Abstract: Microstructures and nanostructures (100) consisting of a substrate (110), an array of pillars (120) capped by metallic disc (130), metallic dots (clusters or granules) (140) disposed on the sidewalls of the pillars, and a metallic backplane (150) that can interact to enhance a local electric field, the absorption of the light, and the radiation of the light are disclosed. Methods to fabricate the structures (100) are also disclosed. Applications of the structures to enhance the optical signals in the detection of molecules and other materials on a structure surface, such as fluorescence, photoluminescence and surface enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) are also disclosed.

Abstract: This application describes designs, implementations, and techniques for controlling propagation mode or modes of light in a common optical path, which may include one or more waveguides, to sense a sample.

Abstract: A technique for forming a two-dimensional electronic spectrum of a sample includes illuminating a line within a portion of the sample with four laser pulses; where along the entire line the difference in the arrival times between two of the laser pulses varies as a function of the position and the difference in the arrival times between the other two pulses is constant along the entire line. A spectroscopic analysis may then be performed on the resulting pulsed output signal from the illuminated line to produce a single-shot two dimensional electronic spectroscopy.

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: Novel systems and methods for performing treatment (e.g., coloration) of keratinous fibers are disclosed. The methods and systems utilize one or more of a dispensing device which is configured to provide customized composition for treating keratinous fibers (e.g., a coloring composition), optionally formed from tablets; an optical reader, for obtaining sufficient characteristics of the keratinous fibers to make a realistic prediction of the outcome of a treatment (e.g., coloring treatment); a computational units for predicting an outcome of a treatment, optionally being interfaced with the dispensing device and for selecting a customized treatment; and tablet formulations which are useful in preparing customized composition for treating keratinous fibers. Further disclosed are rapidly disintegrating tablets for use in the preparation of compositions for treating keratinous fibers.

Abstract: A spectrometer is provided. In one implementation, for example, a spectrometer comprises an excitation source, a focusing lens, a movable mirror, and an actuator assembly. The focusing lens is adapted to focus an incident beam from the excitation source. The actuator assembly is adapted to control the movable mirror to move a focused incident beam across a surface of the sample.

Abstract: Spectroscopy systems and methods of comb-based spectroscopy are provided. A light source generates light corresponding to a frequency comb. A prism cavity is optically coupled to the light source. The prism cavity receives the generated light and produces first and second output light. The first output light is associated with reflection of the received light within the prism cavity. The second output light is associated with transmission of the received light through a prism of the prism cavity. A coupling system is coupled to the light source and the prism cavity. The coupling system adjusts a characteristic of at least one of the light source or the prism cavity, based on at least one of the first output light and the second output light. The characteristic is adjusted to increase optical coupling between the light source and the prism cavity and to compensate for a dispersion of the prism cavity.

Abstract: A light-emitting device comprising at least: a metal layer able to be heated and to propagate surface waves consecutive to the heating of the metal layer, with the metal layer being structured such that it comprises several diffraction patterns able to carry out a diffraction of the surface waves to free-space propagation modes, and wherein a synthetic hologram is encoded such that a phase image of each pixel of the hologram is encoded by an offset in the position of one of the diffraction patterns; a heater of the metal layer.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, an optical detection device is provided. The optical detection device includes an optics arrangement configured to generate an annular illumination pattern to illuminate a portion of a sample and further configured to receive a return light from the portion of the sample illuminated by the annular illumination pattern; and a detector arrangement configured to detect the return light. According to further embodiments of the present invention, an optical detection method is also provided.

Abstract: An optical absorption spectroscopy apparatus includes a field mirror and at least one object mirror configured to reflect transmitted light multiple times between the field minor and the at least one object mirror through a sample volume. At least one fold mirror is configured to allow the transmitted light to double pass across the field mirror. The apparatus can further include a light source and a detector configured to detect an optical absorption spectrum of the light transmitted from the light source through a sample volume.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus comprises a first optical fiber configured to deliver a source beam of light generated by a light source and a polarizing beam splitter configured to polarize the source beam of light and direct diffusely reflected light toward a collection fiber optically coupled to an optical detector. The imaging apparatus also comprises a mirror configured to reflect the polarized beam of light onto the lens and direct reflected light away from a lens. The lens is configured to focus the polarized source beam of light onto an area of sample material and focus diffusely reflected light from the sample material into a reflection beam. The imaging apparatus also comprises a plano-convex curvature matching window disposed at a focal plane of the lens, wherein a convex surface of the curvature matching window is substantially matched to the focal plane curvature of the imaging lens.

Abstract: A beam reformatter to receive and split a beam into a plurality of beam portions, and further distribute and propagate two or more of the plurality of beam portions in substantially the same direction to create a reformatted composite beam, wherein the plurality of beam portions each contain the same spatial and spectral information as the received beam.

Abstract: An information acquiring device that acquires information on a measurement object includes: a dividing section that divides pulsed light having a center wavelength ?c emitted from a light source into lights for a plurality of optical paths; waveguides provided in each of the optical paths; a multiplexing section that multiplexes lights emitted from the waveguides; and an information acquiring section that acquires information through detection of a light obtained by the multiplexing by the multiplexing section and applied to the object. In the information acquiring device, the waveguides provided in the optical paths, respectively are waveguides having different zero dispersion wavelengths, and the waveguides generate a plurality of wavelength-converted lights each having a center wavelength different from the center wavelength ?c of the pulse light.

Abstract: A system for grading an agricultural product employing hyper-spectral imaging and analysis. The system includes at least one light source for providing a beam of light, an interferometer or a prism array for dispersing electromagnetic radiation emitted from said agricultural product into a corresponding spectral image, a light measuring device for detecting component wavelengths within the corresponding spectral image and a processor operable to compare the detected component wavelengths to a database of previously graded agricultural products to identify and select a grade for the agricultural product. A method for grading an agricultural product via hyper-spectral imaging and analysis is also provided.

Abstract: A remote sensor element for spectrographic measurements employs a monolithic assembly of one or two fiber optics to two optical elements separated by a supporting structure to allow the flow of gases or particulates therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor element components are fused ceramic to resist high temperatures and failure from large temperature changes.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining and analyzing photometric and morphometric features of small objects, such as cells to, for example, identify different cell states. In particularly, methods are provided for identifying apoptotic cells, and for distinguishing between cells undergoing apoptosis versus necrosis.

Abstract: To provide an optical sensor, an electronic apparatus, etc. that suppress reduction of spectroscopic characteristics. The optical sensor includes a light receiving element, an optical filter 140 that transmits a light having a specific wavelength of incident lights with respect to a light receiving region of the light receiving element, and an angle limiting filter 120 that limits an incident angle of the incident light transmitted through the optical filter 140.

Abstract: A physical quantity measuring system includes an optical source which emits a measurement light to fiber Bragg grating (FBG) lines containing FBGs connected in cascade by an optical fiber, an optical switch including a common port for receiving the measurement light from the optical source, and input/output ports connected to the FBG lines, the optical switch outputting the measurement light, from the common port to each of the input/output ports at different time points, a wavelength separator which receives light reflected from the respective FBGs of the FBG lines, and separating the reflected light into a plurality of component lights having predetermined wavelengths, after the measurement light is output from the input/output ports, and optical receivers which receives the component lights from the wavelength separator and detects light intensities of the component lights.

Abstract: A mobile computing device that includes an image sensor may be used to detect the result of a biomolecular assay. The biomolecular assay may be performed in an optical assay medium that provides an optical output in response to light from a light source, with the optical output indicating result. A wavelength-dispersive element may be used to disperse the optical output into spatially-separated wavelength components. The mobile computing device may be positioned relative to the wavelength-dispersive element such that different wavelength components are received at different locations on the image sensor. With the mobile computing device positioned in this way, the image sensor may be used to obtain one or more images that include the separated wavelength components of the optical output. A wavelength spectrum of the optical output may be determined from the one or more images, and the result may be determined from the wavelength spectrum.

Abstract: A method for designing a spectral sensing device. The method includes: (1) performing computational operations on a computer, wherein the computational operations determine the positions of diffracted orders of an optical system model that models at least an array of light modulating elements and a diffraction grating, wherein the diffracted orders correspond to respective spectral components of input light to the optical system model, wherein the positions of the diffracted orders are determined at a target plane of the optical system model; and (2) storing the positions of the diffracted orders in a memory, wherein the positions determine corresponding locations for light detectors in the spectral sensing device. The spectral sensing device may be assembled by modifying an existing single pixel camera, i.e., by adding the diffraction grating and adding the light detectors respectively at said positions of the diffracted orders.

Abstract: A spectral characteristic measurement method for measuring spectral characteristics of measured light with higher accuracy is provided. The spectral characteristic measurement method includes causing an optical measurement instrument having detection sensitivity in a first wavelength range to receive light in a second wavelength range which is a part of the first wavelength range, obtaining characteristic information indicating a stray light component from a portion of a first spectrum detected by the optical measurement instrument, that corresponds to a range other than the second wavelength range, and obtaining a pattern indicating a stray light component generated in the optical measurement instrument by subjecting the characteristic information to extrapolation processing as far as the second wavelength range in the first wavelength range.

Abstract: In the color imaging system, multiple rendering devices are provided at different nodes along a network. Each rendering device has a color measurement instrument for calibrating the color presented by the rendering device. A rendering device may represent a color display in which a member surrounds the outer periphery of the screen of the display and a color measuring instrument is coupled to the first member. The color measuring instrument includes a sensor spaced from the screen at an angle with respect to the screen for receiving light from an area of the screen. A rendering device may be a printer in which the measuring of color samples on a sheet rendered by the printer is provided by a sensor coupled to a transport mechanism which moves the sensor and sheet relative to each other, where the sensor provides light from the sample to a spectrograph.

Abstract: A lightweight, compact hyperspectral imaging system includes a fore-optics module and a wavelength-dispersing module. The imaging system may also include a detector, supporting electronics and a battery module. The fore-optics module may include a telescope with three or more mirrors, where the mirrors include a silver coating that provides high reflectivity over wavelengths in the visible and shortwave infrared portions of the spectrum. The modules of the imaging system may be incorporated in a housing having a longest linear dimension of 16 inches or less. The housing may be cylindrical in shape and have a length of 14 inches or less inches and a diameter of 8 inches or less.

Abstract: There is described an apparatus and method for inspecting and optionally sorting gemstones. The apparatus includes a nozzle or array of nozzles operatively connected to a vacuum pump such that a gemstone located generally underneath one of the nozzles will be supported against that nozzle by air pressure when a vacuum is applied above the nozzle. A drive system moves the nozzles along a path past a gemstone pick-up location so that a gemstone can be picked up by each nozzle as that nozzle passes the pick-up location. One or more measurement devices are located on or near the predetermined path and configured to measure at least one property of the gemstone. One or more ejection locations are provided on the path at which the vacuum applied to each nozzle is reversible to eject the gemstone from that nozzle. The apparatus may also include a plurality of dispensing bins into which the gemstones are dispensed. The bin into which each gemstone is dispensed is chosen in dependence on the measured property.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system 100 for independently holding and manipulating one or more microscopic objects 158 and for targeting at least a part of the one or more microscopic objects within a trapping volume 102 with electromagnetic radiation 138. The system comprises trapping means for holding and manipulating the one or more microscopic objects and electromagnetic radiation targeting means (116). The light means comprising a light source and a spatial light modulator which serve to modify the light from the light source so as to enable specific illumination of at least a part of the one or more microscopic objects. The trapping means and the electromagnetic radiation targeting means (116) are enabled to function independently of each other, so that the trapped objects may be moved around without taking being dependent on which parts are being targeted and vice versa.

Abstract: A spectrometer includes a light source section that includes a plurality of LEDs having different emission wavelengths, a variable wavelength interference filter that selectively extracts light of a predetermined wavelength, a detector that detects the amount of light, and a control circuit section. The control circuit section includes a mode switching section that switches a calibration mode and a measurement mode, an outside light analysis section that analyzes characteristics of outside light in the calibration mode, a reference light setting section that set the amount of light emitted from each of the LEDs on the basis of the characteristics of the outside light, and a light source driving section that drives each of the LEDs on the basis of the amount of light emitted which is set in the measurement mode.

Abstract: An adjustable mount for an optical device in a laser spectroscopy system is provided. The adjustable mount includes body configured to mount to a process and a reflector mount having a feature configured to mount an optical device. An interface between the body and the reflector mount allows relative motion between the reflector mount and the body. At least one alignment device is configured to engage the reflector mount and the body to fix a position of the reflector mount relative to the body. An optical device is removably mounted to the reflector mount independent of the alignment device and is sealed to the reflector mount.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spectral apparatus for spectrally separating light including a predetermined wavelength, including a slit that the light enters, a first optical system configured to collimate the light from the slit, a transmissive type diffraction element configured to diffract the light from the first optical system, and a second optical system including a first mirror configured to reflect the light diffracted by the transmissive type diffraction element, and a second mirror configured to reflect the light reflected by the first mirror and diffracted by the transmissive type diffraction element, and configured to make the light reciprocally travel between the first mirror and the second mirror via the transmissive type diffraction element.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein correct errors in spectrometer outputs due to the presence of second-order light. Embodiments determine a relationship between first-order light and second-order light of the spectrometer output. The relationship is a function of wavelength and an output of the spectrometer due to the first-order light. The relationship is used to determine an estimated contribution of the second-order light to the output. Spectrometer errors introduced by the second-order light are corrected by adjusting the spectrometer output according to the estimated contribution of the second-order light.

Abstract: Approaches for substantially removing bulk aluminum nitride (AlN) from one or more layers epitaxially grown on the bulk AlN are discussed. The bulk AlN is exposed to an etchant during an etching process. During the etching process, the thickness of the bulk AlN can be measured and used to control etching.

Abstract: Methods, storage mediums and systems (MS&S) are provided which successively image an imaging region of an assay analysis system (AAS) as particles are loaded into the imaging region, generate a frequency spectrum of each image via a discrete Fourier transform, integrate a same coordinate portion of each frequency spectrum and terminate the loading of particles upon computing an integral which meets preset criterion. In addition, MS&S are provided which send a signal indicative of whether enough particles are in an imaging region for further processes by an AAS based on the magnitude of integral calculated from an image's frequency spectrum. MM&S are also provided such that the steps of generating a frequency spectrum of each image and integrating a portion of each frequency spectrum are replaced by generating a convolved spatial image with a filter kernel and integrating a same coordinate portion of each convolved spatial image.

Abstract: A waveguide spectrum analyser comprises an input waveguide (10) for receiving a beam of electromagnetic radiation to be spectrally analysed, a plurality of output waveguides (14, 16) which are single mode for wavelengths longer than a certain minimum, a substantially wavelength independent splitter (18) for splitting the input radiation between the single-mode output waveguides, and an array (24) of radiation-sensitive detector elements (30). Each output waveguide has a respective exit port (20, 22) facing the detector array so that radiation from the exit port is diffracted onto the array. The separation of the exit ports and the distance to the detector array is selected such that at least for a range of wavelengths longer than the certain minimum a plurality of interference fringes are produced at the array each extending across sufficient detector elements to allow spatial sampling of the fringes above the Nyquist rate.

Abstract: Metrological apparatus and a confocal sensor for use in such apparatus are described. The confocal sensor (1) has an optical pinhole (11) adapted for letting through a light beam (2). An optical assembly of the sensor has a first lens (12) having a refractive profile (121) and a diffractive profile (122) and a second lens (13) having at least a refractive profile (131). The refractive profile (121) of the first lens (12) and the refractive profile (131) of the second lens (13) focus the light beam (2) into a focused beam (21). The diffractive profile (122) of the first lens (12) creates longitudinal chromatic aberration so that the focused beam (21) has a focal zone with a longitudinal depth (R).

Abstract: Disclosed herein describes an SERS sensing substrate comprising upright metal nanostructures made by using oblique angle deposition (OAD) collocating with self-rotation substrate, wherein said upright nanostructures include individual upright nanopillars and metal/dielectric multilayered upright nanopillar stacks. The SERS sensing substrate exhibits higher and enhanced adsorption spectra for unpolarized incident rays in the visible and infrared wavelength regimes.

Abstract: A metal nanoparticle material for molecular sensing, that includes a metal nanoparticle aggregate including three to ten metal nanoparticles connected to each other through an organic molecule so that adjacent metal nanoparticles are bonded and spaced apart a predetermined distance, the aggregate containing a Raman active molecule within a field applied to the aggregate, wherein the metal nanoparticle material emits enhanced Raman scattering light from the Raman active molecule in an enhanced electric field; a method for producing the metal nanoparticle material for molecular sensing; and a molecular sensing method using the metal nanoparticle material for molecular sensing.

Abstract: A mobile device testing system with a sphere assembly is disclosed. The sphere assembly is a source integrating sphere and a test integrating sphere connected by an optical channel. A source illuminates the source integrating sphere with electromagnetic radiation of a known spectrum of wavelengths, usually light. The electromagnetic radiation travels to the test integration sphere through the optical channel. A first filter assembly and/or a second filter assembly rotate a plurality of filters into the optical channel to change the spectral distribution of wavelengths of the electromagnetic radiation in the test integrating sphere. A mobile device is mounted to the test integrating sphere and the spectral distribution of an image acquired by the mobile device is compared to a spectral measurement from a spectrometer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for obtaining an image of light scattering biological tissue. A series of pulses of substantially monochromatic light of a first wavelength is generated and split into two parts, of which one part illuminates a scattering biological tissue at an intensity too low to damage the tissue, while a second part is upconverted to generate a pump beam. Sample light from the biological tissue, which may be scattered (or transmitted) light, or fluorescence, or Raman scattering, etc., is collected and directed from the scattering biological tissue, along with the pump beam, into a non-linear optical element, in a single pass or multiple passes. Parametrically amplified sample light emerging from the non-linear optical element is detected and analyzed or displayed.

Abstract: An optical spectrum analyzer includes a multilayer-coating filter for separating a wavelength in the spectrum of an incident input beam, a detector optically coupled to the filter, a voice-coil actuator for rotating the filter in oscillating motion to vary the wavelength received by the detector as a function of time, and an encoder for synchronizing the angular position of the filter with the wavelength received at the detector. The use of the voice-coil actuator makes it possible to achieve significantly greater speeds of operation with a significantly smaller device.

Abstract: The compact microspectrometer for fluid media has, in a fixed spatial coordination in a housing, a light source, a fluid channel, a reflective diffraction grating, and a detector. The optical measuring path starting from the light source passes through the fluid channel and impinges on the diffraction grating. The spectral light components reflected by the diffraction grating impinge on the detector.

Abstract: A spectral characteristic acquiring apparatus is provided which includes: an area dividing part; a spectrum separating part; a light receiving part; and a calculating part, wherein the calculating part includes a transformation matrix storing part that stores a transformation matrix used for calculating the spectral characteristic corresponding to electrical signals of a first diffraction pattern group including two or more adjacent diffraction patterns, and a spectral characteristic calculating part that calculates, based on the electrical signals of the first diffraction pattern group and the corresponding transformation matrix, the spectral characteristic at the locations of the image carrying medium corresponding to the apertures of the first diffraction pattern group.

Abstract: An Etalon filter includes a first substrate, a second substrate which faces the first substrate, a first optical film which is provided on the first substrate, and a second optical film which is provided on the second substrate to face the first optical film. The reflective characteristic of the first optical film determined by the reflectance of light of each wavelength in a reflective band is different from the reflective characteristic of the second optical film determined by the reflectance of light of each wavelength in the reflective band. The first optical film can have a reflective characteristic with a first wavelength ?1 as a center wavelength, and the second optical film can have a reflective characteristic with a second wavelength ?2 different from the first wavelength as a center wavelength.

Abstract: We disclose measurement systems and methods for measuring analytes in target regions of samples that also include features overlying the target regions. The systems include: (a) a light source; (b) a detection system; (c) a set of at least first, second, and third light ports which transmit light from the light source to a sample and receive and direct light reflected from the sample to the detection system, generating a first set of data including information corresponding to both an internal target within the sample and features overlying the internal target, and a second set of data including information corresponding to features overlying the internal target; and (d) a processor configured to remove information characteristic of the overlying features from the first set of data using the first and second sets of data to produce corrected information representing the internal target.

Abstract: Ethanol is non-invasively tested using temperature-modulated spectroscopy (TMS). The TMS approach uses the active control of temperature to vary the spectral response of the IR-LED output, effectively sliding a spectral pulse across the ethanol sample, revealing the peaks and valleys of ethanol's spectral response.

Abstract: A method of polishing includes polishing a substrate having a second layer overlying a first layer, measuring a sequence of groups of spectra of light from the substrate while the substrate is being polished, each group of the groups of spectra including spectra from different locations on the substrate, for each group, calculating a value for a dispersion parameter of the spectra in the group to generate a sequence of dispersion values, and detecting exposure of the first layer based on the sequence of dispersion values.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining multispectral images of fresh meat at predetermined wavelength bands at a first time, subjecting the images to analysis in an image analysis system comprising a computer programmed to perform such analysis, and outputting a forecast of meat tenderness at a later point in time. Predetermined key wavelength bands are precorrelated with a high degree of prediction of meat tenderness and/or other properties of meat and are used in the multispectral system and method. A system and method for determining the key wavelengths is also disclosed. The multispectral imaging system and method is suitable for use in an industrial setting, such as a meat processing plant. The system and method is useful in a method for determining quality and yield grades at or near the time of imaging in lieu of visual inspection with the unaided human eye, increasing efficiency and objectivity.

Abstract: A new and useful method is provided for Goos-Hanchen compensation in an optical autofocus (AF) system that uses light reflected from a substrate to determine changes in the z position of a substrate. According to the method of the invention reflected light from the substrate is provided at a plurality of wavelengths and polarizations, detected and used to make corrections that compensate for the errors due to the Goos-Hanchen effect.

Abstract: A coloration measuring apparatus includes a wavelength variable interference filter, an imaging unit which receives light which transmits the wavelength variable interference filter, a storage unit which stores types of test paper, and reference color data obtained by associating colors showing a coloration state of the test paper, a spectrometry unit which measures a spectral spectrum of the test paper from light received by the imaging unit when the wavelength of the light which transmits the wavelength variable interference filter is sequentially switched, and a quantitative analysis unit which performs quantitative measurement of a sample based on the spectral spectrum measured by the spectrometry unit and the reference color data.

Abstract: Featured is a spectral analysis method and a wide spectral range spectrometer including a source of electromagnetic radiation and an optical subsystem configured to disperse radiation into a plurality of wavelengths. A pixilated light modulator receives the radiation wavelengths and is configured to direct one or more selective wavelengths to a sample.

Abstract: A light measuring device can measure, in one place, a plurality of lights guided from different places. The light measuring device includes a spectroscope configured to selectively transmit light having a desired wavelength, a plurality of light guiding units configured to guide measurement target light to the spectroscope, and a light receiving unit configured to receive the light emitted from the spectroscope. The light guiding units are provided in positions where different lights are respectively made incident on incident ends of the light guiding units as the measurement target light and positions where emission ends of the light guiding units respectively emit lights to different positions of the spectroscope. The spectroscope emits the lights, which are made incident from the light guiding units, respectively from different positions. The light receiving unit separately receives the lights emitted from the different positions of the spectroscope.

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.