Abstract: There is provided a microparticle measurement apparatus including a first light source configured to irradiate excitation light on a droplet containing a microparticle, the droplet being discharged from an orifice, a second light source configured to irradiate illumination light on the droplet for acquiring an image of the droplet, a light receiving element configured to detect fluorescence generated from the microparticle due to the irradiation of the excitation light, and to acquire an image of the droplet, and a filter member configured to be arranged between the droplet and the light receiving element. The filter member includes a first area through which the fluorescence and the illumination light pass, and a second area that is provided around the first area and that has a wavelength selectivity which lets the fluorescence pass through but blocks the illumination light.

Abstract: Described is an optical system for a dosimeter reader having reduced sensitivity to vibration and motion.

Abstract: Optical sensors comprising a fluidic channel through which fluid carrying magnetised beads may be passed, an optical source for illuminating fluid as is passes through the channel, a sensor for detecting fluorescence emitted by the beads when illuminated by the optical source, and magnet means arranged to temporarily capture and retain the magnetic beads at an assay point in the fluidic channel illuminated by the optical source and monitored by the sensor. Methods and further apparatus relating to the same.

Abstract: In an electrolyte sheet for a solid oxide fuel cell according to the present invention, the number of flaws on at least one of surfaces of the sheet detected by a fluorescent penetrant inspection is 30 points or less in each of sections obtained by dividing the sheet into the sections each measuring 30 mm or less on a side. A unit cell for a solid oxide fuel cell according to the present invention comprises a fuel electrode, an air electrode, and the electrolyte sheet for a solid oxide fuel cell according to the present invention, which is disposed between the fuel electrode and the air electrode. A solid oxide fuel cell of the present invention includes the unit cell for a solid oxide fuel cell according to the present invention.

Abstract: A fluorescence intensity correction method including: receiving fluorescence emitted from fluorescent pigments, collecting detected values from each light detector, and obtaining a fluorescence spectrum of each fluorescent pigment as one spectrum group; separating the obtained spectrum group into a plurality of small spectrum groups; comparing the separated small spectrum groups with a fluorescence wavelength distribution of each fluorescent pigment obtained in advance and specifying the small spectrum groups as the fluorescence spectrum of any fluorescent pigment; comparing a differential spectrum between small spectrum groups that are not specified and one or more specified small spectrum groups with the fluorescence wavelength distribution of unspecified fluorescent pigments obtained in advance, and specifying the differential spectrum as the fluorescence spectrum of any fluorescent pigment; and calculating the intensity of fluorescence emitted from each fluorescent pigment.

Abstract: A method of manipulating a focused light beam includes focusing a beam of excitation light with a lens to a focal spot within a sample, where a cross-section of the beam includes individual beamlets. Directions and/or relative phases of the individual beamlets of the excitation beam at a rear pupil of the lens are individually varied with a wavefront modulating element, and emission light emitted from the focal spot is detected while the directions or relative phases of individual beamlets are varied. The directions of individual beamlets are controlled to either maximize or minimize the emission light from the focal spot, and the relative phases of individual beamlets are controlled to increase the emission light from the focal spot.

Abstract: A laser scanning imaging system and method for obtaining an extended-depth-of-field image of a volume of a sample are provided. The system includes a laser module generating an input laser beam, a beam shaping module including an axicon and a Fourier-transform lens, and an imaging module including an objective lens and a detecting assembly. The axicon, Fourier-transform lens and objective lens are formed and disposed to successively convert the input laser beam into an intermediate non-diffracting beam, an intermediate annular beam, and an excitation non-diffracting beam. The excitation beam is projected onto the sample and has a depth of field and transverse resolution together defining a three-dimensional excitation region. The detecting assembly collects electromagnetic radiation from the excitation region to obtain one pixel of the extended-depth-of-field image.

Abstract: In a method for determining a measured variable of a measured medium, wherein the measured medium is brought in contact with an indicator or an indicator mixture, whose absorption spectrum has a first, and a second, wavelength range, which essentially do not overlap, a first light source is activated for emitting a first light signal with a wavelength from the first wavelength range and a second light source is activated for emitting a second light signal with a wavelength from the second wavelength range.

Abstract: System, including methods and apparatus, for sample analysis using at least one array of spotlights to illuminate a microplate with excitation light for photoluminescence emission.

Abstract: A system for energy upconversion and/or down conversion and a system for producing a photostimulated reaction in a medium. These systems include 1) a nanoparticle configured, upon exposure to a first wavelength ?1 of radiation, to generate a second wavelength ?2 of radiation having a higher energy than the first wavelength ?1 and 2) a metallic structure disposed in relation to the nanoparticle. A physical characteristic of the metallic structure is set to a value where a surface plasmon resonance in the metallic structure resonates at a frequency which provides a spectral overlap with either the first wavelength ?1 or the second wavelength ?2, or with both ?1 and ?2. The system for producing a photostimulated reaction in a medium includes a receptor disposed in the medium in proximity to the nanoparticle which, upon activation by the second wavelength ?2, generates the photostimulated reaction.

Abstract: A detection system combining an excitation radiation source providing excitation radiation to an analysis region of a sample within a substrate having a detection surface, a detector for detecting radiation collected from the analysis region comprising the detection surface of the sample resulting from the excitation, and a magnet arrangement beneath the analysis region of the sample, and stationary with respect to the excitation radiation source and light coupling arrangement, for attracting magnetic beads within the sample to the substrate surface. The detection radiation is collected from the detection surface of the substrate to give an enhanced surface specificity.

Abstract: A fluorescence life measuring apparatus, a fluorescence life measuring method and a program are described that can obtain fluorescence life using a simple configuration. The apparatus moves a stage on which a fluorescent material to be measured is placed, irradiates with excitation light the fluorescent material placed on the stage moved at a constant speed, images afterglow of emitted fluorescence caused by the excitation light, and uses an imaged image to detect the elapsed time from a fluorescence position and afterglow strength at a target afterglow position and calculate the fluorescence life.

Abstract: The present invention relates to detection systems and methods that detect fluorescence, luminescence, chemiluminescence or phosphorescence signatures in the form of an electrical signal conducted and emitted from metallic containing surfaces. Thus, the present invention provides for detecting fluorescence digitally and directly without the need for expensive detectors.

Abstract: A fluorescent material includes a silica matrix, and a fluorescent dye compound covalently bonded to the silica matrix. The fluorescent dye compound may have first and second absorption wavelengths and an emission wavelength. A method for producing a photoswitchable fluorescent material includes combining silane monomers and fluorescent silane dyes, and initiating a polymerization reaction between the silane monomers and the photoswitchable fluorescent silane dyes, thereby creating photoswitchable fluorescent dye compounds covalently bonded to a silica matrix. The authenticity of a product may be verified according to a method in which a fluorescent material is present in or on a product, and the material is tested for fluorescence at first and second absorption wavelengths, the presence of structural characteristics, or both. The fluorescent material may exhibit on/off functionality through the use of the fluorescent material at different absorption wavelengths.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field characterization of particles in a sample solution. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a flow cell and a method for characterizing particles by means of collected non-Gaussian temporal signals. The present flow cell and method rely on an excitation fiber with a channel. The excitation fiber has a core for transporting an excitation light generated by a light source, and defines a channel through a portion of its core. The channel of the excitation fiber directs a flow of the sample solution. The excitation fiber, the channel and collection fibers characteristics are selected, proportioned and positioned to generate collected light with a non-Gaussian temporal intensity profile.

Abstract: An optical particle detecting device including a light source that emits an inspection light, a converting unit that converts the inspection light into collimated light, a focusing reflecting mirror that reflects toward a focal point the inspection light that has been converted into collimated light, a jet mechanism that causes an airstream including a particle to jet into the focal point of the focusing reflecting mirror, and a detecting portion that detects either scattered light or fluorescence produced by the particle included in the airstream being illuminated by the inspection light.

Abstract: A System and method for self-checking a fluorometer for failure or deteriorated performance includes fluorescent reference standards mounted on a support to move with respect to one or more fixed fluorometers. The intensity of the fluorescent emission of the fluorescent reference standard is initially measured with the fluorometer, and, after a prescribed interval of usage of the fluorometer, a test measurement of the intensity of the fluorescent emission of the fluorescent standard is taken with the fluorometer. The test measurement is compared to the initial measurement, and failure or deteriorated performance of the fluorometer is determined based on a deviation of the test measurement from the initial measurement.

Abstract: Large area, low f-number optical systems, and microfluidic systems incorporating such optical systems, are disclosed. Large area, low f-number optical systems may be used to collect light from plurality of micro channels associated with a plurality of flow cytometers. The optical systems may be configured to collect light from a source area having an object lateral length or width within a range of 25 mm and 75 mm, configured to have an f-number within a range of 0.9 to 1.2, and configured to have a working distance within a range of 10 mm to 30 mm.

Abstract: Method for spatially high-resolution luminescence microscopy in which label molecules in a sample are activated to emit luminescence radiation comprising activating only a subset of the label molecules in the sample, wherein activated label molecules have a distance to the closest activated molecules that is greater or equal to a length which results from a predetermined optical resolution, detecting the luminescence radiation, generating a frame from the luminescence radiation, identifying the geometric locations of the label molecules with a spatial resolution increased above the predetermined optical resolution, repeating the steps and forming a combined image, and controlling the acquisition of the several frames by evaluating at least one of the frames or a group of the frames and modifying at least one variable for subsequent repetitions of the steps of generating frames for combining into an image.

Abstract: A scanning photometer and attendant methods are provided. The scanning photometer is generally characterized by first and second fluorophore excitation sources, an objective lens, and a common emission detector for the detection of first and second fluorophore emission originating from the excitation of the fluorophores via passage of excitation energy, via an optical path of the objective lens, from the excitation sources. Excitation energy and emission energy conditioning elements are likewise provided, operatively interposed before or after the objective lens as the case may be.

Abstract: A flow cytometer including a laser, indexing structure, adjustment structure, and sensor structure. The cytometer is conventionally used with a removable microfluidic cassette, which is installed at a first position that is enforced by the indexing structure. The adjustment structure changes a relative position between an interrogation aperture of the cassette and the laser beam. Feedback from the sensor structure is used to optimize propagation of the laser through the interrogation aperture to reduce (and hopefully eliminate) autofluorescence caused by beam impingement onto the cassette.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a particle in a sample stream of a flow cytometer or the like. The system has a light source, such as a laser pointer module, for generating a low powered light beam and a fluidics apparatus which is configured to transport particles in the sample stream at substantially low velocity through the light beam for interrogation. Detectors, such as photomultiplier tubes, are configured to detect optical signals generated in response to the light beam impinging the particles. Signal conditioning circuitry is connected to each of the detectors to condition each detector output into electronic signals for processing and is designed to have a limited frequency response to filter high frequency noise from the detector output signals.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented to measure the photoluminescence of incoming wafers and extract parameters such as minority carrier life time, diffusion length, and defect density that may be used to predict final solar cell efficiency. In some examples, illumination light is supplied to a side of an as-cut silicon wafer and the induced luminescence measured from the same side and the opposite side of the wafer is used to determine an indication of the minority carrier lifetime. In another example, the luminescence induced by two instances of illumination light of different wavelength is used to determine an indication of the minority carrier lifetime. In another example, the spatial distribution of luminescence intensity over an area surrounding a focused illumination spot is used to determine an indication of the minority carrier lifetime. Other apparatus useful to passivate the surface of a wafer for inspection are also presented.

Abstract: A screening module configured to screen at least a portion of a biological sample disposed on an analysis surface is provided. The screening module comprises a laser source a scanning unit comprising one or more scanning devices, wherein the scanning devices are configured to rotate in an oscillatory scanning motion about an axis of rotation to scan the analysis surface in at least one direction, wherein the scanning unit is physically coupled to the laser source, and a detection unit comprising one or more detection devices.

Abstract: A process for detecting oil or lubricant contamination in a manufactured product, the process comprising adding a fluorescent taggant to oils or lubricants contained in processing machinery for the product, irradiating the product with radiation, such as infrared or ultraviolet radiation, and detecting radiation emitted from the irradiated product.

Abstract: A fluorescent image obtaining device includes a light source that irradiates light such that a fluorescent material marked on a target in a biological sample lies in a non-excited state and a fluorescent material marked on a control with the target lies in an excited state, and an imaging unit that takes an image including the entire biological sample.

Abstract: By forming nanoparticles from gas-phase precursors within cracks or defects in a gas-barrier film, crack-width may be determined from the diameter of the nanoparticles formed within. The optical absorption and emission wavelengths of a quantum dot are governed by the particle size. For a particular material, the absorption and/or emission wavelengths may therefore be correlated to the particle size (as determined from techniques such as transmission electron microscopy, TEM). Thus, fluorescence measurement techniques and/or confocal microscopy may be used to determine the size of quantum dots formed within a gas-barrier film, allowing both the size and nature of a defect to be determined. The method may be used to assess the potential effects of defects on the integrity of the gas-barrier film.

Abstract: A structure for testing a luminescent film includes a Lambertian light source, an integrating sphere having an input port, and a measuring device. The Lambertian light source includes a mixing chamber having an input port and an output port, and a light emitter coupled to the input port. During testing the luminescent film is positioned between the output port of the mixing chamber and the input port of the integrating sphere. The measuring device is optically coupled to the integrating sphere.

Abstract: An optical particle detecting device includes a light source that emits light, an optical fiber that carries the emitted light, an emission-side condensing lens that condenses the light emitted from an end portion of the optical fiber, and a jet mechanism that causes an airstream including a particle to cut across the beam condensed by the emission-side condensing lens.

Abstract: A first and a second fluorescent dye are mixed into a solution, the first dye being positively ionized in the solution and the second dye being negatively ionized in the solution and having different fluorescence wavelengths from the first dye. The solution is flown onto a measured surface, and the surface is excited with an evanescent wave to produce a fluorescence intensity distribution of two colors. A fluorescence intensity of the surface is measured using a two-dimensional imaging element, the element providing a fluorescence intensity of each color separated from the other colors, thereby calculating a ratio of the fluorescence intensities of the colors. Using an equation expressing a relationship between the ratio of fluorescence intensities and a wall zeta potential, the ratio is converted to a two-dimensional distribution of wall zeta potentials. This achieves visualizing in real time and quantitatively evaluating the two-dimensional distribution of wall zeta potentials, and surface modifications.

Abstract: A green light-emitting glass and the method of preparing the same are provided. The components with parts by mole of the green light-emitting glass are alkali oxide 25-40, Y2O3 0.01-15, SiO2 40-70, Tb2O3 0.01-15. The method of preparing the glass includes mixing alkali salt with Y2O3, SiO2 and Tb4O7, firing the mixture at 1200° C.-1500° C. for 1-5 hours, cooling the precursor to the room temperature and annealing the precursor in a reducing atmosphere at 600° C.-1200° C. for 1-20 hours. A green light-emitting glass with good transparence, high uniformity, easily being made into big bulk and high stability is provided. The process of capsulation of parts by using the glass is simple. And a method of preparing the glass with simple process and low cost is provided.

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: A test apparatus for an optical investigation system, with an imaging device and a light source for optical investigation of an object in remitted light and/or fluorescent light includes a housing with a hollow space and an aperture for inserting a distal end of the imaging device into the hollow space, a reference surface with predetermined optical properties in the hollow space, at least either for remission of illuminating light directed onto the reference surface or for emission of fluorescent light, and a positioning device to hold the imaging device of the distal end of the imaging device at a predetermined position in relation to the reference surface.

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: A gas sampling device includes an analysis block defining a first portion of a chamber and a dilution block defining a second portion of the chamber. The sampling device includes an exhaust gas orifice at the first portion for withdrawing gas from the chamber in response to an applied suction, a sample gas orifice at the second portion to modify passage of a sample gas entering the chamber in response to the suction, and a dilution gas orifice at the second portion to modify passage of a dilution gas entering the chamber in response to the suction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a self-assembled helical metallic complex of formula (1): [M1M2M3(L1)3] (1) said metallic complex forming a triad donor (M1)/acceptor (M2)/donor (M3), wherein the efficiency of the intermolecular energy transfer between the pair of donors (M \) and (M3) to the acceptor (M2) is from 30% to 70% and the L1 ligand-field strength of the donors (M1) and (M3) is at least 19000 cm?1.

Abstract: Exposure to a static magnetic field changes the fluorescence intensity of a wide range of fluorophores, including small molecules (e.g., tryptophan), complex organizations of fluorophores (e.g., proteins), quantum dots, nanoparticles, and other materials. Different materials may experience different changes in fluorescence emission upon exposure to a magnetic field—for instance, some or all of a material's fluorescence emission spectrum may increase in amplitude or shift in wavelength. Different materials may also experience different changes in relaxation time, which is the time constant associated with fluorescence decay. These magnetically induced differences fluorescence emission spectra and decay can be used to identify, classify, or sort materials noninvasively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a scattering light source photometer. In particular, the present invention relates to a portable, low cost, multi-wavelength photometer and methods for its use.

Abstract: An imaging system for analyzing fluorescent molecules in a sample, including a confocal microscope device, has a support in contact with at least a portion of the sample. In the system, the support surface in contact with the sample is functionalized so as to reduce the observation volume of the microscope on the surface in the axial direction. The present disclosure also relates to various uses of such a system as well as to a method for analyzing fluorescent molecules in a sample, the method being implemented by such a system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to microcapsules that include a shell material and a core material. The core material of the microcapsules contains an environmentally sensitive luminescent colorant which exhibits characteristics of an emitted wavelength bandwidth, a peak intensity for emission and a time for luminescence decay, one or more of the characteristics capable of changing upon exposure to a given environment, and a luminescent standard which exhibits characteristics of an emitted wavelength bandwidth, a peak intensity for emission and a time for luminescence decay, one or more of the characteristics do not change upon exposure to said given environment.

Abstract: A configuration was adopted, in which the orientations of free molecules and binding molecules within a solution are switched by switching the vibration direction of orientation controlling light, thereby switching the amount of light emitted by each free molecule and each binding molecule. There is a difference in the amounts of time required for the orientations of the free molecules and the binding molecules to switch accompanying the switch in the emission direction of the orientation controlling light. Therefore, the timings at which the amounts of light emitted by each type of molecule increase differ. Accordingly, the fluorescence contributed by fluorescent molecules associated with free molecules and the fluorescent molecules associated with binding molecules can be respectively calculated, even if all of the fluorescent molecules within the solution emit fluorescence. Thereby, the concentration of a detection target substance can be accurately measured with a simple structure.

Abstract: A fluorescence intensity compensation method includes emitting light onto microparticles multiply labeled with a plurality of fluorochromes having fluorescence wavelength ranges that overlap each other in order to excite the fluorochromes and receiving fluorescence generated by the excited fluorochromes using photodetectors having different reception wavelength ranges, and computing fluorescence intensities of the fluorochromes by compensating detection values of the photodetectors under a predetermined constraint condition imposed on the computed fluorescence intensities.

Abstract: A method of focusing particles is provided. The method includes transiting a fluid containing particles therein through a channel at a flow rate and adjusting the flow rate for a desired transit time through an interrogation zone through which a light from an excitation source passes. The method further includes optically exciting the particles with the excitation source, detecting an optical signal from the particles, and analyzing the optical signal. The particles may be droplets. Further, the particles may transit the interrogation zone in single file. A system of focusing particles is also provided. The system includes a channel having an inlet for accepting a fluid containing particles. The system further includes a flow adjuster configured to adjust the flow rate for a desired transit time through an interrogation zone, a light source configured to optically excite the particles, and a detector configured to detect optical signals from the particles.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of performing orthogonal light sheet microscopy (OLM) and computer optical tomography (COT) simultaneously in a single device are provided. The dual-mode imaging microscope allows for the use of both OLM and COT in a single instrument. This dual-mode device will allow researchers to have access to both types of microscopy, allowing access to the widest possible selection of samples, and improved imaging results. In addition, the device will reduce the high costs and space requirements associated with owning two different imagers (OLM and COT).

Abstract: In order to reduce light leak influencing the detection capability of a fluorescence imaging apparatus, an interference filter and an absorption filter on an emission-side filter section are arranged serially in the traveling direction of the fluorescence. The interference filter and the absorption filter that are in use for such an arrangement block the waveband light equivalent to the excitation light irradiated onto a sample while fully transmitting the waveband light equivalent to the fluorescence.

Abstract: A calibration method for calibrating a measurement device for measuring a concentration of a gas dissolved in a liquid includes varying the concentration of the gas dissolved in the liquid, and predetermining, as a reference concentration, a concentration of the gas at which an intensity of luminescence produced when the liquid is irradiated with ultrasonic waves shows a peak. The liquid is illuminated with ultrasonic waves while varying the concentration of the gas in the liquid and a measured value is measured, using the measurement device, as a concentration of the gas in the liquid when the intensity of the luminescence shows a peak. The measurement device is calibrated based on the measured value and the reference concentration.

Abstract: A wafer inspection system includes a laser droplet plasma (LDP) light source that generates light with sufficient radiance to enable bright field inspection at wavelengths down to 40 nanometers. Light generated by the LDP source is directed to the wafer and light from the illuminated wafer is collected by a high NA objective with all reflective elements. A detector detects the collected light for further image processing. The LDP source includes a droplet generator that dispenses droplets of a feed material. An excitation light generated by a laser is focused on a droplet of the feed material. The interaction of the excitation light with the droplet generates a plasma that emits illumination light with a radiance of at least 10 W/mm2-sr within a spectral range from 40 nanometers to 200 nanometers.

Abstract: Identification and quantification of mass-produced goods in articles, a dye-containing polymer dispersion having been added to the mass-produced goods. The polymer dispersions contain particles which are coded by a mixture of dyes, and the polymer dispersion particles are quantitatively determined.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed optoelectronic methods and devices for detecting the presence of an analyte. Such methods and devices may comprise at least one sensing element that is responsive to the presence of an analyte of interest and that may be interrogated optically by the use of at least one light source and at least one light detector.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an insulator which can suppress quenching between fluorescent dyes and enhance fluorescence intensity. The present invention provides, in order to achieve this object, an insulator which contains a ring entity of nonplanar structure and suppresses reduction in fluorescence intensity of one or two or more fluorescent labels adjacent to the insulator.