Abstract: The present invention provides a method for on-axis visualization of a target placed in a photon beam, the method comprising: placing the target in the path of the photon beam; selecting a mirror with an external reflecting surface; placing the mirror on a mirror support so that the surface faces the target; placing a reflective microscope so as to collect photons emanating from the target that have been reflected by said surface; counting and analyzing photons collected by the microscope with a CCD camera; and storing and analyzing data collected by the camera.

Abstract: The apparatus for measuring concentrations of fuel mixtures using depth-resolved laser-induced fluorescence is a fluorometer equipped with a sample container holder that is movable in the path of the beam from the light source. Fluorescent emissions from the sample mixture pass at 90° to the excitation light path through a slit that is narrow enough that the emission intensity is effectively produced by a thin layer of the sample and focused on a monochromator, with successive thin layers receiving nonuniform excitation radiation due to reduction of intensity along the excitation light source path with increasing depth penetration and due to reabsorption of emitted fluorescence from adjacent layers. The method has a first mode in which the emission spectrum is scanned at a fixed depth, and a second mode in which the sample is moved relative to the emission monochromator slit to vary the depth while keeping the emission wavelength fixed.

Abstract: There is provided a method of detecting a presence of a luminophore in a detection volume comprising providing excitation radiation in said detection volume. A luminophore is provided in said detection volume being excitable by said excitation radiation. The luminescent radiation is detected to identify the presence of said luminophore in said detection volume. In one aspect of the invention, said luminophore is selected to emit luminescent radiation having a wavelength in said medium that is larger than twice said smallest dimension; and wherein said luminophore is selected to be excitable by excitation radiation having a wavelength in said medium that is smaller than twice said smallest dimension. Accordingly, luminescent radiation is blocked from entering the detector but for the portion present on an interface of the aperture.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting by fluorescence microbial growth from sample substances are disclosed. For example, a method for the detection of visible-band fluorescence signals generated by at least one fluorescing compound excited by ultraviolet energy, comprising exciting said at least one fluorescing compound with ultraviolet energy emitted from a light-emitting diode comprising wavelengths below 400 nanometers, and detecting a visible-band fluorescence signal generated by .said at least one excited fluorescing compound with at least one light detector sensitive to electromagnetic energy comprising wavelengths greater than or equal to 400 nanometers wavelength.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an optical sensor head and method of making an optical sensor head. In some cases the sensor head can be used as a fluorometric sensor to measure concentrations of substances within a liquid sample of interest. The sensor head includes a light source window and a detector window that transmit light between the sensor head and an analytical area. In some cases the windows include a ball lens positioned within a channel such that the ball lens and the channel create a seal between the interior and exterior of the sensor head.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a handheld fluorometer and method of determining a concentration of a product within a sample. In some cases the handheld fluorometer includes an immersible sensor head that measures a fluorescence of the product and a controller that calculates the concentration of product. In some cases the handheld fluorometer includes a handheld controller module, an immersible sensor head connected to the controller module, a sample cup for containing a water sample, and a fastener that removably fastens the sample cup about the immersible sensor head. In some cases the sensor head is angled with respect to the controller module and the fluorometer provides a substantially stable base. The sample cup can be removed to acquire a sample of water containing the product and then refastened about the sensor head for determining the concentration.

Abstract: An improved solid-state light source (103) for producing illuminating light (114) generated by interaction of light from an LED source (105) with a quantum dot, in one embodiment located in a well (117). A solid-state illuminator with integrated quantum dots advantageously allows for an efficient broadband or narrow band LED to be produced in a variety of specified colors and color temperatures, and allows for a more compact, less heat producing, and more energy efficient manufacturable illumination device, and further facilitates integration of the illuminator and detector into medical, industrial, and laboratory illuminators, microchips, or lab-on-chip devices or systems. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for detecting the presence of a NO forming material (e.g., a material that can form, or is, a nitrogen monoxide molecule) are disclosed based on detection of fluorescence exhibited by NO molecules in a first vibrationally excited state of a ground electronic state. Such excited NO molecules can be formed, for example, when small amounts of explosives are photodissociated. By inducing fluorescence of the material, a distinct signature of the explosive can be detected. Such techniques can be performed quickly and with a significant standoff distance, which can add to the invention's utility. In another aspection of the invention, methods and apparatus for generating electromagnetic radiation are disclosed. Such methods and apparatus can be used in conjunction with any detection method disclosed herein.

Abstract: Fluorescent nanoparticles such as quantum dots are incorporated into paper and other web products such as plastics to achieve cross-direction and machine direction on-line detection of selected components during manufacture. Fluorescent nanoparticles markers are added in known proportions into product formulations along with the selected components of interest. By detecting the fluorescence from the nanoparticles, the selected components can be traced at various stages of production. In addition, by using different fluorescent nanoparticles that emit radiation at different wavelengths, data from individual materials or layers in a composite structure can be ascertained simultaneously with a single sensor. The technique is particularly suited for monitoring expensive and difficult-to-measure components that may be present only in trace quantities.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting by fluorescence microbial growth from sample substances are disclosed. For example, a method for the detection of visible-band fluorescence signals generated by at least one fluorescing compound excited by ultraviolet energy, comprising exciting said at least one fluorescing compound with ultraviolet energy emitted from a light-emitting diode comprising wavelengths below 400 nanometers, and detecting a visible-band fluorescence signal generated by said at least one excited fluorescing compound with at least one light detector sensitive to electromagnetic energy comprising wavelengths greater than or equal to 400 nanometers wavelength.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

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 independent control from the LED emitting UVC light.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for making quantitative measurements of the amounts of optical brighteners in water samples using fluorescence measurements at multiple wavelengths. First and second emission wavelength raw measurements are corrected for sample absorption to provide absorption-corrected first emission wavelength and second emission wavelength fluorescence emission values. The absorption-corrected first emission wavelength value is compared to the absorption-corrected second emission wavelength value and to similarly-determined and similarly absorption-corrected emission wavelength values or a ratio thereof obtained from a comparison water sample in which optical brighteners are not present or are only minimally present, to provide a quantitative optical brightener measurement. The apparatus and method may be field-based or laboratory-based, and may operate on a flow-through basis or on discrete samples.

Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) fluorometric sensor measures a chemical concentration in a sample based on the measured fluorescence of the sample. The sensor includes a controller, at least one UV light source, and at least one UV detector. The sensor emits UV light in a wavelength range of 245-265 nm from the light source through the sample in an analytical area. The UV detector measures the fluorescence emission from the sample. The controller transforms output signals from the UV detector into fluorescence values or optical densities for one or more wavelengths in the wavelength range of 265-340 nm. The controller calculates the chemical concentration of the chemical in the sample based on the measured fluorescence emissions.

Abstract: An interior space of an automobile includes a maplamp unit and a plurality of functional units. The maplamp unit is provided on a ceiling of the interior space and is adapted to emit an ultraviolet light therefrom toward and upon a predetermined area of irradiation by the ultraviolet light. The functional units are spaced from each other and yet provided such that they all reside within the irradiation area. The functional units may include a combination meter, a navigation device, an air conditioner operating area, a power window switch area, and a small article placing area. These functional units each include at least one luminescent symbol. The luminescent symbol is adapted to become luminous when irradiated by the ultraviolet light emitted by the maplamp unit.

Abstract: A ultra-violet based color pixel backlight system for color filter-less Liquid Crystal Display, comprising multiplicity of LEDs, emitting UV or NUV light in the wavelength range of 150 nm to 390 nm, assembled at one edge of a UV transmitting light guide, which has other three edges and bottom surface coated with UV reflecting layer and its top surface roughened with UV and NUV extracting pixel patterns that contain layers of quantum dots that emit different colors of light in red, blue and green region with sharp spectrum, to increase the color gamut on LCD screen, upon excitation by UV or NUV light. The formed pixels contain reflective islands, underneath the layers of quantum dots, to reflect the visible rays, generated by the pixelated quantum dots, towards the LCD and suppress the visible light leaving the pixel as well as suppress the visible light from adjacent pixels entering the pixel. Thus suppressing the color mixing that could occur without the incorporation of reflective islands.

Abstract: A solution for managing illumination of an organism with ultraviolet light is provided. A set of ultraviolet fluorescence characteristics of the organism can be determined using fluorescence data for the organism. The set of ultraviolet fluorescence characteristics can be used to determine a set of target properties of the ultraviolet light. The set of target properties can be used to illuminate the organism with ultraviolet light. The illumination can be managed during growth of the organism, breeding of the organism, and/or maintenance of the organism after harvest.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for optically detecting surfaces wherein strip patterns are projected onto the surface, images are captured, and the three-dimensional contour thereof is determined from the reproduction of the strip pattern on the surface of the object. The aim of the invention is to prevent reflections that interfere with the images and as a result, the surface of the object is covered with a layer of a fluorescent material, is then radiated with ultraviolet radiation, and the radiation emitted by the fluorescent material in the visible light is detected.

Abstract: In the present invention, it is demonstrated for the first time, the influence of electrical current on the ability of surface plasmons to amplify fluorescence signatures. An applied direct current across silver island films (SiFs) of low electrical resistance perturbs the fluorescence enhancement of close-proximity fluorophores. For a given applied current, surface plasmons in “just-continuous” low resistance films are sparsely available for fluorophore dipole coupling and hence the enhanced fluorescence is gated as a function of the applied current.

Abstract: A method of detecting an analyte in an environment, includes immobilizing at least one photoactive composition on nanostructures, the photoactive composition exhibiting emission that is sensitive to the analyte; applying electromagnetic radiation to the immobilized photoactive moiety for a period of time; measuring at least one response; and using the measured response to determine the presence the analyte in the environment. The nanostructures can, for example, include carbon nanostructures. In a number of embodiments, the analyte is oxygen.

Abstract: Subject of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, an instrument, and a method particularly useful in multiplex PCR applications permitting short sample measuring times of many samples combined with high sensitivity.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a composition includes an excitation source adapted to transmit incident energy, the excitation source comprising an array of energy emitting sources, and a plurality of photometric detectors adapted to receive radiation emitted from the composition when the incident radiation is transmitted thereto.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analyzing a test sample using complementary techniques, such as x-ray fluorescence (XRF) and optical emission spectroscopy (OES), are disclosed for registering two or more test instruments, in relation to the test sample, such that each of the instruments analyzes substantially the same region as is analyzed by the other instrument(s), and for communicating analytical results between or among the instruments, or between the instruments and another component, to enable one or more of the instruments, or the other component, to combine the results and, thereby, more completely and accurately determine the composition of the test sample. Such registration and communication enables, for example, separate XRF and OES instruments to collectively determine the composition of the test sample, including the absolute amounts of light and heavy elements in the test material.

Abstract: The reaction of aromatic nitriles with perylenetetracarboximides affords colorants which fluoresce strongly in the long-wave region and are of the formula in which one pair Q1 and Q2 or one pair Q2 and Q3, and optionally from 0 to 3 pairs Q3 and Q4, Q5 and Q6, Q6 and Q7 and/or Q7 and Q8, in each case in pairs, together form a heterocyclic ring the remaining Q1, Q4, Q5 and Q8 which do not form a heterocyclic ring are each hydrogen, and the remaining Q3, Q6 and Q7 which do not form a heterocyclic ring are each independently R5 or R6. R1 to R8 are each H, CN, halogen or optionally mono- or polysubstituted hydrocarbon groups. Establishing a suitable pH achieves a large Stokes shift in these colorants via the ESPT mechanism.

Abstract: The invention concerns fluorescence standards, and in particular fluorescence standards for calibrating optical detectors. According to the invention, a fluorescent mineral or mixtures of minerals are employed for use as a fluorescence standard. The fluorescent mineral can be a naturally occurring mineral or a synthetically produced mineral. Preferred fluorescent minerals for use as fluorescence standards are corundum, fluorite, turquoise, amber, zircon, zoisite, iolite or cordierite, spinel, topaz, calcium fluorite, sphalerite or zincblende, calcite or calcspar, apatite, scheelite or calcium tungstate, willemite, feldspars, sodalite, a uranium mineral, a mineral containing Al3+, and in particular ruby and sapphire.

Abstract: A laminated windshield incorporating a head up display device and a device displaying an image on such a laminated windshield. The windshield includes an assembly of two transparent sheets of inorganic glass or of an impact-resistant organic material of polycarbonate PC type, connected together by an insert of a thermoformable material or by a multilayer leaf incorporating such an insert, and at least one layer of at least one luminophore material chosen to respond to an exciting incident light wave in the ultraviolet or IR region by re-emitting light radiation in the visible region, the layer being positioned on the windshield, at an angle of vision of a driver, in a region of a layer of opaque material disposed on at least one of edges of the windshield.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining element occupancy on a surface includes a UV beam source comprising at least one UV light-emitting diode whose UV radiation excites the element to fluorescence and a detector unit for the detection of fluorescence radiation. The apparatus, in accordance with the invention, is characterized in that beam guidance is configured by alignment of the UV beam source and the detector unit relative to the surface and/or by using a wavelength-selective beam splitter in the beam path in such a manner that the UV radiation back-reflected from the surface is kept away from the detector unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to the marking of a material (18) with identifier marks (16), the material thus marked, and verification of the genuineness of a product on the basis of the marks. In accordance with the invention, an optical brightener is incorporated in the material (18), and marking is performed by reducing the brightness of the material at a selected location by directing local heating to this location, the mark (16) thus produced appearing with a darker shade than its environment in ultraviolet light (20). The marking is based on partial or complete destruction of the brightening effect of the optical brightener under heating. The invention is suitable for providing e.g. coated paper and board containing an optical brightener with identifier marks for preventing falsifications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light source for irradiating molecules present in a detection volume with one or more selected wavelengths of light and directing the fluorescence, absorbance, transmittance, scattering onto one or more detectors. Molecular interactions with the light allow for the identification and quantitation of participating chemical moieties in reactions utilizing physical or chemical tags, most typically fluorescent and chromophore labels. The invention can also use the light source to separately and simultaneously irradiate a plurality of capillaries or other flow confining structures with one or more selected wavelengths of light and separately and simultaneously detect fluorescence produced within the capillaries or other flow confining structures. In various embodiments, the flow confining structures can allow separation or transportation of molecules and include capillary, micro bore and milli bore flow systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting pathogens and particles in a fluid in which particle size and intrinsic fluorescence of a simple particle is determined, comprising a sample cell; a light source on one side of the sample cell for sending a focused beam of light through the sample, whereby portions of the beam of light are scattered at various angles by particles of various sizes present in the sample area; a particle size detector positioned in the light path for detecting a portion of forward scattered light; a pair of fluorescence detectors positioned off axis from the beam of light; and a pair of elliptical mirrors positioned such that an intersection of the incoming particle stream and the light beam are at one foci of each ellipsoid, and one of said pair of fluorescence detectors lies at the other foci.

Abstract: An EUV light source apparatus capable of preventing deterioration and/or breakage of a filter for filtering EUV light. The EUV light source apparatus includes an EUV generation chamber in which EUV light is generated; a target material supply unit for supplying a target material into the EUV light generation chamber; a laser source for applying a laser beam to the target material supplied into the EUV light generation chamber to generate plasma; collection optics for collecting EUV light radiated from the plasma; a filter for filtering the EUV light collected by the collection optics; and a filter protecting member provided between the plasma and the filter, for protecting the filter by blocking flying matter flying from the plasma toward the filter.

Abstract: A source configured to generate radiation for a lithographic apparatus is disclosed. The source includes an anode, and a cathode. The cathode and the anode are configured to create a discharge in a fuel in a discharge space between the anode and the cathode so as to generate a plasma, the cathode and the anode positioned relative to each other so that, in use, current lines extending between the anode and the cathode are substantially curved so as to create a force that substantially radially compresses the plasma only in a region proximate an upper surface of the cathode or of the anode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a detection system for identifying an unidentified substance in a sample, comprising light emitting sources, where at least one of the light emitting sources emits light in the infrared region; a circuit board; a trigger, that activates a pulse of electrons from the circuit board to the light emitting sources; a detector; and a central processing unit, where fluorescence generated from the unknown unidentified substance that is illuminated by light from the light emitting sources is collected in the detector and analyzed in the central processing unit.

Abstract: An observable optical lamp status display system is provided for an ultraviolet irradiation lamp concealed from view. An external lamp status display panel that is within the field of view of an observer registers the operating status of each ultraviolet light irradiation lamp in an array of irradiation lamps. A separate fiberoptic lamp status display filament extends between each ultraviolet radiation lamps and the display panel. The lamp status display filament has a first end terminated in optical communication with the ultraviolet lamp and an opposite end that terminates at an optical sensor in the lamp status display panel. An observer can determine whether or not a lamp is operating simply by observing the output of the optical sensor in the display panel for each lamp operated.

Abstract: The invention provides a system that can process a raw biological sample, perform a biochemical reaction and provide an analysis readout. For example, the system can extract DNA from a swab, amplify STR loci from the DNA, and analyze the amplified loci and STR markers in the sample. The system integrates these functions by using microfluidic components to connect what can be macrofluidic functions. In one embodiment the system includes a sample purification module, a reaction module, a post-reaction clean-up module, a capillary electrophoresis module and a computer. In certain embodiments, the system includes a disposable cartridge for performing analyte capture. The cartridge can comprise a fluidic manifold having macrofluidic chambers mated with microfluidic chips that route the liquids between chambers. The system fits within an enclosure of no more than 10 ft3. and can be a closed, portable, and/or a battery operated system. The system can be used to go from raw sample to analysis in less than 4 hours.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of unique markers in the identification and tracking of objects. The present invention provides large numbers of unique markings for application to items as part of a marking system. The present invention provides a new approach to laboratory analysis and a means of rapid in-field identification of goods using a hand-held scanner. It provides data that can be used as a means of product tracking, identification of counterfeit product and to prove ownership of stolen goods.

Abstract: This optical coding device comprises a plurality of aggregates suitable for emitting infrared, visible or ultraviolet rays by luminescence, at least one of the said aggregates comprising at least one luminophore. This aggregate further comprises at least one particle consisting of a surface plasmon effect material, the said luminophore and the said particle being suitable for entering into interaction.

Abstract: An apparatus having one or more UV bulbs arranged around a structural element and within an outer conductive element. The apparatus also contains an inner conductive element which extends the length of the apparatus. The inner and outer conductive elements are coupled to a microwave source to enable the UV bulbs to be powered.

Abstract: A particle detection device and method wherein a bulk sample of particles is selectively collected based on scattering properties of the particles and fluorescence properties of the particles. The bulk sample of particles is then excited to produce an atomic emission from the bulk sample of particles. The atomic emission from the bulk sample of particles is used to determine atomic emission properties of the particles and identify biological particles in the bulk sample.

Abstract: The apparatus for measuring concentrations of fuel mixtures using depth-resolved laser-induced fluorescence is a fluorometer equipped with a sample container holder that is movable in the path of the beam from the light source. Fluorescent emissions from the sample mixture pass at 90° to the excitation light path through a slit that is narrow enough that the emission intensity is effectively produced by a thin layer of the sample and focused on a monochromator, with successive thin layers receiving nonuniform excitation radiation due to reduction of intensity along the excitation light source path with increasing depth penetration and due to reabsorption of emitted fluorescence from adjacent layers. The method has a first mode in which the emission spectrum is scanned at a fixed depth, and a second mode in which the sample is moved relative to the emission monochromator slit to vary the depth while keeping the emission wavelength fixed.

Abstract: An AF dark field illumination device and an objective lens are moved in unity. A tissue sample in a Petri dish is illuminated by infrared light incident with an oblique angle from an LED light source. The casting of the infrared light causes scattered light from the tissue sample. A part of the scattered light passes through the objective lens, thereby forming a dark-field microscope image, which is captured by a CCD camera. The sharpness of the dark-field microscope image is dependent upon the position of the objective lens. The position of the objective lens at which the dark-field microscopic image exhibits the highest sharpness is determined to be the focus position.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating physicochemical properties of sample materials contained in an array of vessels includes: a light detector; a light source for transmitting a light beam through the sample material in a vessel to the light detector; an analyzer for processing data from the light detector to determine concentration-related properties of the sample material as a function of time; and a mixing system. The mixing system includes: a plurality of magnetic stirrer elements, each for being placed in a sample material in a different one of the array of vessels; an array of magnetic drive elements, each associated with a different one of the array of vessels and being magnetically coupled with a magnetic stirrer element in an associated vessel; and a drive mechanism coupled to the array of magnetic drive elements for simultaneously moving each of the magnetic drive elements relative to an associated vessel.

Abstract: A device for measuring the fluorescence of a medium having a radiation source, an emission-receiving element and an optical imaging element arranged on the sensor side of the optical imaging element, and a scattering-receiving element arranged on the sensor side of the optical imaging element and in which the radiation source, the imaging element and the emission-receiving element are aligned and configured relative to one another so that the medium present on the medium side of the imaging element can be illuminated by radiation from the radiation source, and the emission intensity of the medium radiation emitted by the medium based on fluorescence can be detected with the emission-receiving element. To provide a device for measuring the fluorescence of a medium which has an increased reliability in measuring the fluorescence, temperature compensation is performed relative to the temperature of the medium and/or at least one of the receiving elements.

Abstract: Systems and methods for high-speed image scanning are disclosed herein One aspect of the invention is directed to a method for high speed image scanning. The method for high speed image scanning includes adjusting an object using a positioning element; directing a portion of an image of the object toward a sensor by positioning a first mirror relative to the object, and by positioning a second mirror relative to the object and the first mirror; controlling the positioning element, the position of the first mirror and the position of the second mirror using a processor; and detecting the portion of the image of the object using the sensor positioned relative to the first mirror and the second mirror. In accord with this method, the first mirror directs the portion of the image of the object in a first direction and the second mirror directs the portion of the image of the object in a second direction.

Abstract: A method is described for quantitative determination of suitability of an optical material, especially alkali halide and alkaline earth halide single crystals, for optical components exposed to high energy densities, especially of pulsed laser light at wavelengths under 250 nm. In this procedure radiation-dependent transmission of the optical material is determined at ultraviolet wavelengths by fluorescence measurements for fluorescence induced by ultraviolet radiation at these ultraviolet wavelengths. This is accomplished by a method including determining an induced fluorescence maximum of a non-linear absorption process, measuring a slope (|dT/dH|) of a functional relationship representing the dependence of the radiation-dependent transmission on fluence (H) for the induced fluorescence and determining radiation-dependent transmissions from this slope for particular fluence values.

Abstract: A fluorescence detection system comprises a light source (22), dichroic mirror (32), excitation port (16), emission port (14), and a detector. The light source (22) is, for example, a pulsed ultraviolet LED, with a light emission that decays sufficiently rapidly to permit gated detection of fluorescence from a fluorescently-labelled species, at a time when it is distinguishable from autofluorescence. The detector is, for example, an electron multiplying CCD, with high gain on-chip amplification. A circuit (26) may be used to control a repeating cycle of (i) generation of a 20-200 microsecond UV. pulse; (ii) a gate delay of 1-5 microseconds; and (iii) a 10-800 microsecond detection period. This allows time-resolved-fluorescence-microscopy with real time or near real time operation.

Abstract: An apparatus to project graphical images upon a substantially transparent windscreen head-up display of a vehicle includes an excitation light source projecting a laser beam based upon a graphical image command and a telescope for expanding the laser beam. The apparatus further includes a multi-mirror device including a plurality of mirrors sequentially irradiated by the expanded laser beam to simultaneously scan a plurality of laser beamlettes and the windscreen including a surface receiving the plurality of laser beamlettes, each of the received plurality of laser beamlettes emitting visible light upon the surface.

Abstract: A hyperspectral reflectance and fluorescence line-scan imaging system is used for on-line quality and safety inspection of agricultural commodities. The system simultaneously acquires hyperspectral/multispectral combinations of both fluorescence and reflectance images of the agricultural commodities.

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.