Abstract: The invention relates to a method for investigating process streams comprising five or more different hydrocarbon-containing components. In the method at least one process flow line (35) is in operative connection with an online IR spectrometer (2) and an online gas chromatograph (1). The process stream passed through the process stream conduit (35) is subjected to an online characterization which comprises measurements both with the online IR spectrometer and with an online gas chromatograph. The spectral data and the chromatography data are mathematically related to one another by suitable statistical models, thus allowing training of a model used for evaluating the analytical data and for characterizing the process streams. The method according to the invention is characterized by short measurement times in the range of seconds and milliseconds and a high accuracy.

Abstract: A method for detecting an ice on a road surface includes: providing a spectral imaging camera; recording a first reflectance (R1) of the surface at 0.545 to 0.565 ?m using the spectral imaging camera; recording a second reflectance (R2) of the surface at 0.620 to 0.670 ?m using the spectral imaging camera; recording a third reflectance (R3) of the surface at 0.841 to 0.876 ?m using the spectral imaging camera; calculating an ice index based on the first reflectance, the second reflectance, and the third reflectance; providing a thermometer; recording a surface temperature of the surface using the thermometer; and detecting a presence of the ice on the surface based on the ice index and the surface temperature. A system for detecting an ice on a surface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for analysing a product to be analysed which is located in a product space having a probe body arranged in a probe housing and having a peripheral wall, and at least one radiation source and at least one optical receiver. At least one measurement window in the probe body has an entry region and an exit region for measurement radiation. An evaluation unit is also provided. The probe body can be brought into a measurement position, in which at least one part of the probe body in which the measurement window is located penetrates through an opening of the probe housing into the product space for the analysis. In addition, the probe body can be brought into a retracted position, in which the probe body is still located at least partially in the region of the opening of the probe housing and thus covers the opening.

Abstract: A point-spread-function measurement device includes: a scanner that scans two illumination light beams emitted from a light source; an illumination optical system that radiates the two illumination light beams scanned by the scanner onto a sample; a relative-position adjustor that changes a relative irradiation position, in the sample, between the two illumination light beams radiated by the illumination optical system; a detection optical system that detects signal light generated at an overlapping position, in the sample, of the illumination light beams radiated by the illumination optical system; and a calculator that calculates a point spread function based on the signal light detected by the detection optical system and the relative irradiation position between the two illumination light beams when the signal light is detected.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical tablet properties, including surface roughness, gloss and temperature, are determined in real-time using Raman spectroscopy. A plurality of coated pharmaceutical tablets are provided having a distribution of known values of a surface property to be modeled. The Raman spectrum of each coated tablet is acquired to generate a distribution of Raman spectra. A correlative model is then developed based upon the distribution of the acquired Raman spectra relative to the distribution of the known values of the measured property. The Raman spectrum of a pharmaceutical tablet is then acquired during and/or after a coating process, and the value of the surface property of the tablet is determined using the correlative model. The steps associated with model development are carried out off-line, whereas the step or steps associated with acquiring the Raman spectra of the pharmaceutical tablet during (preferable) or after online coating process(es) are carried out on-line using a remote, fiber-coupled probe.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the level of accumulation of a material along an axis in a fluid environment, the sensor comprising (a) an optically transparent body having a third refractive index and an exposed surface defining a length extending at least partially in the direction of the axis; (b) at least one light delivery source for delivering light to the body such that the light is distributed along the length of the exposed surface; and at least one light receiver for receiving reflected light from the length of the exposed surface, wherein the amount of the reflected light depends on the level of the material accumulated along the length of the exposed surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing laser sustained plasma light sources are disclosed. Different from conventional laser sustained plasma light sources where one fiber size and one wavelength combination is used in the lamphouse to generate light for different bands and pixel sizes, switchable fiber sizes and wavelength combinations are provided for optimal power output in different wavelength bands and pixel sizes. More specifically, switchable fiber configurations are provided where larger fibers with higher pump powers are used for bigger pixel sizes and higher wavelength bands while smaller fibers are used for smaller pixel size and shorter wavelength bands. Additionally and/or alternatively, pumping schemes are provided where pump wavelengths close to the absorption peak of the gas fill are used for bigger pixel sizes while pump wavelengths away from the gas fill absorption peak are used for smaller pixel sizes.

Abstract: A disclosed remote work system includes a light source and a nonlinear converter optically coupled to and remote from the light source. The nonlinear light converter converts a narrowband light pulse received from the light source to a converted spectrum light pulse. The system also includes a work element coupled to the nonlinear light converter. The work element performs a work operation using the converted spectrum light pulse. A related remote work method includes generating a narrowband light pulse and conveying the narrowband light pulse to a remote location. The method also includes converting the narrowband light pulse to a converted spectrum light pulse at the remote location. The method also includes performing a sense operation or work operation at the remote location using the converted spectrum light pulse.

Abstract: A sensor and associated methods wherein a bolt or rod stem includes a flow path through and across the stem. A source of radiation within the stem is configured to direct radiation through the flow path and a detector subsystem in the stem is configured to detect radiation passing through the flow path. A head includes electrical conductors for the radiation source and detector subsystem resulting in a compact, inexpensive sensor.

Abstract: A turbine section according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, an airfoil including an edge and a probe positioned a distance from the airfoil. The probe is configured to detect radiation emitted from a radiation source. A sensor is operatively coupled to the probe and is configured to generate a signal utilized to determine when the edge of the airfoil extends into a line-of-sight between the probe and the radiation source.

Abstract: An information obtaining apparatus includes a splitting unit, a terahertz wave generation unit, a terahertz wave detection unit, a fiber, a changing unit that changes an optical path length difference between optical path lengths of pump light and probe light by changing an optical path length of the fiber, a waveform construction unit, and an obtaining unit that obtains information related to the optical path length of the fiber. The obtaining unit includes a splitting unit that splits the pump or probe light before propagating through the fiber into first light and second light, a formation unit that forms interfering light, and an optical detection unit that detects an intensity of the interfering light. The waveform construction unit constructs a terahertz wave time waveform by extracting a detection result of the terahertz wave detection unit based on a detection result of the optical detection unit.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting anomalies concealed upon a person may include a detection probe having an electromagnetic transmitter and an electromagnetic receiver. The electromagnetic transmitter is configured to emit electromagnetic pulses, while the electromagnetic receiver is configured to sample electromagnetic pulses from the electromagnetic receiver at specified times within a waveform window. The electromagnetic pulses may span the terahertz spectral region of 0.04 to 4 THz. The system may also have optical fibers connected to the electromagnetic transmitter and electromagnetic receiver, wherein femtosecond laser pulses are directed from a source to the electromagnetic transmitter and the electromagnetic receiver by the optical fibers.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for mass spectrometry analysis of microorganisms in samples.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for mass spectrometry analysis of microorganisms in samples.

Abstract: A method of non-destructively determining the condition of a material, said method including providing an elongated probe containing a plurality of optical fibers, said elongated probe coupled to an infrared spectrometer, said tip of said elongated probe positioned near said material, said elongated probe including said tip having a width of less than about 2.0 mm; and, making an infrared spectroscopy measurement of said material by providing infrared light from said infrared spectrometer through at least one of said plurality of optical fibers and collecting at least a portion of said infrared light reflected from a material juxtaposed near said tip through at least another of said plurality of optical fibers to provide said reflected light to said infrared spectrometer.

Abstract: A diagnostic system having a laser, an EGR probe, a detector and a processor. The laser may be a swept-? laser having a sweep range including a significant CO2 feature and substantially zero absorption regions. The sweep range may extend from about 2.708 ?m to about 2.7085 ?m. The processor may determine CO2 concentration as a function of the detector output signal. The processor may normalize the output signal as a function of the zero absorption regions. The system may include a plurality of EGR probes receiving light from a single laser. The system may include a separate detector for each probe. Alternatively, the system may combine the light returning from the different probes into a composite beam that is measured by a single detector. A unique modulation characteristic may be introduced into each light beam before combination so that the processor can discriminate between them in the composite beam.

Abstract: A diagnostic system having a single-port EGR probe and a method for using the same. The system includes a light source, an EGR probe, a detector and a processor. The light source may provide a combined light beam composed of light from a mid-infrared signal source and a mid-infrared reference source. The signal source may be centered at 4.2 ?m and the reference source may be centered at 3.8 ?m. The EGR probe may be a single-port probe with internal optics and a sampling chamber with two flow cells arranged along the light path in series. The optics may include a lens for focusing the light beam and a mirror for reflecting the light beam received from a pitch optical cable to a catch optical cable. The signal and reference sources are modulated at different frequencies, thereby allowing them to be separated and the signal normalized by the processor.

Abstract: A gas detector includes at least one gas sensing element and a calorimetric sensing material for detection of a different, potentially contaminating gas which can impair the function of the gas sensing element disposed within the detector. The sensing material provides a visual indication of the presence of the potentially contaminating gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to recording of position-specific optical measurements of substances such as foodstuff, building materials, combustion products etc. The invention provides online, in-situ recording of wavelength absorption spectra in substances, performed without removing a sample from the substance. In inhomogeneous products, the position correlated to each spectrum allows for extraction of both average values for larger regions as well as specific values characteristic for smaller individual portions. In a preferred embodiment, a probe with two elongate arms has light guiding and light collecting means for recording infrared absorption spectra of portions between them, as well as means for determining an insertion distance into the product.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method and an apparatus for detecting the temperature of a substrate surface. In one embodiment, a method for measuring the temperature is provided which includes exposing the surface of the substrate to a laser beam radiating from a laser source, radiating emitted light from a portion of the surface of the substrate, through the shadow ring, and towards a thermal sensor, and determining the temperature of the portion of the surface of the substrate from the emitted light. The substrate may be disposed on a substrate support within a treatment region and a shadow ring may be disposed between the laser source and the surface of the substrate. The shadow ring may be selectively opaque to the laser beam and transparent to the emitted light.

Abstract: A system for investigating a plurality of samples having varying positions or orientations moving with respect to the system, the system including an emitter of terahertz radiation for irradiating a sample provided in a sample space; a detector of terahertz radiation configured to detect radiation reflected from said sample space; and determining means to determine if radiation reflected from said sample space is from a sample with a predetermined orientation in the sample space.

Abstract: A trigger signal generation device restrains a jitter from being generated in a measurement result of light, such as terahertz light, that has transmitted through a device under test. The device includes a first photoelectric conversion unit that applies photoelectric conversion to a probe light pulse, a second photoelectric conversion unit that applies photoelectric conversion to a pump light pulse, a first amplification unit that amplifies an output from the first photoelectric conversion unit, and a second amplification unit that amplifies an output from the second photoelectric conversion unit. The device also includes a trigger signal output unit that outputs a cross-correlation of outputs of the first amplification unit and the second amplification unit as a trigger signal, and a period difference adjustment unit that adjusts a difference in periods.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device (1, 100) for determining the sex of fertilized, nonincubated bird eggs (13, 130), where an egg (13, 130) has a solid egg shell (14), an egg yolk (2) which is surrounded by the egg shell and further egg integuments and a blastodisc (3) associated with the egg yolk (2), and where a probe (4, 40) for measuring a spectrum is introduced through a hole (17) of the egg shell (14) towards the blastodisc (3) with blastodisc cells (23), with the following steps: —positioning of the probe (4, 40) in the region of the blastodisc (3), —spectroscopic in-ovo characterization of the blastodisc cells (23), and —identification of the sex by an automatic classification of spectra.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for radionuclide probes, methods of using the radionuclide probes, methods of detecting an optical signal from radionuclides, methods of detecting an optical signal from a quantum dot(s) that receives optical energy from a radionuclide(s), system for analyzing optical energy emitted by a radionuclide(s), system for imaging a target within a living subject or a sample, methods of imaging a disease or condition, and the like.

Abstract: Properties of turbid or scattering samples are determined using Raman spectroscopy with probe light delivered to and subsequently collected from the sample using a transmission geometry. The technique may be applied to pharmaceutical products such as tablets, diagnostic tests such as lateral flow diagnostic strips, and elsewhere.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to atom probes, atom probe specimens, and associated methods. For example, certain aspects are directed toward methods for analyzing a portion of a specimen that includes selecting a region of interest and moving a portion of material in a border region proximate to the region of interest so that at least a portion of the region of interest protrudes relative to at least a portion of the border region. The method further includes analyzing a portion of the region of interest. Other aspects of the invention are directed toward a method for applying photonic energy in an atom probe process by passing photonic energy through a lens system separated from a photonic device and spaced apart from the photonic device. Yet other aspects of the invention are directed toward a method for reflecting photonic energy off an outer surface of an electrode onto a specimen.

Abstract: A tensiographic drophead comprises a quartz body 10 having a terminal surface 18 with a peripheral drop suspension edge 20. A liquid feed bore 14 extends through the body for supplying a liquid to the terminal surface to form a drop 32 whose outer edges are suspended from the suspension edge 20. At least two light guides 26, 28 extend through the body for respectively transmitting light into and collecting light reflected internally from the drop. The light guides terminate above the plane containing the suspension edge such that the intensity of the reflected light has a significant second order reflection peak.

Abstract: Ferroelectric, pyroelectric and piezoelectric crystals are used to generate spatially localized high energy (up to and exceeding 100 keV) electron and ion beams, which may be used in a wide variety of applications including pulsed neutron generation, therapeutic X-ray/electron devices, elemental analysis, local scanning chemical analysis, high energy scanning microscopy, point source compact transmission electron microscopy, compact ion beam sources, positron sources, micro-thrusters for ion engines, and improved fusion efficiency especially of the Farnsworth type. The high-energy emission can be created by simply heating the material or by application of external coercive electromagnetic and acoustic fields.

Abstract: Sealable cell for obtaining a reflectance spectrum of a liquid sample using a spectroscopic probe having a removable cap wherein the internal wall of the cap comprises at least one groove that allows air to escape from the head of the probe and a liquid sample held within the cap so that accurate spectra can be obtained.

Abstract: Apparatus for optically determining the presence of carbon dioxide within a fluid, said apparatus comprising:—a light emitting source, an optical sensing probe in contact with the fluid to analyze; optical light transmitting means in order to convey the light emitted from the light emitting source to the optical sensing probe and the light reflected by the optical sensing probe to means to discriminate between wavelengths of light beams reflected by the optical sensing probe;—means to convert wavelengths discriminated light beams into measurement data indicating presence of carbon dioxide within the fluid, wherein the optical sensing probe comprises a tip working as attenuated total reflection (ATR) absorber within the infrared wavelength.

Abstract: The device measures a light in a liquid by introducing in the liquid at least one emitting probe. The emitting probe includes a transmitter connected to a first waveguide, a second waveguide, and included in the second waveguide, at least one reflecting surface. The device may be used in a method for measuring the flocculation threshold of a colloidal medium by gradually adding apolar solvent. The method includes a step which of determining, using at least one probe of the device, flocculation after adding amount of apolar solvent required for flocculation. The method is applicable to asphaltenes. The device may be used for measuring physico-chemical properties in opaque media.

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 method and apparatus architecture for detecting gases, particularly hazardous gases which should be detected in miniscule amounts. High sensitivity detection of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) is set forth with very low probability of false positives (PFP) by the use of an innovative laser-photoacoustic spectrometer (L-PAS). Detection of diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP), a decomposition product of Sarin and a relatively harmless surrogate for the nerve gases, is made in the presence of other gases that are expected to be interferences in an urban setting. Detection sensitivity for DIMP in the presence of these interferences of better than 0.45 ppb, which satisfies current homeland and military security requirements is shown as well as the first analysis of optical techniques for the detection of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) in real world conditions.

Abstract: System, method and apparatus wherein a probe employing non-imagining optics is utilized in conjunction with a fluorescing nanocrystal tracer at the body of a patient. Excitation components within the probe working end are utilized to excite the nanocrystals to fluoresce at wavelengths in the near infrared region, such fluorescent energy is homogenized by interacting with involved tissue to provide a uniform fluorescing intensity over the surface of a photo-detector. Initialization and background determination procedures are described along with a technique for determining statistically significant levels of fluorescing activity.

Abstract: A system for the qualitative analysis of an agricultural product comprises a scanning cell (1) for the transmittance of a sample of an agricultural product, means for the emission of a quantity of light (6) and means for the detection of a quantity of light (5,50), at least one optical sensor (9,90) and a remote control unit (10) connected to the above mentioned at least one optical sensor (9,90). The system is characterized by the fact that means for the detection of a quantity of light (5) are mounted in a mobile manner on said cell (1) and arranged frontally to said means of emission of a quantity of light (6), in such a way that the distance between said means of emission (6) and said means of detection (5) can be altered.

Abstract: Gently heating a pyroelectric crystal in a deuterated atmosphere can generate fusion under desktop conditions. The electrostatic field of the crystal is used to generate and accelerate a deuteron beam (>100 keV and >4 nA), which, upon striking a deuterated target, produces a neutron flux over 400 times the background level. The presence of neutrons within the target is confirmed by pulse shape analysis and proton recoil spectroscopy. Several elements of the system may be modified, including the configuration of the crystal or crystals, the composition of the surrounding environment and the target, the use of multiple probe tips, and the composition of the probe tip.

Abstract: An integrated circuit sensor may include at least one infrared sensing element on a substrate. The sensing element may include at least one first thermocouple junction heated from infrared radiation, at least one second thermocouple junction connected to the first thermocouple junction, and a controller. The controller may detect a temperature difference between the first and second thermocouple junctions, and may pump heat therebetween to drive the detected temperature difference toward a desired value. The controller may also generate an infrared radiation output signal based upon the heat pumped. The controller may alternatingly switch between detecting the temperature difference and pumping heat, and the desired temperature difference may be zero. The sensor is readily made using integrated circuit processing technology, and may, for example, be used in many types of applications, such as biometric identification by including biometric processing circuitry connected to the controller.

Abstract: An optical measurement apparatus operable with a test specimen has a light source with a laser having an output beam, and a beam splitter that splits the output beam of the laser into a first split beam and a second split beam. A test specimen holder holds the test specimen therein. A first optical fiber receives the first split beam and directs the first split beam against the test specimen in the test specimen holder. The apparatus further includes an instrumentation module. A second optical fiber receives the second split beam and conducts the second split beam to the instrumentation module. A third optical fiber receives signal light from the test specimen in the test specimen holder and conducts the signal light to the instrumentation module.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously monitoring a photopolymerization reaction in real time by optical pyrometry includes a housing having a chamber; a sample mount that may be disposed within the chamber; a light source for supplying light to induce a photopolymerization reaction in a monomer sample disposed on the sample mount; and an optical pyrometer that may be attached to the housing for measuring temperature of the monomer sample. The temperature of the sample with respect to time is used to monitor progress of the reaction. Another apparatus for monitoring a photopolymerization reaction combines optical pyrometry and infrared spectroscopy. The apparatus includes a sample mount disposed in a beam of an infrared spectrometer a light source for supplying light to induce a photopolymerization reaction in a monomer sample disposed on the sample mount and an optical pyrometer for measuring temperature of the monomer sample.

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

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

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simultaneous detection of N gas species through laser radiation attenuation techniques is disclosed. Each of the N species has a spectral absorption band. N laser sources operate at a wavelength ?N in a spectral absorption band separated by the cutoff wavelength for single-mode transmission. Each laser source corresponds to a gas species and transmits radiation through an optical fiber constructed and arranged to provide single-mode transmission with minimal power loss.

Abstract: Mesoporous silica is shown to be a sample holder for laser desorption/ionization of mass spectrometry. Supported mesoporous silica was prepared by coating an ethanolic silicate solution having a removable surfactant onto a substrate to produce a self-assembled, ordered, nanocomposite silica thin film. The surfactant was chosen to provide a desired pore size between about 1 nanometer diameter and 50 nanometers diameter. Removal of the surfactant resulted in a mesoporous silica thin film on the substrate. Samples having a molecular weight below 1000, such as C60 and tryptophan, were adsorbed onto and into the mesoporous silica thin film sample holder and analyzed using laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.

Abstract: A method for the evaluation of the ultrastructure of connective tissue, such as cartilage, including (a) providing a probe operative in the near-infrared or mid-infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum, (b) positioning the probe either to be in contact with the connective tissue (for detecting attenuated total reflectance) or within a sufficient distance from the surface of the connective tissue (for detecting reflection), (c) detecting infrared radiation which penetrates the surface of the connective tissue for detecting attenuated total reflectance or which reflects off the surface of the connective tissue and (d) analyzing the infrared radiation from step (c) for at least one of peak height, peak area and frequency, and comparing at least one of the peak height, the peak area and the frequency for established values for at least one of peak height, peak area and frequency for normal connective tissue to detect a modification in the molecular structure of the connective tissue.

Abstract: A first-order perturbation theory similar to the one widely used in quantum mechanics is developed for transverse-electric and transverse-magnetic photonic resonance modes in a dielectric microsphere. General formulas for the resonance frequency shifts in response to a small change in the exterior refractive index and its radial profile are derived. The formulas are applied to two sensor applications of the microsphere to probe the medium in which the sphere is immersed: a refractive index detector; and a refractive index profile sensor.

Abstract: A system and method utilizing a radiation source with a wavelength near 2 &mgr;m (preferably 1993 nm) to measure the presence of ammonia, carbon dioxide and water vapor using spectroscopic techniques and a reduced measurement pressure is provided. Using radiation substantially near 2 &mgr;m enables one to interrogate the PP3(3)s ammonia transition at a frequency of 5016.977 cm−1, which is isolated from water and carbon dioxide interference; the P(32) carbon dioxide transition at 5017.030 cm−1, which is isolated from both ammonia and water interference, and a water transition at 5017.100 cm−1. Moreover, a tunable radiation source that can sweep over the aforementioned ammonia and carbon dioxide and water features can measure the concentrations of all three species simultaneously.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling a moisture profile of a paper web, in which the moisture profile of the paper web prior to drying is measured. The measurement is carried out with a measuring device, which measures a cross-direction profile of the web substantially simultaneously. On the basis of the measurement, the moisture profile of the paper web is controlled prior to drying the paper web.

Abstract: An inspection system for verifying package contents comprises a spectrometer having an input for receiving light energy and a light energy aggregator. The light energy aggregator comprises a light energy input terminal, a light energy output terminal, where the light energy output terminal is coupled to the spectrometer input, and at least two sample probes coupled to the light energy input terminal. Each of the sample probes is configured to direct light energy from a source to the light energy input terminal.

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