Abstract: A system includes a signal generator that is configured to generate a first electrical signal. The system also includes a light source configured to generate a light beam based on the first electrical signal. The light source is also configured to direct the light beam towards a structural member of an aircraft. The system also includes a photoelectric sensor configured to receive a reflected light beam and convert the reflected light beam to a second electrical signal. The reflected light beam corresponds to a portion of the light beam that is reflected from one or more optical reflectors coupled to the structural member. The system also includes circuitry configured to estimate a location of a center-of-gravity of the aircraft based on a timing difference between the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal.

Abstract: A water leakage detection system for a laser device detects a water leakage in the laser device including: a part group for outputting laser light; a water cooling plate which cools at least a portion of the part group; an enclosed housing in which the part group and the water cooling plate are stored; and an air circulating unit which circulates air within the housing, the air circulating unit is provided in the vicinity of a part having high heat generation and the water leakage detection system for the laser device includes: a humidity detection unit which detects humidity within the housing; temperature detection units which are arranged in a plurality of places in the water cooling plate and which respectively detect the temperatures of the places; and a detection control unit which outputs detection information when the humidity acquired from the humidity detection unit exceeds reference humidity or when at least one of the temperatures acquired from the temperature detection units exceeds a reference t

Abstract: The glass panel unit includes: a first glass panel; a second glass panel; a seal; an evacuated space; and a gas adsorbent. The seal with a frame shape hermetically bonds the first glass panel and the second glass panel to each other. The gas adsorbent is placed in the evacuated space. The gas adsorbent includes a getter. The gas adsorbent is visible through at least one of the first glass panel and the second glass panel. The gas adsorbent has properties of changing its color when adsorbing gas.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a gas monitoring program causes a computer to acquire a continuous frame of an infrared image, to calculate a concentration-thickness product of leaking gas in the infrared image, to assume a gas leakage location of the leaking gas in the infrared image, to set a gas type which circulates in a pipe proximate to the gas leakage location as a gas type of the leaking gas by referring to circulating substance information of the piping equipment and matching the gas leakage location, to set a maintenance threshold value for the concentration-thickness product of the leaking gas, to estimate a leakage volume from the gas leakage location per unit of time of the gas type, and to predictively calculate a timing when the concentration-thickness product exceeds the maintenance threshold value on a basis of a time-changing leakage volume per unit of time.

Abstract: A wind tunnel device defines a cyclical tunnel to receive continuous airflow. Airflow is delivered through the tunnel to a testing region that includes a first portion carrying an arm including a spray tip configured to spray particulates in the testing region at an angle, and a second portion including an enlarged cutout region configured to receive the angled sprayed particulates. As airflow carries the angled spray particulates into the second portion, the enlarged cutout region enables the spray particulates to pass through and exit the second portion of the testing region. Analysis in the second region may be conducted through transparent walls free of openings to minimize exposure of the spray particulates to the exterior of the device. A scrubber is adapted to extract spray mist from the airflow as the airflow exits the testing region and is re-circulated through the cyclical tunnel.

Abstract: Provided is a micro-distance lens detection device adapted to detect a tested lens with a surface from a micro distance. The micro-distance lens detection device includes a light source module, a diffuser, a pattern test card, a collimator unit and an image pickup module which are arranged sequentially. The tested lens is disposed between the pattern test card and the collimator unit. The surface of the tested lens is separated from the light-emitting side of the pattern test card by the micro distance. The micro distance is less than 25 mm. Given the micro distance between the tested lens and the pattern test card, the optical resolution modulation transfer function (MTF) of the tested lens is correctly measured. Therefore, the lens detection device takes up little space.

Abstract: A digital fiber optic connector imaging system that can automatically capture two or more images of the endface of a multifiber connector, wherein the captured images as a group have sufficient resolution and a sufficient FOV to be used to perform a manual or automatic pass-fail analysis of the endface of every fiber terminated by the connector under inspection. In one or more embodiments, the imaging system comprises an illumination source that can operate at two or more wavelengths, one wavelength at a time, and a FOV-shifting component that includes one or more, fixed dichroic mirrors and one additional dichroic or broadband mirror. In other embodiments, the imaging system comprises a single-wavelength illumination source, an image beam splitter, and two or more image sensors located on two image planes.

Abstract: A testing apparatus adapted to be placed within a laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing device that includes a laser for generating a non-stationary laser beam and a build plane positioned at a predetermined location relative to the non-stationary laser beam.

Abstract: A particulate matter sensor and a particulate matter sensing system using such a sensor are provided which are capable of being produced at decreased cost and accurately measuring the temperature of a heater. The particulate matter sensor includes a deposition portion on which particulate matter contained in exhaust gas is accumulated, a pair of electrodes which are disposed on the deposition portion and separate from each other, a heater which heats the deposition portion, and a pair of heater leads which form a path through which electrical current is delivered to the heater. A sensing line is connected to at least one of the heater leads to measure a resistance of the heater lead.

Abstract: The present application provides a device for detecting wheel hop, comprising a synchronous clamping and centering mechanism, a synchronous rotating mechanism and a hop detecting mechanism. According to the structure and size of a wheel to be detected, a first servo motor and a second servo motor control the detection wheel in the hop detector to move within a specific plane, the detection wheel is in contact with a bead seat of the wheel, and the synchronous rotating mechanism drives the wheel to rotate; and the detection wheel is driven to rotate by the friction between the detection wheel and a bead seat of the wheel, and the hop detector detects the hop amount of the bead seat of the wheel when the wheel rotates and transmits the data to a computer processing system.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking tyres is described. The apparatus has a first check unit having an inlet for tyres and a plurality of check tools. The apparatus also has a second check unit having an outlet for the tyres and a plurality of check tools. The apparatus further has an overturning and transport device operatively interposed between the first check unit and the second check unit. The first check unit, the second check unit and the overturning and transport device define a check path configured to be traversed by each tyre step by step. The first check unit and the second check unit have the same check tools configured for executing the same checks on respective axial halves of the tyres.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for stress testing to failure tubular mesh devices, specifically, one or more stents or mesh grid tubes. A radial compression method of stress to fatigue is developed by placing a tubular medical implant within a lower than normal compliance test vessel. A radial expansion method of stress to fatigue is developed by placing higher than normal compliance tubes within a tubular medical implant. A method for radial expansion and radial compression is conducted by placing a higher than normal compliance tube through the mesh device and the placing the tube and device within a lower than normal compliance test vessel. Each method is tested on a tester that operates by delivering pulsatile flow with varying pressures, frequencies and testing parameters. Fracture of the test subject is visualized by high speed camera.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a laser microdissection apparatus having good operational efficiency. The laser microdissection apparatus, comprising sample movement means capable of retaining a slide, device movement means on which a device having a thermofusible film for transferring a sample can be mounted, a laser irradiation part for irradiating the sample with a dissection laser light, storage means for correlating and storing positional coordinates of the sample in the location irradiated by the dissection laser light and positional coordinates of the thermofusible film in a location where the collected sample is adhered, and a movement means drive control part for controlling driving of the sample movement means and the device movement means on the basis of the positional coordinates of the sample and the thermofusible film. The dissection laser light is radiated through the device onto the sample from below the device.

Abstract: A self-anchored piling sediment sampler is mainly composed of a sampling tube mechanism, an anchor rack mechanism and a cable. A drainer is designed for automatic drainage and air seal, so that an anchor socket can form a good anchoring condition with sediments during collection, thereby providing a stable sampling condition in cooperation with adjustable self gravity. The drainer is also applied in the sampling tube mechanism, thereby facilitating collection and seal of sediment samples. At the end of sampling, a water injector can eliminate suction force of the sediments and alleviate resistance in a lifting process. The cable is fixed to an outer sampling tube by first fixed pulleys, clamping hooks and second fixed pulleys placed on fixing rods so as to realize the conversion of the pulling force into the pressure on the sampling tube and provide a driving force for sampling.

Abstract: Provided is a mechanical handheld hermetic sampler for marine sediment. The sampler comprises sampling assembly and a pressure maintaining assembly. The sampling assembly includes a sampling tube, a handle and an end cap. The sampling tube is fixed at a lower end surface of the end cap while the handle is fixed at an upper end surface of the end cap. The handheld robotic sampler for marine sediment with hermetic sampling is simple and compact in structure, small in size, light in weight, easy to manipulate and manufacture, highly reliable, and particularly suitable for robotic sampler hand control of underwater operating equipment such as a manned submersible, an unmanned submersible and Remotely Operated Vehicle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sampling apparatus for use in explosive environments comprising particles of a mean size of up to 500 ?m, the sampling apparatus comprising a displaceable arm having a sample container, which displaceable arm has a first position where the sample container is inserted into a first zone for collecting a sample of particles into the sample container, and a second zone where the displaceable arm is outside the product stream, the second zone being contained in a housing with an opening for the displaceable arm. The sampling apparatus has an interface between the first and the second zone, which interface is selected from the list consisting of a closable member, a gate valve or an air knife. The invention also relates to a dryer comprising a drying chamber and a sampling apparatus of the invention. In a further aspect the invention relates to a method of estimating the flowability of a sample of organic particles.

Abstract: A modular sample conditioning system formed for in-situ sampling installation, referenced herein as “source mounted”. The present invention relates to a docking platform or substrate configured to receive multiple, diverse sampling components in various flow configurations, coupled with a unique housing/enclosure formed to engage the docking platform so as to further strengthen and stabilize the mount, the enclosure (in rigid and non-rigid, flexible forms) also formed to engage one or more of the mounted sampling components, so as to provide access outside of the enclosure for visibility and/or manual access of same, providing an easily installed and maintained, user-accessible, on-site modular sampling conditioning/monitoring system.

Abstract: An air sampler that receives an air source through a manifold. The manifold has a restrictor and a vent that opens above a specified pressure. The remaining portion of the air source enters the inlet assembly where it passes through a filter with a removable element then through a one way valve and into an impermeable bag. Excess air in the bag escapes out an outlet one way valve capturing a sample inside the bag. An ambient air sample may delivered via a hand squeeze bulb and a biological sample may be contained inside the bag.

Abstract: A modular sample conditioning system formed for in-situ sampling installation, referenced herein as “source mounted”. The present invention relates to a docking platform or substrate configured to receive multiple, diverse sampling components in various flow configurations, coupled with a unique housing/enclosure formed to engage the docking platform so as to further strengthen and stabilize the mount, the enclosure (in rigid and non-rigid, flexible forms) also formed to engage one or more of the mounted sampling components, so as to provide access outside of the enclosure for visibility and/or manual access of same, providing an easily installed and maintained, user-accessible, on-site modular sampling conditioning/monitoring system.

Abstract: A fluid sample bag is composed of a first sheet and a second sheet of flexible polymeric material. Each sheet has an outer peripheral region, an inwardly oriented face and an outwardly oriented face. A continuous seam is located in the outer peripheral regions of the respective first and second sheets of flexible polymeric material, contiguously interposed between the first and second sheets and composed of melted polymeric material derived from the first and second sheets. The fluid sample bag has a gas permeability less than 10 ppm.

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

Abstract: A tissue staining method which comprises: staining a tissue with a staining reagent wherein a biosubstance recognition site is bonded to particles carrying multiple fluorescent substances accumulated therein; in the stained tissue, counting fluorescent points or measuring fluorescent brightness; and evaluating the expression level of a biosubstance, which matches the biosubstance recognition site, in the aforesaid tissue on the basis of the number of the fluorescent points or fluorescent brightness that was measured.

Abstract: An article that can be used for biomaterial capture comprises (a) a porous substrate; and (b) borne on the porous substrate, a polymer comprising interpolymerized units of at least one monomer consisting of (1) at least one monovalent ethylenically unsaturated group, (2) at least one monovalent ligand functional group selected from acidic groups, basic groups other than guanidino, and salts thereof, and (3) a multivalent spacer group that is directly bonded to the monovalent groups so as to link at least one ethylenically unsaturated group and at least one ligand functional group by a chain of at least six catenated atoms.

Abstract: A membrane vesicle recovery device includes: a liquid filler; and at least a fused membrane having a lipid bilayer membrane which covers at least a part of the outer periphery of the liquid filler, in which a content of a membrane vesicle is mixed into the liquid filler through fusing of the membrane vesicle and the fused membrane.

Abstract: A method for extracting an analyte in a sample is described. A sample and a solution in a microwave-extraction vial are microwave-heated and agitated. A vapor produced in the vial can be extracted into a liquid-phase medium contained in a porous membrane bag situated in the vial. The liquid-phase medium containing the vapor extract may then be analyzed for an analyte with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A pipe tester connector includes rigid cylindrical member. The rigid cylindrical member defines a first side hole. A continuous flexible cup member includes circular floor portion and a central tubular portion extending upwardly therefrom. A first flexible sleeve extends from the top of the flexible cup. The first flexible sleeve has a folded down first position and a folded up second position, in which it envelopes the end of the first pipe. A first hose clamp secures the flexible sleeve to the pipe. An attachment unit includes a rigid insert, an attachment pipe, a first adapter and an attachment. The rigid insert is disposed against the tubular portion of the interior surface of the flexible cup. The rigid insert defines a hole in alignment with the first side hole and the second side hole, through which the attachment pipe passes. An adapter is affixed to the attachment pipe.

Abstract: Techniques for gas analysis using a parallel dipole line (PDL) trap viscometer are provided. In one aspect, a gas analysis system is provided which includes: a PDL trap including: a pair of diametric cylindrical magnets, and a diamagnetic rod levitating above the magnets; and a motion detector for capturing motion of the diamagnetic rod. The motion detector can include a digital video camera positioned facing a top of the PDL trap so as to permit capturing video images of the diamagnetic rod and the system can include a computer for receiving and analyzing video images from the video camera. Methods for measuring gas viscosity and pressure using the PDL trap system are also provided.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed relating to fluorescence-based flow cytometry. A flow cytometer may include a partially-reflective surface configured to reflect a first portion of fluorescent emissions from a sample to a first optical sensor and direct a second, greater portion of fluorescent emissions from the sample to a second optical sensor and a controller configured to determine a value representing the intensity of the fluorescent emissions based on a first measurement taken by the first optical sensor, a second measurement taken by the second optical sensor, or both. A flow cytometer may include a baseplate with a first side and a second, opposing side with a flow cell, a laser, and a reflective surface disposed above the first side and an optical sensor and isolating material disposed below the second side. The reflective surface receives fluorescent emissions and reflects at least a portion through the baseplate to the optical sensor.

Abstract: A cell analyzer and a sorting method for the cell analyzer are disclosed. Multiple optical signals generated by each of particles irradiated with light in a blood sample in a detection region are collected. The particles includes a first category of particles and a second category of particles. For each of the particles, Intensities of a first group of optical signals, which includes at least two optical signals selected from the multiple optical signals, and a pulse width of a second group of optical signals, which includes at least one optical signal selected from the multiple optical signals are acquired. For each of the particles, one or more reinforcement signals related to the particle are calculated based on an intensity of a first optical signal selected from the first group of optical signals and a pulse width of a second optical signal selected from the second group of optical signals, where the first optical signal is as same as or different from the second optical signal.

Abstract: An irradiance adjustment device comprising a radiation source and at least one neutral density filter disposed adjacent to the radiation source, wherein the neutral density filter can be moved into or out of the beam path of the radiation source.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the identity and/or quantity of a liquid fuel contained in a fuel transporting tank of a fuel transporting vehicle can comprise: a longitudinally extensive member having a first end and a second end, an internal volume from which liquid fuel in the tank is excluded, and a mounting arrangement configured for mounting in use of the longitudinally extensive member within and in fixed relation to the tank, said second end configured in use to be immersed in the liquid fuel in the tank.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the present disclosure, a structure comprising an infrared ray absorption surface is provided for use in infrared spectroscopy, and the infrared ray absorption surface absorbs infrared rays in a detection wavelength range that covers the response wavelengths of a substance to be detected. The structure comprises, for example, a metal substrate having a metal surface, metal components arranged at positions facing the metal surface, and a support part that supports each of the metal components relative to the metal surface, and a resonator for the infrared ray absorption surface is formed by the metal substrate, the metal components and the support parts. Additionally, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, an infrared spectroscopy method wherein a specimen is brought into close contact to the infrared ray absorption surface of the structure is also provided.

Abstract: An optical measurement device with a transparent cylindrical measurement cuvette, which defines an axial symmetrical axis and contains the fluid sample, an optical measurement arrangement which quantitatively determines the optical property of the fluid sample in the measurement cuvette, and a mechanical cleaning arrangement is described. The cleaning arrangement comprises an external magnetic working platform, which is arranged coaxially to the symmetrical axis, is slidable in a translatory manner parallel to the symmetrical axis, is rotatable about the symmetrical axis, encloses the cylindrical measurement cuvette externally in an annular manner, and has at least one translatory magnet element and at least one rotary magnet element, and an internal magnetic cleaning unit, which is arranged within the measurement cuvette and is slidable in a translatory manner, has a cleaning body, has at least one translatory magnet element, and has at least one rotary magnet element.

Abstract: A cell survival rate determining device includes a distribution acquisition unit acquiring a particle size distribution in a solution containing particles including cultured cells; a classification unit classifying the particles into a small particle group and a large particle group using a predetermined threshold in the distribution; a ratio calculation unit calculating the value of a ratio between the number of particles belonging to the small particle group and the number of particles belonging to the large particle group; and a survival rate determination unit determining the survival rate of the cultured cells from the value of the ratio using a pre-acquired relationship between the ratio and cell survival rate.

Abstract: A camera-based photoacoustic remote sensing system (C-PARS) for imaging a subsurface and deep structures in a sample, has an excitation beam configured to generate ultrasonic signals in the sample at an excitation location; an interrogation beam incident on the sample at the excitation location, a portion of the interrogation beam returning from the sample that is indicative of the generated ultrasonic signals; a camera to map the returning portion of the interrogation beam over the entire field of view.

Abstract: Modular photoacoustic detection device comprising: a photoacoustic cell including at least two chambers connected by at least two capillaries and forming a Helmholtz type differential acoustic resonator; acoustic detectors coupled to the chambers; a light source capable of emitting a light beam having at least one wavelength capable of exciting a gas intended to be detected and which can be modulated to a resonance frequency of the photoacoustic cell; a first photonic circuit optically coupling the light source to an input face of a first of the chambers; wherein the first photonic circuit is arranged in a detachable manner in a first housing formed in the acoustic cell and emerging on the input face of the first chamber.

Abstract: Imaging systems and methods using fluorescent nanodiamonds are disclosed. The imaging systems and methods including applying a time-varying magnetic field to a specimen containing fluorescent nanodiamonds and comparing the fluorescence obtained with different magnetic fields to provide an image of the specimen.

Abstract: An optical interrogator for illuminating an object comprising a laser, a splitter, an optical polarizing element, and an optical recombiner. The laser is configured to generate a laser pulse, which the splitter splits into first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth laser segments such that each of the laser segments are separated by a time delay on the order of nanoseconds between each laser segment. The optical polarizing element is positioned so as to respectively polarize the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth laser segments with a 0° linear polarization, a 45° linear polarization, a 90° linear polarization, a 135° linear polarization, a right-handed, circular polarization (RHCP), and a left-handed, circular polarization (LHCP). The optical recombiner combines the polarized laser segments into a train of co-aligned pulses for illuminating the object.

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: Disclosed herein is a novel system and method for the remote characterization of visible emissions, and more particularly, to compact, optical sensors which can remotely measure the opacity of a visible emission plume from a stationary source. Assessing visible emissions is important for compliance with environmental regulations and to support the regulatory reporting needs of Federal and State inspectors. By reducing the power consumption of the laser source and the signal processing, a compact, handheld or hand portable, battery-operable opacity measurement system can be realized while allowing eye-safe operation. The system and method may also be applied to non-stationary sources.

Abstract: An improved method and system for analyzing multistate fluids using NIR spectroscopy. If the sample to be tested resides in a single state condition, the configuration file used in spectroscopic analysis will only be applied against a single model. However, if the sample to be tested is in a multi-state environment, an algorithm determines which model set of a plurality of model sets should be utilized based on the sample characteristics, and the configuration file used in spectroscopic analysis will be applied against the selected model. Results are generated showing the designated parameters.

Abstract: A system and a method for determining one or more distillation temperatures for one or more given distillation weight percentages of a crude oil sample are provided, which can be used to produce a simulated distillation curve. Simulated distillation temperatures of crude oil samples are assigned as a function of density and data derived from direct near infrared spectroscopy measurement of the crude oil samples.

Abstract: Provided are a refractive index measuring device and a refractive index measuring method. A detector (2) detects an intensity of a measuring beam transmitted through the sample. A camera (200) images a color image of the measuring beam which is dispersed into multiple colors by transmitting through the sample. A scanning processing portion (101) carries out scanning by changing an angle of receiving the measuring beam transmitted through the sample or an angle of the measuring beam incident on the sample. A wavelength specifying processing portion (102) specifies, based on the detected intensity of the detector (2) varying with the scanning by the scanning processing portion (101) and color information corresponding to a position of the measuring beam incident on the detector (2) in a color image which is imaged by the camera (200), the wavelength corresponding to each peak of the detected intensity.

Abstract: A method for quantification of the amount of impurities in lactide. The method is characterized in that the quantification of the impurities is based on measurements performed on absorptions in the near Infra-Red region of the electromagnetic spectrum. With this method, small amounts of impurities like water, free-acid species or both can be determined online in a reaction mixture of lactide in a relatively simple manner. This allows a simple online monitoring of the production process of lactide.

Abstract: An optical analysis apparatus, that irradiates a liquid sample with light and analyzes the sample, includes a measurement unit that measures the sample, a light source portion that emits light with which the sample is irradiated, and a light receiving portion that receives the light transmitted through the sample. The measurement unit includes a housing provided with an opening portion for flowing in and out of the sample, an accommodation region connected to the opening portion and provided inside the housing, a movable portion provided inside the accommodation region to be movable inside the accommodation region, an irradiation portion which receives the light emitted from the light source portion and in which an inside of the accommodation region is irradiated with the light, and a light collection portion which collects the light transmitted through the sample inside the accommodation region and outputs the light to the light receiving portion.

Abstract: A signal processing device that processes a bio-signal includes a lock-in amplifier chip configured to output a frequency-modulated modulation signal and enable one or more light sources to be driven in response to the modulation signal, and a multiplexer configured to receive and multiplex light sensing signals output from the light sources and then measured by multiple light measurement units, and the lock-in amplifier chip sequentially demodulates the multiple light sensing signals transmitted through the multiplexer.

Abstract: Compositions, kits and methods of using the kits and compositions to determine the alkalinity of an analyte solution are described. The kit can include a lyophilized titrant.

Abstract: An inspection method for optical components that can be implemented to conform to performance specification MIL-PRF-13830 in order to grade surface imperfections, in particular scratches and digs. A dark-field microscope obtains a digital image of the component, and this digital image is processed to determine scratch and dig numbers. For scratches, the number is obtained by dividing the total intensity of the scratch by the scratch length. For digs, the number is obtained by determining dig diameter or by dividing the dig's total intensity by its area. According to our extensive testing, this automated digital image processing approach appears to faithfully mimic the subjective impression that a scratch makes on an expert inspector who is applying the visibility test of MIL-PRF-13830.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for employing an accelerated neutral beam derived from an accelerated gas cluster ion beam as a physical etching beam for providing reduced material mixing at the etched surface, compared to previous techniques. This results in the ability to achieve improved depth profile resolution in measurements by analytical instruments such as SIMS and XPS (or ESCA) analytical instruments.

Abstract: In an X-ray inspection apparatus, X-ray images of an inspection object horizontally divided at a predetermined vertical position are acquired for each fixed rotational angle of the inspection object over 360° by a two-dimensional X-ray detector. Processing for synthesizing X-ray images acquired at the same rotational angle of the inspection object among the X-ray images taken in from the X-ray detector by horizontally joining the X-ray images together is executed for each fixed rotational angle of the inspection object. Processing for vertically dividing the synthesized X-ray image into a plurality of strip X-ray images is executed. Thereafter, processing for generating a CT image is executed by performing a computation based on the strip X-ray images for 360° that are at the same vertical position.