Abstract: A body module of an optical measurement instrument includes: a reception device (201) for receiving samples, a first plate (202), a second plate (203) substantially parallel with the first plate and movably supported relative to the first plate in a direction perpendicular to the first and second plates, and walls extending from outer edges of the first plate to outer edges of the second plate. The reception device is located in a measurement chamber constituted by the walls and the first and second plates. At least the second plate includes a fastening interface provided with an aperture. The fastening interface is suitable for an optical module to be mounted to the second plate. The measuring chamber provides protection against undesired stray light from surroundings. The movability of the second plate allows adjustment of a distance between a sample and an optical module mounted to the second plate.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for cleaning optical windows used in an inline optical fluid analyzer. One system includes a sampling module having an inlet and an outlet and a flow path extending therebetween, the flow path being fluidly coupled to a pipeline containing a fluid, at least one optical computing device arranged within the sampling module in optical communication with the flow path and configured to monitor a sample flow of the fluid for one or more characteristics of the fluid, the at least one optical computing device having one or more optical sampling windows in contact with the sample flow of the fluid, and a solvent dispenser fluidly coupled to the flow path and configured to provide a solvent to the flow path to remove a residue built up on the one or more sampling windows.

Abstract: A flow cell module for use in a liquid sample analyzer includes a module housing, a liquid core waveguide mounted in the module housing to receive a flow of a liquid sample from a liquid sample source, an input optical fiber disposed in the module housing to transmit radiation from a radiation source to the liquid core waveguide, an input termination located on an input end of the input optical fiber, a first kinematic connection mechanism operative to bias the input termination in a first direction along a first axis while permitting displacement of the input termination in a first opposing direction along the first axis, and a second kinematic connection mechanism operative to bias the input termination in a second direction along a second axis while permitting displacement of the input termination in a second opposing direction along the second axis. The second axis is transverse to the first axis.

Abstract: A standard media suspension body (150) for verification and calibration of an optical particulate measurement instrument and configured to be at least partially immersed in a sample fluid is provided according to the invention. The body (150) includes a substantially solid outer surface including a first end (151) and a second end (152) disposed along an axis of illumination A and at least one outer surface (153). The first end (151) is configured to admit impinging light. The suspension body further includes an inner volume. At least a portion of the inner volume includes a substantially suspended light scattering material (155) that is configured to scatter a predetermined quantum of the admitted light. The suspension body (150) further includes an end cap (156) formed on the second end (152) and comprising a light absorbing material. Light exiting the second end (152) is substantially absorbed by the end cap (156).

Abstract: A sample cell for a spectrometer, and a spectrometer using such a sample cell. The sample cell may include a housing having a reflective inner surface which is at least a section of a spheroid bounding a cavity. A lens system receives electromagnetic radiation from a source and directs a converging beam through a port in the cavity to a focal point inside the cavity, such that the beam undergoes multiple reflections on the inner surface before exiting the cavity. Arrangements for adjusting beam cross-sectional area and angle are optionally provided. Methods which can be performed on such an apparatus and computer program products for performing such methods are further provided.

Abstract: A spectrometer cell can include a spacer, at least one end cap, and at least one mirror with a reflective surface. The end cap can be positioned proximate to a first contact end of the spacer such that the end cap and spacer at least partially enclose an internal volume of the spectrometer cell. The mirror can be secured in place by a mechanical attachment that includes attachment materials that are chemically inert to at least one reactive gas compound. The mechanical attachment can hold an optical axis of the reflective surface in a fixed orientation relative to other components of the spectrometer cell and or a spectrometer device that comprises the spectrometer cell. The mirror can optionally be constructed of a material such as stainless steel, ceramic, or the like. Related methods, articles of manufacture, systems, and the like are described.

Abstract: A vertical support rigidly mounted to a planar base positions and supports a cryocooler expander unit off axis and away from a sample to be examined. The sample support is likewise rigidly mounted to the planar base with a rigidly mounted sample housing therein. The cryocooler expander unit is suspended in the vertical support by spring dampening bearings. A pair of opposing flexible vacuum bellows connects the cryocooler expander unit to the sample housing and vertical support. This configuration isolates the sample from vibration. Flexible thermal links associated with an predictive electronic closed loop control sequence maintains sample temperature.

Abstract: A sensor component for an optical flow rate sensor for fluid and/or gaseous media includes at least one component segment and at least one sensor segment. The sensor segment includes at least two inspection windows in the region of a plurality of cutouts in a sensor segment disposed such that it is possible for light to pass through a transverse section of the sensor segment. The sensor segment may include exactly one inspection window in the region of a cutout and a reflective surface, for example a mirrored or polished surface, provided on the side opposite the cutout, such that it is possible for light to pass through the sensor segment twice through a transverse section of the sensor segment. The sensor component includes a receiving component that can be inserted in the one or more cutouts and the sight glass is bonded to the receiving component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-invasive method for surveilling mixing and separation of a suspension in an analytical system using solid phase particles for separation of an analyte by measuring particle distribution with a camera attached to a pipetting device.

Abstract: The present invention can detect smoke with high accuracy. A light emitting portion is provided with a light emitting element outputting the inspection light with high brightness, the distribution of which is adjusted. A reflection portion collects the inspection light from the light emitting element to the detection region. A diaphragm portion transmits the collected light toward the detection region, while removing light diffused to regions other than the detection region a light shielding portion shields the light diffused to the regions other than the detection region. The light emitting element is provided with a light source outputting the inspection light with high brightness and a parabolic reflective mirror whose curved surface reflects light from the light source toward the detection region, the reflected light being in a doughnut shape in which the center is relatively dark and the periphery is bright.

Abstract: A cuvette for use with light scattering detectors is disclosed. A trough or moat within the cuvette can be filled with solvent which is not in fluid contact with the sample to be measured. This solvent moat creates saturated vapor pressure in the chamber preventing evaporation from the sample when the cuvette is capped. The cuvette itself may be made of an inexpensive polymer which can be polished to high optical quality while still being moldable in complex forms capable of enabling further utility, such as extra griping surfaces, identification tabs allowing the detection instrument to determine the cuvette model, and various sample chamber forms. The novel cuvette may have extremely small sample volumes, while allowing significant overfill of the measurement chamber, improving ease of sample loading. The polymers used may be relatively inexpensive, and therefore the cuvette can generally be discarded after a single use.

Abstract: A modular optical sensor system for fluid media has a measuring module which includes an exchangeable fluid chamber and an exchangeable optic holder. The fluid chamber has an inlet and an outlet as well as a measurement space for the fluid medium. The optic holder has at least one optical transmitter and at least one optical receiver. The optic holder is inserted within the measuring module relative to the fluid chamber in such a way that the radiation emitted by the optical transmitter traverses the measurement space for the fluid medium in the fluid chamber and impinges on the optical receiver.

Abstract: A system includes a testing instrument to hold a test card having multiple cuvettes radially spaced about a point on the card. A rotatable mount is supported in relation the point on the card when the card is held in the testing system. Optics are supported on the rotatable mount to provide radiation to the multiple cuvettes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cell for optical analysis, wherein a flow space of a low depth is formed by attachment, using a simple double-coated tape without out special processing, of a micro flow channel through which a liquid sample passes, thereby enabling: a very easy manufacturing method; a reduction of manufacturing costs, thereby allowing the cell to be more widely used; a maintenance of a short path length of light with respect to the flow space in which the liquid sample flows, thereby enabling accurate optical analysis without diluting a sample with high absorbance; an expansion of a flow space region along the plane vertical to the light-passing direction, thereby enabling smoother optical analysis and improving the accuracy of optical analysis.

Abstract: A nano particle tracking device includes a channel structure. The channel structure of the nano particle tracking device includes a pair of microchannels in which a specimen including nano particles is accommodated and which face each other, at least one nano channel which is between the pair of microchannels, which connects the pair of microchannels to each other and through which the nano particles in the specimen are moved, and a nano grating below the nano channel and crossing the nano channel perpendicularly.

Abstract: A method for forming a nanostructure penetrating a layer and the device made thereof is disclosed. In one aspect, the device has a substrate, a layer present thereon, and a nanostructure penetrating the layer. The nanostructure defines a nanoscale passageway through which a molecule to be analyzed can pass through. The nanostructure has, in cross-sectional view, a substantially triangular shape. This shape is particularly achieved by growth of an epitaxial layer having crystal facets defining tilted sidewalls of the nanostructure. It is highly suitably for use for optical characterization of molecular structure, particularly with surface plasmon enhanced transmission spectroscopy.

Abstract: A microfluidic system may include an image sensor integrated circuit containing image sensor pixels. A channel containing a fluid with particles such as cells may be formed on top of the image sensor. Flow control components may be mounted to the image sensor integrated circuit for controlling the flow of fluids through the channel. The flow control components may include a chemically powered pump. The chemical pump may include one or more chambers and a valve between the chambers. The valve may be operable to allow chemical reactants stored in the chambers to be mixed to produce gasses for generating pressure in the channel. The pressure in the channel may be used to control the flow of the fluid. As the fluid and particles flow through the channel, the image sensor pixels may be used to capture images of the particles.

Abstract: A sensor chip maybe provided that is used in a specimen material detection device with which a solution can be prevented from remaining, an irregularity can be prevented from occurring in a concentration, and a fluctuation of a signal can be prevented from occurring during a detection, and as a result it is possible to carry out an inspection in an accurate manner.

Abstract: Characteristics of a chemical or biological sample are detected using an approach involving light detection. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, an assaying arrangement including a light detector is adapted to detect light from a sample, such as a biological material. A signal corresponding to the detected light is used to characterize the sample, for example, by detecting a light-related property thereof. In one implementation, the assaying arrangement includes integrated circuitry having a light detector and a programmable processor, with the light detector generating a signal corresponding to the light and sending the signal to the processor. The processor provides an output corresponding to the signal and indicative of a characteristic of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects. Diffused regions of a segmented flow of multiple, miscible fluid species may be vented off to a waste channel, and non-diffused regions of fluid may be preferentially pulled off the channel that contains the segmented flow. Multiple fluid samples that are not contaminated via diffusion may be collected for analysis and measurement in a single channel. The systems and methods for minimizing or eliminating diffusion effects may be used to minimize or eliminate diffusion effects in a microfluidic system for monitoring the amplification of DNA molecules and the dissociation behavior of the DNA molecules.

Abstract: To reduce measurement time, it may be considered to quicken reaction or speed up analytic determination. In existing analyzing devices, photometry is performed, typically, about every 15 seconds, so that it has not been possible to secure satisfactory reproducibility. Namely, reducing the measurement time and securing reproducibility have not been compatible. It has therefore been desired to increase the number of times of measurements performed in a short period of time. A cell disk is controlled to stop at a position for photometry during the time after a sample and a reagent are mixed and before measurement is finished and, while the cell disk is stopped, photometry is performed once or plural times thereby increasing the total number of times of measurements.

Abstract: An optofluidic platform is constructed to comprise a vertical integration of optical and fluidic layers. The optical layer enables interaction of light with a fluid for a variety of purposes, including particle detection, manipulation, and analysis. The vertical integration allows layers to be permanently or temporarily attached to each other. Temporary attachments provide the advantage of reusing the same optical layer with different fluidic layers. Most preferably, the optical layer comprises antiresonant reflecting optical waveguide. Further, a fluidic layer can be configured to act as an interface between the optical layer and other fluidic layers attached thereon. Moreover, the fluidic layers can be configured to perform fluidic functions. The optofluidic platform can also comprise a protective layer.

Abstract: A liquid component concentration meter measures the concentration of a liquid in a liquid supply tube from outside the liquid supply tube. The concentration meter includes a liquid supply tube; a light transmission unit; a light emission unit for irradiating light to the light transmission unit; a light reception unit for receiving light passed through the light transmission unit; a support member that movably supports the light emission unit and the light reception unit such that a measurement position is moved along the light transmission unit; a measurement-position moving mechanism for moving the support member such that the measurement position is moved within a predetermined area in the light transmission unit; and a data processing unit for calculating the concentration of the liquid in the liquid supply tube based on intensities of light received by the light reception unit at different measurement positions.

Abstract: A flow cell module for use in a liquid sample analyzer includes a module housing, a liquid core waveguide mounted in the module housing to receive a flow of a liquid sample from a liquid sample source, an input optical fiber disposed in the module housing to transmit radiation from a radiation source to the liquid core waveguide, an input termination located on an input end of the input optical fiber, a first kinematic connection mechanism operative to bias the input termination in a first direction along a first axis while permitting displacement of the input termination in a first opposing direction along the first axis, and a second kinematic connection mechanism operative to bias the input termination in a second direction along a second axis while permitting displacement of the input termination in a second opposing direction along the second axis. The second axis is transverse to the first axis.

Abstract: A flow cell assembly for use in a liquid sample analyzer including a radiation source, a sensing device and a liquid sample source to supply a liquid sample includes an entrance joint member, a liquid core waveguide, a liquid sample feed tube, and an input optical fiber. The entrance joint member includes a waveguide receiving bore and a feed tube receiving bore. The liquid core waveguide is mounted in the waveguide receiving bore and defines a waveguide bore. The liquid sample feed tube is mounted in the feed tube receiving bore such that the liquid sample feed tube is in fluid communication with the waveguide bore to fluidly connect the liquid sample source to the waveguide bore. The input optical fiber is mounted in the entrance joint member to transmit radiation from the radiation source to the waveguide bore, which radiation is transmitted through the waveguide bore and the liquid sample therein to the sensing device.

Abstract: A highly compact multi-optical-junction optical flowcell includes a housing having an internal channel, to which a plurality of source optical signal modules can be coupled, e.g., in a peripheral manner. The source optical signal modules can include a set of LEDs and/or semiconductor lasers, and can be coupled to the flowcell by way of a standard optical coupling such as an SMA-type optical connector. An excitation detection apparatus or subsystem can also be coupled to the flowcell to facilitate multiple types of optical measurements, including fluorescence spectroscopy, absorption spectroscopy, and turbidity measurements. A sensing apparatus or system that includes a multi-optical-junction optical flowcell, a plurality of source optical signal modules, and an excitation detection apparatus can be carried by or deployed on a wide variety of platforms, such as Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs), Autonomous Surface Vehicles (ASVs), buoys, or other platforms, in a space efficient and power efficient manner.

Abstract: A method and device for periodically perturbing the flow field within a microfluidic device to provide regular droplet formation at high speed.

Abstract: A cuvette for use with a spectophotometer having a capillary sample chamber having a volume of from 1 microliter to 1 femtoliter.

Abstract: Micro cuvette assembly for examining biological samples has a first partial plate with one or more first cuvette surfaces and a second partial plate opposite the first and which also has one or more second cuvette surfaces. In an active position of the assembly, the second cuvette surfaces are arranged parallel and in register with the first cuvette surfaces and are spaced apart from the first cuvette surfaces whereby one or more micro cuvettes are formed. The first and second partial plates also have openings arranged in register with the cuvette surfaces and transparent bodies are provided as the cuvette surfaces. The first and second plates are completely penetrated by these openings and the transparent bodies are manufactured from a different material than the partial plates and span the openings close to a first surface of the partial plates.

Abstract: A method of completing a hydrocarbon lateral well in a target shale formation. The method uses a data log generated from an optical flow cell assembly to identify areas in the lateral well of high free gas porosity. By evaluating such data, an operator can group “like” rock, determine stage length and variation in stage length, and determine perforation cluster spacing and location. The flow cell assembly can also be used in a completion program to assist in the steering of a lateral well being drilled below the target formation.

Abstract: A system and method for the in-line analysis of protein-containing compositions for protein denaturation. The system and method employ providing a protein-containing composition in a container that can be directly used in an analytical method for evaluating the denaturation of a protein. The container can be directly employed in an analytical technique such as UV spectroscopy, circular dichroism, etc.

Abstract: Reference cell (8) for use with a fiber 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 fiber optic probe. The base wall (11) comprises a reflector (19) which reflects incident light from the fiber optic probe back to said probe (1). The top wall (14) has an attachment for receiving an emitting and a receiving end of a fiber optic probe (1). The cell (8) allows use of standard fiber 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 and a method for optical parallel analysis of a sample arrangement. The device includes a system of sample areas provided on and/or in a front face of the carrier substrate for receiving a sample substance; a system of detector areas provided on and/or in a back face of the carrier substrate, each detector area being assigned to a corresponding sample area; and a system of optical devices, each optical system being assigned to a corresponding sample area and being designed in such a way that it deflects light beams, which the corresponding sample area in response to an optical excitation does not emit in the direction of a detector area assigned to it, in the direction of the detector area assigned to it and/or in the direction of a detector-free area on the back face of the carrier substrate.

Abstract: A particle detector has a sample area of cross section no in excess of about 2 mm for containing environmental fluid, a light source on one side of the sample area for directing a collimated or nearly collimated beam of light through the sample air or water so that part of the light beam will be scattered by any particles present in the air or water while the remainder remains unscattered, and a beam diverting device on the possible side of the sample area for diverting or blocking at least the unscattered portion of the beam of light and directing at least part of the scattered light onto a detector. The detector produces output pulses in which each pulse has a height proportional to particle size and a pulse height discriminator obtains the size distribution of airborne particles detected in the air or water sample at a given time from the detector output. The detector may also include a device for discriminating between biological agents and inorganic particles.

Abstract: An analytical system is disclosed. The analytical system includes a storage container configured to store a plurality of capillaries. It also includes a gripper configured to receive at least one of the plurality of capillaries, and move the at least one capillary so that an end of the capillary contacts a sample in a sample container and draws the sample in the capillary. The system also includes a reader configured to detect a signal from the sample in the capillary.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a method of measuring characteristics of particles in a liquid sample is disclosed. The method includes suspending the liquid sample in a tube. The suspended liquid sample is illuminated along an illumination axis, and at least a portion of the light is detected along a first detection axis after it is scattered by the particles in the suspended liquid sample. The illumination axis and the detection axis are oriented at an angle with respect to each other.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and devices for generating optical pulses in one or more waveguides using a spatially scanning light source. A detection system, methods of use thereof and kits for detecting a biologically active analyte molecule are also provided. The system includes a scanning light source, a substrate comprising a plurality of waveguides and a plurality of optical sensing sites in optical communication with one or more waveguide of the substrate, a detector that is coupled to and in optical communication with the substrate, and means for spatially translating a light beam emitted from said scanning light source such that the light beam is coupled to and in optical communication with the waveguides of the substrate at some point along its scanning path. The use of a scanning light sources allows the coupling of light into the waveguides of the substrate in a simple and cost-effective manner.

Abstract: In a flow cell, where a light introducing member for introducing light for measurement into a linear capillary through which sample liquid flows is attached to one end of the capillary, and a light leading out member for leading light transmitted through the capillary while transmitting through the sample liquid flowing through the capillary out to the outside is attached to the other end, the light introducing member is a light waveguide inserted into the capillary, and the light leading out member is a window member attached to an opening at the other end of the capillary so the loss of the amount of light transmitted through the capillary can be suppressed, while it is possible for flow cells of which the optical path has a different length to be attached without causing a problem relating to the positional relationships in the optical system, such as an absorbance detector.

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

Abstract: A cuvette (10) for storing a biological sample to be analyzed by means of a predefined detection technique is disclosed. The cuvette (10) is formed from a moldable material that contains particles (15a, 15b) at a concentration within a predefined range. The particles (15a, 15b) are randomly distributed, in order to form a unique pattern. Moreover, the particles (15a, 15b) have measurable physical properties, so that the unique pattern is detectable using the detection technique that is used to analyze the biological sample. The unique properties obtained by the randomly distributed particles (15a, 15b) render copying nearly impossible, since it is more complicated to distribute the particles in a predetermined pattern than to let them distribute randomly.

Abstract: A disposable sensor head for an optical sensor has a central body (12) with an axial through-channel (20) closed by a transparent viewing disk (14) oriented transversely with respect to its longitudinal direction, and a circumferential fastening flange (22), by which the central body is fastenable in a sealing fashion on a wall of a flexible container (62) so that the through-channel (20) passes through the wall. The through-channel (20) forms in one section an open flow chamber (34) that is bounded on one side by the viewing disk (14) and on the other side by a reflector disk (16) arranged opposite the viewing disk (14).

Abstract: A flow cell includes holding members for holding two ends of a capillary. A refractive index of holding members is 1.31 or less or 1.40 or greater at least in portions through which the holding members make contact with an outer surface of the capillary. A numerical aperture of light for measurement that enters from a light source into the capillary is 0.22 or less so that reflectance of portions through which the holding members make contact with the capillary is constant even when sample liquid that flows through the capillary is converted to water and acetonitrile.

Abstract: The present teachings provide for systems, and components thereof, for detecting and/or analyzing light. These systems can include, among others, optical reference standards utilizing luminophores, such as nanocrystals, for calibrating, validating, and/or monitoring light-detection systems, before, during, and/or after sample analysis.

Abstract: The automatic analyzer repeatedly performs a first processing operation for creating a pretreated specimen with a pretreatment solution in a first reaction cell. The analyzer also repeatedly performs a second processing operation for creating a reacted specimen by reacting the pretreated specimen with a reagent in a second reaction cell. In a first control operation, a turntable is rotated through a first angle in a first direction and halted. In a second control operation, the turntable is rotated through a second angle in a second direction and halted. The second reaction cell is spaced by a second angle in a first direction from the first reaction cell. The turntable is so rotated that the first and second reaction cells are halted at least in first, second, and third positions.

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: An automated and robotized platform includes a battery of miniature reactors to contain cell cultures. The platform includes an external sensor to measure an optical property of each cell culture contained in each miniature reactor. The platform also includes a mobile sensor-holder to receive the external sensor. The sensor-holder includes a sensor driving element to move the external sensor from one miniature reactor to another and to measure in real time the at least one optical property. The platform further includes a controlling and processing element to receive real time measurements of the optical property from the external sensor and to provide real time control of a movement of the mobile sensor-holder.

Abstract: Optical flow cell detector comprising a sample inlet and outlet in fluidic communication through a flow cell channel of cross sectional area A, an input light guide with an light exit surface arranged adjacent and in optical alignment with a light entrance surface of an output light guide, wherein the input light guide and the output light guide protrudes into the flow cell channel and wherein the distance between the light exit surface and the light entrance surface is less than 1.0 mm, and wherein the cross sectional area of the protruding portions of the input light guide and the output light guide in the flow direction is less than A/2.

Abstract: A diagnostic assay system including a test device and a scanning device are described. In one implementation, the scanning device includes a source of electromagnetic radiation, an optics assembly, a detector, and a microprocessor disposed within a chassis. The test device and scanning device may be configured to be movable relative to each other during operation of the scanning device.

Abstract: An optical electrical field enhancing device includes: a transparent substrate having a structure of fine protrusions and recesses on the surface thereof; and a metal structure layer of fine protrusions and recesses formed on the surface of the structure of fine protrusions and recesses. The metal structure layer of fine protrusions and recesses has a structure of fine protrusions and recesses, in which the distances among adjacent protrusions are less than the distances among corresponding adjacent protrusions of the structure of fine protrusions and recesses of the transparent substrate.

Abstract: The invention provides a multi-parameter integrated cuvette pool having a plurality of cuvette pool cells. Adjacent cuvette pool cells are connected to each other through a connecting plate. A heat generation unit is arranged in each cuvette pool cell.