Abstract: Herein, a polymer-based device capable of lifting many times its own mass was fabricated by drying a solution of the polycation poly (diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride) (pDADMAC) on a surface coated with charged poly (N-isopropylacrylamide)-based microgels. Due to strong polymer-polymer and polymer-surface interactions, when the pDADMAC solution dries on the microgel-modified surface, it bends. If the surface is flexible, it curls up into a scroll like structure, that can be opened up at high (ca. 80%) humidity. This process is fully reversible, i.e., if the humidity is decreased, the surface curls back up. This expansion/contraction behavior is capable of lifting relatively large masses, many times its own mass, and can potentially be used as an artificial muscle.

Abstract: The present invention is thus directed to an automated system and method of varying the optical path length in a sample that a light from a spectrophotometer must travel through. Such arrangements allow a user to easily vary the optical path length while also providing the user with an easy way to clean and prepare a transmission cell for optical interrogation. Such path length control can be automatically controlled by a programmable control system to quickly collect and stores data from different path lengths as needed for different spectrographic analysis. Such a methodology and system, as presented herein, is able to return best-match spectra with far fewer computational steps and greater speed than if all possible combinations of reference spectra are considered.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment provides an analytical system for measurement of mercury concentration that can be used to monitor mercury concentration in industrial and sewage water and combustion gases.

Abstract: Methods of analyzing glatiramer acetate (GA) to assess secondary structure, for example, alpha helical content and/or random coil content thereof are provided as are methods for preparing a composition comprising GA and methods for identifying a copolymer as GA.

Abstract: A spectroscopic scanning device, a portable spectroscopic scanning system, and methods for using the spectroscopic scanning device are described that include at least one focusing element configured to collect light, a beam-steering element configured to direct a portion of the collected light from the at least one focusing element, and a detector configured to receive the directed light from the beam-steering element, wherein the beam-steering element is operable to successively select portions of light from a plurality of locations within its field of regard.

Abstract: A method includes decomposing a training set to obtain a principal component matrix having a plurality of principal component vectors. The method also includes variably rejecting portions of a sample spectrum vector that do not correspond to a selected one of the plurality of principal component vectors by incrementally providing a coefficient indicative of the weighting of the selected principal component vector for selected sub-regions. A corrected spectrum vector can be obtained by excluding certain sub-regions of the sample spectrum vector and corresponding principal component vector, multiplying the sample spectrum vector with the principal component matrix for non-excluded sub-regions, providing a predicted interference vector, and subtracting the predicted interference vector from the sample spectrum vector.

Abstract: An optical system for sensing an environmental parameter, comprising: a pulse generator for generating a first pulse having a first wavelength and a second pulse having a second wavelength; a pulse splitter for splitting each one of the first and second pulse into a sensing pulse and a reference pulse; a sensing arm for receiving the sensing pulses therefrom and comprising a spectro-ratiometric sensor; a reference arm for receiving the reference pulses; a time delay line for delaying a relative propagation of the sensing pulses and the reference pulses; a light detector for measuring an optical energy of the sensing pulse and the reference pulse, for the first and second wavelengths; and at least one optical link for optically connecting the pulse generator to the pulse splitter, and the sensing and reference arms to the light detector.

Abstract: An infrared detection device can be used to detect coal mine polar gas. The detection device can include a central processor and a gas pool assembly having a moveable optical window. The moveable optical window can include a stationary pool body and a moveable pool body inserted into the stationary pool body.

Abstract: Configurations for in-situ gas detection are provided, and include miniaturized photonic devices, low-optical-loss, guided-wave structures and state-selective adsorption coatings. High quality factor semiconductor resonators have been demonstrated in different configurations, such as micro-disks, micro-rings, micro-toroids, and photonic crystals with the properties of very narrow NIR transmission bands and sensitivity up to 10?9 (change in complex refractive index). The devices are therefore highly sensitive to changes in optical properties to the device parameters and can be tunable to the absorption of the chemical species of interest. Appropriate coatings applied to the device enhance state-specific molecular detection.

Abstract: A substrate can include a feature pattern included in an integrated circuit on the substrate and an in-situ metrology pattern spaced apart from the feature pattern on the substrate, the in-situ metrology pattern and the feature pattern both configured to have equal heights relative to a surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An integrated metrology module includes a chuck for holding a sample and positioning the sample with respect to an optical metrology device, a reference chip for the optical metrology device, the reference chip being movable to various positions with respect to the optical metrology device, and a reference chip purge device provides a flow of purge gas or air over the reference chip while the reference chip is in the various positions. The reference chip purge device may be static or movable with the reference chip.

Abstract: A method of detecting particles in an air flow is described. The method includes receiving a signal indicative of light intensity scattered from the air flow at a plurality of wavelengths and processing the signal indicative of the intensity of received light at each of the wavelengths and a corresponding wavelength dependent parameter to generate an output signal indicative of at least one characteristic of particles in the air flow. A particle detection system is also described.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a plasmonic structure having an enhanced resonance frequency bandwidth. In one aspect, a plasmon-enhanced coupler is provided having a first plasmon region and a second plasmon region. A resonance frequency bandwidth of the plasmon-enhanced coupler is a hybridization of at least one first resonance frequency of the first plasmon region, and at least one second resonance frequency of the second plasmon region. The first plasmon region may be implemented as a single layer of graphene conductive material, and the second plasmon region may be implemented as multiple layers of graphene conductive material. The resonance frequency bandwidth may be chosen to overlap a frequency that comprises a vibration frequency of certain molecules of interest. Radiation directed to the plasmon-enhanced coupler causes its plasmons to interact with the molecules of interest, thereby altering the radiation.

Abstract: A method for a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensing system is disclosed. The LSPR sensing system has an optical detection system and a test specimen with metal nanoparticles arranged in an anisotropic periodic manner that generates a phase signal of the LSPR sensing system. The method includes: emitting an incident light toward the test specimen to excite the metal nanoparticles, thereby generating an emergent light; using the optical detection system to detect phases of a first polarization state and a second polarization state of the emergent light, where the first polarization state is perpendicular to the second polarization state; and obtaining a phase difference spectrum between the phases of the first and second polarization states, thereby determining a half maximum (FWHM) of the phase difference spectrum.

Abstract: In order to implement a microfluidics sensor having higher efficiency, Applicants have developed a method of formation of nano-structures having various shapes and sizes onto materials such as polymers, glass and silicon, which are compatible with the microfabrication processes. The adhesion of the nano-structures and feasibility to tune their properties (optical, electrical and mechanical) are two prime concerns when they are adopted for microfluidics devices.

Abstract: A package inspection system is provided, where an electromagnetic-wave detection part is hardly affected by illumination light for optical detection. Below a gap 6c of a conveyor mechanism 6 for conveying a package, provided are an X-ray sensor 13 for detecting X rays transmitted through the package and an illumination part 16 for applying illumination light to the gap 6c. The X-ray sensor 13 and the illumination part 16 are separated from each other by a partition 42. A light-shielding member 43 is placed in the path of X-ray incidence to the X-ray sensor 13. The light-shielding member 43 is formed of a material that allows passage of the X rays but does not allow passage of the illumination light and is hardly deteriorated by irradiation of the X rays, e.g., a carbon sheet.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a detecting device and a detecting method of a transparent display panel. The method comprises: providing a reference pattern sheet having n pairs of first regions with a first color and second regions with a second color alternately arranged in a first direction, and each of the first regions and each of the second regions having a same predetermined width D in the first direction; forming a uniform predetermined illuminance on the reference pattern sheet; detecting directly the reference pattern sheet by a measuring device; detecting the reference pattern sheet through the transparent panel display by the measuring device; and thereby determining a clarity of the transparent display panel.

Abstract: An apparatus that detects a material within a sample includes signal generation circuitry that generates a first signal having at least one orbital angular momentum applied thereto and applies the first signal to the sample. A detector receives the first signal after the first signal passes through the sample and detects the material responsive to a detection of a predetermined profile of orbital angular momentum states within the first signal received from the sample.

Abstract: An optical sensor may have multiple detection channels to detect different characteristics of a fluid. For example, an optical sensor used in industrial cleaning and sanitizing applications may have multiple detection channels to detect when a system is both clean and properly sanitized. In one example, an optical sensor includes an optical emitter that directs light into a fluid, a first optical detector that detects light transmitted through the fluid, a second optical detector that detects light scattered by the fluid, and a third optical detector that detects fluorescent emissions emitted by the fluid. The optical emitter and optical detectors can be positioned around an optical analysis area. The optical sensor may include filters that control the characteristics of light detected by each of the optical detectors.

Abstract: The present application discloses a detecting apparatus including: a light source for emitting excitation light; a storage portion in which a specimen is stored; a metal film which receives the excitation light to cause evanescent light for illuminating the specimen; a modulator for adjusting an incident angle of the excitation light on the metal film; a driver for generating a driving signal for driving the modulator; a detector for outputting a fluorescence signal in correspondence to intensity of fluorescence generated from the specimen under irradiation of the evanescent light; and an extractor which extracts a signal component from the fluorescence signal, the signal component deriving from the specimen. The incident angle changes in response to a change of the driving signal. The extractor extracts a synchronous signal component as the signal component, the synchronous signal component changing in synchronization with the change of the driving signal.

Abstract: A fluorescence intensity analyzing and fluorescence image synthesizing system and method are disclosed. The first fluorescence intensity detection device successively detects the plurality of first fluorescence intensities according to the first timing and the second fluorescence intensity detection device successively detects the plurality of second fluorescence intensities according to the second timing, and then the picture processing device analyzes the first and second timings and synthesizes the first and second fluorescence intensity ranges into the synthesized picture according to the fluorescence intensities, whereby the image processing technology may be used to calculate the fluorescence target range and thus mark the fluorescence target range.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to optical devices that can collect and detect signal emissions effectively while allowing the excitation light path and the sample flow path to coexist non-obstructively in a compact format. The device has various embodiments, such as an embodiment including a plurality of reporters disposed on a sensing surface, wherein each one of the plurality of reporters is configured to react with a least one target analyte, a hyperspectral detection module configured to capture hyperspectral image data corresponding to the plurality of reporters, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive the hyperspectral image data from the hyperspectral detection module and generate a temporal spectral signature corresponding to each one of the plurality of reporters from the received hyperspectral image data.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods for generating super-resolution patterns of molecules on substrates.

Abstract: Optical readers and alignment tools for detecting the level of an analyte. Described herein are small, disposable partially-encapsulated sensing chips for detecting an analyte level from a fluid sample (e.g., a blood sample) having an edge of the integrated sensing chip exposed to directly expose a plurality of excitation and a collection waveguides, as well as optical readers and methods of operating them. A fluid sample maybe applied to a sensing surface of the sensing chip in the housing so that an analyte level can be optically detected. Also described are methods of sensing an analyte using these devices and systems including an optical detector.

Abstract: Chemical sensors today are deployed in massive volumes across multiple industries and yet at the same time they are subject to substantial research and development effort to establish new, faster, lower cost, more accurate, more sensitive chemical sensors. Such sensors and sensor arrays are being exploited across chemistry, biology, clinical biology, environmental science in civilian and military markets. Amongst the many sensor methodologies are xerogel substrates with two moieties, a receptor for molecular recognition of the analyte and a luminophore for signaling the recognition event. In order to fulfill the requirements for low cost there is a requirement for electronic excitation/read circuits that can support architectures with optical source—N sensors—X filters—M detectors, where M?N and X=N|M.

Abstract: An optical imaging method for analyzing an ex vivo tissue sample of a subject is provided. The method includes obtaining the ex vivo tissue sample, preparing the ex vivo tissue sample onto a sample receptacle of an optical imaging system, and emitting excitation light toward the ex vivo tissue sample. The method also includes acquiring imaging data of light emitted by the ex vivo tissue sample in response to the excitation light, analyzing the imaging data to determine whether the ex vivo tissue sample contains pathologic tissue, and generating an output indicating to an operator whether the ex vivo tissue sample contains pathologic tissue.

Abstract: Provided are methods, devices and systems that utilize free-surface fluidics and SERS for analyte detection with high sensitivity and specificity. The molecules can be airborne agents, including but not limited to explosives, narcotics, hazardous chemicals, or other chemical species. The free-surface fluidic architecture is created using an open microchannel, and exhibits a large surface to volume ratio. The free-surface fluidic interface can filter interferent molecules, while concentrating airborne analyte molecules. The microchannel flow enables controlled aggregation of SERS-active probe particles in the flow, thereby enhancing the detector's sensitivity.

Abstract: The location where forsterite is present is checked in a region from which light excited by an electron beam is emitted when a material containing forsterite is irradiated with an electron beam. The material is preferably a grain oriented electrical steel sheet having a forsterite layer. In addition, it is preferable that the accelerating voltage be 10 kV or more when an electron beam is radiated when the material is a grain oriented electrical steel sheet having a tension coating layer on the forsterite layer.

Abstract: A chemiluminescent detection system, kits and microfluidics devices containing same, and methods of use thereof, are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided for example is a combination glove comprising: (a) an top elastomer layer with an inner surface, the top elastomer layer being translucent or transparent; (b) an bottom elastomer layer with an outer surface, the bottom elastomer layer being darker than the top elastomer layer; and (c) a space or seam between the layers, wherein to either the inner-top or the outer-bottom surface has been adhered a hydrophilicity promoting composition of (i) a polyvinyl alcohol or (ii) an alkyl-aryl compound or a siloxane compound having a pendent one to two oxy-polymers, or (iii) a quaternary amine including an alkyl of C8 to C24, wherein the oxy-polymer is (1) a poly-oxyalkylene polymer that is predominantly oxyethylene or (2) a polyvinyl alcohol, wherein the hydrophilicity promoting composition enhances the spreading in the space or seam of any of the hydrophilic or aqueous fluid that breaches the top or bottom elastomer layer.

Abstract: The following description relates to a composite for a harmful material-detecting sensor, which includes a dye having a color-change function by reaction with acid or base and a polymer material, a method for producing the composite for the harmful material-detecting sensor, and a low-cost film-type color change harmful material sensor, which includes the composite for the harmful material-detecting sensor so as to quickly detect a harmful material and can be carried by an individual.

Abstract: Various embodiments for detecting defects on a wafer are provided. One method includes acquiring output generated by an inspection system for a wafer during an inspection process that is performed after at least first and second process steps have been performed on the wafer. The first and second process steps include forming first and second portions, respectively, of a design on the wafer. The first and second portions of the design are mutually exclusive in space on the wafer. The method also includes detecting defects on the wafer based on the output and determining positions of the defects with respect to the first and second portions of the design. In addition, the method includes associating different portions of the defects with the first or second process step based on the positions of the defects with respect to the first and second portions of the design.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to measure specular reflection intensity, specular reflection angle, near specular scattered radiation, and large angle scattered radiation and determine the location and type of defect present in a first and a second transparent solid that have abutting surfaces. The types of defects include a top surface particle, an interface particle, a bottom surface particle, an interface bubble, a top surface pit, and a stain. The four measurements are conducted at multiple locations along the surface of the transparent solid and the measured information is stored in a memory device. The difference between an event peak and a local average of measurements for each type of measurement is used to detect changes in the measurements. Information stored in the memory device is processed to generate a work piece defect mapping indicating the type of defect and the defect location of each defect found.

Abstract: The invention is a method of Fano resonance microwave spectroscopy of high absorption matter. The method comprises: embedding a magnetic-dipolar-mode (MDM) ferrite disk in the microwave cavity, loading a sample of the high absorption matter in the microwave cavity, using a bias magnetic field to tune the MDM resonance frequency of the ferrite disk to the resonance frequency of the cavity; and observing the symmetric Lorentz-like lineshape of the resonance peaks that are obtained.

Abstract: A millimeter wave scanning imaging system for scanning objects comprises a transport means for transporting the objects in a first direction, a millimeter wave measurement system and a scanning system. The millimeter wave measurement system comprises a transmitter coupled to a first antenna and a receiver coupled to a second antenna, which are arranged distant to each other and form a gap through which the objects can be transported. The scanning system generates a synchronous arc-shaped movement of the first antenna and the second antenna. The signal from the transmitter is converted from H10 mode into H11 mode and coupled via a rotary joint in H11 mode to the first antenna, thus maintaining the orientation or polarization of the signal constant with respect to the transport means over rotation.

Abstract: A motion-based interlock apparatus, system, and method prevent an x-ray source in an x-ray machine from activating if the current relative motion between the x-ray source and an image receptor would compromise the quality of the resulting plain radiograph. The system activates the interlock based on either or both of the velocity and acceleration of the tubehead, as measured by instrumentation corresponding to any of the tubehead, the extension arm, or off board the x-ray machine. The system may preferably compare the measured motion against one or more acceptable motion thresholds. If the measured motion exceeds one or more of the acceptable motion thresholds, exposure may preferably be delayed until the motion of the tubehead subsides. By ensuring that the image is not exposed while the tubehead is moving substantially, the quality of the resultant radiograph is improved.

Abstract: A digital radiographic tool with drive car for moving along track sections attached longitudinally to a pipe is shown. The drive car carries (1) a collimator on one side of the pipe for projecting x-rays or gamma rays on said pipe and (2) a linear digital array on an opposing side of the pipe for collecting x-rays or gamma rays that have passed through the pipe. The collected rays are processed to indicate any defects in the pipe. The digital radiographic tool is adjustable to allow inspection of pipes that have obstructions adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A portable x-ray backscattering imaging system for creating a backscatter image representing an object is disclosed. The portable x-ray backscattering imaging system may include a drum, a radioactive source, a plurality of backscatter detectors, and a portable exterior shield. The drum may be rotatable about an axis of rotation at a rotational speed. The radioactive source may be connected to the drum and configured to generate x-rays. The plurality of backscatter detectors may be configured to detect backscattering radiation created as the x-rays generated by the radioactive source scatter back from the object. The portable exterior shield may enclose the drum. The exterior shield may be constructed of a material that substantially blocks the x-rays and defines a window that allows for the x-rays to pass through.

Abstract: A method and device that analyzes a sample with a diffractometer that includes a collimated source, a spectrometric detector, and a detection collimator. The sample is irradiated with an incident beam and the detector has a detection plane with multiple physical or virtual pixels. An measured energy spectrum is established for each pixel and each measured energy spectrum is readjusted. The spectrum is expressed as a function of a variable that accounts for the energy of the scattered radiation and an angle of diffraction. The fulfillment of at least one multiple material criterion is verified. Groups of pixels are formed using the results of the verification step, each group corresponding to a layer of material and different groups corresponding to different layers of material, and the spectra are combined by group, during which, for each group, the readjusted spectra for the pixels of the group are combined.

Abstract: An x-ray analysis system having an x-ray engine with an x-ray source for producing an x-ray excitation beam directed toward an x-ray analysis focal area; a sample chamber for presenting a sample stream to the x-ray analysis focal area, the analysis focal area disposed within a sample analysis area defined within the chamber; an x-ray detection path for collecting secondary x-rays and directing the x-rays toward a detector; an x-ray transparent barrier on a wall of the chamber through which the x-rays pass; and a blocking structure partially blocking the sample analysis area, for creating sample stream turbulence in the sample analysis area and over the barrier. The blocking structure may be disposed asymmetrically about a central axis of the x-ray analysis focal area and/or the sample analysis area; and may be a rounded pin. A heating element may be used to heat the sample stream for improving flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a handheld instrument and a mobile device for x-ray fluorescence analysis, having a housing (29) and a handle (14), having an x-ray fluorescence measurement device arranged in the housing (29) which comprises a radiation source, by which a primary beam is directed onto a measurement surface (38) of a measurement object (39) through an outlet window (31), having a detector arranged in the housing (29) which detects the secondary radiation emitted by the measurement surface (38) of the measurement object (39), having a data processing device arranged in the housing (29) which controls at least one display (19) which is provided on the housing (29) or is connected to it, wherein the outlet window (31) is provided on a front-side end of a first housing section (30) of the housing (29) and at least one positioning element (33) is provided on the first housing section (30), allocated to this outlet window (31), a support element (36) is provided on at least one further housing section (33)

Abstract: A handheld x-ray fluorescence (XRF) device may include communication circuitry for communicating over a network. In some embodiments information related to sale and/or pricing of material identified by the XRF device is communicated by and/or to the XRF device. In some embodiments the XRF device communicates information regarding rental of the XRF device. In some embodiments the XRF device may be used to ascertain whether an item, for example an item of evidence or a particular item in a manufacturing environment, includes a material composition expected for the item, and in some embodiments storing or logging a result of such a determination.

Abstract: In a periodic heating radiation temperature measuring technique thermophysical property measuring device that is equipped a heating laser beam irradiator to irradiate laser beams periodically to a sample at a frequency f and an infrared light condenser to condense infrared light radiated from a certain point of the sample, wherein the heating laser beam irradiator and the infrared light condenser being arranged to face each other across the sample, and measures a thermal diffusivity based on a periodic temperature change of the sample, and an infrared fiber that guides infrared light condensed by the infrared light condenser up to a radiation thermometer; and a controller that measures a phase difference ? between a period of a temperature change of the radiation thermometer and a period of the heating laser beams, and calculates a thermal diffusivity based on the phase difference ? and the frequency f.

Abstract: A method for simulating an effect of surface temperature of an electronic device on skin of a human being when the electronic device is touched by the human being. The method comprises applying heat to a material within a cavity of a body, the body comprising a first end, a second end, an outer surface, and an inner surface that defines the cavity extending between the first end and the second end. The outer surface and the material have heat and thermal conductivity properties similar to human skin. The method comprises sensing a temperature of the material, and sensing a temperature of at least a portion of the outer surface when the portion of the outer surface contacts the electronic device.

Abstract: In order to prevent deterioration and a breakdown of a sensor element when the sensor element is activated in a state where liquid is attached thereto, and to remove the liquid in a short period of time with lower power consumption, there is provided a gas sensor including a first heating element and a second heating element that is formed around the periphery of the first heating element and has a wider forming area than the first heating element, and measuring a gas amount by heating the first heating element to a predetermined temperature, in which the second heating element is heated when the gas sensor is activated, and the first heating element is heated to the predetermined temperature after a heat value of the first heating element is restricted for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method includes conducting a plurality of tests on process variables of a thermal process, with a test of the plurality of tests being conducted on two or more process variables, the test comprising: locally heating a region of a structure, wherein the local heating results in formation of a thermal field in the structure; assessing one or more temperature integrals of the thermal field; and based on results of the plurality of tests, generating a process map of the one or more temperature integrals of the thermal field, with the one or more temperature integrals based on a function of the two or more process variables.

Abstract: A method of measuring biological sample properties and a biological sample property measuring apparatus is provided. A method of measuring biological sample properties includes disposing a biomaterial to contact a sensing unit, detecting a radio frequency (RF) signal flowing through the sensing unit, and obtaining an RF property indicator of the biomaterial based on the detected RF signal.

Abstract: A gas detection apparatus (1) which includes a gas detection element (3) including a heat generation resistor (34); an energization control section (7) which switches the energization state of the heat generation resistor to alternately assume one of two resistance values corresponding to one of two set temperatures set in advance; and a casing member (90) which accommodates the gas detection element and has a gas inlet opening (92h). The gas detection apparatus further includes a humidity computation section (7) which computes the humidity of the object atmosphere based on a ratio of a high-temperature-time voltage VH to a low-temperature-time voltage VL; and a clogging determination section (7) which determines the degree of clogging of the gas inlet opening based on a change in the humidity computed by the humidity computation section.

Abstract: A remote sensor platform may utilize a low-cost touch sensor coupled to capacitive plates to measure the capacitance of a soil. The sensor platform may also use other sensors to measure other garden parameters, such as soil resistance, soil pH, ambient light, soil or air temperature, and humidity. Based on measurements of a soil's resistance and capacitance, the soil moisture content may be determined.

Abstract: Microfluidic, electrochemical devices are described. The microfluidic, electrochemical device may include a sample zone on a first porous, hydrophilic layer, a reference zone and a microfluidic channel, wherein the microfluidic channel provides for predominantly diffusive fluid communication between the sample zone and the reference zone; (therefore realizing a similar function of a reference electrode), a fluid-impermeable material that defines each of the sample zone, reference zone and microfluidic channel, a first electrode in fluid communication with the sample zone and a second electrode in fluid communication with the reference zone. Also described are microfluidic, electrochemical devices containing an ion-selective membrane for potentiometric ion sensing.