Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an irradiation unit for radiating, to an object, light having a plurality of wavelength regions, and an image pickup unit for picking up an image that is obtained when the light having the wavelength regions is radiated by the irradiation unit and an image that is obtained when the light is not radiated by the irradiation unit. Based on both images, a wavelength region from among the wavelength regions is determined in which the intensity of external light is low. The irradiation unit is then controlled to radiate light having an increased emission intensity for the light having the wavelength region in which the intensity of external light is low.

Abstract: A conversion apparatus includes pixels including switching elements provided on an insulating substrate and conversion elements disposed over the switching elements and connected to the switching elements. Conductive lines are coupled to the pixels and have terminal elements for providing a connection to an external circuit. The terminal elements are disposed in a metal layer that is formed over the conversion elements. The conversion apparatus further includes a transparent conductive layer covering surfaces of the terminal elements, and a protective layer covering edges of the terminal elements and having openings.

Abstract: Optical imaging structures and methods are disclosed. One structure may be implemented as an imaging pixel having multiple photodetectors. The photodetectors may detect different wavelengths of incident radiation, and may be operated simultaneously or at separate times. An imager may include an imaging array of pixels of the type described. Methods of operating such structures are also described.

Abstract: Acoustic thermography uses a housing configured for thermal, acoustic and infrared radiation shielding. For in-situ applications, the housing has an open side adapted to be sealingly coupled to a surface region of a structure such that an enclosed chamber filled with air is defined. One or more acoustic sources are positioned to direct acoustic waves through the air in the enclosed chamber and towards the surface region. To activate and control each acoustic source, a pulsed signal is applied thereto. An infrared imager focused on the surface region detects a thermal image of the surface region. A data capture device records the thermal image in synchronicity with each pulse of the pulsed signal such that a time series of thermal images is generated. For enhanced sensitivity and/or repeatability, sound and/or vibrations at the surface region can be used in feedback control of the pulsed signal applied to the acoustic sources.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of compounds of formulae (I) and/or (II) as colorless IR absorbers wherein M is Ni, Pd, Pt, Au, Ir, Fe, Zn, W, Cu, Mo, In, Mn, Co, Mg, V, Cr or Ti, X1, X2 and X3 are each independently of the others sulfur or oxygen, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 and R6 are each independently of the others hydrogen, NR7R8, unsubstituted or substituted C1-C18alkyl, C1-C18 alkyl wherein the alkylene chain is interrupted with oxygen, unsubstituted or substituted C1-C18alkenyl, unsubstituted or substituted aryl, unsubstituted or substituted arylalkyl or unsubstituted or substituted heteroarylalkyl, R7 and R8, each independently of the other, being unsubstituted or substituted C1-C18alkyl, unsubstituted or substituted aryl, unsubstituted or substituted arylalkyl or unsubstituted or substituted heteroarylalkyl, a further IR absorber optionally being added to the compounds of formulae (I) and (II).

Abstract: This invention relates to a compact cavity ring down spectrometer for detection and measurement of trace species in a sample gas using a tunable solid-state continuous-wave mid-infrared PPLN OPO laser or a tunable low-power solid-state continuous wave near-infrared diode laser with an algorithm for reducing the periodic noise in the voltage decay signal which subjects the data to cluster analysis or by averaging of the interquartile range of the data.

Abstract: Rapid, voltage controlled phase modulation of continuous wave THz radiation is demonstrated. By transmitting an infrared laser beam through a phase modulator, the phase of the THz radiation which is generated by the photomixing of two infrared beams can be directly modulated through a 2? phase shift. The 100 kHz modulation rate that is demonstrated is approximately three orders of magnitude faster than what can be achieved by mechanical scanning.

Abstract: A detector unit (301) for detecting electromagnetic radiation (106), the detector unit (301) comprising a conversion material (332) adapted for converting impinging electromagnetic radiation (106) into electric charge carriers, a charge collection electrode (331) adapted for collecting the converted electric charge carriers, a shielding electrode (334, 335) adapted to form a capacitance with the charge collection electrode (331), and an evaluation circuit (312 to 315) electrically coupled with the charge collection electrode (331) and adapted for evaluating the electromagnetic radiation (106) based on the collected electric charge carriers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for imaging incoming radiation. The apparatus includes a radiation shield unit having a cavity. A detector array is positioned at least partially within the cavity and has a planar surface with at least one infrared detector affixed on the detector array. A diffractive optical array is positioned within the cavity and is in thermal communication with the radiation shield unit. The diffractive optical array is configured to diffract and direct the spectral components of the incoming radiation onto the detector array. The apparatus is in an external environment having a predetermined ambient temperature. The radiation shield unit, diffractive optical array and detector array may be temperature-controlled to a temperature that is within a few degrees of the ambient temperature. The radiation shield unit, diffractive optical array and detector array may be temperature-controlled to cryogenic temperatures.

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: An RF electromagnetic radiation detector has a device that has a first terminal and a second terminal with a PN junction therebetween. The first terminal is connected to the P side of the PN junction and the second terminal is connected to the N side of the PN junction, with the device susceptible to a voltage being built across the PN junction in the presence of RF electromagnetic radiation. The detector is first reverse biased by connecting a first voltage to the first terminal and a second voltage, higher than the first voltage to the second terminal. Current is then measured from the second terminal, where the current measured is indicative of the presence of RF electromagnetic radiation. A temperature sensor has a load, that has a first terminal and a second terminal with the first terminal connectable to a first voltage. A capacitor has a third terminal and a fourth terminal with the third terminal connected to the second terminal and the fourth terminal connectable to a second voltage.

Abstract: Real time performance of a combustion process is evaluated by comparing sensor data with a template. Sensor data is derived from a passive infrared system and corresponds to specific heat capacity. Analysis of the real time performance can be used to control a parameter of the combustion process.

Abstract: A method of measuring a terahertz wave includes the steps of: starting input of a pulse signal showing that scale marks have been detected, which are arranged at equal intervals along a moving direction of a movable stage which can move in a direction in which an optical path length of incident pulse light is contracted or extended; and taking signals outputted at pulse intervals of the pulse light from a terahertz wave detecting section by synchronizing the timing with the pulse signal.

Abstract: A passive infrared detector assembly including a detector housing comprising a window transparent to far infrared radiation, at least one sensor sensitive to the far infrared radiation and disposed within the detector housing and an anti-masking subassembly, including at least one light guide having a serrated light aperture, the light aperture defining a plurality of teeth like portions and a plurality of grooves and being disposed close to the outside of the window, at least one infrared light emitter operative to emit near infrared radiation via the light aperture of the at least one light guide and a near infrared radiation receiver operative to receive radiation emitted by the at least one near infrared light emitter and to measure the level of received near infrared radiation and to provide a masking alarm signal upon detection of a predetermined change in the level of the received near infrared radiation.

Abstract: A first frequency of electromagnetic radiation and a second frequency of electromagnetic radiation are received at a detector. The first and second frequencies of electromagnetic radiation are transmitted through a medium within a frequency range of approximately 0.1 TeraHertz to approximately 10 TeraHertz. Signals are generated that are proportional to the transmittance of the frequencies of electromagnetic radiation through the medium. A ratio of the of the signals is formed, and one or more of a relative humidity, an absolute humidity, and a water vapor concentration of the medium are calculated as a function of a temperature of the medium, the ratio, and a set of functional parameters associated with the temperature of the medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for inspecting, by means of at least one sensor (6) sensitive to infrared radiation, hollow transparent or translucid objects (2) at high temperature leaving different moulding cavities (4). According to the invention, to inspect an object the infrared radiation taken into account for the sensitive sensor, and the infrared radiation reflected by said object and issuing from nearby infrared sources to said object are eliminated.

Abstract: A vehicle pre-impact sensing system is provided that includes an array of energy signal transmitters mounted on a vehicle for transmitting signals within multiple transmit zones spaced from the vehicle and an array of receiver elements mounted on the vehicle for receiving signals reflected from an object located in one or more multiple receive zones indicative of the object being in certain one or more zones. A processor processes the received reflected signals and determines range, location, speed and direction of the object, determines whether the object is expected to impact the vehicle as a function of the determined range, location, speed and direction of the object, and generates an output signal indicative of a pre-impact event. The system may detect one or more features of a target object, such as a front end of a vehicle. Additionally, the system may modulate the transmit beams. Further, the system may perform a terrain normalization to remove stationary items.

Abstract: A single-photon detector is disclosed that provides reduced afterpulsing without some of the disadvantages for doing so in the prior art. An embodiment of the present invention provides a stimulus pulse to the active area of an avalanche photodetector to stimulate charges that are trapped in energy trap states to detrap. In some embodiments of the present invention, the stimulus pulse is a thermal pulse.

Abstract: To provide an oil type discrimination method and an oil type discriminator capable of accurately discriminating a type of oil even when light-shielding components exist in the oil and of preventing in advance erroneous discrimination of a mixture of oil. There are provided step S1 in which the transmission spectrum of near infrared light is measured, step S2 in which the transmission spectrum is converted into an absorbance spectrum, a first discrimination step S3 in which between gasoline type and non-gasoline type is discriminated by comparing the difference in absorbance between two wavelengths existing in the vicinities of respective attribute wavelengths of predetermined chemical bonds with 0.

Abstract: A method of obtaining spectral information comprises initiating at least a first excitation at a first excitation frequency and a second excitation at a second frequency in a surface enhanced sample. The method further comprises varying one of said first and second excitation frequencies, detecting an output signal having an output signal strength and identifying an output signal peak. In addition the method includes correlating the identified output signal with the first and second excitation frequencies to obtain spectral information, in which the surface enhanced sample substrate is configured to enhance the field corresponding to at least one of the first and second excitation, or output fields initiated in this sample.

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: Mid-IR spectrometer with no moving parts, which is small and compact, low power consuming, and can monitor blood sugar (glucose) and other blood and bodily fluid analytes on a continuing basis. It has many applications in the health, forensic, environmental and other areas.

Abstract: A system combining the output of a thermal detection and imaging device with a capture and display device, such as a cordless or portable telephone/camera, is used to manage thermal information and displays.

Abstract: To provide an apparatus capable obtaining a temporal waveform of terahertz waves transmitted through or reflected by a sample in a set region. A delay unit is configured to change a timing at which the detection unit detects terahertz waves transmitted through or reflected by a sample, which is originated from terahertz waves generated by a generation unit. A waveform obtaining unit is configured to obtain a temporal waveform of the transmitted terahertz waves which are obtained by using the delay unit. The delay unit, of which more than one may be used, is controlled so that the detection unit detects the transmitted terahertz waves in an area related to the temporal waveform set on the basis of information related to the sample that is pre-stored in the storage unit. Then, a temporal waveform of the transmitted terahertz waves in the area is obtained.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the passive measurement of spectral lines from the absorption or emission by polar molecules. The system includes mmW front-end assembly, back-end electronics, and data acquisition hardware and software was assembled. The method relates to methods for processing multi-channel radiometric data from passive mmW detection systems.

Abstract: An alkylaromatic dehydrogenation system is described. In addition, a method is described for monitoring an alkylaromatic dehydrogenation process comprising: drawing a sample from the process at a first sample point; passing the sample through an analyzer; and measuring the amount of at least one component present in the sample wherein the sample is at least partially uncondensed. An apparatus is also described for monitoring an ethylbenzene dehydrogenation process comprising a plurality of sample lines that are heat-traced sufficiently to inhibit condensation in the sample lines; and a Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer comprising two sample cells wherein the ratio of the length of a first sample cell to the length of the second sample cell is from about 1:1000 to about 1:1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device, system, and associated methods to actively or passively sample air by directing it onto the surface of a porous light-absorbing semiconductor, for example, a desorption/ionization on porous silicon (“DIOS”) chip. Upon adsorption of an analyte, the surface may be analyzed directly by laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Because the process of laser desorption/ionization and subsequent mass detection does not require elevated temperatures, thermal degradation of analytes is avoided.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus is provided which comprises a chip (20) in which a transmission line (2) for propagating an electromagnetic wave is formed on a substrate (1), an electromagnetic wave generator (7) for generating an electromagnetic wave (10), a coupling means (9), and a detector (5) for detecting a propagation state of an electromagnetic wave at an arbitrary location on the transmission line, of the electromagnetic wave propagating through the transmission line (2). An interaction between an object (4) disposed in the vicinity of the transmission line (2) and the electromagnetic wave is detected by the detector (5) to sense a spatial interaction state of the object (4) with the electromagnetic wave.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of motion detection sensors, and in particular to a system and method for adjusting the position of a printed circuit board relative to a focusing element. The invention includes a housing having a front opening and an interior cavity. A focusing element is located within the front opening and the detector is coupled to a printed circuit board located within the interior cavity. A cover is coupled to the printed circuit board and disposed within the interior cavity. A cam is operatively coupled with the cover and the printed circuit board for adjusting the position of the printed circuit board such that the detector's position is adjusted relative to the focusing element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting an electromagnetic radiation comprising a resistive imaging bolometer sensitive to the electromagnetic radiation to be detected, intended to be connected electrically to a signal shaping circuit, and a resistive common mode rejection bolometer that is associated electrically with the imaging bolometer, so that the current flowing through the common mode rejection bolometer is subtracted from the current flowing through the imaging bolometer, wherein it comprises means for controlling the resistance of the common mode rejection bolometer by injecting current therein.

Abstract: Dimensional parameters of structures on a substrate are measured by providing a substrate with a structured surface. The structured surface includes a number of juxtaposed structural elements. A radiation source is configured to emit a beam of radiation having a wavelength in the infrared range. The substrate is illuminated with the beam of radiation. A signal corresponding to a part of the beam of radiation being transmitted through the substrate is detected. Dimensional parameters of the structural elements are calculated based on the transmitted beam signal.

Abstract: A method for determining the amplitude of an infrared object may include receiving an infrared image of the object from a sensor, and expressing the objects infrared amplitude as a function of its position coordinates. The sum of the squared residuals of the objects true infrared response and a model of the objects infrared response may be minimized to determine the centroid of the infrared image. The objects infrared amplitude may then determined based on the centroid location.

Abstract: The invention relates to matrix image sensors of the bolometric type, in which each pixel comprises a bolometric resistor whose value varies according to the thermal flow received by the pixel. The resistor is biased by a bias voltage of value Vpol. The current that passes through it is compensated for by a compensation current Icomp, the difference between these currents being integrated in order to produce a measurement signal. The bias voltage (or the compensation current) is adjusted pixel by pixel, for example during a calibration phase, so that all the pixels have an apparent identical sensitivity despite the dispersion of the nominal value of the bolometric resistor. The adjustment is carried out in an analogue manner by storing an individual voltage specific to each pixel in a sensitivity trimmer capacitor specific to this pixel. The capacitor acts directly on the adjustment of the bias voltage or on other parameters playing a role in the sensitivity of the pixel (integration time for example).

Abstract: A sun detection sensor assembly for attachment to a thermal imaging device, comprising an elongated tubular body having two ends and a sensor, characterized as Sun TECT sensor, attached to one end, the Sun TECT sensor having a tubular body, an IR window positioned at one end of the tubular body, and a photo a infrared photo transistor positioned within the tubular body, opposite the IR window, the infrared photo transistor having a photo sensitive surface for detecting the exposure from sun when the sun is within a field of view of the Sun TECT Sensor, and an automatic ON/OFF mechanism which is activated by the infrared photo transistor and protecting the thermal imaging device from undesired and harmful infrared radiation.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device, such as a CMOS sensor, includes a unit pixel having a charge generation unit for generating signal charge, a floating diffusion for accumulating the signal charge generated by the charge generation unit, a transfer gate transistor for transferring the signal charge in the charge generation unit to the floating diffusion, a reset transistor for resetting the floating diffusion, and an amplifying transistor for generating a signal in accordance with the signal charge generated by the charge generation unit and outputting the signal to a vertical signal line. The width of a reset pulse for driving the reset transistor is sufficiently decreased to, for example, less than or equal to ½, and preferably less than or equal to ? of the response time of a signal that has occurred on the vertical signal line in response to the reset pulse.

Abstract: A spectroscopic identification method and system are provided that uses the primary or main spectroscopic features of a source, such as those as arising from chemical functional groups, to describe and distinguish the source. These primary spectroscopic features make up a portion (i.e., are a subset) of the entire spectroscopic data for a particular source but can nevertheless be used as the basis of separating spectra from multiple source. When analyzing spectroscopic data obtained from a sample for one or more sources, the analysis first focuses on the primary spectroscopic features for a source rather than the entire spectra for a source.

Abstract: In apparatuses and methods for adjusting a distance to an object, or examining an object, by using terahertz radiation, a sensor portion and a distance changing portion are used. The sensor portion includes a generator for generating terahertz radiation, a transmission line for transmitting the terahertz radiation, and a detector for detecting the terahertz radiation transmitted through the transmission line. The distance changing portion is configured to change the distance between the object and the sensor portion. The distance is adjusted based on information of the terahertz radiation detected by the detector. The object is examined based on the information of the terahertz radiation detected by the detector, after the distance is adjusted based on the information of the terahertz radiation detected by the detector. Under a condition of the adjusted distance, leaking electromagnetic field of the terahertz radiation transmitted through the transmission line interacts with the object.

Abstract: A sampling device, for example a sampling valve, is disclosed for introduction of samples into an analysis system. The sampling device comprises a turning element provided with a sampling area. The sampling area is configured to retain samples to be analysed. The turning element is arranged for movement between a first position where the sampling area is exposed to material to be sampled for collection of samples and a second position where samples are released for use by the analysis system.

Abstract: An optical filter device for filtering radiation energy includes a substrate having a plurality of coating layers which are both transmissive to a specified wavelength band of radiation. The plurality of coating layers on a surface of the substrate each have a specified coating thickness. The plurality of coating layers cause destructive interference and/or reflection of the radiation outside the specified wavelength band of the radiation while radiation within the specified wavelength band is passed through the substrate and the plurality of coating layers. The substrate or window/filter may be positioned in a housing between a receiving element such as a pyroelectric element and the radiation energy wherein the specified wavelength band of radiation passes through the substrate and plurality of coating layers to the pyroelectric element. A signaling device communicates a signal indicating when the radiation energy within the specified wavelength band reaches the at least one pyroelectric element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit for transition-edge bolometers, which comprises a resistor element (1) arranged to operate in the transition-edge zone, and an amplifier (5) connected to the resistor element (1). According to the invention, in connection with the amplifier (5) means are arranged for implementing positive (4, 5) and negative (5, 2) feedbacks in the resistance measurement.

Abstract: A system 100 for authenticating a physical product 110, such as a banknote, including at least one physical product and a verification device 130. The physical product including a random distribution of a plurality of physically detectable particles 112 in a substrate of the product. In association with the physical product, a digital representation (114) is stored (‘stored representation’) of measured physical properties of the particles including an actual distribution of at least some of the particles, where the physical properties are measured through reflection and transmission. The verification device includes a measurement unit 450 for determining a digital representation (‘measured representation’) based on measurements of physical properties of the particles, including an actual distribution of at least some of the particles, through reflection and transmission; and a comparison unit 470 for comparing the measured representation with the stored representation.

Abstract: In accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention, an infrared camera includes an infrared detector providing infrared data and a programmable logic device providing timing and control signals to the infrared detector and processing the infrared data to provide an output signal based on the infrared data. Additional memory devices, if present, may be controlled by the programmable logic device, which manages the flow of information for the memory devices.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting, by absorption spectroscopy, an isotopic ratio of a sample, by passing first and second laser beams of different frequencies through the sample. Two IR absorption cells are used, a first containing a reference gas of known isotopic ratio and the second containing a sample of unknown isotopic ratio. An interlacer or reflective chopper may be used so that as the laser frequencies are scanned the absorption of the sample cell and the reference cell are detected alternately. This ensures that the apparatus is continuously calibrated and rejects the baseline noise when phase sensitive detection is used.

Abstract: A light control system and method for a film viewer (10). The viewer (10) includes an infrared emitter (50) with an infrared detector (52) in communication with a microprocessor (34). When a radiograph (40) is inserted within the film viewer (10), the radiograph (10) is interposed between the emitter (50) and detector (52). The microprocessor (34) detects a change in the emissions sensed by the detector (52) and illuminates the viewer (10). The invention also provides a film holder (16) that includes a plurality of rollers (60) interposed between the holder (16) and the screen (14).

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for using color inconstancy pigments and/or dyes, such as rare earth doped color inconstancy pigments, in security applications including semi-overt and covert security application.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus includes an irradiation unit for radiating, to an object, light having a plurality of wavelength regions, and an image pickup unit for picking up an image that is obtained when the light having the wavelength regions is radiated by the irradiation unit and an image that is obtained when the light is not radiated by the irradiation unit. Based on both images, a wavelength region from among the wavelength regions is determined in which the intensity of external light is low. The irradiation unit is then controlled to radiate light having an increased emission intensity for the light having the wavelength region in which the intensity of external light is low.

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: An apparatus and method are provided for sensing infrared radiation. The apparatus includes a sensor element that is positioned in a magnetic field during operation to ensure a ? shaped relationship between specific heat and temperature adjacent the Curie temperature of the ferroelectric material comprising the sensor element. The apparatus is operated by inducing a magnetic field on the ferroelectric material to reduce surface charge on the element during its operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for characterizing gas flow through features fabricated in a hollow part. A pressurized gas is applied to an interior of the part, and this gas pressure flows outward through features fabricated in the part. At the same time, a stabilizing pressurized gas is applied to an exterior part skin; and the stabilizing gas has a controlled temperature differential from the gas applied to the part interior. An infrared signature of escaping gas and the surrounding part skin is analyzed by a classification method. Analysis of this infrared signature classifies the relative flow rate, size and position of the feature fabricated in the part.

Abstract: A passive, remote sensor including an optical subsystem for receiving electromagnetic radiation scattered off a surface. A detector is responsive to electromagnetic radiation received by the optical subsystem and generates a composite signal comprising a DC current component and an AC current component. A filter extracts the DC current component from the composite signal. A light emitting device is driven by the DC current component. A detector is responsive to the light emitting device and is connected to the first detector to subtract at least a portion of the DC component from the composite signal producing a modified signal. An amplifier is responsive to the modified signal detects vibrations of the surface to be detected.