Abstract: An origin location detection circuit in an encoder. The encoder includes a scale on which an origin pattern indicating an origin is provided and a detection head relatively displaceable with respect to the scale. The origin location detection circuit includes a comparator for generating an origin signal indicating a location of the origin from an output voltage signal, which is output from a detector of the detection head and has been affected by involvement of the origin pattern; a DC voltage detection circuit smoothing the output voltage signal; and a differential amplifier circuit performing differential amplification of the output voltage signal and a DC voltage signal output from the DC voltage detection circuit. A differential amplifier signal of the differential amplifier circuit is input to the comparator.

Abstract: A detection head includes a plurality of detection array portions that are arranged in a direction along which the head is relatively displaceable. Position signals indicating a position of the detection head are calculated from output signals output from the detection array portions. In order to combine the position signals with one another and determine the position of the detection head with respect to the scale, weighting according to a level of the output signal is performed on the position signal of each of the detection array portions, and the weighted position signals are averaged.

Abstract: The present invent provides a particle detector for counting and measuring the flight time of secondary electrons and scattered ions and neutrals and to correlate coincidences between these and backscattered ions/and neutrals while maintaining a continuous unpulsed microfocused primary ion beam for impinging a surface. Intensities of the primary particle scattering and secondary particle emissions are correlated with the position of impact of the focused beam onto a materials surface so that a spatially resolved surface elemental and electronic structural mapping is obtained by scanning the focused beam across the surface.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer program products for measuring the density of a material. According to one aspect, a material property gauge includes a nuclear density gauge for measuring the density of a material. A radiation source adapted to emit radiation into a material and a radiation detector operable to produce a signal representing the detected radiation. A first material property calculation function may calculate a value associated with the density of the material based upon the signal produced by the radiation detector. The material property gauge includes an electromagnetic moisture property gauge that determines a moisture property of the material. An electromagnetic field generator may generate an electromagnetic field where the electromagnetic field sweeps through one or more frequencies and penetrates into the material.

Abstract: A coupled nanomanipulation and nanospray mass spectrometry (NMS) system for single cell, single organelle, and ultra-trace molecular analysis is disclosed herein. The system primarily comprises a bio-workstation coupled to a NMS. The bio-workstation primarily comprises of a nanomanipulator stage with a plurality of nano-positioners attached to a cabinet with a piezo voltage source and a pressure injector. The present invention further describes a fingerprint lift method that when coupled with the system disclosed herein can be used for retrieval and analysis of trace amounts of drug and explosive residues. The system described herein has been used in the areas of trace and document analysis within the forensic field, trace fiber analysis, and electrostatic lifts for illicit drugs, as well as document and painting analysis.

Abstract: A Time of Flight Acquisition system is disclosed wherein a digitiser (6) is used to digitise an acceleration pulse (2) which is applied to an acceleration electrode of a Time of Flight mass analyser. The digitiser (6) is then switched to digitise an ion arrival signal which is output from an ion detector (5).

Abstract: Provided are methods of detecting the presence or amount of a vitamin D metabolite in a sample using mass spectrometry. The methods generally comprise ionizing a vitamin D metabolite in a sample and detecting the amount of the ion to determine the presence or amount of the vitamin D metabolite in the sample. Also provided are methods to detect the presence or amount of two or more vitamin D metabolites in a single assay.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for mass spectrometry using laserspray ionization (LSI). LSI can create multiply-charged ions at atmospheric pressure for analysis and allows for analysis of high molecular weight molecules including molecules over 4000 Daltons. The analysis can be solvent-based or solvent-free. Solvent-free analysis following LSI allows for improved spatial resolution beneficial in surface and/or tissue imaging.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer for analyzing isotopic signatures, with at least one magnetic analyzer and optionally with an electric analyzer as well, with a first arrangement of ion detectors and/or ion passages and, arranged downstream thereof in the direction of the ion beam, a second arrangement of ion detectors, with at least one deflector in the region of the two arrangements of ion detectors or between these arrangements. Additionally, a multi-collector arrangement, special uses and a method for analyzing isotopes in a sample. The mass spectrometer according to the invention has a control for the at least one deflector such that ion beams of different isotopes can be routed to at least one ion detector in the second arrangement.

Abstract: A tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometer having enhanced duty cycle is offered. The inventive mass spectrometer has an ion storage means and a time-calculating means, in addition to the components of a normal tandem time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The time-calculating means finds the time between the instant at which precursor ions are ejected from the ion storage means and the instant at which the ions arrive at a position inside the orthogonal acceleration region where the ions pass into the following first TOF ion optical system at a maximum passage efficiency. The precursor ions are accelerated in a pulsed manner according to the instant at which the ions reach the position giving the maximum passage efficiency.

Abstract: A first instrument (230) is used to image a first semiconductor article having a trench (110) of defined cross-section, while a second instrument (220) is used to simultaneously prepare a second semiconductor article with a trench of defined cross-section. Furthermore, a method is disclosed to prepare a trench (110) of defined cross-section in a semiconductor article by rough milling and subsequent fine milling.

Abstract: The infrared array sensor comprises a base with recess and a plurality of image elements on the base to cover the recess. The image element has the first infrared absorption members and the thermosensors. The thin film structural body is formed with a slit which divides the thin film structural body into the cantilevers. The cantilever has one lengthwise end which is defined as the first end, and remaining one lengthwise end which is defined as the second end. The thermosensor is disposed on the cantilever. When the temperature variation of the thermosensor is caused, the thermosensor generates the output signal corresponding to the temperature variation of the thermosensor.

Abstract: A bidirectional optical scanner assisting in mammography is revealed. The optical scanner that calculates functional images obtained by diffuse optical tomography, used in combination with a mammography machine can reduce the number of mammograms taken and the dose exposure. The bidirectional optical scanner includes a compression module, a first optical detection module, and a second optical detection module. The same test position of the tested breast can be detected twice in different directions by the first and the second optical detection modules. No matter where the tumor is located, the tumor can be detected. Besides structural images provided by the mammography machine, functional tomographic images of the breast are obtained by the bidirectional optical scanner. Thus diagnostic accuracy in the detection of breast cancer is improved.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a millimeter-wave inspection apparatus. The millimeter-wave inspection apparatus comprises: optics devices, configured to receive millimeter-wave energy radiated from an object to be inspected and focus the received millimeter-wave energy; a radiometer receiving device configured to receive the focused millimeter-wave energy and transform the millimeter-wave energy into electrical signal; and an imaging device configured to generate a temperature image of the object to be inspected based on the electrical signal. Compared with the prior art, the millimeter-wave inspection apparatus of the present invention has a simple and compact structure; it would not be harmful to the human health by employing the passive millimeter-wave human body security inspection technology. With the above configuration, the contraband items to be concealed within the human clothing can be efficiently and effectively detected.

Abstract: An infrared (IR) detector including a plurality of thermal sensing elements for generating an image of an object is provided. The IR detector comprises a first thermal sensing element and includes a thermopile and a first switch. The thermopile is configured to receive at least a portion of a thermal output from the object and to provide a modulated electrical output indicative of at least a portion of the received thermal output. The first switch is operatively coupled to the thermopile and is configured to provide a bypass in the event the thermopile is damaged such that remaining thermal sensing elements of the plurality of thermal sensing elements are capable of providing an electrical output therefrom.

Abstract: Some embodiments can comprise a tomographic imaging data acquisition method(s) and/or systems embodying the method(s). Some methods according to embodiments of the invention include simultaneously reading each photoconverter of a scintillation detector; reading the photoconverters at a frequency sufficient to obtain a plurality of digital sample measurements of a scintillation wave front; and recording the data read from each of the plurality of photoconverters as a function of time.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a common PET/SPECT/CT gantry including a central aperture. At least one x-ray source can be mounted on the common gantry in a fixed relation, wherein an x-ray beam emitted by the source is directed across the central aperture. Some embodiments can also include a plurality of x-ray scintillation detectors mounted on the common gantry in a fixed relation and directed in an opposing orientation relative to the at least one x-ray source. In some embodiments a plurality of PET/SPECT scintillation detectors is also mounted on the common gantry in a fixed relation, wherein the PET/SPECT detectors define an arc having a center in common with the central aperture.

Abstract: A slab detector for PET and/or SPECT imaging comprising a scintillation crystal slab and a plurality of photoconverters each in optical communication with a surface of the scintillation crystal. In some embodiments, the plurality of photoconverters define a two dimensional array, wherein each photoconverter abuts adjacent photoconverters. Furthermore, according to some embodiments a plurality of slab detectors can be juxtaposed with one another so that their slab crystals abut edgewise.

Abstract: A detection device for beta radiation includes first and second adjacent detectors and a coincidence counter unit. The same beta particle may be counted twice. Alternatively, one or more positrons may be detected along with one or more gamma photons.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processing electronics (18) for a detector (12) of an X-ray imaging device (14), the processing electronics (18) with a pulse counter section (22) having at least one count output (30) and with an integrator section (24) having an intensity output (32), wherein the processing electronics (18) is adapted to be connected to a sensor (16) in such a manner that X-ray photons (58) arriving at the sensor (16) can be processed by the pulse counter section (22), by the integrator section (24), or both, and wherein the processing electronics (18) comprises a processor (34) adapted to be connected to the count output (30) and to the intensity output (32) and adapted to output a count result (K) that takes into account both count information (N) obtained at the count output (30) and intensity information (I) obtained at the intensity output (32), so that the count result (K) contains information (N) obtained from the pulse counter section (22) and information (M) obtained from the integr

Abstract: A laser accelerator driven electronic brachytherapy system, device, and method for particle based treatment of a tumor or other human diseases and conditions.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for providing an inductively coupled radio frequency plasma flood gun. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the device is a plasma flood gun in an ion implantation system. The plasma flood gun may comprise a plasma chamber having one or more apertures; a gas source capable of supplying at least one gaseous substance to the plasma chamber; a single-turn coil disposed within the plasma chamber, and a power source coupled to the coil for inductively coupling radio frequency electrical power to excite the at least one gaseous substance in the plasma chamber to generate a plasma. The inner surface of the plasma chamber may be free of metal-containing material and the plasma may not be exposed to any metal-containing component within the plasma chamber. The plasma chamber may include a plurality of magnets for controlling the plasma.

Abstract: To improve an efficiency of utilizing electrons and efficiently suppress an ion beam spread by a space charge effect while eliminating a need for a special magnetic pole structure by effectively using a space in the vicinity of a magnet, there are provided an ion source, a collimating magnet and a plurality of electron sources, wherein the electron sources are arranged in a magnetic field gradient region formed on an ion beam upstream side or ion beam downstream side of the collimating magnet and arranged outside a region passed by the ion beam, and an irradiation direction of the electrons is directed to supply the electrons to the magnetic field gradient region.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to an apparatus for writing a pattern on a target substrate. The apparatus includes a plurality of arrays of pixel elements, each array being offset from the other arrays. In addition, the apparatus includes a source and lenses for generating an incident beam that is focused onto the plurality of arrays, and circuitry to control the pixel elements of each array to selectively reflect pixel portions of the incident beam to form a patterned beam. The apparatus further includes a projector for projecting the patterned beam onto the target substrate. Other features, aspects and embodiments are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices enable coupling of a charged particle beam to a radio frequency quadrupole accelerator. Coupling of the charged particle beam is accomplished, at least inpart, by relying on of sensitivity of the input phase space acceptance of the radio frequency quadrupole to the angle of the input charged particle beam. A first electric field across a beam deflector deflects the particle beam at an angle that is beyond the acceptance angle of the radio frequency quadrupole. By momentarily reversing or reducing the established electric field, a narrow portion of the charged particle beam is deflected at an angle within the acceptance angle of the radio frequency quadrupole. In another configuration, beam is directed at an angle within the acceptance angle of the radio frequency quadrupole by the first electric field and is deflected beyond the acceptance angle of the radio frequency quadrupole due to the second electric field.

Abstract: An air cleaner includes a negative ion generation portion generating negative ions, a positive ion generation portion generating positive ions, a drive portion adjusting a distance between the ion generation portions, a wind velocity sensor detecting wind velocity at positions where the ion generation portions are installed, and a microcomputer controlling the drive portion based on a detection result of the wind velocity sensor and setting distance D between the ion generation portions to an optimal value. Therefore, since the distance between the ion generation portions is set to the optimal value, a large amount of ion generation can be obtained.

Abstract: A chamber apparatus is used in combination with a laser apparatus. The chamber apparatus includes a chamber with an inlet. The inlet is configured for introducing a laser beam into the chamber. A target supply unit is provided to the chamber to supply a target material into the chamber. The target supply unit may electrically be isolated from the chamber. A potential control unit is connected to at least the target supply unit, and configured to control the supply of the target material.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an ion beam sample preparation apparatus and methods for using the embodiments. The apparatus comprises an ion beam irradiating means in a vacuum chamber that may direct ions toward a sample, a shield blocking a portion of the ions directed toward the sample, and a shield retention stage with shield retention means that replaceably and removably holds the shield in a position. The shield has datum features which abut complementary datum features on the shield retention stage when the shield is held in the shield retention stage. The shield has features which enable the durable adhering of the sample to the shield for processing the sample with the ion beam. The complementary datum features on both shield and shield retention stage enable accurate and repeatable positioning of the sample in the apparatus for sample processing and reprocessing. Additionally, apparatus kits are disclosed that enable the use of the same shields in the observation of prepared samples.

Abstract: A focused ion beam apparatus, including: a sample holder provided with a fixing surface for fixing, via a deposition film, a micro-specimen extracted from a specimen using a method for fabrication by a focused ion beam, in which a width of the fixing surface is smaller than 50 microns; a specimen transferring unit having a probe to which the specimen can be joined through the deposition film, and transferring the micro-specimen extracted from the specimen by the focused ion-beam fabrication method, to the sample holder; and a sample chamber in which the sample, the sample holder and the probe are laid out, wherein, in the sample chamber, the micro-specimen extracted from the specimen by the focused ion-beam fabrication method is fixed to the fixing surface of the sample holder through the deposition film, and the micro-specimen fixed to the fixing surface is fabricated by irradiating the focused ion beam.

Abstract: An electron gun that serves to reduce the quantity of electron stimulated desorption and accomplishes vacuum evacuation efficiently with a sufficient degree of vacuum. An electron source 1 and an extraction electrode 6 are provided for emitting an electron beam 7 from the electron source 1. A first vacuum chamber 16 containing the electron source 1 is connected to a second vacuum chamber 9 via an aperture 8 provided in the extraction electrode 6. Each vacuum chamber is differentially evacuated with an independent vacuum evacuation means, and the generation of electron stimulated desorption gas 11 is reduced by securing a wide route of vacuum evacuation around the electron source 1 and intercepting the procession of back scattered electrons 12 emitted from the area with the electron beam 7 on the extraction electrode 6 by using a shielding electrode 22 given a prescribed potential.

Abstract: Integrating optical systems and methods of use are described herein. In one embodiment, an integrating optical system comprises: a housing having a first and second portions; and a chamber having a diffuse reflective material and a volume formed within the portions when coupled together. The portions are separable to allow insertion and removal of at least one light treatable object in and out of the chamber. At least one aperture is formed in the chamber to couple to a light source and to direct light from the light source to at least a first portion of the diffuse reflective material. At least one holding structure supports the object within the volume at a location, wherein the diffuse reflective material, the aperture and the location ensure that the light is diffusely reflected to integrate the light and impact the object with substantially uniform light without movement of the object.

Abstract: A virus removal device with an ultraviolet LED may be provided that includes: an operating member; an ultraviolet LED configured to irradiate ultraviolet light onto an object under an operation of the operating member; and a driving means configured to generate a driving force so that the operating member is moved.

Abstract: A fluorescence detection optical system comprises a light source which emits excitation light, a collimating lens which condenses the excitation light emitted from the light source into substantially parallel light, an objective lens which focuses the excitation light on a microchamber of a microfluidic device, an optical detector which measures an intensity of a fluorescence signal generated in the microchamber by the excitation light, a beam splitter which transmits or reflects the excitation light emitted from the light source toward the objective lens, and reflects or transmits the fluorescence signal generated in the microchamber toward the optical detector, and a beam shaping lens which is disposed between the beam splitter and the objective lens and expands an optical spot of the excitation light in one direction in accordance with a shape of the microchamber.

Abstract: An illumination device includes at least four semiconductor radiation sources (18) for emitting optical radiation in respectively different emission wavelength ranges. At least one color splitter (22.1, 22.2, 22.3), which is reflective for optical radiation of the respective semiconductor radiation source (18), is assigned to each of at least three of the semiconductor radiation sources (18). The semiconductor radiation sources (18) and the color splitters (22.1, 22.2, 22.3) are arranged such that the optical radiation, which is emitted in each case from each of the semiconductor radiation sources (18), is coupled into a common illumination beam path section (24). In each case, one collimating unit (20.1, 20.2, 20.3, 20.4), which collimates the optical radiation emitted by the respective semiconductor radiation source (18), is arranged in the beam path sections from the semiconductor radiation sources (18) to the color splitters (22.1, 22.2, 22.3).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting the presence of a fungicide on a seed. In particular, the method according to the invention may be used to ensure that sufficient quantities of the fungicide or insecticide are present on the seed. In a particular embodiment the fungicide detected is thiabendazole.

Abstract: Fluorescing gel formulations are disclosed for monitoring cleaning of a surface. The fluorescing gel formulations are stable, fluoresce under UV light, and do not leave a mark after drying and removal. The compositions include an oppositely charged complexing agent which is used in combination with an anionic or cationic optical brightener. In some embodiments, the compositions include a cationic optical brightener with no complexing agent.

Abstract: A system (10) for multispectral imaging includes a first optical filter (24, 20) having at least two passbands disposed in different spatial positions on the first optical filter, a second optical filter (20, 24) having another at least two passbands, and processor (32) adapted to identify an intensity of light in the at least two passband of the second optical filter

Abstract: A fluorescence emitted by a measurement object at a measurement point is measured. When the fluorescence is measured, a measurement object is irradiated with laser light whose intensity is time-modulated by using a modulation signal at a predetermined frequency. Then, the fluorescence emitted by the measurement object is formed to a flux of the fluorescence having uniform distribution of light intensity, and a plurality of partial fluorescent signals are generated by receiving a plurality of divided portions of the flux of the fluorescence. At least some of the partial fluorescent signals are added altogether to generate a single fluorescent signal. Finally, a fluorescence relaxation time of the fluorescence emitted by the measurement object is calculated from the generated fluorescent signal by using the modulation signal. When fluorescence intensity of the fluorescence calculated from the fluorescent signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, the partial fluorescent signals to be added are limited in number.

Abstract: The invention relates to position determining system (201) for determining a position of an object (2). A first position detection unit (205) detects a first position of the object (2) based on radiation transferred between the object (2) and transfer positions being known relative to a reference position by a sending and receiving unit (203, 214, 216, 217). A second position detection unit (35) detects a second position based on an acceleration of the object (2) and the determined first position, wherein an output unit (12) outputs at least one of the first position and the second position. If the transfer of radiation is interrupted, the second position can be output by the output unit. Moreover, the first position can be used as an initial value for determining the second position or to update the second position. This improves the quality of determining the position of the object.

Abstract: A portable source of irradiation which emits only UV light with no visible light component for illuminating and exciting objects containing materials excited by UV light including an opaque housing, a source of substantially only UV light with no visible light component provided in the housing, and a power source for the source of the substantially only UV light provided in the housing. Preferably the source of substantially only UV light includes an UV LED and a high pass filter lens provided on an optical axis with and in front of the source.

Abstract: A method capable of monitoring ion implantation. First, an ion beam and a workpiece are provided. Next, implant the workpiece by the ion beam and generate a profile having numerous signals relevant to respectively numerous relative positions between the ion beam and the workpiece, wherein the profile has at least a higher portion, a gradual portion and a lower portion. Therefore, by directly analyzing the profile without referring to a pre-determined profile and without using a profiler measuring the ion beam, some ion beam information may be acquired, such as beam height, beam width, ion beam current distribution on the ion beam cross-section, and so on, and the ion implantation may be monitored real-timely. Furthermore, when numerous workpieces are implanted in sequence, the profile(s) of one or more initially implanted workpiece(s) may be to generate a reference for calibrating the ion implantation of the following workpieces.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an ion beam sample preparation thermal management apparatus and methods for using the embodiments. The apparatus comprises an ion beam irradiating means in a vacuum chamber that may direct ions toward a sample, a shield blocking a portion of the ions directed toward the sample, and a shield retention stage with shield retention means that replaceably and removably holds the shield in a position. The shield has datum features which abut complementary datum features on the shield retention stage when the shield is held in the shield retention stage. The shield has features which enable the durable adhering of the sample to the shield for processing the sample with the ion beam. The complementary datum features on both shield and shield retention stage enable accurate and repeatable positioning of the sample in the apparatus for sample processing and reprocessing. A heat sink means is configured to conduct heat away from the sample undergoing sample preparation in the ion beam.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an ion beam sample preparation apparatus and methods for using the embodiments. The apparatus comprises an ion beam irradiating means in a vacuum chamber that may direct ions toward a sample, a shield blocking a portion of the ions directed toward the sample, and a shield retention stage with shield retention means that replaceably and removably holds the shield in a position. The shield has datum features which abut complementary datum features on the shield retention stage when the shield is held in the shield retention stage. The shield has features which enable the durable adhering of the sample to the shield for processing the sample with the ion beam. The complementary datum features on both shield and shield retention stage enable accurate and repeatable positioning of the sample in the apparatus for sample processing and reprocessing.

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an ion beam sample preparation apparatus and methods for using the embodiments. The apparatus comprises a tilting ion beam irradiating means in a vacuum chamber that may direct ions toward a sample, a shield blocking a portion of the ions directed toward the sample, and a shield retention stage with shield retention means that replaceably and removably holds the shield in a position. The shield has datum features which abut complementary datum features on the shield retention stage when the shield is held in the shield retention stage. The shield has features which enable the durable adhering of the sample to the shield for processing the sample with the ion beam. The complementary datum features on both shield and shield retention stage enable accurate and repeatable positioning of the sample in the apparatus for sample processing and reprocessing. The tilting ion beam irradiating means may direct ions at the sample from more than one tilt angle.

Abstract: A charged particle beam writing apparatus includes a shot division unit configured to divide a figure defined in layout data into a plurality of shot figures each having a size which can be irradiated by one shot of a charged particle beam, a shot data generating unit configured to generate each shot data for each shot figure of the plurality of shot figures, where a number of times of generating the each shot data equals a number of times of multiple writing of the each shot figure of the plurality of shot figures, such that multiplicity of the multiple writing is variable per the each shot figure, and a writing unit configured to perform the multiple writing of the each shot figure onto a target workpiece, in accordance with the number of times of the each shot data generated for the each shot figure, using a charged particle beam.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a material gas led into a vacuum container is ionized. When ions are implanted into a semiconductor substrate, gas is exhausted from the vacuum container by a pump and the gas exhausted by the pump is returned to the vacuum container and reused. This makes it possible efficiently use the material gas.

Abstract: Collimators and methods for manufacturing collimators for nuclear medicine (NM) imaging systems are provided. One method includes forming a plurality of collimator segments from powdered tungsten, wherein the plurality of collimator segments have opposing faces with edges therebetween. The method also includes sintering the powdered tungsten segments and joining the plurality of sintered powdered tungsten segments at least at one or more of the edges to form the collimator for the NM imaging system.

Abstract: A protective sheet to be worn to protect genitalia of the user may include a first layer to cooperate with an underwear of the user, a second layer to cooperate with the first layer, and a third layer to cooperate with the second layer. The second layer may reflect x-rays from a scanning machine, and the first layer may include a soft fabric material. The third layer may include a soft fabric material, and the second layer may include a metallic material. The metallic material may include a metallic film, and the magnetic material may include a metallic foil. The protective sheet may include a pouch to cooperate with the genitalia.

Abstract: Filtering matrix structure comprising at least three color filters and a plurality of near Infrared filters, each one of the color filters and the near Infrared filters having an optimum transmission frequency, wherein the filtering matrix structure is made of n metal layers (m1, m2, m3) and n substantially transparent layers (d1, d2, d3) which alternate between a first metal layer (m1) and an nth substantially transparent layer (d3), each of the n metal layers (m1, m2, m3) having a constant thickness and at least one substantially transparent layer having a variable thickness which sets the optimum transmission frequency of each color filter and each near Infrared filter, n being an integer larger than or equal to 2. Application to 3D mapping and imaging.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hollow prism for detecting liquid level in the presence of an optical beam, including a hollow member, dielectric members sealed to the hollow member with one of the dielectric members arranged at an inclined angle to the other, a sealed hollow space disposed between said dielectric members, wherein an incident optical beam enters through the first dielectric member at normal incidence and exits as an emergent beam through the second dielectric member, and wherein the emergent optical beam remains undeviated when the hollow member not immersed in a liquid medium and the emergent beam suffers deviation when immersed in the liquid medium. The present invention also provides a fiber optic liquid level detector with the hollow prism for detecting liquid levels.