Abstract: A system and method for authenticating a multi-sided die by viewing the die under invisible ultraviolet light. A die body has a plurality of sides of substantially equal area. A plurality of visible markings for indicating a roll of the die are disposed on the die sides. One or more of the markings include a substance which visibly reacts with invisible ultraviolet light. One or more authentication marks including a substance which visibly reacts with invisible ultraviolet light are arranged in a selected pattern on one or more of the die sides. A position of the authentication mark or marks in the selected pattern corresponds to the visible marking having a substance which visibly reacts with invisible ultraviolet light. An overlay key correlates the position of the authentication mark with the visible marking.

Abstract: An ultraviolet irradiating apparatus for emitting ultraviolet light toward a work piece. The work piece, e.g. a semiconductor wafer, is held by a ring-shaped frame through an ultraviolet sensitive adhesive tape applied to the back surface of the wafer. The apparatus includes an ultraviolet irradiating section having a regulating member disposed in a lower position of a support base. The regulating member is provided to limit a downward displacement of the wafer.

Abstract: A light generator for irradiating a laser onto a target, for generating plasma, and for producing light from the plasma, includes a first optical system for introducing the light to the target, a second optical system for introducing the light, and a unit for irradiating the laser onto debris that attaches to at least one of the first and second optical systems by changing an irradiation condition of the laser differently from that used to generate the plasma.

Abstract: Process and system for detection of contamination in an imaging system, including providing an imaging system having one or more element having a surface for reflecting or refracting first incident radiation; mounting with respect to at least one of the one or more element one or more detector capable of sensing third radiation emitted or transmitted by one or more contaminant on the surface of the one or more element when second radiation is absorbed by the one or more contaminant; applying the first incident radiation and/or the second radiation to the at least one element; and detecting with the one or more detector the third radiation emitted or transmitted by the one or more contaminant.

Abstract: An optical scanning system adapted to physically adjust scanner settings in response to control feature readings is disclosed. The scanner and methodology finds particular use in reading of biopolymer arrays. The system may operate in any of a number of ways such that optimal data from scans is obtained. It may also be possible to use the system as a tool to aid in manufacture of arrays by providing feedback to a manufacturer regarding the signal produce for a given batch of samples tested.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a method and apparatus for compact dispersive imaging spectrometer. More specifically, one embodiment of the disclosure relates to a portable system for obtaining a spatially accurate wavelength-resolved image of a sample having a first and a second spatial dimension. The portable system can include a photon emission source for sequentially illuminating a plurality of portions of said sample with a plurality of photons to produce photons scattered by the sample. The photon emission source can illuminate the sample along the first spatial dimension for each of plural predetermined positions of the second spatial dimension.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus and method for simple fluorescence spectrometry in a downhole environment using a UV light source and UV fluorescence to determine a parameter of interest for a sample downhole. The UV light source illuminates the fluid, which in turn fluoresces light. The fluoresced light is transmitted back towards the UV light source and through the pathway towards an optical spectrum analyzer. API gravity is determined by correlation the wavelength of peak fluorescence and brightness of fluorescent emission of the sample. Asphaltene precipitation pressure is determined by monitoring the blue green content ratio for a sample under going depressurization.

Abstract: There is provided a collector unit for illumination systems with a wavelength of ?193 nm, preferably ?126 nm, and especially preferably in the region of EUV wavelengths. Rays of a beam bundle impinge on the collector unit, and the beam bundle emerges from an object in an object plane. The collector unit includes at least one mirror shell that receives the rays of the beam bundle emerging from the object and shows an optical effect, and a periodic structure with at least one grating period applied to at least a part of the mirror shell. An illumination system and an EUV projection exposure system are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel systems, devices, and methods comprising spatial light modulators for use in the reading and synthesis of microarrays. For example, the present invention provides micromirror systems for synthesizing and acquiring data from nucleic acid microarrays and systems for collecting, processing, and analyzing data obtained from a microarray.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the invention, extreme ultraviolet (EUV) photolithography is performed using lobster eye transmission optics. A light source, such as a source plasma, is located at the center of a circle. Several mirror segments are arranged on an arc of the circle. The mirror segments may be arranged so that the light generated by the light source is collimated after being reflected. The light source may be a source plasma capable of generating EUV photons.

Abstract: Outgassing products, which are formed during the exposure of photoresist systems by laser irradiation, are adsorbed on a proof plate for further analysis.

Abstract: In a process for the quantitative optical analysis of fluorescently labelled biological cells 5, a cell layer on a transparent support at the bottom 2 of a reaction vessel 1 is in contact with a solution 3 containing the fluorescent dye 4. The sensitivity of analytical detection can be considerably improved if to the fluorescent dye 4 already present in addition a masking dye 9, which absorbs the excitation light 6 for the fluorescent dye 4 and/or its emission light 7, is added to the solution 3 and/or if a separating layer 10 permeable to the solution and absorbing and/or reflecting the excitation light 6 or the emission light 7 is applied to the cell layer at the bottom 2. This process can also be used for improving the sensitivity in the quantitative optical analysis of a luminescent biological cell layer. The separating layer 10 must in this case be composed such that it has a high power of reflection for the luminescent light 11.

Abstract: A device for mounting a UV bulb includes a housing having a hole therein, a fixed bracket and an adjustable bracket, the fixed bracket is connected to the housing and the adjustable bracket is rotatably mounted to the side bracket, the adjustable bracket also has means for mounting a UV bulb such that when said UV bulb is mounted to the adjustable bracket, the bulb can be inserted through the hole in the housing and rotated through an arc of approximately 90 degrees.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the invention utilize time-resolved techniques to deconvolve a measured response to characterize the nature of particles. The measured response is deconvolved into a scatter component and a fluorescence component. The fluorescence component is further characterized into biological and non-biological components. A discriminant vector is mapped to characterize the nature of the particle.

Abstract: Particle analyzing systems with fluorescence detection are disclosed, primarily in connection with particle sizing based on scattered light intensity or time-of-flight measurement. In one system, emission of fluorescence is used as a threshold for selecting particles for further analysis, e.g. mass spectrometry. In another embodiment, laser beams arranged sequentially along an aerosol path are selectively switched on and off, to increase the useful life of components, and diminish the potential for interference among several signals. Other embodiments advantageously employ color discrimination in aerodynamic particle sizing, single detectors positioned to sense both scattered and emitted fluorescent radiation, and laser beam amplitude or gain control to enhance the range of fluorescence detection.

Abstract: A system for determining the presence and optionally the position of an ophthalmic product such as a contact lens in a container is provided.

Abstract: A method of obtaining particulars or characteristics of an ophthalmic lens by detecting a fluorescent light which is emitted from the ophthalmic lens upon exposure to an excitation light (UV light). The particulars or characteristics of the ophthalmic lens include, for instance, identifying marks such as characters, figures, symbols, etc. which are formed in the ophthalmic lens to identify the ophthalmic lens, a thickness of the ophthalmic lens such as a contact lens and an intraocular lens, and an angular position of the ophthalmic lens, particularly of a special contact lens having circumferential portions having respective different thickness values.

Abstract: A portable ultraviolet water purifier is disclosed which has an outer housing defining a water chamber with a coupling for attachment to a faucet an inlet and an outlet with an ultraviolet light source therein.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for determining the particle size distribution (PSD) of bridging agents in fluids, particularly aqueous fluids used in hydrocarbon recovery such as drilling fluids, drill-in fluids, completion fluids, and the like. It was discovered that the PSD could be selectively determined for calcium carbonate as a bridging agent because it auto-fluoresces. The method is reproducible and is not bothered by the presence of other particles such as drill solids which interferes with conventional methods, for instance, light-scattering techniques. The light used to fluoresce the bridging agent may be filtered to a particular frequency if there are other components present that fluoresce. Flow cytometry is another technique that could be used to implement the invention.

Abstract: A fluorescent trace material is provided within at least a portion of an electrical contact or interrupter assembly component, or a cavity defined therein. At least a portion of the fluorescent trace material is exposed or released from the electrical contact or interrupter assembly component, indicating a degree of component wear.

Abstract: A UV sterilization system with autocleaning structure comprises scrubbing collars, at least one cleaning liquid box and at least one sliding bar. Said cleaning means further comprises at least one towing bar, at least one sliding bar and at least one supporting bar. The boxes are vertically mounted on or fixed to the supporting bar(s) to form together with the supporting bar(s) a rectangular shape. A cleaning liquid addition port and a cleaning liquid drain port are respectively provided at the top and close to the bottom of each cleaning liquid box. Said cleaning liquid addition port is connected with a cleaning liquid supply pipe and the cleaning liquid drain port is closed by a detachable sealing member. Several sets of holes with the same diameter for scrubbing collars are provided on the opposite sides of each box with each set at the same height. Each UV lamp is separately installed within a protective sleeve passing through the scrubbing collars.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus includes a first space containing a plasma source and also containing a source gas which may have a high absorption of radiation at the wavelength of the projection beam of the apparatus, this gas being restricted from entering the remainder of the lithographic system by a second space containing a buffer gas having a low absorption at the wavelength of the projection beam of the apparatus. The pressure of the buffer gas is lower than or equal to that of the source gas.

Abstract: A system for optical interrogation of a sample adaptable for multiple wavelength illumination and multiple wavelength fluorescent or luminescent light collection, wherein the illumination wavelength profile and the light collection profile may overlap. In the system, coherent light from one or more lasers is focused onto a target layer on a sample to excite fluorescent or luminescent light from the target layer. Emitted light is collected from a selected depth by a reflective light collector that transmits the collected light to detection optics. The reflective light collector directs collected light at an angle to the optical axis of the illumination light, thereby separating collected emitted light from illumination light. The light collector may collect light from a focus, whereby the focused illumination light combined with the focused light collection aid in limitation of the depth of field to a selected depth.

Abstract: The invention concerns an image acquisition apparatus comprising a UV radiation source (29) capable of making fluorescent supports (1) whereof the images are to be acquired, a window (21) transparent to UV and visible light, typically rectangular, for receiving an image support to be acquired, a linear sensor (31) whereof the length is preferably substantially equal to the width of the window receiving a support and means (23) driving the sensor and, preferably the UV radiation source parallel to one of the edges of the window (21) receiving an image support. The invention is mainly applicable to image acquisition for revealing a chemical or physical phenomenon. The invention is mainly applicable to planar chromatography or layer chromatography.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting particles. A flow tube is surrounded by eight off-axis ellipsoidal mirrors all having a common first focus coincident with a portion of the flow tube and each having a distinct second focus. In one embodiment, sources of radiation are arranged coincident with exit ports in the mirrors that are also coincident with the respective distinct second foci. These radiation sources are momentarily energized in sequence (or simultaneously), causing light to illuminate a corresponding ellipsoidal mirror. This light strikes the common first focus within a portion of the flow tube. Any particles within the first focus will then scatter the light, and depending upon the source wavelength and the particle, may also provide some amount of fluorescence. This energy is captured by detectors and analyzed to determine the type, size and quantity of particles at the first focus.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for microscopy in which a specimen is illuminated with pulsed illuminating light that comprises light from a spectral region, and detection light proceeding from the specimen is detected in a detection spectral region. The method is characterized in that the detection spectral region lies within the spectral region, and that the illuminating light contains no light from the detection spectral region or at least none having the same polarization properties. A microscope is additionally disclosed.

Abstract: A paper sheet fluorescence sensor utilizes an ultraviolet-reflecting filter to orthogonally irradiate a conveying path with ultraviolet light and receive fluorescence from a paper sheet. The ultraviolet-reflecting filter reflects ultraviolet light emitted from an ultraviolet light source, to produce light having an optical axis orthogonal to the conveying path of the paper sheet. The light transmitted through the ultraviolet-reflecting filter is detected by a fluorescence detecting device. An ultraviolet-transmitting filter is disposed between the ultraviolet-reflecting filter and the ultraviolet light source, so that the light reflected by the ultraviolet-reflecting filter attains a higher ultraviolet content, thereby improving light-detection accuracy.

Abstract: A system and method are used for pulse to pulse dose control in an illumination system, used, for example, in a lithography or a maskless lithography machine. The system and method can be used to decrease effective laser pulse-to-pulse variability in lithographic lasers, allowing adequate dose control using a minimum number of pulses (e.g. as little as one pulse).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for a compact birefringent interference imaging spectrometer. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a portable system for obtaining a spectrum of a sample. The portable system may include a first photon emission source for illuminating the sample with a first plurality of photons to thereby produce photons scattered by the sample; an optical lens for collecting the scattered photons; a filter for receiving the collected scattered photons and providing therefrom filtered photons; a first photon detector for receiving the filtered photons and obtaining therefrom a spectrum of the sample; and a rejection filter for blocking the photons from said first photon emission source from entering said first photon detector. The disclosure additionally relates to methods of using such portable systems.

Abstract: To both increase the efficiency of conversion into EUV radiation energy and also increase the amount of emerging EUV radiation in an EUV source a discharge tube is connected to a gas supply space for supply of the discharge gas which in located radially with respect to an optical axis. The discharge gas is supplied to the discharge space through the gas supply space, passes through the center opening of the anode, emerges from the discharge part and is afterwards evacuated from an evacuation opening. The anode and the cathode are connected to a pulse current source. Discharge plasma is produced and EUV radiation is formed by a heavy current pulse from the pulse current source within the discharge space of the discharge tube. The EUV radiation which has formed passes through a through-opening of the anode and is emitted to the outside.

Abstract: A method of producing an authenticatable document includes providing a media having authentication fibers embedded therein, detecting a presence of at least one of the authentication fibers in the media, and printing authentication indicia on the media after detecting the presence of at least one of the authentication fibers.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system is provided including a closed fluid treatment zone, at least one radiation source disposed in the fluid treatment zone to irradiate a flow of fluid, and a plurality of diffusers disposed upstream of the at least one radiation source. The plurality of diffusers define a decreasing gradient of fluid treatment zone cross-section from an upstream portion of the plurality of diffusers to a downstream portion of the plurality of diffusers. Also provided is a flat diffuser for changing flow cross section in a flow conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to optical devices for measuring pressure or force, comprising an electromagnetic radiation source, and a pressure membrane or a spiral spring which has a surface that at least partially reflects the electromagnetic rays of the electromagnetic radiation source. The inventive devices are especially characterized in that they allow, inter alia, measurement of even the slightest pressure changes of fluids and other flowable materials in the stationary and/or flowing state or even the slightest mechanical deformations on spiral springs. In order to do this, the rays of an electromagnetic radiation source are incident on the at least partially reflective surface of the pressure membrane or spiral spring. At least one section of a stationarily located body or of a stationarily located body having a reflective layer is disposed in the path of the reflected rays, upstream of a photodetector for said rays, and projects into said rays.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to systems for directing light-based radiation onto a light curable material. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a device for uniformly exposing a UV curable material to UV energy.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging an array of a plurality of features associated with a sample tile. The apparatus includes a stage that supports the sample tile in an illumination region, and an illumination source having a plurality of LEDs adapted to emit light. At least a portion of the light illuminates the illumination region. Additionally, the apparatus includes an image collecting device adapted to selectively collect images of either a first signal when the illumination source is illuminating the illumination region, or a second signal absent illumination of the illumination region. The first signal has wavelengths effectively different from the wavelengths of the portion of the light emitted by the LEDs that illuminates the illumination region.

Abstract: A hand held, self-contained, automatic, low power and rapid sensor platform for detecting and quantifying a plurality of analytes. A sample solution potentially containing an unknown amount of an analyte is passed through an affinity column which contains antibodies to which the analyte binds thereby extracting the analyte. The affinity column is then rinsed to remove any other chemicals that may fluoresce. The rinsed affinity column is then eluted with a known volume of elution fluid causing the analyte to release from the antibody and dissolve in the fluid (eluant). The eluant is then placed in the quartz cuvette of a fluorometer. The analyte suspended in the eluant fluoresces at a waveband which is different than that of the light source that excites it. The amount of fluorescence is measured and the level of analyte determined.

Abstract: The invention is a method of irradiating at least one surface of a three-dimensional object (36, 114) with a desired ultraviolet light irradiance flux produced by an ultraviolet light source (22, 102).

Abstract: The invention provides particle detectors and detection methods. A particle detector includes a spherical/ellipsoid shell comprising spherical and ellipsoid mirrors that define a focal point within an interior of the shell, a pair of opposing tubes passing through the spherical/ellipsoid shell and directed at the focal point for directing particles to the focal point, and a light source directed at the focal point for directing light at the particles to generate fluorescence from the particles at or near the focal point.

Abstract: To check that nozzles of printheads 11-15 applying fixer or an ink to a print media 22 are operating correctly, the fixer or ink is applied to selected locations on a fluorescent print media which is then subjected to ultra-violet radiation; the reflectivities at these locations are detected in the visible spectrum and the information is analyzed using appropriate image processing algorithms. In an ink-jet printer, for example, applied fixer may be irradiated with ultra-violet light by a source 30 and applied inks may be irradiated with visible light, with a common detector in the visible light range being employed.

Abstract: An apparatus for selected measurement of, in particular, luminescent and/or fluorescent radiation has a plurality of measurement light paths (M1, M2, M3), which each have their own measuring devices optimized for the particular measurement mode. As a common device, a filter holder (5) is used, in which the detector and each of the measuring devices have access to each of the openings of the filter holder, and each of these openings can be equipped with an emissions filter that is expedient for the particular measurement mode involved. The result is an especially compact arrangement of a multipurpose measuring instrument with measurement properties that are largely equivalent to the measurement properties of special individual measuring instruments and that is also suitable in particular as an individual instrument for special luminescence measurements, such as BRET measurements.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying an unknown DNA sample. The apparatus includes a plurality of detection nodes, each of which is operable for allowing an interaction between a known DNA sample and an unknown DNA sample, and for generating an output signal if hybridization occurs between the known DNA sample and the unknown DNA sample. The apparatus further includes a decoder operative for receiving an input signal indicative of which of the plurality of detection nodes should be selected for processing and for outputting control signals which operate to activate the selected detection node. Further, each of the detection nodes includes a light source and a photodetection circuit. The photodetection circuit has a conductance value which varies if hybridization occurs between the known DNA sample and the unknown DNA sample deposited in the detection node. This change in conductance value is utilized to generate the output signal which indicates that hybridization has occurred.

Abstract: A system is provided for detecting a substantially transparent injection molding material. The injection molding material contains a fluorescent colorant, which is invisible when not exposed to ultraviolet light, but becomes visible when exposed to ultraviolet light. A method of detecting the injection molding material involves exposing the injection molding material to ultraviolet light and examining the material during exposure.

Abstract: A fluorochrome-marked sample is excited with the proper wattage and wavelength of light using an exciter or bandpass filter and beamsplitting mirror device. This causes the sample to emit light of a slightly higher wavelength than that of excitation. A subsequent barrier filter of the proper configuration placed between the sample and the observer allows this longer wavelength to be observed as fluorescence. This technique is particularly useful for viewing large biological specimens such as fish.

Abstract: There is provided an illumination system for wavelengths of ?193 nm. The illumination system includes an object plane, a plane conjugated to the object plane, a first collector between the object plane and the conjugated plane, and a second collector after the conjugated plane. The first collector focuses a beam bundle of rays from the object plane in the conjugated plane. At least one of the first and second collectors includes a mirror shell. The rays strike the mirror shell at an angle of incidence of less than 20° relative to a surface tangent of the mirror shell.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the excitation of a fluorescent sample and the measurement of the fluorescent emission. The method of the present invention has the advantage of significantly reducing the amount of background fluorescence. The method includes the steps of exciting a sample in a substrate with a beam of light that enters the substrate at an angle less than or equal to 45° C., and preferably, less than or equal to 20°, and then collecting the fluorescent emission form the sample with a lens system which focuses the emitted light onto a CCD for detection. Although the following description of the present invention uses a scanning system using channel plates by way of illustration, the method described herein may also be used with non-scanning systems as well as capillary systems.

Abstract: A luminescent material, such as phosphor, is radiated by energy propagated from the side of an optical fiber, causing the luminescent material to emit visible light. The luminescent material can be of: a coincidentally-excited type, requiring the absorption of two wavelengths of radiation to emit visible light; memory-type, requiring absorption of one wavelength of charging radiation and absorption of another wavelength of controlling radiation to emit visible light; and quenchable type, requiring absorption of one wavelength of radiation to emit visible light and absorption of another wavelength of radiation to stop, i.e. quench, the emission of visible light. Two side-emitting optical fibers can be used, with each optical fiber providing one of the needed radiation wavelengths. One embodiment of the invention involves a matrix of optical fibers forming an optical display panel made using coincidentally-excited phosphors.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for irradiating material comprises a single UV, pulsed brigth white light or IR lamp (2) with a centrally disposed receptacle (3) for containing material to be irradiated. The lamp can be an elongate hollow tube (2) of annular construction. Internal formations may be present within the lamp to control the position of the arc. For example, the lamp may have a plurality of longitudinal segments arranged such that a discharge arc is formed within each segment or internal formations may be provided to direct the position of the arc within the lamp. A pump (36) may be included for moving material through the receptacle which is preferably the hollow area within the annulus of the elongate hollow tube. Material can be treated batchwise or in a continuous process. This apparatus is suitable for the sterilisation of biological and/or non-biological materials. A further use is in carrying out photolysis on chemical substances in photochemical reactions.

Abstract: A fluorescent trace material is provided within at least a portion of an electrical contact or interrupter assembly component, or a cavity defined therein. At least a portion of the fluorescent trace material is exposed or released from the electrical contact or interrupter assembly component, indicating a degree of component wear.

Abstract: An apparatus for visual illumination comprised of a display surface, including a phosphor material. At least one light emitting semi-conductor device is (LED) positioned to radiate the phosphor material. The LED emits electromagnetic radiation in a range which excites the phosphor material.

Abstract: Thickness measurement apparatus for measuring layer thicknesses on patterned areas of a semiconductor wafer, comprises: a spectrum analyzer for obtaining reflection data taken from a patterned area and obtaining therefrom a frequency spectrum, a peak detector for searching the spectrum to find peak frequencies within said spectrum, the search being restricted to regions corresponding to peak frequencies found in an earlier learning stage, a frequency filter, associated with the peak detector, for filtering the spectrum about said peak frequencies, and a maximum likelihood fitter for using parameters obtained in the learning stage to carry out maximum likelihood fitting of said filtered spectrum to obtain the desired layer thicknesses. By carrying out maximum likelihood fitting using parameters obtained beforehand in a high resolution non-real time learning stage, it is possible to provide high resolution results in real time.