Abstract: A method of making a micro corner cube array includes the steps of: preparing a substrate, at least a surface portion of which consists of cubic single crystals and which has a surface that is substantially parallel to {111} planes of the crystals; and etching the surface of the substrate anisotropically, thereby forming a plurality of unit elements for the micro corner cube array on the surface of the substrate. Each of these unit elements is made up of a number of crystal planes that have been formed at a lower etch rate than the {111} planes of the crystals.

Abstract: A sub-pixel of a liquid crystal display panel includes a first substrate, a second substrate, and a liquid crystal layer formed between the first and second substrates. A color filter layer is formed on the first substrate and includes a first photoresist formed on a transparent region and a reflective region of the sub-pixel for blocking light of wavelengths outside a first range, a second photoresist formed on the reflective region of the sub-pixel for blocking light of wavelengths outside a second range that is different from the first range, and an intermediate area formed between and free of the first and second photoresists.

Abstract: The present invention provides a color transflective liquid crystal display that is capable of display with good coloring and high visibility in both a reflective mode and a transmissive mode while suppressing deterioration in color reproduction caused by unevenness of the spectral properties of the illumination light, if any. The liquid crystal display can include a liquid crystal display panel including pixels formed of a plurality of sub-pixels each corresponding to different colors, and an illumination device, wherein the liquid crystal display panel includes a transflective layer and a color filter of color corresponding to each of the sub-pixels.

Abstract: Disclosed is an in-plane switching active matrix type liquid crystal display with greater improvements on color shifting and contrast. The liquid crystal display comprises an in-plane switching type liquid crystal display panel having an active device substrate, an opposing substrate and a liquid crystal layer held sandwiched between the active device substrate and the opposing substrate, a first polarizer laid out on one side of the liquid crystal display panel, a second polarizer laid out on the opposite side of the liquid crystal display panel, first to third optical compensators placed in order between the liquid crystal display panel and the first polarizer, and a fourth optical compensator placed between the liquid crystal display panel and the second polarizer.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing an oriented film of a liquid crystal device holding a liquid crystal between a pair of substrates facing each other, includes: a film formation chamber; an evaporation section evaporating an oriented film material on the substrate by a physical vapor deposition, and forming the oriented film in the film formation chamber; a shielding plate formed between the evaporation section and the substrate, having an elongated opening for selectively evaporating the oriented film material, and covering an area of the substrate on which the oriented film is not formed; and a cleaning section providing a cleaning medium for removing the oriented film material adhered on the shielding plate, toward the opening of the shielding plate, and on the side of the shielding plate that faces the evaporation section.

Abstract: A roll stocker and a method for fabricating a liquid crystal display device using the same are disclosed. The roll stocker is constructed by multi-stage, of which roll keeping units of an upper stage can be moved left and right so that a rubbing roll at the lower stage can be easily taken out. Thus, space utilization can be enhanced and rolls can be stably kept. The roll stocker formed by two stages includes an upper stage installed at an upper side of a lower stage used as a support; a plurality of roll keeping units positioned at the upper and lower stages and keeping rubbing rolls; and a moving unit installed between the upper and lower stages and moving the roll keeping units of the upper stage.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device with an alignment film provided on at least one of a pair of substrates, sandwiching a liquid crystal layer, on the side facing the liquid crystal layer, in which the alignment film aligns liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer substantially vertical or horizontal when there is no voltage application, and a mask rubbing process is performed with at least a part of a hard mask adhered to the alignment film surface such that alignment control directions in regions of the alignment film are different from each other.

Abstract: A pixel structure including an active device, a first pixel electrode, a second pixel electrode, a coupling line, a common electrode, and a liquid crystal layer is provided. The first pixel electrode and the second pixel electrode have a plurality of sets of stripped electrode patterns extending along different directions, respectively, and the first pixel electrode is electrically insulated from the second pixel electrode. The coupling line is disposed under the first and the second pixel electrode and electrically insulated from the second pixel electrode. The first pixel electrode is electrically connected to the active device through the coupling line. The common electrode is disposed over the first and the second pixel electrode. The liquid crystal layer is disposed between the common electrode and the first and second pixel electrodes. Moreover, the liquid crystal layer has two polymer layers and a liquid crystal molecule layer disposed between the polymer layers.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a gate line formed on a lower substrate, a storage line formed on the lower substrate, and a data line formed on the lower substrate crossing and insulated from the gate line and the storage line. The liquid crystal display also includes a pixel electrode formed on the lower substrate crossing and insulated from the storage line. The pixel electrode has a first aperture pattern. The liquid crystal display further includes a common electrode formed on an upper substrate and having a second aperture pattern, and a storage electrode connected to the storage line. The storage electrode overlaps the second aperture pattern. The storage line, first aperture pattern, and second aperture pattern each includes a straight portion slanting to the gate line. A long axis of a liquid crystal molecule is arranged perpendicular to a substrate when an electric field is not applied.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display having suppression of horizontal crosstalk. A liquid crystal display includes a lower substrate and a plurality of data lines arranged on the lower substrate. The liquid crystal display also includes an upper substrate positioned above the lower substrate and has an opposite surface facing the lower substrate. Stripe shaped common electrodes spaced apart from each other by a plurality of regions are formed on the opposite surface of the upper substrate. Each of the plurality of regions corresponds to one of the data lines of the lower substrate.

Abstract: A pixel structure electrically connected to a scan line and a data line, includes an active device, a first pixel electrode, a second pixel electrode, a capacitor coupling electrode and a charge releasing device. The active device is electrically connected to the scan line and the data line. The second pixel electrode is electrically isolated from the first pixel electrode. The capacitor coupling electrode is disposed under the second pixel electrode and electrically connected to the data line through the active device. The charge releasing device is electrically connected to the second pixel electrode. The above-described pixel structure is able to effectively solve the image sticking problem. In addition, further provides an active matrix substrate which is able to avoid the image sticking effect.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device and a forming method of the electrode plate are disclosed. The forming method of the electrode plate includes providing one or more bottom plane electrodes, one or more conductive layers and a dielectric layer, floating the bottom plane electrodes, electrically connecting the conductive layers and an electrode of a thin film transistor, positioning the dielectric layer between the bottom plane electrodes and the conductive layers, utilizing the conductive layers, the dielectric layer and the bottom plane electrodes to form a coupling capacitor, and adjusting the capacitance of the coupling capacitor to control the voltage on the bottom plane electrodes. Therefore, the liquid crystal display device makes every sub-pixel have a predetermined voltage-transmittance characteristic curve by controlling the voltage on the bottom plane electrodes.

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: An image display device prevents display abnormality due to the corrosion and/or disappearance of the testing electrodes and/or and the conductive film for leading lines with a simple structure. Leading lines, which are in the wiring terminal section, electrically connect internal wiring lines to a driver IC. Each of the leading line has a mounting electrode and a testing electrode. A patterned first conductive film, which is separate from the testing electrode, connects electrically the mounting electrode to the corresponding internal wiring line in the display section. A patterned connecting conductive film is formed on an insulative film to contact with the mounting and testing electrodes, thereby making electrical interconnection between the mounting and testing electrodes. The connecting conductive film is made of a material (e.g., ITO) whose corrosion resistance is greater than a material (e.g., Cr) for the testing electrode.

Abstract: An electrooptical device includes a substrate that holds an electrooptical substance, a first substrate line and a second substrate line provided on the substrate, a semiconductor device provided on the substrate, a first input bump and a second input bump provided on a surface of the semiconductor device, the surface being close to the substrate, an output bump provided on the surface of the semiconductor device to be connected to the first substrate line, a base material mounted on the substrate, a first line provided on the base material to be electrically connected to the first input bump, and a second line provided on the base material to be electrically connected to the second input bump via the second substrate line.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a highly sophisticated functional card that can ensure security by preventing forgery such as changing a picture of a face, and display other images as well as the picture of a face. A card comprising a display device and a thin film integrated circuit; wherein driving of the display device is controlled by the thin film integrated circuit; a semiconductor element used for the thin film integrated circuit and the display device is formed by using a polycrystalline semiconductor film; the thin film integrated circuit and the display device are sealed with a resin between a first substrate and a second substrate of the card; and the first substrate and the second substrate are plastic substrates.

Abstract: An LCD device and a method for manufacturing the same is disclosed, in which it is possible to correct a problem of insufficient or excessive supply of liquid crystal in an LCD device by controlling an amount of liquid crystal, the method comprising preparing a liquid crystal cell comprised of a first substrate, a second substrate, a liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates, and a first sealant formed in the periphery of the liquid crystal layer between the first and second substrates; measuring an amount of liquid crystal provided to the inside of liquid crystal cell; forming an inlet for liquid crystal in the first sealant; regulating the amount of liquid crystal by supplying or discharging the liquid crystal through the inlet; and sealing the inlet.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display panel includes an upper array substrate and a lower array substrate that are positioned to be opposite to each other, a liquid crystal positioned between the upper and lower array substrates, a protrusion projecting from the lower array substrate and a spacer positioned between the upper array substrate and the lower array substrate, the spacer having a first portion contacting the protrusion and a second portion contacting the upper array substrate, and the first portion has a first hardness different from a second hardness of a second portion.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate arranged to face each other; at least one protrusion formed on the first substrate at a first region, the at lest one protrusion having a recess therein; a first column spacer formed on the second substrate corresponding to the at least one protrusion; and a liquid crystal layer filled between the first and second substrates.

Abstract: An LCD panel includes a first substrate including a first substrate material, a plurality of thin film transistors (“TFTs”) formed on the first substrate material each having a drain electrode, and an organic layer formed on the plurality of TFTs which further includes a color filter layer, a second substrate disposed opposite to the first substrate and including a second substrate material, a main column spacer having a first end connected to the first substrate, and a second end connected to the second substrate, a sub column spacer having a first end connected to one of the first and second substrates, and a second end being spaced apart from the other one of the first and second substrates, and a recessed portion formed in at least one of the first and second substrates corresponding to the sub column spacer.

Abstract: It is intended to facilitate optimization of the configuration and distribution density of columnar spacers for realizing a liquid crystal display device having reduced low-temperature voids, lower bulging, and pressure-induced unevenness.

Abstract: A thin film transistor array substrate including a gate pattern having a gate electrode, a gate line connected to the gate electrode, and a gate pad connected to the gate line, a source/drain pattern having a source electrode, a drain electrode, a data line connected to the source electrode, and a data pad connected to the data line, a gate insulating pattern formed along a matrix pattern including the gate pattern and the source/drain pattern except for a pixel area, a semiconductor pattern formed on the gate insulating pattern having a same pattern as the gate insulating pattern and partially removed at a thin film transistor area and the gate line area, and a transparent electrode pattern having a pixel electrode formed at the pixel area and connected to the drain electrode, a gate pad protective electrode formed on the gate pad, and a data pad protective electrode formed on the data pad.

Abstract: A cassette for a liquid crystal display (LCD) device, comprises: a body for receiving a substrate on which a plurality of LC panels divided from one another by a dummy region are formed; a plurality of supporting bars rotatably installed in the body and having a predetermined shape, for supporting a substrate; and a plurality of pads formed on each surface of the supporting bar with a different gap therebetween and contacting the dummy region of the substrate. When LCD devices of various sizes are received in the cassette, supporting bars for supporting each of the LCD devices are prevented from contacting an image display region of the LCD device and thus an inferiority of the LCD device is prevented.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a display element which achieves reduction in driving voltage. The display element according to the present invention includes substrates 1 and 2, at least one of which is transparent, and a medium layer 3 held between the substrates 1 and 2, the display element further including on the substrate 1 electrodes 4 and 5 for generating an electric field in a direction substantially parallel to the substrates so as to apply the electric field to the medium layer 3 to cause optical modulation of the medium; and an alignment film 6 which is provided on the surface of the substrate 2. With this arrangement, the voltage level is not decreased because of the alignment film 6, and the driving voltage of the display element does not need to be increased, thereby ensuring reduction of driving voltage.

Abstract: The step of putting drops of liquid crystal onto a substrate includes the putting of drops of liquid crystal onto the substrate at spaced intervals of 15 mm or less. Thus, an impurity concentration is made equal to or less than 30 ppm in a region in which the liquid crystals collide with each other when the bonding of the substrates causes diffusion of the liquid crystals through a liquid crystal cell. A liquid crystal dripping apparatus including a branch nozzle having a plurality of discharge openings is used in the step of putting drops of liquid crystal onto the substrate. By a single dispensing operation, the apparatus simultaneously puts drops of liquid crystal onto a plurality of spots on the substrate.

Abstract: An electrooptical manufacturing apparatus is provided for manufacturing an electrooptical apparatus with an improved liquid crystal display quality. The apparatus basically includes a dam-forming section or apparatus, a droplet-ejecting section or apparatus, a seal-forming section or apparatus and a pressure applying section or apparatus. The dam-forming section is configured and arranged to form a dam that defines a liquid crystal area on the internal surface of a first substrate. The droplet-ejecting section is configured and arranged to eject and drop a specific amount of liquid crystal inside the dam. The seal-forming section is configured and arranged to form a seal that is disposed on the external periphery of the dam for sealing a second substrate disposed opposite the first substrate. The pressure applying section is configured and arranged to superpose and press in a vacuum atmosphere the second substrate onto the seal formed on the first substrate.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus is arranged to project a patterned radiation beam from a patterning device onto a substrate using a projection system. The lithographic apparatus comprises: an illumination system configured to condition a radiation beam; a support constructed to support a patterning device, the patterning device being capable of imparting the radiation beam with a pattern in its cross-section to form a patterned radiation beam; a substrate table constructed to hold a substrate; a projection system configured to project the patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of the substrate; and a measurement system for measuring the wavefront aberration or other property of the apparatus. The measurement system comprises: a source module at the level of the substrate table for providing an effective source of radiation; and a sensor unit at the level of the support, for receiving radiation from the source module through the projection system for performing the measurement.

Abstract: A multiple exposure system and a multiple exposure method using the same enhance the resolution of the image of the mask pattern transferred to a substrate. The system includes NA controllers that provide excellent resolution with respect to the directions of the short axis and long axis of the mask pattern. In one form of the method, a first exposure process is performed using a first NA controller that provides excellent resolution with respect to the direction of the short axis of the mask pattern and subsequently, a second exposure process is performed using a second NA controller that provides excellent resolution with respect to the direction of the long axis of the mask pattern. Alternatively, the first exposure process and the second or high order exposure process can be sequentially performed using the first and second NA controllers simultaneously.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lithographic apparatus including an illumination system configured to condition a radiation beam; a support constructed to support a first and a second patterning device, each patterning device being capable of imparting the radiation beam with a pattern in its cross-section to form a patterned radiation beam; a substrate table constructed to hold a substrate; and a projection system configured to project the patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of the substrate, wherein the illumination system includes a radiation beam path adaptation device, wherein the adaptation device is configured to adapt a radiation beam path to allow subsequent projections of a pattern of the first patterning device and a pattern of the second patterning device during a single scanning movement of the patterning device support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an exposure apparatus that includes an illumination system for providing a projection beam of radiation, a support structure for supporting a device provided with a pattern, the device serving to impart the projection beam with a pattern in its cross-section; a table for holding a target object, a projection system for projecting the patterned beam onto the target object and a tilting device for providing the projection beam with a tilt. The tilting device is provided substantially in a pupil plane of the projection system.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus includes a projection optical system for projecting a pattern of a mask onto a plate to be exposed. A pupil filter has a first area arranged on a light axis of the projection optical system and a second area formed outside of the first area. The mask is one of an alternating phase shift mask and a chromeless phase shift mask, and the pattern of the mask satisfies (p/?)·NA?0.65, where p is a half pitch of the pattern, ? is a wavelength of light illuminating the mask, and NA is an image-side numerical aperture of the projection optical system, and in which, at most, 1st order light of diffracted light, which is diffracted by the pattern satisfying (p/?)·NA?0.

Abstract: In a liquid-immersion exposure method and a liquid-immersion exposure apparatus, on the basis of a liquid repellency distribution at a surface which an immersion liquid contacts as a result of a movement of a stage, a path where a movement time of the stage becomes the shortest is calculated, so that the stage is moved along this path.

Abstract: A distance measuring apparatus using a pulse laser light which has a wide measurement range and can execute high speed operation. The apparatus emits a pulsed light onto an object, receives a reflected pulsed light by a light receiving element, and amplifies an output thereof by a tuning amplifier. A sampling data of a damped oscillation wave form responding to the reflected pulsed light output from the tuning amplifier is added so as to be shifted by one cycle. Accordingly, it is possible to execute an enhancing process of a peak value utilizing a periodicity of the damped oscillation wave form responding to the pulsed signal, and it is possible to improve a detecting sensitivity of the reflected pulsed light.

Abstract: A biological and chemical detection system is provided that detects and identifies biological and/or chemical particulates of interest. The biological and chemical detection system comprises a collector, a first optical device, a second optical device and a processor. The collector is configured to deposit particulates drawn from a fluid stream onto a sample substrate to define a sample area. The first optical device derives first data relative to at least a portion of the sample area, which is analyzed to determine at least one field of view and/or specific target location. The second optical device then interrogates the sample area at each determined target location, e.g., using Raman spectroscopy, to produce interrogation data.

Abstract: A first polarization controller controls a polarization state of measured light. A second polarization controller controls a polarization state of an optical sampling pulse. The measured light and the optical sampling pulse having the polarization states controlled are input to an optical fiber. An optical signal output from the optical fiber is transmitted to a polarizer. A first control unit adjusts the first polarization controller based on the measured light output from the optical fiber and the measured light output from the polarizer. A second control unit adjusts the second polarization controller based on an optical sampling pulse output from the optical fiber. Waveform measurement is performed by using the output of the polarizer.

Abstract: The optical transfer function of imaging optics is carried out with a plurality of tilted edges with respect to the edge-response detection line. The effect of the tilt is to stretch out the edge response so that fine details can be detected even operating at a spatial frequency below the Nyquist limit of the detector. The use of multiple targets, each corresponding to a sub-region of the field of view of the optics being tested, enables the simultaneous characterization of the full field of view of the test optics with a single measurement without the use of a magnifying objective. The result is a rapid measurement and a simpler apparatus suitable for high-throughput testing. A pair of tilted edges can be used in a target to also determine the sagittal and tangential OTFs (as well as that of any other arbitrary cross-section). All of these data are acquired with a single measurement.

Abstract: A system comprising an imaging device and a passive-optical range-finder to focus, on the imaging device, a magnified image of a target positioned in a focal plane of the passive-optical range-finder. The system receives information indicative of a target type and generates information indicative of an absolute geographic location for the target based on at least the target type and information output by the imaging device.

Abstract: A optical imaging sensor assembly for a machine-vision vehicle service system comprising a variable lens optical assembly. The variable lens optical assembly is controlled in response to direction from a vehicle service software application to alter an optical characteristic such as a field of view, a lens focal length, or an optical axis alignment to acquire images for use in a vehicle service procedure such as a vehicle wheel alignment procedure, vehicle tire balancing procedure, or tire changing procedure.

Abstract: A method for receiving light from a plurality of light sources using an apparatus configured to analyze the time dependence of the light intensity to determine a type of light bulb and light intensity from the plurality of light sources based upon a detected frequency of variation of the light intensity.

Abstract: An inspection device for inspecting a granular product includes a feed tray having a receiving region for receiving the granular product and an imaging region and a vibration device configured to impart vibrations to the feed tray for moving granules of the granular product from the receiving region to the imaging region. The inspection device also includes an image capturing device configured to capture an image of a sample of the granular product in an image area of the imaging region. In addition, a method for inspecting a granular product includes disposing the granular product on a receiving region of a feed tray, vibrating the feed tray so as to induce a movement of the granular product from the receiving region of the feed tray to an imaging region of the feed tray, and capturing an image of a sample of the granular product in an image area of the imaging region.

Abstract: A scanning type exposure apparatus includes a projection optical system which projects a pattern of a reticle onto a wafer, which is held by a wafer chuck, a scanning stage system which scanningly moves the reticle and the wafer synchronously with respect the projection optical system, and an inspection system which automatically inspects influence of particles on at least one of the wafer and on the wafer chuck. The inspection system includes a focus detector which measures a focus state of the wafer and a calculator which calculates outputs of the focus detector.

Abstract: Inspection system and method for high-throughput inspection, the system and method is capable to generate and sense transmitted and/or reflected short duration beams. According to one embodiment of the invention the transmitted and reflected short duration beams are generated and sensed simultaneously thus provide a reflected image and a transmitted image simultaneously. The reflected and transmitted short duration radiation beams are manipulated either in the frequency domain or are distinctly polarized such that they are directed to the appropriate area sensors. According to another aspect of the invention the system changes the manipulation of a short duration beam of radiation to selectively direct the short duration beam to distinct area sensors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting contaminants in hydrocarbon fuel are disclosed, wherein a fuel analyzer includes a flow sensor to facilitate an automatic start up and shut down of a fuel analysis, and a calibration standard to facilitate an inline calibration of the fuel analyzer.

Abstract: A flow cell for monitoring operating fluid in an environment with elevated temperature and/or pressure comprises a body having a body aperture. The body aperture provides opposing inlet and outlet flow slits that are disposed within a wall maintained by the body aperture. The body aperture is configured to receive upper and lower transparent plates that are separated by a pair of spaced shims. The spaced shims define a flow channel between the plates, which is aligned with the inlet and outlet flow slits. A retainer is attached by suitable fasteners to retain the plates and shims in place, and thus sealing the flow of operating fluid through the flow channel from the external environment.

Abstract: A lateral flow device is disclosed. The lateral flow device includes a substrate having a flow path and a detection zone disposed along the flow path. The detection zone includes an immobilized target-binding moiety directed against a target of a Raman-active complex. Also disclosed is a method of conducting a lateral flow assay and detection system. The method includes i) defining a flow path having a detection zone; ii) flowing a sample down the flow path; and iii) immobilizing a Raman-active complex if present, at the detection zone. The sample includes a Raman-active complex or a Raman-active tag.

Abstract: A multi-spectrum, multi-channel imaging spectrometer includes two or more input slits or other light input devices, one for each of two or more input channels. The input slits are vertically and horizontally displaced, with respect to each other. The vertical displacements cause spectra from the two channels to be vertically displaced, with respect to each other, on a single image sensor on a stationary image plane. The horizontal displacements cause incident light beams from the respective input channels to strike a convex grating at different respective incidence angles and produce separate spectra having different respective spectral ranges. A retroflective spectrometer includes a convex grating that, by diffraction, disperses wavelengths of light at different angles and orders approximately back along an incident light beam. A single concave mirror reflects both the input channel and the dispersed spectrum.

Abstract: A particle detection system to identify and classify particles is programmed to capture digitized images of the particle generated by directing a light source through a fluid that includes the particle. The particle scatters the light and the scattered light is detected using a detector. The detector creates a digital signal corresponding to the particle, which is used by the system to generate a Bio-Optical Signature. This Bio-Optical Signature can then be used to classify the event, or particle. A count rate of the classified particles is monitored to detect a change that is representative of a toxin attack.

Abstract: Image data is acquired, processed, and/or displayed in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure to display, monitor, and/or demonstrate the progress of an experiment substantially in real-time and with high sensitivity. In one embodiment, at least one time-resolved value of spatially distributed polarization change data is provided and displayed. Advantageously, real-time processing and display of data is provided such that discussion and collaboration about the experiment may occur, time-resolved data is not lost, and resources are not wasted.

Abstract: Quasi-achromatic multi-element lens(es), the elements of which are mounted with respect to one another in a temperature controlled mounting system, and the application thereof in focusing, (and/or colliminating), a spectroscopic electromagnetic beam into a very small, chromatically relatively undispersed, area spot on a material system, and application thereof in ellipsometer, polarimeter and the like systems.

Abstract: An optical detection system for a microfluidic device and a dry-focus microfluidic device compatible with the compact optical detection system are described. The system includes an LED; means for collimating light emitted by the LED; an aspherical, fused-silica objective lens; means for directing the collimated light through the objective onto a microfluidic device; and means for detecting a fluorescent signal emitted from the microfluidic device. The working distance between the objective and the device allows light from an external LED or laser to be brought in along a diagonal path to illuminate the microfluidic device. The dry-focus microfluidic device includes multiple channels and multiple closed optical alignment marks having curved walls. At least one of the channels is positioned between at least two of the marks. The marks are illuminated for alignment and focusing purposes by light brought in on a diagonal path from an external white LED.