Abstract: A method for detecting a fluorescent particle comprises the preparation of a sample solution containing fluorescent particles and a substance that promotes transition of the fluorescent particles from a triplet excited state to a singlet ground state, and calculation of the number of molecules of fluorescent particles present in the prepared sample solution. Calculation of the number of molecules of the fluorescent particles comprises moving the location of a photodetection region of an optical system in the sample solution using the optical system of a confocal microscope or multi-photon microscope, individually detecting fluorescent particles by detecting a light signal from the fluorescent particles present in the photodetection region while moving the location of the photodetection region in the sample solution, and counting the number of fluorescent particles detected during movement of the location of the photodetection region by counting the number of individually detected fluorescent particles.

Abstract: There is provided a single particle detection technique based on a scanning molecule counting method, enabling individual detection of a single particle using light measurement with a confocal or multiphoton microscope, and quantitative observation of conditions or characteristics of the particle. The inventive technique of detecting a single particle in a sample solution detects light containing substantially constant background light from a light detection region with moving the position of the light detection region of the microscope in a sample solution to generate time series light intensity data; and detects individually a light intensity reduction occurred when a single particle which does not emit light (or a particle whose emitting light intensity in a detected wavelength band is lower than the background light) enters in the light detection region in the time series light intensity data as a signal indicating the existence of each single particle.

Abstract: An image obtaining apparatus and an image obtaining method are provided. The image obtaining apparatus including a light source configured to generate excitation light causing a fluorescent label of a biological sample to emit light; an image sensor; an optical system configured to cause the image sensor to form a fluorescent image of the partial area of the biological sample; a movement control unit; a generation unit configured to continuously expose the image sensor during the movement of the focal position of the optical system, and to generate a long-time exposed image of the partial area; and a calculation unit configured to analyze a frequency of the generated long-time exposed image, and to calculate positional information in the optical axis direction of the fluorescent label by using at least results of the analysis.

Abstract: A system for performing spectrofluorometry of a fluorophore sample is provided. The system includes an input module that receives user input corresponding to spectrofluorometer settings. A control module transmits control signals for controlling the spectrofluorometer during respective wavelength scans of a fluorophore sample and a blank sample. The control signals provide for automatic execution of the wavelength scans over an excitation wavelength range and an emission wavelength range. A signal-to-background determination module automatically determines multiple signal-to-background ratios based on fluorescence measurements of the fluorophore sample and the blank sample received from the spectrofluorometer. A signal-to-background analysis module automatically determines the maximum signal-to-background ratio from the multiple signal-to-background ratios.

Abstract: A 3D measurement of teeth occurs while exciting fluorescence in the volume of the teeth. To this end, use is made of suitable radiation which, as a result of the fluorescence, is therefore strongly absorbed. As a result of this, the problem of translucence when measuring teeth is significantly reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to an imaging element and a method of using the imaging element to form a recording element. The imaging element includes a composition sensitive to actinic radiation from a source of radiation having a range of wavelengths and a photoluminescent tag that is responsive to at least one wavelength from the source of radiation. The photoluminescent tag can be used to authenticate the identity of the element, provide information about the element, and/or to establish one or more conditions in a device used to prepare the recording element from the imaging element.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a transverse scanning optical system in the path of a first light beam traveling along a first optic axis; a wavefront correction system in the path of a second light beam traveling along a second optic axis, the wavefront correction system including a wavefront correction device having a spatial phase profile on its surface; a beam combiner that receives the first light beam and the second light beam and outputs an interference beam having a beat frequency equal to a difference frequency between the first light beam and second light beam; and a detection system placed relative to a random scattering medium, which is in the path of the interference beam. The detection system detects measurement light produced by the random scattering medium while the interference beam strikes the random scattering medium.

Abstract: To provide a surface plasmon-field enhanced fluorescence spectroscopic measurement method and a surface plasmon-field enhanced fluorescence spectroscopic measurement device which are capable of accurately measuring a fluorescent signal regardless of the type of a light detection means even when the concentration of an analyte is high by adjusting the dynamic range of the SPFS device. A surface plasmon-field enhanced fluorescence stereoscopic measurement method wherein an analyte labeled with a fluorescent substance is excited by surface plasmon light generated by applying excitation light to a metallic thin film, and generated fluorescence is received by a light detection means to thereby detect the analyte. The dynamic range is expanded by adjusting the amount of the fluorescence received by the light detection means.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus for detecting light of first and second fluorescent wavelength bands has a light source to generate an excitation wavelength to a first collimator element. A dichroic multiplexer has a first coated surface oblique to the optical axis and treated to transmit the excitation wavelength and to reflect the second fluorescent wavelength band and a second coated surface treated to transmit the excitation wavelength and the second fluorescent wavelength band and to reflect the first fluorescent wavelength band. A focusing element focuses the excitation light toward a light guide and directs collimated light of the first and second fluorescent wavelength bands from the light guide to the dichroic multiplexer. A first detector element is in the path of reflected light of the first fluorescent wavelength band and a second detector element is in the path of reflected light of the second fluorescent wavelength band.

Abstract: In order to improve fluorescence measurements, there is provided an apparatus and, a method and a computer program for optical analysis of an associated tissue sample, the apparatus comprising a spectrometer comprising an optical detector, a light source, a first light emitter 219 arranged for emitting photons into the associated tissue sample, a first light collector 221 arranged for receiving photons from the associated tissue sample, a second light emitter 223, a second light collector 225, wherein a reflectance spectrum is obtained via the first light emitter 219 and collector 221 and a fluorescence spectrum is obtained via the second light emitter 223 and collector 225, and where a first distance d1 between the first light emitter and collector is larger than a second distance d2 between the second light emitter and collector. By combining the data thus obtained, an intrinsic fluorescence spectrum may be obtained.

Abstract: The invention concerns fluorescence standards, and in particular fluorescence standards for calibrating optical detectors. According to the invention, a fluorescent mineral or mixtures of minerals are employed for use as a fluorescence standard. The fluorescent mineral can be a naturally occurring mineral or a synthetically produced mineral. Preferred fluorescent minerals for use as fluorescence standards are corundum, fluorite, turquoise, amber, zircon, zoisite, iolite or cordierite, spinel, topaz, calcium fluorite, sphalerite or zincblende, calcite or calcspar, apatite, scheelite or calcium tungstate, willemite, feldspars, sodalite, a uranium mineral, a mineral containing Al3+, and in particular ruby and sapphire.

Abstract: A highly compact multi-optical-junction optical flowcell includes a housing having an internal channel, to which a plurality of source optical signal modules can be coupled, e.g., in a peripheral manner. The source optical signal modules can include a set of LEDs and/or semiconductor lasers, and can be coupled to the flowcell by way of a standard optical coupling such as an SMA-type optical connector. An excitation detection apparatus or subsystem can also be coupled to the flowcell to facilitate multiple types of optical measurements, including fluorescence spectroscopy, absorption spectroscopy, and turbidity measurements. A sensing apparatus or system that includes a multi-optical-junction optical flowcell, a plurality of source optical signal modules, and an excitation detection apparatus can be carried by or deployed on a wide variety of platforms, such as Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs), buoys, or other platforms, in a space efficient and power efficient manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of nanosystems as non deactivable security markers comprising metal atomic quantum clusters (AQCs) of at least two different size distributions encapsulated in a cavity with an inner diameter less than or equal to approximately 10 nm. These nanosystems are luminescence, particularly fluorescence after external excitation. The invention also relates to security documents, articles or elements incorporating these markers as well as to a method and a system for detecting the same.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plurality of light sources to power a variety of applications including microarray readers, microplate scanners, microfluidic analyzers, sensors, sequencers, Q-PCR and a host of other bioanalytical tools that drive today's commercial, academic and clinical biotech labs.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging biological samples on multiple surfaces of a support structure are disclosed. The support structure may be a flow cell through which a reagent fluid is allowed to flow and interact with the biological samples. Excitation radiation from at least one radiation source may be used to excite the biological samples on multiple surfaces. In this manner, fluorescent emission radiation may be generated from the biological samples and subsequently captured and detected by detection optics and at least one detector. The detected fluorescent emission radiation may then be used to generate image data. This imaging of multiple surfaces may be accomplished either sequentially or simultaneously. In addition, the techniques of the present invention may be used with any type of imaging system. For instance, both epifluorescent and total internal reflection methods may benefit from the techniques of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for monitoring a treatment of a patient, preferably for monitoring hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and/or peritoneal dialysis, the method comprising the steps of irradiating a sample of a dialysis liquid used in the treatment with irradiation light of at least a first irradiation wavelength, detecting light emitted by the irradiated sample in at least a first detection wavelength, the detection wavelength being different from the first irradiation wavelength, and determining the presence and/or concentration of at least one analyte in the sample on the basis of the detected light.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting adhesive used to produce an envelope in a mailpiece creation system. The system includes a source of ElectroMagnetic (EM) energy in at least the short UV range to illuminate a surface of the substrate material anticipated to have an adhesive deposited thereon in select regions, an EM energy detection device operative to detect energy reflected from the surface of the substrate material in the visible light range and produce a response indicative of the optical absorbance of EM energy in the short UV range; and a processor operative to analyze the response of the EM energy detection device to determine whether light energy in the visible range is below a threshold level to indicate the presence of adhesive deposited on the substrate material.

Abstract: A drop detection method comprises ejecting an ink drop that includes a fluorescent agent, illuminating the ink drop in flight with excitation light to excite the fluorescent agent, detecting fluorescence emitted by the drop in flight, having a longer wavelength than a wavelength of the excitation light, and, prior to such detecting, filtering out light having a shorter wavelength than the fluorescence wavelength; and a printer with drop detection assembly for performing the method.

Abstract: The disclosed scanner allows detecting decay time characteristics of light emitted by a luminescent marking on an item which is transported, even at high speed, on a distribution/production line. The detection zone of the scanner's light sensor has a shape elongated along a path of the moving item, and the responsivity of the light sensor, within the wavelength range of the emitted luminescence light, is uniform over the detection zone. The control unit of the scanner is further operable to adapt the drive current, or drive voltage, powering its excitation light source to accordingly adapt the intensity of the excitation light delivered to the marking so that its light sensor can reliably measure the corresponding luminescence light response, and thus accurately determine a corresponding decay time value.

Abstract: A quantum-yield measurement device 1 comprises a dark box 5; a light generation unit, having a light exit part 7, for generating the pumping light L1; a light detection unit, having a light entrance part 11, for detecting light to be measured L2; an integrating sphere 14, having a light entrance opening 15 for the light L1 to enter and a light exit opening 16 for the light L2 to exit; and a movement mechanism 30 for moving the sphere 14 within the box 5 such that a container 3 attains each of a first state of being located inside of the sphere 14 and a second state of being located outside of the sphere 14 and, causing the opening 15 and opening 16 to oppose the part 7 and part 11, respectively, in the first state.

Abstract: In a method for imaging a structure (33) marked with a fluorescent dye in a sample, the sample is repeatedly scanned in a scanning range (28) with a light intensity distribution localised around a focal point (29) of a focused fluorescence excitation light beam. The light intensity distribution further comprises a focused fluorescence inhibiting light beam (7) whose wave fronts are modulated so that a fluorescence inhibiting light intensity distribution comprises a minimum at the focal point (29) of the fluorescence excitation light beam (4). The scanning conditions are coordinated in such a way that the fluorescence light is emitted out of the scanning range (28) as individually detectable photons. When these photons are detected, the location (32) of the focal point (28) at the respective point in time is allocated to them. An image of the structure (33) is composed of the locations (32) to which the detected photons have been allocated during several repetitions of scanning the scanning range (28).

Abstract: System and method for fluorescent light excitation and detection from samples to enhance the numerical aperture and/or reduce the cross-talk of the fluorescent light.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for exciting particles, and more specifically relates to analyzers or sorters for exciting fluorescently labeled particles with a multimode diode laser and the optics for making high resolution determinations from the multimode diode laser beam excitation.

Abstract: A system for detecting a plurality of analytes in a sample includes an aperture array and a lens array for generating and focusing a plurality of excitation sub-beams on different sub-regions of a substrate. These sub-regions can be provided with different binding sites for binding different analytes in the sample. By detecting the different luminescent responses in a detector, the presence or amount of different analytes can be determined simultaneously. Alternatively or in addition, collection of the luminescence radiation can be performed using the lens array for directly collecting the luminescence response and for guiding the collected luminescence response to corresponding apertures. The excitation sub-beams may be focused at the side of the substrate opposite of the lens array, and an immersion fluid is provided between the lens array and the substrate to increase the collection efficiency of the luminescence radiation.

Abstract: A material is excited with light whose intensity is modulated according to a modulation signal. The modulation signal includes multiple transitions between at least two intensity levels, with times of at least a first contiguous sequence of the transitions being selected according to an irregular pattern. A response of the material to the excitation is detected.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to labels having one or more information dyes and methods for their use.

Abstract: There is provided a method of avoiding deterioration of the accuracy in the number of detected light-emitting particles due to that two or more light-emitting particles are encompassed at a time in the light detection region in the scanning molecule counting method using an optical measurement with a confocal microscope or a multiphoton microscope. In the inventive optical analysis technique, in the detection of an individual signal indicating light of a light-emitting particle by selectively detecting a signal having an intensity beyond a threshold value as a signal indicating light of a light-emitting particle in light intensity data produced through measuring light intensity during moving the position of a light detection region in a sample solution, the threshold value is set so that a signal indicating light from a light-emitting particle encompassed in a region narrower than the light detection region will be detected selectively.

Abstract: There is provided a method of measuring a diffusion characteristic value (for example, a diffusion constant) of a light-emitting particle using the scanning molecule counting method using the optical measurement with a confocal microscope or a multiphoton microscope. The inventive method of measuring a diffusion characteristic value of a light-emitting particle is characterized to measure light intensity from the light detection region with moving the position of the light detection region in the sample solution by changing an optical path of the optical system to generate light intensity data and to compute a diffusion characteristic value of the light-emitting particle based on a deviation time from a moving cycle time of the light detection region in an interval of generation times of two or more signals corresponding to a same light-emitting particle on the light intensity data.

Abstract: A biological molecule detecting apparatus capable of highly sensitive measurements is provided. The emission direction of an orientation controlling light beam was periodically switched, to periodically switch the orientation direction of binding molecules 15 within a solution. Components, which are synchronized with the orientation periods of the binding molecules are extracted from fluorescence emitted by fluorescent molecules within the solution, are extracted and detected. Thereby, the concentration of a detection target substance can be accurately measured with a simple configuration.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a microorganism detecting apparatus includes drawing into the microorganism detecting apparatus polystyrene particles with a weight-average molecular weight of no less than 250,000 and no more than 850,000 that, when exposed to light, produce a fluorescence of an intensity that is substantially identical to an intensity of fluorescence produced by a microorganism. The polystyrene particles are exposed to light from a light source of the microorganism detecting apparatus. A fluorescence detector of the microorganism detecting apparatus detects the fluorescence produced by a polystyrene particle. The microorganism detecting apparatus is calibrated based on a detected intensity of the fluorescence.

Abstract: A method for the quantitative real time analysis of fluorescent samples is provided, at which each of the samples is excited to fluoresce by a sample individual light source (12) and the intensity of the light which is emitted by the samples is measured. For a highly precise measurement of even low light intensities for the purpose of reduction of the analysis time, each light source (12) is switched on and off-during a defined interval by a clocked pulse sequence of constant pulse frequency alternately. The measurement of the intensity of the emission light during these intervals is exclusively performed during the switch-on phases of the light, source (12).

Abstract: A low rare earth mineral photoluminescent structure for generating long-persistent luminescence that utilizes at least a phosphorescent layer comprising one or more phosphorescent materials having substantially low rare earth mineral content of less than about 2.0 weight percent, and one or more fluorescent layers is disclosed. Further disclosed are methods for fabricating and using the inventive low rare earth mineral photoluminescent structure. A low rare earth mineral photoluminescent composition for generating long-persistent luminescence that utilizes at least one or more phosphorescent materials having substantially low rare earth mineral content of less than about 2.0 weight percent and one or more fluorescent materials is also disclosed, as well as, the methods for fabricating and using the inventive low rare earth mineral photoluminescent composition.

Abstract: A surface plasmon-field enhanced fluorescence measurement device may be provided to accurately detect a specific substance even in the case in which a well member is used and achieving a simpler structure and a lower manufacturing cost, and a fluorescence detection method using the surface plasmon-field enhanced fluorescence measurement device.

Abstract: Squarylium dyes with improved design flexibility via functionalization thereof thereby yielding desirable photophysical, solubility, thermal stability, and/or light stability properties, for example. The resulting dyes are useful in optical filters and as fluorescent indicators, for example.

Abstract: An illumination delivery system for generating sustained secondary emission that includes at least an illumination source, a waveguide, and one or more energy conversion layers is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of using the inventive illumination delivery system for generating sustained secondary emission.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring fluorescence, are described. The method includes measuring at least one profile of at least a portion of a surface of a sample, the surface extending substantially transverse an axis, and illuminating the portion of the sample surface with radiation for stimulating fluorescence. The intensity of the radiation varies with position along the axis. Values indicative of the spatial intensity distribution of fluorescence emitted from said portion of the sample surface are measured. The measured values of fluorescence are modified to take account of the spatial variation in intensity of radiation incident upon the surface by utilizing the measured profile.

Abstract: A fluorometric assay apparatus comprising an LED light source configured with at least two types of excitation LED that have different principle wavelengths from each other and are disposed in a two dimensional array on a substrate; an imaging lens for imaging a subject; a single excitation filter provided between the LED light source and a subject, the single excitation filter transmitting each of principle wavelength components of the LED light source; and a single detection long pass filter provided between the imaging lens and the subject.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium. The method places in a vicinity of the medium at least one energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the energy modulation agent.

Abstract: A method of enabling an authenticating device (10) includes providing an enabling target (17); measuring one or more attributes of the enabling target with the authenticating device; comparing at least one measured attribute with a predetermined expected value; enabling the authenticating device when the at least one measured attribute matches the predetermined expected value; and operating the authenticating device.

Abstract: The invention includes a high sensitivity and high throughput capillary electrophoresis multiwavelength florescence detection system. The fluorescent detection system is configured to illuminate a relatively large volume of a single capillary or a plurality of capillaries, with a pixelated detection system capable of imaging an area of each capillary that differentiates the capillary walls, the space between the capillaries, and the internal liquid volume within the capillary. Only the desired pixels or image area are used for processing and generating an output signal.

Abstract: For the purpose of tracking a movement of a particle in a sample, the particle is driven by light to emit photons, and the photons emitted by the particle are detected. The light applied to the sample features a light intensity distribution with a spatially limited minimum. The particle is tracked with the minimum of the light intensity distribution by moving the light intensity distribution with respect to the sample such that a rate of photons emitted by the particle remains minimal, and by taking an actual position of the minimum of the light intensity distribution in the sample as an actual position of the particle in the sample.

Abstract: A microscope and imaging method in which a layer of the sample is illuminated by a thin strip of light and the sample is viewed perpendicular to the plane of the strip of light. The depth of the strip of light thus essentially determines the depth of focus of the system. To record the image, the object is displaced through the strip of light, which remains fixed in relation to the detector, and fluorescent and/or diffused light is captured by a planar detector. Objects that absorb or diffuse a large amount of light are viewed from several spatial directions. The three-dimensional images, which are captured from each direction can be combined retrospectively to form one image, in which the data is weighted according to its resolution. The resolution of the combined image is then dominated by the lateral resolution of the individual images.

Abstract: A photoluminescent oxygen probe comprising a tack with a layer of a pressure-sensitive adhesive and an oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent element on the underside of the head. The probe is effective for sensing oxygen concentration within an enclosed space by puncturing the container defining the enclosed space the with the probe's shank and adhering the underside of the probe's head to the container so as to sealingly surround the puncture, thereby placing the oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye on the underside of the probe's head into sensible communication with the enclosed space through the puncture hole.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to sub-diffraction limit image resolution and other imaging techniques, including imaging in three dimensions. In one aspect, the invention is directed to determining and/or imaging light from two or more entities separated by a distance less than the diffraction limit of the incident light. In some cases, the position of the entities can be determined in all three spatial dimensions (i.e., in the x, y, and z directions), and in certain cases, the positions in all three dimensions can be determined to an accuracy of less than about 1000 nm. In some cases, the z positions may be determined using one of a variety of techniques that uses intensity information or focal information (e.g., a lack of focus) to determine the z position. Non-limiting examples of such techniques include astigmatism imaging, off-focus imaging, or multi-focal-plane imaging.

Abstract: Luminescent reporter compounds that are rotaxanes having the structure where B—Z—C is a reporter molecule based on a cyanine, squaric acid, or other reporter, and K is a macrocycle that encircles and interlocks with the reporter molecule. Applications of the reporter compounds are provided, as well as reactive intermediates used to synthesize the reporter compounds, and methods of synthesizing the reporter compounds.

Abstract: A fluorescence detecting device generates a modulation signal for modulating an intensity of laser light and modulates the laser light by using the modulation signal, when receiving fluorescence emitted by a measurement object irradiated with laser light emitted from a laser light source unit. The fluorescence detecting device obtains a fluorescent signal of the fluorescence emitted by the measurement object irradiated with the laser light and calculates, from the fluorescent signal, the phase delay of the fluorescence with respect to the modulation signal. At the time, the fluorescence detecting device controls the frequency of the modulation signal so that the value of the phase delay comes close to a preset value. The fluorescence detecting device calculates the fluorescence relaxation time of the fluorescence emitted by the measurement object by using a phase delay obtained under the condition of frequency of the modulation signal at the time when the control is settled.

Abstract: A quantum dot dispersed glass article is disclosed herein and associated articles, products, and methods of making thereof. In an aspect, a glass material can incorporate one or more quantum dot dispersed therein, wherein the one or more quantum dot luminesces upon excitation from an excitation source. In another aspect, the quantum dot can take a variety of shapes and sizes. In another aspect, the quantum dot can be water soluble. In yet another aspect, the quantum dot can be dispersed within one or more glass cavities.

Abstract: There is provided a structure to reduce the size of light intensity data in the scanning molecule counting method using an optical measurement with a confocal microscope or a multiphoton microscope. In the inventive optical analysis technique of detecting light of a light-emitting particle in a sample solution, time series light intensity data of light from a light detection region detected with moving the position of the light detection region of the microscope in the sample solution is generated, and a signal of a light-emitting particle individually is detected in the time series light intensity data. In that case, regions where no signal indicating light of light-emitting particles exist in the time series light intensity data is removed from the time series light intensity data.

Abstract: Microscopy is performed by imaging individual quantum dots (QD) using two-photon (2P) microscopy of in an aqueous environment with widefield and point-scan excitations at nanometer accuracy.

Abstract: Articles, methods of validating the articles, and validating systems are provided herein. In an embodiment, an article includes a substrate and a security feature on the substrate. The security feature includes a first region that has a first ink composition and a second region that has a second ink composition. The first ink composition includes a first luminescent phosphor and the second ink composition includes a second luminescent phosphor that is different from the first luminescent phosphor. The first luminescent phosphor and the second luminescent phosphor have indistinguishable excitation energy wavelengths, indistinguishable emission wavelengths, and distinguishable temporal decay properties.