Abstract: A sealed and decontaminated fiber optic detection apparatus includes an optics portion with individual chambers. Each chamber housing optical and electro-optical components. A manifold accommodates fibers, with each of the fibers being in optical communication with the optical and electro-optical components of a corresponding chamber. The apparatus also includes a sample holder that holds a sample to be tested and a mounting device provided between the sample holder and the manifold. The mounting device and the manifold form a sealed fiber optic interface between the sample holder and the optics portion.

Abstract: A dental color measurement tool disposed opposite an opening portion for capturing light from an artificial tooth to undergo color measurement with a color measurement device includes at least one pair of guide posts having an engaging portion corresponding to an engaging portion on the color measurement device side, and an abutment post disposed between the pair of guide posts and having a pointed convex shape to which the artificial tooth can be mounted. The abutment post has a color measurement reference surface in a color measurement light axis direction as the vicinity of a focus position of the color measurement device in a photographing state. When performing color measurement photographing, the artificial tooth is mounted to the abutment post to position the front thereof at the color measurement reference surface. Thus, the artificial tooth can be stably retained at a suitable position with respect to the color measurement device.

Abstract: A surface plasmon resonance sensor chip includes: a first dielectric layer; a metal layer disposed on the first dielectric layer; and a second dielectric layer covering the metal layer, the chip being provided with an opening that makes a part of a surface on the side of the second dielectric layer of the metal layer be exposed, and allows a measurement sample and the surface on the side of the second dielectric layer to contact each other, wherein an organic molecule film is provided at least one of between the first dielectric layer and the metal layer, and between the metal layer and the second dielectric layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for operating a test apparatus for an LED lamp. The method includes: forming a self-holding circuit by switching on a first switching means such that an up and down shifter provided in the test apparatus for the LED lamp moves down; moving down and stopping the up and down shifter from a determined initial position to a measurement position; measuring the quality of the LED lamp equipped with the test apparatus for the LED lamp; releasing the self-holding circuit by switching on the second switching means such that the up and down shifter moves up; and moving up and down shifter from the measurement position to the determined initial position.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a solid sample from a sample solution and then analyzing the solid sample to determine the solid form of the sample is provided. The apparatus may optionally comprise a masking block with an array of openings, a film on which the solid sample can be deposited, and a sheet. The apparatus may optionally comprise a masking block with an array of openings and a sheet on which the sample can be deposited. The apparatus may comprise the formation unit of a system for forming a solid sample and analyzing the solid sample. The system may further comprise an analysis unit comprising the film and/or sheet with the solid samples and a spacer unit attached to the film after it has been removed from the formation unit. Methods for using the apparatus and/or system of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: An lens screening device for controlling diameters of lenses within a range from a lower threshold to a upper threshold. The lens screening device includes a number of connecting poles and two screening plates. Each of the screening plates includes a tray and a scraper slidably disposed on the tray and configure for scraping the tray. The tray defines a number of through holes of same diameter therein. The diameter of the through holes in an upper screening plate is larger than that of the through holes in a lower screening plate.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a flow cell for a surface plasmon resonance test apparatus and a fluid delivery system operatively coupled to the flow cell and configured to deliver a plurality of fluids to the flow cell substantially continuously. The fluid delivery system may include two pumps for pumping the fluids.

Abstract: A lens holder includes a lens holding member having a mounting shaft portion and is 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 allow the hole of the lens or the dummy lens to be viewed.

Abstract: A gas sensor uses optical interferents in a porous thin film cell to measure the refractive index of the pore medium. As the medium within the pores changes, spectral variations can be detected. For example, as the pores are filled with a solution, the characteristic peaks exhibit a spectral shift in one direction. Conversely, when tiny amounts of gas are produced, the peaks shift in the opposite direction. This can be used to measure gas evolution, humidity and for applications for other interferometric-based sensing devices.

Abstract: An analyzer in which optical measurement is performed with respect to a sample placed in optically transparent cells of an analysis tool includes a light source unit, a light-receiving unit, a tray on which the tool is placed, and a drive mechanism for driving the tray. The tray includes a holding section that holds the tool in a predetermined position. The drive mechanism reciprocates the tray between a first position where the tool placed on the tray is exposed to the outside of the analyzer and a second position where the tool is accommodated inside the analyzer. The light source unit is disposed so that emitted light is incident on a cell of the tool when the tray is located in the second position. The light-receiving unit is disposed so as to receive light transmitted through the cell when the tray is located in the second position.

Abstract: Detection and characterization of immunologically detected substances are performed electronically on human and animal biological fluids such as whole blood, serum, plasma, urine, milk, pleural and peritoneal fluids, and semen, which fluids are contained in a thin chamber forming a quiescent fluid sample, which chamber has at least two parallel planar walls, at least one of which is transparent.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus for measuring a property of a substrate (W), includes a base frame, a substrate table (51) to hold the substrate, an illumination system arranged to direct a beam of radiation onto the substrate and a sensor arranged to detect radiation reflected off the substrate. Two balanced positioning systems displace the substrate table and sensor relative to the base frame in several directions. Each balanced positioning system includes a balance mass (59, 61), a bearing arrangement (65) to movably support the balance mass and tracks effective to guide the displacement in each direction. A motor arrangement causes the displacement in each direction. The balance mass is positioned relative to the track arrangement such that the centers of gravity of each balance mass and the substrate table or the sensor are substantially aligned in the direction substantially perpendicular to the plane including the direction of displacement.

Abstract: Provided is a cryostat that can effectively prevent water condensation on the surface of a cell. The cryostat includes: a casing having an inlet port and exit port; a cell housing provided in the casing; a temperature controller for adjusting the temperature of the cell; a first optical path tube for guiding a light beam from the inlet port of the casing to the cell housing; a second optical path tube for guiding the light beam having passed through the cell housing to the exit port of the casing; first and second optical windows disposed at openings, exposed to the outside, of the first and second optical path tubes, respectively; and sealing materials having a water vapor transmission rate of 30000 cc·cm2·mm·sec·cm Hg×1010 or lower, disposed at the peripheries of the first and second optical windows to seal the first and second optical path tubes.

Abstract: A microfluidic sensor is disclosed that has a first inlet channel for a first fluid, a second inlet channel for a second fluid, and a measurement channel intersecting with both first inlet channel and the second inlet channel. A signal source system is provided for receiving a signal from a signal emitter, as is a signal detection system for receiving the signal from the signal source system. The signal source system and the signal detection system are for recording physical characteristics of at least one of the droplets in the measurement channel. A corresponding method is also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus is provided for testing for the presence of analytes in a sample. The apparatus comprises a source of light directed at the bottom surface of a substrate to achieve total internal reflection and to generate an evanescent field. An array of capture elements is immobilized on the top surface of the substrate. The bottom surface of the substrate is configured as a sawtooth (in cross section), the “teeth” aligned with the rows or the columns in the array. The outer faces of the sawtooth “prisms” are non-parallel to the substrate top surface, and specific requirements are imposed on the prism light-entrance face, and the substrate thickness and refractive index.

Abstract: An apparatus for spectrophotometric analysis comprises a sample reception surface, which is arranged to receive a sample to be analysed, and a sample contacting surface, which is moveable in relation to the sample reception surface such that it may be brought to a first position, where the surfaces are sufficiently far apart to allow the sample to be placed on the sample reception surface, and a second position, where the sample contacting surface makes contact with the sample and compresses the sample. The apparatus further comprises a sample thickness controller, which is arranged to control the distance between the sample reception surface and the sample contacting surface in the second position of the sample contacting surface, such that a sample thickness between the surfaces may be shifted for obtaining at least two measurements of the sample at different optical path lengths through the sample.

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: The subject matter described herein includes an optical assay system for intraoperative assessment of tumor margins. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein includes a biological sample containment and illumination apparatus for holding a biological sample for illumination by a plurality of electromagnetic radiation probes. The biological sample containment and illumination apparatus includes a plurality of frame members positioned with respect to each other to form an interior space for receiving a biological sample. At least one of the plurality of frame members includes a plurality of probe receiving locations for receiving a plurality of electromagnetic radiation probes. The probe receiving locations position the probes with respect to the biological sample to allow illumination of plural locations of the biological sample by the probes.

Abstract: A holding device for retaining a number of microscope slides with tissue specimens, wherein the surfaces of the slides in retained position are located in a common plane. The holding device has an elongated hanger with a clamp for releasably clamping the microscope slides in a hanging position with the surfaces of the slides in the common plane. The microscope slides are clamped at their upper end and are free to fall from their own weight from the hanger by release from the clamp. The clamp preferably is arranged to cooperate with a loading rack having a supporting surface for support of the microscope slides, in which the hanger can be introduced into the rack and the clamp can be actuated so that all microscope slides placed on the supporting surface are clamped in the holding device.

Abstract: A rotary luminometer subsystem presents test vessels to a detection mechanism to be read as part of the automated immunoassay analyzer system. The rotary luminometer provides a read station separate from that of the transportation element of the luminometer. Within the read station, a housing and shield eliminates light leakage from the sample under test. In addition, the read station regulates the intensity of the light by providing an attenuation capability.

Abstract: A substrate primarily for SERS determination, the substrate has a number of elongate elements with a density of at least 1×108 elongate elements per cm2 and having metal coated tips. When the elements may be made to lean toward each other, such as by providing a drop of a liquid thereon and allowing the liquid to dry, groups of tips of elongate elements are formed and the Raman enhancement is extremely high.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for aligning a measured object (2) with a detector (5), said arrangement comprising illumination means (10) producing an illumination beam path (15) and used to illuminate the object (2) to be measured, and adjusting means (8) used to adjust the position of the object (2) to be measured in relation to the detector (5). According to the invention, the illumination means (10) comprise at least two individually controllable partial illumination means (12, 13).

Abstract: A sealed and decontaminated fiber optic detection apparatus includes an optics portion with individual chambers. Each chamber housing optical and electro-optical components. A manifold accommodates fibers, with each of the fibers being in optical communication with the optical and electro-optical components of a corresponding chamber. The apparatus also includes a sample holder that holds a sample to be tested and a mounting device provided between the sample holder and the manifold. The mounting device and the manifold form a sealed fiber optic interface between the sample holder and the optics portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for positioning the process chambers of microfluidic sample processing devices in the proper focal plane of a microplate reader are disclosed. The apparatus and methods may be adaptable to position the sample processing devices at different heights as may be necessary for processing in different microplate readers. A positioning device is used in connection with the sample processing device to locate the process chambers within the focal plane of the microplate reader.

Abstract: A sample card for use in a spectroscopic analytical instrument. The card is preferably disposable and includes an aperture through the card in which there is positioned a sample supporting window on which a sample is adapted to be placed. The sample supporting window is made from a light energy transmitting material by one of the steps such as cleaving, fly cutting, chipping milling, sawing or scaling. A method of manufacturing the card and for using the card are also included where the method includes the step of providing light supporting window by forming that window by the aforedescribed processes.

Abstract: Scanning device for scanning dental objects having a base plate to which dental objects can be attached and a mounting structure such as a mounting plate to which an optical scanning system is attached and means for moving the mounting structure. Furthermore, a method for scanning dental objects includes the steps of (a) attaching a dental object to the base plate of the scanning device, wherein a first angle between the surface of the base plate and the surface of the mounting structure is enclosed or the plane defined by the optical axes of the scanning device, (b) scanning the attached dental object to obtain a first data set, (c) using the means for moving the mounting structure to change the first angle to a second angle, and (d) scanning the attached dental object to obtain a second data set.

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: A method of testing a test object, comprising the steps of arranging the test object at a deformable contact element of a holding device, wherein the contact element is at least partially deformed so that at least a partial area of the test object is in gap-free contact with at least a partial area of the contact element, and wherein for at least two contact points of the contact element, which are in contact with the partial area of the test object, upon through-radiation by means of electromagnetic radiation that is parallel to a predefined through-radiation direction, an optical path length of the electromagnetic radiation through the holding device and the test object is substantially identical; having the electromagnetic radiation radiate through the holding device and the test object in parallel to the predefined through-radiation direction detecting the electromagnetic radiation after through-radiation; and evaluating the detected electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for determining the shear sensitivity of particles in solutions and methods of determining the respective shear velocities or the respective shear stress.

Abstract: This analyzer comprises a photoirradiation portion simultaneously photoirradiating a plurality of storage vessels storing a plurality of measurement samples respectively and a plurality of photodetection portions detecting a plurality of light components resulting from simultaneous photoirradiation on the plurality of storage vessels storing the plurality of measurement samples respectively. The photoirradiation portion includes a light source, a first light guide portion branching light emitted from the light source into a plurality of light components and guiding the plurality of light components to the plurality of measurement samples respectively and a second light guide portion branching light emitted from the light source into a plurality of light components and guiding the plurality of light components to the plurality of measurement samples respectively.

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: A sensing module for light-emitting devices includes a substrate having at least one first hole and at least one second hole connected to the first hole, an optical device positioned in the first hole and configured to collect emitting lights from the light-emitting device to the first hole, a light-guiding device positioned in the second hole, a reflector positioned in the first hole and configured to reflect the emitting lights from the light-emitting device to the light-guiding device, and an optical coupler positioned at a front end of the substrate and coupled with the light-guiding device.

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: A unit for measurement of absorbance using a microchip has a microchip with a continuous cavity, a sample chamber, a reagent chamber, a reagent mixing chamber and a chamber for measuring absorbance, which is arranged in a straight line in the area of the continuous cavity. The microchip is located in a chip holder which has a capillary part which is arranged such that the light used to measure absorbance is delivered through the capillary part to the chamber for measuring absorbance, the capillary part having a smaller opening diameter than the diameter of the cross section which is perpendicular to the optical axis of the chamber for measuring absorbance.

Abstract: A method is shown for the extension in higher spatial dimensions of deterministic, aperiodic structures which exhibit strong aperiodic effects and have overall compatibility with the planar technology of integrated optical circuits. Disclosed devices are operative in response to incident electromagnetic energy to create a distribution of electromagnetic energy having localized electromagnetic field enhancement, wherein the device includes a dielectric or plasmonic material having a region of interaction with the incident electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a multi-laser system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the multi-laser system includes a plurality of lasers, a plurality of laser beams, a beam positioning system, beam focusing optics, a thermally stable enclosure and a temperature controller. The thermally stable enclosure is configured to thermally and mechanically couple to a flow cell. The thermally stable enclosure substantially comprises a material with high thermal conductivity. The thermally stable enclosure can have a relatively small volume.

Abstract: There is provided a laser gauge interferometer with high measurement precision, which uses laser beam interference, includes: a measurement interferometer which generates a measurement output corresponding to a displacement of a moving member; and a correction interferometer which generates a measurement output corresponding to a change in refractive index of air at a constant reference interval. An arithmetic processing device computes a measurement target displacement amount for which the influence of the change in refractive index of air is corrected. A correction laser beam from the correction interferometer passes through the measurement interferometer and thus travels on the same optical path as an optical path of a correction laser beam from the measurement interferometer to become interference light corresponding to the change in refractive index of air through which a measurement laser beam passes, and then enters the arithmetic processing device.

Abstract: An apparatus for investigating a molecule comprising a channel provided in a substrate, a metallic moiety capable of plasmon resonance which is associated with the channel in a position suitable for the electromagnetic field produced by the metallic moiety to interact with a molecule passing therethrough, means to induce a molecule to pass through the channel, means to induce surface plasmon resonance in the metallic moiety; and means to detect interaction between the electromagnetic field produced by the metallic moiety and a molecule passing through the channel. Methods of investigating molecules are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the calibration of a sensor system.

Abstract: A display inspection tool includes a securing member and a color detector securing unit. The securing member includes a top edge securing portion that is adapted for disposing on a top edge of a display, and a bottom edge securing portion that is adapted for abutting against a bottom edge of the display. By disposing the top edge securing portion on the top edge of the display, and bringing the bottom edge securing portion into abutment against the bottom edge of the display, the securing member can be quickly mounted on the display. The color detector securing unit is provided on a rear face of the securing member and is adapted for securing a color detector so as to perform color detection when the securing member is mounted on the display.

Abstract: To provide an inexpensive cell incubator for a single cell operation supporting robot having the markers (first and second feature points) required to transform the position of a cell detected on a table coordinate system into a position on the intrinsic coordinate system of the cell incubator. First and second feature points are formed on a film-like feature point setup chip which is then stuck to the cell incubator body such as a conventional dish, thus constituting a cell incubator. Since manufacture of a new die for forming the first and second feature points directly on the cell incubator body is not required, an inexpensive cell incubator for a single cell operation supporting robot can be provided.

Abstract: Reference cell (8) for use with a fibre optic probe (1) comprising a base wall (11), upstanding walls (12) each having an optical window (13, 15), and a top wall (14) having a further optical window (16) adapted to allow light to pass to and from a fibre optic probe. The base wall (11) comprises a reflector (19) which reflects incident light from the fibre optic probe back to said probe (1). The top wall (14) has an attachment for receiving an emitting and a receiving end of a fibre optic probe (1). The cell (8) allows use of standard fibre optic probe (1) with other optical equipment when the path length and the probe optical characteristics require validation to international standards. The calibration of the probe (1) is analogous to calibration of laboratory spectrophotometers and can therefore be validated. The device (8) enables probes (1) to be used for applications where precision and accuracy are essential.

Abstract: A device for measuring the position of at least one structure on a substrate is disclosed. The substrate to be measured is positioned in a mirror body. A flat insert is provided in the mirror body and is formed such that the substrate and the insert together always have the same optical thickness, irrespective of the mechanical thickness of the substrate.

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 method of performing a wafer level burn-in test for a plurality of surface-emitting laser devices formed on a wafer includes causing a plurality of contact electrodes arranged in a same plane with a pitch same as that of the surface-emitting laser devices being electrically connected to each other to have contact with pad electrodes of the surface-emitting laser devices, respectively, and applying a current to second electrodes of the surface-emitting laser devices and the contact electrodes. The wafer level burn-in test is performed while heating the wafer at a predetermined temperature. Laser lights emitted from the surface-emitting laser devices are monitored during the wafer level burn-in test.

Abstract: A system and method for determining whether one or more slides are loaded properly within a cassette. Each slide includes one or more transparent regions and one or more non-transparent regions. The slides are between a light source and a sensor. The light source generates light that is directed towards the sensor through the slides. If the sensor is able to detect light from the light source, then the slides are properly loaded in the cassette. Slides are not properly loaded if the light is blocked by a non-transparent region before reaching the sensor. The sensor or a separate controller can generate a signal or data to provide an indication to a user or to processing equipment that the slides are or are not properly loaded. For example, a speaker or an indicator light can be used to provide an indication to the user. The signal or data can also be used for other functions, such as displaying a message on a screen indicating whether the slides are properly loaded.

Abstract: A container according to the present invention contains at least a part of a device under test to be measured by a terahertz wave measurement device. The container includes a gap portion that internally disposes at least a part of the device under test, and an enclosure portion that includes a first flat surface portion and a second flat surface portion, and disposes the gap portion between the first flat surface portion and the second flat surface portion, thereby enclosing the gap portion. Moreover, a relationship n1?0.1?n2?n1+0.1 holds where n2 denotes a refractive index of the enclosure portion, and n1 denotes a refractive index of the device under test. Further, the first flat surface portion intersects at the right angle with a travel direction of the terahertz wave.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and method for enhancing the electromagnetic signal of a sample for ellipsometry which uses at least one auxiliary layer and at least one substrate layer.

Abstract: An apparatus to measure spatially resolved the luminescence of a semiconductor sample, in particular a semiconductor wafer or any part thereof, includes a rotatable sample holder for the semiconductor sample. This rotatable sample holder is mounted on an xy stage, and a drive mechanism is used to rotate the sample holder rapidly during the measurement. A device excites luminescence light on the semiconductor sample, and an optical device guides a portion of the luminescence light to a detector. The surface of the semiconductor sample is located in the range of a focal point of the optical device. Using a fixation device, it is possible to remove the rotatable sample holder from the xy stage, when required, and to replace it by a cryostat with an optical window and a further semiconductor sample, so that the surface of the further semiconductor sample is essentially located in the focus point of optical device.

Abstract: An analyzing device 1 includes position detection marks 18, each having one of a reflective surface, a refractive surface, and a light shielding surface that block output light incident on a sensor 113 from a light source 12 when the output light reaches a rotation detection position just before or behind measurement spots 17a, 17b, and 17c of the analyzing device 1. Output signals from the sensor 113 for reading the measurement spots 17a, 17b, and 17c are stored in a memory 28, the positions of the measurement spots 17a, 17b, and 17c are determined based on light receiving data stored in the memory 28, and only a desired analyzing signal is extracted. Thus even when the number of measurement spots increases, it is possible to read the measurement spots without adding any components.