Abstract: Provided herein are optical systems and methods for detecting and characterizing particles. Systems and method are provided which increase the sensitivity of an optical particle counter and allow for detection of smaller particles while analyzing a larger fluid volume. The described systems and methods allow for sensitive and accurate detection and size characterization of nanoscale particles (e.g., less than 50 nm, optionally less than 20 nm, optionally less than 10 nm) for large volumes of analyzed fluids.

Abstract: A slurry monitoring device, a CMP system and a method of in-line monitoring a slurry are provided. The slurry monitoring device incudes a slurry metrology cell, a plurality of light sources and at least one optical detector. The slurry metrology cell is configured to accommodating a slurry. The light sources are configured to emit light beams on the slurry in the slurry metrology cell. The light sources include a first light source configured to emit a first light beam having a first wavelength, and a second light source configured to emit a second light beam having a second wavelength longer than the first wavelength. The at least one optical detector is configured to detect an intensity of the light beams scattered by abrasive particles in the slurry.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for sensing gas bubbles within a liquid flow line, such as within a medical device. The systems, devices, and methods can measure a change in capacitance across a pair of conductive plates to calculate a volume of gas in a flow line. If a calculated volume of gas exceeds an established threshold, an alert can be sent and/or changes made to operation of the device.

Abstract: Device for improving an optical detecting smoke apparatus and implementing thereof. Apparatus and methods for detecting the presence of smoke in a small, long-lasting smoke detector are disclosed. Specifically, the present disclosure shows how to build one or more optimized blocking members in a smoke detector to augment signal to noise ratio. This is performed while keeping the reflections from the housing structure to a very low value while satisfying all the other peripheral needs of fast response to smoke and preventing ambient light. This allows very small measurements of light scattering of the smoke particles to be reliable in a device resistant to the negative effects of dust. In particular, geometrical optical elements, e.g., cap and optical defection elements, are disclosed.

Abstract: A non-linear optical pumping detection apparatus and a non-linear optical absorption cross-section measurement method, which can simultaneously measure degenerate and non-degenerate two-photon absorption cross-section spectra. The measurement process is automatic, efficient and fast. The working wavelength band is from 380 nm to near infrared 1064 nm, and the non-linear performance measurement of the super-continuous wide spectra can be realized. A zoom optical system with a larger entrance pupil diameter is adopted as a weak signal acquisition lens. So the weak signal can be effectively extracted from background noise. Meanwhile, the mean square root diameter of an on-axis image point of the zoom optical system is 100 to 150 microns, the divergence angle 2? of the on-axis image point is 30.6 degrees, which well match the optical fiber coupling condition, thereby improving the coupling efficiency of the space light coupling into the optical fiber, and greatly improving the measurement sensitivity.

Abstract: An airborne, gas, or liquid particle sensor with multiple particle sensor blocks in a single particle counter. Each sensor would sample a portion of the incoming airstream, or possibly a separate airstream. The various counters could be used separately or in concert.

Abstract: Described herein are instruments for excitation and detection of fluorophores in a plurality of functional regions in a biochip, using an excitation source and a steering element that directs a beam from the excitation source to a plurality of functional regions in the biochip, wherein the excitation source excites the fluorophores in the plurality of functional regions generating a signal that is detected such that said signal from at least one of the plurality of functional regions allows for nucleic acid quantification. Also described are systems for quantification and separation and detection using optical devices adapted for preliminary, simultaneous or sequential quantitation of nucleic acid in separate detection positions, and for the excitation and detection of multiple samples to steer both the excitation and detection beam paths to separately image each lane of a biochip.

Abstract: A sample testing device, a sample testing method, and a sample analyze are provided. The sample testing device includes a pipeline assembly, a testing assembly, and a reaction assembly. The pipeline assembly includes a first pipeline and a second pipeline. The testing assembly includes a sample needle which includes a first connection point. The reaction assembly includes a first reaction cell group connected to a second connection point of the first pipeline and a second reaction cell group which communicates with the second pipeline, and the reaction assembly is configured to treat a biological sample to prepare a test liquid. A test liquid in the first reaction cell group flows to the first connection point via the second connection point of the first pipeline, and a test liquid in the second reaction cell group flows to the first connection point via the second pipeline.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for monitoring a gaseous fire suppression blend. The system includes a sensor array having a plurality of sensors disposed in a protected space, wherein the sensor array can detect and quantify more than one component of the gaseous fire suppression blend.

Abstract: An optical system (10) for a spectral component analysis of non-solid media, the system comprising: one or several light emitter assemblies (3), each comprising several light emitter modules (1) arranged in a curve along a ring-shaped circumference (3a) of the light emitter assembly (3); and one or several light detector assemblies (4), each comprising several light detector modules (2) arranged in a curve along a ring-shaped circumference (4a) of the light detector assembly (4), The light emitter assemblies (3) and the light detector assemblies (4) are coaxially arranged following one another along a common center axis (C) in an alternating manner.

Abstract: A traffic monitoring apparatus includes a distributed acoustic sensor (DAS) for acquiring waterfall data, wherein the waterfall data includes a generation position of a vibration on a roadway adjacent to the DAS, a generation time of the vibration and an amplitude of the vibration. The traffic monitoring apparatus further includes a processor connected to the DAS. The processor is configured to receive the waterfall data from the DAS. The processor is further configured to preprocess the waterfall data. The processor is further configured to separate the preprocessed waterfall data into a plurality of patches, wherein a size of each patch of the plurality of patches is determined based on a parameter of the roadway. The processor is further configured to process each of the plurality of patches to estimate at least one traffic flow property of the roadway.

Abstract: A system for a synchronous high speed shutter for sensor protection comprising a shutter disk having a rotational axis; wherein the rotational axis of the shutter disk is perpendicular to an optical axis of the sensor. A plurality of paired reflecting elements on the shutter disk, perpendicular to a surface of the shutter disk, wherein a polished surface of each of the plurality of paired reflecting elements is figured to match an angle (f #) of an incoming ray bundle; whereby incoming radiation is directed back out collecting optics; wherein the sensor comprises a single photon Geiger mode detector, and whereby the sensor is protected from damage by over-current due to a flood of photons.

Abstract: A smoking detection device with tamper countermeasures is disclosed. A smoking detection circuit includes a smoke and gas sensor is configured to detect a smoking event within an enclosed space of a property, such as a vehicle or a hotel room. Tamper countermeasures prevent a renter from interfering with the detection function of the smoking detection device. The device also includes an event recording element that provides an evidentiary backup in the event of a power failure of the smoking detection device. The event recording element includes a light emitter that is triggered by one or more of smoking detection event and a tamper event. The light emitter exposes a patch of photo sensitive material, that once exposed provides for a visual means of identifying a smoking event or a tamper event during a rental period.

Abstract: Smoke detectors and smoke alarms are provided which have one or more light shields configured to block or minimize the transmission of ambient light to their light receivers. Light shield configurations for facilitating such functionality are provided as well. The shield/s include a material which attenuates a majority amount of light within a particular range of light that a light source of the smoke detector may be configured to only emit and/or the range of light the light receiver may configured to only convert to photocurrent. In some cases, the shield/s surrounds the light source and/or the light receiver arranged external to an interior chamber of the smoke detector. In some cases, the shield/s may at least partially span a connection side of an external housing of the smoke detector. Alternatively, the shield may be arranged in a space between the interior chamber and the connection side of the housing.

Abstract: A lens plate (10) for a rain and/or light sensor is proposed. The lens plate (10) has a base body (18), at least one light limitation structure (21), and at least one lens structure (28), the light limitation structure (21) extending into the base body (18) from a lower side (14) of the lens plate (10), a contour (27) of the light limitation structure (21) facing away from the lower side (14) of the lens plate (10) limiting the lens structure (28) circumferentially, and the contour (27) being substantially triangular. Furthermore, a rain and/or light sensor (8) is proposed.

Abstract: A device comprises a housing, a detector for receiving solar irradiance and for providing a detector signal providing an indication of an amount of solar irradiance received by the detector and a shield transparent to at least part of the solar irradiance to be detected, the shield and the housing providing a detector space for housing at least part of the detector. The device further comprises a first light source for emitting light to the shield and a first light sensor arranged to receive light from the first light source, arranged to provide a first signal providing an indication for an amount of light received by the first light sensor. Particles will and reflect light back to the detector space. The reflected light is received by the light sensor. Hence, a signal generated by the sensor is an indication for pollution of the shield.

Abstract: Biosensor including a device base having a sensor array of light sensors and a guide array of light guides. The light guides have input regions that are configured to receive excitation light and light emissions generated by biological or chemical substances. The light guides extend into the device base toward corresponding light sensors and have a filter material. The device base includes device circuitry electrically coupled to the light sensors and configured to transmit data signals. A passivation layer extends over the device base and forms an array of reaction recesses above the light guides. The biosensor also includes peripheral crosstalk shields that at least partially surround corresponding light guides of the guide array to reduce optical crosstalk between adjacent light sensors.

Abstract: Method and system in which, in order to determine foreign gases in ethylene with a degree of purity up to greater than 99%, a sample 2 of the ethylene in a measuring cell 1 is irradiated with light 14, wherein the wavelength of the light 14 is varied to scan selected absorption lines of the foreign gases in a wavelength-dependent manner, where the light 14 is detected after passing through the sample 2 to determine the concentrations of the foreign gases based on the wavelength-specific absorption of the light 14 at the points of the scanned absorption lines.

Abstract: An immersion probe system is provided for simultaneously performing first analysis of a first portion of light originating from liquids and/or particles in a fluid and second analysis of a second portion of the light originating from the liquids and/or particles. The system defines an optical axis and includes a first component including a first analyzer, a window, and a first optical path extending between the window and the first analyzer. The system also includes a second component including a second analyzer, the window, and a second optical path extending between the window and the second analyzer. The system further includes a spectral selector placed in the first optical path and in the second optical path to direct the first portion of the light, which originates from the liquids and/or particles and passes through the window, to the first analyzer, and to direct the second portion of said light to the second analyzer.

Abstract: An optical detector device may receive a spectroscopic measurement from a multispectral sensor. The optical detector device may determine, based on the spectroscopic measurement, a particulate size of a particulate. The optical detector device may determine, based on the spectroscopic measurement, an identification of the particulate. The optical detector device may determine, based on the particulate size and the identification of the particulate, that an alert condition is satisfied. The optical detector device may trigger an alert based on determining that the alert condition is satisfied.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for a self-testing fire sensing device are described herein. One device includes an adjustable particle generator and a variable airflow generator configured to generate an aerosol density level sufficient to trigger a fire response without saturating an optical scatter chamber and the optical scatter chamber configured to measure a rate at which the aerosol density level decreases after the aerosol density level has been generated, determine an airflow rate from an external environment through the optical scatter chamber based on the measured rate at which the aerosol density level decreases, and determine whether the self-testing fire sensing device is functioning properly based on the fire response and the determined airflow rate.

Abstract: Biosensor including a device base having a sensor array of light sensors and a guide array of light guides. The light guides have input regions that are configured to receive excitation light and light emissions generated by biological or chemical substances. The light guides extend into the device base toward corresponding light sensors and have a filter material. The device base includes device circuitry electrically coupled to the light sensors and configured to transmit data signals. A passivation layer extends over the device base and forms an array of reaction recesses above the light guides. The biosensor also includes peripheral crosstalk shields that at least partially surround corresponding light guides of the guide array to reduce optical crosstalk between adjacent light sensors.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for a self-calibrating fire sensing device are described herein.

Abstract: An illustrative example monitoring device includes a plurality of radiation sources that respectively emit a different type of radiation. At least one radiation detector is situated to detect radiation emitted the radiation sources and reflected off airborne particles. The radiation detector has a first sensitivity configured for detecting a concentration of the particles within a first range and a second sensitivity configured for detecting a concentration of the particles within a second, different range. A processor is configured to determine a ratio of the types of detected radiation, a type of the particles reflecting the detected radiation based on the ratio, and the concentration of the particles reflecting the detected radiation based on the first or second sensitivity.

Abstract: An energy storage apparatus includes: an energy storage device; a voltage dropper configured to drop a charge voltage for the energy storage device; a current switcher connected in parallel with the voltage dropper; a voltage detection unit configured to detect a voltage of the energy storage device; and a controller. When the voltage of the energy storage device exceeds a predetermined value, the controller causes the current switcher to switch a path of a charge current to the energy storage device to a path through the voltage dropper.

Abstract: A circuit for use in a system that includes a detector, wherein the circuit comprises an input terminal to receive a detector signal from the detector external to the circuit, the detector signal to include an error charge corresponding to a leakage current. The circuit further comprises an amplifier coupled to the input terminal to receive input signals corresponding to the detector signal, including the error charge applied to an input of the amplifier. The circuit further comprises a feedback path coupled across the amplifier, wherein the feedback path comprises a first switch coupled across a leakage resistor and to a leakage capacitor for discharging a feedback compensation charge from the leakage capacitor and onto the input of the amplifier to substantially cancel the error charge.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting smoke including establishing a baseline measurement for each of at least three overlapping sensing volumes; comparing a measured reading within each of the at least three sensing volumes and the baseline measurements to determine whether the measured reading is within a sensing threshold, and annunciating a warning signal if the difference is outside the sensing threshold.

Abstract: A smoke detector and a chamber are provided. The chamber includes a bottom plate, top plate, a plurality of baffle ribs disposed between the bottom plate and top plate, a transmitter base disposed between the bottom plate and top plate, and a receiver base disposed between the bottom plate and top plate. The receiver base is arranged apart from the transmitter base, and a center point of the chamber, being taken as an apex, the receiver base, and the transmitter base jointly define an angle being in a range of 45 degrees to 65 degrees.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the production of cheese including methods of manufacturing cheese on a desired schedule in a cheese production facility having multiple cheese vats. The methods rely upon various milk processing conditions and milk composition properties.

Abstract: A light sensing device, according to an embodiment, for sensing light emitted from a light source, and reflected or scattered from an object comprises: a light transmitting member; and a light sensing unit disposed on the light transmitting member, wherein the light sensing unit comprises: a light transmitting region; a first electrode layer; a semiconductor layer; and a second electrode layer, wherein the semiconductor layer comprises: a first semiconductor layer disposed around the light-transmitting region; and a second semiconductor layer disposed outside the first semiconductor layer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses to detect particles in dense particle fields are described. A time varying signal is partitioned into a plurality of segments. Parameters are determined from the segments. The time varying signal is parsed into a plurality of individual particle signal components based on the plurality of parameters.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for a self-testing fire sensing device are described herein. One device includes an adjustable particle generator and a variable airflow generator configured to generate an aerosol density level, an optical scatter chamber configured to measure a rate at which the aerosol density level decreases after the aerosol density level has been generated, and a controller configured to compare the measured rate at which the aerosol density level decreases with a baseline rate, and determine whether the self-testing fire sensing device requires maintenance based on the comparison of the measured rate at which the aerosol density level decreases and the baseline rate.

Abstract: A diagnostic analyzer includes a rotating device, a first optical reader, and a second optical reader. The rotating device includes a first darkened compartment, a second darkened compartment, and an optical path along which the first darkened compartment and the second darkened compartment travel. The first optical reader is operable to read the first darkened compartment and the second optical reader is operable to read the second darkened compartment.

Abstract: An optical system for acquiring fast spectra from spatially channel arrays includes a light source for producing a light beam that passes through the microfluidic chip or the channel to be monitored, one or more lenses or optical fibers for capturing the light from the light source after interaction with the particles or chemicals in the microfluidic channels, and one or more detectors. The detectors, which may include light amplifying elements, detect each light signal and transducer the light signal into an electronic signal. The electronic signals, each representing the intensity of an optical signal, pass from each detector to an electronic data acquisition system for analysis. The light amplifying element or elements may comprise an array of phototubes, a multianode phototube, or a multichannel plate based image intensifier coupled to an array of photodiode detectors.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for an apparatus for measuring optical properties of liquid samples. The apparatus includes a sample chamber and a spectrometer optically coupled with the sample chamber. One or multiple sources of electromagnetic radiation are positioned relative to the sample chamber to direct electromagnetic radiation through the sample chamber to measure the color, haze, and/or clarity of the sample. Also provided is a method for measuring optical properties of liquid samples, including inserting a cuvette containing a liquid sample into the sample chamber of the apparatus, and directing electromagnetic radiation from the one or more sources and through the sample to measure the color, haze, and/or clarity of the sample. The apparatus and methods may be used to analyze various samples, such as petroleum-based fluids, including fuels and lubricants.

Abstract: There is provided a measurement system that measures the volume of a drug solution that fills a needle-shaped recess of a mold. A measurement unit of the measurement system measures respective heights of a plurality of measurement points which are stored in a storage unit and are preset on a plane parallel to the mold, in a direction orthogonal to the plane. A surface shape calculation unit calculates a three-dimensional shape of the surface of the drug solution on the basis of the heights of the plurality of measurement points measured by the measurement unit. A volume calculation unit calculates the volume of the drug solution that fills the needle-shaped recess on the basis of the three-dimensional shape of the surface of the drug solution calculated by the surface shape calculation unit and the shape of the needle-shaped recess of the mold.

Abstract: A particulate matter-sensing sensor assembly may include a housing in which an air flow passage through which air flowed thereinto from the outside thereof flows is formed, a fan motor internally disposed within the housing for flowing air into the air flow passage from the outside, a light source emitting light to allow light to intersect with air flowing into the air flow passage, and a light receiving sensor configured to receive light scattered by dust contained in air passing through the air flow passage, wherein the air flow passage is configured such that a region where air flows thereinto from the outside thereof has a cross-sectional area greater than that of a region where light emitted from the light source intersects with flowing air.

Abstract: A toroidal optical device can include a ring mirror defining a toroidal optical cavity symmetric about an axis and an optical coupler situated inside the toroidal optical cavity. The optical coupler can be situated to direct an input light first received from outside the toroidal optical cavity propagating inside the toroidal optical cavity, to multiply reflect from the ring mirror inside the toroidal optical cavity. A method includes producing one or more additional ring mirrors defining a toroidal optical cavity symmetric about a sagittal axis using a first ring mirror as a master form, and affixing an optical coupler inside the optical cavity to at least one of the one or more additional ring mirrors.

Abstract: A detection system for measuring one or more conditions within a predetermined area includes a fiber harness having at least one fiber optic cable for transmitting light, the at least one fiber optic cable defining a node arranged to measure the one or more conditions. A control system is operably coupled to the fiber harness such that scattered light associated with the node is transmitted to the control system, wherein the control system analyzes the scattered light to determine at least one of a presence and magnitude of the one or more conditions at the node. An optical enhancement device is operably connected to the fiber harness or to the control system to reduce interference sources transmitted from the node.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for determining particle characteristics, in which a flow path is generated containing particles to be analyzed. A light detection system detecting light received from a measurement zone which has been scattered by the particles. A time duration for which a particle remains in the measurement zone is measured to determine an effective aerodynamic particle diameter and a peak detected received light intensity is measured to determine an effective optical particle diameter. A further particle parameter is also obtained relating to the shape and/or density of the particle. This approach enables more information than only a particle size to be obtained using a single-stage optical analysis system. The additional information may be used to characterize the particles more accurately.

Abstract: A particle detecting device is provided. The particle detecting device includes a base, a detecting element, a micro pump and a drive control board. The base includes a detecting channel, a beam channel and a light trapping region. The detecting element includes a microprocessor, a particle sensor and a laser transmitter. The particle sensor is disposed at an orthogonal position where the detecting channel intersects the beam channel. When the micro pump, the particle sensor and the laser transmitter are enabled under the control of the microprocessor, the gas outside the detecting channel is inhaled into the detecting channel. When the gas flows to the orthogonal position where the detecting channel intersects the beam channel, the gas is irradiated by the projecting light source from the laser transmitter, and projecting light spots generated are projected on the particle sensor for detecting the size and the concentration of suspended particles.

Abstract: A backlight module and a display device are disclosed, and the backlight module includes: a light source component, a wavelength selection film, and a first light emitting film laminated in sequence. The light source component is configured to emit light of a first wavelength range, the wavelength selection film transmits the light of the first wavelength range and reflect at least light of a second wavelength range, the second wavelength range does not coincide with the first wavelength range, and the first light emitting film is configured to excite and emit blue light under an illumination of the light of the first wavelength range.

Abstract: An optical-particle sensor head comprises an electromagnetic radiation source to transmit electromagnetic radiation toward the detection chamber; one or more baffles, between the light source and the detection chamber, to restrain a spread of the electromagnetic radiation from the electromagnetic radiation source; and at least two off-angle photo-sensors.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for detecting and classifying individual airborne biological and non-biological particles, in real time, based on particle size and polarized elastic scatter. Auto-fluorescence content may also be used along with particle size and polarized elastic scatter for further orthogonal classification. With polarized elastic scattering, the degree of linear or circular depolarization produced from particle morphology, refractive index, internal asymmetric structures and molecular optical activity can be used for classifying individual airborne particles. Alternatively, circular intensity differential scattering (CIDS) or linear intensity differential scattering (LIDS) can be used to discriminate individual particles.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for detecting particulate matter in the air. A particulate matter sensor may comprise an airflow channel; a light source configured to pass light through the airflow channel; an airflow generator configured to generate airflow into the airflow channel; a waveguide configured to direct light from the light source after it passes through the airflow channel and scatters off of particulate matter within the airflow channel; a photodiode configured to receive light scattered by the waveguide; and a computing device coupled to the photodiode having a processor and a memory storing instructions which, when executed by the processor, determines a mass concentration of particles in the airflow channel based on an output of the photodiode.

Abstract: A packaged integrated white light source configured for illumination and communication or sensing comprises one or more laser diode devices. An output facet configured on the laser diode device outputs a laser beam of first electromagnetic radiation with a first peak wavelength. The first wavelength from the laser diode provides at least a first carrier channel for a data or sensing signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated particulate extraction from solid parts is disclosed herein, which comprises a test tank (42) and a liquid cleaning medium (46) for washing a test part (48). The principle advantages offered by this invention include the ability to verify that the test tank (42) has met a required tank clean threshold (102) as specified by a percentage reduction of contaminants (78) through the use of a liquid quality sensor (76) which repeatedly measures the contamination level of a liquid cleaning medium (46) exiting the test tank (42). Type I and Type II sampling error are eliminated by verifying that the liquid cleaning medium (46) passing from the test tank (42) has measured contaminants (78) reaching both a maximum value (98) and then falling below a specified tank clean threshold (102) prior to ending the cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A system for detection and monitoring includes one or more light sources configured to emit light into a monitored space. At least one of the light sources is configured to emit a respective emission cone having a respective emission cone axis. One or more light sensing devices are configured to receive scattered light. At least one of the one or more light sensing devices defines a respective acceptance cone having a respective acceptance cone axis. The emission cone axis of the emission cone, and/or the acceptance cone axis of the light sensing device is angled toward the other. A processor is operatively connected to the at least one light sensing devices to evaluate the scattered light for the presence of particulates in the monitored space.

Abstract: A system for particulate detection and monitoring includes one or more light sources configured to emit light into a monitored space. The system includes at least two light sensing devices configured to receive scattered light. Respective sensing portions of the three two sensing devices share a common centerline axis. A processor is operatively connected to the two light sensing devices and is configured to evaluate the scattered light for presence of particulates in the monitored space.

Abstract: Provided is a particle measuring device and a particle measuring method for measuring a particle size with favorable accuracy. A flow cell (1) includes a flow passage (1a) of sample fluid. An irradiation optical system (3) irradiates, with light from a light source (2), the sample fluid in the flow passage (1a). An imaging unit (4) captures, from an extension direction of the flow passage (1a), an image of scattered light from the particle in a detection region in the flow passage (1a), the light passing through the detection region. A particle size specifying unit specifies a movement amount of the particle in a two-dimensional direction by Brownian motion based on multiple still images of a particle image captured at a predetermined frame rate by the imaging unit (4), thereby specifying the particle size of the particle from the movement amount in the two-dimensional direction.