Abstract: A ceramic biomolecule imaging chip includes a ceramic body having a planar imaging surface. The planar imaging surface is highly polished within tolerances of plus or minus 1 microinch. This ceramic chip is compatible with fluorescence laser scanning devices. It is preferred that the ceramic body be 99.6% alumina oxide in order to also be compatible with non-fluorescent detection systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining binder dosage and distribution on a substrate. The apparatus employed is made up of: a) a source of long wave ultraviolet light positioned so that ultraviolet waves emitted therefrom will come into contact with a substrate to which binder has been applied, b) a filter which blocks ultraviolet waves emitted from the UV source and reflected by the substrate but which allows visible light waves emitted by fluorescence of the binder to pass, c) a lens for imaging visible light onto a focal plane, d) a video camera positioned at the focal plane of the lens which converts the visible light waves that have passed through the filter and the lens into an electrical signal, and e) a device capable of correlating images received by the video camera to binder dosage and distribution on the substrate contacted by the ultraviolet waves emitted by the UV source.

Abstract: A method of detecting wear on a substrate including coating a composition that includes a fluorescent compound on the surface of a first substrate, exposing the coated surface to wear, exposing the coated surface to radiation capable of exciting the fluorescent compound, and detecting the presence or absence of fluorescence.

Abstract: A reflectometer device for determining the quality characteristics of an electronic chip mask blank utilizing a source of electromagnetic radiation in the extreme ultraviolet region. The source is passed to a monochrometer which includes a mirror, a rotatable grating, and an exit slit. The radiation travels to the mirror and is reflected to the grating which, in turn, provides a source of electromagnetic radiation which is essentially continuous and of a particular bandwidth. The grating is rotated to tune such source of electromagnetic radiation which is passed to the subject blank mask. Upon reflection from the mask, a detector determines the intensity of the reflected beam from the mask and translates such measurement into a determination of reflectivity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a skin tanning chamber, the improvement comprising at least one light emitting diode emitting a UVA light, such as a UVA LED that emits essentially only UVA. Additionally, multiple LEDs of varying types with various characteristic wavelengths are controlled independently to produce an arbitrary light pattern in an arbitrary sequence over time. The chamber can be rigid or flexible. It can be a bed, booth or incorporated into a flexible form, such as a garment or cloth. In one embodiment, the chamber further comprises at least one LED emitting a UVC light, whereby the UVC light sanitizes the chamber surface. Preferably the LED emitting the UVA light is under dependent control from the LED emitting UVC light.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting sub-ppm lead impurity levels in a below 200 nm transmitting optical calcium fluoride crystal. The method includes providing a below 200 nm wavelength transmitting optical calcium fluoride crystal, providing a fluorescence spectrometer having a light source for producing a 200 to 210 nm selectable wavelength incident radiation and a detector for detecting excited luminescence light in the wavelength range of 210-260 nm produced by the incident radiation, exciting a first luminescence area of the crystal with the 200 to 210 nm selectable wavelength incident radiation and detecting with the detector excited 210 to 260 luminescence light produced from the crystal luminescence area by the 200 to 210 incident radiation to provide a lead ppb impurity level measurement less than 100 ppb. The invention provides for improved manufacturing of below 200 nm wavelength optical elements and optical fluoride crystals such as ultralow lead contaminated calcium fluoride.

Abstract: Radiation module (10) comprises a power disruption apparatus (11) for a radiation lamp (14) to disinfect a fluid passing through a conduit (12). Radiation lamp (14) includes lamp base (15) that supports lamp tubing (14a) at one end thereof, terminal pins (17,17a) and flange (28) disposed about lamp base (15). Power disruption apparatus (11) includes mounting plate (16) provided with opening (27) for registry with opening (25) in duct (12). Openings (25,27) are sized to receive lamp tubing (14a) therethrough. Flange (28) interfaces with mounting plate (16) to restrict axial movement of lamp base (15) into duct (12). Module (10) also includes compression nut (22) for detachably securing lamp base (15) to mounting plate (16), and electrical socket (20) for receiving terminal pins (17,17a).

Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus for EUV lithography includes a foil trap. The foil trap forms an open structure after the EUV source to let the EUV radiation pass unhindered. The foil trap is configured to be rotatable around an optical axis. By rotating the foil trap, an impulse transverse to the direction of propagation of the EUV radiation can be transferred on debris present in the EUV beam. This debris will not pass the foil trap. In this way, the amount of debris on the optical components downstream of the foil trap is reduced.

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: An aspect of the present invention includes a method to print pattern with improved edge acuity. In one embodiment a method for printing fine patterns comprising the actions of: providing an SLM and providing a pixel layout pattern with different categories of modulating elements, the categories differing in the phase of the complex amplitude. Other aspects of the present invention are reflected in the detailed description, figures and claims.

Abstract: A light emitting diode projection apparatus and method is provided for irradiating a subject with ultraviolet radiation, comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes configured to emit ultraviolet radiation and arranged in a matrix, and a power modulation control unit in communication with the diodes. The power modulation control unit is configured to energize and cause the diodes to emit light and thereby irradiate the subject with ultraviolet radiation sufficient to cause material physical change in the subject. In one embodiment of the invention, the material physical change is skin tanning. The amount, intensity, duration and type of UVR projected by the plurality of UV LED's may be varied by the power modulation control unit responsive to information input into the power modulation control unit.

Abstract: A flow cell for examining specimen fluid flowing within sheath fluid. A housing defines a hollow fluid passage that includes a geometric focusing portion in which the fluid passage narrows in height and an examination area. A cannula injects specimen fluid into the fluid passage as a stream of the specimen fluid with an initial velocity. The sheath fluid flows through the fluid passage, having a first velocity as it passes the point the specimen fluid is injected. The initial velocity is less than the first velocity, which focuses down the height of the specimen fluid stream via linear flow rate focusing. The narrowing geometric focusing portion of the fluid passage also focuses down the height of the specimen fluid stream via geometric focusing. A microscope and camera capture images of the focused down specimen fluid stream passing through the examination area.

Abstract: An image data producing apparatus includes comprising at least one stimulating ray source for emitting a stimulating ray, a stage on which an image carrier including independently formed and two-dimensionally distributed specimen spots, at least some of which contain a fluorescent substance, is to be placed, a two-dimensional area sensor, and a controller for irradiating the image carrier placed on the stage with a stimulating ray emitted from the at least one stimulating ray source, thereby exciting a fluorescent substance contained in the specimens, stopping the irradiation with the stimulating ray and causing the two-dimensional area sensor to photoelectrically detect residual fluorescence emission released from the fluorescent substance contained in the specimens.

Abstract: An ultraviolet radiation sensor that indicates a predetermined cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation is disclosed. The presently preferred sensor comprises a membrane, a base, an ultraviolet degradable adhesive, and an indicating mechanism. The ultraviolet degradable adhesive adheres a portion of the membrane to the base, thereby maintaining the membrane in a biased state. The ultraviolet degradable adhesive fails when a predetermined cumulative exposure has been attained. Upon failure of the adhesive, the membrane reflexively restores itself to an unbiased state and activates the indicating mechanism. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the sensor is worn by a user to indicate when the skin of the user has been exposed to excessive ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluorescence microscopy technique for measuring physical and chemical properties of individual fiber-like particles. Fluorescence intensity per unit length is shown to be proportional to the fiber coarseness. In addition, other fiber properties such as fiber length, width and wall thickness can be obtained from fluorescence images, and lignin content from fluorescence spectra. The present invention will provide a process for determining the uniformity of pulp samples in terms of the physical and chemical properties of the individual fiber-like particles, particularly wood pulp fibers.

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: A contamination barrier that passes through radiation from a radiation source and captures debris coming from the radiation source is disclosed. The contamination barrier includes an inner ring, an outer ring, and a plurality of lamellas. The lamellas extend in a radial direction from a main axis, and each of the lamellas is positioned in a respective plane that include the main axis. At least one outer end of each of the lamellas is slidably connected to at least one of the inner and outer ring.

Abstract: Microarray readers and methods that compensate for target spots that are too dim or too bright for the microarray reader to accurately measure. The readers adjust the amount of light directed at or received from specific non-acceptable target spots, such that dim spots receive more excitation light and overly bright spots receive less. This increases or decreases, respectively, their measured brightness, which in turn effectively increases the range over which a microarray reader can accurately measure the spots, and can also improve the signal-to-noise ratio and other aspects of the measurements.

Abstract: Rice washing water is exposed to ultraviolet light so that ferulic acid in the rice washing water is excited by the ultraviolet light to emit fluorescence. Then the intensity of fluorescence emitted by the ferulic acid in the rice washing water is measured and the measured values are used as an index to judge the amount of bran in the rice washing water. Preferably the wave length of the ultraviolet light is set to fall in the range of 330 to 340 nm and the wave length of the fluorescence, whose intensity is to be measured, is set to fall in the range of 430 to 450 nm.

Abstract: The invention relates to new systems, methods and products for analyzing polymers and in particular new systems, methods and products useful for obtaining sequence information from polymers. The invention has numerous advantages over prior art systems and methods used to obtain sequence-related information. Using the methods of the invention the entire human genome could be analyzed several orders of magnitude faster than could be accomplished using conventional technology. In addition to obtaining sequencing information for the entire genome, the systems, methods and products of the invention can be used to create comprehensive and multiple expression maps for developmental and disease processes. The ability to analyze an individual's genome and to generate multiple expression maps will greatly enhance the ability to determine the genetic basis of any phenotypic trait or disease process.

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: A method is provided for sorting white paper from a stream of paper wherein the concentration of white paper is less than the concentration of non-white paper. The method includes identifying the white paper by detecting the presence of an optical characteristic of the white paper as the stream of paper is passed by a sensor. Then the white paper is ejected from the stream of paper by controlling one or more actuators directed against the white paper, and thereby separating the white paper from the non-white paper. The method is particularly applicable to the sorting of white paper during curbside recycling.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method utilizing fluorescence spectroscopy in the ultraviolet portion of the electromagnetic spectrum to determine species and concentration of gases, solids and liquids from a substantial standoff distance. Target materials under investigation may include explosives, drugs, bio-aerosols, and controlled substances such as narcotics. The basic measuring system comprises optics, a spectrograph, a detector, and an energy source (“head” components), along with a computer and control electronics and power source.

Abstract: A method of imaging an object comprising emitting ultraviolet light having a single intensity on the object, converting light fluoresced by the object into electrical charges comprising a scanned image of the object, and generating a data set defining the scanned image is provided. An apparatus for imaging a document surface comprising a first illumination device operable to emit ultraviolet light of a single intensity onto the document surface, and a photosensitive device operable to receive fluoresced light emitted by the document surface and convert the received light into electrical signals comprising a scanned image of the document surface is provided.

Abstract: An illumination and viewing system and method for detecting leaks by observing material caused to fluoresce by being illuminated by a beam of ultraviolet light. The beam is concentrated by a parabolic reflector coated to maximize ultraviolet reflection, and then passed through a filter which reflects visible wavelengths while allowing transmission of ultraviolet and IR wavelengths. The fluorescing light is viewed through eyeglasses which block wavelengths just below the wavelengths of the emitted fluorescing light.

Abstract: A paper sheet fluorescence sensor 10 utilizes an ultraviolet-reflecting filter 30 in order to orthogonally irradiate a conveying path 4 with an ultraviolet ray and appropriately receive fluorescence from a paper sheet 7. The ultraviolet-reflecting filter 30 reflects light emitted from an ultraviolet light source 12, so as to produce light having an optical axis R2 orthogonal to the conveying path 4 of the paper sheet 7. The light transmitted through the ultraviolet-reflecting filter 30 is received by a fluorescence-receiving device 16. An ultraviolet-transmitting filter 15 is disposed between the ultraviolet-reflecting filter 30 and the ultraviolet light source 12, so that the light reflected by the ultraviolet-reflecting filter 30 attains a higher ultraviolet content, thereby improving the light-receiving accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a combination of a mercury arc lamp placed in a reflector bulb and an electronic ballast to ballast the same. Use of the combination for projecting UVB and UVC radiation is also taught. The combination finds particular application for reptiles and birds that require UVB radiation but low power. The invention can also be used as a germicide, a source of UV for human beings and to treat skin diseases such as psoriasis. It can further be used for curing materials. The combination is advantageously portable, and can be adapted to be clipped on to an object.

Abstract: A UV fluorescence detection system is provided comprising a dielectric barrier-discharge excimer lamp, an applied excitation source for communication with the excimer lamp; a fluorescence chamber having a sample gas containing sulfur dioxide, a light sensitive detector is in operative association with the sample chamber; and a signal analyzing and conditioning device for determining the sulfur dioxide content of the sample. The dielectric barrier-discharge excimer lamp possesses a krypton-chloride excimer fill gas mixture. An excitation interference filter and a fluorescence filter may be used in association with the lamp and chamber.

Abstract: A Fluorescence Particle Spectrometer (FPS) performs real-time measurement of the fluorescence spectra of aerosol particles in the size range 1-10 &mgr;m diameter. The FPS has a sufficiently high sample rate (estimated to be a few liters/min) to measure aerosol within buildings (from 1 up to 600 particle fluorescence spectra per minute) at practical rates. A virtual impactor first concentrates aerosol particles, which are then drawn under negative pressure through an aerodynamic focusing nozzle in the inlet of the instrument, through the sample region, providing further concentration. The rate of particle spectra measured by the FPS increases significantly when the particle inlet is within a few meters of some common sources of indoor biological particles.

Abstract: A semiconductor forensic light is disclosed. The forensic light may use a variety of semiconductor light sources to produce light that contrasts forensic evidence against its background for viewing, photographing and collection. Example semiconductor light sources for the forensic light include light emitting diodes and laser chips. A heat sink, thermoelectric cooler and fan may be included to keep the forensic light cool. A removable light source head may be included on the forensic light to provide for head swapping to give the user access to different wavelengths of light.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which illumination light and collected emitted light share a pathway and subsequently are physically separated. The optical configuration is designed such that at the point of separation, the illumination light is at has a smaller cross sectional area than the collected light. Collected light is directed away from the pathway of the illumination light and to detection optics. This configuration is adaptable to illumination and light collection across a broad wavelength spectrum. This configuration is adaptable to scanning in a limited depth of field to allow high throughput optical analysis of samples.

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: A self-calibrating scanning system and method are used in the analysis of biomolecules on a microarray. The self-calibrating scanning system comprises an excitation light source, an optical portion, a detection portion and a calibration portion that includes a calibration apparatus and compensation portion. The calibration apparatus comprises a light source having a highly reproducible or calibrated light based on a preselected or reference light level. The calibration apparatus emits the calibrated light that is measured by the detection portion of the scanning equipment. If the detection components are stable, the components will measure a constant output value for the calibrated light over time. As a detection component changes with time, the output value will change for the same calibrated light. The method comprises the steps of initially calibrating the detection portion of the scanning system and subsequently calibrating the detection portion to compensate for sensitivity changes.

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 UV emitter is incorporated into a variety of different illumination devices suitable for illuminating indicia associated with dials on watches, gauges and other instruments, as well as ornaments. The indicia is made of a material responsive to UV emissions to render the indicia visible. The devices may be used in motor vehicles and other devices. In addition, a conductor arrangement is also provided that can be used to support the UV emitter under the transparent cover of watches or gauges, with the UV emitter oriented to direct the UV emissions toward the indicia. Embodiments are presented for UV emitters on top of dials with indicia, laterally from the dials, or even under the dials.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for sensing the presence of bright white paper on a conveyor of a paper sorting system. The conveyor is constantly illuminated with ultraviolet light. When bright white paper is present in the inspection zone of the conveyor, it will re-radiate fluorescent light energy as a result of the ultraviolet light. Periodically, the inspection zone of the conveyor is illuminated with a second light source in the visible light spectrum. Light is collected from the inspection zone of the conveyor, including reflected light from the secondary source and including emitted fluorescent light energy as a result of the ultraviolet light falling on bright white paper. Periodically a microprocessor associated with the sensor senses reflected light from the second source to determine whether any object if present on the conveyor. The microprocessor then senses the level of fluorescent light energy being emitted from any object on the conveyor.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting sub-ppm lead impurity levels in a below 200 nm transmitting optical calcium fluoride crystal. The method includes providing a below 200 nm wavelength transmitting optical calcium fluoride crystal providing a fluorescence spectrometer having a light source for producing a 200 to 210 nm selectable wavelength incident radiation and a detector for detecting excited luminescence light in the wavelength range of 210-260 nm produced by the incident radiation, exciting a first luminescence area of the crystal with the 200 to 210 nm selectable wavelength incident radiation and detecting with the detector excited 210 to 260 luminescence light produced from the crystal luminescence area by the 200 to 210 incident radiation to provide a lead ppb impurity level measurement less than 100 ppb. The invention provides for improved manufacturing of below 200 nm wavelength optical elements and optical fluoride crystals such as ultralow lead contaminated calcium fluoride.

Abstract: A process for preparing a phosphorescent lure includes the application of phosphorescent particulate in the form of a curable paint or adhesive applié to the surface of an aquatic lure. The phosphorescent particulate is then exposed to illumination from an ultraviolet light emitting diode flashlight. A commercial package including components and instructions for the use of a phosphorescent lure is also disclosed.

Abstract: The method detects the presence of poly-chlorinated biphenyls on a surface, by the use of UV fluorescence spectroscopy in the back-emitting mode. The apparatus comprises a source of UV radiation. Exposure means are provided for conveying UV radiation from the source to the surface. Collecting means collect radiation back-emitted from the surface. A filter filters the collected radiation, and a spectrometer analyses the filtered collected radiation. The filter allows radiation having a wavelength within the range of from 320 nm to 360 nm to pass to the spectrometer.

Abstract: The invention comprises an apparatus and method for simple fluorescence spectrometry in a down hole environment. The apparatus and method utilization of two UV light bulbs and an optically clear UV coupler and a fluid containment system. The optically clear UV coupler and fluid containment system are made of sapphire. The apparatus is attached in a manner that enables light transmitted from a light source on the far side of the fluid containment system to pass through a pathway in a plate holding the UV bulbs. UV light illuminates the fluid, which in turn fluoresces light. The fluoresced light is transmitted back towards the UV bulb mount and through the pathway towards an optical spectrum analyzer.

Abstract: The present invention essentially comprises a phosphorescent paving block having a paving base, and a phosphorescent material in contact with the paving base. Additionally the paving block can also have a light-transmitting cover and a light-transmitting base on either side of the phosphorescent material to form a laminate.

Abstract: First fluorescence diagnostic information reflecting a first characteristic value obtained on the basis of first fluorescence information on fluorescence emitted from an object part exposed to first stimulating light is output. Second fluorescence diagnostic information reflecting a second characteristic value obtained on the basis of second fluorescence information on fluorescence emitted from an object part exposed to second stimulating light is output. The wavelength of the first stimulating light is such that when the first stimulating light is projected onto clean object parts different in properties, different first characteristic values are obtained from the different object parts, and the wavelength of the second stimulating light is such that when the second stimulating light is projected onto a clean object part and an unclean object part, different second characteristic values are obtained from the clean object part and the unclean object part.

Abstract: A method of visualizing biological material on medical instruments is disclosed which consists of the steps of selecting a dye material capable of creating fluorescence or phosphorescence when applied to biological material and subjected to ultraviolet light; applying the dye to a medical instrument; mounting the medical instrument in a viewing box; exposing the medical instrument in the viewing box to ultraviolet light and observing the instrument through an opening in the view box to determine if the dye has caused fluorescence or phosphorescence of material on the instrument indicative of the presence of biological material thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluorescent imaging thermographic method and system for use particularly in surface temperature measurements, which are reproducible over time. The invention provides a temperature-sensitive fluorescent probe comprising a rare earth compound in an ultraviolet and fluorescence transparent medium wherein the intensity of fluorescence varies as the temperature varies, in particular, provided are probes comprising Europium(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone)3 for measuring temperatures greater than 24° C., and Terbium(1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone)3 for measuring temperatures less than 24° C. The probe is applied as a layer to a surface, exposed to fluorescence-inducing energy, and emitted fluorescence measured. A ratio imaging algorithm enables the temperature at each location on the surface to be determined.

Abstract: A fiber optic coupling plate (24) has a sample viewing face for receiving light from a sample (12), an output window (18) for conveying sample originating (emitted) light to an imaging detector and an additional window through which excitation radiation can be projected. A primary light is provided through the plate made up of optical fibers which will convey light entering the viewing face, directly and with minimal loss, to the output window, and a secondary light path separate from the primary light path, by which excitation radiation entering the additional window is conveyed to the viewing face for irradiating the sample.

Abstract: A system for routinely monitoring germ contamination in areas where human interaction takes place, and a method for using the same. A germ detection agent is placed either onto a roll of toilet paper or inside a pair of gloves. After handling the toilet paper, or removing the gloves, the detection agent will be present on the individual's hands. This individual is then directed by proper personal hygiene and health codes to wash his or her hands with soap and water, and then place the hands under an ultraviolet light source in order to visualize any germ detection agent still remaining on the hands. If no detection agent is seen, the individual has been properly sanitized of contamination. If, however, detection agent is still visualized on the hands after washing, then that individual must repeat the hand washing, this time more thoroughly to completely remove remaining germ detection agent, before entering an area where contamination may be spread.

Abstract: Method of performing a biomedical assay comprising the steps of exciting the sample or samples with incident radiation of a given wavelength, thereby causing the sample to emit radiation of a different wavelength, measuring the quantity of light falling on a detector receiving the emitted radiation from the sample, thereby to produce a first measurement, illuminating the sample or samples with incident radiation in a manner which does not cause the sample to emit any significant radiation, again detecting the quantity of light falling on the detector, thereby to produce a second measurement and correcting the first measurement, with respect to the second measurement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for the improving the sensitivity of fluorescent detectors, especially UV fluorescent detectors using a light reaction cell including a reaction chamber having an optically smooth, highly reflective interior surface. The chamber can also include an insert that imparts either or both optically smooth and high reflectivity to the chamber. Increased interior surface smoothness and reflectivity significantly improves sensitivity and detection limits making ppb measurements routine.

Abstract: A method based on time-resolved, laser-induced fluorescence spectroscopy for the characterization and fingerprinting of petroleum oils and other complex mixtures. The method depends on exciting the wavelength-resolved fluorescence spectra of samples using ultraviolet pulsed laser radiation, measuring them at specific time gates within the temporal response of the excitation laser pulse, and comparing them in terms of their shapes alone without taking into account their relative intensities. The method provides fingerprints of crude oils without resorting to any kind of approximation, for distinguishing between closely similar crude oils of the same grade, and is useful in remote and non-remote setups, along with applications in fingerprinting blended and non-blended crude oils using different ultraviolet excitation wavelengths. Applications include estimating ∘API gravity of crude oils and monitoring degradation of mineral oils.

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.