Abstract: A photosensor includes a plurality of photosensitive regions including a first photosensitive region connected to a first voltage reference, and at least one additional photosensitive region. A signal collector is connected to the first photosensitive region. At least one switching device is for switching the at least one additional photosensitive region between the first voltage reference and a second voltage reference that is less than the first voltage reference, and for reversibly connecting the at least one additional photosensitive region to the signal collector so that the photosensor is variably responsive to different light levels.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to discriminate the genuineness of a certified paper by exposing the paper to a light source and transporting the paper through an environment of an alternating-current electromagnetic field. Light detectors detect the light reflected from the paper and the light emitted by a fluorescent ink on the paper and output a waveform corresponding to the intensity of the detected light, reflected light, and the detected emitted light as the paper is scanned. The resulting waveforms are used to discriminate the genuineness of the paper. The fluorescent light and reflected light can be optically split and directed to separate detecting devices. Furthermore, the alternating-current electromagnetic field can be controlled by a voltage controller and configured to be driven only when the sensor detects light from the fluorescent ink.

Abstract: An apparatus for discriminating the genuineness of a security mark is provided having a first light detecting element for detecting a light emitted from a luminescent ink of the security mark placed in a specified environment and a second light detecting element for detecting a reflected light from a non-luminescent ink of the security mark. The first and second light detecting elements detect the light from the same location of a bank note. A third light detecting element detects the light intensity of a light emitted from a monitor mark that can be compared with a preset reference light intensity to calculate a deviation from the reference light intensity. The output of the first light detecting element can be converted into a corrected output value corresponding to the calculated deviation. The genuineness of the bank note can be discriminated based on the corrected output value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sample cell with a glass body comprising a gas inlet and a gas outlet and at least one orifice, a plane glass window is fused into the orifice, the shape and size of the window corresponds to the shape and size of the orifice, the orifice is limited by a rim, the rim is wider than the thickness of the window, the rim of the window is fused with the rim of the orifice. The invention further relates to a method of producing the sample cell. The window is inserted into the orifice. The rim of the orifice is heated several times from the exterior in such a way that the glass melts and a fused joint is formed between the window and the rim of the orifice. The sample cell produced by the method has a particularly rigid joint between the window and the glass body. Therefore, this glass cell is able to withstand pressures above 10 bar and allows the passage of light without lens effects owing to its plane-parallel windows. The sample cell is used in a polarizer for inert gas.

Abstract: Displays such as liquid crystal displays (10), organic light emitting diode displays, and touch sensitive displays (41) are stacked with one or more solar cells (15) such that light passing through the displays will illuminate the light receiving active surface of the solar cells (15). No reflector or polarizer need be used when the liquid crystal display (10) uses cholesteric or polymer dispersed liquid crystals. When using supertwist nematic or twisted nematic liquid crystals, a reflector (21) can be used that comprises a selective color reflector. The resultant display/solar cell can be utilized in combination with a device such as a wireless communications device (62) with the solar cell (15) providing electricity to the display (61), the wireless communications device (62), or both. A mask (71) can be used to occlude surface features on the solar cell (15) as appropriate to provide a substantially uniformly colored appearance.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring gamma ray energy spectra wherein the gain of the measurement system is continuously and automatically adjusted to a standard gain. Gain of the system is controlled automatically through analysis of the measured energy spectra. Alternately, the gain of the system is controlled by the use of a calibration source and the operation of the system at a standard and amplified gain. Gain control can be improved further by combining both the spectral analysis and calibration source methodology. The system can be embodied in a wireline or logging-while-drilling borehole logging systems that measure naturally occurring or induced gamma ray spectra. The system can also be used in non-borehole applications including non-borehole gamma ray spectral systems such as computer-aided-tomography scan systems, security scanning systems, radiation monitoring systems, process control systems, analytical measurement systems using activation analysis methodology, and the like.

Abstract: A light sensor circuit based on direct connection of LEDs to I/O pins of a microcontroller. The LEDs are reverse biased and the parasitic junction capacitance is charged in an output mode. Then, the I/O pins placed into an high-impedance input mode. The time for the capacitance to be discharged by photoconduction caused by light incident on the LEDs is inversely proportional to an intensity of the incident light, and can be directly measured as the time required for the I/O pin to transition from fully-charged (5 volts) to a logic threshold level (1.7 volts). By using multiple LEDs, multiplexed between emissive and sensing modes, a wide variety of sensors can be constructed, particularly, when the LEDs emit light at different wavelength.

Abstract: An organic photosensitive optoelectronic device optimized to enhance desired characteristics such as external quantum efficiency is described. The photosensitive optoelectronic device has at least two transparent electrodes and one or more organic photoconductive layers disposed between the transparent electrodes. In other embodiments photosensitive optoelectronic devices with multilayer photoconductive structures and photosensitive optoelectronic devices with a reflective layer are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for contiguously and accurately updating target object information during an entire target engagement period are provided. The target tracking system includes a database for storing starfield information, an optical beam source configured to illuminate one or more optical beam pulses, first and second camera systems, and a processor. The processor instructs the first camera system to track the object based on recordation of the tracked object, instructs the second camera system to stabilize the tracking image based on the instructions sent to the first camera system, and determines inertial reference information of the tracked object based on the stabilized image and starfield information associated with the stabilized image.

Abstract: This invention concerns a LED light which emits blaze-like radiance comprising a negative prop stand, with one end extending to a negative receiver which can connect to the negative power supply, a positive prop stand with one end extending to a positive receiver which can connect to the positive power supply, a first chip and a second chip established on the negative prop stand, and the first chip is linked to the positive prop stand by a first gold wire, a flicker IC chip established on the positive prop stand, and has the function of continuous linking and breaking of the circuit, the said flicker IC chip is linked to the negative prop stand and the second chip each by a second gold wire and a third gold wire, a plastic sealing cover which covers the interior of the negative prop stand, the positive prop stand, the first chip, the second chip, and the flicker IC chip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laminated glazing which has first and second substrates with peripheral edges, an active system disposed between the substrates, and at least two peripheral seals that run contiguously from the first and second substrates.

Abstract: A chuck having a high specific stiffness and high thermal conductivity compared to conventional chucks, with an apparatus for measuring thermal expansion in the chuck. High specific stiffness allows for a higher control bandwidth and improved scanning performance. High thermal conductivity enables excellent positioning accuracy because thermal expansion and strain may be accurately measured or predicted, and thus compensated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for testing a photodetector (20) that has a narrow field of view (A) and an alignment surface (50), to determine whether the field of view and the axis (52) of the field of view are precisely what is expected or deviates therefrom. While the photodetector views a region or zone (102), a narrow spot of light (82) is moved into and out of the zone and across the zone, while the output of the photodetector is monitored. The narrow spot of light is generated by focusing a small spot of light onto a surface. The small spot of light can be a spot of light on an oscilloscope monitor (80) which scans the spot back and forth in a raster pattern. To create a very small spot, the image on the oscilloscope monitor is focused to a greatly reduced size spot image (124) onto the surface that the photodetector views.

Abstract: Embodiments of high-resolution optical encoders having phased-array photodetectors and integrated on semiconductor chips. Emitters, detectors, and encoders disks are described which can be easily produced with semiconductor processes, such as a detector array provided with lens to collimate light and enhance detection. Integrated sensor chips include an array of photodetectors that receive energy from a beam emitted from an emitter and modulated by an encoder disk, analog-to-digital converters, state machines, counters, a communication module, a sensor processing unit, and a force computation unit. One embodiment includes low resolution and high resolution modes and an emitter controlled by sensor circuitry. A detector for an optical encoder can be provided on a single chip that includes a first array of photodetectors used for absolute sensing of a moving object, and a second array of photodetectors used for incremental sensing of the moving object.

Abstract: An integrated optical chip device for molecular diagnostics comprising a tunable laser cavity sensor chip using heterodyned detection at the juncture of a sensor laser and a reference laser, and including a microfluid chip to which the sensor chip is flip-chip bonded to form a sample chamber that includes exposed evanescent field material of the tunable laser cavity to which fluid to be diagnosed is directed.

Abstract: A radiation detection system has a linear array of radiation detectors, which are preferably ionization chambers. The detectors are connected, preferably permanently, to a multi-channel signal processor through a flexible multi-conductor shielded cable. The multi-channel signal processor is connected to a controller, such as a personal computer, through a multi-conductor cable and a communication interface device. Multiple detector arrays and multi-channel electrometers may be connected to a single personal computer and used simultaneously.

Abstract: A blur and image distortion of an electron beam on a sample are reduced even at a large converging angle of the electron beam. A reduction projection optical system (120) has an immersion lens (108) on the image plane (wafer 111) side. A collimator lens (pupil control optical system) 106 is arranged between the reduction projection optical system (120) and its object plane (mask 104). The collimator lens (106) arranges the entrance pupil (110) of the reduction projection optical system (120) at a finite position from the image plane on the downstream side of the image plane of the reduction projection optical system (120). This can minimize any blur and image distortion of an electron beam on a sample.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for monitoring a moving object, the method comprising: emitting electromagnetic radiation so that the object passes through the electromagnetic radiation; detecting a plurality of reflection events, each comprising a reflection of the electromagnetic radiation from the object; determining a direction of each of the reflection events from the direction of emission of the electromagnetic radiation or from the direction of detection of the respective reflection event; and determining the relative timing of the reflection events; wherein information pertaining to the object can be determined, the information comprising any one or more of a speed, a location and a direction of the object.

Abstract: A transcription system, for determining a position of a stylus relative to a writing surface by receiving supersonic wave transmitted from the stylus when the stylus is positioned adjacent the writing surface, has a pair of supersonic wave detectors provided on a whiteboard. The supersonic wave detector has a detector cover for covering at least a front portion of a supersonic wave receiver of the supersonic wave detector with reference to the supersonic wave transmitted from the stylus. The detector cover has a hole, which is defined right in front of the receiver, having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the receiver. The detector cover further has a conical reflection board provided adjacent the hole of the detector cover.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pixel which utilizes a charge multiplying photoconversion element. An output control circuit contains an operational amplifier that serves to fix the voltage level at the storage node to thereby maintain a constant effective operating potential across the charge multiplying photoconversion layer. The detected light signal may be converted to provide linear, logarithmic, and linear-logarithmic output signals.

Abstract: According to the optical object discriminating apparatus, light emitted from a light-emitting device is collimated by a collimator lens, concentrated by an object lens and applied to an object to be detected moving in a prescribed direction so as to form a light spot having a prescribed diameter. Light reflected from at least a partial region in the light spot is concentrated via a light-receiving lens and made incident on a light-receiving device. An operation processing circuit discriminates a type of the object to be detected on the bases of an amplitude and an output level of a waveform outputted from the light-receiving device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparation of a substrate containing a plurality of sequences. Photoremovable groups are attached to a surface of a substrate. Selected regions of the substrate are exposed to light so as to activate the selected areas. A monomer, also containing a photoremovable group, is provided to the substrate to bind at the selected areas. The process is repeated using a variety of monomers such as amino acids until sequences of a desired length are obtained. Detection methods and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: The light receiving sections of solid-state image sensing devices (2a and 2b) are disposed on a base (1) to adjoin each other, and are fixed with an adhesive resin (11). A transparent film (3) is formed on the light receiving sections so as to wholly cover a gap (25) and have a flat surface on which a layer of a scintillator (4) is formed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and device to carry out the method to provide quality control for a photosensor, especially a photodiode array, whose output signal depends on the intensity of an input signal formed by electromagnetic waves. The photosensor to be tested receives stimulation signals forming the input signals while the stimulation signal intensity of the stimulation signals is varied. The associated output signals of the photosensor to be tested are measured and recorded for evaluation purposes. The photosensor preferably receives at least two independently controllable, superposed individual stimulation signals with individual intensities. The different stimulation signal intensities of the individual stimulation signals are set with the aid of a controller coupled to stimulation signal source, and the output signals of the photosensor are measured and recorded using a measurement data recorder unit.

Abstract: A method and device for fluorimetric determination of a biological, chemical or physical parameter of a sample utilize at least two different luminescent materials, the first of which is sensitive to the parameter, at least with respect to luminescence intensity, and the second of which is insensitive to the parameter, at least with respect to luminescence intensity and decay time. The luminescent materials have different decay times. The time- or phase behaviour of the resulting luminescence response is used to form a reference value for determination of a parameter.

Abstract: A light beam reflected by an information medium is split by a diffraction optical system into first diffraction light and second diffraction light, which is not a complex conjugate wave of the first diffraction light, in a predetermined energy distribution ratio. The first diffraction light enters a first photodetector (195) of a photodetector and is used for reading out data information recorded on the information medium, while the second diffraction light enters second and third photodetectors (194, 195) and is used for obtaining a servo error signal. With this optical head device, the area of the first photodetector can be reduced, thus allowing a high-speed reproduction of a data signal. Further, the first photodetector becomes less susceptible to stray light. Moreover, the number of head amplifiers, which are needed for detecting the data signal, decreases, and the S/N ratio improves.

Abstract: In a method of fabricating a thin film transistor through conversion of an amorphous silicon film into a polysilicon film to be an active layer of the thin film transistor by a laser annealing treatment, a laser annealing apparatus comprising a plurality of semiconductor laser devices arranged performs the laser annealing treatment by irradiating the surface of the amorphous silicon film with laser light uniformized in the light intensity of the laser light radiated onto the surface of the amorphous silicon film, whereby the crystal grain diameter of the polysilicon film obtained through recrystallization is uniformized, and it is possible to obtain a thin film transistor with transistor characteristics enhanced by using the polysilicon film as the active layer.

Abstract: A wireless pointing device may have a motion circuit to indicate when the wireless pointing device is in motion, and a transmitter to transmit a unique signal indicative of the wireless pointing device's motion is described. A wireless receiver may have a control circuit to generate control signals based on a classification of signals received from the wireless pointing device, and an analysis circuit to determine a characteristic of the received signals is also described. Signal classification may include determination of whether the received signal indicate motion of the wireless pointing device and/or whether a wireless pointing device control (a button or switch, for example) has been activated. Signal characteristics may include motion and/or the speed of motion of the wireless pointing device.

Abstract: A biochip includes a plurality of sensors. Each sensor contains one or more light sources and one or more optical detectors.

Abstract: An electron beam device according to the present invention is made up of an electron beam source for emitting an electron beam, an electron optical system for irradiating the electron beam onto a specimen, a specimen holder for holding the specimen, a specimen tilting section for producing relative tilt angles between the specimen holder and the electron beam, an electron beam detecting section for detecting electron beam emitted from the specimen, and a data correcting section for correcting the three-dimensional detection data to have specified relationship under the condition of a relative tilt angle between the specimen holder and the electron beam.

Abstract: A polarized organic photonics device, including an LED or photovoltaic device, is comprised of a first conductive layer or electrode coated with a friction transferred alignment material, a photoactive material, and a second electrically conductive layer or electrode. The alignment material provides for the orientation of the subsequently deposited photoactive material such that the photoactive material interacts with or emits light preferentially along a selected polarization axis. Additional layers and sublayers optimize and tune the optical and electronic responses of the device.

Abstract: One or more photodiode performance parameters for a photodiode are determined by first determining four data points Iph1, Voc1, Iph2, and Voc2, where Iph1 is a first short-circuit current, and Voc1 is a first open-circuit voltage, for the photodiode under a first illumination condition, and Iph2 is a second short-circuit current, and Voc2 is a second open-circuit voltage, for the photodiode under a second illumination condition. Then, at least one photodiode performance parameter for the photodiode is determined as a function of said four data points.

Abstract: ORGANOMETALLIC COORDINATION complexes exhibiting two separate, stable forms are described. Conversion from one form to the other is intramolecular, reversible, light-activated (a molecular switch) and occurs both in the solid and in solution. The two forms differ in photochemical and electrochemical characteristics (different colors and reduction potentials). The complexes can be used in information storage and for light-gathering, light-emitting, sensing and detecting applications.

Abstract: According to the conventional light detection of a light probe microscope, there have been a problem that an excessive stray light is detected in case that a detector whose light-intercepting face is large with respect to the size of a bright point is used, and a problem that an optical axis alignment is necessary in case that the detector having a small light-intercepting face in the order of the bright point is used. Besides, in order to obtain plural optical information, plural light detectors have been necessary. It is adapted such that, by using a two-dimensional image sensor, a two-dimensional image is obtained in real time, and a signal intensity of an optional detection region in the two-dimensional image is obtained by picture signal processing means. It is adapted such that plural information are image-formed on the two-dimensional image sensor, and plural detection regions are designated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of forming a zinc oxide film on a conductive substrate, which comprises dipping the conductive substrate and a counter electrode in an aqueous solution containing at least nitric acid ion and zinc ion and supplying a current between these electrodes to form a zinc oxide film, wherein the aqueous solution further contains polycarboxylic acid in which a carboxyl radical is bonded to each of carbon having sp2 hybrid orbital, or its ester with a concentration of 0.5 &mgr;mol/L to 500 &mgr;mol/L. Thereby, it is possible to form in a short time a thin film having texture structure exhibiting an optical confinement effect, to prevent abnormal growth of a deposited film, and to obtain a zinc oxide thin film having excellent uniformity and adhesion on a surface thereof where the film is formed. Also, by applying the photovoltaic device to a stacked structure, it is possible to enhance the photoelectric characteristics and mass producibility.

Abstract: CCD type charge transfer sections include vertical charge transfer sections and horizontal charge transfer sections having stages twice the number of lines of the vertical charge transfer sections. The horizontal charge transfer sections have a capacity capable of holding charges twice the number of lines of the vertical charge transfer sections. A controller controls an area image sensor to arrange charges of an object image corresponding to an irradiated state and charges of the object image corresponding to a non-irradiated state in the vertical charge transfer sections, and to transfer charges for two pixels per vertical charge transfer section to the horizontal charge transfer sections to hold the charges.

Abstract: This invention relates to dye sensitized polycrystalline photoelectrochemical solar cells for use in energy transduction from light to electricity. It concerns the utility of highly absorbing organic chromophores as sensitizers in such cells and the degree to which they may be utilized alone and in combination to produce an efficient photoelectrochemical cell, e.g., a regenerative solar cell.

Abstract: An organic photosensitive optoelectronic device optimized to enhance desired characteristics such as external quantum efficiency is described. The photosensitive optoelectronic device has at least two transparent electrodes and one or more organic photoconductive layers disposed between the transparent electrodes. In other embodiments photosensitive optoelectronic devices with multilayer photoconductive structures and photosensitive optoelectronic devices with a reflective layer are disclosed.

Abstract: After a Ta radiation absorber 13 is subjected to reactive ion overetching to form a desired pattern till an upper portion of the SiO2 buffer film 12 is removed, the buffer film 12 is removed by two steps of reactive sputter pre-underetching and final wet etching. In the wet etching, a substrate is rotated while spraying a dilute hydrofluoric acid solution, spray and rotation are ceased, the substrate is illuminated with a light beam to detect regularly reflected light, the detected signal is amplified, differentiated and compared with a reference voltage to detect an etching endpoint, and etching is ceased after a predetermined time has elapsed from the detection of the etching endpoint. At an inspection step, an image of a reflective mask is obtained with a microscope and it is determined that the side etching amount of the buffer film is short if the luminance, at a point of the maximum change rate on a luminance curve around the edge of the Ta radiation absorber 13, is lower than a reference value.

Abstract: A retroreflective detector comprises a detection unit which houses two transmitting elements and two receiving elements, in which a transmitting element and a receiving element form a pair and two such pairs are disposed in a matrix arrangement. Every row and column of the matrix includes one or more transmitting elements.

Abstract: Edge passivation for a small area silicon cell is provided in a batch process by providing streets between individual cells formed in a silicon substrate and diffusing dopant through the substrate along the streets. Following completion of fabrication of the plurality of cells in the substrate, the substrate is sawed along the streets with the diffused region providing passivation along the edges of the individual die.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning a target within a field of view of an optical scanner is provided. In an optical scanner having a field of view, apparatus for indicating whether a target is aligned within said field of view includes a microprocessor and an alignment indicator. The alignment indicator is electrically connected to the microprocessor and includes, for example, a light emitting diode. The microprocessor defines a first zone and a second zone within the field of view and determines whether the target is within the field of view. If the target is within the field of view, the microprocessor identifies a target alignment point on the target. The microprocessor determines whether the target alignment point is within either the first zone or the second zone and sends a signal to the alignment indicator. In response, the alignment indicator provides an indication indicating whether the target alignment point is located within the first zone, the second zone, or neither.

Abstract: A solar cell module including a plurality of solar cell elements 1 sealed by EVA resin between a front surface glass 20 and a rear surface member 5 is provided with a sodium diffusion preventing layer of a PET film 6 of a smaller water vapor transmission rate than those of the EVA sheets 3, 4 interposed between the front surface glass 20 and the solar cell elements 1.

Abstract: A method is described for determining the sequence of nucleic acids. The method employs small solid phase particles having transponders, with a primary layer of an oligonucleotide of known sequence attached to the outer surface of the particle. A read/write scanner device is used to encode and decode data on the transponder. The stored data includes the sequence of the oligonucleotide immobilized on the transponder. The sequence of sample nucleic acids is determined by detecting annealing to an oligonucleotide bound to a particle, followed by decoding the transponder to determine the sequence of the oligonucleotide.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for mounting electronic components enhanced in mounting efficiency by eliminating loss time are disclosed. In the apparatus and method, electronic components are picked up from a supplying unit of the electronic components by a transfer head, and are mounted on a board. The height of components already mounted on the board being conveyed is measured by a height measuring unit comprising a CCD light sensor including a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit. In mounting operation, the transfer height of the transfer head when moving on the board is set to a height enough to keep an allowance to the already mounted components on the basis of the height measurement of components. As a result, without useless elevating motions of the transfer head, the loss time is eliminated and the mounting efficiency is enhanced.

Abstract: CCD type charge transfer sections include vertical charge transfer sections and horizontal charge transfer sections having stages twice the number of lines of the vertical charge transfer sections. The horizontal charge transfer sections have a capacity capable of holding charges twice the number of lines of the vertical charge transfer sections. A controller controls an area image sensor to arrange charges of an object image corresponding to an irradiated state and charges of the object image corresponding to a non-irradiated state in the vertical charge transfer sections, and to transfer charges for two pixels per vertical charge transfer section to the horizontal charge transfer sections to hold the charges.

Abstract: A photoelectric conversion device comprising an electrically conductive substrate, a photosensitive semiconductor layer, a charge transporting layer, and a counter electrode (preferably a counter electrode having a porous electron-conducting layer), wherein an electrically insulating spacing layer is provided between the semiconductor layer and the counter electrode, and a photo cell having the device. High conversion efficiency is obtained without causing an internal shortage.

Abstract: An electronic device comprising two adjacent regions of materials with different electric properties is characterized in that one of the regions is formed by a columnar structure of a discotic liquid crystal material, said structure having interspaces defined between columns of said discotic liquid crystal material, said interspaces being part of the other region and comprising a second material having electric properties different from that of said discotic liquid crystal. The invention also relates to a method for producing an electronic structure for such devices.

Abstract: A stacked organic photosensitive optoelectronic device optimized to enhance desired characteristics such as external quantum efficiency and voltage is described. The photosensitive optoelectronic device has a plurality of photosensitive optoelectronic subcells electrically configured in series. The substrate may be the bottom electrode or there may be a bottom electrode distinct from the substrate. Each subcell comprises one or more organic photoconductive layers between electrode layers or charge transfer layers. In one embodiment the top electrode is transparent. In other embodiments two or more electrodes are transparent. In other embodiments photosensitive optoelectronic devices with multilayer photoconductive structures and photosensitive optoelectronic devices with a reflective layer or a reflective substrate are disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor (20, 100, 200, 300) for detecting the approach and exit of a vehicle (42) to a tunnel (46). In one embodiment there is a sensor (20, 100, 200, 300) with a photodiode (22a) that receives light through an inclined channel (30, 30′) or aperture (32, 332, 432). The channel provides a field of view (44, 344, 31) ahead and above the vehicle. The photosensor (22a) is thus sensitive to the change in light from this field of view (44, 344, 31) as a vehicle enters (46a) and exits (46b) a tunnel (46). Some embodiments of the present invention include a second photosensor (22b) with a wider field of view (112, 112″, 111) for detecting ambient light.