Abstract: An example MEMS force sensor is described herein. The MEMS force sensor can include a cap for receiving an applied force and a sensor bonded to the cap. A trench and a cavity can be formed in the sensor. The trench can be formed along at least a portion of a peripheral edge of the sensor. The cavity can define an outer wall and a flexible sensing element, and the outer wall can be arranged between the trench and the cavity. The cavity can be sealed between the cap and the sensor. The sensor can also include a sensor element formed on the flexible sensing element. The sensor element can change an electrical characteristic in response to deflection of the flexible sensing element.

Abstract: A pressure sensing element (100) includes a support substrate (11); a sensor electrode (12) supported by the support substrate (11); a pressure sensing film (14) functionalized to be electro-conductive, at least in a portion thereof faced to the sensor electrode (12); and an insulating layer (13) which keeps the sensor electrode (12) and the pressure sensing film (14) apart from each other by a predetermined distance A, and has formed therein an opening (20) in which the sensor electrode (12) is exposed to the pressure sensing film (14), the insulating layer (13) having an aperture wall (13b) which partitions the opening (20), and an aperture end (top aperture end (13a)) faced to the pressure sensing film (14), and the insulating layer (13) being increased in height, measured from the support substrate (11), continuously towards the opening (20).

Abstract: Methods for measuring and/or mapping in-plane strain of a surface of a substrate. A grating is formed on at least a portion of the surface of the substrate. A laser is then used focused onto the grating to determine the strain on the surface by determining the variation of the grating wavelength due to the strain on the surface. The strain information is essentially carried by the grating, in terms of grating wavelength, because it varies according to the volume change of the underlying substrates. By scanning the surface grating with the small laser size, a high resolution strain map of the surface can be produced. The induced strain is related to the grating wavelength variation, which leads to the diffraction angle variation that is captured by the strain sensing measurements.

Abstract: A polymer composite wireline cable comprising: a polymeric matrix material; at least one reinforced fiber embedded in the polymeric matrix material; and at least one optical fiber disposed in the polymeric matrix material, the at least one optical fiber having at least one pair of Bragg grating sensors, wherein one of the pair of Bragg grating sensors is configured to experience loading strain and the other of the pair of Bragg grating sensors is configured not to experience loading strain.

Abstract: A tangential force sensor is used instead of a coaxial strain gauge to measure the torque required to produce the rotation of a part. The force sensor is coupled tangentially to the rotating part through a non-slip contact produced by a force applied radially on the part. A progressively increasing tangential force produced by translating the force sensor in a direction normal to the axis of rotation of the part is then applied to initiate and maintain its rotation. The radial force applied to the part is judiciously selected and measured such that the part is engaged with enough friction to ensure a non-slip condition. By measuring the tangential force applied to the part, the torque characteristics of the rotatable part are determined. By sensing and controlling the radial force applied to the part, damage to the part or the mechanism supporting it is avoided.

Abstract: A system and method for magnetizing a ferromagnetic element is disclosed. Electrodes are positioned on opposite surfaces of the ferromagnetic element and a current is applied to the electrodes, resulting in the formation of a magnetically conditioned region on the ferromagnetic element. Magnetic field sensors may be placed proximate the magnetically conditioned region. Output signals from the magnetic field sensors may be indicative of a load or torque applied to the ferromagnetic element.

Abstract: Collecting data includes generating a sensor signal from each of a plurality of sensors located on a sensing roll, wherein each signal is generated when each sensor enters a region of a nip between the sensing roll and mating roll during each rotation of the sensing roll; wherein a web of material travels through the nip and a continuous band contacts a region of the web of material upstream from or at the nip. A periodically occurring starting reference is generated associated with each rotation of the continuous band and the signal generated by each sensor is received so that the one of the plurality of sensors which generated this signal is determined and one of a plurality of tracking segments associated with the continuous band is identified. The signal is stored to associate the respective sensor signal with the identified one tracking segment.

Abstract: Collecting data includes generating a sensor signal from each of a plurality of sensors located on a sensing roll, wherein each signal is generated when each sensor enters a region of a nip between the sensing roll and mating roll during each rotation of the sensing roll; wherein a web of material travels through the nip and a continuous band, which also travels through the nip, contacts a region of the web of material upstream from or in the nip. A periodically occurring time reference is generated associated with each rotation of the continuous band and the signal generated by each sensor is received so that the one of the plurality of sensors which generated this signal is determined and one of a plurality of tracking segments associated with the continuous band is identified. The signal is stored to associate the respective sensor signal with the identified one tracking segment.

Abstract: A sensor signal is generated from a plurality of sensors located on a sensing roll, wherein each signal is generated when each sensor enters a nip between the sensing roll and a mating roll during each rotation of the sensing roll. An oscillating component such as a doctor blade or cleaning shower affects a web of material upstream from the nip. Each sensor generates a sensor signal upon entering the nip. A periodically occurring starting reference is generated that is associated with each oscillation of the oscillating component and the signal generated by each sensor is received so that a particular one of the sensors which generated the signal is determined and one of a plurality of tracking segments associated with the oscillating component is identified. The signal is stored to associate the sensor signal with the identified one tracking segment.

Abstract: A sensor body for a flow through pressure sensor includes a strain gage surface to receive a strain gage. The strain gage surface has a curved section and a length extending along a portion of a length of the sensor body. A bore wall thickness is defined as a radial distance between the bore and an outer surface of the sensor body, including the strain gage surface. In comparison to other sensor bodies in which the strain gage surface is entirely planar, the curved section can have a substantially greater bore wall thickness over its area in comparison to the planar surface because a greater responsive surface area for strain measurement is available. Thus a larger strain gage may be used and pressure measurement accuracy increased. Other advantages include a wider range of pressure that can be measured with a single pressure sensor, and increased component reliability and lifetime.

Abstract: A system includes a memory and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor receives a description of a pressure system, including a plurality of components to be tested, where each component has a required test pressure. The processor generates a first test sequence that tests the required test pressure of each of the plurality of components, where the first test sequence includes a first number of steps. The processor also iteratively generates a second test sequence that tests the required test pressure of each of the plurality of components, where the second test sequence comprises a second number of steps. The processor stores a representation of at least one of the first test sequence and the second test sequence in the memory, and the second number of steps is less than the first number of steps.

Abstract: A system for testing a pressure sensor of a seat includes a loading device and a processor. The loading device removably applies weight to the seat. The processor receives a measurement of a pre-installation pressure offset of a bladder of the pressure sensor measured before installation of the pressure sensing assembly into the seat. The processor is programmed to receive a weighted measurement from the pressure sensor in the seat when the loading device applies weight to the seat and an empty seat measurement from the pressure sensor in the seat when the loading device does not apply weight to the seat. The processor determines a threshold value by subtracting the empty seat measurement from the weighted measurement. The processor determines a seat pressure offset value by subtracting the pre-installation pressure offset value from the threshold value. The processor compares the seat pressure offset value to a selected range.

Abstract: A balancing device, a uniformity device and an apparatus including the balancing device and the uniformity device are disclosed. Each of the balancing device and the uniformity device includes at least one multi-axis transducer. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a leak test method, a crank angle is set to a specific phase. When a crankshaft is positioned in the specific phase, an intake or exhaust valve of each cylinder including a combustion chamber having an inner volume that has become larger than an average value of inner volumes of combustion chambers of all the cylinders is open. When the crankshaft is at the set crank angle, a fluid for leak test is injected through intake and exhaust ports where the intake and the exhaust valves are disposed and that communicate with the combustion chambers, and through an engine opening other than the intake and the exhaust ports, with an opening of the engine other than the intake and exhaust ports and the engine opening to which the fluid is supplied in the leak test sealed. After fluid injection is completed, a pressure in the engine is measured.

Abstract: A radioactive gas measurement apparatus comprises: a radiation measurement cell comprising an inlet pipe and a discharge pipe, the radiation measurement cell introducing and discharging a radioactive gas containing a nuclide to be measured and a positron emitter nuclide through the inlet pipe and the discharge pipe; a radiation detector for measuring a radiation generated from the radioactive gas; and a radiation collimator allowing the radiation measurement cell to communicate with the radiation detector and setting a predetermined radiation measurement geometry condition between the radiation measurement cell and the radiation detector. Then, as the predetermined radiation measurement geometry condition, an inner wall area of the radiation measurement cell which the radiation detector views through the radiation collimator is set equal to or less than a half of a total inner wall area of the radiation measurement cell.

Abstract: Test systems for simulating an environment for erosion testing. An exemplary system includes a wind tunnel having a fan unit at one end and an exhaust unit at the other, and a test fixture that secures a specimen under test in a path of the air flow created in the wind tunnel. The system also includes a water injection unit installed between the fan unit and the test fixture that emits water droplets into the air flow. A controller of the system identifies a test profile indicating conditions for a test of the specimen, and varies the speed of the air flow, the orientation of the specimen, and/or a flow rate of water out of a nozzle of the water injection unit during the test to simulate the conditions indicated in the test profile.

Abstract: An optical instrument includes: a collimation element (30) having a focal distance; a point light source (25-27) with a wavelength of between 700 and 1000 nm and a diameter less than or equal to a fiftieth of the focal distance, placed at a first focus of the collimation element, so that the light becomes a beam (20) of collimated light; a backscatterer (12); a support for receiving an ophthalmic lens (14), with the collimation element, support and backscatterer being placed so that the beam of collimated light encounters the lens location (15) where micro-etching is present; an image analyzing element (32) and an image capture element (31) linked to the analyzing element and including an objective lens (35) placed at a second focus of the collimation element, which objective lens is developed to provide the analyzing element with images of the backscatterer in order to identify and locate the micro-etching.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical time domain reflectometer using, as a optical source, a polymer wavelength tunable laser which tunes the wavelength of an optical signal by using polymer grating. The optical time domain reflectometer of the present invention tunes the wavelength of a polymer wavelength tunable laser that outputs a constant optical signal and inspects cutting, reflection, and damage of an optical line by separating an optical signal returning from the optical line by an optical filter having a specific central wavelength. Since a optical source having a constant light intensity is used, the present invention has an effect of reducing the nonlinear effect generated in an optical line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for inspecting, in particular testing, a motor vehicle subsystem. A real carrier having a real first motor vehicle subsystem is loaded onto a whole vehicle test stand. The states of the first motor vehicle subsystem are determined while loading the carrier onto the whole vehicle test. A real second motor vehicle subsystem is loaded onto a subsystem test stand based on the determined states. The states of the second motor vehicle subsystem are determined while loading it onto the subsystem test stand.

Abstract: A system includes a platform for receiving a test device programmed to output a data signal. A shaft is spaced from the platform. A plurality of impact objects are disposed on the shaft and are configured to strike the platform. A motor is coupled to the shaft and configured to rotate the shaft. A processor is programmed to identify an anomaly in the data signal as a result of the plurality of impact objects striking the platform.

Abstract: A method of operating a hydraulic power tool. The method includes performing an operation with the hydraulic power tool, detecting, with a sensor, an operational parameter during the operation of the hydraulic power tool, and storing a plurality of data points based on the operational parameter and a corresponding sampling time for each of the plurality of data points. The method also includes sending, via a transceiver on the hydraulic power tool, the plurality of data points and corresponding sampling times to an external device, displaying, on a display screen of the external device, an expected data point, and displaying, on the display screen of the external device, an actual data curve based on the plurality of data points and corresponding sampling times. The actual data curve is overlaid on the expected data point.

Abstract: A switch mechanism serves for changing over the path traveled by a rail vehicle on a track. The switch mechanism has an electric motor, the rotational movement of which is converted into a linear movement by way of a spindle rod or toothed rack. Part of the mechanical system is usually also a coupling, which prevents excessive force from being exerted on the track. A flexible adaptation for the test slider of a switch drive enables complete testing of the switch drive on a test bench. The switch drive can be tested in the final state because the test slider does not need to first be removed and then reinstalled only after testing. Separate testing of the test slider in terms of its function and its high voltage strength is therefore no longer necessary. After the testing, no additional steps need to be carried out on the switch drive.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for sampling a solid or liquid sample using a sampling tool which has a sampling rod/tube that is configured to house a sampling pod, the apparatus comprising: a main body portion with at least one sample collecting cavity; and a removable/opening lid portion that in use fits/closes over at least part of said main body portion and thereby covers and the cavity; the method further comprising the following steps: Inserting said sampling pod main body portion within said sampling rod/tube and taking a solid or liquid sample from a vessel/container; removing sampling rod/tube from said vessel or container and covering said collecting cavity to seal said cavity; transporting said sample within said sampling pod to place of a analysis; and at place of analysis removing at least part of said covering from main body portion to expose sample for analysis.

Abstract: An atmospheric condensate collector and electrospray source apparatus. The apparatus has a cooler having a surface with a sharp point. The cooler generates a condensate from ambient atmosphere exposed to the cooler. A ground electrode is electrically and mechanically separated from the cooler. A high voltage power supply switchably provides a high voltage between the sharp point of the cooler and the ground electrode. A controller is electrically connected to the cooler power supply and the high voltage power supply. The controller controls the operation of the cooler power supply and the high voltage power supply. The atmospheric condensate collector and electrospray ionizer apparatus generates the condensate and generates particulate spray from the condensate in response to command signals issued from the controller. In some embodiments, an analyzer is provided to analyze particles of the spray to determine the chemical composition of the condensate.

Abstract: A system for tracking one or more subjects for collecting airborne contaminants. The system includes one or more subjects configured to collect air contaminants. Each of the one or more subjects includes an identification tag encoded with identification information identifying the each subject. The system further includes an identification reader configured to decode the identification information encoded within the identification tag of a scanned one of the one or more identification tags. A computer receives and stores the decoded identification information in a record in a database. The computer may also receive and stored an identification code for a user who scanned the scanned identification tag in the record in the database. Additional records in the database are created each time the identification tag of one of the one or more subjects is scanned. The one or more subjects are thereby tracked as they collect airborne contaminants and are incubated.

Abstract: A device is described for taking air samples for the environmental microbiological control of the portable type. The device comprises a main body equipped with at least one handle, three sampling chambers that are mounted outside the main body and a control unit. The three sampling chambers are independent of each other and protrude radially from a predefined portion of the main body. The control unit is programmed so that the device can effect multiple samplings from an environment to be controlled in one, two or three different positions in the space, remaining stationary.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus comprising a plurality of multiple-gas analysis devices positioned within a relevant area, each multiple-gas analysis device capable of detecting the presence, concentration, or both, of one or more gases. A data and control center is communicatively coupled to each of the plurality of multiple-gas analysis device, the data and control system including logic that, when executed, allows the data and control center to monitor readings from the plurality of multiple-gas analysis devices and if any readings indicate the presence of one or more contaminants, identifying the source of the contaminants based on the readings from the plurality of multiple-gas analysis devices.

Abstract: A tendon actuator unit comprises a housing; a pulley disposed within the housing, the pulley comprising a screw-like groove about a predetermined portion of an outer surface of the pulley configured to accept a predetermined length of a cable; a motor disposed in or proximate to the housing and operatively in communication with the pulley; one or more online cable sensors; one or more sensor rollers; and one or more conduit force sensors.

Abstract: A method to determine a fatigue limit for a material. Form a test component including the material. Identify a resonant frequency of the component and an excitation frequency which causes the component to vibrate. Measure a response parameter of the component when excited at the excitation frequency. Test the component to determine its fatigue limit by sub-steps to: apply an excitation force to the component at the excitation frequency to cause vibration of the component; alter the applied excitation force at constant excitation frequency to maintain the response parameter constant; measure at least one of an input parameter and an output parameter; iterate the sub-steps to alter and measure until the first order, second order, or first and second order derivatives of the input parameter and/or output parameter exhibit a discontinuity. Repeat the steps for a different excitation frequency. The fatigue limit for the material includes all the identified discontinuities.

Abstract: Shear thinning fluids may be useful as calibration fluids for calibrating rheometers with bob/rotor eccentricity and at lower shear rates, which may be particularly useful for calibrating rheometers at well sites that are used for measuring the rheological properties of complex fluids (e.g., wellbore fluids like drilling fluids, cementing fluids, fracturing fluids, completion fluids, and workover fluids). Additionally, high shear rate calibrations may also be performed with shear thinning calibration fluids. Newtonian fluids may be used for high shear rate calibrations in alternate of or in addition to the shear thinning calibration fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a size of particles in a spray jet includes a substantially square frame. A first emitter unit and a first detection unit, and a second emitter unit and a second detection unit, are respectively provided at opposite corners of the frame. Two light beams that cross each other in a focus are generated by the respective emitter units. Passage of a particle through the focus is detected based on light intensity signals from the first and second detection units. Using another set of light beams that cross each other and that are separated from the above-noted light beams in the direction of flight of the particle, passage of the particle through a second common focus can be detected. Particle velocity and particle size can be obtained based on the time difference between the passage of the particle through the two foci.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for analyzing urine sample, a reagent for analysis of urine sample and a reagent kit for analysis of urine sample, which are for detecting at least casts and erythrocytes as urinary particles.

Abstract: A particulate matter sensor and an exhaust gas purification system using the same are provided. A particular matter sensor according to some embodiments of the present invention includes a first insulation layer including a first electrode unit exposed on a first side thereof, which includes a plurality of first electrodes not electrically connected to each other, a second insulation layer arranged in parallel to the first insulation layer with a space therebetween, including a second electrode unit on a first side thereof, which includes a plurality of second electrodes electrically connected to each other, a temperature sensing unit formed on a first side of a third insulation layer located on a second side of the second insulation layer, and a heater unit formed on a first side of a fourth insulation layer located on a second side of the third insulation layer, the heater unit configured to heat the first and second electrode units.

Abstract: An apparatus and method disperse particles suspended in a fluid with an obstacle field in the flow path of the fluid. The particles may be dispersed after an interaction with obstacles in the obstacle field. The obstacle-particle interactions may result in an asymmetrical particle shift in which the particles are dispersed in an asymmetrical manner relative to the obstacle and the fluid flow. Obstacles are arranged to separate particles flowing through the device based on individual obstacles having properties that are asymmetrical and are oriented and aligned for the separation.

Abstract: In some aspects of the present disclosure, methods of detecting coincident sample events are provided. The methods include receiving a first set of signal data representing detected signals from a flow cytometer system; detecting, with a peak detection module, one or more peaks within the signal data; and cancelling, with a successive cancellation module, one or more individual sample events from the signal data at corresponding time indexes, wherein the cancellation of more than one individual sample event is successive. Devices and system related thereto are also provided.

Abstract: A measurement system permits environmental, corrosion damage, and mechanical property measurements to assess protection properties of coatings. The system includes one or more multi-sensor panels, each multi-sensor panel having sensors for assessing coating barrier properties, free corrosion, and galvanic corrosion. Each multi-sensor panel is installed on a test rack that contains electronics for sensor excitation and sensor data acquisition throughout a corrosion test. Sensor data is collected, stored, and communicated to a base station. A network of multiple test racks can be supported by a base station to compare the performance of different coatings and material combinations simultaneously. The test racks can be used in accelerated atmospheric corrosion tests, outdoor test sites, or application service environments.

Abstract: A stress corrosion crack test method for evaluating the stress corrosion crack susceptibility of a steel material in alcohol. The method includes filling a cell containing a uniaxial tensile test piece of the steel material with an alcohol solution containing carboxylic acid: 0.1 mmol/L or more and less than 40 mmol/L, chloride ions: 0.05 mg/L or more and less than 300 mg/L, and water: 0.1 vol. % or more and less than 5 vol. %. Additionally, the method includes applying a fluctuating stress at a frequency of 2.0×10?5 Hz or more and 2.0×10?2 Hz or less to the uniaxial tensile test piece in the tensile direction. The maximum stress being equal to or more than the yield strength and less than the tensile strength at a test solution temperature, and the minimum stress being 0% or more and 90% or less of the yield strength.

Abstract: A method for irradiating scattering medium, including modifying a particle's response to electromagnetic radiation irradiating the particle in a scattering medium, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is scattered by the scattering medium, and modulated by the modifying, into scattered electromagnetic radiation comprising a scattered field; forming a phase conjugate field, wherein the phase conjugate field is a phase conjugate of the scattered field; and irradiating the scattering medium with the phase conjugate field, wherein the phase conjugate field forms a focus at a target defined by the particle.

Abstract: Provided is an online detection method of gaseous alkali metal concentration in boiler burning flame. The method includes selecting the user characteristic spectral line to be measured; based on the characteristic spectral line of the alkali metal, constructing a fitting model between radiation strength of the characteristic spectral line of the alkali metal in the burning flame and the gaseous alkali metal concentration and flame temperature; calibrating the spectrograph under absolute radiation strength; measuring a flame object corresponding to an alkali metal concentration by the calibrated spectrograph to obtain the radiation strength and flame temperature of the characteristic spectral line of the alkali metal. The detection method can detect the concentration of the gaseous alkali metal in the burning flame of the detection furnace quickly and accurately as well as detect the content of the base metals, involves simple devices, low cost, and is suitable for field measurement.

Abstract: A windowless microbolometer for use in terrestrial applications and non-terrestrial applications is provided. The windowless microbolometer array may interact with a flow of gas such that a pixel-based image of the gas is generated when the flow of gas impinges upon the windowless microbolometer array. The windowless microbolometer array may also interact with a molecular beam to provide information related to density, shape, and propagation of the molecular beam.

Abstract: A process gas analyzer and method for analyzing a process gas carried in a plant section, wherein light from a light source is passed through the process gas and detected via a detector, evaluated in an evaluation unit to produce an analysis result with respect to the absorption in the process gas, where chambers or purging pipes, present between the light source and the plant section and also between the detector and the plant section, are flushed with a purge gas to analyze the process gas, and where the volume flow rate of the purge gas is periodically modulated and the effect of the purge gas on the analysis result is determined based on changes in the detected absorption caused by the modulation and removed from the analysis result to enable a high degree of compensation for measurement errors caused by the purging.

Abstract: A phase refractive index of a test object is measured with high accuracy. A phase difference between a reference light beam and a test light beam is measured by dividing light from a light source into the reference light beam and the test light beam, and causing interference between the test light beam transmitted through the test object and the reference light beam. A phase refractive index of the test object is calculated by calculating a value corresponding to an integral multiple of 2? included in the phase difference, based on a slope of a phase refractive index of a reference object with respect to wavelength.

Abstract: Optical reference devices for calibrating or monitoring the performance of an optical measurement device, such as a fluorometer, are made from thermoplastics from the polyaryletherketone (PAEK) family of semi-crystalline thermoplastics, including polyether ether ketone (PEEK). The reference device may be made as a master reference device having a known emission output—as determined by a standard optical measurement device—that is used to calibrate other optical measurement devices against the standard. The reference device may be made in the shape of a receptacle vial so that the reference device can be placed in the receptacle holding structure of an instrument in which the optical measurement device is installed and used to calibrate or monitor the optical measurement device within the instrument. The reference device may be part of the probe of a pipettor or pick and place mechanism or it may be a cap that can be secured to the end of such a probe.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a method for determining a property of an uncharacterized crude oil sample using a polynomial equation correlating the property to a spectrum index and density of crude oil. The polynomial equation may include constants determined using a data fitting method and a data base of spectral data, density data, and standard properties data of a plurality of crude oils.

Abstract: An optical signal detection module includes an optical measurement device (OMD) configured to detect an optical emission signal from an emission signal source placed in a signal-detecting position of the OMD. The optical signal detection module also includes a cover moveable between a closed position covering the signal-detecting position and an open position not covering the signal-detecting position. The cover includes an optical reference material that emits a reference emission detectable by the OMD. The cover is configured so that, when the cover is in the closed position, the inner surface is in the signal-detecting position of the OMD so that the OMD detects the reference emission. The optical signal detection module can also include a drive assembly coupled to the cover and configured to move the cover between the open position and the closed position. In some embodiments, the OMD can include a fluorometer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for analyzing urine sample, a reagent for analysis of urine sample and a reagent kit for analysis of urine sample, which are for detecting at least casts and erythrocytes as urinary particles.

Abstract: A novel, simple, water soluble CdTe QDs based specific switch on-off-on photoluminescence (PL) based process for selective detection of fluoride ions in solutions as well as in gaseous forms.

Abstract: A Raman microscopy imaging device (100) is described, having: a first laser light source (12) for emitting a first laser beam (16) having a first wavelength along a first light path (20); a second laser light source (44) for emitting a second laser beam (18) having a second wavelength, different from the first wavelength, along a second light path (22) physically separated from the first light path (20); a beam combining element (32) for collinearly combining the two laser beams (16, 18) in one shared light path (34) directed onto a sample; a detector (38) for sensing a measured signal on the basis of the two laser beams (16, 18) interacting with the sample; and an evaluation unit (40) for evaluating the measured signal sensed by the detector (38). According to the present invention the first laser light source (12) is embodied as a pulsed source, and the second laser light source (44) as a continuous source.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for Raman scattering microscopy, includes a laser source (10) suitable for emitting a laser beam (11) at an excitation wavelength ?, a microscope objective (14) suitable for receiving the laser beam (11) and focusing the laser beam in an image plane of the microscope objective (14), the focused laser beam (21) being intended to illuminate a sample (20), an optical system suitable for collecting a Raman scattering optical beam (22), and detection elements (16, 17) suitable for detecting the Raman scattering beam (22) collected. More particularly, the Raman scattering microscopy apparatus further includes an adaptive optics system (31, 32, 33) positioned on an optical path of the excitation laser beam (11), on an optical path of the Raman scattering beam (22) or on an optical path common to the excitation laser beam (11) and the Raman scattering beam (22).

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a sensing application may a substrate having a plurality of nano-fingers positioned to receive the dispensed solution , first and second reservoirs, first and second dispensers to dispense first and second solutions from the first and second reservoirs onto first and second subsets of the plurality of nano-fingers. The plurality of nano-fingers are flexible, such that the plurality of nano-fingers are configurable with respect to each other. The apparatus may include an illumination source to illuminate the first and second solutions and an analyte introduced around the plurality of nano-fingers, wherein light is to be emitted from the analyte in response to being illuminated. The apparatus may include a detector to detect the light emitted from the analyte.