Abstract: The invention relates to a spectroscopy system and improved membrane formation techniques. The system has at least one light source operable to generate a source beam and a prism having a rear surface. A support block is disposed on the rear surface of the prism. The support block is formed with at least one sample well having a center and defines a substantially vertical rear cell surface having a center. The source beam is aimed at the sample well. A syringe filled with a membrane solution and having a needle with a distal end disposed in front of the sample well. The distal end is aimed at a point above the center of the rear cell surface. The syringe is operable to eject a steady stream of membrane solution from the needle onto the circular rear cell surface thereby forming a membrane defining at least a portion of a layer under test. The membrane has a substantially uniform thickness that covers substantially the entire rear cell surface.

Abstract: To provide a bioassay system or the like, which can solve the problem of allocating spaces above detecting sections and can also stabilize servo-controlled operation of a disk-shaped plate.

Abstract: A system is provided for marking on a recording medium (36), such as a label, the location of imaged tissue with respect to an exposed surface of the tissue (34). Tissue is imaged by a microscope (11) capable of imaging sections of the tissue below the exposed tissue surface through optics. A ring (32) applied to the surface of the tissue stabilizes the tissue to the optics and localizes a portion of the tissue surface through an aperture in the ring. An actuator (38) is connected to both the ring and the microscope for moving the ring to adjust the position of the tissue with respect to the optics, thereby allowing an operator of the system to survey different images of tissue sections with the microscope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for determining a concentration of a biological active substance in a sample by the means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The device comprises a solid support within a tubing for binding an immunosorbent and an inlet for fluids, a detector for detecting radiation due to an activity in the tubing, wherein the tubing is arranged inside a microchip extending substantially in one plane, for conducting the fluids along the plane of the microchip. The tubing forms a reaction cell having a large detection area. The reaction cell of the microchip is arranged perpendicular to the detector. The method comprises the steps of introducing the fluids into the tubing, conducting the fluids through the tubing forming a reaction cell, in which reaction cell the radiation emitting activity takes place, and detecting the light emitted from the reaction cell substantially perpendicular to the plane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor unit for a Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) unit, comprising a transparent sensor structure forming at least one wall of a cavity, the wall being defined by a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface The inner surface is provided with a layer of a conductive material capable of supporting a surface plasmon. In the cavity there is provided a flow structure in said cavity so as to form at least one compartment for sample between the flow structure and the inner wall of the cavity. Also, a method for the detection of events at a surface by utilizing surface plasmon resonance is provided. It comprises placing a sample with an analyte of interest in a sensor unit as claimed in claim 1, and measuring the reflectance from said sensor unit at a single or plurality of angle/angles.

Abstract: A radiation detection system (100) is described comprising a measurement region (104) in a measurement chamber adapted for receiving at least one sample (108) to be examined and adapted for receiving excitation radiation for impingement on the at least one sample (108) and for generating sample radiation. The radiation detection system (100) furthermore comprises at least one detector element (106) for detection of the generated sample radiation. The radiation detection system thereby is a front irradiation system, i.e. the excitation radiation is incident on a first side of the measurement region (104) in a measurement chamber and the at least one detector element (106) is positioned at a second side of the measurement region (104) in a measurement chamber, the second side being opposite to the first side with respect to the measurement region (104) in a measurement chamber, such that detection occurs at the side facing the first side.

Abstract: A lens decenter error measuring apparatus including a testing device, a lens supporter, and a lens carrier is disclosed. The testing device is configured for measuring a decenter error of a lens. The lens supporter is configured for receiving the lens. The lens carrier is installed within the lens supporter and includes at least three spheres and an elastic member. The spheres associated with the elastic member constrain the lens when the lens is placed in the lens supporter.

Abstract: An apparatus is described in which an optical fiber is mounted within a fiber optic holder which includes the non-rotating shaft of a linear actuator. The fiber holder may be held captive in order to restrain the fiber holder and, consequently, the fiber mounted therein, from rotating during operation of the linear actuator, thereby resulting in linear travel with minimal rotational effects and minimal change in optical alignment of the fiber during travel. In addition, an optical path length sensor in conjunction with an optimized absorbance method of operation is utilized herein to provide micron precision of the displacement between respective receiving and transmission fibers so as to enable precise absorbance measurements from about 0.005 up to about 2.0 Absorbance Units for any given path length.

Abstract: Methods and systems for real-time monitoring of optical signals from arrays of signal sources, and particularly optical signal sources that have spectrally different signal components. Systems include signal source arrays in optical communication with optical trains that direct excitation radiation to and emitted signals from such arrays and image the signals onto detector arrays, from which such signals may be subjected to additional processing.

Abstract: A thin, deformable member may be fixed at one end, while another portion of the member rests on a hydrogel substance whose thickness changes depending on a characteristic of a liquid that permeates the hydrogel. When the hydrogel changes thickness and causes part of the member to tilt, a reflective surface on the member may reflect light in a different direction. Appropriate sensors may detect the change in the direction of the reflected light, allowing determination of the change in thickness, which in turn permits determination of the relevant characteristic of the liquid.

Abstract: A sample positioning stage for positioning a sample to be inspected relative to an optical inspection device. The stage includes a first generally planar body on which a sample to be inspected can be carried and a second body directly coupled to the first body via bearings extending between them which constrain movement of the first body relative to the second body to a first plane that is substantially parallel to the plane of the first body. There is also provided a drive system being selectively operable in a first mode and a second mode.

Abstract: A microscope plate indexing apparatus includes a base platform and an indexing platform. The indexing platform has a slideway to slidingly receive a crystallography or other microscope plate. The indexing platform includes two projecting pins, one of which is a guide pin received in a guide groove in the base platform and the other of which is an indexing pin received in one of a plurality of indexing holes in the base platform. The indexing holes are preferably located in an indexing groove. The guide groove keeps the indexing platform aligned with the base platform during movement of the indexing pin from one indexing hole to the other and maintains the indexing platform in substantially fixed position in relation to the base platform when the indexing pin is in a selected indexing hole to insure correct alignment of the two platforms.

Abstract: A slide holder comprising a rectangular frame having two side walls facing each other, a first end wall facing a second end wall, the second end wall having a latch pivotally attached thereto, the latch capable of being pivoted in such a manner as to enable locking and unlocking of the slide holder in a slide holder carrier. The slide holder carrier has a first end wall, a first side wall, a second end wall, a second side wall, and a shaft running from the first end wall of the slide holder carrier to the second end wall of the slide holder carrier. At least one slide holder is rotatably mounted on the shaft.

Abstract: In a chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus according to the present invention, a beam applied from a light source to a chromatography test strip is formed into an elliptical shape by an optical means such as a cylindrical lens, a variation in absorbance that accompanies elution of a marker regent is detected while the elliptical beam is applied between a marker reagent hold part and a detection part, and a measurement is automatically started in a prescribed period of time since the detection of variation. According to the chromatography quantitative measuring apparatus so configured, non-uniform coloration is reduced by shaping the beam elliptically with the optical means, whereby the accuracy of quantitative analysis is enhanced, and the apparatus can be operated easily.

Abstract: An assay apparatus having a sample vessel within which an assay may be performed. The apparatus further includes a holder having a receptacle, socket or other device configured to operatively receive the sample vessel in a precise and easily repeated location with respect to the holder. A magnet may be operatively associated with the holder such that a magnetic field generated by the magnet intersects a portion of the sample vessel defining a magnetic concentration region within the sample vessel. A separate or integrated detection or interrogation instrument, typically a spectrometer, may be provided.

Abstract: Provided is a capillary tube flow cell used in analyses at very low flow rates and, particularly, in liquid chromatographic analyses. To ensure that high detection sensitivity and low noise can be realized, a flow cell which houses a liquid sample and exposes the liquid sample to radiant light for analysis purposes comprises a capillary tube which has a bent portion for incident light, a bent portion for emergent light and a linear passage of appropriate length formed between the bent portions, a passage portion of the capillary tube being inserted into a slit and the slit being provided with a light pass preventing portion.

Abstract: The invention aims to provide an optical information reader which can identify precisely, reliably, and with high sensitivity, even when the quantity or the wavelength of light from a measuring object from which optical information is to be read, extends over a wide range.

Abstract: Systems, including methods, apparatus, and algorithms, for spectrally imaging a two-dimensional array of samples.

Abstract: A device, method and system for preparing and storing samples for microscopic analysis is disclosed. The device provides a reservoir that can be attached to a displacement pipette thereby filling the reservoir with reagents desired for preparing the samples for microscopic analysis. In some embodiments, the specimen may be contained on a transmission electron microscope (TEM) grid. In other embodiments, the sample may be a light microscope (LM) specimen or a scanning electron microscope (SEM) specimen. In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a method of preparing samples for microscopic examination including a device for preparing TEM grids with, a device for preparing TEM, SEM or LM specimens with and a device for storing both grids and specimens in. In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a system for tracking the preparation, analysis and histological evaluation of multiple samples while also providing for their long term storage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing an assay process, featuring providing microbeads in a solution, each microbead having a particle substrate with a grating with a superposition of different predetermined regular periodic variations of the index of refraction disposed in the particle along a grating axis and indicative of a code; placing the microbeads on an alignment substrate; reading codes of the microbeads and the position thereof on the alignment substrate; reading the fluorescence on each microbead and the position order thereof on the alignment substrate; and determining an assay result based on bead position order and bead code of the earlier reading steps.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus and devices (11) for placing light with samples for analysis and method of making and using such apparatus and device.

Abstract: The invention provides a luminescent based sensor having a luminescent material optically coupled to a substrate, and adapted to be used in a medium or environment such as water or air. A detector is provided to detect light that is emitted into the substrate by the material. The substrate is adapted to redirect light that is emitted into the substrate at angles with the range ?esc ? ? ? ?lsc where ?esc is the critical angle of the environment/substrate interface and ?lsc is the critical angle of the luminescent layer/substrate interface. Examples of possible configurations are described.

Abstract: A support designed for observing between intersecting polarizers an object located in its vicinity in a medium (3) of index n0 with incident convergent incoherent illumination under an angle ?0 at a wavelength ?. The support includes a substrate (1) with complex refractive index n2 and a layer (2) of refractive index n1 and thickness e1. The value of the thickness e1 of the layer (2) is at ±2% such that d2?/de21 lnIóI2=0 with Ó=Ó01+Ó12 (1+?01)e(?2j?1)+Ó01 ?12e (?4j?1)/1+r01(p)+r12(p)e(?2j?1))(1+r01(s)r12(s)e(?2j?1)). Observation devices incorporating such a support are also disclosed.

Abstract: Method for, in particular, optical examination of the surface of a sample carrier for biological objects, in which the sample carrier is arranged in the spatially-fixed observation area of a measuring facility, whereby the observation area covers a partial area of the surface of the sample carrier, and the sample carrier is moved with respect to the observation area, whereby, for examination, the sample carrier is displaced in the direction of an axis that extends in the plane of the sample carrier and rotated simultaneously in this plane.

Abstract: A collection optics arrangement integrating an objective lens and a solid immersion lens. An objective lens housing has an objective lens mounted inside. A solid immersion lens (SIL) housing is slidably mounted onto said objective lens housing, and a solid immersion lens is mounted onto the SIL housing. A spring imparts resilient force resisting the sliding of the solid immersion lens housing with respect to the objective lens housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing an image of a sample retained by a sample acquiring device, comprises an image capturing unit comprising a lens arrangement with a fixed focal plane, a sample holder comprising a first magnet unit, and a second magnet unit. The sample holder is adapted to receive the sample acquiring device and is movable in relation to the lens arrangement to a first position. The sample holder is movable from the first position to a second position by means of magnetic interaction of the first magnet unit and the second magnet unit, and the image capturing unit is adapted to capture an image of the sample by means of the lens arrangement when the sample holder is in the second position.

Abstract: An SPR sensor comprising a thin conducting layer comprising at least one conductive element formed on a surface of a transparent substrate, a light source that illuminates an interface between the conducting layer and the substrate, a photosensitive surface that generates signals from light reflected from the interface, a flow cell formed with at least one flow channel having a lumen defined by a wall formed from an elastic material and from a region of the conducting layer, and at least one hollow fluid-providing flow control apparatus having a lumen and an orifice communicating with its lumen. Fluid flow is enabled between the flow channel and the lumen of the flow control apparatus by forcing an end of the flow control apparatus through the elastic material so that the orifice communicates with the flow channel lumen.

Abstract: There is described a method for positioning an object on an optical sensor system for acquiring a surface thereof, the sensor system having a set of motors for rotating the object around a motor axis perpendicular to an optical axis of the sensor system and for translating the object in X, Y and Z directions, the method comprising: (a) acquiring a relief map of an area in a field of view of the sensor system; (b) computing a normal representative of a topography of the relief map of the area; (c) determining an angle difference between the normal and the optical axis of the sensor system; (d) comparing the angle difference to a threshold angle to determine if the surface of the area is perpendicular to the sensor axis; (e) if the angle difference is greater than a threshold angle, rotating the object to obtain a new difference angle less than the threshold angle; and (f) translating the object to reposition the area in the field of view after the rotating has displaced the area.

Abstract: A tray-shaped container comprising at least one cavity or recess for receiving the particular test objects, wherein these at least one recess comprises structured inner surfaces. Through this, a considerable reduction or even full reduction of interfering reflections and other optical irritations is achieved. In particular, the container constitutes an incubation tray for test stripes, having several longitude extending recesses. The inner surfaces of the recesses preferably comprise a grove-shaped and/or stair-shaped structure. The tray-shaped container may constitute an incubation tray for test stripes which are used in medical diagnostics.

Abstract: The container comprises a cylindrical member 20 which constitutes the side wall member, a bottom member 30 which is in contact with the bottom plane of the cylindrical member 20 and which constitutes the bottom part, and an engaged fixing part 35 for engaging the cylindrical member 20 with the bottom member 30; the cylindrical member 20 and the bottom member 30 sandwiches the carrier tape T from one side T1 of the carrier tape T and from the other side T2 of the carrier tape T, respectively, such that one of the plural thing section samples P1 may be disposed inside the cylindrical member 20. Accordingly, without cutting a sequence of tapes carrying thereon the thin section samples of biomedical tissues, each of the thin section samples of the biomedical tissues can be individually processed with different chemicals depending on the required observation for various types of biomedical tissues.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted disc clamping device provides a number of fixture rings preferably concentrically stacked on a fixture body that is moveable in fixture ring stacking direction and actuated by a wedge drive to compensate for varying fixture levels associated with the individual fixture rings and disc standards. Each fixture ring includes a planar flange with a vacuum groove and a central conical portion that rises above the planar flange. The conical portion is defined with a diameter and cone angle such that a disc of corresponding dimensional standard may be readily placed on the fitting fixture ring with the disc bottom being sucked onto the planar flange while the disc hole centers on the conical portion.

Abstract: A measurement cell 1 includes: an opening part 106 for supplying a sample into a sample holding part 105 for holding a sample; an optical window portion for allowing light to enter the sample holding part 105 and allowing light to exit the sample holding part 105; a protection cover 101 for protecting the optical window portion, provided along the circumference of the sample holding part 105; and a first protection-cover-holding part 102 for holding the protection cover 101 at the position where the optical window portion is covered.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a plasmonics platform comprising a substrate; a plurality of periodically spaced nanoholes and/or nanoparticles disposed upon the substrate; wherein the average first order of periodicity between the nanoholes and/or the nanoparticles is about 5 to about 1,000 nm; and a microelectromechanical and/or a nanoelectromechanical system in operative communication with the substrate so as to vary the average first order of periodicity between the nanoholes and/or the nanoparticles.

Abstract: The present invention is a sample holder for confocal microscopy of CMP pad samples cut or otherwise removed from either new or used CMP pads that maintains a uniform load and pressure over the part of the sample visible to the confocal microscope by placing the pad behind a transparent window and holding it against the said window by a means comprising upper transparent window retaining means having an offset adjacent the transparent window having the same or essentially the same refractive index as the pad material so that when the pad is held against the transparent window, the edges of the pad are outside the outer edge of the transparent window; lower pad retaining means to press the pad under a known/load against the transparent window, which lower pad retaining means has a size less than the size of the pad; spherical force transmitting means pressed against the lower pad retaining means;, through a load cell to measure the load transferred to the sample through lower pad retaining means, the spherical

Abstract: A probe holder mounting device for a biological photometric device includes: a probe holder having a plurality of probe mounting parts to which optical fiber probes are mounted; a band-like mounting device body having a plurality of insertion holes into which the probe mounting parts are to be inserted to fix the probe holder in position by means of the insertion holes; belts whose one ends are respectively connected to both longitudinal ends of the mounting device body and whose other ends are engaged with each other; and an adjusting belt connected to the mounting device body at a position where the probe holder is fixed in position in a lateral direction of the mounting device body.

Abstract: An optical device intended for the analysis of a scattering medium, including at least one light source distant from the scattering medium and capable of providing an incident light beam intended to illuminate the scattering medium; at least one sensor capable of detecting a radiation emitted by the scattering medium; a support of the scattering medium at least partially non-absorbing for the incident light beam and the scattered radiation. All or part of the support is formed of a scattering material having a decreased scattering coefficient greater than 0.1 cm?1 and smaller than 700 cm?1.

Abstract: An optical reader system is described herein that uses a scanned optical beam to interrogate a biosensor to determine if a biomolecular binding event occurred on a surface of the biosensor. In one embodiment, the optical reader system includes a light source, a detector and a processor (e.g., computer, DSP). The light source outputs an optical beam which is scanned across a moving biosensor and while this is happening the detector collects the optical beam which is reflected from the biosensor. The computer processes the collected optical beam and records the resulting raw spectral or angle data which is a function of a position (and possibly time) on the biosensor. The processor can then analyze the raw data to create a spatial map of resonant wavelength (peak position) or resonant angle which indicates whether or not a biomolecular binding event occurred on the biosensor. Several other uses of the raw data are also described herein.

Abstract: A field use optical grain characterising system (101) includes a generally rectangular prismatic composite body (102) that defines a component cavity (103). A substantially vertical elongate channel (104) extends within cavity (103) for housing a grain sample (not shown). An electromagnetic radiation source, in the form of a 12 Volt halogen lamp (105), is disposed within cavity (103.) for directing NIR light into channel (104). An optical detection system (107) is disposed within cavity (103) for sensing selected light emerging from channel (104) and for providing a sensor signal. A processor, which is included within detection system (107), is also disposed within cavity (103) and is responsive to the sensor signal for providing data indicative of a characteristic parameter of the grain sample. A display device, in the form of a 5.7-inch touch screen LCD display (108), is connected with body (102) for selectively presenting the data.

Abstract: A vision measuring machine includes a workbench, a support mounted to the workbench, a moving member movably mounted to the support, two fixing portions and a lens respectively fixed to the moving member, a group of pulleys fixed to the support, two mounting members each including at least one pulley fixed to the workbench, a rail fixed between the fixing members, a sliding member for fixing a backlight module, and a cord for driving the sliding member. One end of the cord is fixed to one of the fixing portions. The opposite end of the cord rounds all of the corresponding pulleys, the rail, and the sliding member, and last is fixed to the other fixing portion. When the moving member with the lens is driven, the backlight module is driven together with the lens by the cord.

Abstract: There are provided an organic light-emitting device having a light output of a high emission efficiency and a high luminance and having high durability and a novel organic compound that enables the device to be attained. An organic compound of a long fluorescence lifetime represented by an organic compound having, in a molecule, at least one partial structure comprising an unsubstituted or substituted indole ring and at least one partial structure comprising an unsubstituted or substituted carbazole ring is used in an organic light-emitting device.

Abstract: A lens holder includes a lens holding member having a mounting shaft portion and configured to hold a lens provided with at least one hole mounting a fitting for a rimless frame or a dummy lens provided with at least one hole, a main body including an opened bottom surface, a shaft holding cylinder provided in the main body and configured to hold the mounting shaft portion of the lens holding member, a clamping member configured to clamp the shaft holding cylinder to the mounting shaft portion of the lens holding member, and at least one confirming hole provided in the main body. When the shaft holding cylinder is clamped to the mounting shaft portion of the lens holding member by the clamping member, the confirming hole is configured to look at the hole of the lens or the dummy lens.

Abstract: Photonic detection systems and methods are shown. A flow through photonic membrane is provided with pores which are distributed along multiple regions. The pores of one region have walls to which a first type of target specific anchor can be attached, while pores of another region have walls to which a second type of target specific anchor can be attached. An additional region of pores without anchors can be provided, so that optical detection occurs differentially. A stack of photonic membranes is also provided. The diameter of the pores of one photonic membrane is larger than the diameter of the pores of another photonic membrane, thus allowing also determination of the size of a target organism flown through the stack of membranes.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for observing samples at non-ambient temperatures and pressures. One apparatus comprises a cell body having a fluid flow-through passage and a light passage intersecting the fluid flow-through passage at an adjustable light pathlength fluid analysis region; first and second light-transmissive windows in the light passage, each window having at least one crystal axis aligned longitudinally with a longitudinal axis of the window, the windows having opposed, spaced apart, substantially flat surfaces defining the adjustable light pathlength fluid analysis region, the first window having a first window holder and the second window having a second window holder, the first window rotationally isolated from the first window holder, the second window rotationally coupled to the second window holder, the first window holder able to gradually move the first window and thus adjust the light pathlength; and first and second light polarization filters.

Abstract: Surface enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) and related modalities offer greatly enhanced sensitivity and selectivity for detection of molecular species through the excitation of plasmon modes and their coupling to molecular vibrational modes. One of the chief obstacles to widespread application is the availability of suitable nanostructured materials that exhibit strong enhancement of Raman scattering, are inexpensive to fabricate, and are reproducible. I describe nanostructured surfaces for SERS and other photonic sensing that use semiconductor and metal surfaces fabricated using femtosecond laser processing. A noble metal film (e.g., silver or gold) is evaporated onto the resulting nanostructured surfaces for use as a substrate for SERS. These surfaces are inexpensive to produce and can have their statistical properties precisely tailored by varying the laser processing. Surfaces can be readily micropatterned and both stochastic and self-organized structures can be fabricated.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for adapting conventional spectrophotometer cuvettes for use in a vertical light beam spectrophotometer.

Abstract: A transmissive element and a method for production thereof is provided, the element comprising a perforated layer (22) of conductive material (20). Applications include electrochromic windows, energy efficient architectural windows, and touch screen panels, for example.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for inspecting and rotating electronic components, particularly flip chips, comprising a component which is rotatably mounted at a position of rotation and which is used to rotate electric components. A first receiving element is fixed to the outer side of the component in order to receive a single electronic component of a carrier and to secure it during a rotational movement of the component. A second receiving element is arranged on the outer side of the component opposite the first receiving element in relation to the point of rotation such that when the component is rotated by 180° it respectively faces the carrier, and a through opening is arranged in the component between the receiving elements such that when the component is rotated by 90° or 270° the through opening faces the carrier. The invention relates to a method for inspecting and rotating electronic components, particularly flipchips.

Abstract: An optofluidic device is provided. The device includes a cladding region having a first refractive index, and a channel defined by the cladding region such that the cladding region forms an inner surface or an interface of the channel. The channel is configured to house one or more of a liquid, a solid, a gas, a colloidal, or a suspension sample, wherein the sample has a second refractive index, where the channel is configured to guide radiation, and where the first refractive index is lower than the second refractive index.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a control and analysis system, a signal generation and detection apparatus, or reader for capturing, processing and analyzing images of samples having resonance light scattering (RLS) particle labels. An analyzer/reader includes an illumination system having a unique shutter/aperture assembly for delivering precise patterns of light to a sample, a computer controlled X-Y stage, and a detection system comprising a CCD camera to allow separation and analysis of detected light that contains information from gold and/or silver RLS labels. Alternative embodiments include linear scanning apparatus and simplified apparatus for low density samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device, system, and associated methods to actively or passively sample air by directing it onto the surface of a porous light-absorbing semiconductor, for example, a desorption/ionization on porous silicon (“DIOS”) chip. Upon adsorption of an analyte, the surface may be analyzed directly by laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Because the process of laser desorption/ionization and subsequent mass detection does not require elevated temperatures, thermal degradation of analytes is avoided.