Abstract: A method and apparatus for correcting distortion of characters included in an auxiliary data signal received with a video signal. The distortion is corrected by generating a signal representing a background and foreground of both a first character and a second subsequent character. The background and foreground of the first and subsequent adjacent character are then rendered. It is then determined whether the first character is rendered in italics. If so, a foreground color of the first character is re-rendered. Additionally, where a replacement character is received for the first character, it is determined whether the first character is rendered in italics. If so, the foreground and background color of at least a portion of the second subsequent character is re-rendered. A signal representing a background and foreground of a replacement character is generated. The foreground color and the background color of a replacement character superimposing the first character is then rendered.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving essentially uncompressed HDTV video must generate an accurate pixel-rate clock to enable the reconstruction of a video frame. The clock pixel-rate generated must match a received video pixel-rate. In such system, signals for generation of horizontal and vertical synchronization are not transmitted over the wireless link to conserve the use of bandwidth. In the invention, a start of frame (SOF) indication is extracted by a symbol detection and synchronization (SDS) module and is used to generate the pixel-rate clock.

Abstract: A system processes an audio signal and a video signal by using different devices, thereby preventing a so-called lip sync error. The processing time (represented by processing-time information) from the start of reception of a supplied video signal in a video processor apparatus to the start of displaying a video corresponding to the video signal on a display screen of a display device is acquired in an amplifier device from the video processor apparatus through a control signal line. In accordance with the acquired processing time, a delay processor delays processing of an audio signal supplied from the delay processor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a synchronization system comprising a base unit and at least one video camera. The base unit includes a master time-base adapted to set a time period that samples a frame of video data, a memory, and a base unit communications transceiver. The base unit communications transceiver is adapted to transmit a frame synchronization signal to a video camera communications transceiver. The video camera includes an image sensor adapted to store the video data, an exposure control adapted to control an exposure level of the image sensor, and a camera time-base adapted to receive the frame synchronization signal from the video camera communications transceiver. The camera time-base is further adapted to receive the frame synchronization signal, reset its time and initiates its internal timing sequence, transmit signals to the exposure control to control a length of the exposure, and transmit timing signals to the image sensor to read the video data.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus receives a broadcast wave and reproduces a first image from a storage medium if a display mode of the image processing apparatus is a first display mode. The image processing apparatus starts recording a second image obtained from the broadcast wave on the storage medium without stopping the reproduction of the first image if the display mode of the image processing apparatus is changed from the first display mode to a second display mode. The image processing apparatus displays the first image and the second image on a display unit if the display mode of the image processing apparatus is the first display mode. The image processing apparatus displays the first image on the display unit but does not display the second image on the display unit if the display mode of the image processing apparatus is the second display mode.

Abstract: In a horizontal-direction processing section, a comparing circuit sequentially compares pixel values of two adjacent pixels in a video image. A detecting circuit detects a horizontal flat region in which a difference between the pixel values compared by the comparing circuit is within a specified range. A horizontal boundary of the detected region is determined by the following processing. If a difference or the level (inclination) of a change in pixel value between two pixels adjacent to each other across the boundary is within a specified range, the boundary is determined to be a step in a gradation region. Vertically oriented processing is done same as processing of a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A video mixer may be employed to form a transition between two video compositions, for example a fade or a wipe. A video storage device may be associated with the video mixer and plays out a video signal, the timing of which is controlled in dependence upon the progress of the transition made by the said video mixer.

Abstract: A media processing system for limiting ringing in a filter output. A detection filter receives a media signal and generates a detection signal. The detection signal has a constant value over sections of the media signal having a consistent DC bias. The value of the detection signal changes when the DC bias of the media signal changes. The control module receives the detection signal and determines if the media signal may result in ringing based on the detection signal. If it is determined the media signal may result in ringing, a smoothing filter is applied to the media signal.

Abstract: A system to reduce noise includes a noise measurement device that provides a measure of noise associated with a digital input video signal. A noise reduction filter provides a noise-reduced digital output video signal corresponding to the luma and chroma of the digital input video signal. The noise reduction filter has a parameter that varies on a pixel basis for the component of the digital input video signal as a function of the measure of noise. The range and sensitivity of the noise reduction can be user programmable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for processing video images aimed at compensating for the defects of display devices. According to the invention, the method is characterized in that it comprises the following steps: correction of a video signal by a specific gamma law associated with a first component from among said horizontal and vertical components of said video signal, first video processing acting on said first component of the corrected video signal, application, to the video signal processed, of an intermediate law effecting the transfer from a space which is linear with respect to the first component to a space which is linear with respect to the other of said components, called the second component, second video processing acting on the second component of the video signal emanating from the previous step, and correction of the video signal processed by a specific inverse gamma law associated with the second component.

Abstract: An image projection system projects an image on a projection screen having phosphor particles for converting incident violet light into green light which, together with red and blue light, creates the image in full color. The phosphor particles are bound in a binding material whose index of refraction matches the index of refraction of the phosphor particles to reduce back scattering of light.

Abstract: When a video signal type detecting section detects a video signal of PAL/SECAM (50 Hz) video signal, the input image data is subjected to enhancing conversion with a degree lower than the degree of enhancing conversion in the case of NTSC (60 Hz). With this, the response speed of liquid crystal is improved and an image noise on account of excessive enhancement is eliminated, so that the deterioration in image quality is prevented. As a result, the enhancing conversion with respect to the input image data is performed in such a manner as to compensate the optical characteristics of the liquid crystal display panel, and an image noise on account of excessive enhancing conversion with respect to PAL/SECAM (50 Hz) image data, and hence high-quality image display is realized.

Abstract: A polarized light conversion apparatus comprises a polarization device, a light source, a reflection device and a phase changing device. The polarization device includes a light-transmissible body and a polarization film. The light-transmissible body includes an incidence surface. The incidence surface includes a first part and a second part. The first part intersects the second part at an angle. The polarization film is disposed on the incidence surface. The light source is disposed in one side of a bisector of the angle between the first part and the second part and corresponding to the incidence surface. The reflection device includes a reflection surface. The reflection surface is disposed corresponding to the incidence surface and in the other side of the bisector of the angle. The reflection surface is perpendicular to the bisector of the angle. The phase changing device is disposed between the polarization device and the reflection device.

Abstract: A three-dimensional display device includes an image display portion displaying left and right eye images, and a parallax barrier directing the left and right eye images respectively towards left and right eyes of a user. The parallax barrier includes first electrodes located on a first substrate, a first connection electrode electrically connecting the first electrodes, a first terminal electrode connected to an end of the first connection electrode, a first connection terminal connected to the first terminal electrode, second electrodes located between the first electrodes, a second connection electrode electrically connecting the second electrodes, a second connection terminal connected to an end of the second connection electrode, a common electrode located on a second substrate facing the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer disposed between the first and second substrates. The first terminal electrode has a lower electric resistance than the first electrodes and the second electrodes.

Abstract: An optical address type spatial light modulator has a plurality of optical address type light modulation layers stacked on each other, each having a liquid crystal layer for reflecting visible light in a specific wavelength band or a liquid crystal layer for absorbing visible light in a specific wavelength band and coloring and a photoconductive layer for absorbing the visible light in the specific wavelength band and changing the resistance value in response to the light intensity of the visible light absorbed, the liquid crystal layer and the photoconductive layer being stacked on each other between electrodes.

Abstract: An electric field that is parallel with a TFT substrate is formed by a pair of electrodes formed on the TFT substrate. Liquid crystal molecules in a light modulating layer are caused to respond electro-optically to the electric field. The light modulating layer is constituted of a liquid crystal material, an optically active substance, and a dichroic dye. The spiral pitch p [?m] of the light modulating layer, the cell thickness d [?m], the twist angle n of liquid crystal molecules, and the interelectrode interval L [?m] are set in ranges of 1?p?15, 1?d?10, n?300°, and L<25.

Abstract: LCD devices having automatic compensation for parasitic capacitance deviations caused by photolithography errors. Compensation is provided by compensation features on gate electrodes and on source/drain electrodes. Photolithography errors, which cause parasitic capacitance deviations, also cause compensating capacitance changes between the compensation features.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a first substrate comprising a gate line; a pixel domain and a data line, the pixel domain forming a matrix comprising a pixel electrode, a storage capacitor, a reference side parallel to the gate line, and a pair of lateral sides which are parallel to each other and are inclined at a predetermined angle to the reference side, and the data line extends along the lateral sides, a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate and comprising a common electrode, and a liquid crystal layer which is operative in a vertical alignment mode and is sandwiched between the first and second substrates, wherein the pair of lateral sides respectively comprise a reduction section forming an angle with the reference side which is larger than the predetermined angle, the storage capacitor is placed within the reduction section and not extending out of the reduction section.

Abstract: An array substrate of a liquid crystal display device, wherein picture quality is improved without decreasing aperture ratio by providing a storage capacitor of a large capacity. The array substrate of a liquid crystal display device includes a gate line formed on an array substrate and a gate electrode diverged from the gate line. A common line composed of substantially the same material as the gate line of an opaque metal is arranged parallel to the gate line. A first electrode of a storage capacitor composed of a transparent conductive material is formed on the common line. A gate insulating film covers the gate line, the gate electrode, and the first electrode of a storage capacitor. A semiconductor layer is formed to overlap the gate electrode on the gate insulating film. A source electrode and a drain electrode are arranged with a constant interval on the semiconductor layer. A data line is connected to the source electrode and is arranged perpendicularly to the gate line.

Abstract: An active matrix liquid crystal display device includes a pixel transistor, a wiring layer, a first insulating layer, a lower electrode layer, a second insulating layer, and an upper electrode layer. The wiring layer is connected to the pixel transistor. The first insulating layer is provided on the pixel transistor and the wiring layer. The lower electrode layer is provided on the first insulating layer and used as one of a common electrode layer and a pixel electrode layer. The second insulating layer is provided on the lower electrode layer. The upper electrode layer is provided on the second insulating layer and used as the other of the common electrode layer and the pixel electrode layer. The thickness t of the second insulating layer satisfies t<[(?0?/W)×{(0.025381/P)2/6}]/(100×10?9) and t>[(?0?/W)×{(0.

Abstract: A semiconductor film is formed in a gap between a source electrode and a drain electrode of a thin film transistor in an active-matrix type liquid crystal display device. A metal film for a gate electrode is formed on said semiconductor film via a gate insulating film. A photo-resist film, having a thick portion in region including the gap and having an opening portion in contact-hole forming region, is formed on the metal film. A contact-hole is formed in the gate insulating film by using the organic material film as a mask. The organic material film is left on the region including the gap. A gate electrode is formed on the region including the gap by etching the first metal film by using the remained organic material film as a mask. An organic material film, having projections and depressions, is formed on a reflective region except the contact-hole forming region.

Abstract: An LCD device and a method for manufacturing the same is disclosed in which the manufacturing process is simplified by etching an overcoat layer and a lower insulating layer at the same time. Disclosed is a method for manufacturing the LCD device that includes forming a thin film transistor (TFT) on an active region of a substrate, forming a gate pad region and data pad region, and forming a passivation layer on the entire surface of the substrate. The manufacturing method further includes forming an overcoat layer and selectively etching the overcoat layer. Contact holes for the pixel electrode, the gate pad, and the data pad are formed by selectively etching the overcoat layer, the passivation layer, and the gate insulating layer though one process.

Abstract: Lighting devices are disclosed that include optical laminated bodies. An exemplary optical laminated body includes a polarizing layer, a first transparent film disposed closely to a front surface of the polarizing layer and a second transparent film disposed closely to a back surface of the polarizing layer. The polarizing layer includes a reflective polarizing film, and both of the first transparent film and the second transparent film are diffusive films. The lighting devices further include a light source supplying light to the optical laminated body through a light entry surface of the first transparent film of the optical laminated body, wherein the light source includes a plurality of diffusing points of a light diffusive substance disposed on a surface of the light source. The lighting device provides diffused-polarized light emitted from a light emitting surface of the second transparent film of the laminated body.

Abstract: A hologram color filter diffraction-separates an incident lightwave using a hologram to project thus separated lightwaves having different-wavelengths at intended positions with a specified spatial period. The hologram color filter comprises a light-transmitting substrate (21) and a light-transmitting diamond-like-carbon (DLC) film (22) formed on the substrate. In the DLC film, a relatively-low-refractive-index belt-shaped region (n1, 22a) and a relatively-high-refractive-index belt-shaped region (n2, 22b) are placed alternately.

Abstract: A liquid crystal cell of bend alignment mode or hybrid alignment mode should be optically compensated suitably enough to display an image of high contrast. In the displayed image, change of hue is little, and no inversion of gradation is observed. In a liquid crystal display having a liquid crystal cell of bend alignment mode and a pair of polarizing plates, one of the polarizing plates comprises a polarizing membrane and two optically anisotropic layers. A first optically anisotropic layer is made from discotic compounds oriented in hybrid alignment, and is placed so that a direction giving the maximum refractive index in plane may be essentially at 45° to a transmission axis in plane of the polarizing membrane. The second optically anisotropic layer consists of a cellulose ester film, and is placed so that a direction giving the maximum refractive index in plane may be essentially parallel or perpendicular to a transmission axis in plane of the polarizing membrane.

Abstract: The invention provides a reflective liquid crystal display device being low cost, high reflectance, and high contrast in the reflective liquid crystal display device of VA system providing a diffusion reflective plate having uneven shape and using negative dielectric anisotropy liquid crystal and a substrate using for a reflective liquid crystal display device. Assuming that reflective surface of the reflective plate has plurality of small mirror surfaces, direction of normal vector In of the small mirror is constructed so that standard deviation of probability distribution existing within angle range of azimuth angle from ?n to ?n+1° is 0.1 or more.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high brightness color selective light modulator (CSLM) formed by a polarization modulator positioned between two retarder stacks. The modulator changes the apparent orientation of one retarder stack relative to the other so that, in a first switching state of the modulator the two retarder stacks cooperate in filtering the spectrum of input light, and in a second switching state the two retarder stacks complement each other, yielding a neutral transmission spectrum. Two or more CSLM stages can be used in series, each stage providing independent control of a primary color. One preferred embodiment eliminates internal polarizers between CSLM stages, thereby providing an additive common-path full-color display with only two neutral polarizers. Hybrid filters can be made using the CSLMs of this invention, in combination with other active or passive filters.

Abstract: An array substrate includes a plate, a switching element, an insulating layer and a pixel electrode. The plate includes a pixel region, and the switching element is disposed on the plate. The insulating layer is disposed on the plate to include an opening for a multi-domain disposed in the pixel region and a contact hole. An electrode of the switching element is partially exposed through the contact hole. The pixel electrode is disposed on the insulating layer corresponding to the pixel region, an inner surface of the opening for the multi-domain and an inner surface of the contact hole so that the pixel electrode is electrically connected to the electrode of the switching element. Therefore, the viewing angle and the image display quality of the LCD apparatus are improved, and a manufacturing process is simplified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid crystal display, which is used for a display section of an electronic apparatus, and it is an object thereof is to provide a liquid crystal display having an excellent display characteristic. The liquid crystal display has a TFT substrate and an opposite substrate, which are provided opposite to the surface thereof and a liquid crystal layer, which is sealed between the both substrates. A pixel range, which is defined by a gate bus line and a drain bus line and is disposed on the TFT substrate, has a sub-pixel A to which a gradation voltage for driving the liquid crystal layer is applied, and a sub-pixel. B which is formed separated from the sub-pixel A and to which a voltage lower than the gradation voltage is applied. On the opposite substrate, linear protrusions are formed so as to regulate the direction of alignment of a liquid crystal molecular of the liquid crystal layer.

Abstract: A vertically aligned type liquid crystal display includes a liquid crystal layer disposed between pixel electrodes and a common electrode and containing vertically aligned liquid crystal molecules, the orientation of the liquid crystal molecules being controlled by an electric field. An orientation controller is formed on the common electrode at a position opposing the pixel electrode and an aspect ratio, i.e., a vertical to horizontal length ratio of the pixel electrode is set to at least 2. Alternatively, the pixel electrode is partitioned into at least two electrode regions so that each region represents a divided pixel electrode. An orientation controller is formed on the common electrode so as to correspond to each divided pixel electrode, an aspect ratio of each divided pixel electrode is set to at least 2. As such, the influence at the edge sections of the pixel electrode is reduced, viewing angle characteristic and transmittance are improved, and average response time is shortened.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device for eliminating a vertical dimming phenomenon to improve a picture quality of a liquid crystal display panel is disclosed. In the device, first and second data lines are supplied with data. A first pixel electrode is spaced at a desired distance from the first data line. A second pixel electrode is spaced, by a distance different from said distance between the first data line and the first pixel electrode, from the second data line.

Abstract: An IPS-LCD, in which the direction of an optical axis and retardation values are adjusted according to the disposition of a phase retardation film replacing one protective film, obtains a contrast ratio similar to that of an IPS-LCD having upper and lower protective films, and has a small thickness. The IPS-LCD includes first and second polarizing plates (1, 2), an IPS panel (3), and a first protective film. Absorption axes (4, 5) of the first and second polarizing plates (1, 2) are orthogonal to each other, and an optical axis of a liquid crystal in the IPS panel (3) and the absorption axis (4) are parallel with each other. A second phase retardation film, obtained by coating a biaxial film (17) with a uniaxial C film (11), is disposed between the second polarizing plate (2) and the IPS panel (3) and is used as a second protective film.

Abstract: In a liquid crystal display, a plurality of gate lines and data lines are provided on a first substrate including a display area as a screen, and a peripheral area external to the display area wherein a plurality of pixel electrodes are electrically connected to the gate lines and to the data lines, and some of the pixel electrodes extend to be located in the peripheral area; and optionally, a black matrix is formed on a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate for screening the extended portions of the pixel electrodes located in the peripheral area, a rubbing direction of aligning films is formed on the first and the second substrates towards the extended portions of the pixel electrodes located in the peripheral area so that impurity ions on the surface of the aligning film travel along the rubbing direction to stop at the extended portions of the pixel electrode, and an image defect area caused by the impurity ions is screened with the black matrix.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) substrate and a fabrication method thereof are provided. The LCD substrate comprises a substrate, a spacer definition layer formed on the substrate comprising a first step, and a spacer formed along a profile of the first step of spacer definition layer and adjacent to the first step, thereby forming a second step on the spacer. The invention utilizes a single photolithographic process to form spacers with steps, thus, effectively lowering the probability of mura defects caused by gravity, contact, or an uneven cell gap.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting non-uniform cell gap in a liquid crystal display panel is disclosed, which comprises a first plate, an axle, and a cell gap detecting unit. A surface of the first plate has at least one holding mechanism for fixing at least one the liquid crystal display panel onto the first plate. The axle connects to the first plate and is used to rotate the first plate. The cell gap detecting unit detects the cell gap in the liquid crystal display panel.

Abstract: The invention concerns a film, in particular an embossing film, a laminating film or a sticker film, and an optical security element. The film has a carrier layer and a replication layer. The film also has a layer of a liquid crystal material, which is applied to the replication layer. A diffractive structure is embossed into the surface of the replication layer, which is towards the layer of a liquid crystal material, for orientation of the liquid crystal material, said diffractive structure having at least two partial regions with different directions of orientation of the embossed structure.

Abstract: A lithography system in which a performance criterion of the lithography system is predicted, based on one or more operating conditions of the lithography system, and compared to measurements of that performance criterion. The lithography system may determine from a difference between the measured and predicted performance criterion which, if any, sub-system of the lithography system is not performing as expected.

Abstract: An off-axis catadioptric projection optical systems for use in lithography tools for processing modulated light used to form an image on a substrate is provided. In one embodiment the optical system includes an off-axis mirror segment, a fold mirror, a relay, an aperture stop and a refractive lens group. Modulated light is transmitted through the system to form an image on a substrate. In a second embodiment the projection system includes an off-axis mirror segment, an aperture stop and a refractive lens group. In a third embodiment the projection system includes an off-axis mirror segment, a negative refractive lens group, a concave mirror, a relay, an aperture stop, and a refractive lens group. A method to produce a device using a lithographic apparatus including a projection system with an off-axis mirror segment as the first element in a projection optics system is also provided.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus wherein a dipole illumination mode used for printing a line pattern, is arranged to provide quadrupole illumination. Radiation emanating from the two additional poles and passing the mask pattern without being affected by diffraction is prevented from reaching the wafer by a radiation blocking aperture disposed in the projection system. Astigmatism aberration due to lens heating associated with the dipole illumination mode is reduced by lens heating associated with the additional poles of the quadrupole illumination mode.

Abstract: Technology is disclosed for measuring distances. A measurement device emits a beam that reflects on the surface of an object. The measurement device determines the distance to the object, based on the time of flight of the beam from transmission to capture by the measurement device. The device includes a light source adapted to provide an outgoing reference beam. A detector is aligned to receive a return beam, wherein said return beam results from a reflection of said outgoing reference beam from an object outside of said distance measurement device. A diffuser is provided adjacent to the detector aligned to receive said return beam.

Abstract: Performance of pixel detectors in a TOF imaging system is dynamically adjusted to improve dynamic range to maximize the number of pixel detectors that output valid data. The invention traverses the system-acquired z depth, the brightness, and the active brightness images, and assigns each pixel a quantized value. Quantization values encompass pixels receiving too little light, normal light, to too much light. Pixels are grouped into quantized category groups, whose populations are represented by a histogram. If the number of pixels in the normal category exceeds a threshold, no immediate corrective action is taken. If the number of pixel receiving too little (or too much) light exceeds those receiving too much (or too little) light, the invention commands at least one system parameter change to increase (or decrease) light reaching the pixels. Controllable TOF system parameters can include exposure time, common mode resets, video gain, among others.

Abstract: Low concentrations of complex gas mixture components may be detected and quantified using a gas-chromatograph to separate a gas mixture prior to analysis of one or more eluting components using an absorption spectrometer. Substantial reductions in analytical system complexity and improvements in reliability are achieved compared with other commonly used methods for analyzing such complex mixtures.

Abstract: A method for displaying a result of measurement of eccentricity in an optical system is provided where an amount of eccentricity for each lens element's surface in a lens system can be displayed and where the amount of eccentricity displayed can be a magnified amount of eccentricity. Additionally a sectional view of the lens system can be displayed using scaling factor.

Abstract: A system for detecting motion between a first body and a second body includes first and second detector-emitter pairs, disposed on the first body, and configured to transmit and receive first and second optical beams, respectively. At least a first optical rotator is disposed on the second body and configured to receive and reflect at least one of the first and second optical beams. First and second detectors of the detector-emitter pairs are configured to detect the first and second optical beams, respectively. Each of the first and second detectors is configured to detect motion between the first and second bodies in multiple degrees of freedom (DOFs). The first optical rotator includes a V-notch oriented to form an apex of an isosceles triangle with respect to a base of the isosceles triangle formed by the first and second detector-emitter pairs. The V-notch is configured to receive the first optical beam and reflect the first optical beam to both the first and second detectors.

Abstract: A target plate (Z) according to the invention for positioning components, in particular pipes (R1, R2), has a holographic optical element as a holographic diffusor. By means of the diffusor, radiation striking the target plate (Z) in the form of a reference beam (RS) can be guided very accurately and virtually without loss into a defined solid angle region (d?). Furthermore, the diffusor may have stochastically distributed structures and thus illuminate the solid angle region (d?) homogeneously. By means of the target plate (Z), the visibility of the incident reference beam (RS) is increased, and the reference beam (RS) can also be detected independently of position.

Abstract: A defect-inspecting apparatus including an arrangement to convert detected light into a first signal corresponding to light illuminated by a high-angle illumination optical system and/or a second signal corresponding to light illuminated by a low-angle illumination optical system; and a classification unit which utilizes the first and second signal and classifies defects on the object to be inspected, wherein a defect size is estimated by changing a correction coefficient of the defect size on a basis of a concave-convex level (b/a), where the concave-convex level (b/a) of a defect is indicated by a ratio of a size b of a first direction of the defect to a size a of a second direction of the defect, where the second direction is lateral to the first direction.

Abstract: Inclusions in a transparent panel (5) are detected by placing a light transmissive interface (3) in contact with the panel (5), and transmitting a beam of light (1) through interface (3) into panel (5). Within the panel (5), the light beam (7) propagates along a path including total internal reflections at surfaces of panel (5). When the light beam (1) intercepts inclusions (10) or other defects at least some of it is scattered, and leaves the panel (5). This scattered light is then observed. Thus, a large zone of the panel (5) can be inspected, with light only being detected in the case that it arises from scattering by inclusions or other defects.

Abstract: An analyte stage for use in a spectroscopy system includes a tunable resonant cavity that is capable of resonating electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths less than about 10,000 nanometers, a substrate at least partially disposed within the cavity, and a Raman signal-enhancing structure at least partially disposed within the tunable resonant cavity. A spectroscopy system includes such an analyte stage, a radiation source, and a radiation detector. Methods for performing Raman spectroscopy include using such analyte stages and systems to tune a resonant cavity to resonate Raman scattered radiation that is scattered by an analyte.

Abstract: An air sampler module is provided for use with a detection device that monitors liquids and/or solids on a surface using spectroscopy techniques. The air sampler module comprises a housing, an intake port for collecting air containing airborne threats to be analyzed by the detection device, and a port to permit communication of an optical transceiver of the detection device into the housing to permit analysis of the collected air. Thus, the capabilities of a spectroscopy detection system are expanded to include the ability to analyze airborne threats.

Abstract: The present invention provides a plasma generating electrode inspection device capable of efficiently inspecting the parallelism, flatness, surface roughness, and dielectric strength of a plasma generating electrode. A plasma generating electrode inspection device 100 includes a reference quartz plate 2 provided with a film-shaped transparent conductor 1 disposed on one surface (outer surface 2a), a reference spacer 3 disposed on the outer edge of the other surface (inner surface 2b) of the reference quartz plate 2, a reference clamper 4 which can secure a plasma generating electrode 11 as an inspection target between the reference spacer 3 and the reference clamper 4, and a pulse power supply 5 capable of applying a pulse voltage between the transparent conductor 1 and the plasma generating electrode 11 as an inspection target while changing the voltage.