Abstract: Embodiments are generally directed to membrane test for mechanical testing of wearable devices. A mechanical testing system includes an actuation mechanism including a clamp to hold a membrane including stretchable electronics over an opening in the actuation mechanism, wherein the actuation mechanism is to apply pressure to the membrane through the opening; and a testing logic to control the application and release of pressure on the membrane by the actuation mechanism.

Abstract: Embodiments are generally directed to a lateral expansion apparatus for mechanical testing of stretchable electronics. An embodiment of a system includes a compressible cylinder to apply mechanical forces to a stretchable electronics device by the compression and release of the compressible cylinder; a compression unit to compress to the compressible cylinder, wherein the compression unit is to apply a compression force in a direction along an axis of the compressible cylinder to generate lateral expansion of the compressible cylinder; and a testing logic to control compression and release of the compressible cylinder.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of surely detecting a crack in piezoelectric elements regardless of size of the crack. The method includes applying voltage to a first piezoelectric element of a pair of piezoelectric elements to cause deformation in the first piezoelectric element, forcibly deforming a second piezoelectric element of the pair of the piezoelectric elements to generate voltage from the second piezoelectric element according to the deformation of the first piezoelectric element, finding a transfer function of the pair of the piezoelectric elements based on values of the applied voltage and the generated voltage, and detecting presence or absence of a crack in the pair of the piezoelectric elements based on an objective value obtained from the found transfer function.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to suppressing electrical arcing within a fuel tank in which a fuel density sensor is located by isolating electronic components of the fuel density sensor within a cavity surrounded by a dielectric housing. The dielectric housing physically isolates the sensor electronics from fuel in the fuel tank via a fuel barrier. The dielectric housing electrically isolating the sensor electronics within the cavity from potential high voltage hazards outside the cavity. Light energy optically from a first environment outside the cavity is transmitted through the dielectric housing to a second environment within the cavity to provide operating power for the sensor electronics. The light energy is converted into DC electrical energy within the cavity. A light signal indicative of fuel density is optically transmitted from the second environment within the cavity through the dielectric housing to the first environment outside the cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking a need for maintenance of a viscometer measuring consistency of suspension comprises a rigid rod and an elongated cavity in a measuring arm of the viscometer. The rigid rod is matched with the cavity for the rod to be movable in the cavity. The cavity is configured to become mismatched with respect to the rod in response to a bending of the measuring arm, the mismatch indicating a need for maintenance of the viscometer.

Abstract: The invention refers to an in vitro method and apparatus for analysing the behaviour of substances in simulated physiological environment. The method comprises the steps of providing a first fluid, a gel matrix and a second fluid, separating the first fluid and the gel matrix by at least one first semi-permeable membrane and separating the gel matrix and the second fluid by at least one second semi-permeable membrane. The method further comprises the steps of injecting a substance into the first fluid, letting the substance migrate from the first fluid through the at least one first semi-permeable membrane, through the gel matrix, through the at least one second semi-permeable membrane and into the second fluid, and determining clearance of the substance from the first fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for particle size and a distribution of a population of particle measurements, comprising: a non-monochromatic light source that emits a plurality of a non-monochromatic rays, a medium that includes a particle, wherein the medium is a liquid phase and the particle is suspended within the medium to form a particle-suspension, a droplet of the particle-suspension wherein the droplet is provided with a curved surface, and a detector that is provided with a light providing element.

Abstract: Provided are methods for quantifying and/or detecting sub-visible particulates in cell cultures. Specifically, the methods comprise a step of breaking down, e.g., lysing, cells in a cell culture. The methods can further comprising filtering the cell culture through a filter. Further provided are methods of quantifying sub-visible particulates that do not pass through the filter using a microscope.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system, apparatus, and method for reconditioning a particulate matter sensor in an exhaust aftertreatment system that will resist poisoning. The system and method includes receiving particulate matter data indicating a state of the particulate matter sensor; determining that the particulate matter sensor is in a full state based on the particulate matter data; activating a heating element of the particulate matter sensor to a multiple of intermittent temperatures that clean the sensor pre-patory to the next measurement. By this manner, many reactive chemicals are removed before they can react with and poison the sensor materials.

Abstract: Sample monitoring and flow control systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring of airborne particulates. A system may include a particle collection filter. The system also includes a fluid moving device for moving a sample through the particle collection filter. Further, the system includes a light source configured to direct irradiating light towards the particle collection filter. The system also includes a light detector positioned to receive the irradiating light passing through the particle collection filter and configured to generate a signal representative of an amount of the received light. Further, the system includes a controller configured to receive the signal and to control the fluid moving device based on the amount of the received light.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method of sorting cells in a flow cytometry system is disclosed, which includes illuminating a cell with radiation having at least two optical frequencies shifted from one another by a radiofrequency to elicit fluorescent radiation from the cell, detecting the fluorescent radiation to generate temporal fluorescence data, and processing the temporal fluorescence data to arrive at a sorting decision regarding the cell without generating an image (i.e., a pixel-by-pixel image) of the cell based on the fluorescence data. In other words, while the fluorescence data can contain image data that would allow generating a pixel-by-pixel fluorescence intensity map, the method arrives at the sorting decision without generating such a map. In some cases, the sorting decision can be made with a latency less than about 100 microseconds. In some embodiments, the above method of sorting cells can have a sub-cellular resolution, e.g.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an optical sensor includes a plurality of sensing parts two-dimensionally arranged in a matrix to form a sensor surface, and a phototransmissive sample-supporting plate arranged to be opposed to the sensing parts.

Abstract: A particle analyzer, comprising a source of a substantially nondiffracting light beam; a flow path configured to produce in a flowcell a ribbon-like core stream having a specific cross-sectional aspect ratio; the flowcell being configured to expose a segment of the core stream to the light beam; a detector configured to receive a signal resulting from an interaction of a particle in the core stream with the light beam; a first sorting actuator connected with the flowcell, downstream of the exposed segment of core stream; a plurality of sorting channels in fluid connection with the flow path and downstream of the first actuator, the actuator having multiple actuation states, each state configured to direct at least one part of the core stream to a corresponding channel; a second sorting actuator connected with the flowcell, opposite the first actuator, and operable in coordination with the first actuator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for imaging a plurality of blood fluid samples or other types of samples include processing at least a portion of a sample to enhance imageability of certain particles in that portion and subsequently imaging the sample portion. In some instances, processing and imaging of various samples may be staged in a manner to optimize throughput of the system or method.

Abstract: An inspection lighting system including a first frame structure and a plurality of linear light arrays coupled to the first frame structure. Each of the linear light arrays have a plurality of integrated lights and at least one generally linear bracket. The integrated lights are arranged end-to-end, with each of the integrated lights having at least one T-slot along at least a portion of a length of the integrated light. The linear bracket coupling adjacent ones of the integrated lights together using the T-slots in the adjacent integrated lights.

Abstract: A calibration suspension unit has a container made of a flexible material that is filled with a calibration suspension for the calibration of a turbidity meter. There exists no air supernatant above the calibration suspension in the container. Further, a method for the manufacture of a calibration suspension unit is provided and its use for the calibration of a turbidity meter is described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are optical integration technologies, designs, systems and methods directed toward Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and other interferometric optical sensor, ranging, and imaging systems wherein such systems, methods and structures employ tunable optical sources, coherent detection and other structures on a single or multichip monolithic integration. In contrast to contemporary, prior-art OCT systems and structures that employ simple, miniature optical bench technology using small optical components positioned on a substrate, systems and methods according to the present disclosure employ one or more photonic integrated circuits (PICs), use swept-source techniques, and employ a widely tunable optical source(s). In another embodiment the system uses an optical photonic phased array.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are optical integration technologies, designs, systems and methods directed toward Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and other interferometric optical sensor, ranging, and imaging systems wherein such systems, methods and structures employ tunable optical sources, coherent detection and other structures on a single or multichip monolithic integration. In contrast to contemporary, prior-art OCT systems and structures that employ simple, miniature optical bench technology using small optical components positioned on a substrate, systems and methods according to the present disclosure employ one or more photonic integrated circuits (PICs), use swept-source techniques, and employ a widely tunable optical source(s). In another embodiment the system uses an optical photonic phased array.

Abstract: The invention is a method for characterizing a liquid sample, said liquid sample containing particles, the method comprising the following steps: a) illuminating said sample using a light source that is able to emit an incident light wave towards the sample; b) detecting, using a photodetector, a light wave transmitted by the sample thus illuminated; c) characterizing the sample depending on an intensity of the light wave detected by the photodetector. The method comprises, prior to step c), applying an acoustic wave to the sample, said acoustic wave forming pressure nodes and pressure antinodes in the sample, so as to separate, in the latter, a poor portion, poor in particles, and rich portion, rich in particles, such that, in step c), the sample is characterized: either on the basis of the intensity of the light wave transmitted by the poor portion; or on the basis of the intensity of the light wave transmitted by the rich portion.

Abstract: 3D shape reconstruction of glossy objects includes separation of diffuse and specular components of reflection from the object. Multiple layers of E-glass arranged in spaced-apart relation with each other, together with a camera for capturing images of reflected light. A first polarizer is positioned to polarize incident light before it reaches the object and a second polarizer is configured as an analyzer to analyze the light reflected from the object. The degree of polarization is varied. Images are captured of a structured light pattern as reflected in both diffuse and specular reflection the surface of the glossy object. A diffuse component of reflection is extracted by using the captured images of the deformed patterns, and a specular component of reflection is extracted by using the diffuse component of reflection and the captured images under polarized illumination. Depth of the surface of the object is estimated by fusing the diffuse component and the specular component.

Abstract: A sensor system having coupling structures is disclosed. The system includes an input coupling structure, an interaction region, and an output coupling structure. The input coupling structure is configured to receive emitted light at a selected coupling efficiency and may provide filtering of the emitted light for a selected wavelength. The interaction region is coupled to the input coupling structure and configured to interact the light from the input coupling structure with a specimen. The output coupling structure is coupled to the interaction region and configured to provide interacted light from the interaction region to the detector.

Abstract: An in-situ gas-measuring system (1) includes an IR photon source (10) and an IR photon detector (11). The in-situ gas-measuring system (1) has an expansion chamber (12), at which an optical element (16, 16?, 16?) is arranged. A connection element (13) provides a detachable fluid-communicating connection of the expansion chamber (12) to a gas reaction chamber (2). The IR-photon source (10), the optical element (16, 16?, 16?) and the IR photon detector (11) define an optical measuring path, which extends through the expansion chamber (12). The installation and maintenance of the in-situ gas-measuring system (1) are reduced by the features of the in-situ gas-measuring system (1).

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to determining metrics of water particles in clouds by directing light pulses at a cloud and measuring a peak, a post-peak value and a high-frequency fluctuation of light signals reflected from the cloud. The light pulses include: a first pulse having circularly polarized light of a first wavelength; and a second pulse of a second wavelength. The reflected light signals include: a first reflected light signal having left-hand circular polarization of the first wavelength; a second reflected light signal having right-hand circular polarization of the first wavelength; and a third reflected light signal of the second wavelength. An extinction coefficient and a backscatter coefficient are determined based on the measured peak and post-peak slopes of the first and second reflected light signals. The measured high-frequency fluctuations of the three reflected light signals can be used to calculate cloud particle sizes.

Abstract: To effectively concentrate particles in a detection area serving as the measurement center of a sensor. A particle sensor is provided with an enclosure; a detection area inside the enclosure, and a guide path in the enclosure, configured to guide a gas to a detection area. The cross-sectional perimeter in a direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the guide path gradually becomes smaller from an inlet to the guide path toward the detection area.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for spectroscopy using multiple resonance modes are provided. Multiple resonance modes may be used for bulk sensing and/or surface sensing applications. A plasmon waveguide resonance sensor is provided for multimode spectroscopy. The sensor includes a dielectric layer; and a metallic layer coupled to the dielectric layer. The sensor is configured to provide: a first resonance mode for bulk sensing, in response to light of a given wavelength; and a second resonance mode for surface sensing, in response to light of the given wavelength. The first and second resonance modes have different polarizations. Surface plasmon resonance assemblies are provided having a grating coupled to a surface plasmon resonance sensor, the grating being a dielectric grating or a metallic grating. The grating, in response to light, provides various resonance modes having at least two different polarizations for bulk and surface sensing.

Abstract: A method for the non-invasive measurement of the gas content of at least one gas selected from O2, CO2, amines, nitrogen oxides, sulfur compounds, in transparent packages made of plastic films, glass or other light-permeable materials, in which a sensor material sensitive to the gas content in the interior of the package is excited by excitation light incident thereon to emit a fluorescent or luminescent light, the emitted fluorescent or luminescent light is detected in a detection device interacting with the sensor, whereupon the packaged materials or produced materials are subjected to sorting, and optionally counting, as a function of the gas content determined by an evaluation unit coupled to the detection device, comprising the steps of: a) optionally deep-drawing the package; b) applying a sensor material to the inner side of a cover for the package, or to the inner side of the package, and optionally drying the sensor material; c) introducing into the package the materials to be packaged; d) gas-tightl

Abstract: Chemical probes and methods for detecting and/or quantifying hydrogen sulfide are disclosed. More particularly, this application discloses chemical probes and methods for their use for detecting and/or quantifying hydrogen sulfide in industrial and environmental samples and effluents, including samples of crude oil and sour water produced by petrochemical and other industrial processes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automated method and apparatus for automatically setting a drop delay period by detecting calibration particles in a waste stream. The drop delay is incremented over a series of drop delays and the number of calibration particles in the waste stream is detected for each drop delay. The drop delay is selected which has the least number of calibration particles in the waste stream.

Abstract: An array chip useful for biochemical assays is provided wherein the chip includes a field region arranged with attachment sites according to a first pitch and at least one track region having a one-dimensional spot pattern arranged according to a second pitch that is less dense and is a non-integer multiple of the first pitch so that one-dimensional Moiré averaging may be applied in the track region, thereby to attain alignment of the chip to the optical instrumentation with a higher density of attachment sites.

Abstract: Provided is a system for observing an object that emits fluorescence when irradiated with excitation light. The system includes: a hole unit having holes on a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the objective lens to allow the excitation light to pass through the holes in a direction parallel to the optical axis; and an imaging unit including: an imaging lens configured to focus the fluorescence; a microlens array having microlenses arranged on a plane perpendicular to an optical axis of the imaging lens; and an image sensor having pixels configured to: receive the fluorescence via the objective lens, at least one of the holes, and the microlens array, the fluorescence being emitted when the object is irradiated with the excitation light having passed through at least one of the holes and the objective lens; and output an image signal in accordance with an intensity of the received fluorescence.

Abstract: A biosensing system that measures the concentration of halogenated alkenes is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surface refractive index scanning system for characterization of a sample. The system comprises a grating device for holding or receiving the sample, the device comprising at least a first grating region having a first grating width along a transverse direction, and a second grating region having a second grating width in the transverse direction. The first grating region and the second grating region are adjacent in the transverse direction, wherein the first grating region has a grating period ?1 in a longitudinal direction, and the second grating region has a grating period ?2 in the longitudinal direction, where the longitudinal direction is orthogonal to the transverse direction. A grating period spacing ??=?1-?2 is finite.

Abstract: Provided is an exterior inspection device capable of performing inspections with an optimum white balance at all times. This exterior inspection device A is equipped with a camera 1, an inspection reference plane 2, and a light source 3, the exterior inspection device further comprising: a calibration reference plate 4; an advance/retraction mechanism 5 for advancing and retracting the calibration reference plate 4 between a calibration position within an image-taking area of the camera 1 and a retracted position retracted therefrom; and a control unit for issuing a white balance adjustment command to the camera 1 when the calibration reference plate 4 is at the calibration position.

Abstract: A method of quantifying metal impurities on a silicon product, includes obtaining a sample of the silicon product; etching or chemically treating a surface of silicon product to retrieve a predetermined amount of silicon product mass; and testing and measuring the etched portion for the presence of metal impurities using a testing measurement technique selected from ICP-MS, ICP-OES, IC, or a combination comprising at least one for the foregoing, wherein the metal impurities are selected from sodium, magnesium, nickel, copper, zinc, molybdenum, tungsten, aluminum, potassium, calcium, titanium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing.

Abstract: A template defect inspection method using an optical system includes emitting linearly polarized light to a template having a metal film formed on at least part of a concave-convex structure that is formed on a substrate and that has a line-and-space pattern, acquiring information on a polarization-rotated component, which is different from linearly polarized light incident on the template, of light reflected by the template in accordance with the emission thereto, converting the acquired information on the polarization-rotated component into an electrical signal, and processing the electrical signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for quick imaging and inspection of a moving target. The apparatus comprises a passage, a scanning and imaging device (106), a first position sensor (101), a second position sensor (103), and a control unit (105). The control unit (105) powers on an electron induction accelerator in the scanning and imaging device (106) to make the electron induction accelerator enter a standby state when the control unit (105) receives from the first position sensor (101) a detection signal indicating that a moving target (100) enters the passage, and controls a beam emitting time point and a beam emitting mode of the electron induction accelerator to correspondingly inspect different parts of the moving target (100) when the second position sensor (103) detects that different sections pass through a radiation scanning area.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for generating x-ray inspection image of an electronic circuit board are disclosed. The method includes: respectively generating, according to data files of the electronic circuit board and parameters of an X-ray machine, analog images of both faces of the electronic circuit board; subjecting the electronic circuit board to X-ray imaging to generate a real image of the electronic circuit board, the real image comprising real image elements on both faces of the electronic circuit board; identifying, according to the analog images of both faces, from the real image an interference image element that needs to be filtered from the real image for generating a real image of a detected object; and filtering the interference image element from the real image to generate the real image of the detected object.

Abstract: Disclosed is a measurement method performed by a Computed Tomography, CT, system. The CT system includes an x-ray source and an x-ray detector array of photon counting edge-on detectors, wherein each edge-on detector has a number of depth-segments, also referred to as detector elements, arranged at different spatial locations in the direction of incoming x-rays. The method includes to apply a time offset measurement scheme that provides a time offset between measurement periods for at least two different detector elements located at different depths, wherein the time offset is chosen so that at least two measurement periods at least partially overlaps in time. Disclosed is also a corresponding CT system, a control unit for a CT system and a measurement circuit for a CT system. A computer program controlling a CT system is also disclosed. The disclosed technology provides for a higher sampling frequency in the angular direction.

Abstract: The invention describes a method and a device (9) for executing a method of X-ray nano-radiography and nanotomography using a scanning electron microscope (1) consisting of the focus of an electron beam (2) from an electron microscope (1) onto one point of the surface of a scanned sample (3), the emission of bremsstrahlung and fluorescent radiation (6) from the focal point of the impact of the electron beam (2), the sensing of the scanned sample (3), and recording an image of the structure of the scanned sample (3) based on the change of intensities of the bremsstrahlung and fluorescent radiation (6) by the imaging detector (7) arranged behind the sample (3).

Abstract: A system for reflecting and recording x-ray radiation from an x-ray emitting event to characterize the event. A crystal is aligned to receive radiation along a first path from an x-ray emitting event. Upon striking the crystal, the x-ray reflects from the crystal along a second path due to a reflection plane of the crystal defined by one of the following Miller indices: (9,7,3) or (11,3,3). Exemplary crystalline material is germanium. The x-rays are reflected to a detector aligned to receive reflected x-rays that are reflected from the crystal along the second path and the detector generates a detector signal in response to x-rays impacting the detector. The detector may include a CCD electronic detector, film plates, or any other detector type. A processor receives and processes the detector signal to generate reflection data representing the x-rays emitted from the x-ray emitting event.

Abstract: A method is provided of measuring the mass thickness of a target sample for use in electron microscopy. Reference data are obtained which is representative of the X-rays (28) generated within a reference sample (12) when a particle beam (7) is caused to impinge upon a region (14) of the reference sample (12). The region (14) is of a predetermined thickness of less than 300 nm and has a predetermined composition. The particle beam (7) is caused to impinge upon a region (18) of the target sample (16). The resulting X-rays (29) generated within the target sample (16) are monitored (27) so as to produce monitored data. Output data are then calculated based upon the monitored data and the reference data, the output data including the mass thickness of the region (18) of the target sample (16).

Abstract: An X-ray analyzer includes an X-ray excitation device, an X-ray detection device, and a gate valve. The X-ray excitation device includes a sample chamber in which a sample as an analysis target can be disposed. The X-ray detection device includes a TES which can detect a characteristic X-ray emitted from the sample, and a room-temperature shield which surrounds the TES. The gate valve is disposed between the X-ray excitation device and the X-ray detection device. The inside of the room-temperature shield is provided to enable communication with the inside of the sample chamber. The gate valve includes a partition plate provided to enable blocking of a communication between the inside of the sample chamber and the inside of the room-temperature shield. The partition plate has a pressure-resistant X-ray window.

Abstract: In a biological information measurement device, the ingress of biological sample is detected even when a sensor is mounted, which reduces measurement error. The biological information measurement device comprises a voltage supply component that supplies voltage between first and second connectors, between second and third connectors, and between first and third connectors, a current measurement component that measures a first current that flows between the first and second connectors, a second current that flows between the second and third connectors, and a third current that flows between the first and third connectors, and a controller that is connected to the current measurement component and the voltage supply component. The controller compares two or more of the currents and thereby determines whether a foreign substance has adhered between two or more connectors out of the first, second, and third connectors.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a structural health monitoring apparatus for monitoring health of structure includes a resistance measurement unit and an evaluation unit. The resistance measurement unit measures a resistance value between one terminal and another terminal of a set of two terminals. The set of two terminals is selected from a plurality of terminals provided on the electrical paths formed in the assembled body that forms frames of the structure. The evaluation unit evaluates the health of the structure by using a difference between the resistance value between terminals of the set of two terminals and a reference resistance value between the two terminals, and outputs evaluation result information.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for predicting a measured value of a measured variable of a sensor of process automation technology, includes the steps of capturing a first measured value at a first point in time; capturing a second measured value at a second, later point in time, formation of a differential value between the second and first measured values, filtering out the differential value using a filter with an infinite impulse response, and calculating a future measured value using the measured value at the second point in time, the filtered differential value, and a constant that characterizes the sensor. The present disclosure further relates to a conductivity sensor including a temperature sensor and a computer unit for executing a method.

Abstract: An improved bridge circuitry is presented for improved soil sensor measurements. The improved bridge circuitry may include blocking capacitors, the ability to apply bias voltage, and the substitution of AC meters with DC meters and other improvements.

Abstract: Embodiments are generally directed to air bladder based mechanical testing for stretchable electronics. An embodiment of a system includes an inflatable bladder to apply mechanical force to a stretchable electronics device by the inflation and deflation of the inflatable bladder; a valve unit to control fluid pressure applied to the inflatable bladder; and a control unit to control inflation and deflation of the inflatable bladder.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a capacitive probe, a resistive element, an electronic circuit and an optical interface. A capacitance of the capacitive probe and a resistance of the resistive element are indicative of characteristics of an environment. The electronic circuit is configured to convert the capacitance and the resistance into optical data. The optical interface is configured to provide the optical data to an optical link.

Abstract: A method of making a reversible hydrogen electrode comprises filling a housing with electrolyte, the housing having an open end, a closed end and a platinum wire having an internal portion in the housing and an external portion extending through the closed end to an exterior of the housing. The housing is inverted into a container of electrolyte and a counter electrode is placed into the container of electrolyte, the counter electrode being metal. A power source is attached to the external portion of the platinum wire and the counter electrode. The power source is run for a period of time to produce electrolysis. Hydrogen is formed at the internal portion of the platinum wire and oxygen is formed at the counter electrode. A single hydrogen bubble is formed in the housing, the platinum wire extending through the single hydrogen bubble.

Abstract: A sensor, and methods of making, for determining the concentration of an analyte, such as glucose, in a biological fluid such as blood or serum, using techniques such as coulometry, amperometry, and potentiometry. The sensor includes a working electrode and a counter electrode, and may include an insertion monitoring trace to determine correct positioning of the sensor in a connector. The sensor is calibration-adjusted, eliminating the need for a user to enter a calibration code or for the meter to read a calibration code.