Abstract: An amplifier for an optical receiver is disclosed. The amplifier includes a common base buffer, a differential amplifier, and some buffer amplifiers, where circuit block from the common base buffer to the buffer amplifiers have the differential arrangement and are connected in series in this order. The amplifier further includes an offset compensator that receives the outputs of the buffer amplifier put in the rear end of the amplifier and outputs control signals, which are complementary to each other and filtered by a low-pass-filter, to the base of the transistors in the common base buffer to compensate the offset appeared in the output of the buffer amplifier.

Abstract: This invention relates to a solar energy collector that converts solar radiation into both electrical and thermal energy. More specifically this invention relates to a concentrating solar energy collector with an integrated construction that minimizes cost, bulk, and weight, and maximizes overall efficiency. Typical non-concentrating solar collectors use photovoltaic cells over the entirety of their surface. These solar cells are the most expensive part of the collector. This invention discloses using a reflector to concentrate the incident radiation on photovoltaic cells with one-twentieth the area of the reflector, and transferring the co-generated thermal energy into a working fluid pumped through the cell support structure.

Abstract: A photodetector includes a substrate, a graphene layer disposed on the substrate, a first electrode disposed on the graphene layer, and a second electrode disposed on the graphene layer, where the first and second electrodes are spaced apart from each other, and where each of the first and second electrodes comprises a complex transparent electrode. The complex transparent electrode of the first electrode may have a different composition from the complex transparent electrode of the second electrode.

Abstract: A device for simultaneous multi-channel, multi-method acquisition of synchronized parameters in fluorescence lifetime applications is provided with a fluorescence macroscope, microscope or nanoscope, a pulsed laser source, a beam splitter, a TSCSPC detector, and a synchronized peripheral device. A sample is irradiated with a pulsed, high frequency, polarized or unpolarized ps or ns laser beam. The fluorescence radiation from the sample is guided onto a beam splitter to generate two partial beams that are deflected onto a list-mode detector operating by space- and time-correlated single photon counting. All physical parameters of each photon are acquiring by the list-mode detector simultaneously and saved in control electronics. Simultaneously, further parameters are acquired in synchronization by a peripheral device and saved. The saved parameters of the list-mode detector and of the peripheral device are combined to a multi-parameter, multi-method acquisition system in a 1-file method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring the lifetime of an excited state in a sample, in particular a fluorescence lifetime, and to an apparatus for carrying out such a method. First, an excitation pulse is generated and a sample region is illuminated with the excitation pulse. Then, a first digital data sequence is generated which is representative of the power-time profile of the excitation pulse, and a first switching instant is determined from the first digital data sequence. Moreover, the detection light emanating from the sample region is detected by a detector, and a second digital data sequence is generated which is representative of the power-time profile of the detection light, and a second switching instant is determined from the second digital data sequence. Finally, the time difference between the first and second switching instants is calculated.

Abstract: Embodiments include luminescent materials and associated production methods. The material includes a crystal borate having a first substitutable element, neodymium substituted for the first substitutable element at a first substitution percentage of at least about 20 percent, and ytterbium substituted for the first substitutable element at a second substitution percentage. The material also may include chromium substituted for a second substitutable element. The material also may include a medium within which particles of the borate are incorporated. The medium, with the luminescent material particles, may form a security feature of an article. Embodiments of methods for identifying whether such a luminescent material is incorporated with an article include exposing a portion of the article to excitation in a chromium absorption band, and determining whether a detected emission produced by the article as a result of the excitation indicates an ytterbium emission after termination of the exposing step.

Abstract: A sensor and a method of detecting a target analyte are provided. The sensor includes a substrate; a layer comprising a plurality of through holes, wherein the layer is disposed above the substrate; a first element configured to detect a target analyte; a second element that can produce a detectable signal; wherein the first element and the second element are configured to couple the target analyte between the first element and the second element.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device operable to convert light to electricity, comprising a substrate, one or more structures essentially perpendicular to the substrate, and a wavelength-selective layer disposed on the substrate, wherein the structures comprise a crystalline semiconductor material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor arrangement for detecting ambient conditions, in particular for a motor vehicle, with at least one carrier plate and optical elements arranged on this carrier plate, wherein several of the optical elements are arranged around a shared central region on the carrier plate, and at least two of the optical elements arranged around the central region exhibit primary action axes. These primary action axes are adjusted at a predetermined angle relative to the carrier plate, wherein the primary action axes are directed toward the shared central region. Additional sensors arranged on the carrier plate include a rain sensor, a solar sensor as well as various light sensors, which preferably are arranged on receiving surfaces of the carrier plate.

Abstract: [Problems to be Solved] A radiation detector, which is improved in the detection efficiency of a photodetector for light emitted by a scintillator, which has excellent long-term operational stability, and which is excellent in time resolution and count rate characteristics, is provided with the use of the scintillator with a short fluorescence lifetime. [Means to Solve the Problems] A radiation detector is constructed by installing an optical wavelength conversion layer, which is composed of, for example, an organic fluorescent substance using polyvinyltoluene as a base material, between a scintillator composed of a fluoride single crystal, such as a Ce-containing LiCaAlF6 crystal, and a photodetector having a light entrance window material composed of a transparent glass material such as borosilicate glass. In the radiation detector, the peak wavelength of light emitted by the scintillator is 360 nm or less, and the peak wavelength of light after conversion by the optical conversion layer is 400 nm or more.

Abstract: An optical cavity mode apparatus comprises at least one microcavity having magnetism; a light source for supplying light irradiation to the microcavity; an optical apparatus for detection of optical cavity modes of the microcavity; and a magnetic controller for magnetically controlling the position of the microcavity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a photoelectric conversion device having unit pixels arranged in a matrix, each of the unit pixels including: a photoelectric conversion element; a source follower readout transistor configured to receive a signal charge arising from photoelectric conversion by the photoelectric conversion element by a gate, and read out an electrical signal dependent on the signal charge; and a correction circuit configured to reset gate potential of the readout transistor to Vref+Vth prior to signal readout by the readout transistor, if a reference potential given to the gate of the readout transistor is defined as Vref and threshold voltage of the readout transistor is defined as Vth.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes: a CMOS image sensor including a plurality of pixels disposed in an array and each including a light reception element, a discharging unit, a charge accumulation section, a transfer unit, a reset unit, an amplification unit, and a selection unit; and a control unit adapted to generate a selection pulse for rendering the selection unit operative to control operation of the CMOS image sensor.

Abstract: Provided are photoluminescence spectroscopy systems and methods for identifying and quantifying impurities in a semiconductor sample. In some embodiments, the systems and methods comprise a defocused collimated laser beam illuminating a first sample surface, and collection by a collection lens of photoluminescence from a sample edge at the intersection of the first surface with a substantially orthogonal second surface, wherein the first sample surface is oriented from about 0° to 90° with respect to a position parallel to the collection lens.

Abstract: A plate solving methodology determines celestial coordinates of an image. Star locations are extracted from the image in terms of pixel coordinates. A group of four stars, referred to as a “test quad”, is identified. A signature for the test quad is generated. In one embodiment, this test signature is derived by determining the separations of the four stars in the test quad, normalized by the largest separation. In one embodiment, the signature also includes the sum of these normalized separations. A query is performed, using the generated signature, against a database of reference signatures for known groups of stars (referred to as “reference quads”). A geometric transform is determined, establishing the relationship between the test quad and a reference quad that matches within a specified tolerance. This geometric transform defines the celestial coordinates of the image. Additional verification steps can be performed to confirm the accuracy of the match.

Abstract: The invention relates to a luminescent composition comprising a component which can be excited by infrared (IR) radiation and a component which can be excited by ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The composition has a characteristic emission spectrum and may optionally be used together with a reading system adapted to the emission spectrum in order to mark substances or mixtures of substances.

Abstract: A fine particle measuring apparatus is provided. The fine particle measuring apparatus includes a detection unit configured to detect light emitted from a fine particle and a processing unit having a memory device storing instructions which when executed by the processing unit, cause the processing unit to calculate a corrected intensity value of the detected light and generate spectrum data based on the corrected intensity value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of marker systems for the security and tracing of items, articles, goods, vehicles or persons. The present invention provides a marker for applying to the surfaces of items, the marker comprising at least one fluorescent material capable of fluorescing at a specific wavelength when subjected to stimulus. The marker can also include at least one material which is phosphorescent and emitting at a specific wavelength. In use, the measured fluorescence and phosphorescent response obtained from the marker are visually compared to examples of the desired colour output for the case in hand to verify the authenticity of the item.

Abstract: A system and method for the measurement of multiple fluorescence emissions in a flow cytometry system is disclosed where each excitation light source is modulated with a different frequency. A single detector is used to collect the fluorescent emissions excited by all light sources, and the emissions are segregated using Fourier Transform techniques. Systems and methods for the correction of inter-beam coincidence are also disclosed.

Abstract: The inventive optical analysis technique uses an optical system capable of detecting light from a micro region in a solution, such as an optical system of a confocal microscope or a multiphoton microscope, to detect the light from the light-emitting particle to be observed while moving the position of the micro region in the sample solution (while scanning the inside of the sample solution with the micro region); generates time series light intensity data, and after smoothing the time series light intensity data; and detects in the smoothed time series light intensity data the light-emitting particle crossing the inside of the micro region individually, thereby enabling the counting of the light-emitting particle(s) or the acquisition of the information on the concentration or number density of the light-emitting particle.

Abstract: A microparticle analysis apparatus includes at least: a detecting unit having one or a plurality of light sources and a plurality of photodetectors, configured to emit excitation light from the light sources, and to detect light emitted from microparticles on which the excitation light is irradiated, at the photodetectors; a first storage unit configured to store, for each microparticle, data detected at the photodetectors of the detecting unit based on detected time; and a second storage unit configured to store data relating to a particular microparticle of detected data stored in the first storage unit.

Abstract: A display device a display and a front panel. The front panel is made of plastic and is at least partly provided with a metallic coating. The coating is applied by means of physical vapor deposition. The metallic coating is electrically grounded when the display device is placed in operation.

Abstract: An image acquisition section 24a acquires a multiplied image at a predetermined electron multiplication factor set in advance, and a luminance calculation section 24b calculates a luminance average value and a luminance variance average value corresponding to the image section 101a in the multiplied image acquired by the luminance calculation section 24b, and calculates a luminance average value and a luminance variance average value of pixels corresponding to the OPB section 101b in the multiplied image. Then, by using the calculated luminance average value and luminance variance average value, a conversion factor calculation section 24c calculates a conversion factor of the multiplied image, and by using this conversion factor and a conversion factor at a reference electron multiplication factor, a multiplication factor calculation section 24d calculates an electron multiplication factor of the multiplied image.

Abstract: A solar simulator which uses a honeycomb structure for providing highly collimated light for testing one or more photovoltaic cells.

Abstract: Provided is a fluoroscopy apparatus comprising a white-light-image generating section that generates a white-light image of observation target, a fluorescence-image generating section that generates a fluorescence image of the observation target, a fluorescence-image correcting section that normalizes the fluorescence image with the white-light image, a displacement calculating section that calculates the displacement of the observation target from a plurality of white-light images generated at time intervals, a region-size calculating section that calculates the size of a region having a fluorescence intensity higher than or equal to a predetermined threshold value from the fluorescence image, and a control unit that controls the fluorescence-image correcting section so that, when the displacement of the observation target relative to the size of the region is larger than or equal to a predetermined proportion, normalization of the fluorescence image is stopped.

Abstract: A display device has a cabinet; a button provided on the cabinet; a switch being pushed by the button; a circuit board including the switch, and a button pad which comprises: (a) a button portion; (b) a peripheral portion which is in the surroundings of the button portion, and (c) a plurality of annular ribs provided on the button pad in a position corresponding to the periphery of the button, wherein, each of the rib is arranged so as to contact the inner surface of the cabinet.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion material is provided and includes an organic material having an absorbing coefficient of about 1.5×105 (cm?1) or more and that is represented by the following formula (1). In the formula (1), each of R1 to R20, and each of X1 to X8 is one of a hydrogen atom and a substituent.

Abstract: An improved method for photon transfer curve (PTC) testing in an image sensor is described. A cost and time savings is achieved by reducing the number of frames necessary for measurements to two that are generated by illuminating a first plurality of pixel rows at a first intensity level m1, a second plurality of pixel rows at a second intensity level t2, and so forth up to an nth plurality of pixel rows illuminated at an nth intensity level mn where mn>m2>m1. The resulting image has “n” regions each with a different brightness. The highest intensity level essentially saturates the pixels in the nth region. In one example, a four row exposure and five intensity levels are employed in the illuminator sequence. An intelligent light source is pre-programmable with illumination intensity settings and is synchronized to the image sensor using HSYNC and VSYNC signals, for example.

Abstract: When a reflecting film of a mirror device employed in a rearview mirror with monitor is processed with laser light, a part from which the reflecting film is removed by the laser light transmits light therethrough, while the remaining part reflects the light. Therefore, the light transmittance can be changed easily according to the area irradiated with the laser light. Further, when laser-processing a reflecting/transmitting mirror region corresponding to a monitor screen, cells having the same form are arranged in a matrix, and each cell is formed with an irregular pattern by the laser light.

Abstract: A photosensor includes a light emitting element to emit light to a target object, a light receiving element to receive the light emitted from the light emitting element and reflected by the target object, and a circuit board on which the light emitting element and the light receiving element are mounted, including at least one protrusion thereon. The light emitting element and the light receiving element each have a terminal. The at least one protrusion is configured to support one of the light emitting element and the light receiving element in a contact manner in a state that the terminal is electrically connected to the circuit board.

Abstract: A technology of inspecting a photoexcited carrier generation area of a photo device in a non-contact manner is provided. An inspection apparatus inspects a photovoltaic cell panel in which the photo device is formed. The inspection apparatus includes an irradiation part that irradiates the photovoltaic cell panel with pulsed light from a light receiving surface side and a detecting part (detector) that detects electric field intensity of a terahertz wave pulse, which is generated according to the irradiation of the pulsed light.

Abstract: An instrument and method for scanning a large specimen supported on a specimen holder has a plurality of illumination sources with each illumination, source being focused on a different focus spot of the specimen simultaneously. There are a plurality of spectrally resolved detectors to receive light reflected or emitted from the different focus spots simultaneously with each spectrally resolved detector receiving light from one illumination source only.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction limit image resolution and other imaging techniques. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. For example, the entities may be separated by a distance of less than about 1000 nm, or less than about 300 nm for visible light. In one set of embodiments, the entities may be selectively activatable, i.e., one entity can be activated to produce light, without activating other entities. A first entity may be activated and determined (e.g., by determining light emitted by the entity), then a second entity may be activated and determined. The entities may be immobilized relative to each other and/or to a common entity.

Abstract: A device for reading out and erasing imaging plates which includes an eraser disposed down-stream of a readout unit at a short distance thereof, said eraser being separated from the readout unit by a light barrier.

Abstract: The invention involves transforming Cannabis with a transgene(s) or chemical(s) expressing biological, chemical, luminescent, and fluorescent markers from the UV, visible, near, mid, and far spectrums of light. This transformation allows for the detection of Medical Marijuana from other forms of marijuana. Cannabis is a genus of flowering plant that include three putative species Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. The invention relates to seeds, plants, plant cells, plant tissue, and harvested products from transformed Cannabis. The invention also relates to plants and varieties produced by the method of essential derivation from plants of transformed Cannabis and to plants of transformed Cannabis reproduced by vegetative methods, including but not limited to tissue culture of regenerated cells or tissue from transformed Cannabis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating lift-off processes are provided. In one embodiment, a method for pattering a thin film on a substrate comprises: depositing a first sacrificial layer of photoresist material onto a substrate such that one or more regions of the substrate are exposed through the first sacrificial layer; depositing a protective layer over at least part of the first sacrificial layer; partially removing the first sacrificial layer to form at least one gap between the protective layer and the substrate; depositing an optical coating over the protective layer and the one or more regions of the substrate exposed through the first sacrificial layer, wherein the optical coating deposited over the protective layer is separated by the at least one gap from the optical coating deposited over the regions of the substrate exposed through the first sacrificial layer; and removing the first sacrificial layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low drop-out voltage regulator circuit with a distributed output network coupled to a pixel array for use in image sensor circuitry. The regulator circuit comprises voltage regulating circuitry and a distributed output network, wherein the distributed output network comprises drive transistors disposed along and connected between a supply track and an output track. The spatial distribution of the drive transistors improves heat dissipation within the regulator circuit, and a combination of low current flow and regulated output voltage reduces IR drop across the output track. The improved heat dissipation increases device lifespan and performance, whereas the reduction in IR drop across the output track provides better pixel response, readout uniformity, and image quality.

Abstract: A laser sensor comprising a sensor head to receive laser light. The sensor head may have a globe-shaped optical member, the globe-shaped optical member may be optically coupled to an optical-to-electrical converter, the optical-to-electrical converter may be configured to convert laser light from the sensor head to an electronic output signal, and the sensor head may be configured to provide a 360 degree field of view in a horizontal plane and a positive (+) 90 degree field of view in a vertical plane above the horizontal plane.

Abstract: A method includes supplying current to at least one photovoltaic device via a current source and detecting emitted photon radiations from the at least one photovoltaic device via a radiation detector. The method also includes outputting a signal corresponding to the detected emitted photon radiations from the radiation detector to a processor device, and processing the signal corresponding to the detected emitted photon radiations via the processor device to generate one or more two-dimensional photon images. The method further includes analyzing the one or more two-dimensional photon images to determine at least one defect in the at least one photovoltaic device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for high-throughput fluorescence detection using integrated microfabricated optical element arrays are described. In one example, the optical element arrays may comprise one or more microfabricated Fresnel zone plates, which may be configured to collect light from samples flowing in microfluidic channels. Multiple samples may be inspected in parallel at significantly high rates (e.g., about 200,000 samples per second or higher). A relay lens combined with high numerical aperture integrated microfabricated optical elements provides significant signal enhancement (e.g., on the order of at least 200 times that of conventional fluorescence detection methods).

Abstract: An optical position detection device includes a light receiving section receiving detection light reflected from a target object located in a detectable space through which detection light is radially emitted along an XY plane. The light receiving section includes a light receiving element and a concave mirror. A first cross section (XY cross section) of the reflective surface of the concave mirror is an arc, and a second cross section (YZ cross section) perpendicular to the first cross section is a quadratic curve. Therefore, in the in-plane direction of the XY plane, even light incident from an oblique direction with respect to the light receiving section is reflected by the concave mirror to the light receiving element. In the in-plane direction of the YZ plane, however, the range where the light reaches the light receiving element is limited via the concave mirror.

Abstract: In a reading device for reading storage films, a reading light beam rotating about an axis of rotation is directed onto the storage film through a reading opening of a film support. Fluorescent light returning from the storage film falls through the reading opening into a photodetector. Misreadings produced by reflected secondary reading light are reduced by the provision of a filter at the reading opening, which filter allows at least some fluorescent light to pass and attenuates reading light reflected from the storage film.

Abstract: A plastic packaging component is provided that is formed of a resin containing an electromagnetic spectrally detectable additive mixed with the resin. The resin formed into a plastic packaging component of an aerosol package lid, an aerosol spray button, an aerosol spray tube, a trigger sprayer, an integrated lid-sprayer, a grease cartridge, a grease cap, plastic fiber toweling, a packaging strap, a pail lid, a jar cap, or a brush. A process for detecting a displaced packaging component in an organic production stream is provided that includes adding to a resin an electromagnetically detectable additive intermixed with the resin and forming the additive loaded resin into the plastic packaging component. The production stream is then scanned for the detectable signal of the additive. Upon detecting the additive, an alarm signal is provided that the production stream contains the displaced packaging component.

Abstract: A merocyanine dye is provided. The merocyanine dye is represented by formula (1). In the formula (1), A1 represents a divalent atomic group, n represents an integer of 1 to 3, A2 and A3 each independently represent an aromatic hydrocarbon ring or a heterocyclic ring having 3 to 18 carbon atoms, and R11 and R12 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, an aryl group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, or a heterocyclic group having 3 to 18 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for radionuclide probes, methods of using the radionuclide probes, methods of detecting an optical signal from radionuclides, methods of detecting an optical signal from a quantum dot(s) that receives optical energy from a radionuclide(s), system for analyzing optical energy emitted by a radionuclide(s), system for imaging a target within a living subject or a sample, methods of imaging a disease or condition, and the like.

Abstract: In a method of spatially detecting the chemical composition of nonmetallic components on a surface which is subsequently to be coated with a metallic and/or ceramic and/or organic layer, a laser optical device is provided. The turbine part is irradiated with monochromatic irradiation at a first wavelength (?in) with the laser optical device. Radiation is detected which is emitted by the surface at a second wavelength (?out) which is longer than the first wavelength (?in).

Abstract: In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided, including a photodetecting structure with one or more photon sensing layers of graphene; and an integrated graphene field effect transistor configured to function as a pre-amplifier for the photodetecting structure, where the graphene field effect transistor is vertically integrated to the photodetecting structure.

Abstract: A member for light path to a photoelectric conversion portion includes a middle portion, and a peripheral portion having a refractive index different from the refractive index of the middle portion, and within some plane in parallel with the light receiving surface of a photoelectric conversion portion, and within other plane closer to the light receiving surface than the some plane in parallel with the light receiving surface, the peripheral portion is continuous with the middle portion and surrounds the middle portion, and also the refractive index of the peripheral portion is higher than the refractive index of an insulator film, and the thickness of the peripheral portion within the other plane is smaller than the thickness of the peripheral portion within the some plane.

Abstract: Printed products, printing methods and methods for verifying authenticity of a printed product are provided. In one aspect, the printed product has a receiver member and an image formed thereon by an electrophotographic process using toner particles, said image having at least one raised portion, wherein at least parts of said raised portion of said image comprise pearlescent toner particles. Methods for printing and authenticating the same are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a frequency selective electromagnetic detector. In particular, the frequency selective electromagnetic detector includes a nanowire array constructed from a plurality of nanowires of different compositions. At least one nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction is formed between the nanowires of different compositions. When a nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction senses a photon, the nanoparticle-sized diameter thermoelectric junction emits an electrical pulse voltage that is proportional to an energy level of the sensed photon. In one or more embodiments, the frequency selective electromagnetic detector is a frequency selective optical detector that is used to sense photons having optical frequencies. In at least one embodiment, at least one of the nanowires in the nanowire array is manufactured from a compound material including Bismuth (Bi) and Tellurium (Te).