Abstract: The invention relates to a method for obtaining useful data about the angiogenesis in a patient's lower limbs, and particularly in the lower limbs of patients with diabetes subjected to treatment.

Abstract: Microbolometer is a class of infrared detector whose resistance changes with temperature change. In this work, we deposited and characterized Germanium Silicon Oxide thin films mixed with Sn (Ge—Si—Sn—O) for uncooled infrared detection. Ge—Si—Sn—O were deposited by co-sputtering of Sn and Ge—Si targets in the Ar+O environment using a radio frequency sputtering system. Optical characterization shows that the absorption in Ge—Si—Sn—O was most sensitive in the wavelength ranges between 2.5-3.7 ?m. The transmission data was further used to determine the optical energy band gap (0.22 eV) of the thin-film using Tauc's equation. We also found the variations of absorption coefficient (6592305.87 m?1-11615736.95 m?1), refractive index (2.5-4.0), and the extinction coefficient (2.31-5.73) for the wavelength ranges between 2.5-5.5 ?m. The thin film's resistivity measured by the four-point probe was found to be 142.55 ?-cm and TCR was in the range of ?4.9-?3.1 (%/K) in the temperature range 289-325K.

Abstract: Various implementations relate generally to a multi-sensor device. Some implementations more particularly relate to a multi-sensor device including a ring of radially-oriented photosensors. Some implementations more particularly relate to a multi-sensor device that is orientation-independent with respect to a central axis of the ring. Some implementations of the multi-sensor devices described herein also include one or more additional sensors. For example, some implementations include an axially-directed photosensor. Some implementations also can include one or more temperature sensors configured to sense an exterior temperature, for example, an ambient temperature of an outdoors environment around the multi-sensor. Additionally or alternatively, some implementations can include a temperature sensor configured to sense an interior temperature within the multi-sensor device. Particular implementations provide, characterize, or enable a compact form factor.

Abstract: An inspection system for use in measuring several vehicle conditions in a high volume vehicle inspection line. A plurality of sensors are installed on a vehicle for measuring a plurality of vehicle conditions to assist in the rapid evaluation of critical vehicle conditions or parameters. At least one tool is positioned along a vehicle path in a monitoring station. As the vehicle passes through the monitoring station, the tool received electronic data from the plurality of sensors and displays one or more signals to alert an inspector of acceptable or unacceptable vehicle conditions. In one example, the plurality of sensors includes tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) data from the vehicle tires to rapidly assess the condition of the tire air pressure and other monitored tire conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an infrared pixel structure and a hybrid imaging device which use comb-shaped top plates and bottom plates to form capacitors. The upper electrode has a non-fixed end such that the infrared sensitive element in the upper electrode generates thermal stress and deforms when absorbing the infrared light, which changes the capacitance of the capacitors formed by the top plates and the bottom plates to achieve infrared detection and increase the device sensitivity. Furthermore, the infrared pixel structure can be used in an infrared light and visible light hybrid imaging device to achieve visible light imaging and infrared imaging in a same silicon substrate, so as to increase the imaging quality.

Abstract: This relates to sensor systems, detectors, imagers, and readout integrated circuits (ROICs) configured to selectively detect one or more frequencies or polarizations of light, capable of operating with a wide dynamic range, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the detector can include one or more light absorbers; the patterns and/or properties of a light absorber can be configured based on the desired measurement wavelength range and/or polarization direction. In some examples, the detector can comprise a plurality of at least partially overlapping light absorbers for enhanced dynamic range detection. In some examples, the detector can be capable of electrostatic tuning for one or more flux levels by varying the response time or sensitivity to account for various flux levels. In some examples, the ROIC can be capable of dynamically adjusting at least one of the frame rate integrating capacitance, and power of the illumination source.

Abstract: A source (100) that includes a membrane, where the membrane includes: an emissive layer (130) including an emissive surface (131); an adaptor (121a, 121b, 121c, 121d), each adaptor (121a, 121b, 121c, 121d) facing a different section of the emissive section (131), called the emissive section (132a, 132b, 132c, 132d), and with which it forms an emissive assembly (134a, 134b, 134c, 134d) adapted to reduce the spectral extent of infrared radiation emitted by the emissive section; and a plurality of heaters (140a, 140b) for heating the emissive layer (130), the heaters (140a, 140b) being arranged so as to impose different relative temperature variations in different emissive sections (132a, 132b, 132c, 132d).

Abstract: Provided is a method for maintaining a preset air pressure of a low-pressure chamber. The method may comprise the steps of: measuring the inside air pressure of a low-pressure chamber; if the difference between the inside air pressure and a preset air pressure is the same or higher than a threshold value, adjusting the inside temperature of the low-pressure chamber by using a thermal conduction part disposed inside the low-pressure chamber; and by using a getter, making the difference to be below the threshold value by adsorbing or releasing molecules inside the low-pressure chamber according to the adjustment of the temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of a terahertz wave modulator. The wave modulator can include one or more layers of piezoelectric/ferroelectric single crystal or polycrystalline material. The crystalline material can be configured to resonate when a low-energy external excitation is applied. An incident terahertz waveform can be dynamically controlled when the incident terahertz waveform interacts with the at least one layer of piezoelectric crystalline material while the at least one layer of piezoelectric crystalline material is resonating. The dynamic control of the incident terahertz waveform can be with respect to at least one of a phase shift and an amplitude modulation of the waveform.

Abstract: The invention provides a dental curing device comprising a light source having a wavelength capable of inducing polymerization of a photopolymer, and a noncontact thermal detector in alignment with said light source and capable of measuring the temperature or temperature change of the photopolymer upon polymerization.

Abstract: To provide a private branch exchange system that can take appropriate measures for a user designated incoming call even when the user takes an unscheduled action. A user status determination part of the private branch exchange transmits, when receives a user designated incoming call, the position confirmation request to the mobile cellular apparatus identified by the mobile cellular apparatus information of the user information. The incoming call control part of the private branch exchange forwards, if the user current position received from the mobile cellular apparatus is different from the schedule information, an incoming call to a telephone set installed near the user and having an extension telephone number based on the user current position and the layout information.

Abstract: A HDR CTIA pixel which provides automatic gain selection, and spatial and temporal coherence. The pixel comprises an input node for connection to a photocurrent, and an output node. The pixel includes a CTIA which comprises a “high gain” integration capacitor and a first reset switch connected between the input and output nodes, a “low gain” integration capacitor connected between the input node and a first node, a second reset switch connected between the first node and the output node, and a first FET connected across the second reset switch. In operation, the first FET is off during the reset phase, and is conditionally turned on during or after the integration phase. The CTIA also includes an amplifier having an inverting input connected to the input node and an output connected to the output node. The pixel can be operated in “static low-gain control” and “dynamic low-gain control” modes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and a device for sensing sugars, using terahertz electromagnetic waves. By the method, even a trace amount of sugars in a liquid state can be accurately discriminated and sensed, with high sensitivity and selectivity, using a sensing chip that works in a terahertz electromagnetic wave band. Using the method, sugars even at low concentrations can be accurately analyzed with high sensitivity and selectivity in which terahertz electromagnetic waves are irradiated onto sugars through a sensing chip having a meta unit in which a pattern is formed to amplify a frequency corresponding to an absorption frequency of a sugar of interest.

Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with a display mounted in a housing. The display may have an array of pixels that form an active area and may have an inactive area that runs along an edge of the active area. An opaque layer may be formed on an inner surface of a display cover layer in the inactive area of the display or may be formed on another transparent layer in the electronic device. An optical component window may be formed from the opening and may be aligned with an ambient light sensor such as a color ambient light sensor. The color ambient light sensor may have an infrared-blocking filter to block infrared light such as infrared light emitted by an infrared-light-emitting diode in the device. A light diffuser layer, light guide, and other structures may also be included in the ambient light sensor.

Abstract: A method, a device, and a system for the automated determination of optical densities or of the change in optical densities of reaction mixtures in shaken reactors during shaking operation. The method uses a reaction mixture distribution, which periodically fluctuates because of the shaking action, to record measurement points (20/21) of transmission/scattered-light measurements. All measurement points (20/21) of a measurement operation are combined into a measurement series (34), from which the optical density and/or the change in the optical density, and other process parameters, can be determined with high reliability by means of suitable mathematical methods.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing defining a cavity configured to receive laser energy and an absorbing surface within the cavity configured to absorb and convert the laser energy into thermal energy. A shape of the absorbing surface is based on a profile of the laser energy. At least one first portion of the absorbing surface has one or more first angles of incidence with respect to the laser energy and is configured to receive at least one first portion of the laser energy. At least one second portion of the absorbing surface has one or more second angles of incidence with respect to the laser energy and is configured to receive at least one second portion of the laser energy. The first angle(s) is/are larger than the second angle(s). The first portion(s) of the laser energy is/are more intense than the second portion(s) of the laser energy.

Abstract: A residual Infrared (IR) image is calculated from IR images of valuable media having embedded IR security features and visible light images of the valuable media. Features of the IR residual image are extracted as a template for authenticating valuable media items. The template is applied against a presented valuable media item having an embedded IR security feature for assisting in determining whether the presented valuable media item is genuine and fit for further processing within a valuable media depository.

Abstract: A sensor package may include a source configured to emit a signal, a detector configured to receive a first reflection of the signal, and an isolator disposed between the source and the detector, where a surface of the isolator has one or more grooves configured to direct a second reflection of the signal away from the detector.

Abstract: An imaging system is disclosed. The system comprises: a first imaging device and a second imaging device being spaced apart and configured to provide partially overlapping field-of-views of a scene over a spectral range from infrared to visible light. The system comprises at least one infrared light source constituted for illuminating at least the overlap with patterned infrared light, and a computer system configured for receiving image data pertaining to infrared and visible light acquired by the imaging devices, and computing three-dimensional information of the scene based on the image data. The image data optionally and preferably comprises the patterned infrared light as acquired by both the imaging devices.

Abstract: A control device for monitoring a functioning of a semiconductor component during its operation may comprise an input interface configured for receiving a sensor signal corresponding to a contact-less determined temperature distribution on a surface of the semiconductor component, and an evaluation device configured to determine, based on the sensor signal, whether the temperature distribution fulfills a predefined decision criterion corresponding to an operation of the semiconductor component outside a normal operating state. An output interface is designed to issue an emergency signal when the decision criterion is fulfilled, wherein the emergency signal triggers the execution of an emergency measure.

Abstract: Resonant-cavity infrared photodetector (RCID) devices that include a thin absorber layer contained entirely within the resonant cavity. In some embodiments, the absorber is a single type-II InAs—GaSb interface situated between an AlSb/InAs superlattice n-type region and a p-type AlSb/GaSb region. In other embodiments, the absorber region comprises quantum wells formed on an upper surface of the n-type region. In other embodiments, the absorber region comprises a “W”-structured quantum well situated between two barrier layers, the “W”-structured quantum well comprising a hole quantum well sandwiched between two electron quantum wells. In other embodiments, the RCID includes a thin absorber region and an nBn or pBp active core within a resonant cavity. In some embodiments, the RCID is configured to absorb incident light propagating in the direction of the epitaxial growth of the RCID structure, while in other embodiments, it absorbs light propagating in the epitaxial plane of the structure.

Abstract: A method of detecting bioaerosols, including detecting particles and estimating a particle size for each detected particle and determining a fluorescence strength for each detected particle. Comparing particle size and fluorescence strength for each detected particle to arrive at a normalized fluorescence strength per particle and comparing normalized fluorescence strengths over a time period to a maximum threshold, to detect highly fluorescent manmade substances.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein describe a divided-aperture infrared spectral imaging (DAISI) system that is adapted to acquire multiple IR images of a scene with a single-shot (also referred to as a snapshot). The plurality of acquired images having different wavelength compositions that are obtained generally simultaneously. The system includes at least two optical channels that are spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels are configured to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards an optical FPA unit comprising at least two detector arrays disposed in the focal plane of two corresponding focusing lenses. The system further comprises at least one temperature reference source or surface that is used to dynamically calibrate the two detector arrays and compensate for a temperature difference between the two detector arrays.

Abstract: An infrared device comprises a substrate (1), and arranged on or in the substrate (1) a configuration (3) for one of selectively emitting and selectively absorbing infrared radiation of a band, the configuration (3) comprising a pattern made from an electrically conducting material on a first level (L1), an electrically conducting film (33) on a second level (L2), and a dielectric layer (24) between the pattern and the film (33). One or more of a heater (4) for heating the configuration (3), and a thermal sensor (5) arranged for sensing the selective infrared radiation of the band absorbed by the configuration (3) on or in the substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments herein describe photonic systems that include a germanium photodetector thermally coupled to a resistive element. Current flowing through the resistive element increases the temperature of the resistive element. Heat from the resistive element increases the temperature of the thermally coupled photodetector. Increasing the temperature of the photodetector increases the responsivity of the photodetector. The bias voltage of the photodetector can be increased to increase the bandwidth of the photodetector. In various embodiments, the photodetector includes at least one waveguide to receive light into the photodetector. Other embodiments include multiple resistive elements thermally coupled to the photodetector.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for repairing an emissive display. Following assembly, the emissive substrate is inspected to determine defective array sites, and defect items are removed using a pick-and-remove process. In one aspect, the emissive substrate includes an array of wells, with emissive elements located in the wells, but not electrically connected to the emissive substrate. If the emissive elements are light emitting diodes (LEDs), then the emissive substrate is exposed to ultraviolet illumination to photoexcite the array of LED, so that LED illumination can be measured to determine defective array sites. The defect items may be determined to be misaligned, mis-located, or non-functional emissive elements, or debris. Subsequent to determining these defect items, the robotic pick-and-remove process is used to remove them. The pick-and-remove process can also be repurposed to populate empty wells with replacement emissive elements.

Abstract: Resonant-cavity infrared photodetector (RCID) devices that include a thin absorber layer contained entirely within the resonant cavity. In some embodiments, the absorber is a single type-II InAs—GaSb interface situated between an AlSb/InAs superlattice n-type region and a p-type AlSb/GaSb region. In other embodiments, the absorber region comprises quantum wells formed on an upper surface of the n-type region. In other embodiments, the absorber region comprises a “W”-structured quantum well situated between two barrier layers, the “W”-structured quantum well comprising a hole quantum well sandwiched between two electron quantum wells. In other embodiments, the RCID includes a thin absorber region and an nBn or pBp active core within a resonant cavity. In some embodiments, the RCID is configured to absorb incident light propagating in the direction of the epitaxial growth of the RCID structure, while in other embodiments, it absorbs light propagating in the epitaxial plane of the structure.

Abstract: A process for producing an optical element, which may be suitable for use in an infrared camera with sharp surface features and low emissivity surfaces, including the steps of casting the element in the desired shape in a zinc alloy, deburring the zinc alloy element with a thermal deburring operation, and coating the deburred zinc alloy element with an electrocoating operation.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a leadframe surface includes positioning a leadframe on a measurement apparatus at a first predetermined distance relative to an end portion of a light source of an optical sensor; irradiating a predetermined area on a surface of the leadframe with light having a single predetermined wavelength from the light source; receiving, with a light receiver of the optical sensor, reflected light from the predetermined area on the surface of the leadframe, and converting the reflected light into an electric signal; determining a reflection intensity value of the predetermined area on the surface of the leadframe based on the electric signal; and calculating a reflection ratio of the predetermined area on the surface of the leadframe based on the reflection intensity value and a predetermined reference reflection intensity value associated with the light source.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring at least one of pressure, temperature, and wind velocity of a volume of air includes a laser having a first frequency and a second frequency of radiation, a first waveguide coupled to the laser, a second waveguide, a narrowband filter coupled between the first waveguide and the second waveguide, wherein the narrowband filter is configured to redirect the first frequency to the second waveguide, and a photodetector coupled to the second waveguide, wherein the first frequency is transmitted by the first waveguide to the volume of air, scattered light is received from the volume of air, and the photodetector mixes the first frequency on the second waveguide with the received scattered light.

Abstract: Determining ambient noise in a device under test electromagnetic compatibility test environment is presented herein. A method can include determining, by a system comprising a processor via a radio frequency input port of the system, an ambient electromagnetic noise corresponding to the system; and in response to determining, by the system via the radio frequency input port, a radio frequency signature of a device under test, subtracting, by the system, the ambient electromagnetic noise from the radio frequency signature to obtain a normalized value representing an electromagnetic emission of the device under test. In an example, an antenna/coaxial cable has been connected to the radio frequency input port, the ambient electromagnetic noise can be determined using the antenna/coaxial cable, and a radiated/conducted electromagnetic characteristic of the device under test representing the radio frequency signature of the device under test can be determined using the antenna/coaxial cable.

Abstract: A device for creating an optic pulse with different wavelengths separated by time. A pump laser is configured to output energy to a dye cell which, responsive to the energy, outputs an optic pulse. Mirrors direct the optic pulse away from the dye cell towards a spectrograph. The spectrograph has an input and two or more outputs. The spectrograph receives and converts the optic pulse to a wavelength separated optic signal presented on the two or more outputs. A first optic cable has an input end and an output end. The input end receives a first output from the spectrograph. A second optic cable has an input end and an output end. The input end receives a second output from the spectrograph. The second optic cable is a different length than the first optic cable to establish a time shift between the signals exiting the first and second cable.

Abstract: An optical instrument for spectroscopy applications includes a compact arrangement having a three-dimensional folded optical path. A plate configured as an optical reference plane is secured to a housing and is configured to secure optical components above or below the plate. A modular light source module may be secured within the housing without fasteners. A monochromator and spectrometer are secured below the plate. Mirrors disposed above the plate are configured to direct light from the monochromator passing through a first opening in the plate through a sample disposed above the plate, and to direct light from the sample through a second opening in the plate to the spectrometer. A controller is configured for communication with the monochromator and the spectrometer. The controller may control an entrance slit actuator for the spectrometer and positioning of an aperture upstream of the spectrometer to adjust resolution and throughput.

Abstract: An optical detection sensor functions as a proximity detection sensor that includes an optical system and a selectively transmissive structure. Electromagnetic radiation such as laser light can be emitted through a transmissive portion of the selectively transmissive structure. A reflected beam can be detected to determine the presence of an object. The sensor is formed by encapsulating the transmissive structure in a first encapsulant body and encapsulating the optical system in a second encapsulant body. The first and second encapsulant bodies are then joined together. In a wafer scale assembling the structure resulting from the joined encapsulant bodies is diced to form optical detection sensors.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a fiber optic bolometer device. In an implementation, a fiber optic bolometer device includes an optical fiber and a silicon layer that comprises a Fabry-Pérot interferometer. The silicon layer includes a first surface and a second surface. The fiber optic bolometer device includes a reflective dielectric film disposed over the first surface of the silicon layer where the reflective dielectric film is adjacent to an end face of the optical fiber. The fiber optic bolometer device also includes an absorptive coating disposed over the second surface of the silicon layer (e.g., the surface distal to the end face of the optical fiber).

Abstract: Method for determining whether a gas sample originates from biological processes or from a gas installation being tested and containing a utility gas is characterized in that an increased concentration of hydrogen in the sample as compared to that present in the utility gas is used as evidence that the sample originates from biological decay processes and not from the gas installation under test.

Abstract: Microbolometer is a class of infrared detector whose resistance changes when the temperature changes. In this work, we deposited and characterized Germanium Oxide thin films mixed with Sn (Ge—Sn—O) for uncooled infrared detection. Ge—Sn—O were deposited by co-sputtering of Sn and Ge targets in the Ar+O environment using a radio frequency sputtering system. Optical characterization shows that the absorption in Ge—Sn—O was most sensitive in the wavelength ranges between 1.0-3.0 ?m. The transmission data was further used to determine the optical energy band gap (0.678 eV) of the thin-film using Tauc's equation. We also found the variations of absorption coefficient (1.4802×105 m-1-1.0097×107 m?1), refractive index (1.242-1.350), and the extinction coefficient (0.3255-8.010) for the wavelength ranges between 1.0-3.0 ?m. The thin film's resistivity measured by the four point probe was found to be 4.55 ?-cm and TCR was in the range of ?2.56-?2.25 (%/K) in the temperature range 292-312K.

Abstract: A holographic waveguide LIDAR having a transmitter waveguide coupled to a beam deflector and a receiver waveguide coupled to a detector module. The transmitter waveguide contains an array of grating elements for diffracting a scanned laser beam into a predefined angular ranges. The receiver waveguide contains an array of grating elements for diffracting light reflected from external points within a predefined angular range towards the detector module.

Abstract: There is provided an optical transceiver including a laser light source configured to transmit a first optical signal via an optical transmission member having optical fibers, a photodetector configured to receive a second optical signal via the optical transmission member, a visible light source configured to emit visible light which is incident to the optical transmission member, and a control circuit configured to, when the photodetector detects not to receive the second optical signal, control the laser light source to stop transmitting the first optical signal and the visible light source to start emitting the visible light.

Abstract: This relates to sensor systems, detectors, imagers, and readout integrated circuits (ROICs) configured to selectively detect one or more frequencies or polarizations of light, capable of operating with a wide dynamic range, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the detector can include one or more light absorbers; the patterns and/or properties of a light absorber can be configured based on the desired measurement wavelength range and/or polarization direction. In some examples, the detector can comprise a plurality of at least partially overlapping light absorbers for enhanced dynamic range detection. In some examples, the detector can be capable of electrostatic tuning for one or more flux levels by varying the response time or sensitivity to account for various flux levels. In some examples, the ROIC can be capable of dynamically adjusting at least one of the frame rate integrating capacitance, and power of the illumination source.

Abstract: Various devices including a three-stage switch and an infrared (IR) imaging module and methods for performing FFC using the three-stage switch and the IR imaging module are provided. The three-stage switch may have at least a first position in which the IR imaging module is powered off, a second position in which the IR imaging module is powered on and the shutter is positioned in the FOV, and a third position in which the IR imaging module is powered on and the shutter is positioned out of the FOV, wherein the second position is intermediate in relation to the first position and the third position. A thermal image of the shutter may be captured while the switch is at or adjacent to the second position, and an FFC map of FFC terms may be acquired based on the thermal image of the shutter.

Abstract: An optical sensor includes: a semiconductor layer including a first region, a second region, and a third region between the first region and the second region; a gate electrode facing to the semiconductor layer; a gate insulating layer between the third region and the gate electrode, the gate insulating layer including a photoelectric conversion layer; a signal detection circuit including a first signal detection transistor, a first input of the first signal detection transistor being electrically connected to the first region; a first transfer transistor connected between the first region and the first input; and a first capacitor having one end electrically connected to the first input. The signal detection circuit detects an electrical signal corresponding to a change of a dielectric constant of the photoelectric conversion layer, the change being caused by incident light.

Abstract: Cell counters and methods of their use are disclosed herein. The cell counters comprise a sample mounting system that includes a base comprising a mounted lower sample surface and a cover comprising a mounted upper sample surface; a bright-field light source incorporated in the cover; an objective lens mounted below the sample mounting system; optionally, a fluorescence excitation source in optical communication with the sample mounting system; and an imaging system in optical communication with the bright-field light source and the objective lens. The mounted sample surfaces are configured for repeated use, such that disposable sample cartridges are not needed.

Abstract: A measurement system includes a receiver configured to receive a measurement signal indicative of a parameter of a measured object. The measurement system also includes a processor configured to iteratively filter the measurement signal using a threshold value. The processor is also configured to adjust the threshold value for each iteration of filtration and determine a signal-to-noise ratio for each iteration of filtration. The processor is also configured to set a filter threshold value to the threshold value for the iteration based on the signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: Various examples are provided related to imaging with augmented stereoscopic microscopes. In one example, an augmented stereoscopic microscope includes an objective lens that can simultaneously receive near infrared (NIR) images and visible bright-field images of an examined object and an augmentation module. The augmentation module can separate the NIR images from the visible bright-field images for processing by an image processing unit to produce synthetic images using the NIR images and combine the synthetic images with the visible bright-field images to form co-registered augmented images that are directed to an eyepiece of the augmented stereoscopic microscope. In another example, a method includes obtaining a NIR image of an examined object; generating a synthetic image using the NIR image; combining the synthetic image with a real-time visual image of the examined object to form an augmented image; and directing the augmented image to an eyepiece of an augmented stereoscopic microscope.

Abstract: A sensor system including a spectrometer with a light source having a plurality of selectable wavelengths, a controller for controlling the sensor system, for selecting wavelengths of illumination light produced by the light source, and for controlling the light source to illuminate a spatial location, a photodetector aligned to detect light received from the spatial location, a blind demixer coupled to the photodetector for separating received spectra in the detected light into a set of sample spectra associated with different demixed or partially demixed chemical components, a memory having a plurality of stored reference spectra, a non-blind demixer coupled to the blind demixer and to the memory for non-blind demixing of the sample spectra using the reference spectra, and a classifier coupled to the non-blind demixer for classifying the set of demixed sample spectra into chemical components using the reference spectra.

Abstract: In the present invention, a temperature sensor system and methods for using the apparatus are disclosed, the temperature sensor having particular thermal-inertia time constants. More specifically, the temperature sensor system comprises prongs having a defined l/d ratio range, a sensing element having a low volume, and constant-current circuitry.

Abstract: A method for observing deformation of an elastic material including rubber or elastomer, includes a first step of capturing projection images of at least a part of the elastic material from directions perpendicular to an arbitrary axis of the elastic material and a second step of constructing a three-dimensional image of the elastic material from the projection images. The first step includes deforming the elastic material in predetermined constant cycles, outputting capture signals at the same time points of the predetermined constant cycles, and capturing the projection images based on the respective capture signals.

Abstract: Surface sensing systems and methods for imaging a scanned surface of a sample via sum-frequency vibrational spectroscopy are disclosed herein. The systems include a sample holder, a visible light source configured to direct a visible light beam incident upon a sampled location of the scanned surface and a tunable IR source configured to direct a tunable IR beam coincident with the visible light beam upon the sampled location. The systems also include a scanning structure configured to scan the visible light beam and the tunable IR beam across the scanned surface, and a light filter configured to receive an emitted beam from the scanned surface and to filter the emitted beam to generate a filtered light beam. The systems further include a light detection system configured to receive the filtered light beam, and an alignment structure. The methods include methods of operating the systems.

Abstract: A camera using an automatically depth-of-field adjusting method includes a camera lens, a diaphragm, a light-sensing part, and a controller. The light-sensing part can receive visible light of a first wave band and invisible light of a second wave band. The controller performs an adjusting procedure, according to which the controller measures a first light intensity of ambient light of a scene relative to the first wave band and a second light intensity of the ambient light relative to the second wave band, and when the controller determines that a ratio of a difference between the first intensity and the second intensity to a sum of the first intensity and the second intensity is less than a predetermined value, controls the diaphragm to adjust an aperture of the diaphragm according to a current focal length of the camera lens.