Abstract: A radiation dose rate monitor system includes an emitting electrode configured to be impinged by radiation radiation; a collecting electrode configured to form an electrical circuit with said emitting electrode, a current measurement device configured to measure a current through said emitting and collecting electrodes indicative of a dose of said radiation radiation, and a chamber enclosing a gas. Emission of secondary electrons from the emitting electrode provides a majority of the current.

Abstract: An electrode stack assembly includes an electrically insulative substrate having a cavity therethrough extending, a first counter electrode on a top surface thereof and extending through the substrate, a second sensing electrode on a bottom surface thereof and extending through the substrate, and a third electrode having a top body portion on a top of the substrate, a bottom body portion on a bottom of the substrate, and a coupling pin passing through the substrate and electrically coupling the top and bottom body portions. The third electrode electrically separates the pin of the sensing electrode from the counter electrode.

Abstract: There is provided a plasma processing apparatus comprising: a chamber; a gas supply configured to supply a gas into the chamber; an exhaust device configured to exhaust a gas in the chamber; a substrate support including a lower electrode and provided in the chamber; an upper electrode provided above the substrate support; a high-frequency power supply configured to supply high-frequency power to the upper electrode; an impedance circuit connected between the lower electrode and ground; and a controller configured to control the gas supply and the exhaust device such that a pressure of the gas in the chamber is 26.66 Pa or higher. A frequency of the high-frequency power is lower than 13.56 MHz, and an impedance of the impedance circuit is set such that an impedance of an electrical path from the lower electrode through the impedance circuit to the ground is higher than an impedance of an electrical path from a wall of the chamber to the ground.

Abstract: The application provides a modification of gas density relay, a gas density relay with online self-check function and its check method for high-voltage and medium-voltage electrical equipment. The gas density relay includes a gas density relay body, a gas density sensor, a pressure regulating mechanism, a valve, an online check contact signal sampling unit and an intelligent control unit. The pressure is increased or decreased by the pressure regulating mechanism to enable the contact action of the gas density relay body. The contact action is transmitted to the intelligent control unit through the online check contact signal sampling unit. The intelligent control unit detects the alarm and/or blocking contact signal operating value and/or return value of the gas density relay body according to the density value of the contact action; the check of the gas density relay can be completed without maintenance personnel on site.

Abstract: A loading system for a Hopkinson pressure bar test under water-gas-temperature multi-field coupling action includes: a sample sealed cabin which includes sealing flanges, Y-shaped and high-temperature resistant sealing rings, and a sealed cabin body; a gas pressure loading device which includes a high-pressure gas tank, a pressure regulating valve, a second barometer, a second high-pressure valve and a first three-way valve connected in sequence; a water pressure loading device which includes an electric pressure test water pump, a water pressure gauge, an accumulator and a one-way valve connected in sequence; a temperature loading device which includes thermocouple heating rods, a temperature display and a thermocouple temperature control circuit board connected in sequence; and a dynamic and static combined loading device which includes an axial pressure loading device, an impact loading device and a Hopkinson pressure bar member.

Abstract: The present utility model relates to a device for improving gas detection in a photoionization detector. A gas detector is provided. The device reduces interference of photoelectric noise on the reading of the gas detector for target gases such as volatile organic compounds.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting properties of a gas, gas mixture, or a gas or gas mixture containing particles, all collectively referred to as a “gas”. A flow tube contains a pair of electrodes arranged such that at least a portion of the gas flows between the electrodes. A controller applies voltage to the electrodes and measures response data from the electrodes representing the voltage-current relationship between the electrodes while the gas is between the electrodes. Based on the response data, the controller determines a concentration of particles within the gas.

Abstract: A method is provided for an engine. During this method, a saturation current of a gas flow is measured. The gas flow includes combustion products generated by the engine. The saturation current is monitored to determine presence of debris entrained within the gas flow.

Abstract: An electrostatic sensing system configured to sense an electrostatic information of a fluid inside a fluid distribution component and including an electrostatic sensing assembly, a signal amplifier and an analog-to-digital converter. The electrostatic sensing assembly includes a sensing component, and a shield. The sensing component is configured to be disposed at the fluid distribution component. The sensing component is disposed through the fluid distribution component so as to be partially located in the fluid distribution component. The shield surrounds a part of the sensing component that is located in the fluid distribution component. At least part of the shield is located on an upstream side of the sensing component. The signal amplifier is electrically connected to the sensing component. The analog-to-digital converter is electrically connected to the signal amplifier. The shield has an opening spaced apart from the sensing component.

Abstract: An electrode stack assembly includes an electrically insulative substrate having a cavity therethrough extending, a first counter electrode on a top surface thereof and extending through the substrate, a second sensing electrode on a bottom surface thereof and extending through the substrate, and a third electrode having a top body portion on a top of the substrate, a bottom body portion on a bottom of the substrate, and a coupling pin passing through the substrate and electrically coupling the top and bottom body portions. The third electrode electrically separates the pin of the sensing electrode from the counter electrode.

Abstract: Multiple electron beamlets are split from a single electron beam. The electron beam passes through an acceleration tube, a beam-limiting aperture, an anode disposed between an electron beam source and the acceleration tube, a focusing lens downstream from the beam-limiting aperture, and a micro aperture array downstream from the acceleration tube. The micro aperture array generates beamlets from the electron beam. The electron beam can be focused from a divergent illumination beam into a telecentric illumination beam.

Abstract: A physics cell includes a sealed glass vial that contains a high-purity dipolar gas (e.g., OCS) at a low pressure (e.g., between about 0.01 millibar and 0.2 millibar). The vial can be sealed using a laser cutting process that involves only local heating of the vial that does not denature the bulk of the contained gas. One or more electromagnetically translucent windows or vial-end access points provide access to electromagnetic waves launched or received by one or more electromagnetic antennas at a frequency that is adjusted to match the quantum transition frequency of the gas based on a detected maximum absorption frequency. The glass-vial physics cell can be fabricated at lower cost than physics cells fabricated from bonded wafers. Multiple vials can be joined by a waveguide in an enclosure so that launch and receive antennas can be provided at a single end of the vials.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a processing chamber are provided herein. The apparatus includes, for example, an inner volume defined in the processing chamber; a first sensor assembly coupled to a surface located in the inner volume of the processing chamber and including a first electrode configuration configured to measure an electrical characteristic associated with a film deposited within the inner volume of the processing chamber; and a second sensor assembly coupled to the surface located in the inner volume of the processing chamber in relative proximity to the first sensor assembly and including a second electrode configuration, different from the first electrode configuration, configured to measure the same electrical characteristic as the first electrode configuration.

Abstract: Vapor cells may include a body including a cavity within the body. A first substrate bonded to a second substrate at an interface within the body, at least one of the first substrate, the second substrate, or an interfacial material between the first and second substrates may define at least one recess or pore in a surface. A smallest dimension of the at least one recess or pore may be about 500 microns or less, as measured in a direction parallel to at least one surface of the first substrate partially defining the cavity.

Abstract: A pressure-regulating large-area windowless airflow proportional counter is provided, which includes a chamber, a metal tray, a side cover, a gas cylinder, and a voltage input and signal output terminal. The chamber has a side opening. A large-area source is placed on the metal tray and the metal tray is moved into or out of the chamber via the side opening. The side cover is fixed to the side opening by an O-ring via a locking device to form an airtight structure. The gas cylinder is used to supply a dedicated gas into the chamber. The voltage-input/signal-output terminal is used to supply voltage to an anode wire net. The free electrons generated by the large-area source due to the free phenomenon are collected by the anode wire net, and outputted to a voltage signal processing module through the voltage-input/signal-output terminal for analysis of pulse height or pulse count.

Abstract: An instrumentation assembly configured to measure properties of an engine exhaust stream is disclosed in this paper. The instrumentation assembly may include an outer support ring that extends around a central axis, an inner support ring arranged radially inward of the outer support ring around the central axis, and a plurality of instrumentation rake assemblies. The plurality of instrumentation rake assemblies extends from the outer support ring to the inner support ring across an annular passageway defined between the outer support ring and the inner support ring configured to carry the engine exhaust stream.

Abstract: An electrode stack assembly includes an electrically insulative substrate having a cavity therethrough extending, a first counter electrode on a top surface thereof and extending through the substrate, a second sensing electrode on a bottom surface thereof and extending through the substrate, and a third electrode having a top body portion on a top of the substrate, a bottom body portion on a bottom of the substrate, and a coupling pin passing through the substrate and electrically coupling the top and bottom body portions. The third electrode electrically separates the pin of the sensing electrode from the counter electrode.

Abstract: An instrumentation assembly configured to measure properties of an engine exhaust stream is disclosed in this paper. The instrumentation assembly may include an outer support ring that extends around a central axis, an inner support ring arranged radially inward of the outer support ring around the central axis, and a plurality of instrumentation rake assemblies. The plurality of instrumentation rake assemblies extends from the outer support ring to the inner support ring across an annular passageway defined between the outer support ring and the inner support ring configured to carry the engine exhaust stream.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting properties of a gas, gas mixture, or a gas or gas mixture containing particles, all collectively referred to as a “gas”. A flow tube contains a pair of electrodes arranged such that at least a portion of the gas flows between the electrodes. A controller applies voltage to the electrodes and measures response data from the electrodes representing the voltage-current relationship and voltage breakdown between the electrodes while the gas is between the electrodes. Based on the response data, the controller determine a concentration of the gas or a concentration of particles within the gas.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for preparing nitrogen oxide gas sensor based on sulfur-doped graphene. The method includes: 1) providing graphene and a micro heater platform substrate, and transferring the graphene onto the micro heater platform substrate; 2) putting the micro heater platform substrate covered with the graphene into a chemical vapor deposition reaction furnace; 3) performing gas feeding and exhausting treatment to the reaction furnace by using inert gas; 4) simultaneously feeding inert gas and hydrogen gas into the reaction furnace at a first temperature; 5) feeding inert gas, hydrogen gas and sulfur source gas into the reaction furnace at a second temperature for reaction to perform sulfur doping to the graphene (21); and 6) stopping feeding the sulfur source gas, and performing cooling in a hydrogen gas and insert gas shielding atmosphere.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor is in a system including compensator circuitry connected to the oxygen sensor. The oxygen sensor includes a pump cell and the compensator circuitry includes a feedback control loop which includes a digital compensator which determines and outputs a compensation current to the pump cell or adjusts a pump cell voltage. A method of controlling the oxygen sensor includes, subsequent to a period of time when the feedback control loop is disrupted, pumping a balancing current into or out the pump cell for a balancing time interval, the balancing current and/or the balancing time interval is dependent on a current pumped into or out of the pump cell prior to the feedback control loop being disrupted.

Abstract: A magnetometer can include a single, integrated, unitary structure that has a gas cell defining a cavity having a vapor or vaporizable material disposed therein, a collimating element coupled to the gas cell and configured for collimating light directed toward the gas cell, and a lens element coupled the gas cell and configured for redirecting at least a portion of light that has passed through the gas cell. Additionally or alternatively, a gas cell of a magnetometer may be made of sapphire.

Abstract: The disclosure features methods for analyzing a sample, the methods including exposing the sample to plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation to convert a portion of the sample into a plasma, recording a spectrum of electromagnetic radiation emitted in response to each of the plurality of pulses to define a sequence of spectra for the sample, and using an electronic processor to determine information about the sample based on the spectra, where exposing the sample to the plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation includes directing the pulses to be incident on different spatial regions of the sample, and where a temporal delay between exposing the sample to each successive radiation pulse is constant.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an ionization apparatus 10 for ionizing an analyte S, comprising an inlet E, an outlet A, a first electrode 1, a second electrode 2 and a dielectric element 3. The first electrode 1, the second electrode 2 and the dielectric element 3 are arranged relative to one another such that, by applying an electric voltage between the first electrode 1 and the second electrode 2, a dielectric barrier discharge is establishable in a discharge area 5 in the ionization apparatus 10. The first and second electrodes 1, 2 are arranged such that they are displaceable or movable relative to each other.

Abstract: A plasma probe device includes an antenna unit installed at an opening formed in a wall of a processing chamber or a mounting table through a sealing member configured to seal between a vacuum space and an atmospheric space, an electrode connected to the antenna unit, and a dielectric support portion made of a dielectric material and configured to support the antenna unit from an outer peripheral side. A surface of the antenna unit which is exposed through the opening and separated from a facing surface of the wall or the mounting table facing the antenna unit by a width is depressed from a surface of the wall or the mounting table where the opening is formed, which faces a plasma generation space.

Abstract: A device to electrochemically sequence DNA that includes a redox species includes at least one edge electrode, at least one stack of insulator material, and a pair of DNA translocation electrodes including a DNA translocation working electrode and a DNA translocation counter electrode, where the thickness of the at least one edge electrode is about 0.5 nanometers, and the thickness of the at least one stack of insulator material is about 10 nanometers. Methods of electrochemically sequencing a strand of DNA are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a dust measurement apparatus for accurately measuring the dust concentration of two spaces and minimizing the possibility of noise generation, comprising: a dust sensor; a body housing having the dust sensor loaded therein, and having an inner space; a first outer hole and a second outer hole, which are respectively formed at two points of the body housing so as to connect the outside and the inner space; a first fan and a second fan, which are provided at the positions corresponding to each of the first outer hole and the second outer hole and driven so as to form a flow toward the inner space from the outside; and a control part for selectively driving the first fan or the second fan.

Abstract: A refrigerant gas sensing system of a heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, wherein the refrigerant gas sensing system is configured to collect a sample from a monitored gas volume, to introduce an ignition source to the sample, to detect an amount of combustion product in the sample after ignition, to determine an amount of leaked refrigerant in the monitored gas volume based on the measured amount of combustion product, and to indicate the amount of leaked refrigerant in the monitored gas volume.

Abstract: A sensor element includes an element main body having an oxygen ion-conducting solid electrolyte body, a detection electrode which is disposed on an outer surface of the element main body and contains Pt and Au, a reference electrode which is disposed in the element main body, a connecting terminal for detection electrode which is disposed on the outside of the element main body, a lead portion for detection electrode which contains Pt, is disposed on the outside of the element main body, and electrically connects between the detection electrode and the connecting terminal for detection electrode, a lower insulating layer which is disposed between the lead portion for detection electrode and the element main body and insulates the two from each other, and an upper insulating layer which covers a surface of the lead portion for detection electrode and has a porosity of 10% or less.

Abstract: A refrigerant leak management system of a HVAC unit includes a sensor configured to detect a refrigerant in an interior of an air handling enclosure. The refrigerant leak management system includes a plurality of airflow management assemblies configured to fluidly isolate the interior of the air handling enclosure in a closed configuration. The plurality of airflow management assemblies includes a return inlet assembly, a supply outlet assembly, and a purge exhaust outlet assembly. The refrigerant leak management system includes a controller configured to actuate the purge exhaust outlet assembly based on detection of the refrigerant by the sensor such that the purge exhaust outlet assembly transitions from a closed position of the purge exhaust outlet assembly to an open position of the purge exhaust outlet assembly that opens the interior of the air handling enclosure to an external environment.

Abstract: A plate-shaped sensor element (10) including at least a first layer (150), a second layer (130), and a third layer (140) being stacked in a stacking direction. The first layer and the third layer are mainly formed of ceramic. The second layer is disposed between the first layer and the third layer in the stacking direction. The second layer has an air introduction hole (131) opened at an end surface. In a cross-section perpendicular to a direction of an axis O, a length L1 of a shortest line segment P1 connecting an upper end surface (10a, 10b) of the sensor element and the centroid G1 of the sensor element and a length L2 of a shortest line segment P2 connecting the upper end surface of the sensor element and the centroid G2 of the air introduction hole, satisfy a relationship of |L2?L1|/L1?0.05.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing ions, comprising a circuit board assembly, and a core assembly connected to the circuit board assembly, the core including a first electrical conductor and a second electrical conductor.

Abstract: A plate-shaped sensor element (10) including at least a first layer (150), a second layer (130), and a third layer (140) being stacked in a stacking direction. The first layer and the third layer are mainly formed of ceramic. The second layer is disposed between the first layer and the third layer in the stacking direction. The second layer has an air introduction hole (131) opened at an end surface. In a cross-section perpendicular to a direction of an axis O, a length L1 of a shortest line segment P1 connecting an upper end surface (10a, 10b) of the sensor element and the centroid G1 of the sensor element and a length L2 of a shortest line segment P2 connecting the upper end surface of the sensor element and the centroid G2 of the air introduction hole, satisfy a relationship of |L2?L1|/L1?0.05.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for analyzing ions by mass spectrometry by repeatedly executing a data acquisition cycle to acquire product ion data across a precursor mass range of interest. The data acquisition cycle comprises performing, for each of a plurality of isolation windows having different mass ranges, steps of (i) isolating precursor ions within the mass range of the isolation window, (ii) fragmenting the isolated precursor ions to generate product ions, and (iii) mass analyzing the product ions. The step of mass analyzing the product ions includes concurrently mass analyzing product ions corresponding to N isolation windows, N being an integer greater than or equal to one, wherein N is changed at least once across the data acquisition cycle.

Abstract: An impedance matching method includes: calculating an output impedance of a theoretical circuit model set in advance from actual values of two variable components and a measured value of an input impedance; calculating values of the two variable components at the time of impedance matching through an arithmetic operation under a matching condition in the theoretical circuit model based on the calculated value of the output impedance assuming that the output impedance due to matching transition has the same value; and controlling the actual values of the variable components of the impedance matching device to correspond to the calculated two variable component values.

Abstract: The present application relates to pulsed discharge ionization detectors (PDIDs) and non-radioactive ionization sources, including miniaturized forms thereof. In some examples, the PDID includes annular electrodes, where each electrode is disposed between annular insulators. Also provided herein are methods of making and using such PDIDs, such as for detecting one or more volatile organic compounds, as well as non-radioactive ionization sources.

Abstract: To suppress baseline current other than baseline current derived from the ionization of impurities, and to achieve the enhancement of the SN ratio of a detection signal and the improvement of the lower limit of detection, the inner diameter of a bias electrode for collecting an ion derived from a sample component is made smaller than the inner diameter of an insulating member separating the bias electrode and a collector electrode. Light emitted from plasma formed by dielectric barrier discharge is shielded by the bias electrode, so that the light is not cast directly on the surface of the insulating member. Therefore, the photoelectric effect caused by casting light of high energy does not occur on the surface of the insulating member, whereby a decrease in electric resistance of the surface can be prevented.

Abstract: A particulate matter detection element for detecting particulate matter in a gas to be measured includes flat-shaped conductor layers, flat-shaped insulating layers, a laminated structure in which the conductor layers and the insulating layers are alternately laminated, and a detecting unit having the conductor layers of different polarities as a pair of detection electrodes on a cross section of the laminated structure. The conductor layers each have a constant thickness, and include conductor layer planar portions having a stripped-pattern cross section, and tapered conductor layer end edge portions each having a triangular cross section, provided on both sides of the respective conductor layer planar portions.

Abstract: A device for detecting presence of a fluid is described, and includes a resistive sensing element including a first conductive element proximal to a second conductive element, wherein the first conductive element is electrically isolated from the second conductive element, and a controller disposed to monitor electrical conductivity between the first conductive element and the second conductive element. The controller includes an instruction set that is executable to periodically monitor a signal associated with the electrical conductivity between the first conductive element and the second conductive element. A baseline value for the electrical conductivity between the first conductive element and the second conductive element can be determined based upon the periodically monitored signal, and a signal waveform can be determined based upon the periodically monitored signal. The signal waveform can be characterized, and presence of a fluid can be detected based upon the characterized waveform.

Abstract: The dielectric barrier discharge ionization detector includes: a dielectric tube through which a plasma generation gas is passed; a high-voltage electrode formed on the outer wall of the dielectric tube; two ground electrodes and formed on the outer wall of the dielectric tube, with the high-voltage electrode in between; a voltage supplier for applying AC voltage between the high-voltage electrode and each ground electrode to generate electric discharge within the dielectric tube and thereby generate plasma from the plasma generation gas; and a charge-collecting section for detecting an ion current formed by ionized sample-component gas produced by the plasma. The distance between one ground electrode and the high-voltage electrode is longer than a discharge initiation distance between these two electrodes, while the distance between the other ground electrode and the high-voltage electrode is shorter than the discharge initiation distance between these two electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for in-situ testing impact strength of a micro-structure are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes: a flexible beam, one end of which being fixed; an impact mass block disposed at the other end of the flexible beam and being for exerting an impact on the micro-structure; and a locking member including a beam arm and a plurality of locking teeth. The beam arm is perpendicular to the flexible beam and one end of the beam arm is fixed, and the plurality of locking teeth are distributed at intervals along the beam arm, such that the other end of the flexible beam is engaged to one of the plurality of locking teeth when the flexible beam is loaded.

Abstract: A measuring device for determining a gas concentration includes a gas-sensitive element, a sensing device, a stimulation unit, and a processing unit. The gas-sensitive element is configured to absorb a gas. The sensing device is configured to determine a parameter of the gas-sensitive element in a predetermined time period, where the parameter depends on an absorbed quantity of the gas. The stimulation unit is configured to stimulate the gas-sensitive element and accelerate desorption of the gas out of the gas-sensitive element. The processing unit is configured to determine a rate of change of the parameter, to control the stimulation such that a concentration of the gas in the gas-sensitive element lies outside of an equilibrium state, and to determine the gas concentration based on the rate of change.

Abstract: System, methods and apparatus are described that facilitate transmission of data, particularly between two devices within an electronic apparatus. Information is transmitted in N-phase polarity encoded symbols. Drivers may be adapted or configured to align state transitions on two or more connectors in order to minimize a transition period between consecutive symbols. The drivers may include circuits that advance or delay certain transitions. The drivers may include pre-emphasis circuits that operate to drive the state of a connector for a portion of the transition period, even when the connector is transitioned to an undriven state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of detection of combustible, flammable and toxic gases present in the air, particularly any way generated by pipe leaks, such as leaks of gaseous hydrocarbons or evaporation or similar potentially toxic and/or explosive gases. For example a sector object of the present invention is the gas environmental detection, more particularly for safety and protection of operators in gas drilling, extraction, transport and stocking. The present invention described a system of detection of flammable and/or toxic gases, comprising detection elements able to increase the reliability of detection of said elements dangerous for both human beings and the environment.

Abstract: Compounds of Formula I are described: wherein R1 and R2 are defined herein. The compounds of Formula I are useful in the inhibition of HIV reverse transcriptase, the prophylaxis and treatment of infection by HIV, and the prophylaxis, delay in the onset or progression, and treatment of AIDS. The compounds can be employed as ingredients in pharmaceutical compositions, optionally in combination with other antivirals, immunomodulators, antibiotics or vaccines.

Abstract: Assay methods for determining purity of a sample of a sterol are provided. These methods include providing an HPLC eluent including a sterol, other compounds related to the sterol and a mobile volatile phase; generating an aerosol of liquid droplets from the HPLC eluent; drying the liquid droplets to obtain residue particles of the sterol; contacting the residue particles of the sterol with an ion stream which applies a size-dependent electrical charge to each of the residue particles to generate an electrical signal and measuring the electrical signal to determine the purity of the sterol in the sample. The sterol can be OXY133 or OXY133 monohydrate.

Abstract: A maximum number of charges on aerosol particles which are measurement targets is decided as a natural number x equal to or larger than 2. First and second electrical mobility groups are derived based on x. The first group includes electrical mobility Zc(U) and electrical mobilities having voltage values equal to a voltage U multiplied by values from 2 to x respectively, and the second group includes electrical mobilities having respective voltage values equal to voltage U multiplied by irreducible fractions which are coprime to each other among values with regularity. A ratio of flow rate with which range corresponding to the electrical mobilities included in the first group do not interfere with one another and the range corresponding to the electrical mobilities included in the first group and range corresponding to the electrical mobilities included in the mobility group do not interfere with one another is calculated.

Abstract: A liquid leakage decision unit includes a leak sensor value storage part that stores a leak sensor value that is based on the intensity of a signal received from a gas sensor; a difference calculation part that, when the signal is received from the gas sensor, calculates, as a difference value, a value obtained by subtracting a previous leak sensor value stored in the leak sensor value storage part from a current leak sensor value; and a liquid leakage detection part that compares the difference value calculated by the difference calculation part with a preset threshold, thereby to detect liquid leakage in the column oven.

Abstract: The invention relates to a particle detector including a substrate made of a semiconductor material, in which at least one through-cavity is formed, defined by an input section and an output section, wherein the input section thereof is to be connected to an airflow source, the substrate supporting: an optical means including at least one laser source, and at least one waveguide connected to the at least one laser source and leading into the vicinity of the output section of the cavity; and a photodetector located near the output section of the cavity and offset relative to the optical axis of the optical means.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide methods and systems for detecting cracks in ceramic electrolytes using electrical conductors. A method for testing an electrolyte material, such as a ceramic electrolyte material for use in a solid oxide fuel cell device, includes providing a conductive path on the electrolyte material, electrically connecting a probe across the conductive path, and measuring a value associated with the conductive path to determine the presence or absence of a crack in the material.