Abstract: A method of analyzing physical properties of a sample includes obtaining the sample and obtaining an electromagnetic spectrum of the sample using terahertz spectroscopy. A sample complex permittivity is computed from the electromagnetic spectrum of the sample. The method further includes estimating the constituents and the constituent fractions and computing an estimated effective complex permittivity based upon a model and the constituent fractions. The method further includes comparing the computed sample complex permittivity with the estimated effective complex permittivity in order to determine the physical properties the sample.

Abstract: Thickness and group index variations in test strip samples of ultra-low expansion glass are made by extracting the strip samples with front and back faces oriented at an acute skew angle to the axis of the boule. The strip samples are positioned the within an interferometric measurement cavity so that a set of subcavities formed by pairings of each of two reference surfaces together with each of the front and back faces of the strip sample which each subcavity having a different optical path length spacing. The skew angle is sized to avoid diffusion effects of striae present in the boule.

Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus, including a photon emitter configured to emit photons onto a surface of an article at a number of azimuthal angles; and a processing element configured to process photon-detector-array signals corresponding to photons scattered from surface features of the article and generate one or more surface features maps for the article from the photon-detector-array signals corresponding to the photons scattered from the surface features of the article.

Abstract: In an optical sensor, a light emission system emits an irradiated light of a linear polarization in a first polarization direction toward a surface of a target object having a sheet shape from an incident direction which is inclined with respect to a normal direction of the surface. A first light detection system includes a first light detector arranged on a first light path of a specular reflected light, which is emitted from the light emission system and is specularly reflected from the target object. A second light detection system includes a second light detector arranged on a second light path of a diffuse reflected light which is diffusely reflected from an incident plane on the target object. The second light detector receives second light passed by an optical element which passes a linear polarization component of a second polarization direction perpendicular to the first polarization direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for the non-invasive selection of high-quality seeds, based on optical coherence tomography, by which pathogen-infected and pathogen-free seeds can be discriminated in a non-invasive manner. The apparatus is operated by the processes of scanning a seed of diagnostic interest in a non-invasive manner using an optical coherence tomographic unit; processing interference signals of the scanned tomographic images to produce tomographic image data of the seed of diagnostic interest; analyzing the tomographic image data; comparing the analyzed tomographic image data with preset reference tomographic image data; diagnosing the seed of diagnostic interest as a pathogen-infected or pathogen-free seed according to the comparison data; and selecting high-quality seeds according to the diagnosis data. It can screen high-quality seeds with rapidity, convenience, and accuracy at a low cost and is industrially applicable, making a great contribution to agricultural quarantine inspection.

Abstract: An optical sensor includes a light source to illuminate a linear polarization in a first direction, a first optical detector disposed on a path of a light illuminated from the light source and specularly reflected by an object, a first optical element to separate the light reflected by the object into a linear polarization in the first direction and a linear polarization in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, a second optical detector to receive the linear polarization in the second direction separated by the first optical element, and a processor to obtain an amount of the light specularly reflected by the object on the basis of an output signal of the first optical detector and an output signal of the second optical detector.

Abstract: Provided is a fluoroscopy apparatus including illuminating portions that radiate excitation light and illumination light onto an imaging subject; a fluorescence imaging portion that acquires a fluorescence image from fluorescence emitted at the imaging subject due to the irradiation with the excitation light; a return-light imaging portion that acquires a return-light image from return light returning from the imaging subject due to the irradiation with the illumination light; a display portion that displays the acquired fluorescence image and/or the return-light image; an identifying portion that identifies a region-of-interest in the fluorescence image; an image switching portion that switches the display on the display portion so that only the return-light image is displayed thereon when the region-of-interest R is not identified, and so that the return-light image and the fluorescence image are juxtaposed and displayed on the display portion when the region-of-interest has been identified.

Abstract: A semiconductor device used for fluorescent-based molecule detection and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The semiconductor device has a fluid channel layer defining a fluid channel through which a sample stream flows. A target cell coupled with a fluorescent source is contained by the sample stream. The semiconductor device also has an excitation light source for generating excitation light that reaches the target cell coupled with the fluorescent source to generate fluorescent light. The semiconductor device also has a light filter layer for permitting the fluorescent light to pass through and to block the excitation light and a light detection layer for detecting the fluorescent light. The functional components of the device are highly integrated. Leakage of the excitation light and background noise into the light detection component can be minimized to improve the quality of detection.

Abstract: Observation is performed at a more appropriate sensitivity without causing deterioration of the image quality. Provided is a fluorescence observation apparatus including an excitation light source that emits excitation light to be radiated onto an imaging subject; a fluorescence-image acquisition portion that is provided with an imaging device that acquires fluorescence images by capturing fluorescence generated at the imaging subject due to the irradiation with the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source; and a sensitivity adjusting portion that adjusts an number of pixels for binning summing and/or an exposure time for the imaging device on the basis of luminance information of the fluorescence image acquired by the imaging device of the fluorescence-image acquisition portion so that an SN ratio of the fluorescence image becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method comprising the following steps: (a) contacting a topographically structured stamp to an array of spots comprising lipid ink on a palette to force the lipid ink of each of the spots into recesses of the topographically structured stamp, (b) removing the palette from the topographically structured stamp so that at least some the lipid ink from each of the spots is retained in the recesses of the topographically structured stamp, and (c) printing the lipid ink in each of the recesses on a substrate as an array of stamped spots using the topographically structured stamp to thereby form a patterned substrate, wherein the recesses have one or more recess patterns, wherein each stamped spot of the array of stamped spots comprises lipid multilayer structure, and wherein the patterned array is based on the one or more recess patterns.

Abstract: A high-resolution fluorescence image in which an afterimage is suppressed is obtained, even when a fluorescence detection interval is shortened. Provided is a scanning observation apparatus including a scanning unit that spatially scans pulsed excitation light emitted from a light source at prescribed time intervals on a specimen; a fluorescence detecting unit that detects fluorescence generated by exciting a fluorescent substance inside the specimen with the excitation light scanned by the scanning unit, in synchronization with the emission of the excitation light; and a fluorescence correcting unit that subtracts, from a fluorescence intensity detected by the fluorescence detecting unit, an afterimage fluorescence component calculated on the basis of time-sequential fluorescence detected by the fluorescence detecting unit prior thereto, at each scanning position, to correct the fluorescence intensity at the scanning position.

Abstract: Methods, devices, systems, and apparatuses are provided for the image analysis of measurement of biological samples.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for improving the resolution of a spectrometer configured to provide a frequency spectrum of a radiation incoming from a sample. The system comprises an optical medium configured so that the radiation incoming from the sample be transferred through the optical medium, the optical medium having a predetermined tunable spectral transmission curve; an operating unit connectable to the optical medium and configured to operate the optical medium so as to shift the spectral transmission curve of the optical medium over a predetermined spectral range; and a processing unit connectable to the spectrometer and configured to process a set of shifted frequency spectra provided by the spectrometer and obtainable by transferring the radiation incoming from the sample through the optical medium while shifting the spectral transmission curve of the optical medium so as to obtain a super resolved frequency spectrum of improved spectral resolution.

Abstract: Systems, devices and techniques are disclosed for optically detecting single molecules using nanoscale chip configurations. In one aspect, a sensing device includes a composite membrane having an array of nanochannels that form openings at opposing sides of the membrane, a first and second substrate each including channels to carry a fluid containing particles, a fluidic module that is fluidically coupled to the channels to supply the fluid, a plurality of electrodes located along the channels, and an electrical module to generate an electric field via the electrodes to effectuate an electrokinetic force within the channels to steer the particles toward the openings of the nanochannels to immobilize the particles, in which the nanochannels operate as resonant structures to amplify localized fields produced in an optical interrogation of the immobilized particles.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for quantitative determination of oxidant which method is capable of accurately and rapidly performing quantitative determination of oxidant at low cost, and an apparatus for quantitative determination of oxidant used in the method. The method for quantitative determination of oxidant according to the present invention is a method for quantitative determination of oxidant performing quantitative determination of oxidant in a sample using a redox reaction, the method including: adding one kind of reducing agent to a sample solution containing one or a plurality of kinds of oxidants having different lifetimes; producing an absorbance curve by measuring a time change in absorbance of the post-color-change or post-coloring reducing agent; and performing the quantitative determination of the oxidant while identifying the oxidant in the sample solution based on the obtained absorbance curve.

Abstract: To increase the illumination efficiency by facilitating the change of the incident angle of illumination light with a narrow illumination width according to an inspection object and enabling an illumination region to be effectively irradiated with light, provided is a defect inspection method for obliquely irradiating a sample mounted on a table that is moving continuously in one direction with illumination light, collecting scattered light from the sample obliquely irradiated with the illumination light, detecting an image of the surface of the sample formed by the scattered light, processing a signal obtained by detecting the image formed by the scattered light, and extracting a defect candidate, wherein the oblique irradiation of the light is implemented by linearly collecting light emitted from a light source, and obliquely projecting the collected light onto the surface of the sample, thereby illuminating a linear region on the surface of the sample.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a particle measurement mask includes a first mask substrate, a support member, and a particle measurement unit. The support member is arranged at a peripheral edge portion of a second main face of the first mask substrate, which is opposite to a first main face of the first mask substrate to come into contact with a mask stage. The particle measurement unit is arranged on a side surface of the support member, and configured to measure presence and absence of particles near the second main face.

Abstract: A metrology system is configured to provide visual inspection of a workpiece, three-dimensional magnetic field map, and height measurement. A stage is configured to bring points of interest at the workpiece under the desired tool for measurement. The optical field, magnetic field, and height information can be used independently or together in order to correlate defects in the manufacturing process of the workpiece. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A multi-axis tool may include, in some embodiments, a gimbal adapted to be positioned adjacent an opening in a wall; an extended-reach device having first and second ends and an end effector adjacent the first end, the extended-reach device engaging the gimbal for relative rotational movement and relative slidable movement through the opening such that the end effector is positioned on a side of the wall opposite the second end; a sensor system configured to measure a linear position of the extended-reach device relative to the gimbal, and a position and spatial orientation of the end effector relative to the opening; and a computer control connected to receive signals from the sensor system to determine at least one of a position and an orientation of the end effector relative to the opening.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for triggering an information dependent mass spectrometry scan in real time. A mass spectrometry scan of a separating sample mixture is performed by a mass spectrometer at each time interval of a time period. The mass spectrometer receives the separating sample mixture from a separation device. It is determined at a certain time interval that a received mass spectrometry scan at the time interval and one or more preceding received mass spectrometry scans include two or more time-varying ion signals that represent two or more fragment ion transitions of a known compound. If a characteristic of the two or more time-varying ion signals meets a selection criterion, the mass spectrometer is instructed to perform a dependent mass spectrometry scan of the separating sample mixture for a precursor ion of the known compound at the time interval.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for staining tissue with multiple biologically specific heavy metal stains and then performing X-ray imaging, either in projection or tomography modes, using either a plurality of illumination energies or an energy sensitive detection scheme. The resulting energy-weighted measurements can then be used to decompose the resulting images into quantitative images of the distribution of stains. The decomposed images may be false-colored and recombined to make virtual X-ray histology images. The techniques thereby allow for effective differentiation between two or more X-ray dyes, which had previously been unattainable in 3D imaging, particularly 3D imaging of features at the micron resolution scale. While techniques are described in certain example implementations, such as with microtomography, the techniques are scalable to larger fields of view, allowing for use in 3D color, X-ray virtual histology of pathology specimens.

Abstract: An X-ray image capturing device of bone-in meat for capturing an X-ray image of the bone-in meat that is from an arm part or a thigh part of a livestock carcass in a state where the bone-in meat is suspended, comprises: an X-ray source for irradiating the bone-in meat with an X-ray; a shielding box for covering the bone-in meat while the X-ray image is captured; a sensor which is disposed in the shielding box and which detects the X-ray which passes through the bone-in meat; and a filter which is disposed between the bone-in meat and the X-ray source and which adjusts an intensity distribution of the X-ray with which the bone-in meat is irradiated.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a self-prior information based X-ray dual-energy CT reconstruction method, which can utilize information inherent in data to provide a prior model, thereby obtaining a reconstructed image with a high quality. The X-ray dual-energy CT reconstruction method according to the present disclosure comprises: (a) rating an energy spectrum and establishing a dual-energy lookup table; (b) collecting high-energy data pH and low-energy data pL of a dual-energy CT imaging system using a detector of the dual-energy CT imaging system; (c) obtaining projection images R1 and R2 of scaled images r1 and r2 according to the obtained high-energy data pH and low-energy data pL; (d) reconstructing the scaled image r2 using a first piece-wise smooth constraint condition and thereby obtaining an electron density image; and (e) reconstructing the scaled image r1 using a second piece-wise smooth constraint condition and thereby obtaining an equivalent atomic number image.

Abstract: A radiation detecting apparatus is provided. The radiation detecting apparatus includes a plurality of detector modules arranged in a channel direction, each detector module including a plurality of detecting elements arranged in matrix form in the channel direction and a slice direction, and a heat radiating unit thermally coupled to the detecting elements and provided on an X-ray outgoing side of the detecting elements, a wind blowing unit configured to send wind to the heat radiating units of the detector modules in the slice direction, first wind shielding portions provided on a radiation outgoing side of the heat radiating units and configured to shield the wind in a radiation irradiating direction, and second wind shielding portions provided on a radiation incoming side of the heat radiating units and configured to shield the wind in the radiation irradiating direction.

Abstract: A method of detecting polymorphs using X-ray produced by a synchrotron source is described. In particular, the method allows to detect particular polymorphs present in small amounts in mixtures of polymorphic compounds present in a prevailing amount. The method offers a powerful resolution of mixtures of polymorph and finds application particularly in the pharmaceutical field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for performing an x-ray fluorescence analysis, in which method a primary radiation (16) is directed at a specimen (12) by an x-radiation source (14) and in which method a secondary radiation (18) emitted by the specimen (12) is detected by a detector (20) and evaluated by means of an evaluating unit (21), wherein at least one filter (23) having at least one filter layer (25) forming a filter plane is brought into the beam path of the secondary radiation (18) and acts as a band-pass filter in dependence on an angle ? of the filter layer (25) to the secondary radiation (18) and an interfering wavelength of the secondary radiation (18) is coupled out by Bragg reflection, the angle ? of the filter layer (25) of the filter (23) is set by means of a setting apparatus (31) to reflect at least one interfering wavelength of the secondary radiation (18) by Bragg reflection, and the coupled-out wavelength of the secondary radiation (18) is detected by a second detector (32) and the sign

Abstract: Various embodiments include apparatus and methods to conduct testing related to the disposition of measuring tools downhole in a borehole, where the measuring tools are deployed to perform testing to evaluate properties of regions in the borehole. A plurality of test analyses on data collected from operating a measuring device of a measuring tool in the borehole can be used to determine whether the measuring device is in casing or out of casing. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: MEMS-based calorimeter including two microchambers supported in a thin film substrate is provided. The thin film substrate includes a thermoelectric sensor configured to measure temperature differential between the two microchambers, and also includes a thermally stable and high strength polymeric diaphragm. Methods for fabricating the MEMS-based calorimeter, as well as methods of using the calorimeter to measure thermal properties of materials, such as biomolecules, or thermodynamic properties of chemical reactions or physical interactions, are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for interpreting multi-phase fluid flow in a conduit, such as a pipe in a wellbore. The method involves curve fitting holdup data sets and velocity data sets together wherein the second curve comprises a shape mutual to the first curve with an independent gain and an independent offset, and determining flow rates through the pipe.

Abstract: A humidity sensor may include a first substrate having a recess formed in a first side, a second substrate and an insulating layer supported by the second substrate. The second substrate and the insulating layer may be supported by the first side of the first substrate and extend over the recess to form a diaphragm with the insulating layer facing the recess. The diaphragm may be at least partially thermally isolated from a remainder of the second substrate. A resistive heater element may be supported by the diaphragm. A pair of sensing electrodes are electrically separated from each other and supported by the diaphragm. A sensing material is disposed over the pair of sensing electrodes, wherein an electrical property of the sensing material changes in response to a change in moisture content of the sensing material.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide methods and systems for detecting cracks in ceramic electrolytes using electrical conductors. A method for testing an electrolyte material, such as a ceramic electrolyte material for use in a solid oxide fuel cell device, includes providing a conductive path on the electrolyte material, electrically connecting a probe across the conductive path, and measuring a value associated with the conductive path to determine the presence or absence of a crack in the material.

Abstract: An electrical device includes at least one graphene quantum capacitance varactor. In some examples, the graphene quantum capacitance varactor includes an insulator layer, a graphene layer disposed on the insulator layer, a dielectric layer disposed on the graphene layer, a gate electrode formed on the dielectric layer, and at least one contact electrode disposed on the graphene layer and making electrical contact with the graphene layer. In other examples, the graphene quantum capacitance varactor includes an insulator layer, a gate electrode recessed in the insulator layer, a dielectric layer formed on the gate electrode, a graphene layer formed on the dielectric layer, wherein the graphene layer comprises an exposed surface opposite the dielectric layer, and at least one contact electrode formed on the graphene layer and making electrical contact with the graphene layer.

Abstract: A humidity sensor includes a detection device with a capacitance changing with humidity at a first ratio and a reference device with a capacitance changing with humidity at a second ratio smaller than the first ratio. The detection device has detection electrodes facing each other with a first gap and a detection humidity-sensitive film covering the detection electrodes. The reference device has reference electrodes facing each other with a second gap and a reference humidity-sensitive film covering the reference electrodes. The detection humidity-sensitive film and the reference humidity-sensitive film are made from the same material and have the same thickness. The detection electrodes and the reference electrodes are made from the same material and have the same width and thickness. The second ratio peaks when the second gap is equal to a predetermined value. The second gap is smaller than the first gap and the predetermined value.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an integrated circuit system including a first active layer fabricated on a front side of a semiconductor die and a second pre-fabricated layer on a back side of the semiconductor die and having electrical components embodied therein, wherein the electrical components include at least one discrete passive component. The integrated circuit system also includes at least one electrical path coupling the first active layer and the second pre-fabricated layer.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for sensing a target substance is disclosed. In one example, the sensor discloses an electrolyte matrix, wherein the matrix reposits an electrolyte; a working electrode coupled to the electrolyte matrix at a first location; a counter electrode coupled to the electrolyte matrix at a second location; an electrical circuit, coupled to the working electrode and the counter electrode, and capable of generating an output signal in response to an electrical current which flows between the working electrode and the counter electrode in response to a presence of the target substance.

Abstract: A potentiometric sensor includes an elongate non-glass, non-metal housing having opposite first and second longitudinal ends and a length extending between the first and second longitudinal ends. The housing defines a lumen extending along the length of the housing. A measuring half-cell assembly is received in the lumen of the housing and secured to the housing. The measuring half-cell assembly includes a glass body having opposite first and second longitudinal ends and a length extending between the first and second ends of the glass body. The second longitudinal end of the glass body is adjacent the second longitudinal end of the housing and a longitudinal extent of the glass body is less than the length of the housing.

Abstract: This sensor chip (11) comprises a substrate (15) in the form of a flat board, a sample inlet (20) that is provided in the thickness direction of the substrate (15) and into which flows the blood (3) used for measurement, a supply path (21) that communicates with this sample inlet (20), and detection electrodes (17, 18, 19) provided to this supply path (21), wherein the substrate (15) is provided with a surplus blood reservoir (25) that draws in surplus blood (3a) and holds this drawn surplus blood (3a).

Abstract: A microelectrochemical sensor includes a carrier material composed of a semiconductor substrate, and includes a chemosensitive sensor element. The chemosensitive sensor element is positioned in a first partial region of the carrier material. A heating element is positioned in a region of the chemosensitive sensor element and is configured to regulate a temperature of the chemosensitive sensor element. A microelectronic unit is positioned in a second partial region of the carrier material, and is connected to the chemosensitive sensor element and the heating element via conductor tracks integrated into the carrier material. The microelectronic unit is configured to operate the heating element and the sensor element.

Abstract: A gas sensor having a sensor element including: a plate-shaped solid electrolyte body; and a pair of electrodes sandwiching the electrolyte body. The electrodes include a measurement electrode portion, and a standard electrode portion disposed in an inner portion of the sensor element. A lead portion, which extends along the surface of the solid electrolyte body, is connected to the standard electrode portion. The standard electrode portion is mainly formed with a precious metal and contains a ceramic. The lead portion is mainly formed of a precious metal and has a ceramic content smaller than the standard electrode portion. A porous portion, which extends to the inner portion of the sensor element along the surface of the solid electrolyte body, has a gas permeability higher than the lead portion, is mainly formed with a ceramic, and is connected to the standard electrode portion.

Abstract: In a gas sensor (100), a base end portion (175b) of a second outer wall (175) of an outer protector (171) is connected airtightly to a forward end portion (164c) of a first inner wall (164) of an inner protector (161), and relations of A?B<C<D and (0.6×B)?A are satisfied, wherein A represents the total opening area of a second outer hole (176) of the outer protector (171), B represents the total opening area of a second inner hole (166) of the inner protector (161), C represents the total opening area of a first inner hole (167), and D represents the total opening area of a first outer hole.

Abstract: Droplet actuators and techniques for droplet-based assays are provided. A method of conducting an assay comprises: incubating a droplet in oil, the droplet comprising an umbelliferone substrate, a sample potentially comprising an enzyme which cleaves the umbelliferone substrate, and a zwitterionic surfactant; and detecting a signal emitted from the droplet.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a microfluidic sensor device includes microfluidic sensor mounted on and electrically connected a micro lead frame substrate. The microfluidic sensor is molded to form a package body. The package body includes a molded panel portion and, in some embodiments, a mask portion having one or more open channels, sealed channels, and/or a sealed chamber exposing an active surface of the microfluidic sensor. The molded panel portions and mask portions are configured to allow a material to dynamically or statically contact the microfluidic sensor for analysis.

Abstract: An amperometric sensor circuit for measuring chlorine concentration in water. The circuit includes first and second working electrodes coated with a hydrophilic membrane. A power supply and biasing circuit is configured to deliver a generally constant voltage between the first working electrode and a reference electrode and to generally deliver a constant current between the second working electrode and a counter electrode. A measurement circuit measures the current between the counter electrode and the first working electrode. A processing circuit is provided for determining the chlorine concentration based on the current measured by the measurement circuit.

Abstract: IMS apparatus has an inlet with a preconcentrator opening into a reaction region where analyte molecules are ionized and passed via a shutter to a drift region for collection and analysis. A pump and filter arrangement supplies a flushing flow of clean gas to the housing in opposition to ion flow. A pressure pulser connects with the housing and is momentarily switched to cause a short drop in pressure, in the housing to draw in a bolus of analyte sample from the preconcentrator. Just prior to admitting a bolus of sample, the pump is turned off so that the flushing flow drops substantially to zero, thereby prolonging the time the analyte molecules spend in the reaction region.

Abstract: An aging treatment is performed by using cleaning gas obtained by mixing inert gas, as an impurity, to plasma gas. Plasma generation by dielectric-barrier discharge is performed until a predetermined period of time has elapsed by applying high AC voltage to an electrode while supplying the cleaning gas to a dielectric tube from a gas inlet.

Abstract: The invention concerns a structural integrity assessment system and method for determining stress concentration zones in a structure, such as a pipeline. The invention comprises a magnetic field sensor array arranged to be moved relative to the structure in a known direction. A controller is provided for recording one or more magnetic field readings taken by the magnetic field sensor array at different locations in the direction of movement thereof. A processor is arranged to identify one or more feature within said values, said feature being indicative of a region of reduced structural integrity in the structure. The processor also receives a data input for a further parameter corresponding to the location of the sensor array and compares the feature with the further parameter in order to verify that said feature corresponds to a region of reduced structural integrity for the structure.

Abstract: Solid contents verification systems and methods are provided. The system includes a contents sensor unit, a container-carrying unit and a control unit. The contents sensor unit has at least one contents sensor configured to send and receive sonic pulses to determine a state of contents in a container. The contents sensor unit is configured to send a signal communicating a state of the contents in a container. The container-carrying unit is configured to hold a container in substantial alignment with the contents sensors to expose the contents to the sonic pulses. The control unit is operatively connected to the contents sensor unit. The control unit is configured to receive the signal communicating the state of the contents and to compare the state of the contents with a desired state of the contents.

Abstract: Certain examples provide a transparent ultrasonic transducer including a transparent substrate and a transparent optical resonator positioned on the transparent substrate. The transparent optical resonator is to facilitate excitation of a biological sample and to receive acoustic emission from the biological sample triggered by the excitation, for example. Certain examples provide a ring resonator ultrasonic detector including a microscope cover slide. The microscope cover sheet includes a substrate and a ring optical resonator positioned on the substrate. The example ring optical resonator is to facilitate illumination of a biological sample and to receive acoustic emission from the biological sample in response to the illumination.

Abstract: A photoacoustic gas sensor device for analyzing gas includes an emitter module and a pressure-sensitive module. The emitter module is arranged on a carrier substrate and emits light pulses. The pressure-sensitive module is arranged on the carrier substrate within a reference gas volume. The reference gas volume is separated from a volume intended to be filled with a gas to be analyzed. Further, the pressure-sensitive module generates a sensor signal indicating information on an acoustic wave caused by light pulses emitted by the emitter module interacting with a reference gas within the reference gas volume. Additionally, the emitter module is arranged so that light pulses emitted by the emitter module reach the reference gas volume after crossing the volume intended to be filled with the gas to be analyzed.

Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus comprises a receiver receiving an acoustic wave propagating inside an object and convert the acoustic wave into an electric signal; a scanning unit configured to causing the receiver to scan the object; a control unit configured to controlling operation of the scanning unit; a detection unit configured to detecting a status of the acoustic wave reception; and a processing unit for acquiring characteristic information on the inside of the object on the basis of the electric signal, wherein the control unit decides whether or not the operation of the scanning unit is changed, on the basis of a result of detection by the detection unit.