Abstract: In a light projection system, potentially hierarchical levels of light intensity control ensure proper laser-light output intensity, color channel intensity, white point, left/right image intensity balancing, or combinations thereof The light projection system can include a light intensity sensor in an image path, in a light-source subsystem light-dump path, in a light-modulation subsystem light-dump path, in a position to measure light leaked from optical components, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A fluorescent wheel comprising a base with a reflective surface and a flat bottom surface, and a fluorescent layer disposed on the reflective surface of the base such that the reflective surface of the base directs, outward from the wheel, fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent layer due to its excitation by exciting light. The reflective surface of the base has an array of minute reflective structures formed thereon so as to reflect, outward from the reflective surface, fluorescence emitted substantially parallel to the flat bottom surface of the base from the fluorescent layer.

Abstract: A rear projection type image display apparatus having a larger half-power angle and being capable of properly blocking a direct light from a projector for an observer is provided. The rear projection type image display apparatus includes a projector and a transmission type screen installed at an image formation plane of a projection light and made of a texture. The screen made of the texture is a diffusing material having a large half-power angle except for the direct light, and can prevent a gain from being decreased even at an angle of 60 degrees or larger. Also, a first polarizing plate is arranged in front of an exit pupil of the projector, and a second polarizing plate is arranged near a rear surface of the transmission type screen. Polarization axes of these polarizing plates are configured to be substantially orthogonal to each other, to eliminate the direct light.

Abstract: A cooling cell for drawing heat from a light modulator has an enclosure for conducting a fluid coolant. The enclosure has a fluid coolant inlet disposed to receive fluid coolant under pressure and a fluid conduit to provide fluid communication from the fluid coolant inlet to a nozzle. A well cavity surrounds the nozzle and has a number of fins that extend radially upward from a bottom of the well cavity and outward from the well cavity along a shallow cavity that is peripheral to the well cavity and is shallower than the well cavity. The well cavity is formed within a protruding element that protrudes outward from a portion of an external surface of the enclosure. The protruding element provides a component mounting surface that lies behind the bottom of the well cavity. There is at least one fluid coolant discharge outlet for discharging fluid coolant from the enclosure.

Abstract: A filter device includes: a filter unit including a housing in which a roll filter stretched between a feeding shaft and a take-up shaft is housed, the housing including, between the two shafts, an opening for exposing a part of the filter; a filter installation detection sensor for detecting installation of the filter unit; a filter winding driving unit for taking up or rewinding the installed filter; and a control unit for controlling operations of the filter winding driving unit based on a detection signal from the filter installation detection sensor. When the control unit determines based on the detection signal from the filter installation detection sensor that the filter is installed, the control unit causes the filter winding driving unit to rewind the filter by a predetermined amount and determines whether the filter is new or not based on the rewinding. By detecting filter replacement, information on the replaced filter can be reset.

Abstract: An optical device includes: a light modulation unit configured to modulate a light according to image information, including an element substrate having a pixel electrode and a switching element connected with the pixel electrode, and an opposed substrate disposed opposed to the element substrate; a frame configured to hold the light modulation unit; and an incident side dustproof glass disposed in close contact with a light incident side end surface of the opposed substrate, the incident side dustproof glass having the plane size larger than the plane size of the opposed substrate is disposed on the light incident side of the frame.

Abstract: A projection image display apparatus is provided which is capable of preventing misregistration in an on-screen image. A main frame assembly holds together an optical engine that modulates light emitted from a light source and a screen on which light emitted from the optical engine is projected, and the main frame assembly is configured to be supported by a bottom frame formed by a separate structure, whereby distortion having occurred at the bottom frame is caused not to transmit to the main frame assembly.

Abstract: The invention provides a projector apparatus incorporating a prism optical system of positive refracting power working for size reductions, which apparatus comprises a display device 1, a prism optical system 3 that has positive refracting power and is adapted to enlarge and project an image on the display device, and a stop 4 located on a projection side thereof. The prism optical system 3 comprises an internal reflecting surface 12 concave on the image display plane 2 side, a combined optical surface 11 to transmit a light beam from the image display plane 2 and reflect a light beam reflected off at the internal reflecting surface 12, and an exit surface 13 through which a light beam entering the prism optical system 3 leaves. A light beam coming out of the image display plane 2 enters the prism optical system 3 from the combined optical surface 11, is then reflected off at the internal reflecting surface 12, and then leaves the exit surface 13, arriving at an image 5 to be projected through the stop 5.

Abstract: A projector including a lens, an IR emission circuit, an IR reception circuit and a central processing circuit is provided. The projector is controlled by a first infrared ray (IR) signal provided by a remote controller. The IR emission circuit emits a second IR signal to detect whether an obstacle is positioned on an optical path of the projection light. When an obstacle is positioned on the optical path, the second IR signal is reflected to the IR reception circuit via the obstacle. The IR reception circuit provides a first and a second output signal in response to the first and the second IR signal respectively. The central processing circuit determines that an obstacle is positioned on the optical path and accordingly alters an operational mode of the projector in response to the second output signal and controls the operation of the projector in response to the first output signal.

Abstract: A light source unit includes a light emitting plate which has a plurality of segment areas and in which a luminescent material layer which emits light having a predetermined wavelength band by receiving excitation light and a transmissive portion which transmits light are formed on at least the plurality of segment areas, a primary light source for emitting excitation light on to the luminescent material, a secondary light source for emitting light having a wavelength band which differs from those of luminescent light emitted from the luminescent material layer and excitation light emitted from the primary light source, a light guiding optical system for guiding light emitted from the light emitting plate and light emitted from the secondary light source to the same optical path, and a light source control means for controlling the emission of light from the primary light source and the secondary light source.

Abstract: A light source device includes a first light source configured to emit light within a first wavelength band, a light-source light production section configured to sequentially produce light-source light of a plurality of colors at predetermined frequency by using light emitted by the first light source, a second light source configured to emit light within a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band, and a light source control section configured to control drive timing for each of the first and second light sources such that a light emission period for light-source light using light emitted by the second light source is positioned between light emission periods for the light-source light of the plurality of colors produced by the light-source light production section and that the light-source light using light emitted by the second light source has a frequency higher than that of the light-source light production section.

Abstract: To provide a light source unit which can increase luminance and a projector including this light source unit. This light source unit includes a luminous wheel having a segment area on which a luminescent material layer is formed which emits light of a predetermined wavelength band by receiving light, and a segment area which is made into a transmission portion which transmits light, a primary light source which shines light of a visible wavelength band on to the luminous wheel, a secondary light source which emits light of a wavelength band which is different from light from the luminescent material layer and light from the primary light source, a collective optical system which collects light from the luminous wheel and the secondary light source to cause them to converge to the same optical path, and a light source control device which controls the emission of light from the light sources.

Abstract: A light source unit comprising an optical wheel having a plurality of segment areas and including luminescent light emitting areas where at least two luminescent material layers having different characteristics are provided in a circumferential direction, a wheel motor for driving to rotate the optical wheel, an excitation light source for shining light on to the optical wheel, a light emitting light source and a collective optical system for collecting a light beam from the optical wheel and a light beam from the light emitting light source to the same optical path, wherein the excitation light source is selectively turned on to illuminate the at least two luminescent material layers having different characteristics which are disposed on the luminescent light emitting areas, and wherein the light emitting light source is turned on for a period of time during which the excitation light source does not shine the excitation light.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a projector that can be loaded with lamps of a plurality of kinds, each of a plurality of the lamps loadable into the projector being given a lamp serial code formed by arranging lamp information including at least a minimum wattage and a maximum wattage of the lamp and a check sum in predetermined order, the projector including: a lamp power supply for driving the lamp loaded in the projector, the lamp power supply being provided in advance with a plurality of mode ranges each as a range from a minimum wattage to a maximum wattage of output of the lamp power supply, and one predetermined mode range of the plurality of mode ranges being freely set in the lamp power supply; and a control circuit for controlling the lamp power supply.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a projector that can be loaded with lamps of a plurality of kinds, each of a plurality of the lamps loadable into the projector being given a lamp serial code formed by arranging lamp information including at least a minimum wattage and a maximum wattage of the lamp and a check sum in predetermined order, the projector including: a lamp power supply for driving the lamp loaded in the projector, the lamp power supply being provided in advance with a plurality of mode ranges each as a range from a minimum wattage to a maximum wattage of output of the lamp power supply, and one predetermined mode range of the plurality of mode ranges being freely set in the lamp power supply; and a control circuit for controlling the lamp power supply.

Abstract: A projector includes: an illuminator that emits an illumination light flux; a light control mechanism that blocks at least part of the illumination light from the illuminator; a light modulator illuminated with the illumination light from the illuminator; a projection system capable of projecting modulated light formed by the light modulator and switching the f number when the modulated light is projected; and a control unit that controls the open/close state of the light control mechanism in accordance with the f number of the projection system so that illumination light having an angular distribution corresponding to the f number of the projection system is incident on the projection system.

Abstract: A light source device includes: a light emitting plate that has a plurality of segment regions including a transmissive portion that transmits light and a reflective portion on which a fluorescent substance layer; a light source that irradiates the fluorescent substance layer of the light emitting plate with the excitation light; a dichroic mirror that is disposed between the light source and the light emitting plate to transmit the excitation light and reflect fluorescent light from fluorescent substances of the fluorescent substance layer; and an optical device that condenses the excitation light transmitted by the transmissive portion of the light emitting plate and the fluorescent light reflected by the dichroic mirror on a single optical path to form a condensed light and radiate the condensed light toward the same direction.

Abstract: A light source unit includes a light source group wherein light sources are arranged into rows and columns so as to form a planar configuration and a primary reflecting mirror group disposed on an optical axis of the light source group to reflect light beams emitted from the light source group as light beams whose sectional areas are reduced in a column direction by narrowing intervals between light beams emitted from the light sources making up the rows of the light source group, the primary reflecting mirror group includes different strip-like reflecting mirrors disposed on optical axes of light beams emitted from the rows of the light source group in a step-like fashion, and the reflecting mirrors are disposed to eliminate intervals between reflected light beams from the reflecting mirrors, thereby making it possible to reduce the sectional areas of the light beams.

Abstract: A method of cleaning an immersion lithographic apparatus is disclosed in which a cleaner is added to immersion liquid for use during exposure of a substrate. The cleaner may be a combination of a soap and a solvent. The cleaner maybe present at a concentration of less than 300 ppb.

Abstract: There is provided a pellicle having a rectangular pellicle frame formed of four side bars, having a through hole made through at least one of the frame bars for adjusting a pressure of a space formed within the pellicle frame equal to a pressure outside the pellicle frame; and a filter member disposed to cover up an external opening of the through hole for preventing entrance of particles into the space, wherein the through hole is formed with: (1) an outer stepped portion defining a first recess, opening outside the pellicle frame, for accommodating the filter member, (2) an inner stepped portion defining a second recess, opening in a bottom of the first recess, and (3) a ventilation hole with one end opening in a bottom of the second recess of the inner stepped portion and the other end opening in the space within the pellicle frame.

Abstract: In order to determine whether an exposure apparatus is projecting patterns correctly, a marker pattern is used on a mask for printing a specific marker structure onto a substrate. This marker is then measured by an inspection apparatus to determine whether there are errors in exposure-related properties such as focus and dose. The projection of the marker pattern is modified so as to accentuate the production of side lobe-induced features of the marker structure relative to the production of side lobe-inducted features of the product structure. The form of the marker structure is more responsive to exposure variation than the form of the product structure to exposure variation. The marker pattern includes both primary features and secondary features that augment the side lobe arising from the primary feature to print side lobe-induced features on either side of a primary marker structure.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus comprises: an optical member, which has an emergent surface wherefrom exposure light emerges; a second member that: has an inner surface that opposes, via a first gap, at least one surface from the group consisting of an outer surface of the optical member, which is different from the emergent surface, and an outer surface of a first member, which holds the optical member; and is disposed at least partly around an optical path of the exposure light that emerges from the emergent surface; a first recovery port, which is disposed at least partly around an optical axis of the optical member and is capable of recovering a liquid from at least part of the first gap; and a second gap, which is formed on the outer side of the first recovery port with respect to the optical axis and is smaller than the first gap.

Abstract: This invention provides a structurally-simple LED light source that is capable of preventing temperature variations among its multiple LED elements arranged densely on its LED-mounting substrate and also improving the heat release capabilities of the substrate by comprising an LED light source with: a plurality of LED elements each of which is formed by connecting an LED chip to electrodes formed on a ceramic substrate; an LED-mounting substrate on which to mount the plurality of LED elements, the LED-mounting substrate having through holes therein; and a heat sink plate for releasing heat from the LED-mounting substrate, wherein a thermally conductive resin is present between the LED-mounting substrate and the heat sink plate and wherein part of the thermally conductive resin protrudes from the through holes of the LED-mounting substrate and covers the top surface of the LED-mounting substrate on which the plurality of LED elements are mounted, so that the part of the thermally conductive resin is in contact

Abstract: A transmissive spectral purity filter is configured to transmit extreme ultraviolet radiation. The spectral purity filter includes a filter part having a plurality of apertures to transmit extreme ultraviolet radiation and to suppress transmission of a second type of radiation. The apertures may be manufactured in carrier material such as silicon by an anisotropic etching process and topped with a reflective layer such as Mo metal, Ru metal, TiN or RuO. A diffusion barrier layer such as silicon nitride Si3N4, or silicon dioxide SiO2 is provided between the metal and the semiconductor to prevent diffusion and silicidation of the metal at elevated temperatures. The diffusion barrier layer may also serve as a hydrogen-resistant layer on parts of the semiconductor which are not beneath the reflective layer, and/or enhance emissivity for removal of heat from the structure.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus for measuring the polarization state of a light beam Fourier-transforms changes in intensity of a plurality of light beams with different polarization states, which are detected while changing a relative rotation angle ? between the waveplate and the polarizer about the optical axis, to calculate the values of first Fourier coefficients of respective components oscillating with waveforms described by cos 4?, sin 4?, sin 2?, and cos 2?, approximately calculates, using the values of the first Fourier coefficients, third coefficients that define the relationship between the first Fourier coefficients and second Fourier coefficients of the respective components oscillating with waveforms described by cos 4?, sin 4?, and sin 2? assuming that the detection result contains no measurement error attributed to the optical system, and calculates a measurement error attributed to the optical system using the third coefficients.

Abstract: A pellicle frame is provided that includes a pellicle frame bar having a cross-section with a shape that has at least one triangular recess in at least one side edge of a quadrilateral having an upper edge and a lower edge parallel to each other and a cross-sectional area of no greater than 20 mm2. There is also provided a lithographic pellicle that includes a pellicle film stretched over one end face of the pellicle frame via a pellicle film adhesive, and that includes an exposure master plate adhesive on the other end face.

Abstract: A system for detecting proximity to a target object. The novel system includes a detector adapted to receive a reflected electromagnetic beam from the target and a processor adapted to determine a distance to the target by measuring an angle of the reflected beam. The system may also include an emitter adapted to transmit an electromagnetic beam toward the target to produce the reflected beam such that the angle of the reflected beam corresponds with a distance to the target. In an illustrative embodiment, the emitter is a focused infrared emitter or laser diode positioned to transmit the beam at a known angle such that the transmitted beam crosses an optical axis of the detector. The processor may also be adapted to use the rate of change of the amplitude of the reflected beam in determining the distance to the target.

Abstract: An optical system including a plurality of selectably directable mirrors (38) each arranged to direct a laser beam (41) to a selectable location within a field, a plurality of mirror orientation sensors (45) operative to sense the orientation of the plurality of selectably directable mirrors and to provide mirror orientation outputs and an automatic calibration subsystem (47) for automatically calibrating the plurality of selectably directable mirrors, the automatic calibration subsystem including a target (40) being operative to provide an optically visible indication of impingement of a laser beam thereon; the target being rewritable and having optically visible fiducial markings (54, 56), a target positioner (42) for selectably positioning the target, an optical sensor (44) operative to view the target following impingement of the laser beam thereon and to provide laser beam impingement outputs and a correlator (36) operative to provide a calibration output.

Abstract: An object detection system for a vehicle includes an imaging device, an image processor and a Lidar device. The imaging device is operable to capture image data representative of a scene exterior the vehicle. The image processor processes image data to detect an object of interest in the field of view of the imaging device. The Lidar device is responsive to the image processing so as to have its line of sight guided to point toward the detected object of interest. The Lidar device is operable to measure the distances between the host vehicle and the detected object of interest.

Abstract: A Multimode Optical Sensor (MMOS) is a laser radar (ladar) that employs both coherent, or heterodyne, and noncoherent detection at long range, i.e. ranges for which the target is no more than a pixel in dimension. Coherent detection provides much higher velocity resolution while the noncoherent detection can provide better detectability.

Abstract: An optical sensor for detecting water vapors and water based vapors and comprising a semiconductor member having a semiconductor surface with hydrophilic pores therein. An illumination of the semiconductor surface by white light produces the reflectance spectral profile due to light spectral. The spectral profile is exposed to the water vapors and the change in the reflectance spectral response is measured during this exposure.

Abstract: An ultrasensitive dual optical method for measuring antioxidant concentration and total antioxidant capacity is provided. Using the process, the detection limit for vitamin C is as low as 7 nM. The method is based on a hybrid of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) with hydrogen-peroxide. The method provides is a robust, cheap, fast, and reusable optical sensing method for antioxidant and total antioxidant capacity measurement in foods and plasma. The method can also be developed as a miniature assay for both in vitro and in vivo detection.

Abstract: A spectroscopy system is provided which is optimized for operation in the VUV region and capable of performing well in the DUV-NIR region. Additionally, the system incorporates an optical module which presents selectable sources and detectors optimized for use in the VUV and DUV-NIR. As well, the optical module provides common delivery and collection optics to enable measurements in both spectral regions to be collected using similar spot properties. The module also provides a means of quickly referencing measured data so as to ensure that highly repeatable results are achieved. The module further provides a controlled environment between the VUV source, sample chamber and VUV detector which acts to limit in a repeatable manner the absorption of VUV photons. The use of broad band data sets which encompass VUV wavelengths, in addition to the DUV-NIR wavelengths enables a greater variety of materials to be meaningfully characterized.

Abstract: This invention is directed to extract the scattering characteristic of a measurement target together when measuring the surface shape in a measurement system, which measures the surface shape of a measurement target, by the pattern projection method. To accomplish this, the measurement system includes an illumination unit which irradiates a measurement target with dot pattern light, a reflected light measurement unit which receives the reflected light at a reflection angle almost equal to a incident angle, and a reflected light extraction unit which extracts the inclination of the surface of the measurement target, based on the shift amount between the light receiving position of the received reflected light and a predetermined reference position, and extracts the luminance value of the reflected light and the dot diameter of the dot pattern light as information about the scattering characteristic.

Abstract: A fiber instrument for measuring properties of a fiber sample, the fiber instrument having a surface for receiving the fiber sample, a hand for pressing the fiber sample against the surface, an illumination source for selectively illuminating the fiber sample with more than one peak wavelength, where each of the peak wavelengths is independently controllable as to an applied intensity of the peak wavelength, a sensor for capturing images of the fiber sample while it is illuminated, and a controller for controlling at least the sensor and the illumination source. By providing multiple peak wavelengths of illumination that are each independently controllable as to illumination intensity, the fiber instrument as described herein is better able to detect both foreign material within the fiber sample, and color gradations of the fiber sample.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a plurality of components distributed in different space locations, includes: at least one optical fiber path; an optical radiation source adapted to inject optical radiation into the at least one optical fiber path; at least one first and at least one second optical branches branching from the at least one optical fiber path and adapted to spill respective portions of the optical radiation, the first and second optical branches being adapted to be operatively associated with a respective component to be monitored.

Abstract: A refractometer has a housing (1), a measurement cell (8) arranged in the housing (1), and a lid unit (2). The lid unit has a base plate (3) with a cutout (7) allowing access to the measurement cell, and a lid (4) for covering the measurement cell. The lid is connected to the base plate by way of a hinge. The lid unit also has a lid insert (11, 17, 18, 28, 31, 35, 39) that is arranged replaceably in the lid. The lid unit (2) is detachably connected to the housing by means of a connecting element that is itself connected to the base plate.

Abstract: A method and a system of evaluating a stereo image displaying panel are provided. The evaluation method includes the following steps. An inspection frame is displayed on the stereo image displaying panel, wherein the displaying surface of the stereo image displaying panel has a first normal vector. A luminance of the inspection frame is sensed by an image sensing apparatus, wherein the sensing surface of the image sensing apparatus has a second normal vector. An angle is formed between the first normal vector and the second normal vector. The luminance of the inspection frame is sensed in different angles. A maximum luminance of the inspection frame is sensed by the image sensing apparatus when the angle is equal to a first angle. A luminance uniformity of the inspection frame is analyzed at the first angle. An optimized viewable distance is measured, and the degree of cross-talk is calculated.

Abstract: The application relates to a method and a microelectronic sensor device for making optical examinations in an investigation region (13) at the contact surface (12) of a carrier (10), wherein an input light beam (L1, L1?) is sent from a light source (20) towards the investigation region (13), and wherein an output light beam (L2, L2?) coming from the investigation region (13) is detected by a light detector (30). An evaluation unit (50) that is coupled to the light detector (30) is adapted to determine the wetting grade of the investigation region (13) based on a characteristic parameter of the output light beam (L2, L2?), e.g. its intensity. In a preferred embodiment, the evaluation unit (50) is adapted to determine a change in the light intensity caused by a liquid contacting the contact surface (12). The wetting grade may particularly be detected in a test region (14) that is located adjacent to the investigation region (13) and that has a higher roughness than the investigation region (13).

Abstract: A method for determining overlay between a first grating (110) and a second grating (120) on a substrate (100), the second grating (120) on top of the first grating (110), the second grating (120) having substantially identical pitch (P1) as the first grating (110), the second and first gratings forming a composite grating (110,120), the method including providing a first illumination beam (IB) for illuminating the composite grating (110,120) under an angle of incidence (?) along a first horizontal direction (D1) along the surface of the substrate, and measuring a first intensity (i+) of a first order diffracted beam (B+) from the composite grating (110,120); providing a second illumination beam for illuminating the composite grating (11?!i2O) under the angle of incidence (??) along a second horizontal direction (D2) along the surface of the substrate, wherein the second horizontal direction (D2) is opposite to the first horizontal direction (DI)1 and measuring a second intensity (i?) of a minus first order d

Abstract: A hand-held light measuring device includes a device housing (G) with a bottom face incorporating a measuring window (7) through which a measurement optical path extends so that a measurement object can be measured when the device housing (G) is positioned with its bottom face on the measurement object. The measuring device has an integrated, displaceably mounted white reference tile, which can be moved into the measurement optical path and moved back out of it again. The white reference tile is disposed in an end region of an oblong support plate (10) on its side directed towards the housing interior.

Abstract: A Raman spectrometer comprising means for illuminating a sample with a shaped laser beam and a detector that is operable to detect light that is reflected from or transmitted through a sample. Preferably, the shaped laser beam has a dark spot at its centre.

Abstract: A hollow core photonic crystal fibre (HCPCF) having a wavelength of operation, the HCPCF comprising: a core region having a first refractive index; a cladding region surrounding the core region and comprising a plurality of microcapillaries arranged in a transverse structure having a pitch, the pitch of the structure being at least five times larger than the wavelength of operation, the cladding region having a second refractive index higher than the first refractive index.

Abstract: Hyperspectral imaging system and methods that may be used for imaging objects in three-dimensions are disclosed. A cylindrical lens array and/or a slit array may be used to re-image and divide a field of view into multiple channels. The multiple channels are dispersed into multiple spectral signatures and observed on a two-dimensional focal plane array in real time. The entire hyperspectral data cube is collected simultaneously.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a device for remote sensing of emissions of a vehicle driven on a road. In one embodiment, the device includes a source for emitting a beam of light and transmitting the emitted light through an exhaust plume emitted from the vehicle to the surface of a lane of the road on which the vehicle is driven, wherein the transmitted light is scattered at the surface of the lane; a detector for receiving at least one portion of the scattered light scattered from the surface of the lane; and a processor for processing the received light therein to provide one or more spectra of the received light so as to determine components and concentrations of the exhaust plume. The source and the detector are located in the same side of the road.

Abstract: A laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) system uses discrete optical filters for isolated predetermined spectral components from plasma light created by ablation of a sample. Independent detection elements may be used for detecting the magnitude for each spectral component. A first spectral component may include a characteristic wavelength of the sample, while a second spectral component may be a portion of a background continuum. The filters may include volume Bragg gratings and the detectors may be photodiodes. A detector that detects plasma light remaining after the isolation of the predetermined spectral components may be used together with a signal acquisition controller to precisely control the initiation and termination of signal acquisition from each of the detection elements. The system may also have optics including a collimating lens through which passes both the initial plasma light and the isolated spectral components.

Abstract: A method for increasing the throughput, or the precision, or both the precision and the throughput, of a flow cytometer, or of a hematology analyzer employing a flow cytometer, by utilizing the technique of laser rastering. Laser rastering involves sweeping a laser beam across a flowing sample stream in a hematology analyzer. An apparatus suitable for carrying out the method of this invention comprises an optical module comprising a source of light, a scanning device, a lens or system of lenses, a flow cell, detectors, and filters; and an electronic module comprising preamplifiers, analog signal conditioning elements, analog-to-digital converters, field-programmable gate arrays, digital signal processing elements, and data storage elements.

Abstract: A system for sensing particulate in a combustion gas stream is disclosed. The system transmits light into a combustion gas stream, and thereafter detects a portion of the transmitted light as scattered light in an amount corresponding to the amount of particulates in the emissions. Purge gas may be supplied adjacent the light supply and the detector to reduce particles in the emissions from coating or otherwise compromising the transmission of light into the emissions and recovery of scattered light from the emissions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing cell cytometry mitigate or eliminate the effects of refraction that result from interfaces between materials having different refractive indices. Solid materials, such as the walls of a flow path, which materials are disposed between a nominal focal point and an objective lens, are formed of a material having a refractive index between 1.30 and 1.40 inclusive. The refractive index of a liquid material, such as an immersion fluid or a fluid carrying, suspending, or bathing an analyte, may be adjusted to have a refractive index closer to that of surrounding solid materials and, in particular, within 0.02 of the refractive index of the surrounding solid materials.

Abstract: There is disclosed improved apparatus and methods for detection of shape, size and intrinsic fluorescence properties of a fluid borne particle wherein the apparatus comprises a laser, two light sources, two detectors, and optionally a third detector. The apparatus is particularly suitable for detection of airbone biological particles.