Abstract: An optical instrument (10) has a drop-supporting surface for receiving a droplet (98) of liquid with a cover (16) mounted on the housing (12) which receives a light source and provides communication between the light source (114) and the inner surface of the cover. A loading aperture (24) extending through the cover permits access to the drophead when the cover is in a first rotational loading position, and the cover may be rotated to a measurement position in which the light source is positioned to illuminate the drop-supporting surface. A positioning mechanism provided between the cover an the housing engages the cover when it reaches the measurement position and thereby ensures that the light source and drop-supporting surface are maintained in fixed spaced-apart relationship.

Abstract: Substrates and methods for in vitro determination of sunscreen protection factors (SPF) are disclosed.

Abstract: There is described a sample holder and associated fluid container assembly for optical analysis of a fluid sample within a translucent container of the fluid container assembly. The sample holder includes clamping members rotatably mounted to a frame for rotation, about parallel axes spaced apart from each other, between a container accepting position in which the clamping members are spaced apart from the translucent container, and an analysis position in the clamping members abut the translucent container. The clamping members each define an optical waveguide slot extending therethrough that is substantially aligned with the translucent container when the clamping members are disposed in the analysis position, to thereby provide optical access to the translucent container for optical analysis of the fluid sample therein.

Abstract: An analyzing apparatus includes a microchip, a detecting unit and an analyzing-measuring unit. The microchip is formed of a light transmissive material formed with a separation fluid channel that is a light measuring part. The detecting unit includes an emitted-light guiding unit that emits light to the separation fluid channel, and a received-light guiding unit that receives light through the separation fluid channel. The emitted-light guiding unit or the received-light guiding unit placed at a position facing a microchip support table via the microchip abuts the microchip, and pushes the microchip in a direction toward the microchip support table. The analyzing-measuring unit includes the detecting unit, the emitted-light guiding unit and the received-light guiding unit, and detects a constituent of a sample filled in the separation fluid channel.

Abstract: A medical fluid delivery system includes a medical fluid delivery machine including a light source configured to generate a light beam; a polarizer configured to receive the light beam and to allow a portion of the light beam within the medical fluid to be transmitted through the polarizer, a photodetector to provide a measurement of an intensity of the light beam transmitted through a medical fluid and the polarizer; a medical fluid cassette operating with the medical fluid machine to pump the medical fluid, the medical fluid cassette loaded onto the medical fluid delivery machine such that the light source resides on a first side of the cassette and the photodetector resides on a second side of the cassette; and a computer configured to use the measurement of the intensity to determine whether the medical fluid can be delivered to a patient.

Abstract: Examples of integrated sensors are disclosed herein. An example of an integrated sensor includes a flexible substrate, and an array of spaced apart sensing members formed on a surface of the flexible substrate. Each of the spaced apart sensing members includes a plurality of polygon assemblies. The polygon assemblies are arranged in a controlled pattern on the surface of the flexible substrate such that each of the plurality of polygon assemblies is a predetermined distance from each other of the plurality of polygon assemblies, and each of the plurality of polygon assemblies including collapsible signal amplifying structures controllably positioned in a predetermined geometric shape.

Abstract: The invention is a microplate mounting system for mounting a microplate relative to an optical reader to control an angle of incidence of an interrogation beam at the microplate and includes a reference plane with at least one set of mount features that engage one or both of the bottom of the microplate and the skirt of the and a first positioning mechanism that provides a reversible and predetermined separation in the z direction between a plane formed by the bottom of the microplate and the reader, to control the angle of incidence of the interrogation beam at the microplate by reversibly controlling the relative positioning of the microplate in the z direction through the engagement between the bottom and/or skirt of the microplate and the at least one set of mount features.

Abstract: A tool for tuning the pitch of blades on a model propeller with pivoting blades, the tool comprising a mount for the model propeller and a calculation module. The mount allows the propeller to be positioned such that the axis of the propeller coincides with a fixed reference axis of the mount and to place each blade of the propeller, successively, in a measurement position. The calculation module determines the angle between a chord of a blade in the measurement position and a fixed reference plane of the tool, the fixed reference plane being orthogonal to the fixed reference axis, based on optical sightings by the calculation model on a suction face of the blade in the measurement position.

Abstract: Light collectors for fluorescence microscopy include slab light guides having a specimen volume such as a specimen well configured to retain a specimen. The specimen volume is bounded by a surface of the slab light guide that permits laterally propagating fluorescence to enter the slab light guide and propagate toward a detection or imaging system. Typically, the slab light guide has an elliptical perimeter and the sample volume is situated at a first focus of the elliptical perimeter. A reflector such as a conical reflector is situated at the second focus so as to direct the collected fluorescence to exit the slab light guide.

Abstract: A light irradiation apparatus capable of irradiating, while a component having a first side is held on the first side by a holding body of a component mounting apparatus, light onto a reflective plate to irradiate reflected light from the reflective plate from the first side of the component, the light irradiation apparatus including: a plurality of first light-emitting devices; a supporting body configured to support the plurality of first light-emitting devices such that optical-axis directions of the plurality of first light-emitting devices match; and a light guide body configured to guide light emitted from the plurality of first light-emitting devices to the reflective plate so that the reflected light is detected by a detector from a second side of the component on the other side of the first side.

Abstract: A BioMEMS microelectromechanical apparatus and for fabricating the same is disclosed. A substrate is provided with at least one signal conduit formed on the substrate. A sacrificial layer of sacrificial material may be deposited on the signal conduit and optionally patterned to remove sacrificial material from outside the packaging covered area. A bonding layer may be deposited on at least a portion of the signal conduit and on the sacrificial layer when included. The bonding layer may be planarized and patterned to form one or more cap bonding pads and define a packaging covered area. A cap may be bonded on the cap bonding pad to define a capped area and so that the signal conduit extends from outside the capped area to inside the capped area. Additionally, a test material such as a fluid may be provided within the capped area.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for analyzing a sample liquid comprising a test tape having a plurality of test elements, a tape transport device which successively transports the test elements to a sample application site while advancing the tape, and a measuring device which scans the test elements loaded with sample liquid at a measuring site. The measuring site is located at a distance from the sample application site in the direction of tape movement. The tape transport is interrupted in order to exactly position a wetted area of the test elements carrying a sample liquid at the measuring site by means of a positioning device that responds to the presence of sample liquid on the test element.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention are directed to addressing the complexity, sample geometry, and even pressure feedback issues associated with mechanical-only mechanisms. In particular, by utilizing one or more bellows capsules in an attenuated total internal reflection (ATR) instrument as a pressure vessel that can expand, contract, and tilt in all directions, the mechanisms disclosed herein can substantially apply uniform pressure to an interposed sample surface to include non-orthogonal sample surfaces, and thus conform to any sample geometry within such instruments. The result of the novel arrangements described herein is to provide a user with a convenient and simple interface for operating the interrogating ATR optical instrument.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a substrate for optical sensing by Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). The substrate comprises a support, a first layer consisting of a plurality of metal nanoparticles attached to the surface of the support, and a second layer consisting of a plurality of metal nanoparticles attached to the surface of the metal nanoparticles of the first layer, wherein the mean diameter of the metal nanoparticles of the first layer is greater than the mean diameter of the metal nanoparticles of the second layer. Various embodiments also refer to methods for forming the substrate. In a further aspect, various embodiments refer to a biosensor comprising the inventive substrate for the detection of an analyte in a sample by SERS, a method for the detection of an analyte in a sample by SERS using the biosensor, and use of the biosensor in SERS detection methods.

Abstract: An object mounting mechanism includes: a plate member on which an object is mounted. Bumps are arranged on an upper surface of the plate member which faces a reverse face of the object. In addition, the bumps are arranged sparsely in an area of a surrounding part of the plate member and densely toward an area of a center part of the plate member.

Abstract: Herein are disclosed methods and devices for detecting the presence of an analyte. Such methods and devices may comprise an array comprising at least two sensing elements that differ in their response to an analyte of interest. The sensing elements each comprise at least an optically responsive layer that comprises at least a highly analyte-responsive sublayer. At least one sensing element of the array further contains a minimally analyte-responsive sublayer that comprises part of the thickness of the optically responsive layer. Methods of making and using such arrays of sensing elements are also disclosed.

Abstract: A measuring chip installation/removal device of the present invention secures and removes a measuring chip to and from the top surface of an SPR measurement device that measures a specimen in the measuring chip by surface plasmon resonance. The measuring chip installation/removal device includes: a chip carrier on which the measuring chip is mounted; a chip carrier guide that guides the chip carrier on the top surface; and a first magnet provided in the chip carrier, and a second magnet is provided in the chip carrier guide. Orientation of a magnetic force received by the first magnet from the second magnet is reversed by displacing the chip carrier guide, so that the chip carrier is secured to or removed from the top surface.

Abstract: The invention makes it possible to measure binding of a biochemical substance with a high throughput and with high sensitivity using a small cell capable of being filled with a small amount of chemical solution. A space between a first substrate and a second substrate such that probes are immobilized on their mutually facing planes is used as a cell that houses a specimen solution. Light is irradiated from a first substrate side, and reflected light is subjected to spectroscopy. Binding of the target with the probe is detected by a wavelength shift in the refection spectrum.

Abstract: An optical signal inspection device includes a housing, a diagnostic unit, an optical specimen holder, a light-shielding module, and a guiding unit. A receiving space is defined internally of the housing. The housing has an optical fiber holding area formed thereon. The optical specimen holder has an upper jaw member and a lower jaw member. The light shielding module has a main body and two lateral shielding members disposed thereon. Two side portions of the lower jaw member are formed matchingly to the lateral shielding members. The guiding unit is secured to the upper or lower jaw member. When the upper and lower jaw members are used to clamp the optical fiber for inspection, interference due to ambient lighting can be prevented by the light shielding module. Thus, quick and accurate inspection results can be obtained by the user.

Abstract: Techniques, apparatus, material and systems are described for implementing a three-dimensional composite mushroom-like metallodielectric nanostructure. In one aspect, a surface plasmon based sensing device includes a substrate and a layer of an anti-reflective coating over the substrate. The surface Plasmon based sensing device includes a dielectric material on the anti-reflective coating shaped to form a 2-dimensional array of nanoholes spaced from one another. Also, the surface Plasmon based sensing device includes a layer of a metallic film formed on the 2-dimensional array of nanoholes to include openings over the nanoholes, respectively, wherein the sensing device is structured to support both propagating surface plasmon polariton (SPP) waves and localized surface plasmon resonant (LSPR) modes.

Abstract: The inventions relate to means for protecting precious and semiprecious stones. In order to provide for an increase in the contrast of an image for a wide range of sizes, an article 3 is mounted and fixed on a positioning means 4 so as to ensure that the center of a surface being examined coincides with the optical axis of a means of an optical system with the possibility of visualizing and observing a mark in reflected rays of light by means of adjusting the visualization means of the optical system. The distance between the center of the surface 2 being examined of the article 3 and the focus F of the eyepiece 12 of the optical system is provided with a constant value for the set range of sizes of the articles 3 being detected.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are interferometric systems having reflective chambers and related methods. According to an aspect, an interferometric system may include a light source for generating an illumination beam that propagates towards a sample. A sample holder may hold the sample and include a partially reflective cover for allowing a first portion of the illumination beam to pass therethrough to interact with the sample to produce a sample beam that propagates substantially along an optical axis. The cover may be oriented at an angle for reflecting a second portion of the illumination beam to produce a reference beam that propagates at a predetermined angle with respect to the optical axis. An imaging module may redirect the reference beam towards the optical axis at a detection plane. A detector may intercept the sample and reference beams and may generate a holographic representation of the sample based on the beams.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for receiving a test sample, particularly sample holders for combined examination of the test sample by a test procedure combined with another test procedure, which differs from the first test procedure, with a planar preparation component (1) in a transparent material with a preparation surface on which the test sample can be prepared, wherein a test path for the introduction of a test facility for carrying out the test procedure is formed on one side of the preparation component (1) and another test path for the introduction of a test facility for carrying out the other test procedure on the test sample is formed on an opposite side of the preparation component (1), wherein a supporting and covering element (3a) which has an aperture (5) through which the test path is formed is pressed against the preparation component (1) on one side (FIG. 1).

Abstract: A slide transfer mechanism for a laser scanner device for imaging and measuring fluorescent samples is located in a sample plane on sample slides. The device includes a first optical system for providing laser beams and at least one detector for detecting an emission beam bundle coming from the sample, and a second optical system for forwarding the emission beam bundle to the at least one detector. The slide transfer mechanism has a motorized transport device for transferring a sample slide to the sample table and back. The storage unit of the laser scanner device includes a positioning plate for mounting a sample part magazine that has an open insertion side for storing sample slides in specific depositories. At a corner opposite to the insertion side, the sample part magazine includes a check opening for monitoring the presence or absence of a sample slide in a specific depository.

Abstract: A microfluidic system includes a chip with a microfluidic channel opening onto a chip inlet and a chip outlet. The channel has a sensing area and fluid delivery area. A fluidic adaptor channel opening onto an adaptor inlet and an adaptor outlet can receive a pipette tip through the adaptor inlet wherein receipt of the pipette tip into the adaptor channel creates a direct fluid path between the pipette tip and the channel and wherein the microfluidic system is configured for sensing in the sensing area by interferometry.

Abstract: A test strip with a sample chamber is secured to a meter. The sample chamber in the portion of the test strip that extends out of the meter is illuminated by transmitting light from a light source inside the meter internally through the test strip towards the sample chamber. By way of analogy, the test strip acts in a fashion similar to a fiber optic cable or optical wave guide by transmitting the light from the meter to the remotely located sample chamber that extends outside the meter. The user is then able to easily see the sample chamber of the test strip in dark conditions so that the user is able to readily align the sample chamber with the drop of fluid on the skin as well as view the sample chamber in order to ensure proper filling. The light also illuminates a test strip slot into which the test strip is inserted.

Abstract: Provided are patterned nanoporous gold (“P-NPG”) films that may act as at least one of an effective and stable surface-enhanced Raman scattering (“SERS”) substrate. Methods of fabricating the P-NPG films using a low-cost stamping technique are also provided. The P-NPG films may provide uniform SERS signal intensity and SERS signal intensity enhancement by a factor of at least about 1×107 relative to the SERS signal intensity from a non-enhancing surface.

Abstract: A soil analysis device and a method are disclosed for measuring characteristics of a soil sample. A mixing chamber combines a soil sample and an extractant into a liquid mixture. A filtration system receives and filters the liquid mixture. The filtered liquid mixture is transmitted through a pipe with a slope to a measurement cell. The measurement cell is coupled to a light source so that light propagating from the light source is attenuated by the liquid mixture and is measured by an optical detector that is also coupled to the measurement cell. The optical detector generates an attenuation spectrum indicating light received by the detector at different wavelengths. The attenuation spectrum is used to determine the characteristics of the soil sample.

Abstract: There is provided a retention mechanism for an immersion medium, for use in a device which observes/measures a sample by use of an immersion objective lens, includes a member which retains the immersion medium near a tip portion of the objective lens, wherein the member is configured to include at least first and second materials.

Abstract: There is provided a retention mechanism for an immersion medium, for use in a device which observes/measures a sample by use of an immersion objective lens, includes a member which retains the immersion medium near a tip portion of the objective lens, wherein the member is configured to include at least first and second materials.

Abstract: Microfluidic apparatus including integrated porous substrate/sensors that may be used for detecting targeted biological and chemical molecules and compounds. In one aspect, upper and lower microfluidic channels are defined in respective halves of a substrate, which are sandwiched around a porous membrane upon assembly. In other aspect, the upper and lower channels are formed such that a portion of the lower channel passes beneath a portion of the upper channel to form a cross-channel area, wherein the membrane is disposed between the two channels. In various embodiments, one or more porous membranes are disposed proximate to corresponding cross-channel areas defined by one or more upper and lower channels. The porous membrane may also have sensing characteristics, such that it produces a change in an optical and/or electronic characteristic.

Abstract: Visual analysis of urine samples is carried out with the use of a slide consisting of three layers containing an enclosed viewing chamber which receives a urine sample deposited by pipette into an opening on the outer layer of the slide. From the inlet opening the sample enters an inlet chamber in the middle layer and passes through a capillary passageway into the viewing chamber where it is inspected for particles and sediments.

Abstract: A piezoelectric motor includes a piezoelectric element, electrodes provided in the piezoelectric element, electric wires connected to the electrodes, bond portions which bond the electrodes and the electrical wires, a storage case which stores the piezoelectric element, and support portions which are provided between the piezoelectric element and the storage case, wherein the bond portion and the electric wires are provided in the gap between the electrodes and the storage case.

Abstract: A vibrating body is accommodated in a vibrating body case in a state where both sides of the vibrating body containing a piezoelectric material are sandwiched between buffer portions from a direction intersecting a bending direction of the vibrating body, and the buffer portions are pressed against the vibrating body using a pressing lid through elastic portions. Pressing plates are provided between the buffer portions and the elastic portions to restrict the movement of the pressing plates in a vibration direction of the vibrating body.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a luminometer and methods which provides simple and effective measurement of a plurality of wells in a plurality of strips in an automatic fashion. The luminometer may be used in CLIA (Chemi Luminescent Immuno Assays). The luminometer allows for CLIA micro strip reading, and reads break-apart wells, with a plurality of wells per strip, and calculates results instantly and automatically. The luminometer has an automatic carrier positioning system which selectively positions the plurality of wells in the plurality of strips at a measuring position, wherein the drive system associated with the positioning system drives the carrier along a single axis of movement. An optical track system automatically provides Y axis movement of the carrier. The luminometer may have a calibration system for maintaining proper operation of the system in measurements therewith.

Abstract: A measurement window structure is disclosed for an optical process measurement device. The measurement window structure can include a measurement window made of an optical material and having a measurement surface that is arranged to be placed into a process solution, a sealing surface formed to a frame structure of the optical process measurement device and facing the process solution, the measurement window made of an optical material being arranged to press against the sealing surface, and an attaching device or mechanism for pressing the measurement window made of an optical material against the sealing surface and for attaching it to the frame structure. The sealing surface formed to the frame structure can be a rotationally symmetrical surface and the surface pressing against the sealing surface formed to the frame structure of the measurement window made of an optical material can be a rotationally symmetrical surface.

Abstract: An annular optical device (100) includes an annular meso-optic (1) including an annulus (11) centered about an axis of revolution (A) and a secondary optical structure (2) substantially coaxial within the annulus (11). The secondary optical structure (2) and the annular meso-optic (1) are separated by a media (12) including a media refractive index that is lower than the refractive index of the secondary optical structure. The secondary optical structure (2) holds a specimen to be radiated by impinging electromagnetic radiation. Scattered radiation from the secondary optical structure (2) and within the annulus (11) of the annular meso-optic (1) is allowed into the annular meso-optic (1) if an angle of incidence of the scattered radiation exceeds a predetermined incidence threshold. The annular meso-optic (1) re-directs the scattered radiation to comprise re-directed radiation that is substantially parallel to the axis of revolution (A).

Abstract: A spectrometer sample head including a housing, at least one source of radiation in the housing, and a flip top sample cell including first and second hinged plates and a window through the first plate with a pane in the window, the pane for receiving a sample thereon. The housing includes a channel for receiving the plates when coupled together for placing the sample in the optical path of the radiation.

Abstract: By measuring a luminance difference between predetermined two points or a luminance variation in a predetermined region in a state in which a liquid sample is developed in a chromatography specimen 1, and comparing the luminance difference or the luminance variation with a preset reference value, it is possible to automatically detect degradation such as a decrease in hydrophilicity in the lower portion of a liquid-impermeable sheet material 8 during a chromatography inspection, thereby enabling an accurate inspection.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus using a chip includes a rotor that holds a chip; a measurement room in which the rotor is provided and a through hole is formed; a light source that emits light for measurement to the chip through the through hole; a light measurement unit that detects the light from the chip, a rotation drive mechanism that rotates the rotor; and a cover member capable of covering or uncovering an opening portion.

Abstract: A clinical laboratory testing apparatus comprises a microchip for holding a sample liquid; a rotation body for rotating the microchip; a rotation drive mechanism; a lock mechanism for locking the microchip on the rotation body; a measurement room that holds the microchip and the rotation body; a protection cover; a light source that irradiates the measuring cell of the microchip; and a light receiving unit, wherein a centrifugal separation processing of a specimen in the sample liquid is performed in the microchip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microchip 1 having a translucent member 11, a flow channel 10 or a cell formed at a side of the translucent member 11 where light enters, and an aperture 16 formed at a position corresponding to the flow channel 10 or the cell at a side of a translucent member 10 where light goes out. The aperture 16 has a light go-through surface 17 which causes light flux being emitted from the flow channel 10 or the cell to go through and a light reflective surface 18 that totally reflects the incident light flux. A width size W1 of the light go-through surface 17 is smaller than a width size W2 of the flow channel 10 or the cell.

Abstract: A structure for molecular analysis is disclosed. The structure includes a nanostructure and a nanoparticle attached to the nanostructure, wherein the nanostructure is free-standing and wherein the nanoparticle, the nanostructure or both the nanoparticle and the nanostructure are coated with a metal coating; or a plurality of nanoparticles, wherein the plurality of nanoparticles is free-standing and wherein each nanoparticle in the plurality is coated with a metal coating and is separated from one other nanoparticle or two other nanoparticles by a distance of 0.5 nm to 1 nm. A method for preparing the structure for molecular analysis is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sample container (20) for receptacle devices for receiving biological objects that may be used for example as collecting devices (30) in laser microdissection systems is described, in which the sample container (20) has a coding (23) with the aid of which the sample holder in the laser microdissection system can be unambiguously identified in order subsequently to be able to allocate correctly biological objects (43) to be dissected to individual receptacle containers (31) of the identified receptacle device (30) or of the identified sample holder (20), so as to carry out a fully automated microdissection procedure.

Abstract: A structure 14 for particle immobilization has a plurality of holding holes 9 for holding respective test particles in order to detect light emitted from a substance which indicates the presence of a component for constructing each of the test particles, and the structure 14 for particle immobilization comprises a flat plate substrate 15, and a holding unit 20 which is arranged on the substrate 15 and which is formed with the plurality of holding holes 9. In this configuration, a light shielding film 19 which reduces light noise is provided for the substrate 15 or the holding unit 20 in order that the light noise such as the background noise and the crosstalk noise can be reduced, and a large number of test particles can be optically observed highly sensitively and highly accurately.

Abstract: Integrating optical systems and methods of use are described herein. In one embodiment, an integrating optical system comprises: a housing having a first and second portions; and a chamber having a diffuse reflective material and a volume formed within the portions when coupled together. The portions are separable to allow insertion and removal of at least one light treatable object in and out of the chamber. At least one aperture is formed in the chamber to couple to a light source and to direct light from the light source to at least a first portion of the diffuse reflective material. At least one holding structure supports the object within the volume at a location, wherein the diffuse reflective material, the aperture and the location ensure that the light is diffusely reflected to integrate the light and impact the object with substantially uniform light without movement of the object.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy dispersion device, spectrograph and method that can be used to evaluate the composition of matter on site without the need for specialized training or expensive equipment. The energy dispersion device or spectrograph can be used with a digital camera or cell phone. A device of the invention includes a stack of single- or double-dispersion diffraction gratings that are rotated about their normal giving rise to a multiplicity of diffraction orders from which meaningful measurements and determinations can be made with respect to the qualitative or quantitative characteristics of matter.

Abstract: A suction unit 10 includes a main body portion having a first surface 13 on which a semiconductor wafer W is arranged and a second surface 14 opposite to the first surface 13, and in which a through-hole 15 that penetrates through the first surface 13 and the second surface 14 is formed and a light transmitting portion having a light incident surface 16 and a light emitting surface 17, and which is fitted to the through-hole 15. Further, in the first surface 13, a first suction groove 13a for vacuum sucking the semiconductor wafer W to fix the semiconductor device D to the light incident surface 16 is formed, and in the second surface 14, a second suction groove 14a for vacuum sucking the solid immersion lens S to fix the solid immersion lens S to the light emitting surface 17 is formed.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented for stabilizing an optical, thermal, and mechanical interface between a spectroscopic and/or imaging system and a biological sample. The apparatus includes a window retainer having a retainer surface and a well. The retainer surface surrounds the well. Further, the retainer surface is substantially planar. An optical window is located in the well. The optical window comprises a first and second surface. The second surface is in contact with the window retainer. The first surface is substantially flush with the retainer surface. The apparatus further includes an attachment mechanism coupling the window retainer to the biological sample such that a fluid, gel, adhesive or elastomer interposed between the optical window and the biological sample is trapped in the well.

Abstract: A cup assembly for holding a sample to be analyzed spectrochemically, includes a tubular longitudinal member which is disposed symmetrical about a central axis. The tubular member extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. An indented peripheral flange is defined at the second end. The indented flange has an inverted L shaped cross-section. An annular collar extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. An internal peripheral flange is defined at the first end. The internal flange has an inverted L shaped cross-section complementing the indented flange of the tubular member. When a substantially thin film is interposed between the second end of the tubular member and the first end of the annular collar, the film is retained between the sample cell body and the collar between the indented flange and the internal flange. The cup may have a funnel shaped sample retaining chamber.