Abstract: A magnetic coupling for transferring rotational motion from a prime mover to a load includes reference marks calibrated to indicate torque applied to the coupling during operation. A light source providing intermittent light flashes permits a user to visibly discern the relative rotational position of the reference marks to one another, and thereby determine the torque applied to the coupling.

Abstract: An optical sensor for pressure measurements comprises a sensor head including: a diaphragm having a first surface in contact with a fluid of which the pressure has to be measured and a second surface opposite to the first surface, a body with a tubular cavity, means arranged inside the tubular cavity, associated with the second surface of the diaphragm and movable longitudinally inside said tubular cavity in response to deformation of the diaphragm, said means including a reflective surface, an end part of waveguide means arranged inside the tubular cavity and having the end surface faced to and not in contact with the reflective surface of said means, said waveguide means being connected to a light source and a receiver respectively to send to said means the light beam deriving from the light source and to collect at the receiver the light beam reflected from the reflective surface.

Abstract: The present invention, in one embodiment, provides a method of measuring pressure or temperature using a sensor including a sensor element composed of a plurality of carbon nanotubes. In one example, the resistance of the plurality of carbon nanotubes is measured in response to the application of temperature or pressure. The changes in resistance are then recorded and correlated to temperature or pressure. In one embodiment, the present invention provides for independent measurement of pressure or temperature using the sensors disclosed herein.

Abstract: A pressure sensor unit to be attached to an air inlet port of an air tool, comprising a valve portion configured to shut off an air supply from an air passage through an induction pipe insertion portion when an air induction pipe of the air tool is not inserted in the induction pipe inserting portion, and configured to open the air supply from the air passage into the air induction pipe by the valve portion being pushed by the air induction pipe when the air induction pipe is inserted into the induction pipe inserting portion.

Abstract: A system for continuous measurement of multiple fluids in multiple tanks and computation of physical properties for each of the multiple fluids continuously. The system can use a plurality of probes, a plurality of client devices, a master control processor, and a master control data storage. The master control data storage can have computer instructions for receiving data from the plurality of probes, receiving data from other detection devices associated with the fluid in each tank, mapping collected data to a relational database, and comparing mapped data to stored values associated with prioritized alarm functions. The master control data storage can also have computer instructions for generating alarms to both a display connected with the master control processor and to the plurality of client devices using a network, generating reports associated with each generated alarm, generating an alarm log, and generating a history of actions taken by a user.

Abstract: A pressure sensor has a housing having a bottom surface and side walls that form a cavity. A pressure sensor die is attached to the bottom of the cavity and covered with a layer of low modulus gel. A lid is secured to upper ends of the side walls and covers the cavity, gel and pressure sensor die. The lid has an inner surface facing the gel and an exposed outer surface, and includes protrusions extending from the inner surface along the side walls and towards the gel such that the gel near the upper ends of the side walls is displaced towards a central region of the cavity to ensure that the gel completely covers the pressure sensor die.

Abstract: A pressure-measurement device includes a pressure-measurement surface, which is functionally connected to a test body, and a sealed pressure-measurement housing in which the test body is arranged. The pressure-measurement surface is carried by a deformable wall of the sealed pressure-measurement housing lying at a distance from the test body. The sealed pressure-measurement housing delimits an internal space, which is a space internal to the sealed housing. The pressure-measurement device also includes a pressure-transmission object that transmits the pressure between the pressure-measurement surface and the test body. The pressure-transmission object includes a substantially incompressible material occupying all of the internal space. The pressure-measurement device further includes an energy source and a processor for processing pressure data detected by the test body. The processor is arranged in the sealed pressure-measurement housing.

Abstract: This is an easy-to-use pressure gauge calibration apparatus, which uses a pressure gauge as a standard device and is not affected by an order of calibration pressure points or pressure holding time. The pressure gauge calibration apparatus includes a pressure gauge serving as a standard device, the pressure gauge being calibrated in advance by a calibration procedure to repeat necessarily restoring a predetermined pressure state after data acquisition at each calibration pressure point, and adjusting pressure to a subsequent calibration pressure point, a pressure generation control device, a shut-off valve, and a measurement control unit.

Abstract: A field testable instrument housing connection is made up of an integral instrument housing assembly that includes both an instrument housing and a separate one-piece compression nut portion and a separate modified reducing union. The instrument housing has a mating geometry that is disposed over the downhole portion of the separate modified reducing union and the separate one-piece compression nut portion is then disposed over both the uphole portion of the instrument housing and a downhole portion of the modified reducing union. The complete assembly of the modified reducing union, including primary and secondary seals in combination with the integral instrument housing assembly provide then both an annular seal and a seal of the instrument housing. The entire assembly is field testable via provided test ports.

Abstract: A tester and method for testing for a leak in an evaporative-emissions system of a motor vehicle comprise a/an power supply, computer, display communicating with the computer, analog-to-digital board communicating with the power supply and computer, pressure sensor communicating with the board, housing into which the power supply, board, and sensor are integrated, stationary enclosure, and test connection including a hose to the enclosure. A fuel-vapor pressure-rise rate is recorded with an engine of a motor vehicle turned “off.” A value is recorded that directly correlates with an out-gassing effect created by a volume, blend, and temperature of fuel. A “purge” cycle occurs at idling of the vehicle within a short period of time. The engine applies a vacuum to a fuel-delivery system of the vehicle. Vacuum decay is recorded. A leak rate is determined by off-setting the recorded fuel-vapor pressure-rise rate with the recorded vacuum decay.

Abstract: An evaporated fuel processing apparatus includes a valve between a canister and a fuel tank, and adsorbs evaporated fuel by the canister during fuel filling, and introduces into an intake air line of an internal combustion engine and processes the evaporated fuel while the internal combustion engine is operating. A diagnostic apparatus includes: a pump for pressurizing a system including the fuel tank and the canister; and a pressure sensor for sensing an internal pressure of the system. The diagnostic apparatus diagnoses whether or not leakage is present, based on a change in the internal pressure of the system from a pressurized state, wherein the pressurized state is a state pressurized to a predetermined pressure for diagnosis that is higher than a tank pressure at start of diagnosis; and maintains the fuel tank in the pressurized state by closing the valve after termination of the diagnosis.

Abstract: A pressure decay testing system including a testing device for determining the reliability of connectors is provided and includes a pneumatic cylinder that raises and lowers a sealing member that closes a second end of a connector inserted in the device. A base member is adjacent pneumatic cylinder and includes a receiving surface having at least one receiving member for holding the connector. A channel is disposed therethrough though the receiving surface of the base member and aligns with an inner bore of the connector inserted in the testing device. An air line is attached to base member fluidly connecting inner bore of the connector with decay tester. Decay tester introduces a pressure differential through the channel to reach a predetermined set point pressure when the connector is closed by the testing device. Decay tester is configured to measure a change in pressure over time with respect to the predetermined set point.

Abstract: A connector-engagement-state detection system for detecting states of engagement of a connector with a connector receiver and for detecting one or more fault states within the detection system itself so as to prevent false engagement state information. In some embodiments, the detection system includes a light source that emits detection light and a light sensor that detects the detection light. The connector-receiver and/or connector are configured, and the light source and the light sensor are located relative to one another so that some of the detection light reaches the sensor regardless of whether or not the connector is fully engaged with the connector-receiver. This arrangement allows for the determination of one or more faults within the detection system itself, such as a faulty light source or faulty detector.

Abstract: A device for detecting a pressure, in particular in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine, has a housing and an adapter element secured in the housing for accommodating a sensor module. The sensor module includes at least one sensor element and one support element. The sensor element makes electrical contact with connecting lines which extend in the axial direction of the sensor module. The support element has a section on which support surfaces are formed for the connecting lines.

Abstract: It is intended to display a schematic diagram of substantially the whole of an internal combustion engine test system on a screen and a color, brightness, pattern or shape of a symbol representing a test device shown in the schematic diagram are changed according to a degree of operation safety of the test device, whereby a user is allowed to intuitively recognize a situation relating to the safety of the entire system at a glance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for on-line monitoring of hot gas path components of a gas turbine are provided. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a system may include a camera operable to monitor one or more hot gas path components of the gas turbine and a processor communicatively coupled to the camera. The processor is operable to receive realtime data from the camera monitoring the one or more hot gas path components of the gas turbine and compare the realtime data to reference data. Based on the comparison, the processor can determine that a difference between the realtime data and the reference data exceeds a predetermined threshold. If the difference exceeds the predetermined threshold, the processor can notify operators of an anomaly in the one or more hot gas path components.

Abstract: A mobile body corrosion measuring apparatus having a corrosion sensor installed in at least one portion of a mobile body, the corrosion sensor measuring a corrosion state at the portion and outputting corrosion data; a vehicle (mobile body) running speed sensor installed in the mobile body, the running speed sensor measuring a running speed of the mobile body and outputting the running speed data; and a data collection unit that acquires the corrosion data from the corrosion sensor and the running speed data from the vehicle speed sensor at the same time and collects the corrosion data and the running speed data with the corrosion data and the running speed data associated with each other. Due to above structure, a corrosion state specific to the mobile body can be accurately measured.

Abstract: An apparatus is mounted to a vehicle for obtaining a camber angle measurement. The apparatus includes a lower elongated member, a vertical elongated member, and an upper elongated member. The apparatus further includes a lower coupling that connects the lower elongated member to the vertical elongated member. The lower coupling allows the vertical elongated member to rotate about an axis, and prevents the lower elongated member from rotating about its longitudinal axis. The apparatus also includes an upper coupling that connects the vertical elongated member to the upper elongated member. A lower connector is connected to the lower elongated member, and is configured to be connected to a wheel of a vehicle. An upper connector is connected to the upper elongated member, and is configured to be connected to the vehicle.

Abstract: A device for measuring the profile of the tread of a tire (12) comprises: a running surface (16), which is provided for the tire (12) to roll on and in which at least one measurement slot (14) is formed; at least one illumination apparatus (4), which is formed and arranged in such a manner that during operation it projects a plurality of light lines (6) through the measurement slot (14) onto the profile to be measured; and at least one image capture apparatus (18), which is formed to capture at least one image of at least one region of the profile to be measured. At least one monitoring and calibration device (22) is formed at at least one measurement slot (14), said monitoring and calibration device having at least one channel-shaped depression (24), which faces the illumination apparatus (4).

Abstract: A load measurement method, for measuring the load applied to a rail from a wheel of a railcar, calculates the lateral force applied to the rail from each of the left and right wheels, on the basis of the axial force applied to an axle between the left and right wheels and the axial load applied to the axle bearing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for predicting the condition of a machine or a component of the machine based on measurements of a condition monitoring parameter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing a lift in the tower of a wind turbine comprising a pneumatic fixture that is placed in the tower and attached to the lift. The pneumatic fixture has a pneumatic cylinder which is attached to the floor. In one embodiment, the cylinder is attached to the strap which is attached to the lift. In another embodiment, the cylinder is attached directly to the lift. The claimed method is a method for testing the safety breaking system in the lift using the pneumatic fixture.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for performing, verifying, and managing testing of backflow preventers. A method can include aspects directed toward confirming proper performance of tests on a backflow preventer by interrogating an inspector's location and credentials before producing test results. Systems are described to perform aspects of such methods. Further, a mobile device is provided for use by an inspector, the mobile device being directed toward confirming proper performance of tests on a backflow preventer. Aspects can also relate to the management of data related to the tests and backflow preventers.

Abstract: A sample processing system includes a sample vessel holder including a disk-shaped base section disposed so as to have a central axis extending in a vertical direction and a sample vessel holding section that is formed coaxially with, and above, the base section for holding a sample vessel in an upright posture. A conveyor conveys the sample vessel holder 1 placed thereon; and a holding plate is disposed so as to extend along an outer peripheral portion of a columnar space that has a central axis extending in the vertical direction, and is disposed at a position above a space past which the base section of the sample vessel holder moves along the conveyor and at a position past which at least the sample vessel holding section moves. This enables individual conveyance processing to be performed for each of multiple sample vessels.

Abstract: A particulate sensor including a sensor unit (300) having an ion generation section (611, 361, 322); an electric charge section (612) for electrically charging at least portion of particulates S using ions PI; a capture section (616, 617, 316, 326, 362) for trapping at least portion of the ions PI not used for electrically charging the particulates S; and a sensor ground section (340, 310v, 330v3) connected to the capture section and having a first floating potential corresponding to the amount of the ions PI trapped by the capture section. The sensor unit can detect the amount of the particulates S in the gas on the basis of the electric potential of the sensor ground section. The sensor ground section is covered with insulating ceramic at that outer portion of the sensor unit which comes into contact with the gas.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an object-capturing device which accurately detects objects such as microorganisms captured at a test site. The object-capturing device of the present invention includes a capturing dish holding a carrier, which captures objects (microorganisms), on a first side of the capturing dish. The capturing dish has a through hole extending from the first side to a second side of the capturing dish. The object-capturing device is used in a way such that, after the objects are captured with the carrier directed upward, the carrier is directed downward and reagents for detecting the objects are contacted with the objects captured on the carrier through the through hole.

Abstract: Gassing or fumigation apparatus comprising a one-piece specimen receptacle block including at least two specimen receptacles formed therein and a fluid supply device formed therein for the at least two specimen receptacles, and a gassing or fumigation head for supplying gassing or fumigation medium, which gassing or fumigation head is connected to the specimen receptacle block, comprises a gassing or fumigation medium outlet for each of the at least two specimen receptacles and a device formed therein for conducting gassing medium to the gassing or fumigation medium outlets, and gassing or fumigation system including such a gassing or fumigation apparatus.

Abstract: Mineral samples for use in analytical instruments are created by a system that greatly reduces the sample preparation time and facilitates automation. For example, in some implementations, rather than grinding to expose the interior of mineral particles in sample plug containing mineral particles in an epoxy compound, the sample plug is sliced with a saw, which more rapidly provides in many applications a sufficiently smooth surface on the exposed particle surfaces for observation. Rather than slowly mixing a slow curing epoxy to avoid introducing bubbles into the sample plug, some implementations use a fast settle fixative and a mechanical mixture that avoid bubbles.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for performing droplet-based solid phase processing steps on a digital microfluidic device. A solid phase material, which may be a porous solid phase material such as a porous polymer monolith is formed or located on a digital microfluidic element. The solid phase may be formed by an in-situ method in which the digital microfluidic array is actuated to transport a droplet of solid phase pre-cursor solution to a selected element on the array, and subsequently processed to form a solid phase on the array element. The integration of a solid phase material with a digital microfluidic array enables a wide range of applications including solid phase extraction and sample concentration.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to methods of using compositions that include sets of magnetic particles, members of each set being conjugated to an antibody specific for a pathogen, and magnets to isolate a pathogen from a body fluid sample.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for the collection and analysis of analytes from samples. In one embodiment an extraction chamber is provided that includes a sample holder and an extraction lid that allows for simultaneous multifiber solid phase microextraction of analytes from a sample held in the sample holder. Methods of collection and analysis include using simultaneous multifiber solid phase microextraction of analytes from a sample.

Abstract: Provided are a carrier-enclosed transformable container, a carrier-enclosed transformable container processing apparatus, and a carrier-enclosed transformable container processing method about which a carrier to which various substances such as biogenic substances are bonded or bondable is held in a transformable container as the container to be in a substantially stationary state, thereby making it possible to make the handling of the carrier, measurement, and other treatments effective, speedy, and easy.

Abstract: Fatigue failure in composite materials can be successfully modeled and predicted by monitoring irreversible gains in entropy. Permanent degradations in composites are marked by irreversible processes that are characterized by increases in entropy. By measuring changes in entropy, one can model and predict the deterioration and failure of composites. The technique may be used to predict the deterioration and failure of composites under essentially any type of loading—constant, variable, bending, torsion, tension, compression, or other.

Abstract: A heating assembly configured for use in mechanical testing at a scale of microns or less. The heating assembly includes a probe tip assembly configured for coupling with a transducer of the mechanical testing system. The probe tip assembly includes a probe tip heater system having a heating element, a probe tip coupled with the probe tip heater system, and a heater socket assembly. The heater socket assembly, in one example, includes a yoke and a heater interface that form a socket within the heater socket assembly. The probe tip heater system, coupled with the probe tip, is slidably received and clamped within the socket.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method whereby: (E1) an inner liquid phase is made to flow in an inner flow member, and an outer liquid phase in an outer flow member, the flow of the inner liquid phase opening within the flow of the second liquid phase; and the temperature and pressure in the contact area between the first and second liquid phases being such that the first and/or second liquid phase is in the supercritical state, (E2) the flow rate of the inner phase and/or outer phase is varied in such a way as to modify the flow profile, and a torque is identified from values of the flow rates of the inner and outer phases, called transition flow rates, from which the modification in the flow profile occurs (from drops to a jet; or from a jet to drops); (E3) from the transition torque identified in step (E2), the value of the interfacial tension between the two inner and outer liquid phases is calculated, or the result obtained is compared to that obtained for another torque in the conditions of steps (E1) and (E2

Abstract: A detector assembly includes a dewar chamber having an aperture and an infrared radiation detector. The detector assembly also includes a mirror disposed adjacent the aperture of the dewar chamber, where the mirror has a reflective surface and an emitting region facing the aperture. The infrared radiation detector is configured to detect first radiation and second radiation from the mirror. The first radiation originates from at least one relatively cold surface in the dewar chamber and reflects off the reflective surface of the mirror. The second warm radiation originates from at least one relatively warm surface at or behind the emitting region. The infrared radiation detector is also configured to detect an artifact caused by a particle in the dewar chamber that blocks a portion of the first or second radiation.

Abstract: A method of separating, detecting and determining a size of each of a plurality of particles in a fluid includes compelling the fluid to flow through a fluid channel such that larger particles of the plurality of particles travel through the fluid channel faster than smaller particles of the plurality of particles; illuminating a detection zone of the fluid channel substantially uniformly across an entire cross section of the fluid channel such that each of the plurality of particles passes through illumination light upon passing through the detection zone; detecting each of the plurality of particles based on corresponding responses to the illuminating to determine a time that each of the plurality of particles passes through the detection zone; and determining a size of each of the plurality of particles based on the time that each of the plurality of particles passes through the detection zone.

Abstract: A corrosion resistance evaluator is provided for evaluating corrosion resistance of coated metals substrates, such as autobodies, at an accelerated rate. The evaluator includes a chamber for retaining an electrolyte that is exposed to an anode and cathode coated with protective coating being tested. These anode and cathode coatings are provided with predetermined and standardized defects, such as micro-holes, to accelerate the corrosion of the underlying metal substrate in a predictable and repeatable manner. The evaluator further comprises an anode holder and a cathode holder for testing the corrosion resistance of the anode and cathode coatings. The evaluator substantially reduces the time required to test corrosion from several days (40 plus days) to few days (about two days).

Abstract: Due to repeated use of a gauge portion, used to perform positioning and accuracy comparison measurement at the time of manufacture of various type of molds for metalworking, a gauge line on an outer circumferential surface portion of the gauge portion can disappear due to friction. A plug gauge body, which helps a user recognize the time for maintenance and replacement of the plug gauge, has a constricted portion formed on one side of a shank portion and a cylindrical gauge portion having a uniform diameter and extending from one side of the constricted portion, with the shank portion, the constricted portion, and the gauge portion, being formed axially, a wear checking gauge line having a predetermined depth and width formed so as to extend from one end portion of an outer circumferential surface portion of the gauge portion in the direction of the constricted portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods provided herein. In one embodiment, a borescope system includes a probe to capture images and a display a settings menu, measurements, the images captured by the probe, or any combination thereof. In addition, the borescope system a processor programmed to display a user interface to enable a user to control movement of the probe, adjust settings, navigate menus, make selections, or any combination thereof. The processor is communicatively coupled to the probe, and the display, and is programmed to instruct the borescope to enter a live menu view when an articulation mode is selected from the settings menu. In the live menu view, the processor is programmed to instruct the display to display the images captured by the probe, and to enable a user to control the movement of the probe and adjust articulation sensitivity of the probe while viewing the images on the display.

Abstract: A method for measuring a sample to identify a chemical includes receiving respective spectra for each of a plurality of chemicals. Using a processor, a plurality of binary mathematical filters are computed using the received spectra. A spatial light modulator is adjusted according to a selected mathematical filter. Light that has interacted with the sample is dispersed over the surface of the spatial light modulator, so that the spatial light modulator provides light at wavelengths corresponding to the selected mathematical filter. The light provided by the spatial light modulator is measured to provide a score corresponding to the selected mathematical filter. Filter scores are combined to determine a chemical amount. The processor can operate detection apparatus having a light source, an objective for focusing source light onto the sample, a spatial light modulator, and a detector for detecting the modulator output.

Abstract: An optical imaging system for use with an infusion tube including: at least one light source for emitting at least two of first, second, or third spectrums of light; an optics system including a single lens for receiving and transmitting at least two of the first spectrum light transmitted through a first portion of the chamber, the second spectrum light transmitted through a second portion of the chamber, or the third spectrum light transmitted through a third portion of the chamber. The system includes a sensor receiving the at least two of the spectrums from the lens and generating and transmitting data characterizing the at least two of the spectrums. The system includes a memory element storing computer readable instructions and a processor to execute the instructions to generate, using the data, at least two of first, second, or third images of the first, second, and third portions, respectively.

Abstract: Systems and methods for differentiating the spectral response of various optical coatings between a transmitter and receiver. The system is effective in determining if an optical coating produces an authorized spectral response for determining if a product having that optical coating is authorized to be used with another product.

Abstract: The invention substantially relates to an imaging system for the chemical, biological or biochemical analysis of a sample (10), comprising a device (40) for holding the sample (10), a device (20) for optical detection, a lighting device (30), liable to emit a monochromatic light beam, and a wide aperture objective (f1), It is substantially characterized in that the objective (f1) is configured for, downstream of the sample (10): focusing the excitation light beam reflected at a point (C) located in the focal plane (FF) of said objective (f1), and transforming the retransmitted or scattered light beam into a quasi-parallel beam, and in that the system further comprises a device (70) for selectively blocking the collected light beam by said objective (f1).

Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor (10) has a circumferential front screen (42) comprising a curvature both in a circumferential direction and in a transverse height, thus focusing light reflected at the inside of the front screen (42). Test light passes from a test light transmitter (50a-f) through the front screen (42) to a reflector (52a-f) and subsequently onto a test light receiver (56a-b). A decreasing light transmissivity of the front screen (42) is detected based on a decrease of a signal generated by the test light in the test light receiver (56a-b). The test light receiver (56a-b) is arranged on a same side of the front screen (42) as the reflector (52a-f) such that the test light path (54a-f) leads from the reflector (52a-f) via reflection on the inside of the front screen (42) to the test light receiver (56a-b).

Abstract: A system for classifying moving materials in real time, the system including a laser pulse generator operative to generate at least first and second laser pulses which impinge on the same impingement location on the moving materials, the first and second laser pulses being separated in time by up to 10 microseconds; and an absorption detector operative to sense an absorption spectrum at the impingement location over a detection time duration of up to 20 nanoseconds following the second laser pulse.

Abstract: Second harmonic nanoprobes for imaging biological samples and a method of using such probes to monitor the dynamics of biological process using a field resonance enhanced second harmonic (FRESH) technique are provided. The second harmonic generating (SHG) nanoprobes are comprised of various kinds of nanocrystals that do not possess an inversion symmetry and therefore are capable of generating second harmonic signals that can then be detected by conventional two-photon microscopy for in vivo imaging of biological processes and structures such as cell signaling, neuroimaging, protein conformation probing, DNA conformation probing, gene transcription, virus infection and replication in cells, protein dynamics, tumor imaging and cancer therapy evaluation and diagnosis as well as quantification in optical imaging.

Abstract: A process for producing an alkylated aromatic product in a reactor by reacting an alkylatable aromatic compound feedstock with another feedstock comprising alkene component and alkane component in a reaction zone containing an alkylation catalyst. The reaction zone is operated in predominantly liquid phase without inter-zone alkane removal. The polyalkylated aromatic compounds can be separated as feed stream for transalkylation reaction in a transalkylation reaction zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for the optical analysis of a sample, also referred to as microscope, which is configured for an optical analysis process having high resolution for the detection of fluorescent molecules. The apparatus and the process applied when using the apparatus are configured for excitation light generated by an excitation light source to be directed onto a sample and the light emitted by the probe is detected. The apparatus and the process are characterized in that the excitation light is synchronized with the detection. The apparatus is characterized in that it has a polarization device which is configured to modulate the polarization of the excitation light with a modulation signal, wherein the modulation signal has or consists of at least one frequency, in particular a pre-determined frequency or several pre-determined superimposed frequencies, or the modulation signal consists of a sequence of signals that has no repetition.

Abstract: According to an example, methods for forming three-dimensional (3-D) nano-particle assemblies include depositing SES elements onto respective tips of nano-fingers, in which the nano-fingers are arranged in sufficiently close proximities to each other to enable the tips of groups of adjacent ones of the nano-fingers to come into sufficiently close proximities to each other to enable the SES elements on the tips to be bonded together when the nano-fingers are partially collapsed. The methods also include causing the nano-fingers to partially collapse toward adjacent ones of the nano-fingers to cause a plurality of SES elements on respective groups of the nano-fingers to be in relatively close proximities to each other and form respective clusters of SES elements, introducing additional particles that are to attach onto the clusters of SES elements, and causing the clusters of SES elements to detach from the nano-fingers.