Abstract: Each of a first electrode pattern Ty and a second electrode pattern Tx extends between third electrodes Rx neighboring in a Y direction among the plurality of third electrodes Rx so as to overlap only partly with each of the neighboring third electrodes Rx in a plan view. A microcontroller is configured to detect capacitance generated at those portions. The microcontroller is configured to calculate shear force based on a capacitance change obtained due to a change in an overlapping surface area between the third electrode Rx and the first electrode pattern Ty and the second electrode pattern Tx overlapping each other in a plan view, when a pressure is applied so that an insulator is deformed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a floor contact sensor system having a data acquisition terminal and a sensor sheet assembly having at least one sensor sheet. Each sensor sheet has a base sheet and selected spaced conductive portions extending upwardly therefrom that are in communication with the data acquisition terminal. The conductive portions are a composite material formed of a polymer and a conductive filler such that the conductive portions can have physical characteristics essentially identical to the polymer, while being electrically conductive with the electrical resistance proportional to the load on the sensor. The floor contact sensor system can be configured to provide real time dynamic contact information for overlying flooring materials during use.

Abstract: A wheel-force dynamometer (1) for the measurement of forces and torques acting upon a vehicle tire (2a) and a vehicle wheel (2) using force sensors (4, 24, 44). The vehicle wheel (2) is mounted and able to rotate on a wheel axle. The wheel-force dynamometer (1) has a wheel axle that is in the form of a hollow shaft (9, 29, 49) which is hydrostatically mounted on a rigid, fixed in position bearing journal (3, 23, 43).

Abstract: A device includes a channel, a slit, and a cap. The channel is formed on a surface of the device. The slit separates the channel to a first portion and a second portion. The first portion comprises liquid metal, e.g., gallatin. The second portion comprises gas. The liquid metal moves within the channel between the first and the second portions in response to external stimuli, e.g., pressure. The liquid metal moving within the channel changes electrical characteristics, e.g., capacitive value, inductance value, resistance value, resonance frequency, etc., of the device.

Abstract: A displacement detection type six-axis force sensor. The force sensor includes a first end portion; a second end portion; an intermediate portion; a first connecting portion elastically connecting the first end portion to the intermediate portion with first three-degrees of freedom; a second connecting portion elastically connecting the second end portion to the intermediate portion with second three-degrees of freedom; a first detecting part detecting relative displacement between the first end and intermediate portions, accompanied by elastic deformation of the first connecting portion; and a second detecting part detecting relative displacement between the second end and intermediate portions, accompanied by elastic deformation of the second connecting portion.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to automated load cell identification. One example method generally includes sending, from a load cell to a remote processing system, identification information associated with the load cell; and determining whether the load cell is valid for use during makeup of a threaded connection of a first threaded tubular to a second threaded tubular based on the identification information associated with the load cell. The load cell identification information may include a measurement range of torque values supported. The method can include comparing the measurement range of torque values to a job-defined range of torque values associated with the makeup of the threaded connection; and determining that the load cell is valid for use based on the comparison. The identification information can be used to detect the load cell type, range, and calibration data before tubular makeup to ensure data quality and safety at work.

Abstract: A bolt axial force measurement apparatus of the present invention includes an echo detection section and an axial force calculation section. The echo detection section sets a head echo gate for the head echo and sets a bottom echo gate for the bottom echo, and executes tracking for a plurality of ultrasonic pulses emitted during tightening of the bolt so that the head echo gate and bottom echo gate are shifted independently to include the predetermined positions at the same position in the head echo gate and bottom echo gate.

Abstract: Submersible transducer includes a transducer housing configured to be submerged within an aqueous liquid and a pressure sensor operable to obtain data for determining a pressure of the aqueous liquid. The pressure sensor may be disposed within the transducer housing. The submersible transducer also includes a submersible cable having an electrical conductor and a venting tube operably coupled to the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor uses an atmospheric pressure of an external environment that is detected through the venting tube to determine the pressure of the aqueous liquid. The submersible cable also includes a cable jacket and an inner layer that is surrounded by the cable jacket. The inner layer surrounds the electrical conductor and the venting tube. The inner layer includes a non-hygroscopic polymer that is more resistant to absorbing the aqueous liquid than the cable jacket.

Abstract: Provided are a water engineering seepage behavior fusing and sensing system and method. The system comprises a seepage-hidden optical fiber locating device, a seepage flow velocity distributed optical fiber monitoring device, an online seepage line diagnosis device and a seepage behavior optical fiber self-adaptive identification device, the location of a water engineering seepage point is realized by using the seepage-hidden optical fiber locating device, then, the seepage flow velocity of a water engineering is monitored by virtue of the seepage flow velocity distributed optical fiber monitoring device, the online diagnosis of a seepage line on a section of a whole water engineering structure can be realized by using the online seepage line diagnosis device, and finally, the current seepage behavior is integrally monitored and evaluated by using the seepage behavior optical fiber self-adaptive identification device, so that the water engineering seepage behavior fusing and sensing is completed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring conditions within a structure to generate objective data indicative of an overall status of the structure. Aggregated objective measurements may quantify as built and experiential conditions of the structure over time. Utilizing objective measurements a determination is made of, among other things, compliance with applicable building codes. A remediation table is provided to assess the risk of noncompliance with the applicable building codes and to prescribe appropriate remedial actions. Alternatively a table of scaled alphanumeric ratings may be generated and associated with measured conditions within the structure.

Abstract: An optical power monitor device includes a first optical fiber, including a core and a cladding surrounding the core and being at least one of an incidence-side optical fiber and a launch-side optical fiber connected to each other at a connection point, which is constituted by a curve portion and a linear portion between the curve portion and the connection point, a low refractive index layer that is provided in at least a portion of the linear portion on an outer side of the cladding and has a refractive index lower than a refractive index of the cladding, and a first optical detector that is provided at a position close to at least the curve portion.

Abstract: A measurement method for measuring an effective refractive index difference between two propagation modes of a multimode fiber is provided. The method includes: measuring a first Brillouin frequency shift ?1 by specifying a frequency having a lowest-frequency peak out of peaks in a first frequency spectrum of scattered light in a first propagation mode; measuring a second Brillouin frequency shift ?2 by specifying a frequency having a lowest-frequency peak out of peaks in a second frequency spectrum of scattered light in a second propagation mode; and calculating an effective refractive index difference ?neff in accordance with ?neff=(?1??2)/(2kVL) with use of the first Brillouin frequency shift ?1, the second Brillouin frequency shift ?2, a predetermined wave number k of light in a vacuum, and a predetermined constant VL.

Abstract: It is an object to perform an abnormality diagnosis for a feed axis without additionally adding a sensor or the like. A frequency characteristic of a feed axis and a damage frequency that occurs when the feed axis that has been damaged performs an axis operation are obtained, a frequency where a gain is maximized in the obtained frequency characteristic is calculated, and a feed velocity where the frequency matches the damage frequency is calculated. An axis operation is performed on the feed axis with the calculated feed velocity, and a frequency analysis is performed on servo information regarding a control of a servo motor during the axis operation. Then, the presence and absence of a peak of the damage frequency is confirmed from a result of the frequency analysis, and when the peak is present, it is determined that it is abnormal.

Abstract: A failure detection device is disclosed. The failure detection device may receive operations data related to operations of a set of parts of a machine. The failure detection device may process the operations data using a condition-based processing technique. The condition-based processing technique may be associated with mapping initial values of data elements of the operations data to binary values based on satisfaction of a first set of conditions by the initial values. The failure detection device may detect a presence of a possible issue with the operations of the set of parts based on a second set of conditions, associated with the binary values and the initial values, being satisfied during a time period. The failure detection device may perform, after detecting the presence of the possible issue, a set of actions related to addressing the possible issue.

Abstract: A system for commissioning a machine such as an internal combustion engine includes commissioning probes, and a user interface having a computer receiving test data from the commissioning probes. The computer is structured to store a commissioning profile for the machine on a memory, and to populate the commissioning profile based on a compensation factor that depends on a difference between a performance response of ancillary equipment connected with the machine and an expected response. The computer outputs a commissioning suitability signal based on comparing the commissioning profile to a target profile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) and process for measuring characteristics of a particle flow. The measuring is done with two different cut-off diameters of a particle trap (13) of which one cut-off diameter is adjusted based on the measured particle characteristics.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for transfer of a tissue section from a first location to a second location. Thermoplastic material is applied to at least one pin of a tissue section transferring apparatus. The thermoplastic material contacts a tissue section while at least partially melted, and when it cools, substantially solid thermoplastic material holds the tissue section to the at least one pin. A tissue section transferring apparatus comprises a heater block, a heat source, and at least one pin attached to and extending from the heater block.

Abstract: In a liquid stirring method, after a second liquid is discharged into a reaction container accommodating a first liquid from a dispensing probe provided with a dispensing tip at the leading end thereof, a mixture of the first liquid and second liquid in the container is stirred by being sucked out and discharged by the dispensing probe. The number of stirrings through sucking out and discharging is changed according to the total volume of the first liquid and second liquid. If the total volume of the first liquid and second liquid is below a preset threshold, sucking out and discharging is repeated for a prescribed number of times.

Abstract: A device for measuring a tension of a bio-object construct as it is being stretched that includes a microscope, a holding member for accommodating the bio-object, and a probe. The microscope includes a condenser, an objective and a stage positioned therebetween. The stage is movable along a horizontal plane. The holding member is fixable on the stage. The probe has a first end attached to the condenser, and a second end placed in the holding member. The stage operably moves such that the bio-object construct moves toward the second end of the probe and contacts with the second end of the probe, thereby causing a displacement of the second end of the probe and a displacement of the bio-object construct, which are used to measure the tension of the bio-object construct.

Abstract: A shear loader subjects a shear load on a sample and includes: a first shearer including: a first shearing face that provides a shearing plane; a first mating face; and a first knife edge; a second shearer including: a second shearing face; a second mating face; and a second knife edge, the first shearer and the second shearer having relative motion to provide the shear load to the sample; a first load cell; and a second load cell, the first load cell and the second load cell having relative motion in a load direction that is orthogonal to the shearing plane and orthogonal to the shear direction, such that relative motion of the first load cell and the second load cell along the load direction subjects the sample to a side load along the load direction; and a sample region that receives sample bounded by the mating faces and load faces.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for analysing cuttings exiting a borehole. The method comprises taking at least an image of a sample of cuttings on a background surface, obtaining spectra representative of the image in the (hue, saturation, brightness) coordinate space, wherein each spectrum is associated to a coordinate and is representative of the distribution of the values of the pixels for the coordinate. Based on the spectrum and the values of each pixel for the associated coordinate, classifying the pixel in one of a plurality of groups, wherein each group is representative of a type of objects within the image, i.e. cuttings and background surface. The method also comprises determining at least a cuttings zone in the image based on the classification of the pixels.

Abstract: An example forward scatter sensor comprises: a transmitter to emit a light sheet; a receiver to observe light scattered from particles that fall through a measurement volume; and a control entity comprising an analyzer to record a measurement signal descriptive of intensity of light captured by the receiver as a function of time and to: carry out a precipitation analysis on basis of a time segment of the measurement signal; carry out a verification of analysis performance based on magnitudes of first peaks of at least one identified double peak and on respective residence times for said at least one identified double peak; and invoke a predefined maintenance action responsive to said verification indicating a threshold-exceeding difference between respective size estimates derived based on magnitudes of the first peak of said at least one identified double peak and based on residence times of said at least one identified double peak.

Abstract: An apparatus for analysing the particulate matter content of an aerosol includes an aerosol chamber configured to receive an aerosol, the particulate matter content of which should be analysed, at least one ultrasonic generator configured to produce ultrasonic waves in the aerosol received in the aerosol chamber, an ultrasonic detector configured to detect ultrasonic waves produced by the at least one ultrasonic generator in the aerosol, and an evaluator having a data exchange communication link with the ultrasonic detector and configured to ascertain the matter content on the basis of signals output by the ultrasonic detector. The ultrasonic generator and the ultrasonic detector are positioned relative to one another such that a path length to be traversed by ultrasonic waves between the ultrasonic generator and the ultrasonic detector is less than 1 cm.

Abstract: An air-conditioning system of a vehicle for air-conditioning a vehicle interior compartment may include a channel system which is flowed through by air and a sensor device for detecting at least one property of air. The sensor device may include at least one analysis channel through which air is flowable during operation, and a generating device configured to generate and emit electromagnetic waves. The sensor device may also include a diverting device configured to divert the electromagnetic waves emitted by the generating device at least partially into an interaction section of the at least one analysis channel, through which interaction section the diverted electromagnetic waves may pass and interact with air flowing through the at least one analysis channel. The sensor device may also include a detector which detects the diverted electromagnetic waves after the interaction with the air.

Abstract: An imaging flow cytometry system and method which includes a flow chamber, light obscuration analysis and imaging optics, image capturing system, device to regulate fluid flow through the chamber, and backlighting generator. The flow cell is configured so that light obscuration signals can be detected from the same passing particles that are imaged.

Abstract: A particle detecting device includes a chamber 30; a first introduction flow path 225 for introducing a particle-containing fluid into the chamber 30; a second introduction flow path 235 for introducing a particle-free fluid into the chamber 30; a light source 10 configured to illuminate fluid in the chamber 30 to detect particles contained in the fluid; a discharge flow path 260 for discharging fluid from the chamber 30; an introduction flow meter 245 configured to measure a flow rate of fluid flowing through the second introduction flow path 235; and a control unit 301 configured to perform control such that a fluid having a total flow rate obtained by adding a predetermined flow rate of fluid flowing through the first introduction flow path 225 to a flow rate of fluid flowing through the second introduction flow path 235, the flow rate being measured by the introduction flow meter 245, flows through the discharge flow path 260.

Abstract: In one aspect, a material system comprises a metal substrate and a first coating layer disposed on the metal substrate. A first electrode is directly disposed on the first coating layer, and a second electrode is disposed on the metal substrate. In one aspect, a method for determining material performance includes flexing a material system and detecting impedance of the material system with an electrochemical impedance spectrometer. The material system has a metal substrate, a first coating layer disposed on the metal substrate, a first electrode directly disposed on the first coating layer, and a second electrode disposed on the metal substrate.

Abstract: According to one aspect, an apparatus includes a first printed circuit board (PCB), the first PCB including a first interface, and a corrosion sensor assembly. The corrosion sensor assembly including a second interface arranged to be coupled to the first interface, the corrosion sensor assembly further including a signal trace field and a plurality of components, wherein the signal trace field and the plurality of components are arranged to provide an indication of whether the apparatus is in an environment that is corrosive.

Abstract: Any one or both of an optical system with a structured lighting pattern and a structured detecting system having a plurality of regions with different optical characteristics are used. In addition, optical signals from an object to be observed through one or a small number of pixel detectors are detected while changing relative positions between the object to be observed and any one of the optical system and the detecting system, time series signal information of the optical signals are obtained, and an image associated with an object to be observed from the time series signal information is reconstructed.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and computer-readable media are disclosed for providing a spectroscopic film selection tool to select one or more of a plurality of films for use in a spectroscopic analysis. At a first computing system, a spectroscopic film selection tool is stored in a non-transitory storage medium. The spectroscopic film selection tool includes a set of machine-readable instructions configured to execute on a second computing system. The machine-readable instructions are configured to elicit user input regarding attributes of a spectroscopic analysis and, based on the user input, identify one or more of a plurality of films for use in a spectroscopic analysis based on film data for each of the plurality of films.

Abstract: A method is provided for cleaning an optical entry window (1) of a fire detector (2), wherein an intermittent gas stream is discharged from at least one gas exit opening (7) onto the surface of the optical entry window (1) of the fire detector (2), wherein the intermittent gas stream having a number of pressure pulses (14) is discharged onto the optical entry window (1), and to an apparatus for cleaning an optical entry window. The method has the advantage that the optical entry window of a fire detector can be cleaned from contamination intermittently and corresponding to the intensity of contamination with a matched and low consumption of gas.

Abstract: A method and system for remote sensing using optical orbital angular momentum (OAM)-based spectroscopy for object recognition. The method includes applying an OAM state on a light beam to generate an optical OAM spectrum, transmitting the light beam on a remote object, receiving a reflected optical OAM spectrum associated with the remote object, and providing a high resolution image of the remote object based on the reflected optical OAM spectrum.

Abstract: A handheld hemoglobin detecting device has a housing assembly including a holding base, a tubular housing and a liquid holder, a control module disposed on the housing assembly, and a lighting assembly mounted in the tubular housing and including a light emitting module, a light concentrator, and a light guide. At least one light beam emitted from the light emitting module passes through and is concentrated by the light concentrator to shine on the liquid holder, is reflected by a light reflector that is disposed in the liquid holder, enters the light guide, and is transmitted to a light sensor. The handheld hemoglobin detecting device has a simplified structure and is easy to assemble, and thus is light and has low manufacturing cost. Moreover, a lower accuracy in assembling the lighting assembly can be tolerated.

Abstract: A quantification device for the level of lipids and/or proteins present within hepatic tissues. The Device includes: a light source, having at least one vacuum tungsten lamp with a total power of between 0.5 and 2 watts, with a total brightness of between 1000 and 2000 lumens and a total color temperature of between 6000 and 10000 degrees Kelvin; a photosensitive sensor having a sensitivity wavelength of between 800 nm and 2450 nm, configured to capture the light emitted from the light source after diffraction within liver tissues; means for extracting a diffraction spectrum of the light according to an image captured by the photosensitive sensor; and means for analyzing the spectrum in order to determine a level of lipids and/or proteins.

Abstract: A gas detection system, comprising: a humidity measuring apparatus that measures humidity; a transmitting apparatus that includes a light source which emits an optical signal of a plurality of wavelengths; and a receiving apparatus including: a light detection part that receives the optical signal from the transmitting apparatus; a discrimination part that determines whether or not condensation exists in at least one region of regions where the optical signal passes, based on the humidity measured by the humidity measuring apparatus and a light intensity of the optical signal received by the light detection part.

Abstract: A system and method for determining impurities in a beverage grade gas such as CO2 or N2 relies on a coupling of FTIR analysis and UV fluorescence detection. Conversion of reduced sulphur present in some impurities to SO2 can be conducted using a furnace. In some cases, CO2% also is determined.

Abstract: A method may include emitting a band of electromagnetic (EM) radiation towards a specimen that covers at least a first and a second wavelength of EM radiation. The method may also include receiving, at a first receiver configured to receive the first wavelength of EM radiation, responses to the EM radiation after the EM radiation interacts with the specimen; and receiving, at a second receiver configured to receive the second wavelength of EM radiation, responses to the EM radiation after the EM radiation interacts with the specimen. The method may also include extracting markers from a combination of first signals representative of the received responses at the first receiver and second signals representative of the received responses at the second receiver, the extracting including replicating and mixing the first signals and the second signals to extract the plurality of markers.

Abstract: Spectroscopic apparatus and methods incorporating a gas sensor configured to detect low concentration gases, including gases that are hazardous volatiles are provided. Low concentration gases can comprise gases where detection of concentrations on the order of parts-per-million (ppm), and in many embodiments part-per-billion (ppb) is required. The gas may be a species, such as, for example hydrogen sulfide (H2S) that may be produced in drilling and/or volcanic eruptions. The spectroscopic apparatus and methods are configured to operate in particular atmospheres where gas detection can be challenging, such as in ambient air and/or in space where various contaminants may be present. The spectroscopic apparatus and methods may incorporate a long path length detector, such as, for example, a cavity-enhanced absorption spectrometer. The methods and apparatus further incorporate a wavelength modulation technique to improve the signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: A method of identifying the material and determining the physical thickness of each layer in a multilayer structure is disclosed. The method includes measuring the optical thickness of each of the layers of the multilayer object as a function of wavelength of a light source and calculating a normalized group index of refraction dispersion curve for each layer in the multilayer structure. The measured normalized group index of refraction dispersion curves for each of the layers is then compared to a reference database of known materials and the material of each layer is identified. The physical thickness of each layer is then determined from the group index of refraction dispersion curve for the material in each layer and the measured optical thickness data. A method for determining the group index of refraction dispersion curve of a known material, and an apparatus for performing the methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A scatterometry metrology system, configured to measure diffraction signals from at least one target having respective at least one measurement direction, the scatterometry metrology system having at least one field stop having edges which are slanted with respect to the at least one measurement direction.

Abstract: Diffraction-based focus target cells, targets and design and measurement methods are provided, which enable sensitive focus measurements to be carried out by overlay measurement tools. Cells comprise a periodic structure having a coarse pitch and multiple elements arranged at a fine pitch. The coarse pitch is an integer multiple of the fine pitch, with the fine pitch being between one and two design rule pitches and smaller than a measurement resolution and the coarse pitch being larger than the measurement resolution. The elements are asymmetric to provide different amplitudes in +1st and ?1st diffraction orders of scattered illumination, and a subset of the elements has a CD (critical dimension) larger than a printability threshold and the other elements have a CD smaller than the printability threshold.

Abstract: A system for detecting stimulated emission from a material of interest comprising: an excitation source; and an imaging component; wherein, in use, the system is configured to: a) emit excitation radiation from the excitation source for a first time period, the excitation radiation having a wavelength suitable for inducing stimulated emission in the material of interest; b) capture a first image via the imaging component, the first image substantially consisting of a background illumination component and a stimulated emission component; c) stop emitting excitation radiation for a second time period; d) capture a second image via the imaging component, the second image substantially consisting of the background illumination component; e) create a difference image corresponding to the difference between the first and second images, such that the difference image includes any stimulated emission signals from the material of interest.

Abstract: A method for detecting biomaterial by means of a dye having a linear upconversion fluorescent property is provided. The method includes the steps of: i) preparing a fluorophore having a linear upconversion fluorescent property; ii) reacting the fluorophore and biomaterial to obtain a reaction complex thereof; iii) exciting the reaction complex by means of a light source having a longer wavelength than the maximum light-emitting wavelength of the fluorophore; and iv) detecting and measuring the light-emitting signal having a shorter wavelength than the wavelength of the excited light emitted from the excited reaction complex. A system and a kit for detecting biomaterial using a dye having a linear upconversion fluorescent property are also provided.

Abstract: A method of quantitating of ions in the extracellular polymer substances area of a dental biofilm is an effective way of assessing efficacy of oral care compositions.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: an input receiver into which a fluorescent image and a morphological image are input; and a controller. The fluorescent image represents expression of a plurality of kinds of biological substances in a tissue specimen in which a fluorescent bright spot represents expression of the biological substances. The morphological image represents morphology of a cell in the tissue specimen and includes a range common to the fluorescent image. The controller extracts an observation target region from the morphological image, extracts the fluorescent bright spot from the fluorescent image, and calculates a statistical value from a number of the plurality of kinds of biological substances whose expression is represented by the fluorescent bright spots.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining extracellular concentration data of an analyte are disclosed. A method for determining extracellular concentration data of an analyte includes receiving sensor data from one or more arrays of functionalized plasmonic nanostructures on a localized surface plasmon resonance imaging chip in contact with a fluid containing at least one living cell for a plurality of times, determining intensity data for the one or more arrays, determining fractional occupancy based on the intensity data, and determining extracellular concentration data based on the fractional occupancy data. A system for determining extracellular concentration data of an analyte includes a LSPRi chip, a sensor component, an intensity component, a fractional occupancy component, a concentration component, and a processor to implement the components.

Abstract: Specialized linkage assemblies for Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (“LIBS”) systems are provided. The linkage assemblies may facilitate the attachment of the laser housing of the LIBS system onto an existing sample supply chamber, such as a volumetric or gravimetric feeder. Generally, the linkage assemblies may comprise a specialized purge head and inert gas assembly that facilitate the attachment of the laser housing and may enhance the functionality of the LIBS system.

Abstract: This invention is in the field of medical devices. Specifically, the present invention provides portable medical devices that allow real-time detection of analytes from a biological fluid. The methods and devices are particularly useful for providing point-of-care testing for a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system that includes a light source for generating an illumination beam and an illumination lens system for directing the illumination beam towards a sample. The system further includes a collection lens system for directing towards a detector output light from the sample in response to the illumination beam and a detector for receiving the output light from the sample. The collection lens system includes a fixed-design compensator plate having individually selectable filters with different configurations for correcting system aberration of the system under different operating conditions. The system also includes a controller operable for: (i) generating and directing the illumination beam towards the sample, (ii) selecting operating conditions and a filter for correcting the system aberration under such selected operating conditions, (iii) generating an image based on the output light, and (iv) determining whether the sample passes inspection or characterizing such sample based on the image.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for inspecting composite layers of a first material formed on a second material are provided including providing an illumination source, illuminating at least a portion of the composite at the layer, receiving light reflected from the sample, determining a spectral response from the received light, and comparing the received spectral response to an expected spectral response.