Abstract: A method of determining a film coating thickness on a substrate and/or amount one or more compositional ingredients of said film coating including making mid-IR spectra of a series of coating thickness or coating weight standards (and/or composition standards) on an appropriate substrate material to match sample material in question, pre-processing the data to prepare it for multivariate calibration methods, performing the multivariate calibration, saving the calibration model in the hand-held mid-IR device in an appropriate format, and using the calibration model to predict sample material in question from their mid IR spectra.

Abstract: A method of, and apparatus for, determining properties relating to multi-phase systems are provided. In the method, an array of sample tubes each containing a sample of a multi-phase system is formed. An iterative process is used to generate at least two data sets of transmitted and/or backscattered values for each sample and the data sets for each sample are processed to determine at least one property of the sample. The apparatus has a support on which an array of sample tubes each containing a sample of a multi-phase system may be assembled. It also has a wave source and at least one wave detector for detecting transmitted and/or backscattered values for each sample and computer means for iteratively operating said wave source and said at least one detector to generate data sets of transmitted and/or backscattered values for each sample and for processing the data sets for each sample to determine at least one property of the sample.

Abstract: A method of non-destructively determining the amount of ultraviolet degradation of a surface and/or paint adhesion characteristics of the surface corresponding with UV damage including determining a physical property of a composite material/surfacing film by providing a series of composite materials/surfacing films which are subjected to increasing UV light experience to create a set of UV damage standards, collecting mid-IR spectra on those standards, performing data pre-processing and then multivariate calibration on the spectra of the composite materials/surfacing films, and using that calibration to predict the UV damage for samples in question.

Abstract: The present invention provides a solid-state image sensing device that converts long-wavelength light represented by the terahertz band into electric signals without being affected by the fluctuation of radiated heat, and outputs the signals mainly as picture signals; a method for manufacturing the same, and an imaging system. The cell unit has an antenna to generate electrical signals by receiving incident electric waves, an electrical resistor electrically connected to the antenna, and to vary the temperature of the cell unit by generating Joule heat corresponding to the electrical signals, and a thermoelectric conversion element electrically connected to the support structure portion, electrically insulated from the antenna and the electrical resistor, and thermally connected to the electrical resistor, to generate electrical signals by detecting the temperature variation of the cell unit; and the side of the incident electric waves in the cell unit is formed of a material to reflect infrared lights.

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 method for measuring the differential emissivity between two sites on the surface of a body and the temperature of the two sites. The method includes a plurality of measurements of the infrared radiation arising from each of the two sites under a number of different conditions. Some of the measurements include irradiation by external infrared radiation at a known wavelength and intensity. The infrared radiation arising from each of the sites may include emitted radiation, reflected ambient radiation, and reflected external radiation. Additionally, the temperature determined using the method described can be used to calibrate infrared imaging devices used to inspect the entire body.

Abstract: A method for controlling an electronic device through infrared detection includes an infrared sensor to detect displacement alteration waveforms of a targeted object to generate a control signal to control the electronic device. The method includes: setting at least one execution command; setting an executing condition for each execution command; getting a detection signal of the infrared sensor; processing alteration waveforms of the detection signal; judging whether the detection signal alteration waveforms coincided with the executing condition; and executing the execution command corresponding to the executing condition. By means of the method set forth above the infrared sensor can detect movement of the targeted object, and convert the movement to a control means for the electronic device. Thereby through the movement of an object the electronic device can be activated to perform a selected function.

Abstract: A printing system is provided that dynamically adjusts the method of printing an image based on the lightness or darkness of the medium upon which the image will be printed. The reflectivity of the medium upon which an image is to be printed is determined, and the way in which the image will be printed is adjusted based on the determined reflectivity of the medium. For lighter colored mediums, on which sufficient contrast will be provided, the image can be printed directly onto the medium. For darker colored mediums, on which the ink used to print the image will not provide enough contrast with respect to the medium to produce a reliably readable image, the method of printing the image is modified to ensure that sufficient contrast is always provided to produce a reliably readable image.

Abstract: The mode-locking frequencies of two femtosecond laser light sources are controlled so that they are stabilized at high degree and the difference between the mode-locking frequencies is constant. The output of the laser light sources are used as a pumping light for generating terahertz pulses and a probe pulse light for terahertz detection. Since the time delay timings of the terahertz pulses and the probe pulse light the pulse periods of which are slightly different from each other shift from each other and the difference increases. Therefore, the temporally expanded terahertz pulses are measured by high-speed sampling without using any mechanical stage for time delay scanning. The terahertz electric field time waveform measured by high-speed sampling with the measurement time window of the pulse period is subjected to time-scale conversion and Fourier transform.

Abstract: A detector device for detecting incident radiation at particular wavelengths is disclosed. The device includes a base layer comprising a substrate. A resonant cavity is formed on the base layer between a pair of reflectors. One reflector is formed by a first reflector layer disposed in fixed relationship with respect to the base layer and the other reflector is formed by a second reflector layer disposed on a membrane in substantially parallel relationship to the substrate. A detector is provided within the cavity to absorb incident radiation therein for detection purposes. By placing the absorbing layer of the detector within the resonant cavity, high quantum efficiency can be achieved using very thin absorbing layers, thus significantly reducing the detector volume and hence noise. Various different arrangements of the detector device and different methods of fabricating the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A real-time thermal imaging apparatus and method includes multiple digital infrared cameras mounted to an automated composite material layup device to record digital infrared images of the composite material surface on a real-time basis during a composite material layup process. The digital infrared cameras are triggered periodically to produce digital images of the composite material. The digital image data is sent to an image analyzer which detects edges of and anomalies in the composite material and generates alarm and other process control signals. The image analyzer also aggregates the digital images from the multiple cameras and the digital images recorded over a sequence in time to produce a continuous virtual digital image of the composite material surface. The digital image data and associated analysis results are saved and may be displayed on a real-time basis or at a later time.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method of performing thermoreflectance measurements with an imaging system comprises: reflecting radiation from a number of points in a sample in response to an illuminating radiation while a temperature modulation is applied to the sample; acquiring digital images of the reflected radiation after the reflected radiation passes through an aperture; and deriving a map of relative reflectivity of the sample based on the digital images. At least a portion of the illuminating radiation passes through at least a portion of the sample and is reflected at a change refractive index interface.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking bank notes which scans the bank notes to be checked by means of a semiconductor array, including two linear semiconductor arrays formed of at least three layers which are sensitive to light of different wave-lengths, a first linear semiconductor array scanning the bank notes in a defined range of spectral sensitivity of the semiconductor (e.g. in the visible range), and a second linear semiconductor array scanning the bank notes in a range different therefrom (e.g. of invisible infrared light). From the signals of the two arrays a color image of the bank note and at least one image in the range of invisible light are obtained by suitable combination.

Abstract: An enhanced toner area coverage (ETAC) sensor may be calibrated to adjust for changes in LED intensity by determining a functional relationship between specular developed mass per unit area (DMA) values and diffuse readings obtained from the sensor. Specular and diffuse readings are obtained from an ETAC sensor that senses reflected light from toner patches generated with incrementally increasing densities on the photoreceptor belt. The specular readings in a particular range and their corresponding diffuse readings are selected for the calibration computations. Reflected ratios are computed from the specular readings and used to determine specular DMAs. The specular DMAs and selected diffuse readings define a set of points for which a functional relationship is determined.

Abstract: A sensing device includes a transmission path, an electromagnetic-wave input unit through which an electromagnetic wave enters the transmission path, an electromagnetic-wave detector configured to detect the electromagnetic wave propagating through the transmission path, and a bent portion provided in the transmission path. The electromagnetic wave propagates through the transmission path while radiating to the periphery of the transmission path. The bent portion is provided in the transmission path for allowing an interaction to occur between a test subject and the electromagnetic wave in the transmission path. When the test subject is positioned relative to the bent portion, the electromagnetic-wave detector detects a change in the state of the electromagnetic wave caused by the interaction occurring between the test subject and the electromagnetic wave in the bent portion. The detected information provides a basis for obtaining information on the test subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved terahertz radiation sources and associated methods. A terahertz radiation source is described, comprising: an emitter (202) comprising a semiconductor material (12); a pair of electrodes (204a,b) adjacent a face of said semiconductor, said pair of electrodes defining a gap between said electrodes; a pulsed light source input for illuminating said semiconductor to excite photo-carriers in said semiconductor to generate terahertz radiation; and a radiation collector (212) to collect said terahertz radiation; and wherein said radiation collector is disposed on the same side of said semiconductor as said electrodes. A related method of providing terahertz radiation is also described.

Abstract: A technique is provided for examining a subject. The technique includes illuminating at least a part of the subject with THz radiation and detecting THz radiation reflected and/or transmitted from the illuminated part and incident upon a detector array by measuring change in capacitance corresponding to the incident THz radiation.

Abstract: An optical droplet sensor can include a light emitter, a light receiver and a light guide, and can be adhered onto an inner surface of a windshield via a light transmissive adhesive layer. The light guide can include a light entry surface and a light exit surface formed of respective convex-shaped arbitrary curved surfaces, a light entry/exit surface formed of a flat plane, and a reflecting surface that can be made of a metal film. The light emitted from the light emitter is given an optimized light distribution at the light entry surface and introduced into the light guide. The light is then reflected from the metal film-applied reflecting surface toward an outer surface of the windshield. The light totally reflected at the outer surface returns to the light exit surface and is given an optimized light distribution at the light exit surface. The light is then externally transmitted/released from the light guide and collected on a light-receiving surface of the light receiver.

Abstract: An illuminating system, device, and method are provided to illuminate an in-flight refueling operation involving a first aircraft, serving as a tanker aircraft and carrying the illuminating system of the present invention, and a second aircraft, entering an in-flight refueling position relative to the first aircraft. The system, device, and method of the present invention provide eye-safe, covert illumination suitable for illuminating the in-flight refueling position such that the second aircraft is illuminated upon entering the in-flight refueling position.

Abstract: A method of controlling a flow of liquid includes calibrating a PSD infrared sensor associated with the spout. The calibrating includes turning on the spout to thereby dispense a stream of liquid from the spout and into a stream space; emitting infrared energy from the PSD infrared sensor and toward the stream of liquid; sensing a first position of the infrared energy after the infrared energy has been reflected back to the sensor from the stream of liquid; storing first information based upon the first position of the reflected infrared energy; turning off the spout to thereby inhibit the liquid from being dispensed from the spout; sensing a second position of the infrared energy after the infrared energy has been reflected back to the sensor from an object that is fixed relative to the sensor; and storing second information based upon the second position of the reflected infrared energy. Infrared energy is emitted from the PSD infrared sensor and toward the stream space.

Abstract: A technique is provided for detecting whether an object of interest is being carried by a subject. The technique includes coarsely scanning the subject with an electromagnetic radiation, measuring reflective intensity of radiation reflected from the subject, and detecting the presence or absence of the object of interest based upon the measured reflective intensity.

Abstract: Methods to infer the density of defects in high ? dielectric films in a non-contact, non-invasive and non-destructive manner. THz radiation is employed to measure the change in electrical conductivity of the films before and after illumination with visible light, where the visible light photoionizes the defects thereby changing the electrical conductivity and changing the transmission (or reflection) of THz radiation from the films. The disclosed techniques can be employed to make measurements as soon as wafers are fabricated. The technology is applicable to wafers of any size.

Abstract: A laser mark which will be the positioning mark for a secondary charged particle image in the charged particle beam apparatus is applied by moving the sample processing/observation area in the charged particle beam apparatus so as to come into the view field while performing an observation by an infrared microscope, and by a using a laser optical system disposed coaxially with an optical observation system, the mark made at the periphery of the processing/observation object area. Next, by a superposition of an infrared transmission image and a CAD data, the processing/observation object area and the laser mark are registered onto the CAD data. And, by a correlation of the registered data read from the charged particle beam apparatus and the secondary charged particle image, it is possible to accurately and easily determine the processing position.

Abstract: An optical gas sensing apparatus for sensing gas includes a tubular housing member, a column light source member, a column light sensing element member and an adhesive. The tubular housing member has a light-reflecting inner surface. The column light source member is provided to a first end portion of the housing member, wherein the light source member has a light source, which emits light. The column light sensing element member is provided to a second end portion of the housing member, wherein the light sensing element member has a light sensing element, which senses the light emitted by the light source. The adhesive connects the housing member to at least one of the light source member and the light sensing element member.

Abstract: A system to detect an article includes one or more terahertz modules. Each module either generates or receives, or both generates and receives, terahertz radiation. Some of the terahertz radiation is reflected from the article and the remainder of the terahertz radiation is transmitted through the article. A processor analyzes the reflected and transmitted terahertz radiation to characterize the article.

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of human skin including an illuminator source for providing a first IR band and a second IR band. The first IR band is capable of being reflected from skin and the second IR band is capable of being absorbed by skin. A detector receives the first and second IR band after the bands have contacted the skin and provides a signal indicating the presence or absence of each of the first and second IR bands. A processing unit processes the signal and indicates the presence of skin when the first IR band is present and the second IR band is absent. The preferred first IR band is about 0.8 to about 1.4 ?m and the second IR band is about 1.4 to about 2.2 ?m. Preferably one illuminator interacts with two detectors, one for each of the two IR bands.

Abstract: A device can be made operable to distinguish between materials impinging on a predefined area based at least in part on differentials within sets of data indicative of measurable characteristics of the materials impinging on the defined area. Such a device can trigger a protection mechanism based at least in part on identification of such differentials.

Abstract: An imaging device and method for producing an infrared (IR) filtered digital image of a scene of interest uses IR image signals derived from light transmitted through infrared pass filters of a color filter array to remove IR light components of color image signals derived from light transmitted through color pass filters of the color filter array. The color and IR image signals are generated using an image sensor that includes an imaging array and the color filter array.

Abstract: Aluminum or aluminum alloy on each of a pair of semiconductor wafers is thermocompression bonded. Aluminum-based seal rings or electrical interconnects between layers may be thus formed. On a MEMS device, the aluminum-based seal ring surrounds an area occupied by a movably attached microelectromechanical structure. According to a manufacturing method, wafers have an aluminum or aluminum alloy deposited thereon are etched to form an array of aluminum-based rings. The wafers are placed so as to bring the arrays of aluminum-based rings into alignment. Heat and compression bonds the rings. The wafers are singulated to separate out the individual semiconductor devices each with a bonded aluminum-based ring.

Abstract: The invention is directed to systems and methods of digital signal processing and in particular to systems and methods for measurements of thermoreflectance signals, even when they are smaller than the code width of a digital detector used for detection. For example, in some embodiments, the number of measurements done is selected to be sufficiently large so as to obtain an uncertainty less than the code width of the detector. This allows for obtaining images having an enhanced temperature resolution. The invention is also directed to methods for predicting the uncertainty in measurement of the signal based on one or more noise variables associated with the detection process and the number of measurement iterations.

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of human skin including an illuminator source for providing a first encoded IR band and a second encoded IR band. The first encoded IR band is capable of being reflected from skin and the second encoded IR band is capable of being absorbed by skin. A detector receives the first and second encoded IR band after the bands have contacted the skin and provides an encoded signal indicating the presence or absence of each of the first and second IR bands. A processing unit decodes and processes the signal and indicates the presence of skin when the first IR band is present and the second IR band is absent.

Abstract: A mixture ratio detecting apparatus comprises: a light source which emits light including light of an infrared region; a first light detecting unit which detects the light of the infrared region from the light source; a second light detecting unit which detects light of a region having a range different from that of the first light detecting unit; and a control unit which outputs a signal pertaining to a mixture ratio based on signals from the first light detecting unit and the second light detecting unit, and controls the light source, the first light detecting unit, and the second light detecting unit.

Abstract: The present invention enables permanent biometric authentication without the risk of forgery or the like. The present invention enables living-tissue discrimination as well as biometric authentication. The roughness distribution pattern of deep-layer tissue of the skin covered with epidermal tissue is detected, thereby extracting a unique pattern of the living tissue. Then, biometric authentication is performed based upon the detected pattern. The roughness distribution pattern of the deep-layer tissue of the skin is optically detected using difference in optical properties between the epidermal tissue and the deep-layer tissue of the skin. In this case, long-wavelength light, e.g., near-infrared light is used as illumination light cast onto the skin tissue. A fork structure of a subcutaneous blood vessel is used as the portion which is to be detected, for example. The portion which is to be detected is determined based upon the structure of the fork structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for operating a fully automatic, “on demand” refrigeration defrost cycle and controlling the frost build-up on the evaporative surfaces of both medium temperature (above freezing), and low temperature (below freezing) refrigeration devices or on any system or device requiring control by optical contrast.

Abstract: A method includes a spectroscopic measurement step of pre-measuring a spectrum [S] of tera-hertz wave absorbencies of a target component for a plurality of frequencies ranging about from 1 THz to 3 THz, and an object spectroscopic step of irradiating an object with tera-hertz waves of the plurality of frequencies to measure absorbencies I of the object. Presence and absence of the target component in the object is determined on the basis of the spectrum [S] of the absorbancy S and the spectrum [I] of the absorbancy I of the object.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the effect-particle orientation in a film or coating are disclosed. The method comprises using opposing directional reflectance measurements, preferably in continuous processes and allows for an on-line evaluation system to provide more specific control over particle orientation, thereby allowing for better color matching between and among various panels or articles.

Abstract: A measurement device for detecting agricultural crops located within a conveyor channel. The measurement device includes a light-transmitting panel positioned adjacent to the conveyor channel and is configured to be movable between an operational position and a cleaning position. The measurement device includes a sensor positioned with respect to the light-transmitting panel so as to detect the agricultural crops in the conveyor channel through the light-transmitting panel. A harvesting machine is particularly adapted to utilize the measurement device.

Abstract: A method of processing postal articles in which a physical magnitude is measured in order to detect (2) whether the outside surface of a postal article is made of a plastics material, and in which a digital image of said outside surface of the postal article is processed in order to detect (3) whether said surface has a noisy background. On the basis of the results of these two detection operations, it is determined (4) whether the outside surface of said postal article is a printable surface or a non-printable surface.

Abstract: Terahertz radiation generation systems and methods are implemented using a variety of methods and devices. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, method for generating terahertz radiation is implemented where the wavelength of an optical pulse is controlled, and where the wavelength is controlled as a function of the group velocity dispersion in a nonlinear crystal. The optical pulse is then directed through consecutively-inverted parallel domains in the nonlinear crystal.

Abstract: A terahertz imaging system uses a terahertz light source to illuminate a target object with a series of short pulses of terahertz light. The pulses have a low average output power but a high peak output power, thereby enabling imaging of the suspicious object or person at a safe distance while avoiding injury to the person being imaged. For each pulse, the reflection of the light is imaged by a detector array. The terahertz light pulses are individually narrow band and the emitted pulse train is rapidly tuned in wavelength across a wide frequency range in the terahertz band. Within the terahertz frequency range, molecules have unique absorption spectra. The energy reflected from the illuminated threat object is measured for each of the discrete narrow frequency bands and compared to the absorption spectra of known dangerous materials to determine whether the threat object contains or carries a known dangerous material.

Abstract: A system includes a laser beam generating device that transmits a wireless first signal, having a first monochromatic radiation level, toward the driver. The first signal bounces off the driver and returns a second signal towards the acetaldehyde level detecting mechanism. A radiation intensity level of the second signal, having a second monochromatic radiation level, is analyzed for determining the driver's blood acetaldehyde level. A mechanism is included for detecting a level of acetaldehyde in a driver's blood stream, which is located within a law enforcement vehicle. A mechanism is included for visually displaying the acetaldehyde level so that the officer can determine whether a threshold level is exceeded. The visually displaying mechanism includes a monitor including a graphical user interface. A mechanism is included for monitoring a location of the vehicle driver so that the officer can track and apprehend the driver.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining a constituent of a sample and more specifically, to a method of correcting an absorbance value for a spectrometer. The method is especially applicable in connection with spectrometric analysis instruments for quantitatively determining the chemical composition of fluids, e.g. the content of fat, protein lactose or urea, in food products, especially in raw milk or dairy products. The method is based upon a measurement of one or more selected ranges of a spectrum, providing an absorption spectrum of the product. The method may be applicable in connection with all spectroscopic instruments giving rise to specific ranges of a spectrum, such as UV, VIS, NIR, IR, NMR, MS, etc.). Typically, the spectrum will be a MID-IR absorption spectrum.

Abstract: A banknote detection apparatus and a banknote recognition system are disclosed. The apparatus is used for detecting special printing ink on a banknote and comprises a carrier set, at least a light emitter, at least a first light beam receiver and at least a second light beam receiver. The banknote is carried by the carrier set. The light emitter which is set at a side of the carrier set emits at least a detection light beam to illuminate the banknote. The first light beam receiver which is disposed at the same side receives a first image reflected by the special printing ink on the banknote, and the second light beam receiver which is disposed at another side receives a second image penetrated the special printing ink on the banknote. Lastly, a processing unit recognizes true or false of the banknote based on the first image and the second image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning, detecting, and/or removing contamination from the surfaces of nominally transparent materials utilizing internal illumination of those surfaces with at least one electromagnetic radiation beam at an angle of incidence equal to or greater than the critical angle for total internal reflection. With appropriate selection of light sources and materials, the technique is effective at detecting and removing water, ice, particles, films and a variety of contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for analysing the amount of free gas within a pharmaceutical sample. According to the invention the method comprises the following steps: providing a sample before an irradiating source; irradiating the sample with at least one beam of electromagnetic radiation; detecting radiation emitted through the sample and generating signals corresponding to the amount of free gas in the sample, and correlating the generated signals to at least one solid state parameter of the sample.

Abstract: A sensing device includes a transmission path, an electromagnetic-wave input unit through which an electromagnetic wave enters the transmission path, an electromagnetic-wave detector configured to detect the electromagnetic wave propagating through the transmission path, and a bent portion provided in the transmission path. The electromagnetic wave propagates through the transmission path while radiating to the periphery of the transmission path. The bent portion is provided in the transmission path for allowing an interaction to occur between a test subject and the electromagnetic wave in the transmission path. When the test subject is positioned relative to the bent portion, the electromagnetic-wave detector detects a change in the state of the electromagnetic wave caused by the interaction occurring between the test subject and the electromagnetic wave in the bent portion. The detected information provides a basis for obtaining information on the test subject.

Abstract: A method for identifying brominated flame retardants in a polymer sample. An infrared spectrometry scan of the polymer sample is obtained. Using a first set of parameters, the obtained IR scan is compared to a first database, and a first hit score is calculated. Based on the results of the first hit score, a second database is selected from among a number of databases, and the obtained infrared spectrometry scan is compared to the various scans contained in the selected database using a parameter set that corresponds to the selected database, and a second hit score is calculated. Using the second hit score, another set of parameters is selected, and the obtained infrared spectrometry scan is compared to the various scans contained in the selected third database using this additional parameter set, and a third hit score is calculated. Based on the second and third hit scores, the identity of the brominated flame retardant in the polymer sample is determined with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: The invention provides a video camera fitted with telemetry means which provide, in parallel with the image, information relating to the distance of each of the filmed points of an image. A clip key calculated on the information relating to the distance may be calculated in the same way as a chroma-key without using a colored background.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photosensitive diagnostic device configured to project an optical signal, capture reflected portions of the optical signal, and convert the captured portions of the optical signal into an electrical signal indicative of characteristics of a sample analyzed by the device. In accordance with one embodiment, a photosensitive diagnostic device comprises an illumination source and a detector. The illumination source comprises an output face configured to project an optical signal characterized by at least one diagnostic frequency. The detector comprises a photosensitive input face configured to capture reflected portions of the optical signal. The photosensitive input face of the detector is further configured to convert the captured portions of the optical signal into one or more electrical signals at least partially representing a degree of change in the diagnostic frequency of the optical signal.

Abstract: A defect inspection apparatus for inspecting a fine circuit pattern with high resolution to detect a defective portion is constructed to have an objective lens for detecting an image of a sample, a laser illumination unit for illuminating the sample through the objective lens, a unit for reducing the coherence of the laser illumination, an accumulation type detector, and a unit for processing the detected image signal.

Abstract: An method and apparatus for recovering a conductive metal from solution. The apparatus includes a first container for holding the solution, and a second container placed in liquid communication with the first container, a first electrode placed within the second container, and a second electrode composed of a thin film applied to the inside surface of the second container. The film may include as its main constituent the same metal as that to be recovered from solution. During the reaction, solution is circulated from the first container into the second container and back. A power supply is connected, positive to the first electrode and negative to the second electrode, causing the metal from the solution to be deposited on the second electrode, lining the inside surface of the second container with the metal to be recovered.