Abstract: A sensor having a substrate is provided in which structures are disposed on a surface of the substrate. The structures can be, e.g., nanostructures. Polarized light is directed toward the sensor, and birefringence of the structures with respect to the light is measured. Target particles that interact with the structures are detected based on changes in the measured birefringence.

Abstract: A wearable device, a charger, and a method for estimating absorbance of the wearable device are provided. The wearable device includes a spectroscope configured to emit a first light to a reference material of a charger, measure an intensity of the first light reflected from the reference material, emit a second light to a skin of a user, and measure an intensity of the second light reflected from the skin of the user; and a processor configured to determine absorbance of the skin of the user based on the intensity of the first light and the intensity of the second light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a measurement device which is compact and portable and is simply operated, and which is capable of quantifying the amount of an object to be inspected with high sensitivity and high accuracy. A measurement device of the present invention includes an SPR sensor cell, a light source, and a light receiving element. The SPR sensor cell includes a plurality of optical waveguides. At least one of the plurality of optical waveguides forms a detection unit together with a metal layer onto which a recognition substance for an object to be inspected is fixed, and at least another one of the plurality of optical waveguides forms a reference unit together with a metal layer free of the recognition substance.

Abstract: A functional material includes a porous metal-organic framework (MOF) including an organic ligand derived from benzenedicarboxylic acid and a metal ion cluster coordination-bonded with the organic ligand, and a luminescent molecule in pores of the MOF.

Abstract: A biological substance quantitation method includes the following. A fluorescent image is input, which represents an expression of a specific biological substance in a sample stained with a fluorescent substance by a fluorescent bright spot. A quantitative evaluation value of the fluorescent bright spot is calculated. A standard fluorescent image of a standard sample stained under a same condition as the sample and representing an expression of the biological substance in a standard sample, is input under a same condition as the fluorescent image. A quantitative evaluation value in the standard fluorescent image is calculated under a same condition as the fluorescent image. Based on a correlation between an expression amount of the biological substance in a standard sample measured in advance and the evaluation value in the standard fluorescent image, the evaluation value in the fluorescent image is converted to an expression amount of the biological substance in the sample.

Abstract: A method for optical detection of residual soil on articles (such as medical instruments and equipment), after completion of a washing or a rinsing operation by a washer. A soil detection system provides an indication of soil on the articles by detecting luminescent radiation emanating from the soil in the presence of ambient light.

Abstract: A multicolor detection device includes: a condensing lens array 17 in which a plurality of condensing lenses 18, each of which turns light emitted from each of a plurality of light emitting points 1 individually into parallel light beams, are arranged, the light emitting points being arranged in a light emitting point array; at least one spectroscopic element on which the parallel light beams are incident in parallel, the at least one spectroscopic element being common; and at least one sensor on which light beams spectrally separated by the spectroscopic element are incident in parallel, the at least one sensor being common.

Abstract: Examples relate to providing hyperspectral scanning of a surface. In some examples, motion capture data of unobstructed portions of the surface are captured, and spectral data of the surface are captured through a slit assembly and diffraction grating. The motion capture data are processed to determine a movement of a scanning device. At this stage, the spectral data are translated and rotated based on the movement of the scanning device to generate images that each correspond to a different color channel.

Abstract: For multi-dimensional high-resolution imaging a structure marked with fluorescence markers, fluorescence enabling light is focused to illuminate a measurement area in a sample. A partial area of the measurement area is subjected to fluorescence inhibiting light. The partial area omits a center of the measurement area in that an intensity distribution of the fluorescence inhibiting light comprises a line-shaped intensity minimum. A minimal extension of the intensity minimum in a direction through the center area is by a factor k?2 smaller than a diameter of the measurement area in said direction. Without spatial resolution, fluorescence light emitted out of the measurement area is measured for a plurality of consecutive angle positions of the intensity minimum about the center, while the measurement area, for each angle position, is subjected to the fluorescence enabling light. A value of the measured fluorescence light is assigned to the position of the center.

Abstract: The present disclosure offers a method of detecting the presence of fibrous tissue deposited to a biological specimen or tissue sample. Preferably, the method comprises the steps of illuminating the specimen using an electromagnetic radiation of an excitation wavelength that the specimen contains excitable materials or compound to result in auto-fluorescence emitting a first electromagnetic signal caused by two-photon excitation, the specimen contains non-linear materials to generate a second electromagnetic signal in the form of second harmonic wave pursuant to the illuminating step; recording the first and the second electromagnetic signals emitted from the specimen; co-localizing the recorded first and second electromagnetic signals to generate an image; and detecting presence of the fibrous tissue deposited to the specimen using the generated image. More preferably, the light source is a laser beam or the like operable to induce two-photon excitation in the given tissue sample.

Abstract: A system for quantifying fluorescence elicited on a substance or sample. The system has an excitation light source configured to direct light to an waveguide network. The network has a probe tip adapted to transmit excitation light to the sample and receive fluorescence light elicited from the sample. A detector is configured to receive fluorescence light from the waveguide network and output a signal corresponding to the fluorescence light power, and a control system including a memory component configured to store signal to noise ratio threshold values.

Abstract: A system and method for estimating a concentration of monoethanolamine (MEA) in a fluid. A substrate for supporting a sample of the fluid during testing includes a carbon nanotube mat layer, a silver nanowire layer disposed on the carbon nanotube mat layer, and a chemical enhancer layer disposed on the silver nanowire layer. A sample of the fluid is placed on the substrate, and the fluid sample is radiated with electromagnetic radiation at a selected energy level. A detector measures a Raman spectrum emitted from the sample in response to the electromagnetic radiation. A processor estimates the concentration of MEA in the sample from the Raman spectrum and adds a corrosion inhibitor to the fluid in an amount based on the estimated concentration of MEA to reduce the concentration of MEA in the fluid.

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: The present invention relates to an analysis system capable of online transferring an analysis sample and promptly acquiring an analysis result. The analysis system capable of analyzing the analysis samples supplied from at least two sites, with one analysis apparatus, and requiring no cleaning process for a nebulizer and a spray chamber, is provided. The present invention relates to analysis system including at least two sample individually transferring units. Each sample transferring path of the sample individually transferring units is coupled to a plasma torch of a common analysis unit including the one analysis apparatus with inductively-coupled plasma or microwave plasma. Each sample transferring path has a main flow path, a makeup gas supply path, and a drain flow path. The plasma torch has a sample introducing pipe that introduces the atomized analysis sample, provided at a substantially center.

Abstract: A plasma spectroscopic analysis method includes a concentration process including a voltage application period in which voltage is applied to a pair of electrodes in the presence of a sample thereby concentrating an analyte contained in the sample in the vicinity of at least one of the pair of electrodes; and a detection process of generating a plasma by applying voltage to the pair of electrodes and detecting light emitted by the analyte due to the plasma. An electric current between the pair of electrodes is constant while applying voltage for at least a part of the duration of the concentration process.

Abstract: A luminometer apparatus includes, inside a light-shielded room, a container rack loaded with holding containers, a dispensation mechanism that dispenses a liquid, a rotary plate that turns, while holding a plurality of reaction containers which accommodate a mixture liquid of a sample and a luminescent reagent on a concentric annular plate, and is provided with a gap allowing the container rack to pass therethrough between at least a pair of adjacent ones of the reaction containers, and a photodetection unit that performs luminescence measurements. The light-shielded room has an insertion opening having a width allowing for insertion of the container rack and provided to be openable and closable. The rotary plate is provided with a region in which the container rack can be installed inside a region of passage of the reaction containers, when turning, and is provided to be turnable where the light-shielded room is in a closed state.

Abstract: Beginning with a sheet of optically transparent material, one may fabricate a great many shaped optical wafers, each in the form of a thin and essentially flat piece of optical material having a narrow cross-sectional width relative to length, and a sharply narrowed tip at one end. The fabrication process involves passing a sheet of optically transparent material through one or more operational steps wherein cutting, shearing, embossing, microperforating, or a combination thereof is performed. The fabrication process may further include a cladding operation, a tip texturing operation, and an analyte-reactive reagent deposition operation. The completed optical wafers are separated and each may be mounted into a user-operated device along with systems for educing a fluid sample to be expressed from a living organism, for bringing the tip of the optical wafer into contact with the fluid sample, and for illuminating and assaying the fluid sample.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus includes a light source to transmit a light beam, an input switch, a first sensing element, a second sensing element, and a detector. The input switch receives the light beam and includes a phase change material having a first state and a second state. The first sensing element receives the light beam from the input switch when the phase change material is in the first state and produces a first change in the light beam in response to a presence of a first analyte. The second sensing element receives the light beam from the input switch when the phase change material is in the second state and produces a second change in the light beam in response to a presence of a second analyte. The detector detects the first change and/or the second change in the light beam.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device that extends the reach of a test strip, and to an analytical method that provides for assembly and use of the device. The inventive device is based on a combination of a test strip and test strip packaging that enables the reach of a test strip to be extended.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for detecting a counterfeit or adulterated products and/or packaging. The device (20) includes a plurality of light sources (28) configured to emit light at a plurality of different wavelengths onto an object, at least two image acquisition devices (34a, 34b) adapted to acquire first and second image data, and first and second imaging displays (36A, 36B) configured to display the first and the second image data, respectively.

Abstract: A pattern inspection apparatus includes a first half-wave plate to receive an ultraviolet light linearly polarized in a first electric field oscillation direction, and output a linearly polarized light polarized in a second electric field oscillation direction obtained by rotating by an integer multiple of 90°, a mirror to reflect the linearly polarized light polarized in the second electric field oscillation direction, and output a linearly polarized light polarized in a third electric field oscillation direction parallel or orthogonal to the second electric field oscillation direction, a second half-wave plate to convert the linearly polarized light polarized in the third electric field oscillation direction, which has been reflected, to a linearly polarized light polarized in a fourth electric field oscillation direction by rotating by an angle different from an integer multiple of 90°.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods of decorating a metallic container are provided. More specifically, the present invention relates to apparatus and methods used to provide a decoration on a predetermined portion of a metallic container body. The decorator includes a sensor that senses decorations on metallic containers. A control system receives information related to the sensed decorations from the sensor and then determines if the decorations at least meet predetermined color, density, thickness, orientation, and consistency targets. The control system can automatically adjust elements of the decorator to correct a deficient decoration. In one embodiment, the control system can automatically adjust ink blades associated with a plurality of inking assemblies of the decorator to adjust the color, density, orientation, positioning, and consistency of decorations transferred to the metallic containers.

Abstract: A method for inspecting an ophthalmic lens, such as a contact lens, using Optical Coherence Tomography. The method includes illuminating a sample volume including the lens with a sample light beam which is provided from a light source having a power of at least 2 mW at a wavelength of 1040 nm to 1080 nm and which does not exceed 5 W. In carrying out the method an ophthalmic lens is inspected which has been manufactured such that it comprises scattering centers embedded in and/or on an anterior surface and in and/or on a posterior surface thereof, respectively, and/or distributed throughout a bulk material being delimited by the anterior surface and the posterior surface of the ophthalmic lens. An interference pattern resulting from a superposition of back-scattered light from the sample volume including the ophthalmic lens and a reference light beam provided from the light source may then be analyzed and evaluated.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting radioactive sources is disclosed. In one aspect, an example method includes measuring, by a detector, a count rate curve of an inspection object while the inspection object moves through the detector. Pattern recognition is performed on the count rate curve. Whether there are radioactive sources in the inspection object is determined according to a result of the pattern recognition, and if there are radioactive sources in the inspection object, a type of the radioactive sources is determined.

Abstract: An image reconstruction method, includes: generating differential data indicating a difference between detection data generated by detecting X-ray that passed through a measurement object by irradiating X-rays to the measurement object and estimate data generated by estimating X-rays that are assumed to have been passed through an estimated structure having been generated by estimating a shape of the measurement object; and generating an image using the differential data and the estimated structure.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating an x-ray device, in particular a computed tomograph, including a controller and a number of detector units coupled thereto for signaling purposes. Each of the detectors includes a functional unit and a number of detector elements coupled thereto. In an embodiment of the method, a synchronized clock signal for activating the detector elements is created from a control signal of the controller on the functional unit side.

Abstract: A sample holder 2 for holding a capillary 40 for X-ray analysis has a first thermal transport member 36 on the base portion 14 on one side of a longitudinal slit 12 and a second thermal transport member 38 on the base portion 16 on the other side. The thermal transport members 36, 38 are compressed between a frame 30 and the base portion 14, 16 in the transverse direction to urge the edges of the first and second thermal transport members together, to hold a capillary 40 longitudinally aligned with the longitudinal slit 12.

Abstract: An electron beam inspection apparatus includes a stage to mount a substrate to be inspected thereon and to be continuously movable, an electron beam column, while the stage continuously moves, to scan the substrate by irradiating the substrate with multi-beams composed of a plurality of first electron beams in a plurality of beam rows, in each of which corresponding beams of the plurality of first electron beams are arranged at a same pitch in a straight line, such that the center of each of irradiation regions irradiated with the multi-beams does not overlap with the other irradiation regions in a movement direction of the stage, and a detector to detect a secondary electron emitted from the substrate due to irradiation of the multi-beams on the substrate.

Abstract: A gel for a sensor characterized by including a stimulus-responsive gel which expands or contracts in response to a given stimulus, and an electrically conductive substance which is included in the stimulus-responsive gel.

Abstract: A method of determining asphaltene stability within a crude oil sample that includes obtaining a crude oil sample and performing a fractional analysis of the crude oil sample. The method further includes measuring, via a cylindrical capacitor, a dielectric constant of the crude oil sample and its fractions. Responsive to the measured dielectric constant, the stability of the asphaltenes within crude oil sample is determined.

Abstract: Optical and electronic detection of chemicals, and particularly strong electron-donors, by 2H to 1T phase-based transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) films, detection apparatus incorporating the TMD films, methods for forming the detection apparatus, and detection systems and methods based on the TMD films are provided. The detection apparatus includes a 2H phase TMD film that transitions to the 1T phase under exposure to strong electron donors. After exposure, the phase state can be determined to assess whether all or a portion of the TMD has undergone a transition from the 2H phase to the 1T phase. Following detection, TMD films in the 1T phase can be converted back to the 2H phase, resulting in a reusable chemical sensor that is selective for strong electron donors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor head for use in an implantable device that measures the concentration of an analyte in a biological fluid which includes: a non-conductive body; a working electrode, a reference electrode and a counter electrode, wherein the electrodes pass through the non-conductive body forming an electrochemically reactive surface at one location on the body and forming an electronic connection at another location on the body, further wherein the electrochemically reactive surface of the counter electrode is greater than the surface area of the working electrode; and a multi-region membrane affixed to the nonconductive body and covering the working electrode, reference electrode and counter electrode. In addition, the present invention provides an implantable device including at least one of the sensor heads of the invention and methods of monitoring glucose levels in a host utilizing the implantable device of the invention.

Abstract: Solid-contact electrodes include a molecular redox buffer that is covalently attached to one of the components of the electrodes. These electrodes can be incorporated into electrochemical sensor systems. The electrode components are an electron conductor, a membrane and optionally, an interlayer. The electrode includes covalent attachment of the molecular redox buffer to the interlayer, to the electron conductor or the membrane. The interlayer includes nanoporous carbon such as CIM-carbon. The molecular redox buffer includes a well-defined redox pair, e.g., a complex of Co(II)/Co(III). The electrodes are ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) or reference electrodes. Methods include constructing solid contact electrodes and using the electrodes in electrochemical sensor systems to determine the quantity of an analyte in a sample. The electrochemical sensor systems include disposable paper-based devices and/or wearable devices for measuring analytes in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to membranes, sensors, systems and process for the detection of magnesium ions in protein-containing samples. The novel membranes, sensors, systems, and processes are based upon the discovery that the lipophilcity of the plasticizer (or blend of plasticizers) utilized in the formulation of magnesium ion selective membranes for clinical use is inversely proportional to the sensitivity of the plasticizer(s) and directly proportional to the use life thereof.

Abstract: Gas sensors are provided. The gas sensors include a gas sensing element having metal oxide nanoparticles and a thin-film heating element. Systems that include the gas sensors, as well as methods of using the gas sensors, are also provided. Embodiments of the present disclosure find use in a variety of different applications, including detecting whether an analyte is present in a gaseous sample.

Abstract: A formaldehyde detecting apparatus includes a formaldehyde sensor configured to measure concentration of formaldehyde in air; a printed circuit board on which the formaldehyde sensor is disposed, the printed circuit board including a signal processor configured to process a signal output from the formaldehyde sensor; a fixing member disposed on the printed circuit board, the fixing member configured to fix the formaldehyde sensor, wherein the fixing member prevents the formaldehyde sensor from oscillating with respect to the printed circuit board by external vibration; and a power supply configured to supply a voltage capable of stabilizing an output signal to the signal processor.

Abstract: A catalytically activated combustible gas sensing element includes a filament of resistance wire forming a coil, wherein a first end of the resistance wire is attached to a first support post and a second end of the resistance wire is attached to a second support post, a cantilever support supporting the coil, wherein the cantilever support is attached to a third support post, and a catalytic bead substantially surrounding the coil and cantilever.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a channel member, first and second electrodes configured to enable a flow of electrical current from the first electrode through the channel member to the second electrode, and a supporting substrate configured to support the channel member and the first and second electrodes, wherein one or more of the supporting substrate and electrodes are configured such that a portion of the channel member is suspended to expose opposing surfaces of the portion, the exposed opposing surfaces comprising respective functional coatings thereon configured to facilitate variation of the flow of electrical current through the channel member.

Abstract: A controller of an air-fuel-ratio sensor according to an embodiment includes a current supplying unit, a sweep processing unit, and an abnormality detecting unit. The current supplying unit supplies a current to the pump cell through a first terminal connected with the pump cell so as to control the pump cell. The sweep processing unit executes a sweeping process in which a predetermined voltage or a predetermined current is applied to the detection cell through a second terminal connected with the detection cell so as to change a voltage and a current of the detection cell. The abnormality detecting unit detects a short-circuited state between the first terminal and the second terminal on the basis of a fluctuation in a voltage or a current, generated by the sweeping process, of the first terminal.

Abstract: Provided herein is an apparatus for gel electrophoresis comprising a cassette and a comb having at least one wedge-shaped tooth.

Abstract: An aqueous liquid medium for analyzing, purifying or separating species in an element having walls or for treating the walls of an element. The medium includes at least a polymer consisting of several polymeric segments. The polymer is of the irregular block-copolymer or irregular comb-like polymer type and has on the average at least three junction points between polymeric segments of different chemical or topological nature. The medium may be used in methods for analyzing, purifying or separating species and methods for treating an element to be contacted with a fluid and/or species contained in the fluid during preservation, transport, analysis, purification or separation of the fluid.

Abstract: A method is provided for analyzing a sample including a population of biological entities using at least one microfabricated device. A plurality of the microwells on the microfabricated device are each uniquely indexed, and loaded with a sample such that at least some microwells each include more than one cell of a biological entity. The microfabricated device was incubated at predetermined conditions, and a selected genetic material of the cells of the biological entities obtained from the incubation is amplified to obtaining amplicons. An aggregate of the amplicons are sequenced obtain sequencing data, based on which and the indexing of the microwells, an identification of the biological entities present in each of the plurality of microwells is obtained. Such identification can then be used to determine a relationship between different types of biological entities in the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining and/or monitoring at least a first process variable of a medium and method for operating the apparatus at least with an electronics unit and a sensor unit, wherein the electronics unit is embodied to supply the sensor unit with an excitation signal, which is composed of an excitation carrier signal with an excitation carrier frequency and an excitation modulation signal with an excitation modulation frequency, and to receive from the sensor unit a received signal, which is composed of a received carrier signal and a received modulation signal, and wherein the electronics unit is embodied to determine from the phase shift between the excitation modulation signal and the received modulation signal at least the first process variable.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a joint of a heat exchanger comprises: scanning the heat exchanger 10 with an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) sensor 110 by scanning the EMAT sensor 110 over an area of the heat exchanger 10 in a scanning pattern; collecting data from the EMAT sensor 110; analysing the data; and determining a status of the joint based on the analysed data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mass spectrometric detection and analysis method, comprising the steps of: selecting, as a perturbation condition, one or more parameters of a mass spectrometer during detection, setting a set of different numeric values for the perturbation condition, detecting by the mass spectrometer a substance to be detected under the different numeric values of the perturbation condition to obtain a set of mass spectrometric data; calculating the set of obtained mass spectrometric data by an entropy minimization algorithm to obtain independent ions in the mass spectrometric data and kinetic processes thereof; and performing mass spectrometric analysis on the basis of the obtained independent ions and kinetic processes thereof. The method of the present invention can quickly and accurately perform qualitative analysis on the substances to be detected, especially on substances that are difficult to distinguish with existing mass spectrometric techniques such as isomers and homologues.

Abstract: A method for identification of chemicals in a sample using a gas chromatograph and a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor coupled with the gas chromatograph to define a gas chromatography (GC)/SAW system. The method includes receiving a temperature profile defining a varying target temperature as a function of time, separating one or more eluted components from a sample with the gas chromatograph, adjusting a temperature of the SAW sensor in accordance with the temperature profile as the one or more eluted components are separated from the sample by the gas chromatograph, generating SAW frequency response data with the SAW sensor, the SAW frequency response data including one or more peaks corresponding respectively to the one or more eluted components separated from the sample, and identifying a set of one or more candidate chemicals for an eluted component of interest based on a corresponding peak of the SAW frequency response data.

Abstract: An automated method of calibrating a chromatography system and analyzing a sample is described. The method includes forming diluted standard solutions that are injected into a chromatography column. The detected peaks can be identified based on a first predetermined calibration ratio associated with the standard solution. Once the chromatography system is calibrated, samples can be chromatographically analyzed where the measured peaks are identified and quantified in an automated manner.

Abstract: A battery includes a first power generating element including a first electrode layer and a first counter electrode layer, a first current collector that is in contact with the first electrode layer, a second current collector that is in contact with the first counter electrode layer, a first sealing portion that seals a gap between the first current collector and the second current collector, a first void disposed between the first sealing portion and the first power generating element, and a first gas detection unit that detects gas. The first gas detection unit detects “the gas in the first void.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for analyzing and treating a fluid containing a peroxyacid and/or peroxide. A method of analyzing the fluid includes introducing into the fluid a decomposition agent that catalyzes decomposition of the peroxyacid and/or peroxide into decomposition products including oxygen, then directly or indirectly measuring an amount of oxygen produced after introduction of the decomposition agent, and determining an amount of the peroxyacid and/or peroxide present in the fluid. The amount of peroxyacid and/or peroxide in the fluid can also be monitored and controlled by further adjusting the amount of the peroxyacid and/or peroxide in the fluid based on the determined amount thereof. A system for performing the methods includes a decomposition agent infusion device for introducing the decomposition agent into a fluid sample, and a sensor for directly or indirectly measuring an amount of oxygen produced after introduction of the decomposition agent.

Abstract: A measurement system performs non-destructive quality control or constitutive analysis using a light source generating an output optical beam using semiconductor sources that generate an input optical beam, a multiplexer configured to receive the input beam and to form an intermediate optical beam, and fibers configured to receive the intermediate beam and to form the output beam. The fibers include a fused silica fiber having a core diameter less than 400 microns. The output beam includes wavelengths between 700 and 2500 nanometers and has a bandwidth of at least 10 nanometers. The system includes a measurement apparatus that receives the output beam and delivers the beam to a sample to generate a spectroscopy beam. A receiver is configured to receive the spectroscopy beam and process the beam to generate an output signal. The light source and receiver are remote from the sample, which includes plastics or food industry goods.