Abstract: In a geodesic measuring instrument (4) with a fixing device (8) for positioning the measuring instrument (4) and with a measuring component (7) having an optical beam path for surveying a target, whereby the measuring components (7) are mounted in an aligning component (5) that can be moved relative to the fixing device (8), and can be moved relative to the aligning component (5), an optical beam path is modified by at least one piezoelectric micromotor (1b, 1c).

Abstract: A measuring apparatus (1) for contactless detection of a distance between a surface (7) of a measurement object (8) and the measuring apparatus (1), and for simultaneous contactless visual detection of the surface (7), has a measuring head (2) holding a distance measuring device (4), a camera apparatus (5) and an illumination device (6), the illumination device (6) illuminating an operating point (9) on the surface (7) of the measurement object (8) that is simultaneously focused by the camera apparatus (5) and the distance measuring device (4). On an optical axis (10), between the illumination device (6) and the operating point (9), a mirror and filter device (11), that has at least one dichroic mirror (12) that transmits or reflects light beams as a function of wavelength, and thereby splits light reflected by the operating point (9) between the distance measuring device (4) and the camera apparatus (5), is provided.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring crosswinds includes using a laser to send a signal on a signal path, and receiving response signals backscattered off of aerosols or other materials in the atmosphere along the signal path. Wavefronts of the received responses are perturbated by thermal cell turbulence in the atmosphere that perturbs optical wavefront propagation. Signals backscattered by airborne aerosols at different distances from the laser in the wavefront imager arrive at different times at the wavefront imager. Thus the wavefront perturbations vary with range, and data on the perturbed wavefront may be collected by the wavefront imager. Crosswinds cause movements in the optical perturbations over time, as the thermal cell turbulence moves. By comparing wavefronts of signals sent at different times an amount of thermal cell displacement may be determined at a series of ranges away from the laser and the wavefront imager.

Abstract: A single axis scanning PIV system, comprising a laser for generating a laser beam, optics for scanning the laser beam through particles in motion, an optical imager for capturing, images of the particles due to interaction between the laser beam and the particles, and a processor for implementing an algorithm that determines velocity information of the particles based on the images.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring at least one body parameter, particularly blood and/or tissue parameters, is used for carrying out the measurements of electromagnetic radiation in the transmission or reflection methods, wherein the sensor uses at least one LED as a source of electromagnetic radiation. At least one photodetector is used as the receiving element. At least one LED is used in a non-invasive measurement of the parameters for ensuring a sufficiently high residual intensity of the radiation received by the photodetector and transmitted or reflected by the blood and/or tissue, wherein the LED has a light intensity of at least 200 millicandela and/or a light yield of at least 2 lumen/watt.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an evaluating unit and a peak detection unit. The peak detection unit may be configured to determine at least one peak parameter of a peak in a Fourier transformed reflection spectrum of infrared radiation reflected off a sample that may comprise trench structures. The evaluation unit may be configured to determine from the at least one peak parameter and from a correction value containing information about an effective refractive index of the sample, a trench parameter of the trench structures.

Abstract: An aeration measurement system for a fluid actuation system is disclosed. The aeration measurement system has a container configured to receive fluid, and a light source configured to emit light into the container. The aeration measurement system also has a light receiver that is configured to receive light from the light source while the light is passing through the fluid. The aeration measurement system further has a controller in communication with the light source and light receiver. The controller is configured to determine an amount of aeration in the fluid based on the received light.

Abstract: In an electro-optical system for reading ultraviolet (UV) light-responsive indicia illuminated by a UV light beam having a wavelength shorter than visible light, safety techniques are described for reducing exposure to the UV light beam to within safe limits.

Abstract: A polarization mode dispersion analyzer having a light source, a sensor, an output phase signal analyzer, and a controller. The light source generates a probe light signal that is intensity modulated and also polarization modulated, the light source being adapted to apply the light signal to a device under test. The sensor generates an output phase signal related to the phase of the intensity modulation of an output optical signal leaving the device under test. The output phase signal analyzer measures an amplitude and phase of at least one frequency component of the output phase signal at a frequency related to the polarization modulation. The controller generates a signal indicative of a differential group delay of the device under test utilizing the measured amplitude and phase. The controller also measures a group delay associated with the device under test.

Abstract: An apparatus, and method of its use, to determine a characteristic of a fluid sample contained inside a closed container. The ratio of intensity for detected radiation (e.g., light), subsequent to its transmission through the container's walls and fluid in the container, at each of a reference wavelength and a measurement wavelength is compared to a predetermined value to make a determination of the fluid's characteristic. Desirably, the wavelengths are applied to the same location on the container to minimize a source of signal error. The reference wavelength is selected for its substantial lack of attenuation when transmitted through a known fluid composition. The measurement wavelength is selected for its predictive interaction (e.g., absorption) with the fluid.

Abstract: There is provided a method of calculating physical properties of a periodic structure. At least one physical property related to reflectivity or transmittance of a periodic structure is measured, and then, at least one physical property related to reflectivity or transmittance of a virtual periodic structure is calculated to obtain corresponding physical properties from the virtual periodic structure. The at least one calculated physical property is compared with the at least one measured physical property. When the virtual periodic structure is horizontally divided into a plurality of layers, at least three substances can have horizontally repeated periods in the middle layers of the divided structure. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the microscopic formation of the periodic structure including a native oxide layer formed on the periodic structure or an intentionally formed surface coating layer thereon can be nondestructively and accurately tested.

Abstract: A high-speed optical sensing device is provided in the present invention. The high-speed optical sensing device has an optical detector, a lens set, and a beam splitter. The optical detector is utilized for detecting luminous intensity. The lens set is utilized for concentrating light beams toward a color analyzer. The beam splitter is aligned to the illuminating device to be detected and is utilized to separate the light beam generated by the illuminating device to the optical detector and the lens set simultaneously.

Abstract: An optical time domain reflectometry apparatus has a laser and light modulator for producing coherent light pulses, each having two sections of higher intensity separated by a gap of lower or substantially zero intensity. As the light pulses propagate along the optical fibre, light is continuously Rayleigh backscattered by inhomogeneities of the optical fibre. A photodetector generates backscatter signals representing the intensity of light Rayleigh backscattered in the optical fibre as each light pulse travels along the optical fibre. The PC uses these backscatter signals to derive a difference signal representing a change dI in intensity between signals generated from two successive pulses. The PC then calculates the Root Mean Square (RMS) of the difference signal averaged over the interval between the two sections of the light pulses.

Abstract: A test receiver for use with an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR), including a first receive fiber having a first attribute, and a second receive fiber having a second attribute different from the first attribute. The attributes may be lengths, marker events, or both. This configuration reduces the number of times an OTDR operator must travel back and forth between cable ends when testing fibers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for optically analyzing samples in a biological sample container containing samples arranged at different locations on the base of the container. An optical acquisition device is provided comprising a detector and an objective. The position of the upper and lower surfaces of the base at each of the sample locations is determined by a confocal polychromatic displacement sensor. Light is collected from each of the sample locations by adjusting the focal plane to be coincident with, or vertically offset from, the upper surface of the base, as determined from the displacement sensor. This allows for rapid scanning of large numbers of samples in a multi-well plate or other biological sample containers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for analyzing the imaging behavior of a first optical imaging element, whereby an object is imaged into an image plane by a second optical imaging element and light in the image plane is detected in a spatially resolved manner, the two optical imaging elements differing in terms of at least one imaging characteristic. Values are determined for the intensity and for at least one second characteristic of the light, said values being then stored in image points, and processed in an emulation step. An emulation image is produced, emulating the imaging of the object by the first optical imaging element, taking into account the influence of the second characteristic.

Abstract: A cup attaching apparatus for attaching a cup as a processing jig to an eyeglass lens, comprises: an illumination optical system comprising an illumination light source and arranged to illuminate the lens from a side of a front surface of the lens by illumination light from the light source; an imaging optical system comprising an imaging device and a retroreflection member placed on an opposite side from the light source with respect to the lens, the imaging optical system being adapted such that the retroreflection member returns the illumination light passing through the lens back to its incoming direction, and the imaging device receives the returned illumination light, and the imaging optical system being adjusted to focus on a point near a surface of the lens; an image processing device adapted to process an image signal from -the- imaging device to detect at least one of a mark point provided on a unifocal lens, a small lens portion of a bifocal lens, and a progressive mark provided on a progressive fo

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of determining geometrical dimensions of a motor vehicle wheel (rim/tyre assembly) 1 by contact-less sensing, wherein the wheel is fixed on wheel receiving means 2 of a tyre changer, that at least one light beam 21 is emitted on to the wheel or at least a part of the wheel, wherein the light beam reflected at the impingement area is detected, and wherein the directions of the emitted and reflected light beams are evaluated for determining the shape and/or position of the respective impingement area on the wheel.

Abstract: An optical axis adjusting device for adjusting an optical axis in an optical head device may include a rotatable part which is turnably mounted on a main base so that the optical head device is capable of being turned with an axis X which is set to be at a spot position of one of the return light beams of the two laser beams. The optical axis adjusting device may include a correcting means for converting an optical axis shift on the light receiving face when the other laser beam is emitted to a non-corresponding optical medium, into an optical axis shift on the light receiving face when the other laser beam is emitted to the other corresponding optical medium.

Abstract: An inspection device for inspecting defects of an inspection object including a light source for irradiating a luminous flux to the inspection object; an optical system for guiding reflected light from the inspection object; a photoelectric image sensor having a plurality of photoelectric cells arranged, for converting the light guided to detection signals; a detection signal transfer unit having channels each constituted by a signal correction unit, a converter and an image formation unit, and corresponding to each of a plurality of regions formed by dividing the photoelectric image sensor, respectively; and an image synthesis unit for forming an image of the surface of the object by synthesizing partial images outputted; the inspection device inspecting defects of the object by processing the synthesized image; whereby it becomes possible to correct a detection signal from said photoelectric cell close to a predetermined reference target value.

Abstract: A method and a configuration for automatically or visually detecting material defects, in particular cracks, in a workpiece, includes applying a test agent to the workpiece. The test agent contains color pigments which can be excited by using shortwave light. The workpiece is then irradiated with shortwave light from a light source, light emitted by the workpiece is detected by an observer's eye or by a detector, and the signals from the detector are evaluated by an electronic evaluation device in order to determine the material defects. The light source is associated with a first optical interference filter which selects the light emitted by the light source, as a bandpass filter, before the light impinges on the workpiece.

Abstract: A wafer surface inspection method and apparatus of high sensitivity, and free from performance degradation in terms of cleanliness, coordinate repeatability of foreign particles and the like. Gas for cooling is sprayed onto a laser irradiation position on the wafer surface to prevent an increase in temperature of the foreign particles and to suppress break-down of the foreign particles.

Abstract: A wafer surface inspection method and apparatus of high sensitivity, and free from performance degradation in terms of cleanliness, coordinate repeatability of foreign particles and the like. Gas for cooling is sprayed onto a laser irradiation position on the wafer surface to prevent an increase in temperature of the foreign particles and to suppress break-down of the foreign particles.

Abstract: In an inspection subject substrate, there is a problem that a defect signal is overlooked due to scattered light from a pattern and sensitivity decreases in an irregular circuit pattern part. The inventors propose a defect inspection method, characterized by comprising: an illumination step of guiding light emitted from a light source to a predetermined area on an inspection subject substrate under a plurality of predetermined optical conditions; a detection step of obtaining an electric signal by guiding scattered light components propagating in a predetermined range of azimuthal angle and in a predetermined range of elevation angle to a detector for each of a plurality of scattered light distributions occurred correspondingly to the plurality of optical conditions in the predetermined area; and a defect determination step of determining a defect based on the plurality of electric signals obtained in the detection step.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a transparent substrate provides an index-matching fluid between an index-matched optical coupler and a surface of the transparent substrate. The method repeats, at two or more positions along the surface of the transparent substrate, steps of illuminating an inspection volume within the transparent substrate by directing a ribbon of light through the optical coupler and into the transparent substrate and detecting scattered light from the inspection volume at a detector that is optically conjugate with the inspection volume.

Abstract: Apparatus for searching for and detecting defects on parts that are substantially inaccessible, being located behind a wall, the apparatus comprising a first endoscope for illumination in visible light and for observation, the first endoscope and pipes for feeding and spraying penetration test substances being housed together in a rod which can be passed through an orifice in the wall in order to examine a part, the apparatus further comprising a second endoscope independent of the first endoscope and the rod for illuminating in ultraviolet light and for observing the portion of the part that has been treated by the penetration test substances.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide an inspecting method and an inspecting device which can detect a foreign material and a pattern defect at a high speed and a high precision, and can suppress a cost increase, by correcting a photographed image of an inspected subject and regulating a direction of an image sensor photographing the inspected subject without depending only upon a positional displacement correcting control of a stage. In an inspecting method of inspecting an inspected subject mounted on a moving stage by photographing by an image sensor, the method determines a positional displacement amount between a target position and an actual position of the stage which moves for photographing, and carries out a sampling position correction in correspondence to the positional displacement amount, on the basis of a photographed image sampling from a photographed range of the target position which is photographed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical array (2) for the spectrally selective identification of light of a light beam, particularly for identifying light of a detecting light beam (3) in a preferably confocal scanning microscope (1). Said optical array comprises a means (18) for the spatial spectral decomposition of the light beam, means for selecting a given continuous spectral range, and a detector (28). The inventive optical array (2) is characterized by at least one blocking element (25, 26, 27) which can be introduced into the light beam in order to stop down a given partial spectral region located within the selected continuous spectral range.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for performing biometric determinations using optical spectroscopy of tissue. The biometric determinations that are disclosed include determination or verifications of identity, estimation of age, estimation of sex, determination of sample liveness and sample authenticity. The apparatuses disclosed are based upon discrete light sources such as light emitting diodes, laser diodes, vertical cavity surface emitting lasers, and broadband sources with multiple narrow-band optical filters. The multiple light sources are encoded in a manner that the tissue response for each source can be efficiently measured. The light sources are spaced at multiple distances from a detector to contribute differing information to the biometric determination task as do light sources with different wavelength characteristics.

Abstract: A method of ablating a viable biological pathogen in a sample. A viable biological pathogen in a portion of the sample is identified by irradiating the sample; assessing radiation scattered from the sample for radiation that exhibits a Raman shift characteristic of the viable biological pathogen, and delivering an ablating agent to the identified portion.

Abstract: Apparatus suitable for use in conjunction with a container in which one or more plants is growing and having associated with it a device for receiving an enquiry signal and automatically responding by transmitting an unique identifier signal the apparatus comprising (a) transporter means by which a container may be supported for moving the container, (b) means for transmitting the enquiry signal, (c) means for recording the identifier signal as a digital output and (d) computer means to which the digital output is supplied for storage of the data in prescribed format in a database for manipulation to afford comparison of data related to the container.

Abstract: In a reflection characteristic measuring apparatus 10 and a method for calibrating the reflection characteristic measuring apparatus, multiple standard spectral characteristics, or multiple calibration data based on the multiple standard spectral characteristics are obtained in advance with corresponding reference values relating to an emission characteristic of a light source 21. An optimum standard spectral characteristic or an optimum calibration data is selected from the multiple standard spectral characteristics or the multiple calibration data obtained. A spectral reflection characteristic of a sample is calculated using the selected standard spectral characteristic or the selected calibration data.

Abstract: A fluorescence detecting module for detecting fluorescence in a microchamber and a fluorescence detecting system. The fluorescence detecting module includes a light source irradiating excitation light a collimating lens condensing excitation light irradiated, a dichroic mirror selectively transmitting or reflecting the light according to a wavelength thereof, an objective lens condensing excitation light selected to be irradiated on a sample in a microchamber and condensing fluorescence generated in the microchamber, a focusing lens focusing fluorescence selected by the dichroic mirror, and a fluorescence detecting element detecting fluorescence focused.

Abstract: A small object identifying device and its identifying method according to which a large number of small objects can be identified. In one embodiment, the device includes a dispersion region section which disperses a large quantity of several kinds of small objects which are labeled by a combination of the presence/absence or measure of label elements of several kinds. A measuring device distributes and associates kinds of said label elements to two or more measurement points and measures the presence/absence or the measure of said label elements of the kinds which have been associated with respective measurement points. An identifying section associates the measurement results measured at each measurement point to thereby identify said small objects.

Abstract: A measurement system installable within a processing equipment and more specifically within the exit station of a polishing machine. The optical scheme of this system includes a spectrophotometric channel, an imaging channel and also means for holding the wafer under measurement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for optically analyzing samples in a biological sample container containing samples arranged at different locations on the base of the container. An optical acquisition device is provided comprising a detector and an objective. The position of the upper and lower surfaces of the base at each of the sample locations is determined by a confocal polychromatic displacement sensor. Light is collected from each of the sample locations by adjusting the focal plane to be coincident with, or vertically offset from, the upper surface of the base, as determined from the displacement sensor. This allows for rapid scanning of large numbers of samples in a multi-well plate or other biological sample containers.

Abstract: The invention concerns methods for the wavelength calibration of spectrometers and in particular secondary spectrometers which achieve considerably better calibration accuracies than the conventional peak search methods especially for spectrometers with a relatively large bandwidth. The methods according to the invention are based on the principle of a stepwise relative shift of corresponding measured-value blocks of a model and calibration spectrum where a correlation value is calculated for each shift step. A shift value is determined for each measured-value block at which the correlation value reaches an optimum. A value pair consisting of a position marker of the measured-value block and the associated shift value is determined for each measured-value block. These value pairs represent the design points for fitting to a suitable assignment function.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and a method for chamber particle source identification. The chamber particle source identification method and apparatus can greatly shorten the time it takes to identify chamber particle source(s). In one embodiment, a chamber particle monitor assembly for a processing chamber is provided. The chamber particle monitor assembly includes at least one laser light source, which can scan laser light in a chamber process volume within the processing chamber. The chamber particle monitor assembly also includes a plurality of laser light collectors, which can collect laser light emitted from the at least one laser light source continuously to monitor particle performance within the processing chamber. The plurality of laser light collectors are placed in the processing chamber such that none of the plurality of laser light collectors share a common axis.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for detecting and quantizing levels of specific airborne particle contamination in areas to be monitored for a plurality of users 201. Sealed particulate samplers 100 are distributed to a plurality of users 201. Samplers 100 are opened during a test period so that airborne particulate is pulled and affixed to surface 101 by means for attraction and affixing. After the test period, samplers 100 are sealed and sent to a processing center 200 where particulate affixed to surface 101 is analyzed using optical means and reports 203 generated and sent to users 201. Reports 203 compare test results with selected benchmark values from database 204.

Abstract: There is provided an evanescent wave multimode optical waveguide sensitive to a chemical species or to a physical parameter. The optical waveguide comprises a core and a cladding having a cladding refractive index lower than that of the core for guiding light to be propagated in the optical waveguide. The cladding defines with the core an optical waveguide providing mode coupling. A chemical indicator is provided in the cladding for causing a variation of the optical absorption of the cladding as a function of the chemical species or the physical parameter. The cladding is interrogated by the evanescent wave of the propagated light. The mode coupling causes unabsorbed light power to be redistributed among the multiple modes while light propagates along the optical waveguide.

Abstract: An optical element 4 of the present invention includes a conductive microstructure 6 having a conductive property, and detects an optical spectrum signal varied by the binding of measured molecules on the surface of the conductive microstructure 6. The optical element 4 has a distribution in the direction to the electric displacement vector generated inside the conductive microstructure 6 by the binding capacity of the measured molecules on the surface of the conductive microstructure 6. As a result, it is possible to provide an optical element capable of measuring the density at high accuracy without depending on the binding position of the measured molecules.

Abstract: An optical constant calculation method capable of calculating an accurate optical constant of an underlayer film to accurately identify a substrate surface structure. After each of films is layered on a wafer, there are measured the reflectivity of an oxide film under which an organic insulation film is formed and the reflectivity of an organic insulation film exposed after removal by plasma of the oxide film. Based on the measured reflectivities, the optical constant of the organic insulation film after being altered by heat treatment and the optical constant of the organic insulation film after being altered by plasma are calculated.

Abstract: A detecting element and a detecting device having high sensitivity, and a production method thereof are provided. The detecting element for detecting a target substance in a sample includes a substrate and a metal structure. The substrate has a pore in which the thickness direction of the substrate corresponds to the depth direction of the pore and in which part of the substrate forming the pore constitutes part of the outer surface of the substrate. The metal structure exists in the pore, and has a ring shape.

Abstract: An optical sensor device (10) is able to be coupled to a window (14), in particular to a windscreen of a motor vehicle. The optical sensor device (10) comprises a sensor unit (12), which includes a emitter (26), a receiver (28) and a light conductor unit (30). By the light conductor unit (30), a light beam (34) emitted by the emitter (26) is coupled into the window (14), coupled out of the window (14) and directed onto the receiver (28). The light conductor unit (30) includes Fresnel lens regions and associated reflecting regions.

Abstract: An imaging system uses a low coherence light source to image objects at a relatively far distance (at least 10 cm) and/or of a relatively large size (having a dimension of at least 10 cm). An imaging plane is located such that its image path is substantially equal to a reference path that the light follows within the imaging device. The imaging plane has a thickness of about the coherence length of the light. Only light returning from the imaging plane forms part of the image. Light returning on other paths is effectively negated due to a lack of coherence. The imaging plane may be a fixed distance from the imaging system. Alternatively, the imaging plane may be at a variable distance from the imaging system, with the reference path having a changeable length.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for reducing output noise of optical gyros. The apparatus includes a sensing system for circulating counter-propagating light beams and producing an output light beam, a coupler having multiple ports and supplying an input light beam to the sensing system, a first detector coupled to the coupler for detecting a rotation rate based on the output light beam, a second detector coupled to the coupler for detecting noise based on the input light beam, and at least one optical device coupled to one of the ports of the coupler. The optical device is configured to reduce a spectral mismatch between the input light beam received by the second detector and the output light beam received by the first detector.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of an apparatus are provided. For example, the exemplary apparatus can include at least one first arrangement providing at least one first electro-magnetic radiation to a sample, at least one second electro-magnetic radiation to a first reference and at least one third electro-magnetic radiation to a second reference. A frequency of radiation provided by the first arrangement generally varies over time. The exemplary apparatus may also include at least one second arrangement which is configured to detect a first interference between at least one fourth electro-magnetic radiation associated with the first electro-magnetic radiation and at least one fifth electro-magnetic radiation associated with the second radiation. The second arrangement is also configured to detect a second interference between at least one sixth electro-magnetic radiation associated with the first electro-magnetic radiation and at least one seventh electro-magnetic radiation associated with the third radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for imaging a diffraction grating with a very high depth of focus, using a highly accurate code plate position measurement system. Positions may be measured to an accuracy of 1 nm or even smaller. The system may be used in fields such as manufacturing integrated circuits, and low- and very-low-frequency geophones, and other low- and very-low-frequency acoustic detectors.

Abstract: An optical sensing probe includes a tube having a tip portion configured for placement in an environment in which conditions are to be sensed and an etalon having a known characteristic disposed proximate the tip portion. The tube also includes a head portion remote from the tip portion containing a light directing element for directing light beams at the etalon and receiving reflected light beams from the etalon wherein the received reflected light beams are used for determining an environmental condition proximate the tip portion. A method for measuring a thickness of the etalon may include directing a light beams at different frequencies at the etalon and receiving the light beams from the etalon. The method may also include identifying conditions of the respective light beams condition received from the etalon and then calculating a first thickness of the etalon responsive to the respective conditions and the known characteristic.

Abstract: An optical position measuring arrangement including a source of illumination that generates one or several bundles of illuminating beams, a measuring graduation that is illuminated by the source of illumination so as to generate a periodic fringe pattern of a defined fringe pattern period and a fiber-optical scanning head, wherein the fiber-optical scanning head scans the periodic fringe pattern. A scanning plate is arranged in the fiber-optical scanning head, wherein the scanning plate is matched to the fringe pattern period and scans the periodic fringe pattern. Fringe patterns, which are phase-shifted in relation to each other, are generated within a fringe pattern period in bundles of partial signal beams in the one or several bundles of illuminating beams via a wavelength-dependent local separation, and the bundles of partial signal beams are employed for conversion into position-dependent phase-shifted scanning signals.