Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) includes a substrate, a light blocking member formed on the substrate, an alignment layer formed on the substrate; and a column spacer formed on the light blocking member, wherein a cross-section of the column spacer includes a first edge facing a rubbing direction of the alignment layer and has at least one straight line part, and a second edge forming the rest of the cross-section excluding the first edge, and the straight line part of the first edge and the rubbing direction of the alignment layer form an acute angle.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display panel includes a first substrate comprising a first transparent insulating substrate, a second substrate comprising a second transparent insulating substrate disposed to oppose the first transparent insulating substrate, a light-shielding layer and a coloring layer formed to a side of the first transparent insulating substrate over the second transparent insulating substrate. For the first substrate, at least a part of an insulating film of a terminal area adjacent to a liquid crystal inlet portion of a seal material of another liquid crystal display panel is removed, which has been adjacent to the liquid crystal panel before cutting.

Abstract: A coloring composition for a color filter, which includes a transparent resin, an organic pigment dispersed in the transparent resin, and a retardation-regulating agent containing a compound which is capable of increasing a retardation. A color filter which is provided with colored pixels formed on a transparent substrate by using this coloring composition. A liquid crystal display device which is provided with this color filter.

Abstract: In an LCD apparatus, a non-effective display region disposed between pixel electrodes and a light leakage region disposed on the pixel electrodes are covered by means of a light-leakage preventing layer and by overlapping color filters of a color filter substrate, thereby preventing the light from being leaked through the non-effective display region and the light leakage region. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent brightness of the light from being decreased and images displayed through the LCD apparatus from being deteriorated in quality.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a pair of substrates, a liquid crystal layer being held by the pair of substrates, a first electrode and a second electrode that drive the liquid crystal layer, and a driving element that controls the driving of the first electrode, the first electrode, the second electrode, and the driving element being disposed on one of the pair of substrates. The one of the pair of substrates includes a resin film, an overlying film disposed on the resin film, the first electrode being disposed on the top surface of the overlying film, an electrode insulating film covering the first electrode, the second electrode being disposed on the top surface of the electrode insulating film, a connection electrode disposed on the electrode insulating film and connecting the first electrode to the driving element, and a connection line disposed below the overlying film and connected to the second electrode.

Abstract: The liquid crystal display includes a first substrate, a plurality of pixel electrodes formed on the first substrate and including a plurality of transparent electrodes and a plurality of reflective electrodes formed on portions of the transparent electrodes, a second substrate facing the first substrate, a liquid crystal layer interposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a plurality of organic insulator patterns formed in regions corresponding to the reflective electrodes. The planar shape of the organic insulator patterns for adjusting cell gaps of the liquid crystal display in the transmissive regions and the reflective regions may be adjusted such that the liquid crystals formed using drop injection may be dispersed rapidly and a uniformly to maintain uniform cell gap and prevent staining of the display.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquid crystal display device that performs initial transition before display operation from splay alignment of liquid crystal to bend alignment. The liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates. In the display device, a transmissive display area, a first sub-reflective-display area and a second sub-reflective-display area are arranged in each sub-pixel region. The thickness of the liquid crystal layer In the transmissive display area is made different from that in the reflective display area. The transmissive display area is disposed between the first sub-reflective-display area and the second sub-reflective-display area.

Abstract: The present invention enhances display quality of an IPS-type transflective liquid crystal display device. In the transflective liquid crystal display device including a liquid crystal display panel having a pair of substrates and a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the pair of substrates, the liquid crystal display panel including a plurality of sub pixels each of which has a transmissive portion and a reflective portion, each subpixel out of the plurality of subpixels having a counter electrode formed on one substrate out of the pair of substrates and a pixel electrode formed on one substrate, the counter electrode and the pixel electrode generating an electric field for driving liquid crystal of the liquid crystal layer, the counter electrode and the pixel electrode in the reflective portion are stacked by way of an insulation film, and the counter electrode and the pixel electrode in the transmissive portion face each other in a planer direction.

Abstract: A system for displaying images including a transflective liquid crystal display panel. The transflective liquid crystal display panel comprises a plurality of sub-pixels, each defined between two adjacent data lines and two adjacent scan lines. The sub-pixel comprises a transparent photoresistant layer on a color filter substrate, a reflective layer on an array substrate opposite and corresponding to the transparent photoresistant layer, a plurality of TFTs on the array substrate driving a plurality of sub-pixel areas sharing the reflective layer, and a liquid crystal layer between the color filter substrate and the array substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides a thin type display device provided with a simplified constitution and driving circuit, which offers an excellent visibility both in a light place and in a dark place. Liquid crystal 70 is placed between a substrate 10 on which a plurality of light emitting devices 20 including a reflecting electrode 21 is disposed and a transparent substrate 60 provided with a transparent electrode 63 and a color filter 61. A driving circuit switches to either a reflection display mode of displaying an image by reflection of ambient light from the reflecting electrode 21 of the light emitting device 20, or a self-emission display mode of displaying an image by self light emission from the light emitting device 20.

Abstract: A main object of the invention is to provide a phase difference layer laminated body which has a very high freedom in orienting molecules of its phase difference layer, and which is manufactured with ease. To achieve the above object, the invention provides a phase difference layer laminated body including a base material having orientability, and a phase difference layer made of a liquid crystal material that can form a nematic phase and formed in a pattern on the base material such as to have refractive index anisotropy.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device using a low duty ratio driving method with a duty ratio not smaller than 1/16 is manufactured in the following manner. A first substrate is prepared having a first electrode of a predetermined shape. A second substrate is prepared having a second electrode of a shape different from said predetermined shape, the second electrode having signal line electrodes smaller in number than those of the first electrode. An insulating film having necessary insulation is formed on each of the first and second electrodes. First and second vertical alignment films are formed above the first and second substrates, respectively, the first and second vertical alignment films covering the first and second electrodes, respectively. A rubbing process is executed only for the second vertical alignment film. The first and second substrates are disposed facing each other, and liquid crystal having a negative dielectric constant anisotropy is disposed between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: In a display apparatus and a method for assembling the display apparatus, the display apparatus includes a display panel displaying images, a backlight unit providing light, a mold frame, a bottom chassis, a panel driving film and an insulative film. The mold frame receives the backlight unit and the display panel. The bottom chassis includes a first opening disposed under the mold frame. The panel driving film includes a plurality of driving elements and is electrically connected to the display panel. The insulative film includes an adhesive portion which is disposed between the panel driving film and the bottom chassis, and an insulating portion bent into the first opening.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a liquid crystal display device 10A according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: forming a pixel electrode 19a for each sub-pixel on the surface of a planarization film 18, forming an insulator 20 over the whole surface, simultaneously forming first to third contact holes 21a to 21c so that a drain electrode D, a connection portion 161 of a common line, and the pixel electrode 19a are exposed from the surface of the insulator 20, forming a film of a transparent conductive material over the whole surface, forming a common electrode 22a including a plurality of slits for each sub-pixel, and connecting the common electrode 22 and the connection portion 161 via the first contact hole 21a and connecting the pixel electrode 19a and the drain electrode D via an interface-structured conductive path 23 formed via the second contact hole 21b, the surface of the insulator 20, and the third contact hole 21c.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) device includes a lower substrate including a gate line, a data line, and a thin film transistor, a pixel electrode formed on the lower substrate and including a plurality of first rod-shaped electrodes spaced apart from one another at substantially regular intervals, an upper substrate disposed opposite the lower substrate, a common electrode formed on the upper substrate and including a plurality of second rod-shaped electrodes arranged alternately with the first rod-shaped electrodes at substantially same intervals as the first rod-shaped electrodes, and a liquid crystal disposed between the lower substrate and the upper substrate, wherein a width of each of the first and second rod-shaped electrodes is about 4 ?m to about 6 ?m and the arrangement interval thereof is about 11.5 ?m to about 13.5 ?m.

Abstract: Provided is a fringe field switching mode liquid crystal display. The fringe field switching mode liquid crystal display includes a transparent common electrode having a predetermined shape and formed within the pixel area to adjust light transmittance by applying a voltage to the liquid crystal layer, and a transparent pixel electrode having a plurality of slits and formed above the transparent common electrode with an insulating layer interposed between the transparent common electrode and the transparent pixel electrode. A rubbing direction for aligning the liquid crystal layer is within 5° with respect to a direction of the gate line to remove a light shielding region above the data line, one end of the transparent common electrode is arranged between the data line and the transparent pixel electrode, and a distance between the transparent common electrode and the transparent pixel electrode is regulated with respect to the data line.

Abstract: A pixel structure suitable for being disposed on a substrate is provided. The pixel structure includes a scan line, a data line, a thin film transistor (TFT), a primary pixel electrode, and at least one secondary pixel electrode. The scan line and the data line are disposed on the substrate. The TFT is disposed on the substrate and is electrically connected to the scan line and the data line. The primary pixel electrode is electrically connected to a drain electrode of the TFT through a contact hole. The secondary pixel electrode is disposed above the drain electrode and the drain electrode is electrically coupled to the secondary pixel electrode. Besides, a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel having the pixel structure is also provided.

Abstract: A display device in which a driving chip is attached to a display panel by using an anisotropic conductive film to from a strong adhesive bond between the body of the driving chip and the display panel and to electrically connect contact terminals on the driving chip with contact pads on the display panel.

Abstract: A mounting terminal substrate includes a substrate, mounting terminals arranged in staggered rows on the substrate, each mounting terminals includes a lower conductive film and an upper conductive film, lines that are provided between the mounting terminals in a direction of a row, an insulation film that covers the lines, and opening sections on the respective mounting terminals from which the insulation films are removed, wherein a width of the upper conductive film in the direction of the row is greater than a width of the lower conductive film in the direction of the row so as to cover the lower conductive films exposed through the opening sections and is equal to or smaller than a width of the opening section in the direction of the row.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electro-optical device by cutting up a pair of mother substrates that are joined to each other by means of a sealant with an electro-optical material being sandwiched therebetween into a plurality of panel formation regions. The method includes: forming a groove along each of at least two pre-work cut lines in either one of the pair of mother substrates; blowing air on one edge face of a region between the grooves formed in the one of the pair of mother substrates; and removing the region between the grooves formed in the one of the pair of mother substrates by vacuuming the region. Herein, the vacuuming is applied to the other edge face of the region.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a color filter to facilitate the correction of the defect which is caused by the undesirable mixing of plural color filter materials with different color. Further, the present invention provides a color filter manufactured by the present method for manufacturing the color filter and also a semiconductor device using the color filter manufactured by the present method. In the manufacturing method of the present invention, the color-mixed portion which is undesirably formed during the production of the color-filter by using a plurality of color filter materials is irradiated with a laser beam which is different in transmissivity to each color filter material. This method allows the color filter material which is necessary to remain and the color filter material which is unnecessary to be selectively removed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a cholesteric liquid crystalline material which may be usable in an electro-active element for providing fail safe operation, polarization insensitivity, low electrical power consumption requirements, and a small number of electrical connections. The cholesteric liquid crystalline material may be usable in an electro-active element for providing a diffractive efficiency or focusing efficiency above 90% in an activated state of the electro-active element and a diffractive efficiency or focusing efficiency below 10% in a deactivated state of the electro-active element.

Abstract: Eyeglasses and clip-ons are improved by providing housings for magnets for securing the clip-ons in a uniblock also incorporating one or more of the following: part of a closing block, an end piece, and part of a hinge. The structure is more compact, neater in appearance, and of improved quality as compared to eyeglasses incorporating conventional structures, and is less expensive to manufacture than many conventional eyeglasses, especially in large volume.

Abstract: A lens/frame combination for a pair of glasses includes a frame and at least one lens made of a material different from that of the frame. The frame includes at least one receiving portion having a coupling groove for coupling with the at least one lens. The at least one lens includes a peripheral edge that is at least partially and securely coupled with the coupling groove of the frame, forming a jointing area therebetween. The peripheral edge of the at least one lens is received in the coupling groove of the at least one receiving portion to a depth of 0.7 mm-5.0 mm, preferably 0.9 mm-5.0 mm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drive circuit capable of suppressing the power consumption required for driving a capacitive electromechanical transducer device. For driving the capacitive electromechanical transducer device constituted of two electromechanical transducer parts consisting of a first capacitive electromechanical transducer part and a second capacitive electromechanical transducer part and operated in response to two-phase sinusoidal signals having mutually opposite phases, the drive circuit includes an inductor which resonates with the first electromechanical transducer part and the second electromechanical transducer part, and a resonance frequency of the resonance circuit is set substantially equal to an operation frequency of the electromechanical transducer device. The first electromechanical transducer part and the second electromechanical transducer part are driven by the resonance circuit having such a constitution.

Abstract: It is made possible to improve the variations in the “generated force (load)—deflection characteristics”. A deformable mirror device includes: a substrate; a plurality of electrodes provided on the substrate; a spacer disposed on the substrate; a support member disposed above the spacer and having an opening passing through from a first face of the support member facing to the substrate to a second face of the support member facing opposite from the first face; a first insulation film provided on the first face of the support member; a second insulation film provided on the second face of the support member; and a deformable electrode film disposed so as to be opposed to the electrodes at a spacing, formed so as to cover the opening, and supported by the support member with sandwiching the first insulation film.

Abstract: Wavefront measuring systems and methods are disclosed which may be employed, for example, in detecting phase aberrations in a spectacle lens and in an eye. Various embodiments include disposing a modulation pattern in the path of a return beam from the spectacle lens or the eye, and imaging a diffraction pattern at a self-imaging plane relative to the modulation pattern with a detector. The diffraction pattern is analyzed and the results are used to produce a representation of the wavefront phase characteristics that describe aberrations in the lens or eye being measured. Illumination and processing techniques for improving the measurement results are disclosed. Various embodiments comprise systems adaptable to both measure aberrations in lenses in spectacles as well as in a patient's eyes.

Abstract: An image-combining device comprising of a polarizing beam-splitter, two waveplates and two reflective micro-electro-mechanical display panels is described. It combines images with orthogonally polarized light. Projection display apparatus having such image-combining device(s) are used to project two-dimensional or three-dimensional images with orthogonally polarized light.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for providing physical routes to target locations. The techniques include obtaining at least one target location from at least one user; determining at least one physical route to said at least one target location; and displaying said at least one determined physical route through a sequence of at least one sign display, wherein each sign display are configured to display a plurality of physical routes.

Abstract: A liquid crystal projection system includes a light source module, a light management module, an image signal module and a projection lens. The light source module provides an illumination light beam of first polarization state. The light management module includes a color separator for separating the illumination light beam into a first color light beam and a bichromatic light beam, first and second reflectors for respectively reflecting the first color light beam and the bichromatic light beam, a phase plate for converting the polarization of the bichromatic light beam, a first PBS for receiving the first color light beam, a second PBS for receiving the bichromatic light beam, and a dichroic prism for separating the bichromatic light beam into second and third color light beams. The image signal module includes three image modulation units for transforming the polarizations of the first, second and third color light beams and modulating them into image light beams carrying corresponding image signals.

Abstract: An optical position of a display device with respect to an optical axis of a projection optical system is displaced in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis in accordance with a change in the size of a projected image. For instance, a transparent flat plate is disposed in front of a projection lens, and the transparent flat plate is tilted in association with a rotation of a zoom adjustment ring. As the transparent flat plate is tilted, the apparent position of the display device relative to the projection lens is displaced in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis of the projection optical system. Thereby, the projected image on a screen is located at a proper position corresponding to a zoom state. Tilt control of the transparent flat plate is realized by a cam mechanism, for instance.

Abstract: A projector includes: a light source which emits light containing visible light and infrared light; a light time division unit which divides light emitted from the light source into one or more visible lights having different wavelength ranges and one or more infrared lights having different wavelength ranges in a time-division manner; a light modulation element which time-sequentially modulates the plural lights separated by the light time division unit and having different wavelength ranges; and a projection unit which projects and displays the light modulated by the light modulation element on a projection-receiving surface. A plurality of images containing a visible image produced by the one or more visible lights and an infrared image produced by the one or more infrared lights are displayed on the same projection receiving surface.

Abstract: A projection display module coupled to a control IC for data projection. The projection display module includes three liquid crystal panels that perform image displays in red, green, and blue, respectively, and light emitting sources that are employed and positioned in correspondence with the liquid crystal panels, respectively. A prism is used for each display color combination, wherein the liquid crystal panels and the light emitting sources are positioned on the light-incidence side of the side surfaces of the prism. A projection lens is provided on the light-emission side of the prism.

Abstract: A projection system that projects a text or subtitle box onto an image minimizes the contrast between the text box and the image. A transition region surrounding the text box minimizes visual disruption to the image onto which the text box is projected. The positions of optical elements of a text projector enable the text box to gradually fade out. The text projector has a lamp that defines an object plane and a light path modifier. The light path modifier is offset from the object plane, toward the lamp to blend the borders of the text box into the image projected by an image projector.

Abstract: Not only abnormality of a light output to an exterior but also overturning, vibration, disassembly, deformation, or breakage of a display apparatus including a case and a screen are reliably and promptly detected. A projection display apparatus includes a light source (22) for generating illumination light, which is provided in a case (28) having a light-shielding function, a movable aperture (23) for adjusting the amount of illumination light from the light source (22), a light valve (9) for adjusting the amount of light based on an image signal to generate image light for forming an image from the illumination light, a projection optical system (10) for enlarging the image light from the light valve (9), and a transmission-type screen (29) for displaying the image, which is provided to a window of the case (28).

Abstract: The present invention provides a light source apparatus capable of preventing supercooling of a light source and adhesion of extraneous matter to a reflecting surface of a reflecting mirror. In a light source apparatus 1, ultraviolet light emitted from a mercury xenon lamp 3 is reflected on a reflecting surface 4a of a reflecting mirror 4, and is outputted to the outside through an exit aperture 4b of the reflecting mirror 4, a pass aperture 5a of a gas-blasting structure 5, a stop 8, and an exit port 2c of a housing 2. At this time, gas G is blasted onto the reflecting surface 4a of the reflecting mirror 4 by the gas-blasting structure 5. Thanks to this, even if extraneous matter enters the light source apparatus 1 along with air A introduced for air cooling of the interior of the light source apparatus 1 from the outside, the extraneous matter will be prevented from adhering to the reflecting surface 4a of the reflecting mirror 4.

Abstract: A liquid immersion photolithography system includes an exposure system that exposes a substrate with electromagnetic radiation and includes a projection optical system that focuses the electromagnetic radiation on the substrate. A liquid supply system provides liquid flow between the projection optical system and the substrate. An optional plurality of micronozzles are arranged around the periphery of one side of the projection optical system so as to provide a substantially uniform velocity distribution of the liquid flow in an area where the substrate is being exposed.

Abstract: A method (and resultant structure) of forming a plurality of masks, includes creating a reference template, using imprint lithography to print at least one reference template alignment mark on all of a plurality of mask blanks for a given chip set, and printing sub-patterns on each of the plurality of mask blanks, and aligning the sub-patterns to the at least one reference template alignment mark.

Abstract: The focus monitor mark of the present invention includes two dot groups formed with a plurality of dots comprising a resist that is formed in a protruding manner with respect to a wafer surface, and a measurement region. The mark includes a dot pattern mark in which dot groups are arranged so that the dimensions of each dot increase in accordance with an increase in the distance of the dot from the measurement region, two hole groups comprising a plurality of holes formed in the resist on the wafer surface, and measurement region 3. The mark has a hole pattern mark in which each hole is arranged so that the dimensions of each hole increase in accordance with an increase in a distance of the hole from the measurement region.

Abstract: An “image writing” and “image reading” system and method for providing a pattern to a subject such as a wafer is provided or an image to an image sensor such as CCD. The system includes a pixel panel, such as a digital mirror device or a liquid crystal display or other SLM, for generating for creating a plurality of sub-image array of the pattern in image writing? case. The pixel elements are simultaneously divided to a sub-image array on the subject by a lens system.

Abstract: By proper selection of illumination configuration, mask transmission, and mask bias, complex patterns of contact holes may be imaged with sufficient latitude for manufacturing at minimum half-pitches of k1=0.40 or below. In an embodiment, a method of transferring an image of a mask pattern onto a substrate with a lithographic apparatus is presented. The method includes illuminating a mask pattern of an attenuated phase shift mask with an illumination configuration including on-axis and off-axis components, the off-axis component of the illumination being an annular illumination extending near a pupil edge, and projecting an image of the illuminated mask pattern onto the substrate.

Abstract: A 3-D imaging system is described. The 3-D imaging system comprises an illumination unit for emitting light onto a target scene, an imaging sensor for imaging the target scene by detecting scattered/reflected light, an evaluation unit for determining distance information related to the target scene on the basis of light propagation time and synchronization means for providing synchronization information to the evaluation unit. The synchronization means comprises means for generating an electrical reference signal in the illumination unit, the reference signal being directly derived from the emitted light.

Abstract: A technique for relative velocity determination between a surface and a velocity determination system involves capturing a set of outputs from a first photosensor array and then comparing subsequently captured sets of outputs from a second photosensor array to the set of outputs from the first photosensor array until a satisfactory match is found between the outputs. Once a satisfactory match is found, the elapsed time between the capture of the two sets of outputs represents the time to travel the known separation distance between the two photosensor arrays. Given the known distance of travel and the elapsed time to travel the distance, the relative velocity is a simple calculation of the distance traveled divided by the time to travel the distance.

Abstract: Test element analysis system for the analytical investigation of a sample, in particular of a body liquid of human beings or animals, comprising test elements (2) with a carrier film (5) and a test field (7) fixed to the flat side (6) of the carrier film (5), the test field (7) containing a reagent system the reaction of which with the sample (21) leads to an optically measurable change in the detection zone (24) which is characteristic for the analysis, and an evaluation instrument with a measuring device for measuring the optically measurable change.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a particle analyzer that is capable of classifying and counting particles contained in a sample more accurately. The blood analyzer 1 includes: measuring unit 2 for obtaining a plurality of characteristic information of each of particles contained in a sample by measuring a measurement sample prepared from the sample; data processing unit 3 for obtaining a particle number of a specific kind of particles and each particle number of a plural kinds of particles different from the specific kind of particles, and determining a target kind of particles, whose particle number is corrected, from the plural kinds of particles, based on information obtained by the measuring unit 2, and correcting a particle number of the target kind of particles by using the particle number of the specific kind of particles.

Abstract: A dynamic projected user interface device is disclosed, that includes a projector, a projection controller, and an imaging sensor. The projection controller is configured to receive instructions from a computing device, and to provide display images via the projector onto display surfaces. The display images are indicative of a first set of input controls when the computing device is in a first operating context, and a second set of input controls when the computing device is in a second operating context. The imaging sensor is configured to optically detect physical contacts with the one or more display surfaces.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detection and identification of airborne biological, chemical and/or nuclear threats such as toxins, spores, bacteria, and viruses in real time at distances from a few meters to several kilometers. Compact femtosecond terawatt laser technology is combined with spectroscopic and mathematical methods for spectral sensing of airborne warfare agents such as bio-aerosols. Trigger sensors and standoff devices based on mobile terawatt femtosecond laser systems are provided that may be placed at strategic monitoring locations. Furthermore, the invention relates to the propagation of airborne ultra-short, ultra-intense laser pulses giving rise to plasma channels (filamentation) producing white light supercontinuum ranging from the ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS), near infra-red (NIR) and middle infra-red (MIR).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system to measure defects on a surface of a wafer and an edge of the wafer using a single tool comprises a scatterometer to identify at least one defect region on the surface and a surface profile height measuring tool to measure one or more characteristics of the surface in the defect region with a surface profile height measuring tool.

Abstract: A method is performed for determining a suitable workpiece processing focal position of a laser beam. The method includes adjusting one or more of a laser beam and a workpiece until a periphery of the laser beam contacts a lateral edge of the workpiece, determining, from at least a focal position of the laser beam associated with the peripheral beam contact with the workpiece, a suitable workpiece processing focal position of the laser beam, and then adjusting the laser beam to the suitable workpiece processing focal position.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide one sample holder that is suitable for collection and spectroscopic measurement of a blood sample. In some very specific embodiments, the sample holder is provided with an optical chamber that is specifically designed to spread blood into a thin film, thereby reducing the average attenuation of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) due to scattering of EMR by the red blood cells in a blood sample, without having to hemolyze the red blood cells using sound waves or reagents. Also, the sample holder is designed so that air bubbles are easily pushed through the optical chamber and guided out of the sample holder through a vent. The inlet of some embodiments of a sample holder is a piece of capillary tube and in other embodiments, the inlet is configured to accept the male end of a syringe.