Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for performing Raman spectroscopy in a scattering medium, where the scattering induced phase modulation is compensated by using a spatial light modulator to shape the wavefront of the laser beam. This allows the laser beam to be focused to a spot inside the inhomogeneous material with low distortion, thus stimulating Raman signal from the focus point for spectral analysis.

Abstract: With radiation detectors in which the energy of radiation is absorbed in a semiconductor or insulator radiation absorber, where that energy is converted to phonons, and the radiation is measured by measuring those phonons with a phonon sensor provided on the surface of the radiation absorber, part of the energy of the radiation is expended in generating electron-hole pairs, and that portion of the energy does not contribute to the signal from the phonon sensor, resulting in low sensitivity and poor energy resolution. A radiation absorber, in which a high concentration of recombination centers is introduced so that electrons and holes excited by radiation recombine in a short time equal to or shorter than a signal extraction time, is used for the radiation detector. Therefore, the energy given to electron-hole pairs is also converted to phonons, thus improving the sensitivity and energy resolution of the radiation detector.

Abstract: An optical system capable of obtaining a high-resolution image using interference and thus capable of providing a stable signal is realized. A particular polarization state of response light emitted from an object is selected, and light in the selected particular polarization state is split into two beams. The split two beams are polarized into two different polarization states. After one of the two beams is subjected to an image inversion, the two beams are condensed such that they interfere with each other. The interfering light is split into a plurality of beams, and each of these beams is detected after they are passed through different polarizing filters. Detected signals are combined together and processed to obtain high-stability amplitude information without being influenced by a phase difference between the two beams.

Abstract: A self-testing notification appliance includes a notification emitter, a verification circuit, and a controller. The notification emitter is operable to output light or light and sound based on a control signal. The verification circuit includes a notification sensor to detect the light or light and sound and generate a verification signal. The controller sends the control signal to the notification emitter and receives information based on the verification signal from the verification circuit. The self-testing notification appliance may be part of a network including a fire control panel and a plurality of additional self-testing notification appliances. The self-testing notification appliances may be assigned addresses on the network.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a bio material includes: an conjugate of a bio material and a fluorescent material to be excited and emit light of a lower energy than an energy of incident light by virtue of the fluorescent material when the light is incident; and an optical filter for allowing the excitation-emitted light from the conjugate, among the incident light, to be transmitted therethrough. The apparatus further includes a photoelectric conversion device for converting the light transmitted through the optical filter into an electric signal.

Abstract: A method of determining whether a stack of components in a device are in a desired order includes irradiating each of the components in the device with an energy beam. The radiation emissions from each of the irradiated components are detected with a radiation detector. The detected radiation emissions are analyzed using a central processing unit (CPU) to determine whether the components in the device are stacked in the desired order.

Abstract: A device (100) for determining the solution rate and release kinetics of aerosol formulations comprises an inhaler (2) connected to a cascade impactor (3), wherein a membrane (6) is disposed on a filter plate of the cascade impactor (2), and an air-liquid model system with a device for collecting measured data.

Abstract: There is provided a high-sensitivity organic semiconductor radiation/light sensor and a radiation/light detector which can detect rays in real time. In the high-sensitivity organic semiconductor radiation/light sensor, a signal amplification wire 2 is embedded in an organic semiconductor 1. Carriers created by passage of radiation or light are avalanche-amplified by a high electric field generated near the signal amplification wire 2 by means of applying a high voltage to the signal amplification wire 2, thus dramatically improving detection efficiency of rays. Hence, even rays exhibiting low energy loss capability can be detected in real time with high sensitivity.

Abstract: A guidance system may include an optical system to focus incident radiation onto a detector configured to generate at least one guidance signal in response to the focused incident radiation. The optical system may include a first lens having a first side and a second side, the first side consisting of a Fresnel lens formed on a generally convex surface and the second side being generally planar.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular scanning apparatus that can be advantageously used in both computed radiology devices and fixed scanning direct radiology devices. The scanning assembly advantageously utilizes a light collecting and measuring assembly having highly reflective surfaces in conjunction with a novel optical assembly within a light box type enclosure to enable a modular scanning and reading assembly that is compact, robust and also scaleable. The present invention further discloses novel computed radiography and direct radiography devices that utilize the modular scanning assembly to provide radiology devices that are highly robust and efficient and yet also simple to build, maintain, service and repair.

Abstract: A device includes a substrate having a first surface. A piezoelectric nanowire is disposed on the first surface of the substrate. The piezoelectric nanowire has a first end and an opposite second end. The piezoelectric nanowire is subjected to an amount of strain. A first Schottky contact is in electrical communication with the first end of the piezoelectric nanowire. A second Schottky contact is in electrical communication with the second end of the piezoelectric nanowire. A bias voltage source is configured to impart a bias voltage between the first Schottky contact and the second Schottky contact. A mechanism is configured to measure current flowing through the piezoelectric nanowire. The amount of strain is selected so that a predetermined current will through the piezoelectric nanowire when light of a selected intensity is applied to a first location on the piezoelectric nanowire.

Abstract: In a method for adjusting the sensitivity of a photodetector, the bandgap of the photodetection material is adjusted by inducing strain in the photodetection material. Such adjustments can be made in situ and continuously, in a reproducible and repeatable manner. In embodiments of the method, the photodetection material is graphene, carbon nanotubes or graphene nanoribbon. The use of graphene permits a dynamically-adjustable sensitivity over a dynamic range of radiation having wavelengths of 1.38 microns or less, up to at least 60 microns. In an adjustable photodetector, a graphene layer is suspended over a silicon substrate by a layer of an insulating material. Adjusting the voltage across the graphene layer and the silicon substrate induces strain in the graphene layer by electrostatic attraction.

Abstract: A device and system that allows an inverted microscope with a movable x-y stage to also function as a time-resolved plate reader. The device, which is sized to fit into the condenser holder of an inverted microscope, not only provides plate-reading function at very low cost compared to that of purchasing a plate reader, but it also allows the correlation of plate reader measurements with images of a specimen. The device and system is also able to measure other parameters associated with cell metabolism, such as pH changes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a system and method for detecting, identifying and/or distinguishing between ignitable liquid residues on various types of substrates. A method may comprise generating a fluorescence data set representative of a substrate, which may comprise a fluorescence hyperspectral image. This fluorescence data set may be analyzed to determine the presence and/or identity of an ignitable liquid residue. Regions of a substrate comprising an ignitable liquid residue may further be interrogated using Raman techniques. This may comprise generating and analyzing a Raman data set representative of a region of interest of a substrate to thereby identify an ignitable liquid residue. A system may comprise an illumination source, a tunable filter, and a first detector configured to generate a fluorescence data set. The system may further comprise a second detector configured to generate a Raman data set representative of a region of interest of a substrate.

Abstract: A fluorescence based oxygen sensor can be prepared comprising a polyaniline polymer doped with one or more pyrene carboxylic acids. The polyaniline has the formula: and the pyrene carboxylic acids have the formula: Pyrene-R—COOH??(II); wherein R is an aliphatic linking group having 1 to 11 carbon atoms, n represents half the degree of polymerization, x is about 0.5, and (1?x) is about 0.5. The sensor can be coated onto a support. Upon excitation with an appropriate wavelength, the polyaniline/pyrene coating fluoresces. Upon exposure to oxygen the fluorescence rapidly decays.

Abstract: A non-wetted all solid protein photoelectric conversion device that is able to be operated without existence of a liquid such as water inside and outside of the device and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The non-wetted all solid protein photoelectric conversion device has a structure in which a solid protein layer composed of an electron transfer protein is sandwiched between an electrode and an electrode. The solid protein layer is immobilized onto the electrodes and. The solid protein layer does not contain a liquid such as water. The solid protein layer is composed of a monomolecular film or a multimolecular film of the electron transfer protein.

Abstract: An optical assembly for projection lithography has an optical component to guide imaging or illumination light. The optical component has a reflective substrate that contains a fluorescent component. An excitation light source is used to produce fluorescence excitation light. An excitation optical system is used to guide the fluorescence excitation light to the fluorescent component of the substrate. The optical assembly also has a fluorescent light detector and a fluorescence optical system for guiding fluorescent light to the fluorescent light detector. The fluorescent light is produced via fluorescence of the fluorescent component upon irradiation with fluorescence excitation light. The optical assembly can detect a temperature or temperature distribution of the substrate of the optical component with a high degree of precision.

Abstract: A method for reading out image information stored in a storage phosphor of a storage medium includes moving a light beam over the storage medium. A luminescence signal is generated by the photostimulation of the storage phosphor. In first time intervals a respective output value is determined from the luminescence signal, and a respective pixel value of an image pixel of a digital image is determined from the output value. The output value is thereby determined by addition of a plurality of measurement values of the luminescence signal which are detected in second time intervals lying within the first time interval. A corresponding apparatus for carrying out the method is described as well.

Abstract: A method and a circuit for tracking maximum power of a photo-voltaic array performs the operation of load increase/decrease with a preset current difference and determines if the photo-voltaic array operates at zone A or zone B based on change of the output voltage before and after the operation to decide the next operation being for load increase or load decrease. It is not necessary for tracking the maximum power with the multiplier to estimate the output power of the photo-voltaic array. Therefore, the circuit for tracking the maximum power of the photo-voltaic array is capable of being simplified and joined to the pulse width modulation circuit to form an integrated circuit with a function of tracking the maximum power.

Abstract: A fluorescence light scanning microscope (2) comprises a light source providing excitation light (8) for exciting a fluorophore in a sample to be imaged for spontaneous emission of fluorescence light, and suppression light (7) for suppressing spontaneous emission of fluorescence light by the fluorophore on a common optical axis (4), the suppression wavelength differing from the excitation wavelength; an objective (19) focusing both the excitation (8) and the suppression (7) light to a focus point; a detector (21) detecting fluorescence light (11) spontaneously emitted by the fluorophore; and a chromatic beam shaping device (1) arranged on the common optical axis (4), and including a birefringent chromatic optical element (3) adapted to shape a polarization distribution of the suppression light (7) such as to produce an intensity zero at the focus point, and to leave the excitation light such as to produce a maximum at the focus point.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods relating to excitation, interrogation, and identification of covert taggants, are described. In one exemplary embodiment, a multi-measurement interrogator comprising an emitter and an optical sensing subsystem that is capable to sense more than one type of a response signal from a taggant is described. The multi-measurement interrogator may interrogate the taggant multiple excitation wavelengths, acquire more than one type of the response signal from the taggant, and perform quantitative measurements of the response signal. Another exemplary embodiment of the invention describes an eye-safe interrogator that includes a light emitting diode (LED), wherein LED is capable to stimulate one or more of an upconversion fluorescence and a Stoke's fluorescence from the taggant. Another exemplary embodiment of the invention provides a portable, hand-held covert interrogator, which utilizes invisible light both to excite the taggant and to receive a response from the taggant.

Abstract: The invention teaches electrospun light-emitting fibers made from ionic transition metal complexes (‘iTMCs”) such as [Ru(bpy)3]2+(PF6?)2]/PEO mixtures with dimensions in the 10.0 nm to 5.0 micron range and capable of highly localized light emission at low operating voltages such as 3-4 V with turn-on voltages approaching the band-gap limit of the organic semiconductor that may be used as point source light emitters on a chip.

Abstract: In a co-boresighted SAL/IR seeker, the optical system and particularly the secondary lens and position of the SAL detector are configured to produce a well-corrected spot of laser energy at the SAL detector. A spreader is positioned between the secondary mirror/lens and the SAL detector, possibly on the secondary mirror, away from the aperture stop and not in the optical path to the IR detector. The spreader is configured to spatially homogenize the laser energy to increase the size of the spot of focused laser energy at the SAL detector to set the system transfer function to meet slope requirements. Spatial homogenization serves to reduce both boresight shift and slope non-linearities. This approach greatly simplifies the time and labor intensive calibration of the SAL detector's system transfer function.

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 present disclosure relates to an apparatus, and methods of use, for enhancement of molecular emission by nano-antennas. Using the nano-antennas, the life-time is greatly shortened or the strength of broadly peaking spectral emission of fluorescent molecules is greatly enhanced by a generated electric field. The electric field generated is due to opposing charges located at two metallic end portions of the nano-antenna in response to receiving optical energy.

Abstract: An optical device provides evanescent radiation, in response to incident radiation, in a detection volume for containing a target component in a medium. The detection volume has at least one in-plane dimension (W1) smaller than a diffraction limit. The diffraction limit is defined by the radiation wavelength and the medium. The evanescent radiation is provided by aperture defining structures having a smallest in plane aperture dimension (W1) smaller than the diffraction limit. The detection volume is provided between the aperture defining structures. The aperture defining structures further define a largest in plane aperture dimension (W2). The largest in plane aperture dimension is larger than the diffraction limit.

Abstract: A fluorescence emitted by a measurement object at a measurement point is measured. When the fluorescence is measured, a measurement object is irradiated with laser light whose intensity is time-modulated by using a modulation signal at a predetermined frequency. Then, the fluorescence emitted by the measurement object is formed to a flux of the fluorescence having uniform distribution of light intensity, and a plurality of partial fluorescent signals are generated by receiving a plurality of divided portions of the flux of the fluorescence. At least some of the partial fluorescent signals are added altogether to generate a single fluorescent signal. Finally, a fluorescence relaxation time of the fluorescence emitted by the measurement object is calculated from the generated fluorescent signal by using the modulation signal. When fluorescence intensity of the fluorescence calculated from the fluorescent signal exceeds a predetermined threshold, the partial fluorescent signals to be added are limited in number.

Abstract: Systems, articles, and methods are provided related to nanowire-based detectors, which can be used for light detection in, for example, single-photon detectors. In one aspect, a variety of detectors are provided, for example one including an electrically superconductive nanowire or nanowires constructed and arranged to interact with photons to produce a detectable signal. In another aspect, fabrication methods are provided, including techniques to precisely reproduce patterns in subsequently formed layers of material using a relatively small number of fabrication steps. By precisely reproducing patterns in multiple material layers, one can form electrically insulating materials and electrically conductive materials in shapes such that incoming photons are redirected toward a nearby electrically superconductive materials (e.g., electrically superconductive nanowire(s)). For example, one or more resonance structures (e.g.

Abstract: There is provided a photoelectric conversion device utilizing surface plasmons, including: a plate-shaped light receiving portion which made of metal, provided on a most superficial surface of the photoelectric conversion device, and having a front surface and a rear surface so as to receive incident light at the front surface; a slot-shaped slit provided in the front surface of the light receiving portion; and a voltage detection portion adapted to measure an electric potential at the front surface of the light receiving portion; wherein the incident light is caused to excite surface plasmons through the slit, and an electric potential at the front surface of the light receiving portion induced by the surface plasmons is measured by the voltage detection portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a solar simulator module of a solar cell production line. In one embodiment the solar simulator receives a solar cell module in a horizontal position and reorients the module into a vertical position. A light source is oriented to emit a flash of light in a substantially horizontal orientation toward the vertically oriented solar cell module. In one embodiment, an automated labeling device affixes a label including the electrical characteristics measured onto a back surface of the solar cell module. In one embodiment, a plurality of solar cell modules are received and tested simultaneously.

Abstract: A tunable optical filter apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus may include a filter driver, a filter device, a detector device and a controller device. The filter driver generates a filter driver signal, including a dither signal. The controller device may be coupled to the detector device, the filter device and the filter driver. The controller device may receive the detector output signal and determine a ratio of the odd order harmonic signal to the even order harmonic signal with respect to the dither frequency. The controller device may also compare the ratio to a predetermined setpoint ratio and generate a control feedback signal for generating a new filter driver signal. The control feedback signal may be based on the comparison of the ratio of the odd order harmonic signal to the even order harmonic signal, to the predetermined setpoint ratio that corresponds to a desired filter operating frequency.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a delayed emission detection device comprising a time-gated illumination source configured to provide excitation light to fluorophore during an excitation period and a light detector configured to receive emissions released from the fluorophore during a collection period after the excitation period.

Abstract: An exemplary method, system, and computer-accessible medium can be provided for generating three-dimensional image information associated with a fluorescence-exhibiting arrangement within a sample. For example, it is possible to generate a first electro-magnetic radiation, to be received in the sample, at one or more wavelengths that are associated with one or more wavelengths of emission of the fluorescence-exhibiting arrangement. In addition, it is possible to generate a second electro-magnetic radiation from the sample which is caused by the fluorescence-exhibiting arrangement in response to the first electro-magnetic radiation, and generate data associated with the second electro-magnetic radiation. Then, it is possible to receive the data, and generate three-dimensional information based on the data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, devices, and methods for photodetection. For example, briefly described, in one embodiment among others, a sensor comprises an array of photodetectors, wherein the reflectance of each of the photodectors is a function of the number of photons incident on the respective photodetector; and an electrical insulator positioned between one of the photodetectors and another one of the photodetectors to reduce diffusion of electrons therebetween.

Abstract: A lens and reflector unit for optical measurements includes first and second convex surface sections of the lens and reflector unit. Both have their respective central normal lines. A first flat surface section has a normal direction that divides the angle between the central normal lines into equal halves. A third convex surface section has a third central normal line, and the fourth convex surface section has a fourth central normal line. A second flat surface section has a normal direction that divides the angle between the third and fourth central normal lines into to equal halves.

Abstract: A metallic composite in which a conjugated compound having a molecular weight of 200 or more is adsorbed to a metallic nanostructure having an aspect ratio of 1.5 or more, for example, a metallic composite in which a compound having a group represented by the formula (I) or a repeating unit represented by the formula (II) or both of them is adsorbed to a metallic nanostructure having an aspect ratio of 1.5 or more, is useful for electronic devices such as a light-emitting device, a solar cell and an organic transistor.

Abstract: Methods and devices for mass spectrometry are described, specifically the use of nanoparticulate implantation as a matrix for secondary ion and more generally secondary particles. A photon beam source or a nanoparticulate beam source can be used a desorption source or a primary ion/primary particle source.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an optical sensor includes a photodetector and a substrate. The photodetector detects light. The substrate in which the photodetector is received includes at least three layers including a cover layer, a spacer layer, and a base layer. The substrate includes an electrical conductive portion for the photodetector.

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: A minute particle analyzing device includes: a light source; a first condenser lens for condensing light from the light source to a first end of a multimode optical fiber; a second condenser lens for condensing the light emerging from a second end of the multimode optical fiber to a minute particle; and a detector for detecting light generated from the minute particle by the application of the light from the light source.

Abstract: An optical element is disclosed which includes transparent superconductor material.

Abstract: Photonic structures and methods of operating the photonic structures are disclosed. In one embodiment, the photonic structure includes a detector configured to detect radiation of a first wavelength range. The radiation of the first wavelength range is received from an external radiation guide, and the detector is substantially transparent to radiation of a second wavelength range that differs from the first wavelength range. The photonic structure further includes a coupling structure configured to free space couple out of the photonic structure radiation of the second wavelength range. The photonic structure further includes a guiding structure configured to optically guide the radiation of the second wavelength range through the detector.

Abstract: In a metallic structure including a metallic nano-chain with plasmon resonance absorption, a metallic nanoparticle forming the metallic nano-chain is formed in a circular, triangle, or rhomboid shape. The wavelength selectivity can be increased also by forming a closed region by mutually linking all of metallic nanoparticles that are mutually linked with bottlenecks. In a photodetector, a photodetection unit including a current detection probe, a nano-chain unit, and a current detection probe is arranged on a substrate. The nano-chain unit is a metallic structure with plasmon resonance absorption, where metallic nanoparticles are mutually linked with bottlenecks. Each current detection probe has a corner whose tip is formed with a predetermined angle, and this corner is arranged to face the tip of the nano-chain unit, i.e., a corner of the metallic nanoparticle. Photodetection with high wavelength selectivity is performed based on a change in the initial voltage of the current-voltage characteristic.

Abstract: Example embodiments are directed to light sensing circuits having a relatively simpler structure by using light-sensitive oxide semiconductor transistors as light sensing devices, and remote optical touch panels and image acquisition apparatuses, each including the light sensing circuits. The light sensing circuit includes a light-sensitive oxide semiconductor transistor in each pixel, wherein the light-sensitive oxide semiconductor transistor is configured as a light sensing device, and a driving circuit that outputs data. The light sensing circuit may have a relatively simple circuit structure including a plurality of transistors in one pixel. As a result, the structure and operation of the light sensing circuit may be simplified.

Abstract: An optical reader system and method for label-independent detection having enhanced two-dimensional spatial resolution of the reader, as defined herein. The system includes a translatable slit-mask and microplate combination for selectively irradiating a biosensor on a microplate, as defined further herein.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting by fluorescence microbial growth from sample substances are disclosed. For example, a method for the detection of visible-band fluorescence signals generated by at least one fluorescing compound excited by ultraviolet energy, comprising exciting said at least one fluorescing compound with ultraviolet energy emitted from a light-emitting diode comprising wavelengths below 400 nanometers, and detecting a visible-band fluorescence signal generated by .said at least one excited fluorescing compound with at least one light detector sensitive to electromagnetic energy comprising wavelengths greater than or equal to 400 nanometers wavelength.

Abstract: An optical tomographic measuring device that includes: an illuminating component, a plurality of light-receiving components, a storage component, a specifying component, an acquiring component, and a constructing component is provided. The specifying component specifies a position of the measurement plane in the body length direction. The acquiring component acquires, from the storage component, an optical characteristic distribution that corresponds to the position specified by the specifying component. The constructing component constructs a density distribution of fluorescence in the measurement plane, on the basis of intensities of the fluorescence received at the respective light-receiving components and the optical characteristic distribution acquired by the acquiring component.

Abstract: A method of performing fluorescence correlation spectroscopy with a fluorescence microscope includes selecting an illumination area of a sample, generating an illumination light beam and splitting the illumination light beam into at least three partial beams. The partial light beams are focused onto the selected illumination area using a microscope optical system of the fluorescence microscope so as to excite fluorescent dye particles in the illumination area to fluoresce. Fluorescent light emitted by the dye particles is detected and at least one diffusion coefficient representative of a diffusibility of the fluorescent dye particles is determined based on the detected fluorescent light.

Abstract: Light beam detection is used in a wide variety of applications, including manufacturing, security, transportation, scientific research, and amusement products. A system for detecting a moving light beam is comprised of a light beam detector, a moving light system, and a controller. A light beam detector may include a light receiver and a light sensor. A moving light system may include a focused light source and a light movement system. A controller may monitor the light detector for the presence or absence of a light beam and may control light beam movement and other aspects of the system.

Abstract: The invention pertains to methods, components, and operations of multi-focal intraocular lens systems, including range finding for driving same and for discriminating between multiple objects and varying brightness conditions. The invention also pertains to intraocular photosensors and range-finding methods to be used with intra-ocular lens systems, and components, that provide multi-focal IOL capabilities in dynamic visual environments.