Abstract: To provide a defect inspection apparatus and defect inspection method adapted to make it possible to easily assign threshold levels to a plurality of scattered-light detectors and to appropriately acquire data detected by each of the scattered-light detectors.

Abstract: Methods for determining chlorophyll content comprise providing a sample, subjecting the sample to light at a first wavelength and detecting a first wavelength response, subjecting the sample to light at a second wavelength and detecting a second wavelength response, and calculating a chlorophyll content of the sample based on at least the first wavelength response and the second wavelength response. Optional approaches include detecting the nitrogen content and/or water content of the sample. Associated apparatus for determining chlorophyll content, which may comprise a handheld device, is also disclosed.

Abstract: An interferometer configured for use in optical coherence domain (OCT) reflectometry systems is disclosed. In the preferred embodiments, efficient routing of light and a balanced detection arrangement provide a high signal to noise ratio. In one set of embodiments, a pair of cascaded 2×2 couplers is used to split light along separate sample and reference paths and also for combining light returning from those paths and supplying the interfered collected light to the detection system. The interferometer can be used with various OCT modalities including time-domain and frequency domain approaches.

Abstract: A method may include bending a first optical fiber of a plurality of optical fibers; measuring light leaked from the first optical fiber with a photo detector; robotically moving the photo detector to a second optical fiber of the plurality of optical fibers; bending the second optical fiber; and measuring light leaked from the second other optical fiber with the photo detector.

Abstract: An optical fiber inspection device includes a housing, wherein the housing defines an opening disposed on an end portion. A lens is disposed within the housing, wherein the lens and the opening define an axis of viewing. A fiber position assembly is mounted to the housing. The fiber position assembly includes a tube having a first axial end portion and a second axial end portion. An inner diameter of the first axial end portion is larger than an inner diameter of the second axial end portion. The inner diameters of the first and second axial end portions of the tube define an inner passage, wherein a longitudinal axis of the inner passage is about perpendicular to the axis of viewing.

Abstract: A multiple laser head projector includes a sensor that senses the presence or absence of a laser beam from a first of the laser heads and signals a switching device to switch to a second laser head when a laser beam is not detected by the sensor from the first laser head. Thus, the multiple laser head projector may be utilized to provide continuous operation of the multiple head laser projector when one of the lasers fails. The multiple head laser projector may also be utilized for diagnostic testing of the laser heads, such as during start-up. Further, the multiple head laser projector may be utilized to signal the power output of the laser heads and thus the expected remaining life of the laser heads.

Abstract: An adaptive light-path surface tilt sensing configuration is provided that identifies when a ray bundle is projected along a direction normal to a workpiece surface. As a result, the tilt of the workpiece surface may be determined. The surface tilt sensor may comprise an illumination and detector portion and an objective lens. The illumination and detector portion may comprise a light source, a collimating lens, a beamsplitter, a controllable ray bundle position control portion, and a photodetector configuration. These elements are configured to provide a ray bundle alignment sensing arrangement that provides a signal indicating when a projected ray bundle and a reflected ray bundle have the best degree of alignment, in addition to other functions. The best degree of alignment corresponds to a ray bundle that is projected along the direction normal to the workpiece surface provides.

Abstract: A cavity ring-down sensor having an optical path of mirrors and an interface proximate to a mirror with a normal incidence optical fiber coupling. The interface may be a block of transmissive materials having different indices of refraction for receiving a light beam of normal incidence from an optical fiber and directing the beam into the optical path. The sensor may be used applications where the optical fiber needs to be straight into the sensor without unusual bending because of space limitations. One application of this sensor may be for ground water testing via a narrow well casing.

Abstract: There is provided a laser energy measuring unit whose laser energy measuring range is widened. The laser energy measuring unit has a filter provided within an optical path of laser to attenuate energy of the laser, a calculating section for measuring the energy of the laser passing through the filter and a condenser lens provided on one side of the filter for condensing the laser. The filter has a shading portion for blocking a center part of the laser beam from transmitting through the filter at position coincident with the center of the laser. The center part of the laser where its energy is large is cut by the shading portion and the calculating section measures the part where its energy is not so large. Thereby, it is possible to widen the laser energy measuring range.

Abstract: A visual inspection apparatus includes an upper illuminator, a lower illuminator, a side illuminator, and a pair of inclined illuminators, which illuminate the peripheral edge of a wafer, and illuminates the peripheral edge of the wafer brightly. A gap is formed in the upper illuminator and illumination light of an epi-illumination portion is injected through the gap. The illumination light of the epi-illumination portion is refracted and reflected by a first mirror to illuminate the peripheral edge of the wafer. The illumination position is changed by moving second mirrors together as needed. An image of the peripheral edge is acquired in an imaging portion disposed at the same axis as the epi-illumination portion.

Abstract: An inspecting apparatus for a glass substrate detects blurs of a green color filter layer, a blue color filter layer, a column spacer layer, a pixel layer of a thin film transistor, or the like, which are generally hardly inspected. The inspecting apparatus for a glass substrate includes: a first illumination unit supplying reflective light to a surface of the substrate to inspect whether the surface of the substrate is defective or not; a second illumination unit supplying transmissive light from a rear side of the substrate to inspect whether the interior of the substrate is defective or not; a latticed rear plate provided on a rear surface of the substrate; and a driving interferometer system generating a phase difference of light by driving such that a driving guide is moved along the rear plate or the rear plate itself is moved.

Abstract: A vehicle cylinder head coolant passage inspection device and a method for inspecting vehicle cylinder head coolant passages therewith. A device and method of the present invention can be used to detect blockages present within such coolant passages. A device and method of the present invention uses one or more fiber-optic probes that can both emit and receive light. The probe(s) are used with a sensor that can register light reflected by a blockage and received by a probe(s) while in a coolant passage. Reflected light readings registered by the sensor can be used to determine whether a blockage is present.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus, systems, and methods for analyzing biological samples. The apparatus, systems, and methods can involve using a vacuum source to pull microfluidic volumes through analytical equipment, such as flow cells and the like. Additionally, the invention involves using optical equipment in conjunction with the analytical equipment to analyze samples and control the operation thereof.

Abstract: A reticle assembly of an aiming device is provided. The reticle assembly includes an illumination source, a first optical mask and a second optical mask. The first optical mask has a plurality of optical openings which define a reticle pattern. The first optical mask is mounted in a fixed position. The second optical mask is movably positioned relative to the first optical mask. The second optical mask has a plurality of masking portions adapted to block selected portions of the reticle pattern. The illumination source is adapted to project a plurality of output patterns which correspond to unblocked portions of the reticle pattern.

Abstract: A system and method for managing optical power for controlling thermal alteration of a sample undergoing spectroscopic analysis is provided. The system includes a moveable laser beam generator for irradiating the sample and a beam shaping device for moving and shaping the laser beam to prevent thermal overload or build up in the sample. The moveable laser beam generator includes at least one beam shaping device selected from the group consisting of at least one optical lens, at least one optical diffractor, at least one optical path difference modulator, at least one moveable mirror, at least one Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) integrated circuit (IC), and/or a liquid droplet. The system also includes an at least two degree of freedom (2 DOF) moveable substrate platform and a controller for controlling the laser beam generator and the substrate platform, and for analyzing light reflected from the sample.

Abstract: A surface-enhanced Raman scattering method and apparatus to sequence polymeric biomolecules such as DNA, RNA, or proteins is introduced. The method uses metallic nanostructures such as, for example, spherical or cylindrical Au or Ag nanoparticles having characteristic lengths of 10-100 nm which when illuminated with light of the appropriate wavelength produce resonant oscillations of the conduction electrons (plasmon resonance). Electric field enhancements of 30-1000 near the particle surface resulting from such oscillations increase Raman scattering cross-sections by about 106-1015 due to the E4 dependence of the Raman scattering, wherein the largest enhancements occur in the gap/junction between novel closely spaced structures as disclosed herein.

Abstract: A substrate processing system includes a processing module to process a substrate, a factory interface module configured to accommodate at least one cassette for holding the substrate, a spectrographic monitoring system positioned in or adjoining the factory interface module, and a substrate handler to transfer the substrate between the at least one cassette, the spectrographic monitoring system and the processing module.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring air quality using a micro-optical mechanical gas sensor is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the system includes an emission source that includes a conduit gap for receiving a gas; a plurality of electrodes for applying an electric field to at least a portion of the conduit gap, the application of the electric field creating a plasma in the conduit gap; and a detector that detects an emission from the plasma. The emission source and the detector may be micro-optical mechanical devices. A method for measuring air quality is discloses.

Abstract: A fiber optical sensor includes a light source, a detector and an optical resonator having a multimode optical fiber and two reflective layers respectively provided adjacent to or on ends of the optical fiber. Excitation light from the light source is coupled into the optical resonator through a transparent hole formed in one of the reflective layers. An evanescent wave extends outside the optical fiber in the active region of the optical fiber. The fluorescent light generated by a fluorescent material excited by the evanescent wave in response to the presence or concentration of the analyte in a sample to be assayed is detected by the detector. The light beam is reflected back and forth between the first and second reflective layers many times within the optical resonator whereby the strength of the fluorescent light is significantly increased thereby resulting in a significantly signal amplification.

Abstract: In order to provide a fluorescence detection apparatus having a high sensitivity, a high processing capacity and a competitive edge in cost, the fluorescence detection apparatus according to this invention irradiate the sample with light so that the aspect ratio of the form of the irradiated region by light on the arrangement surface of the sample may be 1±0.1. The preferable form of irradiate region is not limited to one and varies to some extent depending on the item to be optimized. The form of irradiated region may be, for example, a circle, an equilateral triangle, a square, a regular hexagon and the like.

Abstract: [Object] To identify and quantitate an atom of a solid element contained in sludge, waste fluid, or soil. [Solving Means] An atomic analyzer includes a plasma generator 10 in which a discharge gas is fed in a micro gap between a pair of electrodes to generate nonequilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma; a bias voltage controller that includes a plasma-leading electrode 21 for leading the nonequilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma generated by the plasma generator to an object to be irradiated 22, the object to be irradiated with the nonequilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma being placed on the plasma-leading electrode, a bias voltage being applied between the plasma-leading electrode and the electrodes of the plasma generator to irradiate the object with the nonequilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma; and a spectrometer that atomizes a substance composing the object to be irradiated by the nonequilibrium atmospheric pressure plasma irradiation to analyze the atoms by absorption spectrometry.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an arrangement for an optical system for polarizalion-dependent, time-resolved optical spectroscopy, in particular a spectrometer that includes a polarization device which has a crystal polarizer and includes a light entry area which is arranged upstream of the polarization device and which is formed in such a way as to enclose a spatial acceptance angle of the crystal polarizer, and also that includes a light exit area which is arranged downstream of the polarization device, wherein an intermediate area which connects the light entry area and the light exit area is formed in the polarization device with a path length of at most approximately 4 mm which is traversed in the crystal polarizer by light impinging within the spatial acceptance angle.

Abstract: A substrate-like particle sensor includes a substrate-like base portion and an electronics enclosure disposed on the substrate-like base portion. A power source is located within the electronics enclosure. A controller is operably coupled to the power source. A particle sensor is operably coupled to the controller and provides an indication to the controller of at least one particle present near the particle sensor.

Abstract: A method and system as described herein provides for detecting certain anomalies in a wafer. According to one aspect, these anomalies relate to defects or stress that can lead to wafer breakage before, during or after further wafer processing. According to other aspects, the method includes passing polarized light through a wafer and analyzing the transmitted light for any changes in polarization. According to additional aspects, the method includes analyzing the entire wafer in one image capturing operation. According to still further aspects, the light passed through the wafer is below the bandgap for a material such as silicon that comprises the wafer, so that substantially all light will be transmitted through rather than absorbed or reflected by the material. According to still further aspects, the detection operation can be rapid and automatic, so that it can be easily included in an overall processing sequence.

Abstract: Described is a method and apparatus for obtaining additional information from an object and a method for surface imaging and three-dimensional imaging. Single lens, single aperture, single sensor system and stereo optic systems are enhanced via selective filtering, use of defocusing information, use of an addressable pattern, image matching, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting variations in electromagnetic fields, in particular, terahertz (THz) electromagnetic fields, are provided. The methods and apparatus employ polarization detection devices and controllers to maintain or vary the polarization of modulated signals as desired. The methods and apparatus are provided to characterize electromagnetic fields by directing the electromagnetic field and a probe beam upon an electro-crystal and detecting the modulation of the resulting probe beam. Detection of the modulation of the probe beam is practiced by detecting and comparing the polarization components of the modulated probe beam. Aspects of the invention may be used to analyze or detect explosives, explosive related compounds, and pharmaceuticals, among other substances. A compact apparatus, modular optical devices for use with the apparatus, sample holders, and radiation source mounts are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a method of measuring asymmetry in a scatterometer, a target portion is illuminated twice, first with 0° of substrate rotation and secondly with 180° of substrate rotation. One of those images is rotated and then that rotated image is subtracted from the other image. In this way, asymmetry of the scatterometer can be corrected.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes a wafer stage for carrying a wafer, an illumination module which irradiates an inspection beam on the wafer carried on the wafer stage, a detection module which detects scattering rays or reflection rays from the wafer on the wafer stage and outputs an image signal, a coordinates control module which stores information about the arrangement of individual inspection areas on the wafer, and an imperfect area recognition module which recognizes, on the basis of the inspection area arrangement information stored in the coordinates control module, an imperfect inspection area interfering with a wafer edge.

Abstract: An optical alignment method is for a light-emitting module that includes a housing unit, a light-emitting unit disposed in the housing unit, and a lens unit. The optical alignment method includes: (a) through image-capturing techniques, finding a light-emitting point of the light-emitting unit and a predetermined reference point, and determining a total optical path length between the light-emitting point and an imaging plane; (b) finding a first center line that divides the total optical path length in half; (c) through image-capturing techniques, finding opposite first and second edges of the lens unit, and determining a lens length between the first and second edges; (d) finding a second center line that divides the lens length in half; and (e) assembling the lens unit to the housing unit so that the first and second center lines overlap. A light-emitting module and an assembly method therefor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A photodetector and method for making the same is disclosed. The photodetector includes a substrate having first, second, and third photodiodes and first and second pigment filter layers. The first, second, and third photodiodes generate first, second, and third photodiode output signals, respectively, each photodiode output signal being indicative of a light intensity incident on that photodiode and a dark current that is independent of the light intensity. The first and second pigment filter layers overlie the first and second photodiodes while a layer having both the first and second pigment filter layers overlie the third photodiode. An output circuit combines the first and third photodiode output signals to provide a first corrected output signal and combines the second and third photodiode output signals to provide a second corrected output signal.

Abstract: An optical absorption gas sensor comprising a body having an internal wall which defines a chamber, at least one aperture in the body through which a gas sample can enter the chamber, a light source, at least one reflector, a detector assembly which extends into the chamber and has a first side and an opposite second side, a detector which measures light which is incident at at least a range of angles on at least a part of a first surface of the detector assembly on the first side of the detector assembly, wherein the light source is located within the chamber on the second side of the detector assembly, the whole being configured such that light from the light source passes through the gas sample and is reflected around the detector assembly, by the at least one reflector, onto the detector.

Abstract: A fiber interface configuration for a chromatic point sensor optical pen is provided wherein a detector aperture element provides an aperture that is smaller than the light-transmitting core diameter of an optical fiber that is connected to the optical pen. The detector aperture element is fixed relative to the chromatically dispersive optics of the optical pen, the optical fiber abuts the aperture element, and the optical fiber core is aligned to the aperture. The aperture element and the end of the fiber may be inclined relative to the axis of the fiber, to deflect spurious reflections away from the optical signal path. The configuration provides high measuring resolution without using a tapered optical fiber, and provides interchangeability of the optical fiber connected to the optical pen.

Abstract: An optical arrangement includes a position sensitive optical detector, a collimated optical source, and a processor configured to monitor the inclination of an object. The collimated optical source is configured to transmit a collimated beam towards the object. The position sensitive optical detector is configured to detect the specific location of incidence of an optical signal received from the object, and the processor is configured to generate information relating to the inclination of the object from processing optical signals received at the position sensitive optical detector.

Abstract: A method of sensing movement or proximity of objects by optical reflection is provided. The method includes the steps of transmitting a train of optical pulses towards a destination, sensing optical pulses reflected from the destination, and sensing and evaluating movement or proximity characteristics of objects at the destination with reference to variation in pulse width between transmitted and reflected optical pulses.

Abstract: There is provided a laser machining apparatus capable of improving workpiece machining precision. The laser machining apparatus having a movable table for supporting a workpiece to be machined and a camera for detecting position of the workpiece by reflection light from an alignment mark formed through the workpiece further includes a jig plate provided between the table and the workpiece and having light-receiving holes that overlap with the alignment mark and that are larger than the alignment mark (through hole).

Abstract: A method for global calibration of a multi-view vision-based touch probe measurement system is provided which encompasses calibrating camera frame distortion errors as well as probe form errors. The only required features in the calibration images are the markers on the touch probe. The camera frame distortion calibration comprises a process that depends on a portable calibration jig and the touch probe, but that process is unaffected by probe form distortion errors in the touch probe and/or tip. The probe tip position calibration depends on applying the results of the camera, frame distortion calibration. When the same probe tip is used throughout the global calibration, the probe tip position calibration uses images from the set of images used by the camera frame distortion calibration. The global calibration method is particularly advantageous for low cost portable versions of multi-view vision-based touch probe measurement systems.

Abstract: A method is disclosed. The method includes receiving a request regarding a first document, retrieving a second document from a cache, the second document having a pre-existing relationship with the first document, extracting data from the second document image data, applying image processing to the first document using the extracted data from the second document image data to create a third document and printing the third document.

Abstract: An image processing device and method for modifying images on an image processing device including a scanner configured to produce an image of at least one document having multiple pages, a communications interface configured to connect the image processing device to a server via a network, a display unit configured to display a preview image or a thumbnail image of at least one of the pages of the scanned document and a user interface configured to display a selectable graphical indicia corresponding to at least one operation for modifying the preview image or the at least one image of the scanned document.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes a reception unit, a first character recognition unit, a reduction processing unit, a second character recognition unit, a status detecting unit and a process content changing unit. The reception unit receives image information. The first character recognition unit recognizes character information from the image information received. The reduction processing unit performs a reduction process for the image information received. The second character recognition unit recognizes character information from the image information for which the reduction processing unit performs the reduction process. The status detecting unit detects a relation between the character information recognized by the first character recognition unit and the character information recognized by the second character recognition unit.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a voter list and one or more different types of ballot images. The method includes receiving a side file which associates the ballot images with the voters of the voter list, and using a control program to access the side file and select one of the ballot images which corresponds to a selected voter of the voter list. A print job is formed which includes the selected ballot image.

Abstract: A printer-plotter includes a guide rail, a first head, a second head, a driving device, a first connecting mechanism and a second connecting mechanism. The guide rail extends in a longitudinal direction. The first head is supported by the guide rail and movable along the longitudinal direction. The second head is supported by the guide rail and movable independently of the first head along the longitudinal direction. The driving device includes a driving force transmitting member and a driving mechanism configured to move the driving force transmitting member. The first connecting mechanism is configured to detachably connect the first head to the driving force transmitting member. The second connecting mechanism is configured to detachably connect the second head to the driving force transmitting member.

Abstract: A printing system is provided that allows coordinates of pen strokes written or drawn with a digital pen to be correctly related to coordinates of application data even when the application data is printed in reduced size.

Abstract: A method for automatically compensating for scanner metamerism errors associated with scanning input images using a digital color image scanner, wherein the input images can be on a variety of different input media having colorants with different spectral characteristics, comprising scanning an input image on a digital color image scanner to produce a scanned image; determining one or more estimated color balance error values in a color balance parameter space by analyzing the scanned image using a color balance analysis algorithm; assigning an input medium from a set of possible input media for the scanned input image in response to the estimated color balance error values; selecting a scanner metamerism correction color transform associated with the assigned input medium; and applying the selected scanner metamerism correction color transform to the scanned image to produce a corrected image compensated for scanner metamerism errors.

Abstract: A print system having an enhanced depth resolution of an image. The print system includes a host device to divide a gray image into basic block units, to determine whether the basic block units represent an edge area, to convert the gray image into binary data, and to output the converted gray image; and an image forming apparatus to determine whether the binary data received from the host device represents an edge area, to convert the binary data into a gray image according to the result of determination, and to print the gray image. As a result, depth resolution is enhanced, and print data transmission time is shortened.

Abstract: A light-source drive control unit divides each pixel of the image data into a plurality of subpixels, deletes certain subpixels from the image data in accordance with predetermined correction data, shifts remaining subpixels in the sub-scanning direction thereby obtaining reduced image data, and controls a plurality of light sources based on the reduced image data in such a manner that one line of the subpixels is formed with a light beam emitted from a corresponding one of the light sources.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mask for divided printing that completes an image by plural scans using inks of different plural inks, the mask being able to suppress possible grains during printing to reduce image degradation resulting from beading. If for example, among the print permitting pixels for which the total repulsive potential is to be calculated, a print permitting pixel Do has the highest total repulsive potential, changes in repulsive potential after movement of the pixels are determined and the print permitting pixel Do is moved to a pixel having the lowest total repulsive potential after the movement. This processing is repeated to enable a reduction in the total energy of the entire plane. Consequently, the print permitting pixels are appropriately dispersed in overlapping plane masks so as to have few low frequency components.

Abstract: A method for performing error diffusion halftoning of an image includes subdividing the image into a plurality of tiles, the plurality of tiles including a first tile and a second tile adjacent to the first tile; performing error diffusion processing of the first tile; and performing the error diffusion processing of the second tile based on an output phase of the first tile.

Abstract: A method for enabling a program that communicates a document description from a composition system to a printing system to manage variable-dot halftones for use with variable-dot printing devices, comprising the steps of creating a set of strings, each string defining a halftone cell intensity value and comprising at least one pixel imbution value, wherein said pixel imbution value is in the range of 0 to P, wherein P is the number of physical appearances that a painted pixel can have; using a selected halftone cell intensity value to directly choose a string from said set of strings; and painting at least one pixel within a halftone cell according to a pixel imbution value within the chosen string.

Abstract: Systems and methods for limiting total colorant in a color rendering system are disclosed. Implementation of the present invention provides for transformation of a specified colorant in which the sum of the colorant components exceeds a total area coverage (TAC) limit to create a second or resultant colorant in which the sum of the colorant components is within the limit. Using a bijective transformation, colorant sampling and other manipulations can be performed using a nominal hypercube space and the results can be compressed from the nominal space back to the actual colorant-limited space, simplifying manipulation of the colorant-limited polytope space. The unlimited colorant hypercube may be divided into simplexes. For each simplex, intersection points may be found between the TAC limit and the edges of the simplex. A barycentric interpolation technique may then be used to map the unlimited simplex onto a corresponding simplex within the colorant-limited polytope.

Abstract: A system and method control a consistent color quality of overlay colors and single separations of color. The method determines a first error for a first separation of a first color, wherein the first error has a first sign. The method identifies a second error for a second separation of a second color, wherein the second color is a different color than the first color, wherein the second error is based on an actual density value for toner particles printed transferred from the second separation, wherein the second error has a second sign. The method compares the first sign of the first error and the second sign of the second error. The method converges the actual density value of the second separation to a target position when the first sign is a different sign than the second sign.