Abstract: A method for inspecting an intermittent connection type optical fiber ribbon includes: accumulating one-dimensional images in a width direction of the intermittent connection type optical fiber ribbon, arranged intermittently with connection parts that connect adjacent optical fibers by repeatedly capturing images of the intermittent connection type optical fiber ribbon along the width direction while moving the intermittent connection type optical fiber ribbon in a longitudinal direction; and creating a two-dimensional image of the intermittent connection type optical fiber ribbon by aligning the one-dimensional images in a second direction orthogonal to a first direction where pixels configuring the one-dimensional image are aligned.

Abstract: A mechanically functional component having at least one sensor arranged to convert one or more physical magnitudes to electrical sensor signals. The sensor includes an electroactive composite deposited directly onto the mechanically functional component and at least one conductive electrode deposited directly on a part of the electroactive composite.

Abstract: An exhaust emissions monitoring device includes a pipe adapted to mount to the tailpipe of a vehicle and includes a cable for connecting to the vehicle engine control unit (ECU) and power system. The pipe defines an internal flow passage to allow exhaust to flow through. A plurality of sensors is mounted on the pipe and each sensor extends through an access port formed on the pipe wall to be exposed to the internal flow passage. Exhaust properties and constituents are sensed by multiple sensors for each constituent, there are two or more sensors for each of NOx, temperature, ammonia, particulate matter. The sensors communicate data signals to a processor/data logger also mounted on the pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibration and noise mapping system and method, which enables to generate the vibration and noise maps of the vibration and noise sources, and to determine areas, the vibration and acoustic performance of which are needed to be improved, and/or the problematic areas quickly.

Abstract: A system and method to determine the health state of a damper associated with a wheel of a vehicle using indirect measurements obtain information from one or more sensors. The one or more sensors includes a wheel speed sensor, inertial measurement unit, tire pressure sensor, steering wheel sensor, global positioning system (GPS) receiver, or a camera. The information from at least one of the one or more sensors includes at least one measurement of a parameter not directly characterizing the damper. The method also includes comparing the at least one measurement of the parameter with data of the parameter to estimate wear of the damper. The data includes a historical measurement, a measurement for another wheel of the vehicle, a measurement from another vehicle, or an output of a model, and a maintenance or replacement task is triggered by the estimate of the wear of the damper.

Abstract: An autosampler includes a pressure release operation unit for performing, by controlling operation of a needle drive mechanism and a switching mechanism, before a tip end of a needle is pulled out from an injection port following a state where a sampling channel is disposed between a feeding device and an analytical column, a pressure release operation of switching the switching mechanism in such a way that the sampling channel is not disposed between the feeding device and the analytical column and a system including the sampling channel is made an open system, and of performing standby until a pressure inside the sampling channel is returned to atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for processing a blood sample. One embodiment includes an isolation container having at least one sidewall defining an interior volume. The interior volume includes a medial reservoir in fluid communication with proximal and distal reservoirs. The diameter of the medial reservoir is less than the diameter of the proximal and distal reservoirs. Therefore, the isolation container has an interior volume which is roughly hour-glass shaped with the medial reservoir being a substantially narrowed portion or channel between two wider portions. The isolation container is configured such that the buffy coat layer of fractionated blood will be located within, or may be manipulated to be with the medial reservoir.

Abstract: A sample processing device includes a receiving chamber having a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet. The processing device also includes a metering portion having a metering reservoir fluidly coupled to the chamber outlet, and at least one vessel fluidly coupled to the metering reservoir by a syphon. The syphon is operable to actuate upon a preselected volume of liquid being received at the metering reservoir. The syphon includes a syphon inlet and a syphon outlet, with the syphon outlet being fluidly coupled to the vessel. The preselected volume of liquid corresponds to a volume of liquid necessary to deliver a metered volume of fluid to the vessel.

Abstract: An automatic tissue staining device includes a supply head that supplies a treatment fluid, a horizontal direction movement unit that moves the supply head in a horizontal direction, and a holding unit that holds a plurality of glass slides on which samples are set. The automatic tissue staining device further includes a control unit that judges an occupancy status of the horizontal direction movement unit in a condition that one or more of the glass slides are situated in a first region prior to supplying the treatment fluid from the supply head to one or more samples in the first region, suspends a start of a treatment for the samples in the first region when the horizontal direction movement unit is occupied, and permits the treatment for the samples in the first region when the horizontal direction movement unit is not occupied.

Abstract: A particle detector for rapidly detecting and identifying sub 20 nm particles in Ultra Pure Water (UPW) is disclosed. The detector has a nano particle extractor, a nanoparticle collector, and a tracer particle introducer. The extractor limits the size of droplets output to a predetermined size. The extractor includes (1) a liquid sample inlet, (2) a nebulizer connected to the liquid sample inlet (the nebulizer has a gas supply, and an outlet), (3) an impactor arranged to receive material output from the nebulizer, (4) an evaporator connected to the nebulizer and impactor for providing an aerosol at the extractor outlet, and (5) an aerosol connected to the evaporator. The collector us connected to the extractor and has: (1) a collector inlet connected to the aerosol outlet of the extractor, (2) a vapor condensation growth tube connected to the collector inlet, and (3) a repositionable particle capture plate arranged to receive material output from the growth tube at spatially varying positions.

Abstract: Cryostat sample support assemblies are provided that can include: a planar sample support defining opposing surfaces bounded by an edge; insulative members extending to the edge; and a thermal link extending to one of the opposing surfaces. Methods for supporting a sample during cryo analysis are also provided. The methods can include: supporting a sample on a planar platform; and supporting the planar platform with both insulative members lateral of the platform and a thermal link below the platform.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an automatic sample preparation apparatus includes: a charged particle beam irradiation optical system configured to perform irradiation with a charged particle beam; a sample stage configured to move with the sample placed thereon; a sample piece transfer device for holding and transferring the sample piece separated and extracted from the sample; a sample piece holder-fixing bed configured to hold a sample piece holder to which the sample piece is transferred; a gas supply portion configured to irradiate gas forming a deposition film with the charged particle beam; and a computer configured to control the charged particle beam irradiation optical system, the sample piece transfer device, and the gas supply portion to transfer and stop the sample piece held by the sample piece transfer device with a gap between the sample piece holder and the sample piece, and connect the sample piece to the sample piece holder.

Abstract: A load and motion measurement system for use with a Hamburg Wheel Tracker device includes: a housing; at least one load cell held in or by the housing; a load platform held in or by the housing and resting on the at least one load cell; and a controller operatively associated with the at least one load cell. The load and motion measurement system is configured to be received in a sample tray that is held in the Hamburg Wheel Tracker device. The controller is configured to determine operational parameters associated with a wheel of the Hamburg Wheel Tracking device that rolls along the load platform. Vertical displacement measurement calibration and verification systems for use with a Hamburg Wheel Tracker device are also described, as are associated kits and methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supercritical carbon dioxide core fracturing holder under pore pressure saturation, including a holding sleeve; a left end sleeve and a right end sleeve are correspondingly embedded at the two end ports of the holding sleeve, and a fixed plug is docked to the left end sleeve; a moving plug movably passes through the right end sleeve, and a piston ring is formed on the outer side face of the moving plug; a sealing rubber sleeve for holding a test sample is disposed; two axial fluid injection pipelines are correspondingly disposed within the fixed plug and the moving plug; and an axial displacement measuring device is disposed between the outer end of the right end sleeve and the moving plug, and a fluid injection chamber is formed between the inner wall of the holding sleeve and the outer side face of the sealing rubber sleeve.

Abstract: A pallet tester includes a pallet positioning station for positioning a pallet on a conveyor, and a pallet impact station adjacent the conveyor and aligned with the pallet positioning station. The pallet positioning station includes a pallet push arm movable between a retracted position and a pallet positioning position. The pallet impact station includes a carriage assembly to impact the pallet, and a latching mechanism coupled to the carriage assembly. A controller moves the pallet push arm to the retracted position to receive the pallet for positioning, and moves the pallet push arm to the pallet positioning position to move the pallet towards the pallet impact station until an impact side of the pallet is aligned with an impact reference plane.

Abstract: A pallet impact station includes a frame, at least one pendulum swing arm rotatably coupled to the frame, and a carriage assembly carried by the at least one pendulum swing arm. A latching mechanism extends between the frame and the at least one pendulum swing arm, and engages the at least one pendulum swing arm when the carriage assembly is in a lowered position, raises the carriage assembly to a raised positon, and disengages the at least one pendulum swing arm at the raised positon so that the carriage assembly strikes a pallet. A sensor generates a signal corresponding to how high the carriage assembly is raised. A controller operates the latching mechanism, including disengaging the at least one pendulum swing arm when a height of the carriage assembly corresponds to a desired release height so that a predetermined impact force strikes the pallet.

Abstract: A measuring system for detecting measuring signals during a penetration movement of a penetration body into a surface of a test body, in particular for determining the scratch resistance of the surface of the test body, or during a scanning movement of the penetration body on the surface of the test body, in particular for determining the surface roughness, including a housing with a power generating device, which is operatively connected to a penetration body for generating a displacement movement of the penetration body along a longitudinal axis of the housing, and which actuates a penetration movement of the penetration body into the surface of the test body to be examined, or which positions the penetration body on the surface of the test body for scanning, and having at least one first measuring device for measuring the penetration depth into the surface of the test body or a displacement movement of the penetration body along the longitudinal axis of the housing during a scanning movement on the surface

Abstract: The apparatus for mass analysis includes: a heating unit heating a sample containing a first substance and a second substance having different gasification temperatures to evolve gas components; a heating control unit controlling the heating unit to heat the sample at a first temperature point at which gas of the first substance is evolved and gas of the second substance is not evolved, until reaching a first time point, whereafter the heating unit is controlled to heat the sample until reaching a second temperature point at which gas of the second substance is evolved; and an analysis control unit performing mass analysis under a first measurement condition assigned to the first substance until reaching the first time point at the first temperature point, and performing mass analysis under a second measurement condition assigned to the second substance at the second temperature point.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for and a method of mass analysis in which a presence of an accessory substance which is difficult to be analyzed can be recognized visually and clearly. The apparatus for mass analysis analyzes a sample containing a substance to be measured and includes: a display unit; a memory unit storing a theoretical peak obtained by calculation with respect to a region of a mass spectrum of the substance; a matching degree calculation unit calculating a matching degree from multiple peaks that each of the mass spectrum of the sample in the region and the theoretical peak have; a matching degree displaying control unit displaying the matching degree on the display unit; and a superimposition displaying control unit displaying the mass spectrum of the sample and the theoretical peak in a superimposed way in a manner that is consistent with a mass-to-charge ratio.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a ground compactor with a ground compaction drum rotating about a rotation axis during compaction of a substrate, wherein the ground compaction drum includes a deformation sensor for detection of an elastic deformation of the ground compaction drum in order to determine a degree of stiffness of the substrate.

Abstract: A method of sensing a fluid. The method includes determining a slope based on a first measurement of a first ultrasonic pulse traveling through the fluid, a second measurement based on a second ultrasonic pulse traveling through the fluid, a first temperature of the fluid, and a second temperature of the fluid. The method further includes comparing the slope to a predetermined slope and the first measurement to a predetermined measurement.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to, inter alia, systems and methods for measuring contact-line mobility of a liquid on a solid substrate. The system includes a motion-generation component, a motion-measurement component, and a computer component. The motion-generation component can include an actuator and a controller, the actuator being adapted to mount a solid substrate and effective to impart periodic forcing to the solid substrate when a test droplet of the liquid is deposited thereon, and the controller being adapted to tune frequency and amplitude of the forcing to induce measurable contact-line displacement of the test droplet on the solid substrate. The motion-measurement component includes an image acquisition device adapted for capturing images of the test droplet.

Abstract: Method, device, and system for identifying a model-based time dependent light scattering signature that includes receiving an experimental time dependent light scattering signature comprising experimental data descriptive of an average molecular weight of protein components in a solution over time. The method further includes identifying an Ansatz for evaluating the experimental time dependent light scattering signature, the Ansatz being an initial model-based time dependent light scattering signature, the initial model-based time dependent light scattering signature identifying at least one key variable. The method also includes adjusting the at least one key variable in the initial model-based time dependent light scattering signature until a final model-based time dependent light scattering signature is identified. In some instances, the final model-based time dependent light scattering signature identifies at least one protein aggregation mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a counting chamber for a microscope, adjustable in height. The method measures a cell count at two different chamber heights and deduces the concentration of particles without an exact calibration of the absolute height, as the height difference gives a measurement of the “missing” volume and therefore an estimate of the particle concentration.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for detecting particulate matter in the air. A particulate matter sensor may comprise an airflow channel; a light source configured to pass light through the airflow channel; an airflow generator configured to generate airflow into the airflow channel; a waveguide configured to direct light from the light source after it passes through the airflow channel and scatters off of particulate matter within the airflow channel; a photodiode configured to receive light scattered by the waveguide; and a computing device coupled to the photodiode having a processor and a memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, determines a mass concentration of particles in the airflow channel based on an output of the photodiode.

Abstract: Methods of and systems for quantifying a degree of texturization of fibrous materials, such as muffler fill materials, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods, and related kits, for directing cell attachment and spreading on a substrate and inducing isotropic spreading of cells; provides methods, and related kits, for cell sorting; and further provides methods, and related kits, for guided induction of stem cell differentiation.

Abstract: Provided is a highly reliable gene analysis method using a flow cytometry method. The gene analysis method includes a staining step of staining cells, a sorting step of obtaining first information derived from cells in a sample solution by using a flow cytometry method, analyzing the first information according to predetermined extraction conditions, and sorting target cells into a container having arrays of a plurality of wells based on the analyzed results, an amplification step of amplifying DNA of the cells sorted into the container, an analysis step of performing gene analysis on the amplified DNA, and a condition determination step of redetermining the extraction conditions based on at least a piece of information between second information obtained in the amplification step and third information obtained in the analysis step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nozzle for flow cytometry, the housing of which is tapering towards an outlet and in which a feed tube is arranged for a core flow liquid, the outlet opening of which is arranged at a distance from the outlet of the housing. The outlet of the housing forms the outlet of the nozzle. The housing of the nozzle extends from its outlet, which is arranged at its first end to its opposite second end, and has an inlet for a sheath flow liquid connected with the internal volume. The nozzle is characterized in that in the housing a leading element that promotes the alignment of particles extends from both sides of the feed tube.

Abstract: A particle counting apparatus is provided that includes: a droplet discharger configured to discharge a droplet containing at least one luminescent particle capable of emitting light upon receiving light; a light irradiator configured to irradiate the droplet discharged by the droplet discharger with light; at least one light receiver configured to receive light emitted by the at least one luminescent particle irradiated with the light emitted by the light irradiator; and circuitry configured to count luminescent particles contained in the droplet based on the light received by the at least one light receiver, the circuitry being configured to measure a presence or absence of the luminescent particles contained in the droplet; and to measure a number of the luminescent particles contained in the droplet.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a biological material for unassociated virus-size particles having an adenovirus epitope uses a fluorescent antibody stain specific for binding with the epitope and a fluid sample with the virus-size particles and fluorescent antibody stain is subjected to flow cytometry with identification of fluorescent emission detection events indicative of passage through a flow cell of a flow cytometer of unassociated labeled particles of virus size including such a virus-size particle and fluorescent antibody stain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) and a method for the optical stimulation of an optically activatable biological sample (3), comprising at least one light source (13; 13?, 13?), which emits light of at least one predetermined wavelength that impinges directly or indirectly on the sample (3). The invention is characterised in that: the at least one light source (13; 13?, 13?) is thermally coupled to a hollow channel section (4); the hollow channel section (4) is part of a fluid circuit through which fluid flows; a temperature-control unit (12) and a conveying pump are arranged along the fluid circuit; and the hollow channel section (4) has at least one limiting wall (5) onto which the optically activatable biological samples (3) are thermally coupled in a direct or indirect manner.

Abstract: The invention relates to a climate testing device (15) and to a climate testing device kit for forming a climate testing device, in particular a corrosion testing device or the like, comprising a test-chamber module (16) having a test space which can be closed off from the surroundings and which serves to receive test specimens, a tank module (12) having a container for receiving a corrosive liquid, a control module (13) having a controller for carrying out a test cycle, and a housing assembly (17) for at least partially accommodating the test space, the container and the controller, wherein the climate testing device comprises a frame assembly, the frame assembly being composed of spaced-apart parallel frame carriers and frame profiles, the frame profiles interconnecting the frame carriers, the frame profiles and the frame carriers forming spatially separate module seats for the test space, the container and the controller.

Abstract: A system for conducting measuring corrosion rates in a multiphase environment using electrochemical and weight-loss measurement methods on test coupons is provided. A plurality of inserts is disposed within a test vessel in a vertical arrangement. Each insert is provided with at least one test coupon and at least one working electrode that are exposed to the corrosive test environment within vessel. A test fluid mixture is added to the vessel and the temperature and pressure is maintained such that the mixture exists in a multiphase condition that has a vertical stratification such that each insert is exposed to a different phase of the fluid. Electrical signals from the working electrode is measured to determine the corrosion rate using an electrochemical method. The pre-test weight of the coupon is compared to the post-test weight to determine the corrosion rate using a weight-loss method.

Abstract: There are provided a cross-cut test device and a cross-cut method capable of safely making incisions for testing the adhesion of a coating film at high-precision interval and depth under stable conditions using a simple operation. A cross-cut device, comprising: a plurality of blades respectively having an engagement hole; a fulcrum shaft for pivotably mounting thereon the blades parallel to each other and arranged in the blade thickness direction; and a blade holder for housing the blades pivotably mounted on the fulcrum shaft, wherein a magnet is interposed between the cutting edges and the coating film to be tested, and wherein the blades are pulled in the direction toward cutting edges by the magnetic force of the magnet.

Abstract: This optical cavity (1), includes: a set of elliptical mirrors (M1 to M5), which are intended to receive light radiation emitted by a light source (S), the light radiation leaving the elliptical mirrors (M1 to M5) being intended to be received by a detector (D); a first common focal point (F1) and a second common focal point (F2), which are shared by the set of the elliptical mirrors (M1 to M5), the light source (S) being intended to be arranged at the first common focal point (F1), the detector (D) being intended to be arranged at the second common focal point (F2); a contour, comprising a part formed by the set of the elliptical mirrors (M1 to M5) which are arranged consecutively.

Abstract: As a standard solution for evaluating a scattered light measuring optical system mounted on an automated analyzer, a standard solution containing an insoluble carrier at a concentration, at which transmittance is in a range of 10% to 50%, is used, and a light quantity of a light source is adjusted such that a scattered light detector outputs a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method for measuring microscopic object velocities in fluid flow in a capillary tube including scanning a microscope focal plane through a fluid filled space for objects, where the scanning follows an interrupted repeating pattern having sub-patterns where the sub-patterns position the microscope focus plane beginning at a selected focus position at a first time and ending at the selected focus position at a later second time. A sensor registers images in image frames during the scanning. A first object image is registered in a first image frame at the selected focus position and a second object image is registered in a second image frame at the selected focus position. The object in the first object image and the second object image are identified as the same object. A processor determines a velocity for the identified object.

Abstract: A metrology device and method for inspecting a substrate stack. The device includes sound application means for applying sound waves to a first substrate stack surface of the substrate stack, an optical system having a source for outputting electromagnetic radiation, which are split into at least one first beam path and one second beam path, means for loading a substrate stack measuring surface of the substrate stack, with the first beam path, interference means for forming an interference radiation made up of the first and second beam paths, a detector for detecting the interference radiation, and analysing means for analysing the interference radiation detected at the detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for rapid ellipsometry. The apparatus contains a light source, a polarizer, a sample stage, an integrated polarization analyzer, and a detector assembly. The light emitted by light source is polarized by the polarizer and shines on the sample mounted on sample stage. The light is reflected from the sample surface and passes through the integrated polarization analyzer. The analyzer contains multiple polarizers with different polarization angles from 0 to 180 degrees for transmitting light from the sample. The detector assembly includes multiple detectors corresponding one-to-one with the multiple polarizers, for independently determining the light intensity transmitted by each polarizer. The current invention provides a rapid ellipsometry apparatus that is highly efficient, with the fastest acquisition time down to nanosecond scale for obtaining dynamic parameters of the sample.

Abstract: A material transport property measurement system includes an ellipsometry system, a heat capacity measurement system, and a controller. The ellipsometry system has a light source to generate a light which passes through a polarizer and shines on a sample. The sample reflects the light to an integrated polarization analyzer, which includes multiple polarizers with different polarization angles distributed from 0 to 180 degrees. A detector assembly includes multiple detectors corresponding to the multiple polarizers to detect light passing through the respective polarizers and generate multiple first electrical signals. The heat capacity measurement system measures a temperature parameter of the sample using a non-contact method, and outputs a second electrical signal. The controller analyzes the second and the multiple first electrical signals to obtain the transport properties of the material. A material transport property measurement method is also provided.

Abstract: A colorimeter accessory for a smartphone is provided that, by leveraging the high-volume development of sophisticated smart phone technology, substantially reduces the cost of a colorimeter. The invention provides a sample holder that adapts to a range of smart phone cameras and that provides a light source and interference filter necessary for making accurate narrowband measures of light transmission through the sample holder. A correction system operates to compensate for characteristics of the smart phone camera that can affect accuracy of the reading. The processing system of the smart phone may be enlisted for this correction system and for calculation of concentrations of solution through the measurements that are made.

Abstract: A method for determining mineralogical or geochemistry of at least one geological sample with vibrational spectroscopy combined with laser-induced breakdown spectral measurements performed on the geological sample in a time variant manner with spectral acquisitions made after each of a plurality of measurement shots, spectral pre-processing performed as necessary, and subsequent analysis is applied to the collected data to determine at least one mineralogical or geochemistry parameter of the sample. The method can provide a rapid method to estimate mineralogy or geochemical parameters of a sample, which does not require sample preparation, and which can be non-destructive with respect to portions of the sample. A system for performing the method also is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for measuring the isotope ratios of one or more trace gases based on optical absorption spectroscopy methods. The system includes an optical cavity containing a gas. The system also includes a laser optically coupled with the optical cavity, and a detector system for measuring absorption of laser light by the gas in the cavity.

Abstract: Methods for determining the concentration of transition metal compounds in a solution containing more than one transition metal compound are described. Polymerization reactor systems providing real-time monitoring and control of the concentrations of the transition metal components of a multicomponent catalyst system are disclosed, as well as methods for operating such polymerization reactor systems and for improving methods of preparing the multicomponent catalyst system.

Abstract: Method of measuring a ratio of concentrations of two isotopologues of a chemical species in a first gas mixture using an optical absorption spectroscopy based gas analyzer; the method includes measuring the line intensity of a rotational-vibrational line of one isotopologue and the line intensity of another rotational-vibrational line of another isotopologue. The method also includes determining the ratio of two line intensities and comparing it with another ratio measured using another gas analyzer for a gas mixture with known concentration of isotopologues. The second ratio can be measured for the same pair of lines or for different pair of lines. The second ratio can be measured at the same gas temperature or at different gas temperature. The method includes determining a ratio of concentrations of two isotopologues based on two ratios of line intensities and two temperatures.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for facilitating the scheduling and controlling the presentation of media content at one or more Venues (e.g., bars, restaurants). The scheduling and presentation is coordinated by a distributed system including a scheduling management server and a local subsystem at the Venue. The system is also configured to receive information from remote devices including electronic media guides as well as user devices enabling venue managers or the public to interact with the system. The system is configured to maintain a content presentation schedule and coordinate presentation at a Venue based on parameters obtained from remote devices including: the requirements of the Venue, requests from Patrons, programming available for presentation and the availability of resources at the venue (e.g., televisions).

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for measuring concentrations of trace gases in gas mixtures using the absorption spectroscopy method.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical sensor includes forming a reflective metal layer on a substrate, forming an insulator layer on the reflective metal layer, inducing self-assembly of a metal nanostructure layer on the insulator layer, and selectively etching the insulator layer through a reactive ion etching process to form a plurality of pillars and a plurality of spaces defined by the plurality of pillars. The method for manufacturing a plasmonic optical sensor according to this embodiment facilitates the formation of nanostructures difficult to pattern and form on the large scale at a low cost, and provides a plasmonic optical sensor with repeatability.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a cuvette (100) for use in determining a refractive index of a sample matter in a spectrophotometer (600), the cuvette comprising a container (102) for holding the sample matter, the container (102) having an entry window (121) that allows input radiation to reach the sample matter, the container furthermore having an exit window (122) that allows a part of the input radiation to exit the container part, the entry window and the exit window defining a radiation path; and comprising a photonic crystal (101) rigidly attached to the container or integrally formed in the container and arranged in the radiation path, the photonic crystal having a grating part (111) causing a reflectance spectrum of the photonic crystal to exhibit a resonance. A spectrophotometer is also provided.