Abstract: The present invention is a method of determining the presence of keratin, particularly hard keratin, such as exists in mammalian hair and feathers, and objects comprising such materials. The method of the present invention also includes displaying information derived from such a determination, as well as a measurement method followed by transmission of data to a remote processing site for analysis or display. The invention also includes devices for carrying out the determination, display and/or transmission.

Abstract: A method of mounting a sensor in a region includes mounting at least one motion sensor within a region. The at least one motion sensor has a detection area, and has a central axis of detection within the detection area. The at least one motion sensor is oriented so that the central axis of detection diagonally intersects a floor of the region at an angle within a range of 20°-70°.

Abstract: In a sensing device and a method for sending a light by using the same, the sensing device includes: a lower panel; an upper panel facing the lower panel; a liquid crystal layer disposed between the lower panel and the upper panel; an infrared ray sensor formed in at least one of the lower panel and the upper panel; and a visible ray sensor formed in at least one of the lower panel and the upper panel. The sensing device simultaneously includes the infrared ray sensor and the visible ray sensor such that a touch sensing function or an image sensing function having high reliability may be realized.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting the contour data and/or optical characteristics of an object, such as a tooth or a tooth restoration, based on an interference and/or autocorrelation measurement using an image sensor. To permit an exact surface detection in addition to a determination of the optical characteristics of the object, individual light beams strike the object, which are located at a distance from one another in such a way that no impact of reflected individual light beams takes place on immediately adjacent pixels of the image sensor.

Abstract: A surface plasmon polariton (SPP) pixel structure is provided. The SPP pixel structure includes a coupling structure that couples the probing light into the SPP mode by matching the in-plane wave vector by changing the refractive index of the coupling structure using thermo-optic effects to vary the coupling strength of the probing light into the SPP mode. An absorber layer is positioned on the coupling structure for absorbing incident infrared/thermal radiation being detected.

Abstract: According to an embodiment there is provided a bi-directional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) instrument, including an enclosure having a plurality of sides. A first side has a relatively high reflectivity substantially non-specular interior surface, while each of the remaining sides has a relatively low reflectivity interior surface. A bottom of the enclosure has a relatively low reflectivity interior surface. A viewport is formed in one of the plurality of sides or the bottom, at least one exit port is formed in at least one of the sides, and at least one entrance port is formed in at least of the sides.

Abstract: A radiation detector (100) includes a scintillator (102), a wavelength shifter (112), and a photodetector (110). The scintillator (102) produces scintillation photons of a first relatively short wavelength, for example in the ultraviolet or deep ultraviolet. The photodetector is sensitive to photons in the visible portion of the spectrum. The wavelength shifter reduces a spectral mismatch between the scintillator (102) and the photodetector (110).

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for controlling the Limiting Oxygen Value (LOV) of a reactor for producing ethylene oxide using a tunable diode laser. The sample to be tested is extracted. A method for controlling oxygen analyzer safety shutdown for a reactor for producing ethylene oxide using a tunable diode laser is also described.

Abstract: A method for acquiring an accurate time waveform of terahertz waves includes: acquiring a first time waveform by using a first delay portion with a first difference in length of the optical paths in the second delay portion, using a second delay portion to change the first difference in length of the optical paths to a second difference in length of the optical paths that is different from the first difference in length of the optical paths, acquiring a second time waveform by using the first delay portion with the second difference in length of the optical paths, adjusting the acquired first and second time waveforms in accordance with a predetermined differences in length of the optical paths based on the first and second differences in length of the optical paths, and averaging the first and second time waveforms according to the predetermined difference in length of the optical paths.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermal detectors having an optical cavity that is optimized to couple light into a sensor. Light that is on resonance is coupled with the sensor with as high as 100% efficiency, while light off resonance is substantially reflected away. Light that strikes the sensor from the sides (i.e. not on the optical cavity axis) only interacts minimally with sensor because of the reduced absorption characteristics of the sensor. Narrowband sensors in accordance with the present invention can gain as much as 100% of the signal from one direction and spectral band, while receiving only a fraction of the normal radiation noise, which originates from all spectral bands and directions.

Abstract: A self-powered energy harvesting unit/controller receives motion data from one or more self-powered sensors via low power wire. The energy harvesting unit sends signals wirelessly to a system to perform certain functions as a result of received motion signals or the absence of such motion signals.

Abstract: Disclosed is an IR measuring instrument (1) comprising a least one sensor element (29) which is sensitive to infrared radiation and generates an output signal (12) that depends on the radiation incident on the at least one sensor element (29). The output signal (12) for a predefined incident radiation can be varied by means of an integration time. The actual temperature prevailing on the at least one sensor element (29) is detected and is used for varying the integration time in such a way that the integration time compensates the influence of the temperature variations on the output signal (12) of the at least one sensor element (29).

Abstract: To improve the precision of temperature compensation in an infrared sensor and obtain a sharp image, a correction is applied to a variation in output voltage (referred to as “background infrared radiation absorption intensity distribution” below) due to intensity distribution of background infrared radiation, which is light other than the incident infrared radiation on the infrared sensor, and the temperature characteristic of each individual bolometer constituting the infrared sensor. That is, the temperature of the infrared sensor is measured as a first temperature, a correction value for the output voltage of each bolometer is found by referring to a table, which indicates the background infrared radiation absorption intensity distribution versus the temperature of the infrared sensor, as well as the first temperature, and the variation in output voltage is corrected.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a terahertz wave includes a dispersing section 103 for chirping the terahertz wave 104 generated from a generating section 101. A detecting section 102 detects waveform information on the terahertz wave chirped by the dispersing section 103. As a result, it is possible to acquire frequency information included in the waveform information. Therefore, it is possible to acquire spectral information including amplitude information of each frequency component and intensity information on each frequency or wavelength from the time waveform without Fourier-transforming the time waveform.

Abstract: A charge injection circuit is used to control injection of an electronic charge to be added to a photon-induced charge generated by a detector of a direct integration circuit. The electronic charge can be injected directly to the detector or through a parallel path to the detector.

Abstract: A terahertz time-domain spectrometer scanning sensor system includes a transmitter and a receiver that are secured to a mobile scanner head. Optical pump light, in the form of short pulses launched from a stationary laser located remotely from the scanner head, is delivered to the transmitter and receiver through a controlled fiber optic cable arrangement so that variations in temporal pulse relays that are associated fiber optic transmission are minimized. In this fashion, the movement of the fiber optic cable is maneuvered along a defined path so as to control the bends in the cable and thus minimize variations in temporal delays that can otherwise arise as the pulses of light are transmitted through the fiber. Pulses of laser light launched from the laser into the optical fiber will exit the cable with consistent (i) time of arrival, (ii) phase duration, and (iii) polarization state and energy.

Abstract: This invention provides a device and a method for THz imaging to obtain real 3D image of sample and achieve high resolution, by combining THz technology and amplitude-division interference technology.

Abstract: Systems and methods for imaging and chemically identifying contraband are described. In one aspect, a method is provided for locating and identifying contraband on a subject. The method includes scanning the subject using a plurality of imaging sensors to collect radiometric data, collecting chemical data from chemical vapors and particles located on and/or near the subject using a trace-detection sensor, and fusing the collected radiometric data and the collected chemical data to generate at least one of a location of the contraband and a probability of a chemical composition of the contraband.

Abstract: A method for adjusting output ratio of an optic sensor includes the following steps: measuring and obtaining a response spectrum of the optic sensor; analyzing optic response ratios of the response spectrum at different wavelengths; designing a ratio of light reception areas of the optic sensor, the design being carried out in accordance with three aspects of “the response spectrum” “a fixed proportional relationship being present between multiplication of the optic response ratio and the light reception area and an output of light current” and “a proportional relationship being present between the light reception area and the output of the light current”; and obtaining light current outputs of identical proportions (such as 1:1:1) or in a desired ratio (meaning any arbitrary ratio other than 1:1:1, such as 1:2:1, 1:2:3, or 3:4:5) in accordance with the design of the previous step.

Abstract: Disclosed are lighting techniques, including systems, apparatus, and methods, that employ optical transmission of two-dimensional control signals to manipulate lighting elements. The lighting apparatus can include a projector with an IR LED array to wirelessly transmit pixel information onto a target space. The pixel information controls lighting elements within the target space. The two-dimensional control signals can includes subareas corresponding to lighting elements in a control array. The lighting elements can be lights of desired wavelengths including infrared and/or visible wavelengths. LEDs can be used as light sources in exemplary embodiments.

Abstract: This invention provides a hydrocarbon concentration measuring apparatus, which, even when the concentration and composition of hydrocarbons contained in an object gas to be measured vary, can measure the concentration of the hydrocarbons with good response and good accuracy, and a hydrocarbon measuring method. Light with a waveband including a common absorption region, which is absorbed by a single or a plurality of chemical species, is applied to the object gas by an infrared irradiation equipment. The light applied to the object gas is detected with a line sensor. The absorbance in the common absorption region of the object gas is computed with an analyzer based on the detected light. The sum of concentrations of chemical species, which absorb light in the waveband in the common absorption region, in the single or plurality of chemical species contained in the object gas, is computed with the analyzer based on the absorbance.

Abstract: Disclosed are lighting techniques, including systems, apparatus, and methods, that employ optical transmission of two-dimensional control signals to manipulate lighting elements. The lighting apparatus can include a projector with an IR LED array to wirelessly transmit pixel information onto a target space. The pixel information controls lighting elements within the target space. The two-dimensional control signals can includes subareas corresponding to lighting elements in a control array. The lighting elements can be lights of desired wavelengths including infrared and/or visible wavelengths. LEDs can be used as light sources in exemplary embodiments.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method which enable acquisition of a temporal waveform of a propagating terahertz wave by changing a propagation velocity of the terahertz wave. A waveform information acquisition apparatus includes a generation portion for generating a terahertz wave, a propagation portion for allowing the terahertz wave generated by the generation portion to propagate therethrough, a detection portion for detecting waveform information of the terahertz wave, a first delay portion for changing a propagation velocity of the terahertz wave, and a control portion for controlling the first delay portion to change the propagation velocity of the terahertz wave in the propagation portion, and acquires information regarding the temporal waveform of the terahertz wave detected by the detection portion.

Abstract: An infrared sensor includes a photodiode receiving an infrared signal. A first amplifier is connected to the photodiode. A second amplifier is connected to the first amplifier. A DC servo is connected in a feedback loop between the output of the second amplifier and the positive side of the first amplifier. An analog-to-digital signal converter is connected to the second amplifier. An output driver is connected to the analog-to-digital signal converter. The infrared sensor may receive and retransmit an infrared signal and may be incorporated in an infrared repeater system.

Abstract: A method for imaging a sample, the method comprising the steps of: (a) irradiating the surface of a sample with a source of coherent substantially continuous radiation with a frequency in the range 25 GHz to 100 THz; (b) detecting said radiation reflected from or transmitted by the sample; (c) providing and detecting a probe beam having a phase related to that of the radiation leaving the source; (d) analysing the detected radiation for at least one characteristic feature within the radiation and monitoring any change in phase of such at least one feature in order to derive structural information about the sample as a function of depth from the surface of the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for enabling and disabling a lookdown zone mask in an intrusion detector unit. The unit may include a passive infrared motion detector, a lens assembly, and a mask or cover which selectively enables and disables a lookdown zone associated with the detector. The lens assembly provides a lens proximate the detector. The lens provides the lookdown zone. When the mask substantially covers the lens, the lookdown zone is disabled because the path of radiant energy to the detector is blocked and prevents the detector from detecting any motion in the lookdown zone. When the mask does not cover the lens, the lookdown zone is enabled because the lens permits the path of radiant energy to the detector through the lens and allows the detector to detect any motion in the lookdown zone.

Abstract: Counterfeit electronic devices are detected by comparing a thermal profile of the counterfeit device and an authentic device under predetermined operating conditions. A thermal profile for an authentic electronic device is recorded executing an instruction set over time, such as with static infrared images at predetermined times, video infrared images over a predetermined time period or temperature measurements made at predetermined locations of the electronic device. In one embodiment, a thermal profile indicates that a processor device has been used in the place of a field programmable grid array device. In an alternative embodiment, an electromagnetic profile is detected instead of or in addition to the thermal profile. The electromagnetic profile of an authentic device is used to create an expected profile for comparison with an electromagnetic profile of electronic devices under test.

Abstract: A vacuum package has a chamber in which pressure is reduced to less than the atmospheric pressure, a functional component sealed in the chamber, and a material forming at least a part of the chamber. The material has at least one through hole to evacuate the chamber. In a cross section perpendicular to the material taken along the through hole, an edge portion of the material forming the through hole has an obtuse angle. The through hole is sealed with a sealing material.

Abstract: The invention is to provide an inspection apparatus causing interactions of plural times between an object and an electromagnetic wave, thereby enabling inspection with a satisfactory sensitivity even for an object of a trace amount. The inspection apparatus detects information from an object 112 based on a change in an electromagnetic wave transmission state caused by plural times of interactions between the electromagnetic wave and the object 112.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for characterizing gas flow through features fabricated in a hollow part. A pressure regulated cooled gas is applied to an interior of the part to the features fabricated in the part. At the same time, a pressure regulated heated gas is applied to an exterior part skin; and the heated gas has a controlled temperature differential from the pressure regulated cooled gas applied to the part interior. An infrared signature of escaping gas and the surrounding part skin is analyzed by a classification method to identify acceptable and unacceptable fabricated features.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are described to assist in reducing dark current in an active pixel sensor. In various embodiments, a potential barrier arrangement is configured to block the flow of charge carriers generated outside a photosensitive region. In various embodiments, a potential well-potential barrier arrangement is formed to direct charge carriers away from the photosensitive region during an integration time.

Abstract: A kit, apparatus and method are presented for use in measuring an optical property of a sample. The kit comprises at least one reference unit, having a reference surface of a directional emissivity of a certain value; and main and auxiliary chambers, each defining an optical window allowing passage of electromagnetic radiation therethrough. The main chamber is configured to define a region thereof for accommodating the reference unit and the sample, and is configured to screen this region from external radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for generating and detecting coherent electromagnetic radiation (8) in the THz frequency range, comprising an optically parametric oscillator (2) for generating electromagnetic radiation in the THz frequency range (8). In order to provide a device for generating and detecting electromagnetic radiation in the THz frequency range, according to the invention the device comprises a coherent phase-sensitive detector (3, 21) for detecting the intensity and phase of the electromagnetic radiation generated by the optically parametric oscillator (2).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a spectroscopic method and an apparatus which can measure a trace element accurately with high sensitivity. In order to achieve this object, for example, in Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), a reference spectrum and a measurement spectrum including an impurity spectrum are measured in order to obtain a differential spectrum comprising the impurity spectrum and a flat baseline, correction including a frequency shift of the reference spectrum before calculating a differential spectrum, is performed on the reference spectrum. This makes it possible to remove baseline deformation due to phonon absorbance of silicon included in the conventional differential spectrum, and to obtain an infrared absorption spectrum of the substitutional carbon with high accuracy and high sensitivity.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus measures a time-domain waveform of THz wave pulse by time-domain spectroscopy. The apparatus includes a detector for detecting THz wave pulse containing a signal component at frequency fs, a small signal detector for detecting the signal component at frequency fs of a signal supplied from the detecting portion, with a time constant ?, and an integrator. The integrator is connected to an output stage of the small signal detector to integrate signals supplied from the small signal detector, and has a time constant below the time constant ? and over 1/(2fs).

Abstract: A through-substrate optical imaging device for through-imaging of translucent work objects, includes a radiation source outputting radiation that will be transmissive through the work object and an imaging system configured for capturing inspection information from the radiation source through the work object. The radiation source is configured such that the radiation impinges on the surface of the work object under various angles of incidence. A method for through-substrate optical imaging of a translucent work object includes irradiating the translucent work object by radiation from a radiation source; capturing inspection information from the radiation source through the translucent work object, the inspection information being captured by an imaging system; and irradiating the translucent work object. The translucent work object is irradiated by radiation which impinges on the surface of the translucent work object under one of various angles of incidence and orientations.

Abstract: Enclosure door status may be detected. Light may be transmitted from a first component. The light may be received at a second component when a door is in a substantially closed position. The door may be mounted on a structure wherein an angle of incidence between the light transmitted from the first component and the second component increases proportionally to an angle of incidence between the door and the structure. The door may be determined to be in an open position when a light intensity received at the second component is less than a predetermined light intensity value that corresponds to a predetermined angle of incidence between the door and the structure. The first component may comprise a low divergence light emitting diode (LED) transmitter that may be configured to transmit light at a wavelength of approximately 950 nm. The second component may comprise a low profile silicon photodiode.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for tracking multiple infrared signal coordinates. The method for tracking multiple infrared signal coordinates includes: sequentially operating a plurality of infrared generators; photographing the infrared generators; calculating frequency photographed by each infrared generators; and when the calculated frequency at the time of calculating does not meet the reference value, delaying, by a delay time, the flickering of the infrared generator where the frequency does not meet the reference value.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for detecting unknown chemical compounds in the field are provided. A Digital Signal Processor (DSP) includes a database of chemical signatures and corresponding chemicals. An air sample is analyzed in the field and chemical signature of any chemicals present is determined. This chemical signature is then correlated with the chemicals in the database. If a match is found, the operator is alerted to the fact. If no match is found, the operator is alerted to the fact that an unknown chemical compound is found but no correlation could be found. A corresponding system and method are provided.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting electromagnetic radiation, having a detection element; and at least one electrode; the detection element and the at least one electrode forming a variable capacitor, and a change in the capacitance of the capacitor being caused by the detected electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer for operation in the mid- and long-wave infrared region (about 2-15 micron wavelengths) is disclosed. The FTIR spectrometer is composed of IR-transmitting fiber and uses a broadband IR source. A fiber stretcher is provided to provide a path difference between a first path and a second path having a sample associated therewith. Stretching of the fiber provides a path difference sufficient to generate an interferogram that can subsequently be analyzed to obtain information about a sample. A method for use of the apparatus of the invention is also disclosed. The method involves stretching of an IR-transmitting fiber to create a path difference sufficient to generate an interferogram. Various aspects of these features enable the construction of compact, portable spectrometers.

Abstract: A gas detector 10 comprising a first radiation source 12 for emitting radiation at a first frequency, a second radiation source 14 for emitting radiation at a second frequency, a radiation detector 18 adapted simultaneously to detect temporally overlapping radiation from both the first and second radiation sources which in use pass through a sample region 16 located between the first and second radiation sources 12, 14 and the detector 18, and further, comprising a processor 20 enabling comparison of the radiation detected by the detector 18 from the first and second radiation sources 12, 14 thereby to determine the level of a pre-determined gas in the sample region.

Abstract: A human-machine interface device and an activating method for a back light unit thereof are provided. The human-machine interface device includes a light sensor, an infrared sensor and a back light unit. The infrared sensor being selectively activated detects whether any part of a user body is within a sensing range when the infrared sensor is activated. When the light sensor detects that the ambient light intensity changes from a higher light intensity to a lower light intensity and the variation from the higher light intensity to the lower light intensity exceeds a predetermined light intensity difference, the infrared sensor is activated for a first period. When the activated infrared sensor detects that the part of a user body is within the sensing range, the back light unit is activated for a second period.

Abstract: A system and method for clock synchronization and position determination using entangled photon pairs is provided. The present invention relies on the measurement of the second order correlation function of entangled states. Photons from an entangled photon source travel one-way to the clocks to be synchronized. By analyzing photon registration time histories generated at each clock location, the entangled states allow for high accuracy clock synchronization as well as high accuracy position determination.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a material having a spinel ferrite/iron monoxide structure as a sensitive material in the form of a thin film for the bolometric detection of infrared radiation, the chemical composition of said structure, excluding doping agents that may be present, having empirical formula (I): (Fe1?zMz)xO, where x is strictly less than 1 and strictly greater than 0.75. The invention also relates to a bolometric device for infrared radiation detection and infrared imaging, comprising at least one sensor provided with a sensitive element in the form of a thin film as defined above.

Abstract: A detector having a field of view in elevation on the order of one hundred eighty degrees in one plane and three hundred sixty degrees in a perpendicular plane includes a generally hemispherical lens in combination with an optical frustum. The combination directs incident radiant energy within the field of view onto a centrally located sensor.

Abstract: An imaging circuit comprises an image detector, accumulator coupled to the image detector, a focus/defocus mechanism focusing and defocusing an optical image onto the image detector; and a controller operatively connected to the focus/defocus mechanism, wherein the controller controls the focus/defocus mechanism to focus and defocus the optical image onto the image detector to provide focused and defocused images; where the controller controls the focus/defocus mechanism to focus the optical image onto the image detector to provide charge carriers of the focused image onto the accumulator, where the accumulator accumulates the charge carriers of the focused image, the controller controls the focus/defocus mechanism to defocus the optical image onto the image detector to provide charge carriers of the defocused image onto the accumulator, where the accumulator subtracts the charge carriers of the defocused image, and the imaging circuit reads out the charge carriers from the accumulator representative of a low

Abstract: An apparatus and method for characterizing gas flow through features fabricated in a hollow part. A pressure regulated cooled gas is applied to an interior of the part to the features fabricated in the part. At the same time, a pressure regulated heated gas is applied to an exterior part skin; and the heated gas has a controlled temperature differential from the pressure regulated cooled gas applied to the part interior. An infrared signature of escaping gas and the surrounding part skin is analyzed by a classification method to identify acceptable and unacceptable fabricated features.

Abstract: A compact, solid-state THz source based on the driven Josephson vortex lattice in a highly anisotropic superconductor such as Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 that allows cw emission at tunable frequency. A second order metallic Bragg grating is used to achieve impedance matching and to induce surface emission of THz-radiation from a Bi2Sr2CaCu2O8 sample. Steering of the emitted THz beam is accomplished by tuning the Josephson vortex spacing around the grating period using a superimposed magnetic control field.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for controlling the Limiting Oxygen Value (LOV) of a reactor for producing ethylene oxide using a tunable diode laser. The sample to be tested is extracted. A method for controlling oxygen analyzer safety shutdown for a reactor for producing ethylene oxide using a tunable diode laser is also described.