Abstract: A reliable and cost-effective method and composition is provided for inspecting manufactured components and detecting defects therein. In particularly, a method is provided for optically detecting defects in manufactured components during the manufacturing process by the incorporation of a fluorescent dye into a manufacturing fluid.

Abstract: A method is provided for selective binding and detecting target molecules, and a method for detecting biological molecules, the method comprising supplying a semi-conductor capable of charge pair separation, and juxtaposing affinity moieties to the semi-conductor so as to effect changes in the charge pair separation characteristics when the affinity molecules are bound to the target molecules.

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: A method for inspecting features on a reticle is provided. The method includes providing a layout design of a test feature and transferring the layout design of the test feature onto the reticle. After the test feature is transferred onto the reticle, an image of the transferred layout design is captured to determine whether or not the transfer is acceptable. This determination is made by comparing the captured image of the transferred layout design against the layout design of the test feature. The comparison ascertains deviations between the captured image and the layout design and determines if the deviations fall within a user specified range.

Abstract: A system for routinely monitoring germ contamination in areas where human interaction takes place, and a method for using the same. A germ detection agent is placed either onto a roll of toilet paper or inside a pair of gloves. After handling the toilet paper, or removing the gloves, the detection agent will be present on the individual's hands. This individual is then directed by proper personal hygiene and health codes to wash his or her hands with soap and water, and then place the hands under an ultraviolet light source in order to visualize any germ detection agent still remaining on the hands. If no detection agent is seen, the individual has been properly sanitized of contamination. If, however, detection agent is still visualized on the hands after washing, then that individual must repeat the hand washing, this time more thoroughly to completely remove remaining germ detection agent, before entering an area where contamination may be spread.

Abstract: The use of semiconductor nanocrystals as detectable labels in various chemical and biological applications is disclosed. The methods find use for detecting a single analyte, as well as multiple analytes by using more than one semiconductor nanocrystal as a detectable label, each of which emits at a distinct wavelength.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for simultaneously flooding a sample (e.g., a semiconductor wafer) to control charge and inspecting the sample. The apparatus includes a charged particle beam generator arranged to generate a charged particle beam substantially towards a first portion of the sample and a flood gun for generating a second beam towards a second portion of the sample. The second beam is generated substantially simultaneously with the inspection beam. The apparatus further includes a detector arranged to detect charged particles originating from the sample portion. In a further implementation, the apparatus further includes an image generator for generating an image of the first portion of the sample from the detected particles. In one embodiment, the sample is a semiconductor wafer. In a method aspect, a first area of a sample is flooded with a flood beam to control charge on a surface of the sample. A second area of the sample is inspected with an inspection beam.

Abstract: A novel dual beam low energy electron microscope (LEEM) apparatus for inspecting semiconductor circuits or masks. Direct imaging records many pixels in parallel, offering higher inspection rates than prior art scanning methods. A low energy flood beam is superimposed with a second, higher energy flood beam. The use of two beams avoids charging effects upon insulating or partially insulating substrates. Under appropriate conditions, the net charging flux to each image element can be balanced on a pixel by pixel, as well as global basis. Either the low energy or the higher energy beam may be used to form an image of the surface. An electron optical apparatus and configuration for this dual beam LEEM is described.

Abstract: A method of tracing drains using non-toxic fluorescent tracers is described and claimed.

Abstract: Systems and method for determining a source of abrasion in film equipment by using a test film having fluorescent material thereon and illuminating the film equipment using a fluorescence creating light source to cause fluorescence of any part having fluorescent material deposited thereon by the test film.

Abstract: A scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) has an electron source for generating a primary electron beam and an electron illuminating lens system for converging the primary electron beam from the electron source onto a specimen for illumination. An electron deflecting system is provided for scanning the specimen with the primary electron beam. The STEM also has a scattered electron detector for detecting scattered electrons transmitted through the specimen. A projection lens system projects the scattered electrons onto a detection surface of the scattered electron detector. An image displaying device displays the scanning transmission electron microscope image of the specimen using a detection signal from the scattered electron detector. A detection angle changing device for establishes the range of the scattering angle of the scattered electrons detected by the scattered electron detector.

Abstract: An ultraviolet light permeable filter for an ultraviolet detection light is equipped on a filter glass surface with a dielectric multi-film layer which allows a visible radiation of wave length from 694 nm to 780 nm to reflect on the layer. The wave length also does not penetrate through the multi-flim layer. This filter prevents a reddish halation occurrence during an inspection display of a flaw detection light, which is the main cause of overlooking a scratch or flaw pattern.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring oil flow velocity in a well are provided which utilize fluorescence quenching. A marker which quenches the natural fluorescence of crude oil is chosen and injected into the oil flow at a first location. At a second location, the oil flow is subjected to light at a wavelength which will cause oil to naturally fluoresce. The fluorescence signal is detected at the second location by a sensing probe. The time that it takes for the quenching marker to move from the first location to the second location is measured by sensing a decrease in fluorescence due to the quencher. Fluid velocity is determined by dividing the distance between the marker-ejection point and the optical probe position by the time it took the marker to move that distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for using a maleimide of formula (I) with the proviso that R1 and R2 do not simultaneously stand for phenyl or a maleimide of formula Ia as UV fluorescent material for void detection and for the preparation of scintillators films, luminescent solar energy collectors, organic electroluminescent devices, printing inks, non-impact printing inks, electrophotographic toners, color filters, and colored high molecular organic material.

Abstract: The present application reveals an improved filter for transmitting electromagnetic radiation in an excitation frequency band (300-475 nm) and for reflecting electromagnetic radiation in higher bands (greater than 475 nm). The higher bands comprise the visible emission band and the infrared band. The improved filter can be prepared by applying an infrared hot-mirror coating to a dichroic filter or the infrared hot-mirror coating can be applied to or used in conjunction with a blue filter.

Abstract: A reliable and cost-effective method and composition is provided for inspecting manufactured components and detecting defects therein. In particularly, a method is provided for optically detecting defects in manufactured components during the manufacturing process by the incorporation of a fluorescent dye into a manufacturing fluid.

Abstract: In a method for scanning microscopy, for which the surface of a sample is scanned point-by-point using a tunnel tip and locally resolved tunnel current measurement is performed, during scanning the tunnel tip is remagnetized by a predetermined remagnetization frequency, and from the tunnel current (It) or a z coordinate of the distance between the tunnel tip and the sample or a value derived from this, locally resolved signal components are derived, occurring at the remagnetization frequency and being characteristic for magnetic sample properties, whereby on the basis of the derived signal components an imaging of the magnetic structure of the sample surface is performed.

Abstract: A cleaning inspection kit inclusive of various compositions of water-soluble invisible fluorescent ink and various applicators therefor which are suited for a number of different surfaces, and a hand-held ultra-violet light. The appropriate applicator is used to mark an area with invisible compound prior to cleaning. After the area has been cleaned an inspection is made with the ultra violet light to expose the original area and to determine whether remnants of the original mark are still there. If so, the area could not have been properly cleaned. However, if the original mark is gone then the area was cleaned. The system allows management to inspect the quality of cleaning and maintenance services. The kit is simple to use as the inks are applied by convenient pen, powder or spray applicators, and a portable ultra-violet light is provided for fluorescing the inks. The method is non-destructive as all of the ink compositions wash away upon normal cleaning.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for injecting a concentrated fluorescent dye into a sealed air-conditioning system prior to the system going into service are revealed. The apparatus is made of a heated reservoir connected to a heated hose which is connected to a heated injector. The method involves heating a fluorescent dye to form a molten liquid fluorescent dye, maintaining the liquid fluorescent dye at a constant temperature and viscosity and injecting the liquid fluorescent dye into a component of a sealed air-conditioning system prior to the system going into service.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for inspecting a part to detect defects in the part. The process comprises the steps of placing a part to be inspected in an immersion tank, introducing a mixture of a penetrant dye and a supercritical carbon dioxide solvent into the immersion tank, maintaining the part immersed in the mixture for a time sufficient for the penetrant dye to penetrate any defects in the part, removing the part from the immersion tank, and inspecting the part for the presence of any defects. A system for carrying out the process is also described.

Abstract: Systems and method for determining a source of abrasion in film equipment by using a test film having fluorescent material thereon and illuminating the film equipment using a fluorescence creating light source to cause fluorescence of any part having fluorescent material deposited thereon by the test film.

Abstract: A method for determining the thickness of a dryable or curable film-forming coating by incorporating a fluorescent component into the coating. The fluorescent component is either a resin solid of the coating, a fluorescent dye or a fluorescent dye attached to a resin solid of the coating. The coating is exposed to ultraviolet or visible light which causes the fluorescent component to fluoresce. The intensity of the fluorescence of the coating is measured and the thickness or weight of the coating is determined from a known mathematical relationship between the fluorescence intensity of the coating when exposed to the light and the thickness or weight of the coating. Additionally, a curable or dryable film-forming coating composition including a curable or dryable organic resin reacted with a fluorescent tag is provided.

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: A liquid for producing a marker vapor includes a fluorescent substance in solution in a carrier liquid. The fluorescent substance has a first vaporization temperature range at which the fluorescent substance vaporizes. The carrier liquid has a second vaporization temperature range at which the carrier liquid vaporizes. The second vaporization temperature range overlaps the first vaporization range. The liquid is vaporized and directed into a body being inspected. Leaks then become visible when the body is inspected using radiation of a wavelength that causes the fluorescent substance to fluoresce.

Abstract: A biphase immunoassay method is provided in which a water immiscible liquid is qualitatively or quantitatively measured by mixing a sample of the water immiscible liquid with an aqueous solution containing a specific binding partner of the analyte. Binding occurs at or across the interface between the respective liquids and the degree of association of the analyte with its binding partner is dependent upon the concentration ratio rather than absolute quantities. The degree of association may be determined and used to determine the presence and/or concentration of analyte in the sample.

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 present invention provides a composition comprising fluorescent semiconductor nanocrystals associated to a compound, wherein the nanocrystals have a characteristic spectral emission, wherein said spectral emission is tunable to a desired wavelength by controlling the size of the nanocrystal, and wherein said emission provides information about a biological state or event.

Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising fluorescent semiconductor nanocrystals associated to a compound, wherein the nanocrystals have a characteristic spectral emission, wherein said spectral emission is tunable to a desired wavelength by controlling the size of the nanocrystal, and wherein said emission provides information about a biological state or event.

Abstract: A reflection fluorometer comprises a light guiding capillary with a fluorescent coating of the inner wall side, and a light source for excitation. The light source is positioned so that the light meets the outer longitudinal side of the capillary and part of the light penetrates the capillary. At least one sensor is positioned for sensing light at the front end of said capillary to measure the fluorescent light which leaves the capillary on that end. The capillary is constructed from light guiding material for the light that is excited in the area of the evanescent field, and the refractive index of an inner coating on the capillary is smaller than the refractive index of the capillary material.

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: When imaging a region of a patient using a contrast agent, for example in magnetic resonance imaging apparatus including a superconducting magnet 2, it is usual to take an image before and after injection of a contrast agent from an injector 5 into the patient. The invention provides a second injector 8 which contains a sample of the patient's blood or saline or other injectable medium which leads directly to the region of interest being imaged in the patient via a catheter 9, which has an expandible tip which can be expanded to block off the vessel in question. The injector can then be used to inject a bolus of injectable medium into the region of interest, whereupon a further image can be taken, and the catheter can be collapsed to unblock the vein whereupon an image in the presence of the contrast agent can be taken.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for fabricating an electrostatographic imaging member assembly including providing a hollow electrostatographic drum having a first end and a second end, the first end having a surface selected from the group consisting of an uncoated surface, a surface coated with only a first component of a multiple component adhesive, a surface coated with only a second component for the multiple component adhesive, the second component containing a fluorescent tracer which fluoresces when irradiated with activating radiation, and a surface coated with a mixture of the first component and the second component containing the fluorescent tracer, directing activating radiation at the surface of the first end, detecting the amount of fluorescence emitted from the surface of the first end, and generating a signal which is substantially proportional to the intensity of fluorescence emitted from the surface of the first end, the signal ranging through at least three levels of strength, the first level repres

Abstract: A method of locating a component requiring a supplemental restraining device on a portion of a gas turbine engine includes applying a fluorescent material to the component, and irradiating the component and surrounding components on the portion of the gas turbine engine with electromagnetic radiation that causes the fluorescent material to emit visible light and thereby increase the visibility of the component. The method may be used to install and/or inspect a lock-wire that in the presence of the electromagnetic radiation has a visibly contrasting appearance compared to that of the component requiring a lock-wire.

Abstract: A leak detecting dye for use in heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or refrigeration systems employing a dye powder form of dyes such as naphthalimide, perylene, coumarin, and thioxanthane.The dye is formulated into a useful liquid or paste mixture by mixing the dye powder (or dye in granular or crystalline form) with a solvent, a lubricant, or a refrigerant. In liquid or paste form, it is suitable for introduction into the system.

Abstract: A fluorescent dyed polymer sheet receives excitation energy from ultraviolet wavelengths from 200 nanometers to 370 nanometers and converts to visible light wavelengths. This conversion allows for use of existing ultraviolet light sources to produce visible light for visualizing, photographing, documenting and analyzing electrophoresis gels produced with visible stains. An ultraviolet transilluminator is designed to fluoresce Ethidium bromide stained gels when exposed to ultraviolet light. This process allows visualization of the DNA and RNA bands providing images that can be photographed with black and white photographic cameras or video cameras. By placing the proper fluorescent dyed polymer on the surface of the ultraviolet transilluminator the polymer sheet receives excitation energy from the ultraviolet bandwidth and converts it to visible light wavelength emissions.

Abstract: Radioactive particles are provided for use in tracing the flow path in or near a well of fluids injected into the well. The particles include an element which can be made radioactive by bombardment with neutrons and a material to encapsulate the element. The encapsulant is preferably an organic polymer having a high softening temperature. The particles may be injected into a well in treating fluids and their location may be later determined by gamma ray logging of the well.

Abstract: A method for allowing authentification of a bulk liquid e.g. petrol or another mineral oil based product, comprises introducing into the liquid a small amount of a chemiluminescent substance. Samples for authentification are subjected to the conditions required to trigger the chemiluminescent reaction and monitored for chemiluminescent emission.

Abstract: Fluid flow rates are determined with a nonradioactive tracer agent in the operation of a water cooled nuclear fission reactor employed for driving electrical power generators. The technique is proposed for use to routinely calibrate other flow measuring means such as restricted flow nozzles.

Abstract: The present invention is a quality control method that denotes non-uniformities of structural features on a planarizing surface of a polishing pad across substantially the whole surface area of the pad. In one embodiment of the method, an indicating compound applied to the planarizing surface of a polishing pad adjoins to the structural feature on the planarizing surface of the pad in proportion to the density of the structural feature. Excess indicating compound is then removed from the planarizing surface of the pad to leave the portion of the indicating compound that adjoined to the structural feature in the pad. The indicating compound is readily visible, and thus non-uniform areas on the planarizing surface with a high density of the structural feature are stained a darker shade of color than other areas on the pad. The planarizing surface is subsequently evaluated to determine whether the surface area with an excess density of indicating compound is within a desired range.

Abstract: A method for visualization of a lubricant coating on a surface of an article includes dissolving a fluorescent agent into a lubricant. The method then includes applying the fluorescenated lubricant to coat a surface of the article. The coated article is then irradiated with an electromagnetic radiation capable of inducing a fluorescent emission in the fluorescent agent and the fluorescent emission is observed to detect the coverage of the lubricant on the surface of the article.

Abstract: A lamp system is for use in non-destructive testing to illuminate luminescent materials, such as fluorescent dyes. The lamp system has a control unit and a lamp. The lamp has a bulb and a filter. The bulb generates at least a first wavelength of invisible energy and the filter limits other visible wavelength light from the lamp. The lamp has a handle with a trigger. The control unit pulses the lamp on and off when the trigger is depressed. The luminescent material absorbs the first wavelength of energy and pulses in response when the lamp illuminates the material. The system can be AC or DC operated. It can be operated from an automotive battery.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved traceable well cement compositions and methods. The compositions are basically comprised of hydraulic cement, sufficient water to form a pumpable slurry and a normally non-radioactive tracer compound which becomes radioactive and emits detectible rays over a relatively short time period when exposed to neutrons. The methods of the invention relate to cementing a zone in a well and subsequently detecting the subterranean location of the cement composition therein. A traceable well cement composition of the invention is formed and introduced into a subterranean zone to be cemented. Neutrons are then emitted from a source in the well so that the tracer compound emits detectible rays, the rays are detected and the location of the cement composition in the well is determined.

Abstract: Minute defects in an encapsulated electronic component are detected by immersing the component in an aqueous solution of a water-soluble fluorescent substance having the property of fluorescing when moistened and stopping fluorescing when dry. The solution is allowed to permeate into minute defects of the component whereupon the component is opened. The defects are detected by observing an image of the component while moistening and drying the component to detect fluorescing and stopping fluorescing.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the properties of a coating comprising the steps of adding a fluorescence probe to a coating composition which has the ability to undergo microscopic changes in viscosity, the ratio of the intensity of the fluorescence emission of said probe at two wavelengths changing in response to said changes in said viscosity of said coating composition; curing said coating; causing said compound to fluoresce; measuring the fluorescence of said compound; calculating the ratio of the intensities of fluorescence emission of said compound at two or more wavelengths; relating said ratio to the monitored property of said coating.

Abstract: The present invention is a quality control method that denotes non-uniformities of structural features on a planarizing surface of a polishing pad across substantially the whole surface area of the pad. In one embodiment of the method, an indicating compound applied to the planarizing surface of a polishing pad adjoins to the structural feature on the planarizing surface of the pad in proportion to the density of the structural feature. Excess indicating compound is then removed from the planarizing surface of the pad to leave the portion of the indicating compound that adjoined to the structural feature in the pad. The indicating compound is readily visible, and thus non-uniform areas on the planarizing surface with a high density of the structural feature are stained a darker shade of color than other areas on the pad. The planarizing surface is subsequently evaluated to determine whether the surface area with an excess density of indicating compound is within a desired range.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a property of a polymeric mass such as a coating or film comprising the steps of adding a fluorescence probe compound capable of fluorescing to a polymeric composition which has the ability to undergo changes in microviscosity, the ratio of the intensity of the fluorescence emission of said compound at two wavelengths changing in response to said changes in said microviscosity of said composition; curing said composition; causing said compound to fluoresce; measuring the fluorescence of said compound; calculating the ratio of the intensities of fluorescence emission of said compound at two or more wavelengths; relating said ratio to the monitored property of said composition.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting the surface and/or subterranean locations of well treating fluids after the treating fluids have been introduced into wells and used for performing treatments therein. The methods of determining the subterranean locations of treating fluids basically comprise introducing a treating fluid into a well having a non-hazardous thermal neutron absorbing material combined therewith and performing a treatment in the well with the fluid. Fast neutrons from a source thereof are emitted in the well after the treatment whereby they interact with elements in the well and are thermalized. The thermal neutrons backscattered in the well are detected, and a count representing the detected thermal neutrons is generated. The subterranean locations of the treating fluid are determined by comparing the thermal neutron counts in the well before and after placement of the thermal neutron absorbing treating fluid therein.

Abstract: A method of measuring flow velocities in flowing fluids includes injecting into the flow a non-radioactive tracer having a neutron capture cross section higher than that of the flowing fluids, for example a gadolinium compound, and measuring the neutron capture cross section in the fluid downstream of the injection point to detect the passage of the tracer and hence determine the time of flight. By making the tracer miscible with only one phase (typically the continuous phase) of a multi-phase fluid, it is possible to measure the flow velocity of that phase. The neutron capture cross section can be measured by irradiating with neutrons from a pulsed neutron generator and measuring capture .gamma. rays with a scintillation detector.

Abstract: A fluorescent spectrophotometer measures the fluorescent characteristics of fluorescent probes within functional compositions of a specimen. The fluorescent spectrophotometer emits light appropriate for exciting the fluorescer or fluorescers contained within the specimen. The excited fluorescer emits within an emission wavelength spectrum. Fluorescers having a narrower wavelength region over which an abrupt change in emission intensity occurs are chosen for use as a fluorescent probe. The fluorescent spectrophotometer detects the change in intensity through this narrower area and performs a derivative calculation on the intensity curve. The fluorescent spectrophotometer is able to distinguish the fluorescer from other fluorescers or interfering fluorescent backgrounds.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for measuring a functional characteristic of one or more thin film coatings applied to a thin film using a photoisomer. A photoisomer is mixed into each functional coating in known amounts. Photodetection of the photoisomer as a part of the functional coatings is used to control a functional characteristic of the thin film during the manufacturing process. The photoisomer is activated with light of a selected wavelength range, and light fluorescence is measured in another selected wavelength range.