Abstract: An optical detection and orientation device is provided comprising housing having an excitation light source, an optical element for reflecting the excitation light to an aspherical lens and transmitting light emitted by a fluorophore excited by said excitation light, a focussing lens for focusing the emitted light onto the entry of an optical fiber, which serves as a confocal aperture, and means for accurately moving said housing over a small area in relation to a channel in a microfluidic device. The optical detection and orientation device finds use in identifying the center of the channel and detecting fluorophores in the channel during operations involving fluorescent signals.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is disclosed a hand-held system and a method for detecting the presence of fecal contamination or ingesta on objects, such as a protein source, a worker's hands or utensils. In one embodiment, there is included a system comprised of a housing having a first end, where said housing supports a light source which emits light out of said housing first end having a wavelength effective to elicit fluorescence at a wavelength between 660 to 680 nm, and a light filter allowing the user to distinguish light at a wavelength between about 660 to 680 nm from any other light the vicinity of the object. The detection of light at a wavelength between about 660 to 680 nm indicates the presence of fecal contamination or other ingesta.

Abstract: Providing a UV/fluorescence detecting apparatus and a sensing method thereof which is capable of detecting a fluorescent pattern and an ultraviolet reflection light and small and cheap. Further, providing a UV/fluorescence detecting apparatus and a sensing method thereof capable of detecting a fluorescence of a specific color.

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: Apparatus and methods for imaging multiple fluorescent sample particles in a flow channel. A flow channel defines a flow direction for samples in a flow stream and has a viewing plane perpendicular to the flow direction. A clear volume between the illuminated flow volume and the imaging optics is provided. A beam of illumination is formed as a column having a size effective to cover the viewing plane, and illuminates the flow nearly end on, or from the side. Imaging optics are arranged to view the focal plane to form an image of the multiple fluorescent sample particles in the flow stream. A camera records the image formed by the imaging optics. A computer detects and enumerates the particles in the flow.

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 portable dual lamp set consists of a base frame and a lamp casing mounted to the base frame for housing a germicidal lamp and a black-glass lamp. The base frame has a pedestal and a flange for fastening the lamp casing through an adjustment screw bolt and a screw nut to form an upright position or tilted at selected angles to suit different utilization. The lamp casing may also be detached for using separately. The lamp set provides dual effects for inspection and sterilization.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inexpensive and sensitive device and method for detecting and quantifying analytes present in a medium. The device comprises a metalized film upon which is printed a specific, predetermined pattern of an antibody-binding proteins. Upon attachment of a target analyte to select areas of the plastic film upon which the protein is printed, diffraction of transmitted and/or reflected light occurs via the physical dimensions and defined, precise placement of the analyte. A diffraction image is produced which can be easily seen with the eye or, optionally, with a sensing device.

Abstract: A device for non-destructive analysis of plants includes a unit transmitting a calibrated excitation laser beam, a unit measuring and imaging the fluorescence emitted by the irradiated plant(s) and a unit for digitally processing, storing and editing or displaying the collected images. The transmitting unit provides at least two different laser excitation wavelengths simultaneously and the measuring and imaging unit includes a unit for forming, from a common fluorescence beam emitted by the plant(s), simultaneously or successively, at least two secondary beams, each having its own wavelength and each constituting a fluorescence image at a matrix sensor, over the whole surface thereof or over part of the surface thereof, each image being separate for each secondary beam.

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 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: An ultraviolet light permeable filter for an ultraviolet detection light is equipped on a filter glass surface with a dielectric multi-film layer which allows a visible radiation of wave length from 694 nm to 780 nm to reflect on the layer. The 694 nm to 780 nm wave length does not penetrate through the multi-film layer. When placed in an ultraviolet detection system, this filter prevents the occurrence of a reddish halation during inspection and display of a flaw detection light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the emission amount of red such that it is made the same as the emission amount of green and blue, to enable the application state of the fluophors to be easily tested within a short time. Light from a discharge lamp of the short-arc type in which the arc tube is filled with cadmium and rare gas and which has emission lines between 200 nm and 230 nm is radiated onto fluophors of a test article such as the substrate for a display or the like. The fluorescence produced by these fluophors is received by a CCD sensor, and displayed in a display part, and thus the application state, such as faults of the fluophors or the like, is checked. The images picked up by the CCD camera can also be input to a control device and thus testing can be automated.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for the rapid determination of the light-induced degradation of polymeric materials and coatings. In a preferred embodiment of this method, samples are exposed to UV light and fluorescence emission spectral data are collected and fluorescence properties such as wavelength, intensity, lifetime, and polarization are monitored for changes, which in turn are an indication of the weatherability of a given sample.

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: 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: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for ceramic analysis, in particular, a method for analyzing density, density gradients and/or microcracks, including an apparatus with optical instrumentation for analysis of density, density gradients and/or microcracks in ceramics. The method provides analyzing density of a ceramic comprising exciting a component on a surface/subsurface of the ceramic by exposing the material to excitation energy. The method may further include the step of obtaining a measurement of an emitted energy from the component. The method may additionally include comparing the measurement of the emitted energy from the component with a predetermined reference measurement so as to obtain a density for said ceramic.

Abstract: An aerosol lab-on-a-chip (ALOC) integrates one or more of a variety of particle collection, classification, concentration (enrichment), and characterization processes onto a single substrate or layered stack of such substrates. By mounting a UV laser diode laser light source on the substrate, or substrate stack, so that it is located down-stream of the sample inlet port and at right angle to the sample particle stream, the UV light source can illuminate individual particles in the stream to induce a fluorescence response in those particles having a fluorescent signature such as biological particles. some of said particles. A illuminated particle having a fluorescent signal above a threshold signal would trigger a sorter module that would separate that particle from the particle stream.

Abstract: In an apparatus for measuring a spectral property such as a total spectral radiant factor of a fluorescent sample, a weight factor is previously calculated by using a standard fluorescent sample in which an index of a spectral property such as a total spectral radiant factor is known. When a spectral intensity distribution of a fluorescent sample to be measured is measured, the measured spectral intensity distribution is corrected similar to a value when the fluorescent sample is illuminated as if the same illumination light when the weight factor is set. As a result, the error component in the measurement result due to the variation of the illumination light in a time period from the setting of the weight factor to the measurement of the fluorescent sample can be reduced.

Abstract: A method for fluorescence probing of particles flowing in a fluid includes defining a trigger volume in the fluid by intersecting a plurality of substantially orthogonally aimed trigger laser beams, each of a different wavelength, detecting light scattered from the vicinity of the trigger volume by a plurality of particle detectors each sensitive to a wavelength corresponding to the wavelength of a trigger laser beam, probing the particles with a pulsed laser triggered by the particle detectors, collecting fluorescence emitted from the particle in a detection volume and focusing it in a detection region, detecting the fluorescence focused in the detection region. The invention also includes devices for carrying out the foregoing method.

Abstract: A system for quantifying the petroleum content of aqueous media includes a sample cell; a first light source for generating a first light signal that stimulates fluorescent emissions when the first light signal irradiates hydrocarbons present in an aqueous solution in the sample cell; a spectral detector for generating a first electrical signal that represents spectral components of the fluorescent emissions in response to detecting the fluorescent emissions that are emitted from the sample cell; a second light source for generating a coherent light signal that is transformed into scattered light signals when the coherent light irradiates oil droplets in the aqueous solution; a detector for generating a second electrical signal in response to detecting scattered light signals emitted from the tube, where the second electrical signal represents the intensities and scatter angles of the scattered light signals; and a processor for determining a particle size distribution of the oil droplets from the second elec

Abstract: An ultraviolet light permeable filter for an ultraviolet detection light is equipped on a filter glass surface with a dielectric multi-film layer which allows a visible radiation of wave length from 694 nm to 780 nm to reflect on the layer. The wave length also does not penetrate through the multi-flim layer. This filter prevents a reddish halation occurrence during an inspection display of a flaw detection light, which is the main cause of overlooking a scratch or flaw pattern.

Abstract: A system for calibrating a sperm quality analyzer (SQA) is provided. An optical shutter is inserted into an optical chamber within the SQA. A playback circuit coupled to the optical shutter stores pre-recorded sample waveforms and applies the pre-recorded waveforms to the optical shutter to produce contrast variations in the optical shutter that mimic the random motion of live samples.

Abstract: A compact and portable analytical instrument dedicated to aflatoxin determination under minimum electrical power conditions employs a light emitting diode (LED) as light source with a peak output wavelength of 370 nm in addition to a 418 nm cut-off filter and a photodiode with a peak sensitivity of 140 nm. Thus, the relative amount of transmitted fluorescence energy at a wavelength of greater than 418 nm incident upon the aflatoxin is separated from the excitation light of 370 nm. In addition to the LED and the photodiode, the instrument preferably comprises amplifying, digital conversion, data storage, data transfer, display and power supply means and a graphical data output. The power supply regulator is a integrated circuit. As a result, current consumption is minimised, and thus battery life and instrument accuracy is maximised. The LED is powered by a constant current regulator, which minimises errors due to fluctuations in illumination intensity.

Abstract: A glucose monitoring device suitable for use in total darkness or in limited light environment. The glucose monitoring device comprises a housing, which encloses the components of the device that determine the blood glucose level of a blood sample on a test strip. The exterior surface of the housing comprises a phosphorescent material. The portion of the test strip where the blood sample is to be applied can be illuminated by a light. The area of the glucose monitoring device where the test strip is inserted into the device can also be illuminated by a light. The display of the device, i. e., the area of the glucose monitoring device where the result is read, is also illuminated by a light.

Abstract: A compact and low-cost fluorescence reading apparatus capable of detecting multiple wavelengths is provided. The apparatus employs a semiconductor nanoparticle (201) as a fluorescent substance so as to enable a plurality of kinds of fluorescent substances to be simultaneously excited by a single excitation light source (220). Alternatively, the plurality of kinds of fluorescent substances are simultaneously excited by the application of a voltage.

Abstract: A light detecting and ranging system and method for detecting airborne agents in which the system includes a laser which provides laser pulses of at least two wavelengths, a transmitter which transmits the laser pulses, a receiver which receives both elastically backscattered signals from airborne agents and fluorescence signals from the airborne agents, a common telescope which both focuses a laser beam transmission of the laser pulse from the transmitter to a far field and receives the elastically backscattered signals and the fluorescence signals from the far field, a digital detection system having at least one of a backscatter optical detector which detects the elastically backscattered signals and a fluorescence optical detector which detects the fluorescence signals from the airborne agents.

Abstract: An intraluminal medical device comprised of two or more substrates formed of the same or a different material wherein the substrates are bonded together using a fluorescent dyed adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for detecting tumorous tissue comprising at least one excitation light source 12, which first excitation light source 12 emits a first excitation light 34 of a wavelength of between 300 nm and 314 nm and includes at least one optical fiber 14 for guiding said first excitation light 34 to an object field 18 of the tissue 16 to be examined, and at least one lens 24 for projecting an auto-fluorescence signal and/or a remission signal 20 of said tissue 16, generated by means of said first excitation light 34, to a CCD or ICCD chip of a camera 22, as well as a data processing system 28 for processing the signals transmitted by said camera 22, said lens 24 being capable of processing UV light and being designed such that at least two images 48, 50 from different spectral regions of said fluorescent object field 18 are generated and projected to the CCD or ICCD chip, of which at least one image 48, 50 represents the UV range and another, different wavelength range of sai

Abstract: An apparatus for high resolution, high throughput, three-dimensional fluorescence microscopy with a rotatable circular disc for mounting samples to be viewed and multiple CCDs and beam splitters as detectors for the fluorescence emission.

Abstract: A scanning optical microscope comprises a light source configured to selectively output to a sample dyed with two or more types of fluorescent dyes an excitation light having an excitation wavelength according to the each fluorescent dye, scanner configured to scan the excitation light outputted from the light source, an objective lens configured to condense the excitation light scanned by the scanner on the sample, a detector configured to detect a fluorescence of the fluorescent light dye according to the excitation light by the excitation light condensed by the objective lens, one confocal pinhole whose pinhole diameter arranged in front of the detector is adjustable, and controller configured to adjust the pinhole diameter of the confocal pinhole to a diameter suitable for the fluorescence emitted from the sample by using the excitation light in synchronization with switching of the excitation lights from the light source when acquiring one image by detecting each fluorescence according to each excitation

Abstract: Method and device for detecting dirt on eggs is provided which comprises exposing the eggs to ultraviolet light, capturing images of the exposed eggs resulting in images formed of pixels, and determining within the images, surface areas of dirt by correlating data of contrast and data of position of the pixels. Such a method enables selecting and subsequently removing eggs which contain dirt surface areas of a predetermined size. Further, such a method and device may be applied advantageously for both white and brown eggs in egg sorting machines.

Abstract: A fluorescence observing apparatus including a light source for emitting excitation light, an excitation light irradiation section for irradiating the excitation light to a sample, and a fluorescence measurement section for measuring fluorescence emitted from the sample by the irradiation of the excitation light. The temperature of the light source is always sensed by a thermistor, and a Peltier element disposed in direct contact with the light source is cooled by a control section so that the temperature of the light source is maintained at 20° C. or less.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detection of a particular material, such as photo-resist material, on a sample surface. A narrow beam of light is projected onto the sample surface and the fluoresced and/or reflected light intensity at a particular wavelength band is measured by a light detector. The light intensity is converted to a numerical value and transmitted electronically to a logic circuit which determines the proper disposition of the sample. The logic circuit controls a sample-handling robotic device which sequentially transfers samples to and from a stage for testing and subsequent disposition. The method is particularly useful for detecting photo-resist material on the surface of a semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: To expose the peripheral area of a film with high precision while the film is being transported, even if the peripheral area of the film has an arch or a fold, the edge of a copper foil on a TAB strip is determined by way of an optical detector which includes a light projection section and a light receiving section. The sliding base and the projection lens unit are moved such that the amount of light received by the light receiving part is constant. Ultraviolet light is concentrated on the peripheral area of the copper foil of the TAB strip, by which the peripheral area is exposed. The projection lens unit is provided with a nozzle from which air is blown onto the area of the TAB strip which is undergoing peripheral area exposure. This area is pressed by the pressure of the air against the surface of the carrier so that the peripheral area of the TAB strip can be made planar even if the strip has an arch or a fold.

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

Abstract: An optical detection and orientation device is provided comprising housing having an excitation light source, an optical element for reflecting the excitation light to an aspherical lens and transmitting light emitted by a fluorophore excited by said excitation light, a focussing lens for focusing the emitted light onto the entry of an optical fiber, which serves as a confocal aperture, and means for accurately moving said housing over a small area in relation to a channel in a microfluidic device. The optical detection and orientation device finds use in identifying the center of the channel and detecting fluorophores in the channel during operations involving fluorescent signals.

Abstract: A fibre 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 fibres 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: The present invention relates to a water quality measurement system based on a high performance optical fiber probe, and more particularly relates to a water quality measurement system based on a high performance optical fiber probe that immerses an optical fiber prove inducing an ultraviolet light into contaminated water distant from the measurement device, irradiates the light, collects the reflected fluorescent lights, and quantifies the contamination level using a spectrometer thereby.

Abstract: A process for marking an article in a manner which is optically invisible and difficult to detect. The process is carried out by selecting a laser luminophore which fluoresces in a predetermined portion of the spectrum when exposed to an excitation light of predetermined wavelength and applying the laser luminophore to the article in an amount which is optically invisible when the article is exposed to electromagnetic radiation but which is sufficient for machine detection when the article is exposed to an excitation light of predetermined wavelength.

Abstract: A universal microplate analyzer capable of carrying out measurements on samples contained in the wells of microplates by fluorescence, absorbance, luminescence employs at least two light sources and optical fiber channels for directing excitation light to the sample wells. Flexibility of operation is provided by arrays of mirrors, apertures, and polarizers which can be positioned as required for the analysis to be carried out.

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: A method and apparatus for detection of a particular material, such as photo-resist material, on a sample surface. A narrow beam of light is projected onto the sample surface and the fluoresced and/or reflected light intensity at a particular wavelength band is measured by a light detector. The light intensity is converted to a numerical value and transmitted electronically to a logic circuit which determines the proper disposition of the sample. The logic circuit controls a sample-handling robotic device which sequentially transfers samples to and from a stage for testing and subsequent disposition. The method is particularly useful for detecting photo-resist material on the surface of a semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A light source and method for leak detection in which a dichroic filter is used with a powerful lamp emitting UV radiation. The dichroic filter is coated with layers of either tantalum pentoxide or hafnium dioxide to transmit UV in the approximate range of 340-380 nm and infrared above about 700 nm, while reflecting all visible light and shorter wavelength UV radiation.

Abstract: A method for measuring the end point and for monitoring the real time kinetics of a bioaffinity reaction in biological fluids and suspensions, employing microparticles as bioaffinity binding solid phase, biospecific reagent labelled with a fluorescent label and a fluorescence detection system which is based on two-photon fluorescence excitation, contacting the analyte, the labelled reagent and the solid phase simultaneously, focusing a two-photon exciting laser beam into the reaction suspension and measuring the fluorescence signal emitted by the microparticles from one particle at a time when they randomly float through the focal volume of the laser beam. In this method the signal is monitored kinetically to obtain information about the analyte concentration before the reaction approaches the highest point of the response. Since the growth rate of the signal intensity is directly proportional to the analyte concentration, the analyte concentration can be predicted in the initial phase of the reaction.

Abstract: A roll fed labelling system and associated label are disclosed. The label (12) includes a triggering mark (28) formed of luminophor ink, i.e. containing a fluorescent optical brightening agent, that reflects visible light when irradiated with UV light. A modulated UV light is directed at the label and the modulated reflected visible light is detected and used to trigger a cutting mechanism to separate a single label from the remainder of the roll. The triggering mark need not visibly contrast with the surrounding graphics of the label and may be invisible in visible light. When producing the roll of labels, the amount of brightening agent may be controlled by monitoring the luminescence of the triggering mark relative to a reference level which may be derived with reference to a maximum luminescence of other parts of the label.

Abstract: A laser scanning microscope produces molecular excitation in a target material by simultaneous absorption of three or more photons to thereby provide intrinsic three-dimensional resolution. Fluorophores having single photon absorption in the short (ultraviolet or visible) wavelength range are excited by a beam of strongly focused subpicosecond pulses of laser light of relatively long (red or infrared) wavelength range. The fluorophores absorb at about one third, one fourth or even smaller fraction of the laser wavelength to produce fluorescent images of living cells and other microscopic objects. The fluorescent emission from the fluorophores increases cubicly, quarticly or even higher power law with the excitation intensity so that by focusing the laser light, fluorescence as well as photobleaching are confined to the vicinity of the focal plane.

Abstract: A homogeneous biospecific assay method for an analyte in solution or in a biological suspension, in which a biospecific reagent competitively binding an analyte and a ligand labeled with a fluorescent molecule, is reacted with and bound to a solid phase, and in which the free labeled ligand is extracted is excited with two-photon excitation by focusing a laser beam suitable for two-photon excitation into the sample volume; and the concentration of the analyte is calculated based on the photon emission contributed by the free labeled ligand.