Abstract: A microarray analysis method, in which a microarray obtained by arranging probes on a substrate surface having an irregular shape is irradiated with excitation light and fluorescence amounts of the probes excited by the excitation light are obtained as numerical data, includes a step (a) of measuring the fluorescence amounts of the probes to acquire fluorescence image data, a step (b) of receiving reflected light and/or scattered light from the substrate surface to acquire the irregular shape of the substrate surface of the microarray as alignment image data based on the light receiving intensities of the light, and a step (c) of determining positions of the probes on the fluorescence image data based on the alignment image data.

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

Abstract: A nanoplasmonic resonator (NPR) includes a substrate, a first metallic member disposed on the substrate, a second metallic member spaced apart from the first metallic member, and a first insulation layer at least partially disposed between the first and second metallic members. The first insulation layer includes at least one of a notch formed laterally therein such that there is an open gap separating outer edge portions of the first and second metallic members, at least a portion thereof having a toroid shape, and a length extending between the first and second metallic members which are laterally adjacent to each other.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described herein for producing high radiance illumination light for use in semiconductor metrology based on a confined, sustained plasma. One or more plasma confining circuits introduce an electric field, a magnetic field, or a combination thereof to spatially confine a sustained plasma. The confinement of the sustained plasma decreases the size of the induced plasma resulting in increased radiance. In addition, plasma confinement may be utilized to shape the plasma to improve light collection and imaging onto the specimen. The induced fields may be static or dynamic. In some embodiments, additional energy is coupled into the confined, sustained plasma to further increase radiance. In some embodiments, the pump energy source employed to sustained the plasma is modulated in combination with the plasma confining circuit to reduce plasma emission noise.

Abstract: A method of quantifying at least one property of interest of an oil sands ore sample is provided using a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) method. The LIBS method may be applied to oil sands ore being conveyed prior to a slurry process to measure oil sand composition and provide information which may predict extraction characteristics. The LIBS method may be applied to oil sands core samples in a laboratory setting to reduce the cost and analysis time associated with conventional laboratory measurement techniques.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assay result reading apparatus for use with an assay in which a detectable substance tends to accumulate within a detection zone of the assay, the reading apparatus comprising: a housing or baffle, having a window therein; a light source which emits light through the window so as to illuminate the detection zone of the assay; and a light detector to detect the amount of light reflected and/or transmitted by the detection zone, which amount is at least partly dependent on the amount of detectable substance accumulated in the detection zone; wherein the shape of the window is adapted to render the reading apparatus less sensitive, preferably insensitive, to minor mis-positioning of the detection zone relative to one or more of the window, the light source and the light detector.

Abstract: A technique relates to determining a presence of a known nucleic acid sequence of a known molecule in a sample. A sample surface is coated with a select segment of the known molecule. Beads are coated with a first molecule. A targeted nucleic acid sequence is attached to a second molecule that binds to the first molecule, such that the targeted nucleic acid sequence is attached to the beads via first and second molecules. The sample is placed on the sample surface. The sample includes the liquid medium, beads, and targeted nucleic acid sequence being tested. Brownian motion of beads is monitored to determine whether the Brownian motion of the beads is restricted or not restricted. When the Brownian motion of beads is restricted, the presence of the known nucleic acid sequence is in the sample, thus indicating that the targeted nucleic acid sequence is the known nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an assembly for use in detecting an analyte in a sample based on thin-film spectral interference. The assembly comprises a waveguide, a monolithic substrate optically coupled to the waveguide, and a thin-film layer directly bonded to the sensing side of the monolithic substrate. The refractive index of the monolithic substrate is higher than the refractive index of the transparent material of the thin-film layer. A spectral interference between the light reflected into the waveguide from a first reflecting surface and a second reflecting surface varies as analyte molecules in a sample bind to the analyte binding molecules coated on the thin-film layer.

Abstract: A method is provided including obtaining an infrared (IR) spectrum of a blood plasma sample by analyzing the blood plasma sample by infrared spectroscopy, and based on the infrared spectrum, generating an output indicative of the presence of a solid tumor or a pre-malignant condition. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A method includes optically interacting a bulk material or powder stored in a hopper with an integrated computational element (“ICE”) configured to detect a characteristic of the bulk material or powder. The method also includes generating an output signal corresponding to the characteristic of the bulk material or powder, and receiving and processing the output signal with a signal processor to yield a value for the characteristic of the bulk material or powder. Also, the method includes transmitting a message flagging the hopper when it is determined that the bulk material or powder is not suitable for usage.

Abstract: An apparatus can be used for inspecting printed images for a printing or finishing machine with continuously moved printed products. An illumination unit with a light source illuminates a recording region and an image capture apparatus with at least one camera, for example a line scanning camera, is set up to capture an image inside the recording region, which extends over the width of the printed product, wherein the image capture apparatus is set up to generate a multi-line partial image.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided, which pattern an illumination of a metrology target with respect to spectral ranges and/or polarizations, illuminate a metrology target by the patterned illumination, and measure radiation scattered from the target by directing, at a pupil plane, selected pupil plane pixels from a to respective single detector(s) by applying a collection pattern to the pupil plane pixels. Single detector measurements (compressive sensing) has increased light sensitivity which is utilized to pattern the illumination and further enhance the information content of detected scattered radiation with respect to predefined metrology parameters.

Abstract: A defect recognition system and a defect recognition method are described. The method includes inspecting a wafer to generate a defect map and locating at least one defect on the wafer by using the defect map; analyzing light reflected from one of the at least one defect to obtain a spectrum of the light; comparing a waveform of the obtained spectrum with a plurality of waveforms respectively in spectrums of different substances; and determining a composition of the defect based on the comparison.

Abstract: Provided are a sintered ceramic and a ceramic sphere which are inhibited from suffering surface peeling due to fatigue resulting from repetitions of loading and can attain an improvement in dimensional accuracy when subjected to surface processing and which have excellent wear resistance and durability.

Abstract: This inspection system has an optical head, a support system, and a controller in electrical communication with the support system. The support system is configured to provide movement to the optical head with three degrees of freedom. The controller is programmed to control movement of the optical head using the support system such that the optical head maintains a constant angle of incidence relative to a wafer surface while imaging a circumferential edge of the wafer. An edge profiler may be scanned across the wafer to determine an edge profile. A trajectory of the optical head can be determined using the edge profile.

Abstract: A method, and related apparatus, for controlling tyres in a production line, includes: predisposing a tyre to be controlled; elastically deforming a lateral wall portion of the tyre by imparting a compression force on an outer contact surface of the lateral wall portion, the compression force having axial direction and sense directed toward the middle line plane; illuminating an inner and/or outer surface of the lateral wall portion and detecting an image of the illuminated surface; generating a control signal representative of the detected image; and analyzing the control signal in order to detect the possible presence of flaws on the lateral wall portion.

Abstract: A lithographic process is used to form a plurality of target structures (T) on a substrate (W). Each target structure comprises overlaid gratings each having a specific overlay bias. Asymmetry (A) of each grating, measured by scatterometry, includes contributions due to (i) the overlay bias, (ii) an overlay error (OV) in the lithographic process and (iii) bottom grating asymmetry within the overlaid gratings. Asymmetry measurements are obtained for three or more target structures having three or more different values of overlay bias (e.g., ?d, 0, +d). Knowing the three different overlay bias values and a theoretical curve relationship between overlay error and asymmetry, overlay error (OV) can be calculated while correcting the effect of bottom grating asymmetry. Bias schemes with three and four different biases are disclosed as examples. Gratings with different directions and biases can be interleaved in a composite target structure.

Abstract: An ellipsometer includes a stage, a light source, a polarizer, a detector, and a processor. The stage is configured to support a substrate including a pattern. The light source is configured to emit illumination toward the substrate. The polarizer is configured to polarize the illumination. The detector is configured to generate, in association with a plurality of azimuthal angles, data corresponding to polarized illumination reflected from the substrate. The processor is configured to: control rotation of the stage in association with sequential inspection of the pattern at the plurality of azimuthal angles, and determine asymmetry of the pattern based on the data. Each azimuthal angle of the plurality of azimuthal angles corresponds to a different rotational state of the stage.

Abstract: An x-ray interferometric imaging system in which the x-ray source comprises a target having a plurality of structured coherent sub-sources of x-rays embedded in a thermally conducting substrate. The system additionally comprises a beam-splitting grating G1 that establishes a Talbot interference pattern, which may be a ? phase-shifting grating, and an x-ray detector to convert two-dimensional x-ray intensities into electronic signals. The system may also comprise a second analyzer grating G2 that may be placed in front of the detector to form additional interference fringes, a means to translate the second grating G2 relative to the detector. The system may additionally comprise an antiscattering grid to reduce signals from scattered x-rays. Various configurations of dark-field and bright-field detectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and Methods for an air slide analyzer for measuring the elemental content of aerated material traveling by air slide. The air slide analyzer has an analyzer having an entrance opening and an exit opening, and an interior tunnel adapted for aerated material conveyed by an air slide; a radiation detector proximal to the analyzer; a neutron source emitting neutrons into material within the analyzer; and a processor to analyze detected information from the radiation detector, wherein emissions from the material being irradiated with neutrons are detected by the radiation detector and analyzed by the processor to provide elemental information of the material in the analyzer.

Abstract: A sample plate is for X-ray analysis to which a sample is fixed in performing an analysis using an X-ray fluorescent analyzer, and includes: a plate-like body that supports the sample; and a code-indicated portion provided on the plate-like body in which information on the sample is encoded and indicated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for identifying a material with a sample-specific reference spectral list or library. A sequential approach to SEM-EDS automated mineralogy classification is carried out by performing two or more material classification analyses. A pre-classification step restricts the processing of spectra deconvolution algorithms to a subset of spectra that pass a dominant mineral criteria resulting in a significantly reduced subset of reference spectra that occur within the measured sample in pure enough form at a given minimum quantity. The following complex classification stages involving deconvolution of multiple constituents within measured spectra is based on this sample relevant subset.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting moisture that includes at least three conductors. One of the conductors has a different resistance than the other conductors. A liquid extends between the conductors. The difference between the impedance through a pair of conductors and the liquid and the impedance of through another pair of conductors and the liquid may be used to determine the position of the liquid along a length of the conductors. Similar methods may be used to determine an area of a liquid with respect to the conductors.

Abstract: This method determines the amount of extracellular fluid surrounding a surface disposed inside a plant, the ion population in that fluid and the identity of the dominant ion in that fluid. The method has four parts: 1) Providing an electrochemical circuit between the surface and external electronics 2) Executing two electrochemical procedures which result in a sequence of measured charge transfer values, 3) Processing the measured charge transfer values into a value proportional to the of extracellular fluid surrounding the surface, a value proportional to the total ion population in the fluid and a value that identifies the dominant ion in the fluid, 4) Generating a set of time/quiescent potential pairs of values which are used to identify the dominant ion type in the extracellular fluid during different time ranges.

Abstract: A system and process for determining and analyzing surface property parameters of a substance based on kinetic method is provided. The system comprises a sample processing system and a detection system. The sample processing system includes a reactor (3), a collector for liquid to be tested (5), and a container for liquid to be tested (6). The detection system includes a detecting electrode (13), a concentration and activity operator, a kinetic data processor, a surface property operation module, and a result output module. The process comprises: having the substance to be tested to be treated with an electrolyte solution, measuring activity of liquid to be tested upon reaction at a pre-set time interval, and processing with the kinetic data processor and the surface property operation module, so as to obtain surface property parameters of the substance to be tested.

Abstract: A method for detecting and dosing hydrofluoric acid content of an electrolyte containing lithium hexafluorophosphate LiPF6 in lithium batteries, including measuring a variation in weight of a material that can undergo a surface reaction with the hydrofluoric acid in the electrolyte, the variation being determined by a quartz microbalance.

Abstract: A hematocrit (HCT) measurement system and measurement method using the same are disclosed. The hematocrit (HCT) measurement system comprises a test strip and a measurement apparatus comprising: a connector transmitting an initial signal generated from a blood sample to the measurement apparatus, a capacitive reactance adjustor disposed between the test strip and the measurement apparatus, a calculation unit for calculating concentration and HCT value of the blood sample, an A/D convertor transforming the corresponding initial signal to a digital signal, and a signal processor processing the digital reacted signal and showing measured results on a display, wherein the HCT value is calculated by voltage partition to prevent the signal waveform voltage being saturated or cutoff, thereby resulting in measured signal distortion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of measuring a component in blood, by which an amount of the component can be corrected accurately by measuring a hematocrit (Hct) value of the blood with high accuracy and high reliability and also provides a sensor used in the method. The method of measuring a component in blood using a biosensor comprising a first electrode system including a first working electrode on which at least an oxidoreductase that acts upon the component and a mediator are provided and a first counter electrode and a second working electrode on which the mediator is not provided. The first working electrode and the first counter electrode are used for obtaining the amount of the component and the second working electrode and the first working electrode are used for obtaining the amount of the blood cells.

Abstract: A first electrode (133) has an exposure portion (133b) exposed to a second measuring chamber (160), and a connection portion (133d) which is disposed at a position not exposed to the second measuring chamber (160) and is connected to the first lead (137) and which is a portion of the first electrode (133) located most distant from the second measuring chamber (160). The entire connection portion (133d) is located in a region A1 which extends from the second measuring chamber (160) over a distance of 1.0 mm or less.

Abstract: A gas sensor controller (100) controls a gas sensor element (10) which has a first pump cell (111), a second pump cell (113), and an oxygen concentration detection cell (112). The controller includes first chamber control means (51) to (53) which pumps oxygen out of or into a first measurement chamber MR1 such that a concentration voltage Vs becomes equal to a target voltage Vr; target voltage changing means S72, S75 which changes the target voltage Vr from a first target voltage Vr1 to a second target voltage Vr2; current detection means (55) which detects the magnitude of a concentration current Ip2 flowing between first electrode (145) and second electrode (147); and deterioration determination means S7 which determines the deterioration state of the gas sensor element from a change which occurs in the concentration current Ip2 due to the change in the target voltage Vr.

Abstract: Provided is a hydrogen ion sensor including: a substrate having a well and a first contact, the well having a second, a third, a fourth and a fifth contacts, the second contact having the same conductive type as the well, and the third, the fourth, and the fifth contacts having an opposite conductive type to the well; a first gate insulation layer on a region between the fourth contact and the fifth contact; a second gate insulation layer on a region between the third contact and the fourth contact; and a hydrogen ion sensing unit formed on the first gate insulation layer, wherein the hydrogen ion sensing unit transfers a voltage level adjusted according to a hydrogen ion concentration of a solution to be measured, to the first gate insulation layer.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the manipulation and/or control of the position of particles using time-variable fields of force; the fields of force can be of dielectrophoresis (positive or negative), electrophoresis, electrohydrodynamic or electrowetting on dielectric, possessing a set of stable points of equilibrium for the particles.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrophoresis cassette, methods for making the electrophoresis cassette, and method of fractionating analytes from a sample based upon electrophoretic mobility in a single application of the sample to an electrophoretic system.

Abstract: A device comprises an electric field applying assembly adapted to generate an electric field having a discrete electric field profile; a conducting volume and an electrical interface region provided between the conducting volume and the electric field applying assembly such that the discrete electric field is applied to the material by the electric field applying assembly at a location spaced from the conducting volume, wherein the electrical interface region comprises at least an ionically conductive material arranged adjacent to an in contact with the conducting volume; such that the discrete electric field applied by the electric field applying assembly is smoothed by the electrical interface region so that the electric field profile established within the conducting volume is substantially continuous.

Abstract: An ion mobility spectrometry method wherein ions are separated along a drift axis while providing a drift gas flow in a direction that is substantially neither in the direction of the drift axis nor opposite to the drift axis. Ion mobility spectrometer operation methods use a cross-directional gas flow in a drift tube and/or a segmented drift tube for pre-separation.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for detecting at least one condition of interest relating to a tube, e.g. the presence of an air bubble. In some embodiments, the sensor includes antennas, a split-ring resonator, a frequency generator capable of generating frequencies in the microwave range, and a detection component. The detection component may estimate at least one parameter of received microwave energy in order to determine if a condition of interest exists.

Abstract: Systems and methods of determining settlement characteristics of a drilling mud are disclosed. Conditions under which heavier elements of the drilling mud settle under the influence of gravity can be determined. Samples of drilling mud can be placed in testing cells, and ultrasonic test pulses can be transmitted through the samples. Responses to the test pulses can be detected and compared to other responses detected at different vertical positions within the testing cell. Settlement can be detected when the responses from different vertical positions are generally dissimilar. An environmental temperature of the testing cell can be changed over a testing time interval, and a settlement temperature can be determined by detecting a divergence in the responses from different vertical positions.

Abstract: A transducer main body has, on a front end side thereof, an oscillating plane having a bent shape in a side view and corresponding to a larger-diameter curved surface formed at a bend of a laminated part. Over the oscillating plane of the transducer main body, a plurality of piezoelectric oscillators is distributed in a matrix in a bent direction and a width direction. In each oscillator group, a controlling unit switches the piezoelectric oscillators to transmission and reception piezoelectric oscillators by turns in the width direction according to a preset transmission/reception pattern and processes a received signal from the reception piezoelectric oscillator according to an aperture synthesis method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structural health monitoring system, for example a system used in the non-destructive evaluation of an aircraft structure. The present invention provides a method and apparatus for evaluating one or more anomalies within a structure using a structural health monitoring system that includes at least three transducers arranged in operative contact with the structure such that no two transducers are aligned to be parallel. A transducer excites an elastic wave that propagates through the structure, and reflections from any anomalies within the structure are collected by the three transducers. These collected signals are analyzed to identify an anomaly within the structure. Time of flight techniques are used to determine the location of the anomaly.

Abstract: An ultrasound probe which is connected to an ultrasound diagnosis apparatus includes an acoustic element for converting an electric signal and an ultrasound to each other, an electric signal processing circuit electrically connected to the acoustic element, a case for storing the acoustic element and the electric signal processing circuit, an acoustic element board for electrically connecting the acoustic element to the electric signal processing circuit, and a partition part which is arranged to contact with the case and separates the acoustic element and the electric signal processing circuit. A space on the side of the acoustic element in the case separated by the partition part is filled with a first material having lower thermal conductivity than that of a material for forming an inner wall surface of the case. Accordingly, the heat generated by a circuit unit such as the electric signal processing circuit can be more efficiently dissipated.

Abstract: A pre-concentration device is provided for a gas analysis system (10) for collecting molecular contamination in a vacuum environment (11). The pre-concentration device (13) comprises a hollow element (15) having an entrance opening (20) for receiving molecules from the vacuum environment (11) in a collection phase, a gas outlet for transferring collected molecules to a vacuum compatible detector or second preconcentration device in a transfer phase. The device has an inner wall for adsorbing molecules in the collection phase and desorbing molecules in the transfer phase. The device has a filler element (14) that is movable from a first position outside the hollow element in the collection phase to a second position inside the hollow element in the transfer phase which second position leaves open a transfer channel to the gas outlet along the inner wall.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to CO2-based chromatography for the efficient and precise separation of Vitamin D metabolites.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a microfluidic flame ionization detector for use in small scale separations, such as, for example, microfluidic gas chromatography and microfluidic carbon dioxide based fluid chromatography. In some arrangements, the microfluidic counter-current flame ionization detector employs a non-parallel arrangement for the introduction of combustion gases into the combustion chamber. In other arrangements, the detector housing is configured to incorporate at least one of the detector electrodes within the housing using electrically isolating fittings.

Abstract: A method for localizing the source of air pollution that includes receiving pollution data from a network in communication with at least one air pollution sensor that is connected to at least one motor vehicle in a stationary position. Each stationary motor vehicle of the network is positioned at a different air pollution measurement location. The method may further include determining from the pollution data an origin of an air pollutant using an air pollution model provided by a pollutant source localization device including at least one hardware processor.

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment, a system is presented for collecting information about a crop to analyze the general health the crop relative to corresponding information from a previous information collection process. To ensure an optimal harvest, a field is typically treated with multiple material application steps. Starting with seed application, the system collects visual information and corresponding positioning data. With each subsequent application (e.g., fertilizer, pesticide, etc.), the information collection process is repeated. The new information is compared to corresponding information from a previous application step, such that the effectiveness of the prior application can be revealed.

Abstract: A moisture sensing device having an elongated chute with an open top and a gate at the bottom. The gate is connected to an actuator for opening and closing the gate. A proximity sensor is mounted to the chute adjacent the gate to detect whether the gate is open or closed. Connected to and extending into the chute is a moisture sensor. The moisture sensor, proximity sensor, and actuator are all connected to a controller.

Abstract: A method of detecting Hg2+ in an aqueous solution. The method includes contacting the aqueous solution with a composition containing a plant extract and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles. The composition has an average particle size of 30-50 nm. A color change following the contacting indicates the presence of Hg2+ in the aqueous solution. The composition is preferably synthesized by reduction of a silver salt with an extract of Ocimum basilicum.

Abstract: A detection device for molten metal is provided. The detection device includes a sample cup having a cavity configured to receive a sample of molten metal and a blob arranged in the cavity. The blob includes a carbide stabilizing element and a hydrogen releasing material including a hydroxide of an alkaline earth metal. The blob is provided for use in detecting phase change temperatures during solidification of a sample of molten cast iron. The blob is also resistant to moisture gain and moisture loss during transport and storage. A method of detecting phase change temperatures of the molten iron or molten cast iron sample using the blob and a method of manufacturing the blob are also provided.

Abstract: A method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction is disclosed. The method includes directing RF energy to an internal portion of a meibomian gland, selectively targeting an obstruction within a duct of the meibomian gland with the applied RF energy to melt, loosen, or soften the obstruction, and expressing the obstruction from the duct of the meibomian gland. An apparatus for treating meibomian gland dysfunction is also disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least one RF electrode configured to direct RF energy to an internal portion of a meibomian gland located in an eyelid of an eye, the at least one RF electrode further configured to selectively target an obstruction within a duct of the meibomian gland with the applied RF energy to melt, loosen, or soften the obstruction. The apparatus also comprises at least one expressor configured to express the obstruction from the duct of the meibomian gland.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting oil proximate to a body of ice is disclosed herein. An example system includes an energy emitter disposed proximate to a first surface of a body of ice. An energy detector is disposed proximate to a second surface of the body of ice. The energy detector is used to map a distribution of oil proximate to the body of ice based, at least in part, on differences in energy transmitted through the body of ice.