Abstract: Assemblies and methods to enhance a fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process associated with a refining operation, during the FCC process, may include supplying a hydrocarbon feedstock to first processing units associated with the refining operation. The assemblies and methods also may include conditioning a hydrocarbon feedstock and unit material samples, and analyzing the samples via one or more spectroscopic analyzers.

Abstract: A device for imaging one dimension nanomaterials is provided. The device includes an optical microscope with a liquid immersion objective, a laser device, and a spectrometer. The laser device is configured to provide an incident light beam with a continuous spectrum. The spectrometer is configured to obtain spectral information of the one dimensional nanomaterials.

Abstract: In swept source Raman (SSR) spectroscopy, a swept laser beam illuminates a sample, which inelastically scatters some of the incident light. This inelastically scattered light is shifted in wavelength by an amount called the Raman shift. The Raman-shifted light can be measured with a fixed spectrally selective filter and a detector. The Raman spectrum can be obtained by sweeping the wavelength of the excitation source and, therefore, the Raman shift. The resolution of the Raman spectrum is determined by the filter bandwidth and the frequency resolution of the swept source. An SSR spectrometer can be smaller, more sensitive, and less expensive than a conventional Raman spectrometer because it uses a tunable laser and a fixed filter instead of free-space propagation for spectral separation. Its sensitivity depends on the size of the collection optics. And it can use a nonlinearly swept laser beam thanks to a wavemeter that measures the beam's absolute wavelength during Raman spectrum acquisition.

Abstract: A multiple target optical imaging apparatus performs optical imaging of a plurality of physically-separated imaging sites using a light source, a two-dimensional detector and a plurality of fiber bundles. Each fiber bundle has a distal end positioned adjacent to a different one of the imaging sites, and conveys source light from its proximal end to its distal end, while conveying an optical signal from its respective imaging site from its distal end to its proximal end. The optical signals may be simultaneously detected on different regions of the detector. The system is small, and may be used to image sites on an ambulatory animal, with the light source and detector located in a portable housing attached to the animal. Different types of imaging may be used, including fluorescence imaging, hyperspectral imaging, or polarization imaging.

Abstract: A targeted quantitation system for mass spectrometry may acquire, while operating in a watch mode, a watch mode mass spectrum including mass peaks for ions produced from a plurality of internal standard variants added to a sample comprising a target analyte. Each internal standard variant included in the plurality of internal standard variants includes a unique isotopologue of the target analyte and is added to the sample in a unique amount. The targeted quantitation system may generate a calibration curve based on the watch mode mass spectrum. The targeted quantitation system may acquire, while operating in a quantitation mode, a quantitation mode mass spectrum including mass peaks for ions produced from the target analyte included in the sample. The targeted quantitation system may determine a concentration of the target analyte included in the sample based on the calibration curve and the second mass spectrum.

Abstract: Techniques provided herein relate to regulating at least one operating parameter of a paraffinic froth treatment (PFT) operation and controlling the quality of the produced bitumen in response to a determined concentration of at least one residual metal in a PFT process stream. Determination of the residual metal concentration is based on acquired NIR spectral measurements of the PFT process stream. An alkaline agent dosage in primary extraction operation can be for example regulated in response to a difference between a determined calcium concentration and a calcium concentration specification.

Abstract: An open path gas detector for detecting the presence of a target gas in the presence of fog or water vapor. A transmitter transmits flashes of optical energy along a path in an area under surveillance, including energy at a sample wavelength region at which the target gas is absorbed, at a reference wavelength region not significantly absorbed by the target gas, and at a synchronization wavelength region different from the first and second wavelengths. A receiver includes a sample channel responsive to the optical energy at the sample wavelength region, a reference channel responsive to optical energy at the reference wavelength region, and a third synchronization channel responsive to the optical energy at the synchronization wavelength region. The receiver detects the target gas and synchronizes operation of the receiver to the transmitter flashes of optical energy using the output of the synchronization channel.

Abstract: A method and a device monitors the quality of gaseous media dispensed by a filling station, in particular hydrogen, by an infrared measuring system. The infrared measuring system is connected into the dispensing path of the respective gaseous medium extending from the filling station to a consumer, and measures the transmission of infrared radiation at different wavelengths and different pressures. From the transmission measurements, the concentration of contaminants, which influence the quality, is calculated. At least when predetrminable quality parameters are exceeded, this exceeding is indicated.

Abstract: A data center management method executed by a computer that includes a first memory and a second memory, the method includes storing, in the second memory, a predicted value calculated based on measured values obtained as measurement data and differences each corresponding to the measurement data obtained a predetermined period ago; storing, in the first memory, the measurement data as the measured value; calculating, based on each of the stored measured values, an amount of change which is a difference between the measured value and the predicted value, and storing the calculated amount in the second memory; calculating first corrected prediction data based on the measured value currently measured and the measurement values previously measured; calculating second corrected prediction data based on previous amounts of change and the first corrected prediction data; and controlling the device using an operation amount calculated based on the second corrected prediction data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for characterizing a polyacrylonitrile-based fiber, the method having a reduced error. In a spectroscopic analysis method for a polyacrylonitrile-based fiber according to the present invention, a contact degree between an inspection target and an attenuated total reflection crystal is predicted through Equation 2 and is applied to Equation 1 to correct a spectrum peak height, and thus, the peak height of the infrared spectroscopy spectrum may be measured with repeatability.

Abstract: Provided are turbidometers and fluorometers having a unique form-factor to accommodate a number of optical components in a confined geometry. This provides the ability to compensate for change in light intensity from an optical source even in a closed-loop manner. The ability to package reference and signal detectors, along with a relatively large diameter LED light source in a confined geometry is particularly suited for applications requiring small-diameter sensors, such as multi-parameter sonde devices having a total diameter that is in the sub-two inch range.

Abstract: A device may receive a classification model generated based on a set of spectroscopic measurements performed by a first spectrometer. The device may store the classification model in a data structure. The device may receive a spectroscopic measurement of an unknown sample from a second spectrometer. The device may obtain the classification model from the data structure. The device may classify the unknown sample into a Kosher or non-Kosher group or a Halal or non-Halal group based on the spectroscopic measurement and the classification model. The device may provide information identifying the unknown sample based on the classifying of the unknown sample.

Abstract: An optical detection method is provided, wherein a body part (5) comprising at least one joint is irradiated with light. Local attenuation of the light by the body part (5) is detected as attenuation measurements (2) at the position of the at least one joint and at the position of at least one other portion of the body part (5); and wherein blood flow to and/or from the body part (5) is temporarily at least partially blocked and thereafter enabled again (3). Distinct local attenuation measurements for the at least one joint and for at least one other portion of the body part (5) are performed for at least two of the times before (I), during (II), and after (III) the blocking of blood flow.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for noninvasive analysis of tissue, by irradiating a surface of the tissue with infrared radiation such that an interaction of the radiation with a component of the tissue other than water in two spectral bands is substantially identical, measuring an intensity of the radiation that emerges from the tissue in each of the spectral bands, determining change in at least one of shape and intensity of signals received by the at least one radiation detector, calculating a relative absorption by the tissue of radiation in one of the first and second spectral bands relative to absorption by the tissue of radiation in the other of the first and second spectral bands, and determining concentration of a predetermined substance, in accordance with the calculated relative absorption and in accordance with determined change in the received signal.

Abstract: A method including identifying a subject as possibly having a benign tumor in ovarian tissue and obtaining an infrared spectrum of a PBMC sample of the subject and assessing a characteristic of the sample at at least one wavenumber selected from the group consisting of: 754.0±4 cm-1, 1103.6±4 cm-1, 1121.4±4 cm-1, 1346.1±4 cm-1, 1376.9±4 cm-1, 753.50±4 cm-1, 850.5±4 cm-1, 918.9±4 cm-1, 1058.7±4 cm-1, 1187.9±4 cm-1 and 1651.7±4 cm-1. Using a processor comparing, at the at least one wavenumber, the infrared spectrum to an infrared spectrum obtained from a PBMC sample from a person without a benign tumor, to detect a difference between the infrared spectrum of the PBMC sample of the subject and the infrared spectrum obtained from the PBMC sample from the person without a benign tumor. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an annular-beam coupling system enabling reduction of noise generated from a core of a double-clad fiber. The disclosed annular-beam coupling system comprises: a fiber for transmitting light of a light source; a collimator for receiving the light outputted from the fiber and forming a parallel beam of a circular shape; an annular-beam generation unit for converting the parallel beam into an annular beam; and a double-clad fiber having the annular beam coupled to a cladding region thereof.

Abstract: A method for noninvasive analysis of subcutaneous tissue includes irradiating a surface of the tissue with short wave infrared (SWIR) radiation in a first spectral band that is strongly absorbed by water, and with SWIR radiation in a second spectral band such that an interaction of the radiation in both spectral bands with a component of the tissue other than water is substantially identical. An intensity of the radiation in each of the spectral bands that emerges from the tissue is measured. A relative absorption by the tissue of radiation in one of spectral bands relative to absorption by the tissue of radiation in the other of the spectral bands is calculated. A state of the tissue is determined in accordance with the calculated relative absorption.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods that use discriminant analysis techniques and processing in order to reduce the time required to determine chemical and/or physical properties of a substance. One method includes optically interacting a plurality of optical elements with one or more known substances, each optical element being configured to detect a particular characteristic of the one or more known substances, generating an optical response from each optical element corresponding to each known substance, wherein each known substance corresponds to a known spectrum stored in an optical database, and training a neural network to provide a discriminant analysis classification model for an unknown substance, the neural network using each optical response as inputs and one or more fluid types as outputs, and the outputs corresponding to the one or more known substances.

Abstract: In gas analyzing apparatuses, interference noises should be reduced. A gas analyzing apparatus for analyzing component included in measuring object gas, including: a light emitting unit to irradiate laser light to the measuring object gas; a light receiving unit to receive the laser light having passed through the measuring object gas; an actuating unit to change an optical path length of the laser light by moving at least one optical element that is arranged in a light path where the laser light is passing; and a calculating unit to calculate concentration of the measuring object gas, based on signals detected by the light receiving unit in two states where the optical element is at different positions by n/2 times the wavelength of the laser light (where, n is integer) is provided.

Abstract: Provided is a spectrometer. The spectrometer includes: a light source part configured to emit light of a plurality of wavelengths onto an object; a detector configured to detect an optical signal of each of the plurality of wavelengths as reflected from the object; a controller configured to set an amplification gain for each of the plurality of wavelengths according to photoreaction properties of the object; and an amplifier configured to amplify an output signal of the detector by using the set amplification gain.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved NMR signal detection are described. The system receives NMR signal data produced by a sample over time in response to an excitation pulse and selects a predefined system function for application to the NMR signal data for systematic variation of signal properties The system function has a different influence on NMR signal components than on noise components of the sampled signal and has a variation parameter to control the systematic variation. A plurality of variation parameter values is provided with differing values to influence broad NMR signals as well as weak NMR signals. The system generates for each variation parameter value a corresponding intermediate data set by applying the system function with the respective variation parameter value to the NMR signal data. Further, from each intermediate data set, a respective base value centered spectrum is generated in the frequency-domain.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the composition of a sample is provided. The system and method according to the present invention comprises: obtaining one or more spectra of the sample; obtaining one or more spectra of one or more target materials; pre-process the sample and the target spectra; providing a variable reduction means that combines certain contiguous spectral variables into a single variable, wherein the intensities of the said single variable is the sum of the intensities of the said spectral variables to be combined; determining an average spectrum and the statistic distribution of the sample and/or each of the target material in the reduced dimension; determining the likelihood the sample had the same composition of each of the one or more target material; and displaying the list of the most likely target material to a user.

Abstract: A photoacoustic gas sensor device for analyzing gas includes an emitter module and a pressure-sensitive module. The emitter module is arranged on a carrier substrate and emits light pulses. The pressure-sensitive module is arranged on the carrier substrate within a reference gas volume. The reference gas volume is separated from a volume intended to be filled with a gas to be analyzed. Further, the pressure-sensitive module generates a sensor signal indicating information on an acoustic wave caused by light pulses emitted by the emitter module interacting with a reference gas within the reference gas volume. Additionally, the emitter module is arranged so that light pulses emitted by the emitter module reach the reference gas volume after crossing the volume intended to be filled with the gas to be analyzed.

Abstract: A method to detect vibrations associated with biomolecules in tissues and cellsuses Resonance Raman (RR) spectroscopy to measure specific biomolecules in tissue and cells signals. The changes of RR lines of key molecules present to the chemical conformations and change due to disease such as cancer and heart disease. Biomolecules are collagen, flavins, tryptophan, NADH, NAD, etc. The laser beams excite RR of vibration associated with absorption of the key native molecules in tissue (Tryptophan, NADH, Flavins, Collagen, carotenoids, porphyrins and others. The margin assessment and RR images in 2D and 3D regions are found by RR signals using position scanners. The intensity and the numbers of molecule fingerprints indicate the presence of and the degree of the changes of chemical conformations.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a gas concentration monitoring system as well as a gas-measuring device, a central unit, a gas concentration monitoring system as well as computer program product. The safety of persons or the safety of a situation is determined with respect to at least one hazardous gas. The concentration of the gas is provided to a memory and analysis device. A measured value rating number is determined for a preset period of use. A number of instances, of the measured concentration values exceeding of a preset gas concentration limit value is input. A safety code is determined from at least one of: the measured concentration values, the measured value rating numbers and from the a total number of instances in which a gas concentration limit value was exceeded.

Abstract: To provide a concentration measuring method with which the concentration of a predetermined chemical component can be accurately, quickly, and nondestructively measured down to a concentration range of an extremely small amount with a simple means, and to provide a concentration measuring method with which the concentration of a chemical component in an object to be measured can be accurately and quickly measured down to a concentration range of a nano-order extremely small amount in real time, the method having universality, i.e., the ability to be embodied in various forms and modes.

Abstract: A radiation monitor apparatus and method based on wavelength-dependent optical absorption in fused silica optical fibers. The radiation monitor uses the radiation induced optical changes in fused silica optical fibers as a way to quantify and differentiate the large doses of radiation from high energy photons and neutrons as well as providing a method to extend the sensitivity over a large dynamic range of doses from 103 to beyond 106 rads. The radiation monitor enables dynamic monitoring of highly ionizing radiation environments. The radiation monitor reduces sensitivity saturation at high dose levels, provides increased sensitivity over a large dynamic range of doses, and enables differentiation between high energy photon and neutron contributions or poor signal to noise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-direct measurement temperature-compensating model correction method in the on-line application of a near-infrared spectrum analyzer, which comprises: acquiring a near-infrared spectrum of each sample under different temperature levels; respectively carrying out preprocessing and principal component analysis on the acquired spectra for temperatures and to-be-measured physical property parameters; then merging the obtained spectra to generate new spectral data; using partial least squares to model the spectral data to obtain measured values at the current moment; finally, constructing an on-line recursive algorithm, and thereby on-line near-infrared measurement with a non-direct measurement temperature compensation function is fulfilled.

Abstract: A method for determining property values of fuels may include using spectral data collected from one or more other fuels or fuel components. The method may include construction of spectral data representative of a fuel by weighting spectral data for another fuel and spectral data for one or more fuel components.

Abstract: Provided is an in vivo bioimaging method including irradiating near-infrared (NIR) light onto a living body, converting the NIR light passed through the living body, into visible light using upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), and generating a bioimage of the living body by receiving the visible light using a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a concentration of chemicals in a fluid flowing in a fluid passage is disclosed. A sample of the fluid is placed on a substrate comprising a first layer of carbon nanotubes and a second layer of metal nanowires. An energy source radiates the fluid sample with electromagnetic radiation at a selected energy level, and a detector measures an energy level of radiation emitted from the fluid sample in response to the electromagnetic radiation. A processor determines a Raman spectrum of the fluid sample from the energy level of the emitted radiation and estimates the concentration of a selected chemical in the fluid sample based on the Raman spectrum.

Abstract: Methods and devices for directly measuring the degree of saturation or degree of deactivation of an adsorbent and/or catalytic bed are described herein. The devices contain an inlet, an outlet, a catalytic and/or adsorbent bed, and optionally a support bed for supporting the catalytic and/or adsorbent bed. The devices further contain one or more structures attached to the reactor that allow for insertion of one or more sensors into the reactor. The sensor is used to spectroscopically interrogate the adsorbent and/or catalyst in situ, providing real-time information regarding adsorbant saturation and/or catalyst deactivation. The devices and methods described herein can be used to determine the saturation degree of adsorbent materials or catalyst beds that are involved in gas-liquid and liquid-liquid heterogeneous systems, such as those used in scrubbing and extraction.

Abstract: A method of comparison of spectra from the spectrum of a sample and at least one spectrum of a reference library is provided. The method involves: obtaining at least one relevant spectral peak from the sample spectrum and comparing each of the relevant spectral peaks obtained with the spectra in the reference library. Methods are also described for: comparison of spectra from the second derivative of the sample spectrum and the second derivative of the reference library spectra; and comparison of spectra with the previous identification of the major component of a sample, which involves correlating triangularly the spectra of the sample, the reference and the major component.

Abstract: To provide a gas sensor kit and a gas measurement system in which a problem in arrangement of a signal processor and an atmospheric pressure sensor at the time of measuring a gas is solved. A gas sensor kit includes a sensor and a connector. The connector includes an atmospheric pressure sensor measuring an atmospheric pressure and a signal processor. The signal processor receives a measurement signal indicating a transmitted light quantity of a target gas from the sensor and obtains a measurement value of a concentration or a partial pressure of the target gas based on the measurement signal. The signal processor corrects the measurement value of the concentration or the partial pressure of the target gas by using an atmospheric pressure value measured by the atmospheric pressure sensor.

Abstract: A new rapid Fourier transform near infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopic method is described to screen for the authenticity of edible oils, and in particular, extra virgin olive oils (EVOO). To screen these oils, the samples to be tested are pre-classified into one of a series of classification groups using a suitable classification criteria, such as fatty acid (FA) content. As a result, the oils are classified into Groups having similar properties. FT-NIR partial least squares (PLS1) calibration models are prepared for each group, based on FT-NIR analysis of authentic oils, and oils spiked with a specific type and amount of an adulterant. Using these different PLS1 calibration models, a more rapid method for analyzing commercial extra virgin olive oils for adulteration is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are metal oxides, metal oxide surfaces, and methods of using metal oxides and metal oxide surfaces for matrix-free analysis, identification, and characterization of small molecular mass compounds. The disclosed compounds and methods may be used with laser desorption/ionization-mass spectrometry. The disclosed surfaces may aid in producing mass/charge spectra having low or no interference found with traditional matrices. In some aspects, the method may be used to produce molecular ions. The disclosed compounds, surfaces, and methods may be used to analyze complex mixtures including fuels, vegetable shortening, lipid extracts from a variety of organic sources such as animals, plants, bacteria, algae, viruses, etc.

Abstract: Aspects of spectrometer secondary reference calibration are described. In one embodiment, a diagnostic measurement for evaluation of an aspect of calibration in spectroscopy is performed. A result of the diagnostic measurement is analyzed to determine a deviation from an expected result. Based on the analysis, a correction algorithm may be applied to the aspect of calibration, in view of the deviation. In some embodiments, a product model diagnostic measurement is also performed for further evaluation of the aspect of calibration. A result of the product model diagnostic measurement is analyzed to determine a product model deviation from an expected result of the product model diagnostic measurement, and a product model correction algorithm is applied, if necessary. According to aspects of the embodiments described herein, using secondary reference standards permits reconstruction of calibration parameters without any need for a master instrument or other forms of calibrated reference instrumentation.

Abstract: An ex vivo malignant tumor tissue sample is cleaned, comminuted, suspended in culture medium, subjected to a treatment with collagenase and the collagenase decomposition product is centrifuged. The pellet obtained is re-suspended in culture medium by an absorption instrument, is absorbed and returned several times and transferred to a culture vessel. The re-suspension thus obtained is analyzed under a microscope with phase optics for cell aggregates, which, due to the phenotypic appearance thereof, are identifiable as an aggregate of malignant cells or as an aggregate of endothelial cells or as an aggregate of fibroblasts, and the identified cell aggregates are separated.

Abstract: A first embodiment of the implantable real-time oximeter of the present invention is attached around a blood vessel near the site of a likely stroke to monitor large and medium size cerebral arteries. Another embodiment of the implantable real-time oximeter can be passed within cerebral blood vessels to monitor the oxygenation status of the surrounding cerebral tissues. When used within cerebral blood vessels, the emitter and detector are coplanar and contained in a small area, for example, 50-120 ?m.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to spectroscopic systems and spectrometers configured for hydrocarbon gas composition monitoring which provides compound speciation capability and function. In certain embodiments, the system identifies two or more bands of spectral data—e.g., including a band in each of (i) the near infrared and (ii) mid infrared wavelength regions, though bands covering subsets from about 800 nm to about 12 ?m can be used—from the signal corresponding to the hydrocarbon fluid in the gas flow cell, where the two or more bands are not contiguous (e.g., there is at least a 50 nm separation between the nearest ends of two bands). A combined spectrum is then formed from the two or more non-contiguous bands of spectral data and processed to identify and/or quantify the constituents of the hydrocarbon fluid.

Abstract: A computer implemented blend control system and method for preparation of a hydrocarbon blend from a plurality of components drawn from respective component tanks have been disclosed. The system, in accordance with the present disclosure includes at least one sensor and analyzer adapted to sense and analyze a first attribute of at least one of the components for obtaining first attribute data. The system further includes, at least one optimizer having a data storage means for storing attribute based model data. The optimizer receives the first attribute data and transmits the received first attribute data to a comparator which computes an optimized proportion data between each of the component streams to enable selective drawing of each of the component streams in accordance with the optimized proportion data for preparing the hydrocarbon blend.

Abstract: A computer implemented blend control system and method for preparation of a hydrocarbon blend from a plurality of component streams have been disclosed. The system includes a product tank for receiving a mixture comprising the plurality of component streams. The system further includes a sensor and analyzer adapted to sense and analyze a first attribute of the received mixture for obtaining a first attribute data. The system further includes an optimizer which stores the attribute based model data, receives the first attribute data and compares the received first attribute data with the attribute based model data to compute an optimized proportion data, based on which the component streams are selectively drawn into the product tank for preparing the hydrocarbon blend.

Abstract: A method of determining a pathlength deviation of a sample (610), the method comprising: exposing the sample (610) to electromagnetic radiation at a plurality of wavenumbers, determining electromagnetic absorption in the sample (610) at the plurality of wavenumbers, determining a first wavenumber associated with a first absorption level of an absorption band and a second wavenumber associated with a second absorption level of the absorption band, wherein the second wavenumber is different from the first wavenumber, determining a difference between the first wavenumber and the second wavenumber, and determining the pathlength deviation based on the difference.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of water in oil, provides a detection head including a gap in which oil to be monitored may be received; at least a first optical fiber having a first end, optically coupled to transmit light across the gap; a micro electro-opto-mechanical (MEOM) device, the MEOM device comprising a photo-emitter and a photo-detector integrated onto a silicon based substrate, the photo-emitter being optically coupled to transmit light into a second end of the first optical fiber and the photo-detector being arranged to receive transmitted light that has been transmitted across the gap; and an electronic interface to the MEOM device for communicating therewith. A processor may be provided to analyze and compare the respective light signals to determine an amount of water present in the oil. By observing variations in absorption, the presence of water can be identified.

Abstract: A method is provided comprising, obtaining an infrared (IR) spectrum of a Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) sample of a subject by analyzing the sample by infrared spectroscopy; analyzing the infrared spectrum using a processor (22), and based on the analyzing using the processor, using an output device (24), generating an output indicative of the presence of a benign tumor of the subject. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for providing metered amounts of ingredients to a nutritional composition for use in administration to an infant, in particular the present invention relates to an apparatus for providing individualized nutrition for infants based on the infants' special needs, the apparatus comprises a plurality of containers (2), a plurality of delivery devices (3), input means (14) and a controller (7) adapted to control the metered amounts of ingredients delivered individually from the containers in response to the input. Further, the present invention relates to a method of preparing a nutritional composition for an infant which is tailored to that specific infant.

Abstract: Provided are turbidometers and fluorometers having a unique form-factor to accommodate a number of optical components in a confined geometry. This provides the ability to compensate for change in light intensity from an optical source even in a closed-loop manner. The ability to package reference and signal detectors, along with a relatively large diameter LED light source in a confined geometry is particularly suited for applications requiring small-diameter sensors, such as multi-parameter sonde devices having a total diameter that is in the sub-two inch range.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating properties of an earth formation includes a carrier configured to be disposed in a borehole in the earth formation, and a sample retriever configured to remove a sample of the earth formation, the sample including solid components of the earth formation. The apparatus also includes an analysis assembly including a chamber disposed with the carrier and configured to hold the sample, an X-ray source configured to irradiate the sample with X-ray radiation while the sample is disposed in the chamber, and one or more X-ray detectors configured to detect radiation emitted from the sample in response to irradiation from the X-ray source.

Abstract: A method for deriving a background-corrected portion of a measured optical emission spectrum comprising the steps of identifying two or more background correction points from the portion of the measured emission spectrum; deriving a background correction function fitted to the identified background correction points, and applying the background correction function to the portion of the measured emission spectrum so as to produce a background-corrected portion of the emission spectrum, wherein the background correction points are identified from the measured data points by consideration of the gradients between the measured data points.

Abstract: With respect to molecular biology, medicine, and biotechnology, provided is a method related to the performance of Polymerase Chain Reaction. The method includes using the device for identification of nucleic acids containing a microchip with at least one reaction zone on its surface. The microchip contains a heat-conducting substrate made of aluminum while each reaction zone is separated from the heat-conducting substrate by a layer of the passivating material covalently bound to the surface of the heat-conducting substrate while over the layer of the passivating material one or several dried components of the polymerase chain reaction is placed. In this method the ratio of the aggregate thermal mass of the microchip to thermal conductance of the microchip substrate does not exceeding 0.04 s. The technical result is reduced duration of the analysis, higher reliability, accuracy, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the analysis.