For Spectrographic (i.e., Photographic) Investigation Patents (Class 356/302)
  • Publication number: 20120081704
    Abstract: Optical fibers are utilized to provide high efficiency, spatially resolved coupling of light from collection optics to an imaging spectrometer. In particular, a micro lens array may be utilized to couple light from multiple spatial locations into individual optical fibers. At the opposite end of the fiber bundle, the fibers are packed tightly together to send the light into an imaging spectrograph. The light that enters this spectrograph maintains its spatial separation, for instance, along the array dimension and is spectrally dispersed, for instance, along a dimension orthogonal to the array dimension. This spatially separated, wavelength resolved light can then be recorded on a two dimensional detector such as a CCD camera.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2011
    Publication date: April 5, 2012
    Applicant: BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE
    Inventors: C. Alexander Morrow, Theodore J. Ronningen
  • Patent number: 8130377
    Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a spectrophotometer with a modular 45/0 head. One embodiment of an apparatus for measuring a reflectance of a sample includes a plurality of light emitting diodes for emitting light, a reflective housing positioned above the plurality of light emitting diodes, where the reflective housing is a dome having a plurality of apertures formed around its perimeter, a sample channel for capturing a first portion of the light, where the first portion of the light interacts with the sample, and a reference channel for capturing a second portion of the light, where the second portion of the light is independent of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Datacolor Holding AG
    Inventors: Alan Ingleson, Joseph Reed
  • Patent number: 8125635
    Abstract: Apparatus for performing Raman analysis may include a laser source module, a beam delivery and signal collection module, a spectrum analysis module, and a digital signal processing module. The laser source module delivers a laser beam to the beam delivery and signal collection module. The beam delivery and signal collection module delivers the laser source beam to a sample, collects Raman scattered light scattered from the sample, and delivers the collected Raman scattered light to the spectrum analysis module. The spectrum analysis module demultiplexes the Raman scattered light into discrete Raman bands of interest, detects the presence of signal energy in each of the Raman bands, and produces a digital signal that is representative of the signal energy present in each of the Raman bands. The digital signal processing module is adapted to perform a Raman analysis of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: PD-LD, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir Sinisa Ban, Boris Leonidovich Volodin, Neal R. Stoker
  • Patent number: 8116842
    Abstract: A process, apparatus, and method for online control and database collection and management of a computerized detection, tracking, and feedback control system. The system tests for nutrients by Raman scattering effects on skin or other tissues to determine the content of carotenoids or other nutrients as evidenced in that skin. Serum levels of nutrients may vary dramatically with time, but skin tissues may average such nutrition over time. Skin and other tissues may be scanned with light to produce accurate measurements of carotenoids or other nutrients accumulated in the skin based on the Raman scattering affect of those nutrients in the skin. A score can be derived from a properly calibrated bio-photonic scanner to reflect an averaged effective uptake of the detected nutrient (e.g. such as the carotenoid example).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: NSE Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John Fralick, Kathy L. Chapman, legal representative, David L. Breiter, Jack Peterson, Mindy Gilbert, Marvin Distel, Ryan Newman, Joel Erickson
  • Publication number: 20120021539
    Abstract: A metrology system for gauging and spatially mapping a semiconductor material on a substrate can be used in controlling deposition and thermal activation processes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Arnold Allenic, Stephan Paul George, II, Sreenivas Jayaraman, Oleh Karpenko, Chong Lim
  • Patent number: 8090558
    Abstract: A method is presented for selecting the order in which parameters are evaluated for inclusion in a model of a film stack, which is by ranking them according to measurement precision. Further, a method is presented for determining which parameters are to be floated, set, or discarded from the model, which is by determining whether average chi-square and chi-square uniformity decreases or increases when the parameter is added to the model. In this manner, a model for the film stack can be quickly assembles with a high degree of accuracy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Corporation
    Inventor: Thaddeus G. Dziura
  • Publication number: 20110299104
    Abstract: A spectral characteristic obtaining apparatus including a light irradiation unit configured to emit light onto a reading object; a spectroscopic unit configured to separate at least a part of diffused reflected light from the light emitted onto the reading object by the light irradiation unit into a spectrum; and a light receiving unit configured to receive the diffused reflected light separated into the spectrum by the spectroscopic unit and to obtain a spectral characteristic. In at least one example embodiment, the light receiving unit is configured to be a spectroscopic sensor array including plural spectroscopic sensors arranged in a direction, and the spectroscopic sensors include a predetermined number of pixels arranged in the direction to receive lights with different spectral characteristics from each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: Ricoh Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Manabu Seo, Naohiro Kamijo, Kohei Shimbo
  • Publication number: 20110292385
    Abstract: Producing images of a specimen includes introducing a specimen into a specimen chamber of a particle-beam device, selecting a specific position on the surface of the specimen, supplying a contrast-agent precursor on the specific position, providing a particle beam and/or a light beam, guiding the particle beam and/or the light beam onto the specific position, applying a contrast-agent layer to the specific position as a result of the interaction of the particle beam and/or the light beam with the contrast-agent precursor, leaving the contrast-agent layer on the surface of the specimen for a predetermined amount of time. During the predetermined amount of time, a first part of the contrast-agent layer diffuses into the specimen and a second part of the contrast-agent layer remains on the surface of the specimen. The specimen is imaged using an optical device and/or a particle-optical device and/or using the particle beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Elke Haustein, Wolfram Bûhler, Camille Stebler, Holger Dömer
  • Publication number: 20110285991
    Abstract: A label-free multiplexed sensing platform is based on light interaction with aperiodic photonic structures with an advantage of a broadband operation. Multiple-scattering-induced “fingerprinting” colorimetric signatures can be used as a transduction mechanism. Aperiodic sensing platforms can operate in the infrared to provide an overlap with spectral fingerprints of biological molecules. Miniaturized optical biosensors may be based on engineered colorimetric scattering signatures (structural color), sharp spectral features, non-uniform angular distributions of scattered light, and broadband manipulation of the local density of states in nano-textured scattering surfaces with deterministic aperiodic order. The biosensors can be fabricated in semiconductor, metal, low- and high-index dielectric platforms using standard nanofabrication techniques such as electron-beam lithography, ion-beam milling, etc, and can be replicated over large areas by standard nano-imprint lithography.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: TRUSTEES OF BOSTON UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Luca Dal Negro, Svetlana V. Boriskina
  • Patent number: 8064054
    Abstract: Methods (600) and systems (100) for inspecting an indirect bandgap semiconductor structure (140) are described. A light source (110) generates light (612) suitable for inducing photoluminescence in the indirect bandgap semiconductor structure (140). A short-pass filter unit (114) reduces long-wavelength light of the generated light above a specified emission peak. A collimator (112) collimates (616) the light. A large area of the indirect bandgap semiconductor structure (140) is substantially uniformly and simultaneously illuminated (618) with the collimated, short-pass filtered light. An image capture device (130) captures (620) images of photoluminescence simultaneously induced by the substantially uniform, simultaneous illumination incident across the large area of the indirect bandgap semiconductor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: BT Imaging Pty Ltd
    Inventors: Thorsten Trupke, Robert Andrew Bardos
  • Publication number: 20110222056
    Abstract: A spectroscopic characteristics acquisition unit includes a light emitting unit to illuminate a measurement target; a lens array including lenses to receive reflected light reflected from the measurement target; a light blocking member having a pinhole array including openings; a focusing unit to focus light coming from the pinhole array; a diffraction unit to diffract the light to different directions depending on wavelength of light received by the focusing unit; and a light receiving unit to receive the reflected light diffracted by the diffraction unit. The light receiving unit includes a spectroscopic sensor array having spectroscopy sensors including pixels. Each of the lenses constituting the lens array corresponds to one of the openings of the pinhole array. The numerical aperture NA of the lens in the arrangement direction in the lens array satisfies the formula NA>sin(?max) with respect to the maximum angle of view ?max of the focusing unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventors: Manabu Seo, Naohiro Kamijo, Kohei Shimbo, Yoichi Kubota
  • Patent number: 7982864
    Abstract: An optical measuring system has a first optical measuring instrument and a second optical measuring instrument. The optical measuring system includes a first optical path to guide a first beam from a measuring region to the first optical measuring instrument, a second optical path to guide a second beam from the measuring region to the second optical measuring instrument, an optical system through which the first and second optical paths extend and in which the first and second optical paths are paraxial, a reflection area to change the direction of the first optical path, the second optical path crossing the reflection area, and a light transmission area arranged at a position where the reflection area and second optical path cross each other, the light transmission area having a higher light transmittance than the reflection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Mitaka Kohki Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsushige Nakamura, Minoru Nakamura, Katsuhiro Miura, Masao Doi
  • Publication number: 20110164247
    Abstract: A spectral module 1 comprises a substrate 2 for transmitting light L1 incident thereon from a front face 2a, a lens unit 3 for transmitting the light L1 incident on the substrate 2, a spectroscopic unit 4 for reflecting and spectrally resolving the light L1 incident on the lens unit 3, and a photodetector 5 for detecting light L2 reflected by the spectroscopic unit 4. The substrate 2 is provided with a recess 19 having a predetermined positional relationship with alignment marks 12a, 12b and the like serving as a reference unit for positioning the photodetector 5, while the lens unit 3 is mated with the recess 19. The spectral module 1 achieves passive alignment between the spectroscopic unit 4 and photodetector 5 when the lens unit 3 is simply mated with the recess 19.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Katsumi Shibayama, Takafumi Yokino, Masaki Hirose, Masashi Ito
  • Publication number: 20110149312
    Abstract: What is disclosed is a novel system and method for generating a spectral matching guide for spot color print applications. Spectral matching values are determined for spot colors obtained from a library of spot colors. A spectral matching guide is created from the spot colors and their respective spectral matching values in a manner more fully disclosed herein. Thereafter, when a user desires to render a job in a particular spot color, the associated spectral matching value for that spot color can be obtained from the spectral matching guide. In other embodiments, recommendations in the form of a suggested printer to use, a media type, a halftone screen, and other meaningful assistance can be provided for selection of spot colors for a given print/copy job that are less sensitive to varying illuminations. The present spectral matching guide provides meaningful extensions in spectral color reproduction in print/copy job environments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Lalit Keshav MESTHA, Yonghui ZHAO, Yao Rong WANG
  • Patent number: 7952708
    Abstract: A substrate processing system includes a processing module to process a substrate, a factory interface module configured to accommodate at least one cassette for holding the substrate, a spectrographic monitoring system positioned in or adjoining the factory interface module, and a substrate handler to transfer the substrate between the at least one cassette, the spectrographic monitoring system and the processing module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Abraham Ravid, Boguslaw A. Swedek, Dominic J. Benvegnu, Jeffrey Drue David, Jun Qian, Sidney P. Huey, Ingemar Carlsson, Lakshmanan Karuppiah, Harry Q. Lee
  • Publication number: 20110085164
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated spectral calibration of a spectroscopy device. A method for simultaneous calibration and spectral imaging of a sample by: simultaneously illuminating the sample and a calibrant with a plurality of illuminating photons; receiving, at the spectrometer, a first plurality of photons collected from the sample and a second plurality of photons collected from the calibrant; forming a calibrant spectrum from the first plurality of collected photons and a sample spectrum from the second plurality of collected photons; comparing the calibrant spectrum with a reference spectrum of the calibrant to determine a wavelength-shift in the calibrant spectrum; applying the wavelength-shift to the sample spectrum to obtain a calibrated sample spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Chemlmage Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew Nelson, Patrick Treado
  • Publication number: 20110080581
    Abstract: Described herein are spectrometers comprising one or more wavelength-selective filters, such as guided mode resonance filters. Some of the spectrometers described herein are configured for obtaining absorbance spectra in a discrete fashion by measuring absorbances of a sample at multiple discrete wavelengths or wavelength bands. In another aspect, methods are also provided for obtaining spectra, images and chemical maps of samples in a discrete fashion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Rohit Bhargava, Brian T. Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20110063611
    Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing the quantum efficiency of a photocathode used in an intensified an intensified array detector with a photocathode, such as a charge-coupled device (ICCD) are presented. A quantum efficiency enhancement device is disposed in front of an ICCD and is configured to enable or facilitate an increase in the angle of incidence of incoming rays incident on the photocathode. The ICCD itself may be tilted to achieve an increased angle of incidence, and such tilting is preferably only in a direction in which pixel columns of the ICCD extend such that a plane of incidence of incoming light to the ICCD is perpendicular to a direction of wavelength dispersion. The quantum efficiency enhancement device may include re-imaging optics, an optical tilt compensator and optical coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: March 17, 2011
    Applicant: ITT MANUFACTURING ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas H. Chyba, Thomas Stewart McKechnie
  • Patent number: 7899650
    Abstract: In one aspect, a signal processing system includes a processor, an I/O device operatively associated with the processor, and a memory device bearing instructions configured to cause the processor to obtain a representation of signal data over a data domain and position a sliding-window over a portion of the signal data, such portion corresponding to a sliding-window domain, to analyze the signal data within the sliding-window domain to detect the presence of a signature multiplet and, based on the analysis of the data, to estimate the pedestal of the signal data within the sliding-window domain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: University Of Maryland, Baltimore County
    Inventors: Abhijit Yeshwantpur, Joel M. Morris
  • Publication number: 20110043801
    Abstract: A tunable laser light source having emission wavelengths in a visible or an adjoining spectral region includes a rotationally disposed laser substrate having more than one emission wavelength, a drive unit coupled to the laser substrate, a pulsed light source having a pulse transmitter, a trigger device, and a signal-delay unit. The trigger device, the signal-delay unit and the pulse transmitter are sequentially connected downstream of the drive unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: KARLSRUHER INSTITUT FUER TECHNOLOGIE
    Inventors: Thomas Woggon, Soenke Klinkhammer, Sebastian Valouch, Johannes Bach, Uli Lemmer
  • Patent number: 7894064
    Abstract: An optical device includes an aperture stop that limits an angular extent of light from an illuminated sample. A first lens is positioned between the aperture stop and a detector plane. A second lens is positioned between the first lens and the detector plane and is operable to map light from the aperture stop to the detector plane such that the light is averaged at the detector plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Stephan R. Clark, Brett E. Dahlgren
  • Patent number: 7884337
    Abstract: A fluorescence microscope 11 includes an objective lens 101, a dichroic mirror 102, a half mirror 105, a mirror 106, a laser light source 111, an ND filter 112, a beam expander 113, a mirror 114, a spatial light modulator 115, a lens 131, a band pass filter 132, a spatial light modulator 133, and a detector, etc. The spatial light modulator 115 can vary its spatial light modulation, and can set the number, positions, and shapes of regions to be irradiated with excitation light in the determined specimen 1 by irradiating the determined specimen 1 with spatially modulated excitation light via the subsequent optical system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
    Inventors: Yutaka Hasegawa, Yasunori Igasaki
  • Patent number: 7880877
    Abstract: A detection system is used during irradiation of an interaction region of a structure with laser light. The structure includes embedded material. The detection system includes means for receiving light emitted from the interaction region. The detection system further includes means for separating the received light into a spectrum of wavelengths. The detection system further includes means for analyzing at least a portion of the spectrum for indications of embedded material within the interaction region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Loma Linda University Medical Center
    Inventors: Paul E. Denney, Jay R. Eastman, Ta-Chieh Huang
  • Patent number: 7829345
    Abstract: A method for detection of a peroxide-based compound includes directing ultraviolet light from an ultraviolet light source toward a location remote from the ultraviolet light source, where the ultraviolet light induces photodissociation of a peroxide-based compound located at the remote source into hydroxyl radicals and excitation of the hydroxyl radicals to fluoresce, capturing any fluorescence from the remote location that has been induced by the ultraviolet light directed from the ultraviolet light source toward the remote location, and analyzing the fluorescence that has been captured from the remote location to determine the presence of the peroxide-based compound at the remote location. A system for detection of a peroxide-based compound that performs such method steps is also described herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven Andrew MacDonald
  • Publication number: 20100231728
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Richard A. Holub
  • Publication number: 20100208254
    Abstract: A method of measuring scattered light on an optical system includes: providing a first measuring field and a second measuring field, both measuring fields respectively being either of a first light manipulation type or a second light manipulation type, which first light manipulation type is configured to cause incoming light to enter the optical system and which second light manipulation type is configured to prevent incoming light from entering the optical system, and both measuring fields respectively having a second light manipulation type reference structure and a respective measuring structure, which measuring structures are of the second light manipulation type in the case where the measuring fields are of the first light manipulation type, and are first light manipulation type regions of the measuring fields in the case where the measuring fields are of the second light manipulation type, wherein the measuring structures of the respective measuring fields are offset in different directions in relation
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: Carl Zeiss SMT AG
    Inventor: Michael ARNZ
  • Publication number: 20100177308
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spectrometer for analysing the optical emission of a sample by means of pulsed excitation of an optical spectral emission, having an excitation source, a gap arrangement, at least one dispersive element and having detectors for the emitted spectrum, in which two beam paths are provided with two dispersive elements, the first dispersive element of which images the spectrum of the emission onto a number of spatially resolving detectors and the second dispersive element of which images the spectrum of the emission onto a number of time-resolving detectors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: Spectro Analytical Instruments GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfram Bohle, Ulrich Heynen
  • Publication number: 20100168586
    Abstract: Optical imaging or spectroscopy described can use laminar optical tomography (LOT), diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS), or the like. An incident beam is scanned across a target. An orthogonal or oblique optical response can be obtained, such as concurrently at different distances from the incident beam. The optical response from multiple incident wavelengths can be concurrently obtained by dispersing the response wavelengths in a direction orthogonal to the response distances from the incident beam. Temporal correlation can be measured, from which flow and other parameters can be computed. An optical conduit can enable endoscopic or laparoscopic imaging or spectroscopy of internal target locations. An articulating arm can communicate the light for performing the LOT, DCS, or the like. The imaging can find use for skin cancer diagnosis, such as distinguishing lentigo maligna (LM) from lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: The Trustees of Columbia University in the City of New York
    Inventors: Elizabeth Marjorie Clare Hillman, Sean A. Burgess
  • Patent number: 7724298
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an image processing system and an image processing method, an image pickup apparatus and an image pickup method, and an image display device and an image display method, which can faithfully pick up and display the colors of an object. Slit light of an optical image of the object that has passed through a slit 42 is divided into a spectrum by a light divider 43. A light sensor 44 outputs image data based on the spectrum of the slit light of the optical image of the object. A micromirror array 74 causes the exiting of reflection light formed by extracting spectrum portions based on the image data from a spectrum of incident white light from a light divider 73. The spectrum portions of the reflection light exiting from the micromirror array 74 are synthesized by a spectrum synthesizer 77 and are projected onto a screen 111. The present invention is applicable to the image processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Tetsujiro Kondo, Tetsushi Kokubo, Hitoshi Mukai, Hirofumi Hibi, Tsugihiko Haga, Kenji Tanaka
  • Publication number: 20100110427
    Abstract: A system and process for analyzing a sample includes an excitation section and an analyze section, said excitation section including a light source emitting an incident measurement luminous beam, a polarisation state generator (PSG), first optics, and said analyze section includes a polarisation state analyzer (PSA), a detection system and second optics. The excitation section includes an illumination source emitting an incident visualization luminous beam, superposition optics that direct the incident visualization luminous beam toward the sample surface along an optical axis which is identical to the optical axis of the incident measurement luminous beam and the analyze section includes separation optics that transmit a part of the reflected or transmitted visualization luminous beam and a part of the reflected or transmitted measurement luminous beam towards a visualization direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: Horiba Jobin Yvon SAS
    Inventors: Pascal Amary, Ramdane Benferhat, Denis Cattelan
  • Patent number: 7710561
    Abstract: Methods are disclosed of generating a visible image of an object or scene under study. At least a portion of the object or scene under study is illuminated with light outside a visible portion of an electromagnetic spectrum. Light scattered by the object or scene under study is received. The received light is spectroscopically analyzed for volume elements of the object or scene under study. A respective qualitative feature of the object or scene under study is identified at least one of the volume elements. Visible light is propagated to the at least one of the volume elements according to the respective qualitative feature of the object or scene under study at the at least one of the volume elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Inventor: Richard Stefan Roth
  • Publication number: 20100056928
    Abstract: A hyperspectral imaging system having an optical path. The system including an illumination source adapted to output a light beam, the light beam illuminating a target, a dispersing element arranged in the optical path and adapted to separate the light beam into a plurality of wavelengths, a digital micromirror array adapted to tune the plurality of wavelengths into a spectrum, an optical device having a detector and adapted to collect the spectrum reflected from the target and arranged in the optical path and a processor operatively connected to and adapted to control at least one of: the illumination source; the dispersing element; the digital micromirror array; the optical device; and, the detector, the processor further adapted to output a hyperspectral image of the target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventors: Karel ZUZAK, Jeffrey A. CADEDDU, Rafael UFRET-VINCENTY, Robert P. FRANCIS, Edward LIVINGSTON
  • Patent number: 7660188
    Abstract: The present invention provides a seismic exploration and imaging system for producing seismic survey reports of subsea geological structures. The exploration system provides a method in which both P-waves and S-waves are detected without the need for placing detection apparatus in contact the seabed. A seismic event is applied (12) to the earth's surface (13), and the detected response including P-waves and S-waves in the earth's. The detecting apparatus comprises a means for monitoring and recording the response to the seismic event in the form of movements of particles at the earth's surface, from a position spaced from the earth's surface. Particles at the surface will respond both to P-wave and S-wave stimulation and so their movements will be representative of the two waves. These movements are detected from a distance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Statoil ASA
    Inventor: Paul Meldahl
  • Patent number: 7656523
    Abstract: A device (and methods of using and manufacturing the device) that utilize a plurality of photomultipliers (PMT)s or a photodiodes coupled with a set of filters to collect Raman signal from samples. Also a method of detecting Raman signals includes receiving Raman signals from a sample utilizing a plurality of photomultiplier tubes (PMT)s or photodiodes, wherein at least one PMT or photodiode provides a different Raman signal than at least one other PMT or photodiode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Lei Sun, Tae-Woong Koo, Liming Wang
  • Patent number: 7636154
    Abstract: A detection system and method are provided having vehicle-mounted and manportable mobile surveillance capabilities with minimal equipment redundancy. The system comprises a vehicle-mounted sensor unit, a hand-held unit, a manportable unit and a vehicle-mounted air collector unit. The vehicle-mounted sensor unit comprises a spectroscopy subsystem that is configured to direct light onto a surface outside the vehicle and to capture scattered optical energy from the surface outside the vehicle while the vehicle is moving. The hand-held unit may be removably mounted to the air collector unit to interrogate airborne particles in collected air. The hand-held unit is removable from the air collector unit and is connected to the manportable unit by a cable so as to form an integrated portable detection system for mobile surveillance away from the vehicle by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2009
    Assignee: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard N. LaValley, Robert Almassy
  • Publication number: 20090279074
    Abstract: A critical wavelength refractometer is provided. A broadband light source (413) is optically coupled to a sensor (401), the sensor having at least one sensing surface (407). As the light from the broadband light source passes through the sensor, it undergoes multiple internal reflections against the sensing surface. Due to the index of refraction of the material in contact with the sensing surface, a portion of the light passing through the sensor is reflected while a second portion of the light is transmitted through the sensing surface and into the material. A detector (421) coupled to the sensor measures the spectral intensity of the light that passes completely through the sensor after having undergone the multiple internal reflections against the sensing surface. A microprocessor (423) coupled to the detector determines the critical wavelength based on the spectral intensity measurement, thereby allowing the index of refraction of the material to be determined.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2008
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: George A. Seaver
  • Publication number: 20090248320
    Abstract: Systems and methods for unmixing spectroscopic data using nonnegative matrix factorization during spectrographic data processing are provided according to various embodiments. In an embodiment, a method of processing spectrographic data may include receiving optical absorbance data associated with a sample and iteratively computing values for component spectra using nonnegative matrix factorization. The values for component spectra may be iteratively computed until optical absorbance data is approximately equal to a Hadamard product of a pathlength matrix and a matrix product of a concentration matrix and a component spectra matrix. The method may also include iteratively computing values for pathlength using nonnegative matrix factorization, in which pathlength values may be iteratively computed until optical absorbance data is approximately equal to a Hadamard product of the pathlength matrix and the matrix product of the concentration matrix and the component spectra matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: Nellcor Puritan Benett LLC
    Inventor: Steven E. Pav
  • Publication number: 20090201497
    Abstract: An optofluidic device is provided. The device includes a cladding region having a first refractive index, and a channel defined by the cladding region such that the cladding region forms an inner surface or an interface of the channel. The channel is configured to house one or more of a liquid, a solid, a gas, a colloidal, or a suspension sample, wherein the sample has a second refractive index, where the channel is configured to guide radiation, and where the first refractive index is lower than the second refractive index.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2006
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Anis Zribi, Wei-Cheng Tian, Yuan-Hsiang Lee, Min-Yi Shih
  • Publication number: 20090185182
    Abstract: A hyperspectral reflectance and fluorescence line-scan imaging system is used for on-line quality and safety inspection of agricultural commodities. The system simultaneously acquires hyperspectral/multispectral combinations of both fluorescence and reflectance images of the agricultural commodities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Inventors: Moon S. Kim, Yud-Ren Chen, Kuanglin Chao, Alan M. Lefcourt
  • Publication number: 20090174879
    Abstract: An apparatus for optical analysis of value documents (BN) possesses a recording area (14) in which a value document (BN) is located during analysis, and a spectrographic device (16). The latter has a spatially dispersing optical device (29) for at least partly decomposing optical radiation coming from the recording area (14) into spectrally separate spectral components propagating in different directions according to the wavelength, a detection device (30) locally resolving in at least one spatial direction for detecting the spectral components, and a collimating and focusing optic (28) for collimating the optical radiation directed from the recording area (14) onto the dispersing device (29) and for focusing at least some of the spectral components formed by means of the dispersing optical device (29) onto the detection device (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: GIESECKE & DEVRIENT GMBH
    Inventors: Michael Bloss, Martin Clara, Wolfgang Deckenbach
  • Publication number: 20090168060
    Abstract: The present solution is directed to a measuring system and a method for determining spectrometric measurement results with high accuracy. The spectrometric measuring system, comprises a radiation source, an entrance slit, a dispersion element, and a detector with detector elements arranged in a linear or matrix-shaped manner in one or more planes. The detector has an even distribution of at least two different wavelength-selective filters on its detector elements. While detectors from photography and video applications are used for this purpose, use of the invention is not limited to the visible spectral region. Further, color filters on the pixels may be omitted or modified in the manufacturing process. It is also possible to use other types of detectors in which the wavelength-selective filters and associated detectors are arranged one behind each other in a plurality of planes in which complete color information is available to each individual picture point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: CARL ZEISS MICROIMAGING GMBH
    Inventors: Felix Kerstan, Nico Correns, Joerg Margraf
  • Patent number: 7534576
    Abstract: A Method for identifying one or a small number of molecules, especially in a dilution of ?1 ?M, using laser excited FCS with measuring times ?500 ms and short diffusion paths of the molecules to be analyzed, wherein the measurement is performed in small volume units of preferably ?10?14 l, by determining material-specific parameters which are determined by luminescence measurements of molecules to be examined. The device which can be preferably used for performing the method according to the invention is a per se known system of microscope optics for laser focusing for fluorescence excitation in a small measuring compartment of a very diluted solution and for imaging the emitted light in the subsequent measurement through confocal imaging wherein at least one system of optics with high numerical aperture of preferably ?1.2 N.A.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Rudolf Rigler, Manfred Eigen, Karsten Henco, Ulo Mets, Jerker Widengren, Michael Stuke, Michael Brinkmeyer, Wolfgang Simm, Olaf Lehman
  • Patent number: 7533000
    Abstract: A method of analyzing a dataset of spectra is provided in which each spectrum has a count value for each of a number of parameter values within a parameter range. The method is for identifying one or more parameter values that exhibit a significant variation within the dataset. A dataset of spectra is obtained and a statistical analysis is applied to the count values for each of the parameter values. The result of the analysis for each parameter value is a function of the variation in the count values. A spectrum that is representative of at least part of the dataset of spectra is then displayed together with the results of the statistical analysis. A corresponding computer program and system for performing the method are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Oxford Instruments Analytical Limited
    Inventors: Peter John Statham, Charles Penman
  • Publication number: 20090061055
    Abstract: A system for measuring starch gelatinization in a feed production system. The system includes a feed production system configured to generate an extruded feed from a feed mixture using a combination of steam and pressure to cook the feed in an extruder, a near infrared spectrometer configured to measure a degree of starch gelatinization for the extruded feed, and a starch gelatinization measurement engine configured to generate a measurement of the degree of starch gelatinization in the extruded feed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Mark D. Newcomb, Jason L. Shelton, Julie R. Schuette, James E. Graves
  • Publication number: 20090051914
    Abstract: Methods (600) and systems (100) for inspecting an indirect bandgap semiconductor structure (140) are described. A light source (110) generates light (612) suitable for inducing photoluminescence in the indirect bandgap semiconductor structure (140). A short-pass filter unit (114) reduces long-wavelength light of the generated light above a specified emission peak. A collimator (112) collimates (616) the light. A large area of the indirect bandgap semiconductor structure (140) is substantially uniformly and simultaneously illuminated (618) with the collimated, short-pass filtered light. An image capture device (130) captures (620) images of photoluminescence simultaneously induced by the substantially uniform, simultaneous illumination incident across the large area of the indirect bandgap semiconductor structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: BT Imaging Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Thorsten Trupke, Robert Andrew Bardos
  • Publication number: 20090040519
    Abstract: A system and method to obtain a variable field of view (FOV) of a sample without requiring an increase in an imaging CCD array size. In a fiber array spectral translator (FAST) based chemical imaging system, the fibers in the fiber bundle may be organized in different 2D “zones”. Each zone may include a predetermined number of fibers. Each 2D zone of fibers at the signal input end is organized as a separate linear array (1D) at the spectrometer slit input end. Depending on the user-selected FOV, one or more zones of fibers may be selected for signal input (into the spectrometer) by a motorized mobile slit port or linear translating stage, which will sequentially scan output from each selected linear fiber array into the spectrometer slit. The user can switch from one FOV size to another, thereby activating the linear translating stage to gather signals from appropriate linear fiber arrays corresponding to fiber zones associated with the selected FOV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2007
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Inventor: Jingyun Zhang
  • Patent number: 7460229
    Abstract: A spectroscopic microscope includes a laser or other light source which emits light from the entrance aperture of its spectrograph, and also includes a light sensor situated on the microscope sample stage upon which a specimen is to be situated for microscopic/spectrometric analysis. The sample stage is positioned such that the signal from the light sensor is maximized, thereby indicating good alignment between the sample stage and spectrograph. Additionally, the microscope sample stage bears a light source which can emit light to be detected by a light sensor situated at the vantage point of a user/viewer utilizing the microscope, and such a light sensor can simply take the form of a video camera or other image recordation unit associated with the microscope. The sample stage can also be positioned to optimize the signal at the light sensor to signify good alignment between the sample stage and the microscope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: Thermo Electron Scientific Instruments LLC
    Inventors: Francis J. Deck, Joe Hodkiewicz
  • Patent number: 7456399
    Abstract: A method comprising obtaining a first set of spectral data for a first sample film measured by a first system, extracting intensities for one or more elemental species associated with the first sample film to provide a first set of extracted intensities using a function, and determining a first quantitative characteristic associated with the first sample film using the first set of extracted intensities. Next, obtain a second set of spectral data measured for a comparable sample film measured by a second photoelectron spectroscopy system. Next, apply the same function and continually adjust the function to extract intensities for the respective elemental species associated with the comparable sample film to provide a second set of corrected-extracted intensities. A second quantitative characteristic for the comparable sample is determined. The function is continually adjusted until the determined second quantitative characteristic closely or substantially matches the first quantitative characteristic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: ReVera Incorporated
    Inventor: Eric J. Soderstrom
  • Patent number: 7457721
    Abstract: Without using an interferometer, small displacement and/or three-dimensional shape of an object is detected in a noncontact way with high accuracy using pseudo-phase information calculated from e.g., a speckle pattern having a spatially random structure. A speckle image of the test object of the before displacement is obtained, and a spatial frequency spectrum is calculated by executing an N-dimensional Fourier transform for this. The complex analytic signal is obtained by setting the amplitude of frequency spectrum in the half plane including zero frequency in this amplitude distribution to zero, and executing the frequency spectrum amplitude in the half plane of the remainder in the inverse Fourier transform. And then, the amplitude value of this complex analytic signal is replaced with the constant value, a part of the obtained analytic signal domain is clipped, the phase information is calculated by the phase-only correlation function, and the cross-correlation peak in N-dimension is obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: The University of Electro-Communications
    Inventors: Mitsuo Takeda, Wei Wang, Nobuo Ishii, Yoko Miyamoto
  • Publication number: 20080285027
    Abstract: Most scanning systems today employ the conventional prior art method of using mirrors, moving the lens, rotating the slit, and moving the internal optics of the system. This system moves the slit plane across the projected focal plane that is formed by the fore/objective lens. The basic system includes a camera/sensor, a dispersive spectrograph with entrance slit, a computer with control software, an encoded stage and/or motor control, an objective lens, a computer, and an enclosure. The system works as a stationary enclosure with internal moving parts. The spectrograph and camera are moved in precision by a linear stage in the vertical or horizontal plane depending on whether the slit is vertically set or horizontally set. The precision movement of the assembly is controlled via an intelligent motor controller interface and customized software.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Mark Allen Lanoue