Abstract: A semiconductor device includes an oscillator that oscillates at a specific frequency, a semiconductor integrated circuit that integrates a temperature sensor that detects a peripheral temperature, and a controller that is electrically connected to the oscillator and that corrects temperature dependent error in the oscillation frequency of the oscillator based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and a sealing member that integrally seals the oscillator and the semiconductor integrated circuit.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for monitoring and compensating an offset between a reference voltage used in a first device and a corresponding reference voltage used in a second device. The first device can include offset circuitry. The offset circuitry receives two voltage signals. The first voltage signal is equal to a first voltage value that is used as a reference voltage in the first device. The second voltage signal can be a time-varying voltage signal that has a known relationship with a second voltage value that is used as a reference voltage in the second device. The offset circuitry can then determine the second voltage value from the second voltage signal, and output an offset value based on a difference between the first voltage value and the second voltage value.

Abstract: A power-measurement device includes a power detector and a tempering device. The power detector is integrated on a monolithic chip as an integrated circuit. It converts a high-frequency test signal into a signal which displays the power of the high-frequency test signal. The power-measurement device further includes a signal input. In this context, the tempering device is arranged outside the monolithic chip on a side of the monolithic chip facing away from the integrated circuit. The signal input is connected to the power detector by a first line on a synthetic substrate. The signal input guides the high-frequency test signal to the power detector by the first line.

Abstract: A meter apparatus having three-phase judgment function includes a control unit, a multimeter measurement unit electrically connected to the control unit, a three-phase judgment unit electrically connected to the control unit, a first measurement jack electrically connected to the multimeter measurement unit and the three-phase judgment unit, a second measurement jack electrically connected to the multimeter measurement unit and the three-phase judgment unit, and a third measurement jack electrically connected to the multimeter measurement unit and the three-phase judgment unit.

Abstract: A current and voltage detection printed board includes a board formed with a penetration hole; a first pattern wire formed at a periphery of the penetration hole; a second pattern wire formed at the periphery of the penetration hole; a plurality of first through holes that penetrate the board between the first and second pattern wires; a third pattern wire formed at the periphery of the penetration hole; a fourth pattern wire formed at the periphery of the penetration hole; and a plurality of second through holes that penetrate the board between the third and fourth pattern wires.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for the measurement of power consumption at points of interest, such as circuit breakers, machines, and the like. Accordingly, means are provided for measurement of power consumption for each electrical sub-network that is controlled by a circuit breaker. Each apparatus is enabled to communicate its respective data, in an environment of a plurality of such apparatuses, to a management unit which is enabled to provide finer granularity power consumption profiles. Challenges of measuring relatively low supply currents, wireless operation in an environment of a large number of apparatuses, and self-powering are addressed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring a current or voltage output quantity of a switched-mode power supply circuit (H), referred to as a chopper circuit, of period T and of cyclic ratio ?, belonging to the interval ]0; 1[, such that, at each period, the supply current is non-zero during an “ON” phase of duration ?T, and zero during an “OFF” phase of duration (1??)T. The measurement method includes the following steps: measuring the value Gon of an image of the output quantity during an “ON” phase; measuring the value Goff of an image of the output quantity during an “OFF” phase; calculating the difference ?G=Gon?Goff; and using the difference ?G for evaluating the output quantity.

Abstract: Apparatus for a self-powered wireless transmitter system. One such system includes an inductor, a delay circuit, and a transmitter with an antenna. The magnet interacting with the inductor generates both power and a trigger signal. The inductor generates sufficient power for the transmitter to transmit a wireless signal corresponding to when the magnet interacts with the inductor. Precise timing is insured by the inductor being connected to the trigger input of the transmitter unit and the delay circuit adding a short delay to the signal from the inductor with the delayed signal connected to the supply voltage connection of the transmitter. The transmitter transmits the wireless signal upon being energized through the delay circuit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microfluidic chip for measuring the magnetic susceptibility of a superparamagnetic nanoparticle droplet and a method for measuring magnetic susceptibility using the same. According to the invention, the magnetic susceptibility of a superparamagnetic nanoparticle can be continuously and accurately measured in a flowing fluid using a microfluidic chip including microfluidic channels.

Abstract: Position sensor (10) for determining a linear position in a sensing direction, e.g. for application in a vacuum actuator. The position sensor (10) has a first sensor part and a second sensor part moveable with respect to each other. The first sensor part comprises an annular magnet (2) and a magnetic field sensor (3) positioned at a first distance (l1) from the annular magnet on the magnet axis (1a). The second sensor part comprises a flux shaper (1) moveable through the annular magnet (2) along the sensing direction between a first and a second position, in the first position the flux shaper being substantially at the first distance (l1) from the magnetic field sensor (3). The flux shaper is arranged to influence the magnetic field in a space between the annular magnet (2) and the magnetic field sensor (3).

Abstract: A rotation speed detecting apparatus, including: an annular fixing member to be fixed to a support member configured to rotatably support a rotating object to be detected; a case mounted to the fixing member; a detecting portion abutting against an abutment portion provided in the case so as to be positioned with respect to the case for detecting a rotation speed of the rotating object to be detected; and a resin mold portion formed by resin molding and configured to fix the detecting portion to the case in a state in which the detecting portion abuts against the abutment portion of the case.

Abstract: A method and structure for a three-axis magnetic field sensing device is provided. The device includes a substrate, an IC layer, and preferably three magnetic field sensors coupled to the IC layer. A nickel-iron magnetic field concentrator is also provided.

Abstract: A method for mineral analysis of a sample based on detection of NQR and/or Local Field Magnetic Resonance (LFMR) signals from a particular substance within a sample includes: setting a frequency of RF pulses to be approximately equal to one of the NQR or LFMR frequencies of the substance; setting a set of parameters of the RF pulses to be optimal for the substance; setting a set of receiving parameters to be optimal for the substance; tuning the probe to maximum sensitivity for the signals detected at predetermined frequency and/or to maximum power transfer efficiency for RF pulses transmitted with the probe; transmitting the RF pulses with the probe at said optimal level during a transmitting period to irradiate the sample and excite an NQR or LFMR signal in the substance, if present; detecting and processing NQR or LFMR signals emitted by the substance; and calculating the concentration of the substance in the sample.

Abstract: In a method for an apparatus correcting image distortion in diffusion-weighted echo-planar magnetic resonance imaging, a marker sequence is applied before a diffusion-weighted echo planar imaging sequence, to form a combined sequence. The combined sequence is used to obtain marked images with different preset b values and different preset diffusion directions. The diffusion-weighted echo planar imaging sequence is used to obtain diffusion-weighted echo planar images with the same b values and diffusion directions as the marked images. A stretching coefficient and a displacement coefficient are calculated for each image data column of the diffusion-weighted echo planar image. The stretching coefficient and displacement coefficient are used to correct the diffusion-weighted echo planar images.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus to generate a magnetic resonance (MR) image in a volume of interest of an examination subject, the magnetization is excited in an additional volume in the subject by at least one RF pulse, in order to achieve a desired magnetization in the volume of interest. The additional excitation volume differs at least partially from the volume of interest. For this purpose, at least one MR overview image of the examination subject is analyzed automatically to determine a position of at least one anatomical structure of the examination subject, from which the volume of interest is automatically determined. The additional excitation volume is automatically determined using the position of the at least one anatomical structure. The MR image in the volume of interest is acquired with excitation of the magnetization in the automatically determined additional excitation volume.

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes: a sequence controlling unit that, by controlling an execution of a pulse sequence, acquires magnetic resonance (MR) signals corresponding to a plurality of channels in the pulse sequence executed as a series, the MR signals being configured to be arranged into a first region of a k-space at first intervals and into a second region larger than the first region at second intervals larger than the first intervals; an arranging unit that arranges the MR signals corresponding to the channels into the k-space as k-space data; and an image generating unit that generates first-interval k-space data corresponding to the channels based on the second-interval k-space data acquired by executing the pulse sequence and generates a magnetic resonance image based on the generated first-interval k-space data, the first-interval k-space data acquired by executing the pulse sequence, and sensitivity distributions corresponding to the channels.

Abstract: In a method to correct a signal phase in the acquisition of MR signals of an examination subject in a slice multiplexing method, in which MR signals from at least two different slices of the examination subject are detected simultaneously in the acquisition of the MR signals, a linear correction phase in the slice selection direction is determined for each of the at least two slices. An RF excitation pulse with a slice-specific frequency is radiated in each of the at least two different slices. A slice selection gradient is activated during a slice selection time period, during which the different RF excitation pulses are radiated in the at least two different slices, and the slice selection time period has a middle point in time in the middle of the slice selection time period, and the different RF excitation pulses temporally overlap for the at least two different slices.

Abstract: Methods for determining the identity of a substance are provided. A classification parameter set is defined to allow identification of substances that previously could not be identified or to allow identification of substances with a higher degree of confidence. The classification parameter set may include at least one of relative nuclear susceptibility (RNS) or an x-ray linear attenuation coefficient (LAC). RNS represents the density of hydrogen nuclei present in a substance relative to the density of hydrogen nuclei present in water. The extended classification parameter set may include T1, T2, and/or T1? as well as at least one additional classification parameter comprising one of RNS or LAC. Values obtained for additional classification parameters as well as values obtained for T1, T2, and T1? can be compared to known classification parameter values to determine whether a particular substance is a known material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water/fat image identification method and device, and a harmonization method and device. An embodiment of the water/fat image identification method includes obtaining a water/fat image pair calculated by a Dixon method, and marking these as a first image and a second image; calculating grayscale histograms for the first image and the second image, respectively, to obtain a first grayscale histogram and second grayscale histogram; subtracting the second grayscale histogram from the first grayscale histogram to obtain a water/fat relationship graph; searching for the highest peak and lowest trough in the water/fat relationship graph, and if the highest peak is located behind the lowest trough, determining the first image as being a water image and the second image as being a fat image; and otherwise, determining the opposite. Embodiment of the present invention can accurately identify water images and fat images.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting electrical performance of a radio frequency (RF) coil assembly of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system during a medical imaging process of a subject to control changes in loading conditions of the RF coil caused by the subject during the medical imaging process.

Abstract: A method for controlling a magnetic resonance system is provided. The magnetic resonance system includes a plurality of radio-frequency transmit channels via which, in operation, parallel RF pulse trains are transmitted. The method includes specifying a common reference pulse train for the plurality of the radio-frequency transmit channels. The method also includes, determining, in an RF pulse optimization method, taking into account a prespecified target magnetization, a transmit scaling factor for each of the radio-frequency transmit channels in order to calculate the RF pulse trains for the transmit channels on the basis of the reference pulse train. The transmit scaling factors are optimized taking into account a component-induced B1 field maximum value that is dependent upon the transmit scaling factors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spin detector arrangement for detecting vector components of a predominating spin vector in a particle beam (T) having a predominating spin orientation of the particles. The spin detector arrangement comprises a spin rotator (1) having a switchable coil (5), wherein the switchable coil (5) comprises an axial direction and is aligned such that the particle beam (T) passes through the switchable coil (5) along the axial direction; a deflection device (7) connected downstream of the spin rotator (1) and deflecting the path of the particle beam (T) electrostatically by a deflection angle; a spin detector (9) connected downstream of the deflection device (7), allowing the deflection of the vector component of the spin vector predominating in the particle beam (T) perpendicular to the direction of motion of the particle beam (T); and a switching unit (15) connected to the switchable coil (5), allowing switching of the excitation state of the coil (5).

Abstract: A magnetic resonance imaging apparatus includes: an arranging unit that arranges magnetic resonance signals acquired by implementing parallel imaging and correspond to a plurality of channels into a first region on a k-space so as to be positioned at first interval to generate first k-space data and into a second region larger than the first region so as to be positioned at second interval larger than the first interval to generate second k-space data; a generating unit that generates third k-space data at the first interval corresponding to each of the plurality of channels, based on the second k-space data; and a reconstructing unit that reconstructs a magnetic resonance image, based on the first k-space data, the third k-space data, and sensitivity distributions corresponding to the plurality of channels.

Abstract: A cryogenic refrigerator includes a refrigerator having a cylinder and a displacer movably arranged in the cylinder. The displacer is operative to provide intake of an operating gas into the cylinder and exhaust of the gas out of the cylinder. The refrigerator includes a compressor for compressing the operating gas. The compressor includes a low-pressure side to receive the gas exhausted from the cylinder and a high-pressure side to discharge the gas compressed in the compressor into the cylinder. The refrigerator includes a medium-pressure buffer volume connected to a high-pressure side or a low-pressure side of the compressor. The compressor adjusts a pressure of the buffer volume. The buffer volume is also connected to the cylinder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a state space feedback controller operating in the digital domain for the regulation of the current supply to MRI gradient coils from a multiple-bridge PWM power amplifier. The Pl-controller comprises an integration part (for the integration of the difference between the demand current and the measured gradient coil current) and a subsequent P-controlled system which in turn comprises a delay compensator/stabilizer and a plant. The delay compensator/stabilizer comprises a multi-path feedback loop by means of which its digital output signal is fed back through delay blocks, on the one hand, and through filter units, on the other hand, whereby the filter units model the transfer functions of a gradient coil output filter for the gradient coil voltage and the output current of the amplifier inverter units, respectively.

Abstract: A method of processing data from an electromagnetic resistivity logging tool which includes a transmitter coil and a receiver coil is disclosed. The electromagnetic resistivity logging tool is placed at a desired location. The transmitter coil and the receiver coil are positioned at a first azimuthal angle. A signal is transmitted from the receiver coil. The receiver coil then receives a signal. The signal at the receiver coil, a tilt angle of the transmitter coil, a tilt angle of the receiver coil and the first azimuthal angle are then used to calculate a first complex voltage representing at least one component of the received signal.

Abstract: A testing system to test safety interlock switches to ensure that they are operating normally comprising a test loop circuit 16 which connects in series a plurality of safety switches 2, the test loop circuit 16 is adapted to open the switches 2 outputs if broken, the testing system further comprising a diagnostic means 18 which checks each switch to ensure it is operating normally when the test loop circuit 16 is broken. The test loop circuit 16 may be broken when a single switch 2 is activated to open its safety output.

Abstract: A voltage detection circuit for a secondary battery. A secondary battery is composed of a plurality of battery blocks (B1) to (B3), and is connected to a flying capacitor (C1) via input side sampling switches (SW1) to (SW3). The flying capacitor (C1) is connected to a differential amplifier circuit (10) via output side sampling switches (SWa) and (SWb). A feedback capacitor (C2) is connected to an inverting input terminal of the differential amplifier circuit (10) to form an integrator circuit, which reduces the capacitance of the flying capacitor (C1).

Abstract: A device for detecting an electrostatic discharge event by an object, the device comprising: a receiver for forming a first capacitive coupling with the object and a second capacitive coupling with a ground; and a first discharge path for discharging the second capacitive coupling to the ground, such that an electrostatic discharge event by the object charges the second capacitive coupling by an amount in a first time interval ?t1 that is substantially less than a second time interval ?t2 that it takes for the second capacitive coupling to discharge by the same amount through the first discharge path.

Abstract: A ground fault detection circuit includes an AC power supply and a plurality of resonance circuits. The plurality of resonance circuits are connected between at least one current path formed of a plurality of loads and the AC power supply. Each of the plurality of resonance circuits has the same resonance frequency as the frequency of the AC power supply.

Abstract: A ground fault detection device detects a ground fault within a photovoltaic array in a solar energy generator system including a photovoltaic string composed of a plurality of photovoltaic modules connected in series, the photovoltaic array composed of a plurality of the photovoltaic strings connected in parallel, and a load device consuming or converting electric power. The ground fault detection device includes a switching section which parallels off the photovoltaic array or the photovoltaic string by electrically disconnecting the photovoltaic array or the photovoltaic string from the solar energy generator system and a detection section which detects a ground fault in the photovoltaic array or the photovoltaic string while the photovoltaic array or the photovoltaic string is paralleled off by the switching section.

Abstract: A protective system far a power transformer having a neutral line connected to ground where large currents can flow in the neutral line due to electro-magnetic disturbances. The system includes circuitry for: (a) sensing the current level in the neutral line and whether it exceeds a predetermined threshold for a predetermined period; and (b) sensing and processing the harmonic content of the load current and determining the existence of certain relationships of the “even” and “odd” harmonics. Signals, including alarms, indicative of excessive conditions are produced. The system may also include circuitry for sensing the load current level and generating a signal alarm if the load level is above a giver) value when the harmonics and the DC current have values in excess of certain predetermined values.

Abstract: A sensing system is disclosed that uses at least one conductive plate and associated electronic circuitry to provide an output that is indicative of an object's position in relation to the at least one conductive plate. The sensing system is provided with a high impedance drive signal that varies as a result of the location of an object relative to the at least one conductive plate. The electronic circuitry receives a high impedance drive signal value as an input and a processor uses the value to calculate a digital output indicative of the object's position. The high impedance drive signal value is monitored over time enabling the objects position, displacement, pressure, movement, impact and energy to be determined. This data is output to a display and may also be transmitted to a person located remotely from the object being monitored.

Abstract: A test system and method for low voltage differential signaling (LVDS) is provided. The system comprises: an input module for the user to input the information needed by the test; a communication module for connecting the control device 110 and the oscilloscope 120 using the communication means selected by the user; a measurement module for measure the parameters of the LVDS signal thought controlling a oscilloscope; an assessment module for assessing whether the obtained parameters of the LVDS signal comply with relevant LVDS specifications; and an output module for outputting the parameters of the LVDS signal and the assessment result of the parameters from the assessment module. The test system and method for LVDS provided by the present invention can advantageously meet the competitive needs in fast mass production and efficient engineering qualification.

Abstract: A power detection apparatus is provided. The power detection apparatus includes a first current processing circuit and a second current processing circuit. The first current processing circuit is configured to provide a dynamic bias voltage at a bias terminal in response to a variation of a system power. The second current processing circuit is coupled to the first current processing circuit and is biased under the dynamic bias voltage for outputting a power good signal at an output terminal to represent that the system power is ready when the dynamic bias voltage is greater than a threshold voltage.

Abstract: A tunable proximity sensor and a method of manufacturing the same are disclosed. The proximity sensor includes a cap with different sections having different dielectric constants, shapes, and/or thicknesses. As the cap is rotated with respect the sensing element, these non-uniform sections induce a different loading on the sensor element from the electromagnetic field, allowing the proximity sensor to be tuned.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include micromechanical resonators. These resonators can be fabricated from thin silicon layers. Both rotational and translational resonators are disclosed. Translational resonators can include two plates coupled by two resonate beams. A stable DC bias current can be applied across the two beams that causes the plates to resonate. In other embodiments, disk resonators can be used in a rotational mode. Other embodiments of the invention include using resonators as timing references, frequency sources, particle mass sensors, etc.

Abstract: A water content measuring apparatus, for measuring water content present in a fluid flow through a tube, includes a pulse generator for generating in operation a temporal series of excitation pulses, a coil arrangement disposed around the tube adapted to be excited into resonance by the series of excitation pulses and interact with the fluid flow through the tube, and a signal processor adapted to receive resonance signals from the coil arrangement for determining a water content present within the tube. The coil arrangement includes a resonance coil having a length-to-diameter ratio which is at least 3:1, and wherein the resonance coil includes at least 10 turns.

Abstract: A filter assembly has a qualified filter element that filters fuel, o filter housing for the qualified filter element and a water-in-fuel sensor that senses presence of water in the filter housing. An electrical resistance of the water-in-fuel sensor changes based upon whether the qualified filter element is installed in the housing. A filter assembly can also have a plurality of magnetic elements disposed on at least one of the filter housing and the qualified filter element. A plurality of wires are disposed on at least the other of the filter housing and the qualified filter element. The control circuit determines that the qualified filter element is installed in the filter housing based on a change in the electrical current in the plurality of wires.

Abstract: According to one disclosed embodiment, an on-chip resistor calibration circuit includes an RC oscillator having a test resistor and a precision capacitor as elements, a counter, and a reference clock. In one embodiment, an RC oscillator generates a waveform having a period dependent upon the resistance of the test resistor and the capacitance of the precision capacitor. In such an embodiment, a counter and a reference clock may be configured to measure the period of the waveform. Using a pre-determined capacitance of the precision capacitor, a resistance of the test resistor may be determined. In another embodiment, an RC oscillator generates first and second waveforms through use of an additional capacitor that can be switched in and out of the RC oscillator circuit. Using a pre-determined capacitance of the precision capacitor, an RC product of the test resistor and the additional capacitor may be determined.

Abstract: A method for single-molecule detection is provided and uses a carbon nanotube having a probe entity attached thereto to define a first state of the carbon nanotube. The carbon nanotube is introduced to a target entity to define a second state of the carbon nanotube. The electrical conductance of the carbon nanotube in the first and second states is compared to detect the presence of a biomolecular entity. A system for single-molecule detection including a carbon nanotube is also provided.

Abstract: There is provided a smart package and monitoring system having a status indicator and a method of making the same. The smart package includes an electronic sensor monitoring tag having re-usable electronic circuitry and power source along with a conductive grid printed on a thin flexible substrate and connected to the tag so the tag and grid are in electrical continuity to form a monitoring device. The conductive grid is aligned with an opening of the smart package. The smart package can also include an optical ink indicator configured to display the status of the package. A multiplexer can be used to connect the tag to the conductive grid. The conductive grid can include capacitive sensors formed on a thin plastic layer and positioned so as to form a capacitive element with the conductive side of the blister.

Abstract: A combined gas sensor includes a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first and second electrodes are connected via an ion-conducting material. The first electrode is covered, in part, by a first catalytically active material. Further, a resistive gas sensor formed by a third electrode is arranged such that the third electrode is in direct contact with the first catalytic material and is not in direct contact with the first electrode.

Abstract: Various embodiments for detecting a high Intensity radiated field (HIRF) in a line replaceable unit are provided. In an embodiment, the internal detector comprises a receiving means for receiving HIRF and generating an AC signal proportional to the HIRF, an RF filter configured to sample the AC signal to create a DC signal; and a detecting section configured to compare the DC signal with a threshold and output a result of the comparison to a built-in test section. The internal detector may be used to test EMI filter pin connectors of a closed line replaceable unit.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes a probe substrate, a socket secured to the probe substrate, a heating element wire wound around the socket, a probe tip detachably connected to the socket, a stage on which an object to be measured is mounted, and a heating unit for heating the stage.

Abstract: An aging monitor circuit that provides a more accurate estimate of aging and/or delay in a circuit and/or circuit path. The aging monitor circuit employs a separate aging path with driving and receiving flip flops (FFs) and a tunable replica circuit (TRC) to enable measurements of single-transition DC-stressed path delay that only propagates through stressed transistors or other circuit element(s). A finite state machine (FSM) in the aging monitor circuit is configured to adjust a frequency of a clock signal output by a digitally controlled oscillator (DCO) in response to an error signal output by the receiving FF. The error signal is generated in response to single transition DC-stressed path delay, and therefore enables the adjustment of the frequency of the clock signal to correspond to an amount or effect of the delay.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a system and a method for thermal control. More particularly, the invention encompasses an apparatus for thermal control and management of at least one device under test (DUT). The inventive thermal control and management apparatus also allows for the management of a plurality of devices under test, and with each device under test having its own testing regimen. The thermal control and management of the device under test (DUT) is managed using at least one thermoelectric element or cooler (TEC), which can be used to either heat or cool the corresponding device under test (DUT).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described herein for emulating the hot spot distribution of a functional test by applying vectors for structural test to an integrated circuit (IC). The affects of the hot spots can then be tested and characterized. The vectors may be generated on the IC, or may be fed to the IC via an external source.

Abstract: A method for testing a semiconductor device. The method comprises moving a probe in a vertical direction towards an electrical structure on a semiconductor device to position the probe alongside the electrical structure. A tip of the probe is positioned lower than an elevation of an outermost periphery of the electrical structure. The method also includes moving the probe in a lateral direction towards the electrical structure to contact the electrical structure. The probe tip mechanically and electrically engages the electrical structure.

Abstract: In a method for detecting working states of I/O pins of electronic components, a signal is transmitted between at least two of the I/O pins. A probe of an oscilloscope is connected to an I/O pin. A waveform of the signal through the I/O pin is detected. Charges are transmitted to the probe. A working state of the I/O pin is determined by detecting whether the waveform of the signal through the I/O pin is changed when the charges are transmitted to the probe.