Abstract: A probe (1) for quantitatively measuring volatile components of a liquid (2) includes a measurement gas space (3) separated from the liquid (4) by a permeation membrane (5). The membrane (5) is permeable for the volatile component, however nonpermeable for liquid. A selective gas detection system is arranged in the measurement gas space (3) for a defined volatile component. The gas detection system has an IR light source (6), an IR filter (7), (7′) and an IR-sensitive light sensor (8), (8′). Light falls through the IR filter on the light sensor (8), (8′). The IR filter (7), (7′) comprises a transmission window in the range of an alcohol-specific absorption band.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device (10) for determining the concentration of gases by infrared absorption, comprising a radiation source (2) which is arranged, together with a radiation detector (6) disposed in the radiation path, inside a housing (11) which is sealed in a gas-tight manner in relation to the gas which is to be measured. At least one infrared permeable window is arranged in the radiation path between the radiation source (2) and the radiation detector (6). Said window seals the inside of the housing in relation to the gas which is to be measured. The radiation path is divided into at least three sections (21, 22, 23).

Abstract: A method for identification and partial-pressure determination of two gases in an unknown anesthesia gas mixture comprising n possible gases by measuring the infrared optical radiation, transmitted through the gas mixture, that passes through m filters having different transmission wavelength ranges, in which n is a number greater than 2 and m is a number less than n. The method evaluates the exit intensities, measured after passage through the filters, of the infrared optical radiation transmitted through the unknown gas mixture in such a way that with three filters, for instance, two gases in an unknown gas mixture comprising five possible gases can be identified, and their partial pressures can be determined. By dividing the partial pressures by the total pressure, it is optionally also possible to determine the concentration of the gases.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for determining the monotonic functional relationship between (A) the integrated absorbance of spectral energy within a spectral region of interest of an analyte (i) that decomposes during the time experimental spectral data for determining the relationship are being obtained, or (ii) whose spectral data are pressure sensitive at pressures below a given pressure, or (iii) that decomposes during the time the spectral data are being obtained and whose spectral data are pressure sensitive and (B) the concentration of the analyte before decomposition commences. Methods are also disclosed for using the monotonic functional relationship to determine the concentration of the analyte in an unknown from the integrated absorbance of spectral energy within the spectral region of interest for the unknown.

Abstract: A remote emissions sensing system and method for sensing exhaust emissions from motor vehicles is provided where the system determines the opacity of an exhaust plume. The system comprises a radiation source that emits radiation which is passed through the exhaust plume of a motor vehicle to one or more detectors arranged to receive the radiation. Multiple wavelength opacity measuring embodiments and monochromatic wavelength opacity measuring embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A plastic identifying method of the present invention is provided with a step (i) of obtaining a first infrared absorption spectrum by irradiating infrared light of a predetermined wave number onto an item to be identified that contains plastic and measuring the intensity of the infrared light that is totally reflected by this item, and a step (ii) of identifying the plastic contained in the item to be identified by matching the first infrared absorption spectrum with a group of infrared absorption spectra that have been measured for predetermined materials, wherein the predetermined materials are a group of materials containing plastics, and each infrared absorption spectrum in this group of infrared absorption spectra is obtained by irradiating infrared light of a predetermined wave number onto a predetermined material, and measuring the intensity of the infrared light that is totally reflected by that material, and matching is carried out by comparing peaks in the first infrared absorption spectrum with pe

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring the amount of an organic substance in a biological sample using infrared electromagnetic radiation. For example, glucose levels can be detected in capillary fluid filtrate obtained subcutaneously in a continuous manner in order to provide real-time glucose monitoring for a patient with diabetes.

Abstract: In order to provide an equipment that permits easy elimination of interference ions even in a low resolution mass spectrometer, the isotope mass number information and the isotope presence ratio information for each element are stored, and processing is done as is shown in FIG. 1 using such information and the measurement results, and the amount of target elemental ions is calculated by calculating and eliminating the amount of interference caused by other elemental isotopes to the target element. Because of this, when carrying out element analysis using a mass spectrometer with a relatively low resolution, the user can easily obtain the measurement result of the amount of any target elemental ions.

Abstract: Disclosed in one aspect is a spectral acquisition method that includes actively processing a sample, such as a an opaque, friable pharmaceutical dosage unit, to expose characteristics of interior portions of the sample, and acquiring spectral information from the interior portions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a real-time infrared chemical imaging spectroscopic apparatus, including a light source for generating infrared radiation. A test sample absorbs a narrow-bandwidth infrared radiation as a result of a monochromator dispersing the infrared radiation and emits thermal radiation. IR camera collects the thermal radiation to form an image. As such, the present invention inspects the test sample in real time without a huge amount of complicated computation. Thus, the efficiency of inspection is increased and the optical design of the apparatus is more compact.

Abstract: An extremely convenient apparatus for evaluating the inner quality of vegetables and fruits which is small and inexpensive, can be introduced easily even by small-scaled enterprisers, in which an installation place can be changed easily, and safety and promptness of the replacing work of light sources are fully taking into consideration is provided.

Abstract: The suitability of resin-impregnated papers for composite laminates is determined by a method in which the NIR spectra are measured and compared with those of reference samples.

Abstract: An amplifier-enhanced optical analysis system and method to optically analyze a molecular component of a gas, liquid, or solid. The amplifier-enhanced optical system comprises a laser, a light amplifier, and an optical analysis means, all optically coupled so that light at a predetermined wavelength in the near-infrared spectrum is transported from the laser, through the light amplifier, and to the optical analysis means, wherein the predetermined wavelength corresponds to an absorption feature of the molecular component. Optical analysis means preferably comprises photoacoustic analysis equipment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of infrared-optically determining the concentration of at least one analyte in a liquid sample, wherein the infrared absorption of the analyte(s) is measured and compared with a standard, which is characterized in that the liquid sample is sampled with an infrared radiation of high light density, wherein the infrared radiation has a sharp intensity peak at at least one wave length, as well as an arrangement for the infrared-optical transmission determination of the concentration of at least one analyte in a liquid sample, with a sample cuvette flowed through by the sample liquid, the sample cuvette being arranged in the radiation path between a radiation source for providing the infrared radiation and a detector for measuring the infrared absorption induced by the analyte in the sample cuvette.

Abstract: A method is described for providing rapid on-line analyses of chemical compositions such as chemical process streams, utilizing near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy in combination with chemometrics. In the method, for each type of analysis to be conducted, a database is provided by analyzing a series of samples using standard laboratory analytical procedures, utilizing the results as reference values to establish quantitative calibration models from NIR spectroscopy using chemometric techniques and storing this information in a computer database. An NIR spectroscopic system is also provided comprising a transflectance or a transmittance probe coupled via fiber-optic cables to a stable white light source and a spectrograph. The probe is inserted into a test sample or chemical process stream to be analyzed, a stable white light of selected wavelength range is beamed to the probe and the spectra obtained on the spectrograph are recorded.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for measuring a coating from paper or board. The measurement is carried out by one detector at different times or by two detectors simultaneously. IR radiation directed at the coating and radiation emerging from the coating are chopped synchronously in blocks. A wavelength band sensitive and insensitive to the absorption are bandpass filtered and measured in both the MIR and NIR region. The absorption strength is measured in a digital signal processing block by comparing the radiation sensitive to absorption to the radiation insensitive to absorption, and the amount of each coating component is determined in the digital signal processing block on the basis of the absorption strength.

Abstract: A method for measuring the amount of an organic substance in a food product with infrared electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A method for spectroscopically determining the concentration of alcohols with 1 to 5 carbon atoms, especially ethanol, in liquid probes, especially alcohol-containing food products, healing preparations, cosmetic products and the like. The absorption of light by the probe is measured at at least one wave length in the range of 1100 nm to 1300 nm, and preferably in the range of 1150 nm to 1250 nm. The alcohol concentration is determined from the measured absorption with the help of a calibration. The alcohol content of a liquid probe can be determined in a simple and fast manner and over a large concentration range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an instrument for measuring in relatively short periods of time concentrations of constituents in optically dense materials using the spectra near infrared radiation transmitted through thick samples of the material while the material is either stationary or flowing. The invention uses a broadband incandescent intensity stabilized light source combined with collimating optics to transmit a parallel beam of light through the material under test. The light transmitted through the material is then collected by a focusing lens and imaged onto a rectangular entrance slit of a special purpose spectrometer. This spectrometer has no moving parts and employs a fixed diffraction grating to physically spread the image of the entrance slit into a continuous range of wavelengths. A portion of the diffracted slit images covering the selected portion of the near infrared range is focused onto an array of individual rectangular photodiodes.

Abstract: A method determines an analyte concentration in a sample including the analyte and a substance. The method includes providing an absorption spectrum of the sample. The absorption spectrum has an absorption baseline. The method further includes shifting the absorption spectrum so that the absorption baseline approximately equals a selected absorption value in a selected absorption wavelength range. The method further includes subtracting a substance contribution from the absorption spectrum. Thus, the method provides a corrected absorption spectrum substantially free of a contribution from the substance.

Abstract: The invention comprises UV/visible spectroscopic analysis of polycarbonate composition. The method comprises determination of the concentration of Fries products, as either total Fries products or as separate determinations of linear and branched components. The method also allows for simultaneous determination of uncapped phenolic end-groups. Determinations may be performed at a single wavelength or over the entire absorption band. The method is suitable for measuring of Fries products in samples ranging in size from small scale combinatorial formats to production scale reactors. The method is independent of reaction variables such as polymer molecular weight, reactor type, and reaction temperature.

Abstract: A water detecting apparatus includes a source of infra-red radiation which is reflected off an inner surface of a pipe wall onto a mirror directing the infra-red signal along a path to an infra-red detector connected by an electrical signal path to an electronic control. The path is interrupted by a rotating chopper having windows occupied by two optical filters. The first optical filter only passes an infra-red signal of wavelength 1900 nm which is absorbed by water, while the second optical filter only passes an infra-red signal of wavelength 2200 nm, another wavelength absorbed by water, but not to the same extent as the 1900 nm wavelength. The 2200 nm wavelength serves as a reference signal.

Abstract: An infra red spectrometer incorporates a flow cell connected to a process line containing sugar to provide continuous sugars measurements. The optical components and lamp are selected to operate in the range of 1800 nm to 2500 nm. The absorption at two wavelengths are used to calculate sucrose concentration. Absorbance at one of the wavelengths is independent of sugars concentration so that the difference between the two is indicative of sugar concentration. The method is applicable to both beet and cane sugars as well as any food processing system which requires monitoring of sugar concentrations.

Abstract: A low profile spectrometer includes one or more electromagnetic energy emitters, one or more electromagnetic energy detectors, and an optical path including a sampling element. The optical path optically couples each of the one or more electromagnetic energy emitters to one of the one or more electromagnetic energy detectors. The one or more electromagnetic energy detectors and the one or more electromagnetic energy emitters are formed on a common substrate. The spectrometer may also include one or more first re-imaging elements for optically coupling the one or more electromagnetic energy emitters to the sampling element, and one or more second re-imaging elements for optically coupling the one or more electromagnetic energy detectors to the sampling element. The sampling element is capable of being optically coupled to a sample and provides a path for optically coupling the one or more first re-imaging elements to the one or more second re-imaging elements.

Abstract: A method for measuring a concentration of a hydroperoxide of an alkylaromatic hydrocarbon in a process stream comprises immersing a probe into the process stream; wherein the probe is coupled to a spectrometer; collecting absorption data with the spectrometer at a wavelength of 13,000 cm−1 to 4,000 cm−1; and calculating a concentration of the hydroperoxide of the alkylaromatic hydrocarbon in the process stream. In another embodiment, samples are withdrawn from the process stream and analyzed spectrometrically to determine the concentration of the hydroperoxide of the alkylaromatic hydrocarbon in the sample.

Abstract: An optical absorption measuring instrument for determining the percentage of a component in a fluid shall be improved such that changes in the measuring radiation caused by drift or temperature have only a limited effect on the measuring result. Provisions are made for deflecting the measuring beams (10, 11) from a radiation source (4) to a detector (5) by at least two plane mirrors (71, 72), which are positioned such that the measuring beams (10, 11) emitted by the radiation source (4) are deflected to the detector (5). The surface of each plane mirror (71, 72) is dimensioned to be such that its illuminated surface in the area of the detector (5) is larger than the receiving surface (12) of the detector (5).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for analyzing agricultural products. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device and method for real time, non-destructive analysis of the physical and chemical characteristics of one or more seeds.

Abstract: Surface-enhanced spectroscopy for quantitative analysis of analytes in biological liquid samples. A device for testing a biological liquid sample for the presence or concentration of an analyte includes: (a) a substrate defining a surface which has electrically conductive particles disposed thereon, wherein the surface is adapted to accommodate the liquid sample; (b) means for generating radiation and directing the radiation to be incident on said surface of the substrate so that radiation is emitted from the electrically conductive particles; and (c) means for detecting the emitted radiation. In another embodiment a matrix having electrically conductive particles that are incorporated in the matrix or that are disposed on a surface thereof, wherein the matrix is permeable to the liquid biological sample is used in place of the substrate. The device is particularly suited for determining glucose in human whole blood.

Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for detecting impurities in a material, infrared rays or a plurality of specific wavelength components of the infrared rays are applied to a material on a conveyor, the respective reflection intensities of the specific wavelength components reflected by the material are measured, the measured reflection intensities and the reflection intensities of specific wavelength components inherent to the material are compared, and impurities in the material are detected according to the result of the comparison.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the on-line measurement of a parameter in a processing stream. The system comprises a scanning head mounted adjacent a continuous stream of processed material, the scanning head comprising a remote light source and reflected light gathering and transmission apparatus; a near infrared spectrophotometer which includes a monochromator for resolving the reflected light into light of a discrete wavelength; a database containing a reference calibration equation linking absorption characteristics by wavelength and the quantified presence of the parameter of interest; and a computer for measuring the parameter by application of the calibration equation to the obtained spectrum for a sample and managing said system. The invention also comprises a method of on-line measurement of a parameter in a processing stream by NIR spectroscopy and networks comprising systems according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for measuring the amount of silicone coating on a moving paper or board web. In the invention, the characteristics of the coating (4a) are measured by means of reflection measurement or transmission measurement. The amount of the silicone in the coating is measured by measuring an absorption peak that is characteristic of the silicone in the mid-infrared range.

Abstract: In a plastic identifying apparatus (1), a reference light (L1) and a detecting light (L2), each having a predetermined wavelength, are irradiated to an object to be identified (4), and the transmitted lights of the reference light (L1) and detecting light (L2) are received. A detecting value expressing the quantity of light received of the detecting light (L2) is divided by a reference value expressing the quantity of light received of the reference light (L1), to obtain a computed value, based on which performed is identification of plastic forming the object to be identified 4. The wavelength of the reference light (L1) is in a wavelength band (hereat, 1550 nm) in which the light absorptances of all the types of plastics are of the lowest level, and the wavelength of the detecting light (L2) is in a wavelength region (hereat, in the range of 1700 to 1760 run) in which the absorption wavelength bands of many plastics except for PET, such as HDPE, are present.

Abstract: This invention teaches a method to identify cellular abnormalities which are associated with disease states. The method utilizes infrared (IR) spectra of cell samples which are dried on an infrared-transparent matrix and scanned at the frequency range from 3000-950 cm−1. The identification of samples is based on establishing a reference using a representative set of spectra of normal and/or diseased specimens. During the reference assembly process, multivariate techniques such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and/or Partial Least Squares (PLS) are used. PCA and PLS reduce the data based on maximum variations between the spectra, and generate clusters in a multidimensional space representing the different populations. The utilization of Mahalinobis distances, or linear regression (e.g., Principle Component Regression on the reduced data from PCA) form the basis for the discrimination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to directly measure a lubricating oil's Total Base Number (TBN) during engine operations using an infrared (“IR”) sensing device. The method measures either the actual TBN of the oil, or the TBN depletion of the oil. Either value may be determined without comparison to a reference oil. The method comprises determining the IR spectrum for the oil, pre-selecting a certain frequency range, finding the peak within that range, calculating the absorbance of the peak and determining the TBN or TBN depletion from that value.

Abstract: A qualitative analysis is carried out by first storing reference spectral line data of various elements in different compound forms, exciting a sample and spectroscopically analyzing signal light emitted from the sample to obtain measured spectral line data, determining whether these measured spectral line data include spectral lines of specified compound-forming elements, and comparing the reference spectral line data with the measured spectral line data, if the measured spectral line data are found to include spectral lines of any of the compound-forming elements, to thereby identify elements in the sample.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing a kind of plastic materials, by preparing a test piece of a plastic material; measuring an infrared spectrum of the test piece by attenuated total reflection spectroscopy; and comparing the obtained infrared spectrum with an infrared spectrum of a known plastic. The test piece has a section. The infrared spectrum of the test piece is measured by bringing the crystal for attenuated total reflection spectroscopy into contact with the section of the test piece.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the distribution of a chemical species within a defined space, for example a vessel such as an internal combustion engine cylinder. A plurality of radiation sources and radiation detectors are distributed around the perimeter of the vessel. The radiation sources are distributed to emit beams of radiation across the interior of the vessel, the wavelength of the radiation being selected such that an interaction such as fluorescence or absorption occurs between the radiation and the chemical species which can be detected by the detectors. A representation of the distribution of the chemical species within the vessel can then be derived from the detected interactions by conventional tomography techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for identifying articles which are at least partly made from at least one polymer, using an optical spectrometer and a transport system, said process comprising the steps of:

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identification of plastic materials of interest by optical measurements, preferably spectroscopic measurements, comprising the steps of measuring a sample and providing a sample spectrum, providing reference spectra for a given group of reference materials of interest, determining spectral distances between sample spectrum and reference spectra, material identification by associating the sample to the material having the reference spectrum with the smallest spectral distance to the sample spectrum. In this method at least one identification frequency range having a high absolute deviation ratio D and/or a high smoothed deviation ratio D′ between all pairs of possible plastic materials of interest is determined, and that said spectral distance is only determined within said at least one identification frequency range.

Abstract: A photometric device and method for determining the gross calorific value of a test gas, especially natural gas having a radiation source that produces a measuring beam and a modulation unit to modulate the measuring beam. A test cell with test gas and a receiver for the beam are arranged successively in the path of the measuring beam. The measuring signals of the receiver are supplied to an evaluation unit that includes at least one signal amplifier for the amplification of the signals. The signal amplifier is provided with adjustment devices to adjust the signal amplifier according the spectral properties of the measuring beam. The gross calorific value of the gas is indicated by the sum of the amplified measuring signals produced in a computing machine.

Abstract: A gas detection system and method are provided for determining the type of gas present and the concentration of the gas in terms of a percentage of a specific level of the gas. This percentage level may be in terms of a lower explosive limit level of a combustible gas. The system generally includes a testing chamber, a detection channel apparatus, a memory for storing a plurality of gas signature tables, and a programmed controller for determining the identity and concentration level of a gas. The system and method further provide for the accurate determination of gas concentration level at very high and low concentration levels by weighted average computation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid concentration detecting method and a liquid concentration detecting apparatus in which light beams of at least two different wavelength bands having a central wavelength within a range of from 1.4 to 2.05 &mgr;m are irradiated on to a solution, and concentrations of at least two constituents contained in the solution are detected by detecting the amount of light transmitting through the solution relative to the light beams of each wavelength band. The present invention permits inline real-time detection at a high accuracy of concentrations of a plurality of constituents contained in a chemical solution used in a semiconductor manufacturing process or a liquid crystal substrate manufacturing process. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to high-accuracy and high-reliability detection of the liquid concentration with a simple configuration.

Abstract: A hemispherical detector comprising a plurality of photodetectors arranged in a substantially contiguous array, the array being substantially in the shape of a half-sphere, the half-sphere defining a closed end and an open end, the open end defining a substantially circular face. Also provided is a method for constructing a hemispherical detector comprising the steps of making a press mold of the desired shape of the hemispherical detector, pouring a material into the press mold to form a cast, finishing the cast to remove any defects, coating the cast with a coating material, and attaching a plurality of photodetectors to the cast.

Abstract: Sample carrier for IR spectroscopy which has a sample application zone as well as at least one groove-shaped channel into which liquid is drawn from the sample application zone as a result of capillary forces. A method for IR spectroscopy using a sample carrier according to the invention and a system for IR spectroscopy using the sample carrier according to the invention.

Abstract: An amplifier-enhanced optical analysis system and method to optically analyze a molecular component of a gas, liquid, or solid. The amplifier-enhanced optical system comprises a laser, a light amplifier, and an optical analysis means, all optically coupled so that light at a predetermined wavelength in the near-infrared spectrum is transported from the laser, through the light amplifier, and to the optical analysis means, wherein the predetermined wavelength corresponds to an absorption feature of the molecular component. Optical analysis means preferably comprises photoacoustic analysis equipment.

Abstract: A method for quantitative imaging of gas emissions utilizing optical techniques combining gas correlation techniques with thermal background radiation or as self-emission radiation is presented. A simultaneous recording of images with and without filtering through a gas-filled cell is utilized for the identification of a selected gas A new calibration method provides the display of the integrated gas concentration spatially resolved in the generated final image. The procedure includes methods for a correct subtraction of the zero level, consisting of self-radiation from the dual-image camera device including the as correlation cell,, and electronic offset, and for the calculation of the specific absorption as a function of the difference temperature between the background and the gas emission.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring the millimeter or submillimeter wave absorption spectra in a sample of DNA molecules are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic analysis method of crude oils, using spectroscopy. A near infrared spectroscopic analysis apparatus is combined with an ordinary distillation apparatus, so as to analyze the physical properties of each oil distillate as soon as it is separated from crude oils, thereby bringing about a significant improvement in analysis accuracy and in an economical aspect. It takes only two days for one person to obtain a full assay data for crude oils by taking advantage of the method. In addition to requiring a significantly reduced equipment cost, the method enables full assay data for crude oils to be obtained quickly, thereby securing more up-to-date information about crude oils and producing an economical benefit.

Abstract: A gas analyzer having an analysis or sensor unit and having an electronic processing unit, and a method for operating such a gas analyzer. In order to achieve substantially improved safety both in handling corrosive and/or combustible and/or toxic gases in a not potentially explosive atmosphere (ex-free atmosphere), and in the operation of such an analyzer in an exatmosphere, the analysis or sensor unit as such is of non-explosive configuration and is arranged in a gas tight chamber through which a toxic and/or corrosive and/or combustible gas flows and around which a second chamber is arranged.

Abstract: A semiconductor light-emitting device which emits first light of a wavelength absorbed by a substance containing an OH group is sent toward a detection object. A semiconductor light-emitting device emits second visible light toward the detection object. A photoreceptor receives light from the detection object and acquires first and second received light-quantities derived from the respective ones of the first and second light. A processing system corrects the first photoreceiving quantity on the basis of the second photoreceiving quantity. The processing system determines the color of the detection object by the second photoreceiving quantity, and corrects the first photoreceiving quantity on the basis of this determination result. Further, it compares the corrected first photoreceiving quantity with a prescribed threshold value, detects whether or not water, which is the subject containing the OH group, is contained in the detection object, and outputs the same as an output signal.