Abstract: Systems and methods for substantially simultaneously exciting a fluorescently labeled specimen and capturing fluorescent light emitted therefrom using a smartphone, tablet, or similar mobile computing device, are disclosed herein. The system includes a light-emitting diode (“LED”) light source coupled with the smartphone to excite the specimen and an imaging device coupled with the smartphone to capture fluorescent light emitted from the specimen. The system further includes a hood adapted to be coupled with the smartphone that has an excitation filter configured to produce a first wavelength of electromagnetic radiation to strike the specimen when light from the LED light source passes through it and an emission filter configured to receive the light emitted from the specimen and to produce a second wavelength of electromagnetic radiation to be captured by the imaging device.

Abstract: Identifying marks are often used for authentication and tracking purposes with various types of articles, but they can sometimes be subject to replication or removal by an outside entity, such as a person or group having malicious intent. Carbon nanotubes and other carbon nanomaterials can be used to form identifying marks that are not visible to the naked eye, thereby making the marks more difficult for an outside entity to tamper with. Various articles can include an identifying mark that is not visible to the naked eye, the identifying mark containing a nanomaterial that includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes with a registered distribution of chiralities. The registered distribution of chiralities can be further tailored to increase the level of security provided by the mark.

Abstract: A chip-scale optical approach to performing multi-target detection is based on molecular biosensing using fiber-optic based fluorescence or light scattering detection in liquid-core waveguides. Multiplexing methods are capable of registering individual nucleic acids and other optically responsive particles, and are ideal for amplification-free detection in combination with the single molecule sensitivity of optofluidic chips. This approach overcomes a critical barrier to introducing a new integrated technology for amplification-free molecular diagnostic detection. Specific examples of liquid-core optical waveguides and multi-mode interferometers are described; however, they can be implemented in a number of different ways as long as a series of excitation spots is created whose spacing varies with the excitation wavelength.

Abstract: A reference vessel and a method of validating operational integrity of an analytical instrument using the reference vessel. The reference vessel has certain design features that render it particularly suited for interrogation by a specific analytical instrument, and is equipped with a surrogate probe that generates a perceptible signal of known value when interrogated by that instrument regardless of the actual value of the variable in communication with the surrogate probe.

Abstract: Wavefront distortions of an optical beam are measured. The transverse optical modes of the optical beam are partitioned into a plurality of subsets of transverse optical modes, one of the subsets of transverse optical modes is selected as the current subset, and the optical beam is modulated based on the current subset by maintaining the transverse optical modes of the optical beam that are outside the current subset stable, and modulating the transverse optical modes of the optical beam within the current subset. A non-linear optical signal is generated from the modulated optical beam by directing the modulated optical beam through a non-linear optical system that includes a random scattering medium, the power of the generated non-linear optical signal is measured, and, based on the measured power, values of the spatial phase for the optical beam at transverse optical modes are extracted within the current subset.

Abstract: A method for determining at least one parameter related to a system is disclosed, wherein the at least one parameter depends on at least one relaxation time of the system. The system is excited by a first series of electromagnetic excitation pulses, exhibiting a first defined time gap between consecutive excitation pulses. The response of the system to the first series of excitation pulses is integrated uninterruptedly over time, thus generating a first response signal. Likewise, by uninterrupted integration over time of at least one second response of the system, a second response-signal is generated. The at least one parameter is determined taking into account the first response-signal and the at least one second response-signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluorometry, and in particular to methods and apparatus for time-delayed detection of fluorescence in a sample, for example for use in a clinical setting. Exemplary embodiments disclosed relate to a fluorometer (100) comprising a light source (101), a light detector (102), a sample holder (103) disposed between the light source and light detector, a motor (104); and a light transmission modulator (105) disposed around the sample holder and comprising a pair of plates (106, 107) attached to the motor for rotation about a common axis (108), the pair of plates arranged to allow transmission from the source to the sample in a first rotated position, to allow transmission from the sample to the detector in a second rotated position and to block direct light transmission between the source and detector in both first and second rotated positions.

Abstract: Embodiments generally relate to detection of end of service life for respirator filter cartridges for organic vapor(s). Typically, detection of end of service life might use a competitive UV absorbance-fluorescence approach. Thus, a sensor that emits light upon application of UV may be placed within the cartridge, with a UV lamp and a light detector directed at the sensor. In some embodiments, a plurality of corresponding sensor and UV lamp and light detector might be used. Typically, the light level emitted by the sensor(s) might be used to estimate effective end of service life.

Abstract: Embodiments of the computer-implemented methods, storage mediums, and systems may be configured to determine locations of particles within a first image of the particles. The particles may have fluorescence-material associated therewith. The embodiments may include calculating a transform parameter, and the transform parameter may define an estimated movement in the locations of the particles between the first image of the particles and a second image of the particles. The embodiments may further including applying the transform parameter to the locations of the particles within the first image to determine movement locations of the particles within the second image.

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: Aligning measurements of fluorescent spectral radiance factors taken by a first instrument with measurements of fluorescent spectral radiance factors taken by a second instrument, without knowledge of the matrix of bispectral luminescent radiance factor of any sample, includes obtaining a fluorescent spectral radiance factor of a reference sample, measured by the first instrument, obtaining the fluorescent spectral radiance factor of the reference sample, measured by the second instrument, obtaining a fluorescent spectral radiance factor of a test sample, measured by the first instrument, and estimating the fluorescent spectral radiance factor of the test sample that would be measured by the second instrument, based on the fluorescent spectral radiance factor of a reference sample, measured by the first instrument, on the fluorescent spectral radiance factor of the reference sample, measured by the second instrument, and on the fluorescent spectral radiance factor of the test sample, measured by the first ins

Abstract: A fluorescence sensor includes a detection substrate section, on a first principal plane of which a concave portion having a bottom surface parallel to the first principal plane is present and, on a side surface of the concave portion of which a PD element configured to receive fluorescent light and output a detection signal is formed, an LED element disposed on the bottom surface of the concave portion of the detection substrate section and configured to generate excitation light, and an indicator layer disposed on an inside of the concave portion on the LED element and configured to generate the fluorescent light corresponding to the excitation light and an analyte amount.

Abstract: Doped luminescent materials are provided for converting excited triplet states to radiative hybrid states. The doped materials may be used to conduct pulse shape discrimination (PSD) using luminescence generated by harvested excited triplet states. The doped materials may also be used to detect particles using spectral shape discrimination (SSD).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for a fast thermo-optical characterization of particles. In particular, the present invention relates to a method and a device to measure the stability of (bio)molecules, the interaction of molecules, in particular biomolecules, with, e.g. further (bio)molecules, particularly modified (bio)molecules, particles, beads, and/or the determination of the length/size (e.g. hydrodynamic radius) of individual (bio)molecules, particles, beads and/or the determination of length/size (e.g. hydrodynamic radius).

Abstract: A testing method for an escape path marking which has an installation position and is illuminated by a light source located in a defined position relative to the installation position, in order to charge the escape path marking for achieving afterglow, the following steps: An excitation curve A (?) for the escape path marking is provided; the irradiance E (?) of the light source is recorded for the installation position of the escape path marking; a weighted irradiance B (?) is determined as a product of the irradiance and the excitation curve; a charging irradiance (BiL) is determined as an integral over the weighted irradiance across the wavelength; and a characteristic curve Kt1 (BiL) depending upon the charging time t1 specifies what afterglow time emerges for the escape path marking with the charging time t1 for the charging irradiance (BiL).

Abstract: A flow cytometer system for algal cells includes a flow cell having an interrogation region, a long wavelength illuminator for illuminating algal cells entering the interrogation region, and a short wavelength illuminator for exciting fluorescence within the algal cells. The system also includes one or more photodetectors for measuring the fluorescence, and a data acquisition system that detects the illuminated algal cells in the interrogation region. The data acquisition system controls the illuminators to provide specific timing and intensity conditions for stimulating to fluorescence, and acquires data from the one or more photodetectors to provide information of the algal cells. The system analyzes data at high speeds to allow it to sort cells based on fluorescence and scattering data.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for detecting and determining the presence and grade of petroleum oil in a sample. The methods and systems use the fluorescence produced by one or more transition metals present in the oil to detect and determine the presence and grade of the oil in the sample. The fluorescence produced by the metals is also useful as marker for tracking presence oil in the soil. The methods and offset the problems of the existing exploration technologies described above mentioned. Additionally, the methods and systems can be useful in identifying other compounds related to petroleum oil, such as carbon, hydrogen, and other types of aromatic compounds.

Abstract: A method for locating at least one optical marker in a diffusing medium, the marker having at least one optical property different from the diffusing medium, wherein: a) a pulsed radiation interacts with the medium and the at least one optical marker, producing an optical signal, and at least one acquisition of data of the optical signal is performed, each acquisition including one or more time components of interest, due to the at least one marker, and a spurious component, due to the medium other than the at least one marker, b) a multidimensional array X is formed from the optical signal data of the at least one of the acquisitions, c) the array X is processed by factorization into a product of only two non-negative multidimensional arrays A and S, and d) at least one of the time components is extracted from the arrays A and S.

Abstract: Imaging a sample that includes phototransformable optical labels (“PTOLs”) with an optical system having a diffraction-limited resolution volume (DLRV), includes providing activation radiation to the PTOLs to activate a statistical subset of the PTOLs. A density of the PTOLs of the activated subset is less than an inverse of the DLRV. Excitation radiation is provided to the activated subset to excite activated PTOLs. Radiation emitted from the activated and excited PTOLs located at different focal planes of the optical system within the sample is detected with the optical system. The preceding steps are repeated one or more times, each time activating a different statistical subset of the plurality of PTOLs. Three-dimensional locations within the sample are determined, with a sub-diffraction-limited accuracy, of the activated and excited PTOLs based on the radiation emitted from the activated and excited PTOLs that is detected from the different focal planes of the optical system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a vitamin K antagonizing anticoagulant present in a sample (116), arranged to: irradiate (304) the sample (116) with light from a light source (114) for exciting the anticoagulant through its absorption of the light, the excitation of the sample (116) resulting in a fluorescent emission from the sample (116); measure (306) the fluorescent emission from the sample (116); determine (308) a fluorescence lifetime (T1) of the fluorescent emission of the sample (116); determine (310) an intensity (A1) of the fluorescent emission at the fluorescence lifetime (T1); and determine (312) a amount (c) of the anticoagulant, as a function of the intensity (A1) of the fluorescent emission at the fluorescence lifetime (T1).

Abstract: The present application is directed to methods and apparatus for multi-axis optical measurements of a fluid stream flowing or contained in an optically transparent measurement chamber. Sonic energy is directed into the fluid in the measurement chamber to clean interior surfaces of the measurement chamber and promote homogenization of the fluid. Optical measurements may be taken of the fluid.

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 visualization of fluid flow, includes a light emitting arrangement configured to emit a focused light, a fluid channel configured to hold a fluid including a carrier liquid and a stimuli responsive polymer, wherein the fluid flows though the fluid channel, and an image recording arrangement. The light emitting arrangement is positioned to emit the focused light into a selected area of the fluid channel to interact with the flowing stimuli responsive polymer within the selected area. This results in a phase change to a portion of the stimuli responsive polymer. The image recording arrangement is positioned to record an image the portion of the phase changed stimuli responsive polymer made visible by the phase change.

Abstract: A component of a motor vehicle comprising a photoluminescent interior member formed of a plastic composition, wherein the plastic composition comprises at least one polymer and a plurality of additives comprising at least one photoluminescent material and at least a first ultraviolet protector, wherein the at least one photoluminescent material absorbs electromagnetic radiation in a first ultraviolet range of an electromagnetic spectrum, and thereafter emits electromagnetic radiation in a visible radiation range of the electromagnetic spectrum, and wherein the first ultraviolet protector is an ultraviolet absorber, wherein the ultraviolet absorber absorbs electromagnetic radiation in a second ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum and does not absorb electromagnetic radiation in the first ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow cell for absorption detection, in which a tube through which flow is to pass is held at its opposite ends in a supporting flange in each case and is suspended in a substantially cantilevered manner, the two supporting flanges being connected rigidly to each other in order to avoid stresses accidentally introduced into the tube.

Abstract: For position sensors, e.g., a fiber-based system, that build a shape of an elongated member such as a catheter using a sequence of small orientation measurements, a small error in orientation at the proximal end of the sensor will cause large error in position at distal points on the fiber. Exemplary methods and systems are disclosed which may provide full or partial registration along the length of the sensor to reduce the influence of the measurement error. Additional examples are directed to applying selective filtering at a proximal end of the elongated member to provide a more stable base for distal measurements and thereby reducing the influence of measurement errors.

Abstract: A system comprising a read out device for reading a radiation image stored in a photostimulable phosphor screen and for generating a digital signal representation of a read out image wherein the read out device supports a single format and is coupled to a processing unit which is programmed for cropping a region of interest (ROI) in the read out image.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which use a photoluminescent light intensity signature to characterize a processed photovoltaic substrate.

Abstract: Photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) testing of quantum dots is described. In one embodiment, a method involves heating a sample including quantum dots and illuminating the sample with a light source. The method involves measuring spectra of luminescence from the illuminated quantum dots of the sample at each of a plurality of temperatures. The method involves measuring each of the plurality of temperatures with a temperature sensor. The PLQY at each of the plurality of temperatures is computed based on the measured spectra. The method further involves computing a relationship between QD emission wavelength of the measured spectra and the plurality of temperatures measured with the temperature sensor. The relationship is used to determine the QD temperature corresponding to each of the PLQY computations. In one embodiment, an integrating sphere moves on a gantry over the samples.

Abstract: Fluorescing gel formulations are disclosed for monitoring cleaning of a surface. The fluorescing gel formulations are stable, fluoresce under UV light, and do not leave a mark after drying and removal. The compositions include an oppositely charged complexing agent which is used in combination with an anionic or cationic optical brightener. In some embodiments, the compositions include a cationic optical brightener with no complexing agent.

Abstract: The present application relates to polymer-conjugated quantum dots. The quantum dots can include, for example, an inorganic core conjugated to a polymer. The quantum dots may, in some embodiments, be water-soluble and exhibit superior photoluminescence. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the quantum dots.

Abstract: A phosphor (photo-luminescent) material based authentication system in which a blend (mixture) of at least two, preferably three or more, phosphor materials are used as a photo-luminescent security marking which is applied to or incorporated within an article/document to be authenticated. Preferably, the phosphor materials are each excitable by “eye safe” excitation radiation comprising visible light of wavelength 380 nm to 780 nm. Moreover, when excited the security marking preferably also emits visible light thereby minimizing any risk of damage to an operator's eye in the event of accidental exposure to the excitation radiation and/or light generated by the photo-luminescent marking. The authenticity of the article/document can be authenticated by verification of the composition of the phosphor by exciting the marking and comparing one or more selected parameters of light emitted by the security marking with corresponding parameters of the characteristic emission spectrum of the authentic phosphor blend.

Abstract: A microscopy method for producing a high-resolution image of a 2-dimensional sample. The method includes exciting statistically blinking fluorophores in a sample by irradiating the sample with illumination radiation, repeatedly imaging the sample onto a spatially resolving detector in an image field that covers only a part of the sample to thereby obtain a frame sequence, generating an image from the frame sequence, the image having a spatial resolution increased beyond the optical resolution limit using a cumulant function, moving the position of the image field on the sample at least once and repeating the imaging and generating steps to obtain one image for each position of the image field, and combining the resultantly obtained images to form a complete image of the sample.

Abstract: A method for inspecting contact between mating gears that includes applying a mixture to teeth of a first gear, teeth of a second gear, or the teeth of both the first and second gears. The mixture includes a lubricating oil and a fluorescing dye. The first gear is rotated to drive the second gear. While the second gear is being driven by the first gear, electromagnetic radiation, such as ultra-violet radiation, is applied to the teeth of at least one of the first and second gears to cause the teeth to fluoresce. The fluorescing teeth of the second gear are inspected to identify a tooth inspection zone that approximates a zone of contact between the teeth of the first and second gears.

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: A method reconstructing the optical properties of a medium using a reconstruction system has a radiation source lighting the medium and a detector receiving a signal transmitted by the medium. The steps include lighting the medium using a radiation source, receiving by the detector of a signal emitted by the medium, and processing, for a source-detector pair, of a first distribution of the signal received by the corresponding detector. Then computing the Mellin-Laplace transform, for a given order and a given variable, of a magnitude comprising the first distribution, the order being an integer, the variable being a real number, and reconstructing optical properties of the medium using the Mellin-Laplace transform of said magnitude. The computation step includes computing a plurality of Mellin-Laplace transforms of the magnitude for distinct values of the order, and the reconstruction step is carried out from a combination of the plurality of Mellin-Laplace transforms.

Abstract: A method and circuit for implementing conductive microcapsule rupture to generate a tamper event for data theft prevention, and a design structure on which the subject circuit resides are provided. A polymeric resin containing microcapsules surrounds a security card and a tamper sensor device provided with the securing card. Each microcapsule contains a conductive material. The conductive material of the microcapsule disperses onto the tamper sensor device on the security card responsive to the microcapsule being ruptured to create a change in resistance, reducing the resistance of a security mesh of the tamper sensor device. The microcapsules are more sensitive to pressure than a tamper mesh of the tamper sensor device and therefore rupture first, creating the change in resistance when dispersed onto the tamper sensor device. The resistance change is detected by the tamper sensor device and the security card is disabled to prevent data theft.

Abstract: An instrument and method for scanning a large microscope specimen uses a light source and at least one lens to focus light from the specimen onto a detector array. The specimen holder is located on a scanning stage and the detector array is dynamically tilted about a scan direction during the scan to maintain focus across the width of the scan strip as the scan proceeds. A degree of tilt varies during the scan as is required to maintain lateral focus relative to the detector array.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for stimulating an emission from at least one emitter, such as a quantum dot or organic molecule, on the surface of a photonic crystal comprising a patterned dielectric substrate. Embodiments of this system include a laser or other source that illuminates the emitter and the photonic crystal, which is characterized by an energy band structure exhibiting a Fano resonance, from a first angle so as to stimulate the emission from the emitter at a second angle. The coupling between the photonic crystal and the emitter may result in spectral and angular enhancement of the emission through excitation and extraction enhancement. These enhancement mechanisms also reduce the emitter's lasing threshold. For instance, these enhancement mechanisms enable lasing of a 100 nm thick layer of diluted organic molecules solution with reduced threshold intensity. This reduction in lasing threshold enables more efficient organic light emitting devices and more sensitive molecular sensing.

Abstract: An inspection method for a semiconductor light-emitting device includes an image capturing step for capturing an image of photoluminescence released from the active layer, an inspection region extracting step for extracting an inspection region from the captured image; a luminance average determination step for, determining the semiconductor light emitting device as defective when a luminance average is smaller than a predetermined threshold, a luminance variance determination step for determining the semiconductor light emitting device as defective when a luminance variance is larger than a predetermined threshold, a color determination step for determining the semiconductor light-emitting device as defective when a pixel in which a color component indicating a photoluminescence intensity of light released from the active layer and having a wavelength shorter than the original emitting wavelength, and a total determination step for totally determining the semiconductor light-emitting device as defective when

Abstract: An improved evaluation circuit which allows high sensitivity in an economical manner. For this purpose, a shift register having at least one data input, a clock input, a plurality of register stages and at least one data output is provided, wherein the output of the analog-to-digital converter is connected to the data input of the shift register. With a shift register, fluorescent light and scattered light can be temporally distinguished in an economical manner.

Abstract: An aqueous ink jet printer ink composition is designed for ink jet printing of fluorescent images. This composition contains fluorescent pigment particles that have (1) an excitation peak wavelength of at least 300 nm and less than 400 nm, and (2) an emission peak that is greater than 400 nm and up to and including 700 nm when exposed to fluorescent-exciting radiation. The non-polymeric fluorescent pigment particles have a median particle size that is greater than 10 nm and up to and including 500 nm, and the 95th percentile fluorescent pigment particle size is less than 150 nm. The composition can be continuously printed on various pretreated or untreated receiver elements or articles to provide a fluorescent image that can be detected when excited at the appropriate wavelength. The fluorescent image can thus be used as a security or identification mark for various purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical detection system comprising an illumination unit and a detection unit. The illumination unit comprises two laser beams of two different wavelengths. One beam is used to excite targeted molecules in a sample to their excited states. The other beam is used to induce the excited molecules in the sample to generate a stimulated emission signal. The stimulated emission signal can be used for long-distance detection due to its coherent property. Its extraction from the detection unit can be realized by demodulating the second beam's intensity change.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention provides a focusing apparatus and method for a fluorescence microscope which is capable of shortening the time in focusing, increasing system throughput and avoiding from undesirable photo-bleaching. The fluorescence microscope of the present invention employs a portion of excitation light to form images of a sample to determine a focus plane for fluorescence imaging. As intensity of the portion of the excitation light is much higher than that of fluorescence light, the exposure time is highly reduced for image formation used for focusing purpose. The fluorescence microscope of the present invention enables to perform both predictive focusing and multiplex focusing.

Abstract: Methods are presented for separating the effects of background doping density and effective minority carrier lifetime on photoluminescence (PL) generated from semiconductor materials. In one embodiment the background doping density is measured by another technique, enabling PL measurements to be analysed in terms of effective minority carrier lifetime. In another embodiment the effective lifetime is measured by another technique, enabling PL measurements to be analysed in terms of background doping density. In another embodiment, the effect of background doping density is removed by calculating intensity ratios of two PL measurements obtained in different spectral regions, or generated by different excitation wavelengths. The methods are particularly useful for bulk samples such as bricks or ingots of silicon, where information can be obtained over a much wider range of bulk lifetime values than is possible with thin, surface-limited samples such as silicon wafers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to enhancement of detectable emissions from carbon nanodots or variants thereof by using the techniques of MEF to further enhance carbon nanodot brightness, photostability, and thus, potentially detectability in biological imaging applications by using plasmon supporting materials, such as silver island films and positioning of the carbon nanodots an optimal distance from the plasmon supporting materials.

Abstract: A particle detecting system includes an airborne particle detecting device that detects scattered light and/or fluorescent light produced through illuminating with light a particle included in a gas, a gas inspection flow path that introduces, into the airborne particle detecting device, a particle included in a gas that is subject to inspection, an aerosol generating portion that generates an aerosol from a liquid that is subject to inspection, and a liquids inspection flow path that introduces a particle included in the aerosol into the airborne particle detecting device.

Abstract: The resonance fluorescence spectrum of a number of two-level atoms is driven by a gradient coherent laser field. In the weak dipole-dipole interaction region (separation less than ?/50), a very strong laser field may be applied such that the Rabi frequency is much larger than the dipole-dipole interaction energy. From the spectrum, the positions of each atom may be determined by just a few measurements. This sub-wavelength microscopy scheme is entirely based on far-field technique and it does not require point-by-point scanning, which makes the method more time-efficient. When two atoms are very close to each other (less than ?/50), the position information for each atom may still be obtained with very high accuracy provided that they are not too close to other atoms. The method may be extended to an arbitrarily large region without requiring more peak laser power and only a few measurements are required.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for distinguishing between target areas and non-target areas during a laser surgical procedure involve coating or otherwise providing the non-target areas with a phosphorescent material that emits radiation, upon stimulation when a predetermined condition occurs, that is distinguishable from the treatment radiation.

Abstract: There is provided an optical analysis technique which observes a polarization characteristic of a light-emitting particle using the scanning molecule counting method using an optical measurement with a confocal microscope or a multiphoton microscope. In the inventive optical analysis technique, the light detection region is irradiated with excitation light consisting of predetermined polarized light component(s) and the intensity of at least one polarized light component of the light from the light detection region is detected with moving the position of the light detection region of the optical system in a sample solution; a signal of each light-emitting particle is detected individually in the intensity of at least one polarized light component; and based on the intensity of at least one polarized light component of the signal of the detected light-emitting particle, the polarization characteristic value of the light-emitting particle is computed.