scintillator elements is coaxially enclosed by a second assembly of interconnectable sheath elements. According to the invention, one scintillator element (11), one sheath element (12) and two face-end window elements (131, 132) form a scintillator module (10) in each case, which is optically and mechanically connectable to additional scintillator modules. The individual scintillator elements can thus be produced as encapsulated scintillator modules by means of “suitable” sheath elements and window elements. This provides for a simple and reliable manipulation and assembly of the measuring assembly at the site of its application.

Abstract: Collimator assemblies that include an outer slit collimator having one or more slits therein, and an inner slit collimator having one or more slits therein are provided. Imaging systems that include a collimator assembly and a detector array are also provided. The collimator assembly includes an outer slit collimator having one or more slits therein. The collimator assembly further includes an inner slit collimator having one or more slits therein. The imaging system also includes a detector array configured to detect gamma rays emanating from a field of view that pass through one or more apertures defined by the collimator assembly. The detector array is further configured to generate one or more signals in response to the detected gamma rays. Methods of imaging a field of view using the imaging system are also provided.

Abstract: A support mechanism for protecting an object is described. The support system includes at least one support or friction ring for providing dynamic protection to the object. One embodiment includes a support ring having corrugated bumps. Another embodiment includes multiple support rings axially separated by spacers. In another embodiment a support mechanism is provided having at least one friction ring in combination with O-rings. A compound optical coupler is also described, which has a self-wetting clear optical coupling gel and an elastomeric load ring. In another aspect, a compound optical coupler assembly comprises a self-wetting optical coupling gel and also an amount of a stiffening agent.

Abstract: An x-ray detector is provided comprising a converter layer converting x-ray radiation into light. An array is provided for detection of the light uncoupled from the converter layer. The photodiodes are produced from an organic semiconductor material and surrounded by a casing substantially impermeable to substances reacting with the semiconductor material.

Abstract: A system for detecting a compound in a sample includes a neutron source, at least one gamma ray detector positioned proximate the sample, and a signal processor. The neutron source directs a neutron beam toward the sample. The gamma ray detector collects gamma rays emitted from the sample and the signal processor determines the compounds in the sample based on the gamma rays collected by the gamma ray detector. The compound is selected from the group consisting of peroxides and superoxides.

Abstract: A charged-particle beam system has a demagnifying lens for reducing the dimensions of an electron beam produced from an electron beam source, an objective lens for focusing the demagnified beam onto the surface of a target, a first deflector located before the demagnifying lens, a second deflector placed such that the deflection field produced by it is totally or partially superimposed on the objective lens field, and a third deflector located in a stage following the second deflector. An image of the light source is created by the demagnifying lens. An image of the light source image is formed on the target by the objective lens.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for implanting charged particles in a substrate and a method for manufacturing an integrated circuit. The method for implanting charged particles in a substrate, among other steps, includes projecting a beam of charged particles (320) to a substrate (330), the beam of charged particles (320) having a given beam divergence, and forming a diverged beam of charged particles (360) by subjecting the beam of charged particles (320) to an energy field (350), thereby causing the beam of charged particles (320) to have a larger beam divergence. The method then desires implanting the diverged beam of charged particles (360) into the substrate (330).

Abstract: A device for accelerating ions between a potential towards a central point in space is disclosed. The device can be used to accelerate ions along a collision path with other accelerated ions or other present particles resulting in a nuclear fusion reaction. The device improves upon the prior art by using a plasma as one of the electrodes forming the potential.

Abstract: This invention relates to a scanning arm assembly for multi-directional mechanical scanning of a semiconductor wafer or other substrate to be implanted. The present invention provides a scanning arm assembly comprising a pair of drive arms connected by two linkage arms to form a quadrilateral. Rotary joints are provided to join adjacent arms together, and a substrate holder is provided on one linkage arm where it joins the other linkage arm. Thus, rotating the drive arms causes the substrate holder to move. Suitable control of the drive arms allows the substrate holder to be moved through an ion beam to follow many different paths and hence implant patterns.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of measuring a property of an ion beam, for example an ion beam current profile or the emittance of an ion beam. A Faraday array comprising an array of ion beam current sensors is employed. The array can provide an ion beam current profile at the plane of the array. The Faraday array is also used in conjunction with an occluding element that may be moved through the ion beam upstream of the Faraday array, there obscuring varying portions of the ion beam from the Faraday array. Suitable manipulation of the signals from the Faraday allows the ion beam current profile to be determined for the plane of the occluding element, and also for the emittance of the ion beam at the plane of the occluding element to be determined.