Abstract: The invention relates to methods of localizing a deviant region in a turbid medium. The invention also relates to devices for carrying out such methods. Said methods can possibly be used in optical mammography where a breast of a female body is examined by means of light. Said methods produce images in which any deviations, for example tumors, can be clearly recognized. This is achieved inter alia by providing markers (10) in an image (9) of the turbid medium.

Abstract: An optical transmitter is equipped with a transmitted pulse modulator at which a plurality of optical transmission patterns have previously been stored. The respective stored optical transmission patterns have mutually different ratios between infrared pulse ON times and OFF times. The optical output of infrared signal(s) transmitted from an optical transmitter is made variable as a result of the fact that infrared pulse(s) output during infrared output period(s) is/are output in accordance with an optical transmission pattern which is selected from among the plurality of optical transmission patterns.

Abstract: First embodiment: an article is conveyed in a first direction at different speeds at different positions on the article in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. For example, when the article is conveyed in a rotary direction, the positions on the radially outer side of the article rotate at higher speeds than the positions at the radially inner side of the article. Radiant energy directed against the conveyed article is scanned on a cyclic basis in the second direction between the radially inner and outer sides of the article. During the scanning, the intensity of the radiant energy is varied at each position in the second direction to direct a constant intensity of radiant energy against the article at every position in the article. Second embodiment: the article scanning in the second direction is varied according to the article characteristics (e.g. thickness) in the second direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating a semiconductor wafer. A combination of a photothermal modulated reflectance method and system with a photothermal IR radiometry system and method is utilized to provide information which can be used to determine properties of semiconductor wafers being evaluated. The system and method can provide for utilizing a common probe source and a common intensity modulated energy source. The system and method further provide an infrared detector for monitoring changes in infrared radiation emitted from a sample, and photodetector for monitoring changes in beam reflected from the sample.

Abstract: An object being inspected that contains a liquid product is irradiated with light from a first side face thereof and with light given with a tilt from either side of a second side face opposite to the first side face with respect to the object being inspected, transmitted light and reflected light from the object being inspected are received by imaging means provided at the second side face, and an image signal from the imaging means is processed, whereby a foreign matter got entered the liquid product is detected based on the image processing. Consequently, it is possible to provide inspecting method and apparatus for a foreign matter for use in a production line for manufacturing liquid products, such as drinks and liquid drugs, which can detect, at a high speed in a reliable manner, whether a foreign matter has entered a liquid inside a container, such as a bottle or a PET bottle, and a foreign matter got entered a colored bottle or PET bottle or a colored liquid as well.

Abstract: A system and method for THz imaging utilizing a single THz detector that detects an image of a large area and provides good spatial details (high resolution). In one aspect, the system can individually modulate a different pixel of an image. The system could be a series of masks. Each mask may include holes that may be turned on/off with a distinct pattern from all of the other holes. Once the data for each mask has been received, the data for each hole may be extracted according to its modulation pattern. Another modulation system may include a micro-mirror array that deflects the THz signal towards or away from the THz detector.

Abstract: A system and method for THz imaging utilizing a single THz detector that detects an image of a large area and provides good spatial details (high resolution). In one aspect, the THz beam passes through an object to be imaged, and a THz fiber bundle having a plurality of THz fibers collect the THz beam on the other side of the object and transmit the beams to a single THz detector. Each THz fiber imparts a different time delay to the beam traveling therein. Therefore, the spatial information is converted into time information in the form of time delays. Knowing the distance each part of the imaging area must travel (hence the time it takes) before reaching the THz detector, one can recover the spatial information from the time data. In another aspect, the THz fiber bundle is replaced with a mask having an array of holes with each hole having a different depth or a different refractive index. In still another aspect, the THz fiber array is replaced with a plate holding different masks.

Abstract: An infrared banknote acceptor for use to verify the authenticity of banknotes is constructed to include a housing, the housing having a base adapted to hold the banknote to be verified, a light source adapted to emit an infrared light beam onto the banknote carried on the base of the housing for verification, an image pickup adapted to receive infrared light reflected by the ink of the banknote carried on the base of the housing for verification and to convert received infrared light signal into video signal, and a display unit adapted to receive and display the video signal outputted from the image pickup.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for making and inspecting pre-fastened articles, such as disposable training pants, having at least two generally flexible elements capable of connection with each other during initial assembly of the article, the elements are arranged in overlapping relationship with each other and connected together to define an engagement seam of the article. The article is arranged to define an interior space thereof whereby the interior space is bounded in part by the engagement seam. The elements are irradiated at the engagement seam by a radiation source within the interior space of the article and an image of the irradiated engagement seam is captured by an image capturing device. In one embodiment, the image capturing device is positioned within the interior space of the article and the radiation source is either within the interior space or exterior of the article.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the solids content in a Fischer-Tropsch product to allow subsequent changes in the Fischer-Tropsch process to prevent downstream problems. The method comprises irradiating the Fischer-Tropsch product with light and measuring the light transmitted through the Fischer-Tropsch product to determine the solids content in the Fisher-Tropsch product.

Abstract: A system for automated monitoring of pest insects in stored products to help identify insect species and improve reliability across adverse external conditions, including environmental, biological and aging. The system includes sensor units having a microcontroller which collects, analyzes, and stores data from at least one signal pulse created by an insect falling through the sensor unit.

Abstract: An infrared absorption gauge includes a detector circuit including a detector for detecting electromagnetic radiation from a sample and for generating a signal representing the radiation received, and means for stabilizing a response characteristic of the detector to the radiation detected thereby, said stabilizing means having a GaAs diode for directing radiation at the detector and means for controlling the radiation source in dependence upon the signal generated by the detector. The stabilizing means thus acts as a negative feedback loop and seeks to maintain the overall illumination irradiating the detector (i.e. the combined illumination that is reflected back from the sample and that is emitted by the GaAs diode), at a substantially constant predetermined level, which tends to linearize and extend the frequency response of the detector to the radiation detected.

Abstract: Unpredictable response variations of the output value signals from radiometer or receiver channels due to noise are minimized when composing a millimeter wave image. The image is composed from composition signals which are each related to the corresponding output value signals from the channels. Some composition signals are weighted by a weighting factor which is different from a weighting factor used for weighting other composition signals. Preferably, the reciprocal of the standard deviation of variations of the output value signals from each channel is used as the weighting factor for deriving the composition signals from the output value signals from that channel. The intensity of each pixel of the image is composed by adding the weighted composition signals associated with that pixel.

Abstract: Bistable and analog FLC devices employing chiral nonracemic liquid crystal materials exhibiting de Vries smectic A phases. The invention provides certain liquid crystal material that can be employed in both bistable and analog device configurations. The invention also provides a method for identifying liquid crystal materials that will exhibit both bookshelf structure in SSFLC cells and provide V-shaped switching in an analog device configuration.

Abstract: Provided is a method for operating a preparation delivery device wherein the device comprises a) a container for the preparation having, or being prepared for the arrangement of, an opening, b) a mechanism operable to deliver at least part of the preparation in the container through the opening, c) attachment means for connection of the container to the mechanism and d) a sensor system arranged to detect at least one predetermined property of the container or its content. The method comprises transmitting radiation towards the container position or a part thereof to allow the radiation to be affected by the container position, receiving at least a part of the affected radiation from at least an area part of the container position in a non-imaging way and comparing the characteristics of the received radiation with a predetermined characteristic representative for the predetermined property to establish whether or not the predetermined property of the container is present.

Abstract: A spectral reflectance sensor including: a light source for emitting a modulated beam of red light; a light source for emitting a modulated beam of near infrared light; a receiver for receiving reflected light produced by either the red source or the near infrared source; a receiver for receiving incident light from either the red source or the infrared source; a signal conditioner responsive to the modulation such that the signals produced by the receivers in response to reflected and incident light from the source can be discriminated from signals produced by ambient light; and a microprocessor having an input such that the microprocessor can determine the intensities of incident red light, reflected red light; incident near infrared light; and reflected near infrared light. From these intensities, and by knowing the growing days since emergence or planting, the sensor can calculate the mid-growing season nitrogen fertilizer requirements of a plant.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for screening diverse arrays of materials using infrared imaging techniques are provided. Typically, each of the individual materials on the array will be screened or interrogated for the same material characteristic. Once screened, the individual materials may be ranked or otherwise compared relative to each other with respect to the material characteristic under investigation. According to one aspect, infrared imaging techniques are used to identify the active sites within an array of compounds by monitoring the temperature change resulting from a reaction. This same technique can also be used to quantify the stability of each new material within an array of compounds. According to another aspect, identification and characterization of condensed phase products is achieved, wherein library elements are activated by a heat source serially, or in parallel.

Abstract: A method of the present invention includes exposing a structure to first electromagnetic radiation including at least one wavelength absorbed by a predetermined substance that is to be detected. Such substance can be water, a water-soluble substance, or fungi, the presence of which can be a significant problem in a structure such as a house or building. The method includes sensing second electromagnetic radiation from the structure, the second radiation based on the first radiation. The method also includes determining whether the substance is present in the structure, based on the sensed second radiation. If the substance to be detected is water and the determining step reveals a water-suspect area in the structure, the method can include testing the water-suspect area of the structure to determine whether water is present therein. If water is confirmed by the determination to be present in the structure, the method can include a step of determining the source of the water.

Abstract: An object detection system is provided that projects one or more patterns onto a monitored area, captures one or more live images of the monitored area, and detects objects that enter the monitored area by detecting changes in the one or more patterns in the live images. Such an object detection system may be less susceptible to dynamic lighting conditions, and more sensitive to object motion and/or presence.

Abstract: A method and system (100) for enhancing the determination of the presence of a surface breaking or subsurface defect with an object (114) under test are provided (FIG. 1). The method can include transferring ultrasonic energy to an object (114) under test and sensing images (514, 514?) of the object (114) under test before and after transferring ultrasonic energy to the object (114) with an infrared thermography camera (112). An increase in temperature gradients in the areas adjacent a defect (516, 516?) is shown in the images (514, 514?) produced by the camera (112), which indicates the presence of the defect (516, 516?). The temperature gradients in the area of the defect (516, 516?) and images of the defect (516, 516?) can be displayed to enable users to determine the temperature gradient and thus the extent of the defect (516, 516?). Digital images (514, 514?) of the before and after transferring ultrasonic energy can be superimposed (514?) to identify and illustrate the defect (516?).

Abstract: A system for determining the presence and optionally the position of an ophthalmic product such as a contact lens in a container is provided.

Abstract: A method facilitates inspection of a component surface. The method comprises positioning a surface of the component to be inspected in an optical path of at least one infrared radiation detector, heating the component surface using electromagnetic radiation to cause an increase in radiance from a defect present at the component surface, and detecting temperature variations within the component surface using the at least one infrared radiation detector, such that the surface irradiance is measured at predetermined locations across the component surface. The method further comprises detecting cracks in the component by analyzing radiation transient response data received by the infrared radiation detector, and correlating the temperature variations to the radiation transient response data to determine a depth of the detected cracks.

Abstract: A methodology and concomitant system for the reconstruction of an object from measurements of the transmitted intensity of scattered radiation effected by irradiating the object with a source of radiation. The measurements of the transmitted intensity are both spatially sampled and limited. The transmitted intensity is related to either the absorption coefficient or diffusion coefficient, or both, of the object by an integral operator. The image is directly reconstructed by executing a prescribed mathematical algorithm, as determined with reference to the integral operator, on the transmitted intensity of the scattered radiation. In a preferred embodiment, the data is measured using a paraxial arrangement composed on a single source and a small number of on-axis and off-axis detectors with the arrangement being moved over the measurement surface to measure the set of sampled and limited data.

Abstract: A method of determining at least one characteristic of one or more security documents such as banknotes, each security document including a sheet-like substrate of plastics material and opacifying layers applied to opposing faces of the substrate, the method comprising the steps of:(a) projecting radiation from a radiation source into the substrate of each security document for propagation therein, the opacifying layers acting to guide the projecting radiation within the substrate; (b) detecting a radiation emission of the substrate of each security document, the radiation emission resulting from the propagated radiation; and (c) analysing one or more characteristics of the radiation emission.

Abstract: A thermal displacement element comprises a substrate, and a supported member supported on the substrate. The supported member includes first and second displacement portions, a heat separating portion exhibiting a high thermal resistance and a radiation absorbing portion receiving the radiation and converting it into heat. Each of the first and second displacement portions has at least two layers of different materials having different expansion coefficients and stacked on each other. The first displacement portion is mechanically continuous to the substrate without through the heat separating portion. The radiation absorbing portion and the second displacement portion are mechanically continuous to the substrate through the heat separating portion and the first displacement portion. The second displacement portion is thermally connected to the radiation absorbing portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging a sample, the method comprising the steps of: a) irradiating a sample to be imaged with a beam of pulsed electromagnetic radiation with a plurality of frequencies in the range from 25 GHz to 100 THz; b) detecting radiation which is both transmitted through and reflected from the sample; and c) generating an image of the sample from radiation detected in step (b). The method and apparatus can be used to generate a three-dimensional image of the sample and/or a compositional image of the sample.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for the detection of terahertz radiation. In one embodiment, frequency modulated spectroscopy is performed on a swept source of coherent far infrared electromagnetic radiation that is focused on a target. A beam of radiation passes through a cell in which the target is housed, losing energy as certain frequencies are absorbed by contaminants in the target. A detector is positioned to determine how much energy is lost by the radiation (e.g., which frequencies fail to transmit through the cell), thereby indicating the presence of contaminants in the target.

Abstract: THz imaging apparatus and methods are provided for rapidly and effectively examining a region of interest to determine the presence of specified compositions. The apparatus includes means for generating electromagnetic radiation of a desired terahertz frequency suitable for the examination, and for rendering the radiation incident at the region of interest. Detector means are provided at a plurality of points in a plane spaced from the region of interest, for detecting the terahertz radiation reflected from or transmitted through the region. Means are provided for converting the detected terahertz radiation to an image of the region of interest from which the presence of the specified compositions are determinable.

Abstract: An electron beam lithography apparatus, which uses a patterned emitter, includes a pyroelectric plate emitter that emits electrons using a patterned metal thin layer formed on the pyroelectric plate as a mask. When the emitter is heated, electrons are emitted from portions of the emitter covered with a patterned dielectric layer, and not from portions of the emitter covered with a patterned metal thin layer, and a pattern of the emitter is thereby projected onto a substrate. To prevent dispersion of emitted electron beams, the electron beams may be controlled by a permanent magnet, an electro-magnet, or a deflector unit. A one-to-one or x-to-one projection of a desired pattern on the substrate is thereby obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading images of a photographic film disposed on an image reading optical path, with a light source (31a) for emitting visible light and infrared light into the image reading optical path to irradiate the photographic film, and a zoom lens unit (32a) for the visible light and infrared light irradiating the photographic film. A visible light sensor and an infrared light sensor are disposed separately for detecting a visible image based on the visible light from the zoom lens unit, and for detecting an infrared image based on the infrared light from the zoom lens unit, respectively. A focal position varying transparent element (FT) is provided for shifting a focal position of the zoom lens unit along an optical axis. The transparent element is movable to and from a position between the zoom lens unit and infrared light sensor to correct variations in the focal position occurring with variations in magnification of the zoom lens unit.

Abstract: In an infrared obstruction detection system, an apparatus is used to detect the presence of ambient light and initiate compensation to minimize the effects of the ambient light on the performance of the system. In one embodiment, the magnitude of the ambient light is measured and an offset proportional to that magnitude is fed to the obstruction detection system such that the data indicative of an obstacle are not obscured. In another embodiment, the apparatus continually monitors the effect of ambient light and adjusts the obstacle detection information during the changing states of the ambient light detected.

Abstract: An infrared three-dimensional imaging system and method in which an object is irradiated by monochromatic radiation in the near-infrared or mid-infrared region of the spectrum. A spectral image is captured for each wavelength in a spectral range by a radiation detector to create a spectral image data block that is stored on a data storage device. The object is rotated by some predetermined angular increment until a complete three hundred and sixty degree view is obtained so that a spectral image data block is created for each angular position. Each spectral image data block is compressed to its most relevant spectral information and used to re-create a three dimensional image by a known computerized tomography algorithm.

Abstract: A sheet detecting assembly for use in detecting sheets passing along a transport path. The assembly comprises a linear array (15-17) of radiation emitters extending transverse to the transport path. At least one first radiation emitter (29A) at an end of the array is physically oriented so as to generate a radiation beam centred a line which crosses the transport path at a non-orthogonal angle, and at least one second emitter (29A) is physically oriented so as to generate a radiation beam centred on a respective line substantially orthogonal to the transport path; and a detector system for detecting the radiation after it has impinged on a sheet.

Abstract: A nondestructive method is provided for efficiently determining thickness of a sol-gel coating formed upon a metallic substrate. A value of infrared energy reflected from the metallic substrate without the sol-gel coating is determined. A value of infrared energy reflected from the metallic substrate with the sol-gel coating is determined. A value of infrared energy absorbed in the sol-gel coating is determined, and a value of the infrared energy absorbed in the sol-gel coating is correlated to a thickness of the sol-gel coating.

Abstract: A laser system comprising a laser for providing a laser beam, a non-linear optical crystal in the laser beam path creating a second order light, a laser beam expander in the beam path after the non-linear crystal, a dichromatic mirror in the beam path after the beam expander, an objective lens that focuses the laser beam on a sample and collects transmission from the sample before the sample transmission impacts the dichromatic mirror, a partial reflector of the second order light in the transmission path after the dichromatic mirror, and a coupler for coupling an optical component to the sample transmission.

Abstract: The present invention relates to metrologic methodologies and instrumentation, in particular laser-frequency domain infrared photocarrier radiometry (PCR), for contamination and defect mapping and measuring electronic properties in industrial Si wafers, devices and other semiconducting materials. In particular the invention relates to the measurement of carrier recombination lifetime, &tgr;, carrier diffusivity, D, surface recombination velocities, S, carrier diffusion lengths, L, and carrier mobility, &mgr;, as well as heavy metal contamination mapping, ion implantation mapping over a wide range of dose and energy, and determination of the concentration of mobile impurities in SiO2 layers on semiconductor substrates. The present invention provides a method and complete photocarrier radiometric apparatus comprising novel signal generation and analysis techniques (carrier-wave interferometry) as well as novel instrumental hardware configurations based on the physical principle of photocarrier radiometry.

Abstract: A non-destructive method is provided for determining the amount of a chromated conversion coating on a metallic substrate. A value of infrared energy reflected from the metallic substrate without the chromated conversion coating is determined. A value of infrared energy reflected from the metallic substrate with the chromated conversion coating is determined. A value of infrared energy absorbed in the chromated conversion coating is determined, and the value of the infrared energy absorbed in the chromated conversion coating is correlated to an amount of the chromated conversion coating.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus 10 for imaging. At least one source 12 (or 12/14) of composite radiation illuminates a field of view 16. The radiation includes a set of multiple phase-independent partials that are independently controllable and exhibit distinct physical features. A quasi-optical element 21 is disposed between the field of view 16 and a multi-element receiver 18. The multi-element receiver 18 is disposed to receive image radiation 28 from the quasi-optical element 21. Particular ones of the receiver elements transform the image radiation 28 into a set of electrical signals that include information relating to features of the partials.

Abstract: A system for investigating a sample, the system comprising a detector having non-linear current voltage characteristics and being configured to mix two radiation signals having frequencies in the range from 25 GHz to 100 THz, one of the signals being a local oscillator signal and the other signal being a sample signal carrying information about the sample being investigated, the system further comprising a quantum cascade laser for providing at least the local oscillator signal.

Abstract: A system and method for THz imaging utilizing a single THz detector that detects an image of a large area and provides good spatial details (high resolution). In one aspect, the system can individually modulate a different pixel of an image. The system could be a series of masks. Each mask may include holes that may be turned on/off with a distinct pattern from all of the other holes. Once the data for each mask has been received, the data for each hole may be extracted according to its modulation pattern. Another modulation system may include a micro-mirror array that deflects the THz signal towards or away from the THz detector.

Abstract: A system and method for THz imaging utilizing a single THz detector that detects an image of a large area and provides good spatial details (high resolution). In one aspect, the THz beam passes through an object to be imaged, and a THz fiber bundle having a plurality of THz fibers collect the THz beam on the other side of the object and transmit the beams to a single THz detector. Each THz fiber imparts a different time delay to the beam traveling therein. Therefore, the spatial information is converted into time information in the form of time delays. Knowing the distance each part of the imaging area must travel (hence the time it takes) before reaching the THz detector, one can recover the spatial information from the time data. In another aspect, the THz fiber bundle is replaced with a mask having an array of holes with each hole having a different depth or a different refractive index. In still another aspect, the THz fiber array is replaced with a plate holding different masks.

Abstract: In a method of evaluating a piezoelectric field, a non-destructive spectrometry of piezoelectric fields is performed in a semiconductor heterojunction using a technique different from PR spectroscopy. In the method, at first, first and second absorption spectra are measured by irradiating infrared light to a sample with first and second angles, respectively. Then, a peak position of an absorption band having incident-angle dependent intensity is specified based on the first and second absorption spectra. Thus, the piezoelectric field strength is obtained based on an equation of energy level. The equation represents a relationship between the piezoelectric field and an electron energy level corresponding to the peak position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting the level of red blood cells, plasma or serum, and organic separation gel in a test tube covered with multiple labels is provided. Visible and infrared light beams are projected onto a test tube. The portions of the light beams that pass through the test tube are detected as a function of position along the vertical axis of the test tube. The levels of the interfaces are then calculated from the detected portions.

Abstract: An image reading method for forming an image on a transmission original irradiated with visible light and infrared light by an image forming optical system and reading the image by reading means, comprising an image forming magnification correction step of correcting a difference between the image forming magnification of a visible-light image and the image forming magnification of an infrared-light image by the image forming optical system, so that the image reading apparatus can be miniaturized and simplified and defects such as foreign matters and flaws on the original can adequately be corrected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for finding disconnection of a conductive wire formed on a plate glass. This method includes the steps of (a) applying a voltage to the conductive wire; and (b) imaging thermal radiation from a surface of the conductive wire by an infrared image sensor, while the step (a) is conducted, thereby producing a temperature distribution image. An apparatus for conducting the method includes (a) a power source for applying a voltage to the conductive wire; and (b) an infrared image sensor for imaging thermal radiation from a surface of the conductive wire, thereby producing a temperature distribution image.

Abstract: A method and device for photothermal imaging tiny metal particles which are immersed in a given medium like a living cell deposited onto a transparent glass slide. The given medium and immersed tiny metal particles are illuminated through separate phase reference laser beam and sensitive probe laser beam, with the sensitive probe laser beam including a heating laser beam undergoing through impingement on the given medium slight phase changes induced by photothermal effect due to a local heating, in the absence of any substantial phase changes to the phase reference laser beam. Illuminating is performed by focusing the separate phase reference and sensitive probe laser beam through the transparent glass slide at a given depth within the given medium and a transmitted phase reference laser beam and a transmitted sensitive probe laser beam undergoing the slight phase changes are generated.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for non-destructively detecting material abnormalities beneath a coated surface, comprising a mid-infrared (MIR) illumination unit for illuminating an area of the coated surface, and an MIR 2-D imager, which includes an MIR CCD or CMOS camera, for capturing an image of a material abnormalities under the illuminated area of the coated surface. In addition, the system may further comprise a scanning unit for moving the system to a next area.

Abstract: A surface of the component in MEMS is illuminated by an illumination beam and the reflected beam is collected and detected by a position sensitive detector or photo detector array. As the surface is tilted about a pivot or about X and Y axes, the change in position of the collected beam is detected for characterizing the mechanical and optical properties of MEMS.

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: Optical measuring apparatus is constructed to irradiate near infrared light to a desired portion, such as a head, of a person to be measured, receive arriving light from the desired portion and acquire information about a predetermined substance present in the desired portion on the basis of analysis of data related to the received arriving light. Measuring unit of the apparatus is provided on a cover member removably attachable to the person, and includes at least one light irradiation section for irradiating the near infrared light to the desired portion and at least one light reception section for receiving the arriving light from the desired portion. In a state where the cover member is attached to the person, the light irradiation and reception sections are positioned out of contact with the desired portion.