Abstract: An optical coherence tomography imaging device (OCT device) splits laser light emitted from a light source into measurement light for irradiating an object and reference light for irradiating a reference mirror, then analyze the interference light formed by combining scattered measurement light reflected back from the object and reflected reference light reflected from the reference mirror in order to generate tomographic images. An OCT device includes a probe, which is used for irradiating the object with measurement light and collecting scattered measurement light that is reflected back from the object, and an OCT main unit, which includes a light source for emitting measurement light. The probe is arranged on an odonto-therapy unit equipped with an instrument hanger, and includes a probe-connection optical fiber for transmitting measurement light and scattered measurement light. The probe-connection optical fiber is detachably connected to the OCT main unit.

Abstract: A three-dimensional scanner according to one aspect of the embodiments includes an irradiation unit, an imaging unit, a position detecting unit, and a scanning-region determining unit. The irradiation unit emits a slit-shaped light beam while changing an irradiation position with respect to a measuring object. The imaging unit sequentially captures images of the measuring object irradiated with the light beam. The position detecting unit detects a position of the light beam in an image captured by the imaging unit by scanning the image. The scanning-region determining unit determines a scanning region in an image as a scanning target by the position detecting unit based on a position of the light beam in an image captured by the imaging unit before the image as a scanning target.

Abstract: An on-chip micro-fluidic device (10) fabricated using a semiconductor material. The device has a micro-fluidic channel or chamber (14) defined within the material and one or more monolithically integrated semiconductor lasers (12) operate to form an optical trap in the channel or chamber (14).

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.

Abstract: A laser system (10) for use in photonic excitation investigation of a target object, in which the target object interacts with incident photons and emits a corresponding photon which is detected and used to generate an image of the target object. The laser system (10) includes a pulsed fiber laser (14) for producing a laser beam, and a non-linear photonic crystal fiber (16) for carrying the laser beam from the laser (14) to an instrument (18) for photonically exciting the target object. The photonic crystal fiber (16) allows for switching, or tuning, the wavelength of the laser beam. In two-photon microscopy, the laser system (10) allows for providing multiple wavelengths for exciting a plurality of different fluorophores simultaneously. In coherent Raman imaging and spectroscopy, the laser system (110) allows for using a single laser to provide two laser beams of different wavelengths.

Abstract: A method for monitoring hydrogen gas and a hydrogen flame wherein an object light having a wavelength of about 309 nm and resulting from two or more laser beams, which have been irradiated to a space to be monitored, is collected and converted to an electronic image, and the electronic image is amplified and converted back to an optical image, thereby imaging a spatial intensity distribution of light at a specific wavelength. A device for monitoring hydrogen gas and a hydrogen flame, which comprises two or more laser beam sources, means for collecting an object light having a wavelength of about 309 nm and resulting from laser beams, which have been irradiated to a space to be monitored, image producing means for converting the object light to an electronic image, amplifying the electronic image, and converting back the amplified electronic image to an optical image, and means for imaging a spatial intensity distribution of light at a specific wavelength.

Abstract: Luminous intensity and chromaticity of each luminescent light source are measured for an impressed current value, a mixing ratio of intensities of lights emitted from luminescent light sources required for synthesizing lighting intensity with the preset chromaticity at the luminous intensity instructed by an instruction value is computed with a theoretical equation for computing changes in chromaticity correlating to changes in luminous intensities of the luminescent light sources for color synthesis (ST33), luminous intensities of each luminous light source for generating a luminous intensity instructed by an instruction value from a mixing ratio are computed (ST34), and the impressed current value required for making each luminous light source emit light at the luminous intensity is read out from the characteristics of luminous light sources (ST35).

Abstract: The surface specific optical diagnostic system includes a first optical source for providing a first laser input directable to an area of a surface to be interrogated. A second optical source provides a second laser input directable to that surface area. These lasers are alignable so that their surface areas of optical illumination overlap on the interrogated surface. An output wavelength discriminator receives reflections of the first and second laser inputs from the interrogated surface. The output wavelength discriminator is substantially non-transmissive at the frequencies of the first laser input and the second laser input but is substantially transmissive at the sum-frequency of the first laser input and the second laser input. Imaging optics receive an output of the wavelength discriminator and direct the propagation of the output so that a real image is formed after propagation through the imaging optics.

Abstract: First and second laser inputs are directed to a location on a semiconductor wafer to be interrogated. A first signal analyzer receives a first light signal at a first second-harmonic wavelength generated by the first laser input and converts the signal to a first electronic signal, thus monitoring the intensity of the first second-harmonic wavelength as a function of contamination. A second surface optical signal analyzer provides a similar function at a second second-harmonic wavelength generated by the second laser input and provides a second electronic signal. A third surface optical signal analyzer receives a third light signal at a sum-frequency wavelength generated by the first laser input and the second laser input on the semiconductor wafer to be interrogated and converts the light signal to a third electronic signal. An electronic signal analyzer compares the first, second and third electronic signals for determining the level of semiconductor wafer contamination.

Abstract: Two laser inputs having pulse durations of about 50-100 femtoseconds are directed to an area of a surface to be interrogated. The lasers are aligned so that their surface areas of optical illumination overlap on the interrogated surface. An optical delay line temporarily synchronizes the two inputs. An output wavelength discriminator receives reflections of the inputs from the interrogated surface and is substantially non-transmissive at the frequencies of the first laser input and the second laser input, but is substantially transmissive at the sum-frequency of the first input and the second input. Imaging optics direct the propagation of the output so that a real image is formed. A position sensitive detector monitors the intensity of the real image at the sum-frequency and an electronic signal equivalent to the real image is provided.

Abstract: A spectrophotometer and spectrophotometry method, using a precision drive at a photodiode array which precisely moves the photodiode array by a distance equal to the physical interval between the photodiodes of the photodiode array so that the spectrophotometer and spectrophotometry method primarily measures light intensities of incident light by the photodiode array, and when precisely moves the photodiode array using the drive by the distance equal to the physical interval between photodiodes of the photodiode array, measures the light intensities of the incident light at desired positions corresponding to the intervals.

Abstract: In an atomic absorption photometer, depending on a fact whether a background correction is carried out or not, a pattern of a pulse lighting of light sources and a timing of sampling a light receiving signal are changed. Namely, at the time of a background correction measurement, one cycle is divided into three periods, that is, a period of lighting HCL, a period of lighting D2L, and an off period, and at the time of a measurement without a background correction, one cycle is divided into the period of lighting HCL and the off period. Accordingly, at the time of the measurement without the background correction, the period of lighting HCL and the off period become longer, and signal-to-noise ratio of the light receiving signal is improved. Accordingly, an absorbance with high accuracy can be calculated.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for the analysis of pharmaceutical specimens by nondestructively obtaining the molecular data for a chemical component on the surface or within the matrix of a pharmaceutical specimen.

Abstract: A system and method for real time process control, using a linearly swept tunable laser, which allows high speed in-situ monitoring and control of wavelength-specific properties of optical components. The invention comprises scanning an optical component with a high speed, high linearity tunable laser, and detecting optical output from the component during the scanning. Preferably, the invention also includes adjusting or controlling the optical properties of the component during scanning, according to detected optical output from the component. The invention is embodied in a process control system comprising a high speed, high linearity, tunable operatively coupled to an optical component which in turn is operatively coupled to an optical detector. A system control processor is operatively coupled to the tunable laser and detector. A processing control unit is associated with the optical component and is operatively coupled to the system control processor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for determining the dimension of an object. The apparatus of the present invention includes a transmitter that is positioned at a first point of interest on an object. The transmitter transmits a scanning light beam rotated at a predetermined angular velocity. Located at a second point of interest on the object is a target. At least a portion of the target defines a first plane that reflects the scanning light beam as the scanning light beam traverses across the target. To receive the reflected signal from the target, the apparatus of the present invention further includes a receiver positioned at the first point of interest. Additionally, the apparatus of the present invention includes a processor for processing the reflected signal and determining the dimensions of the object. In operation, the scanning light beam scans the target, where the radius of the arc that the light beam traverses across the target defines the dimension of the object.

Abstract: To calculate the distance and angle of a measuring platform with respect to reference marks, fans of light are emitted from the measuring platform by light emitters. The light emitters are therefore arranged on a circular path about the central axis to rotate in such a manner that the fans of light are emitted tangentially to the circular path. The distance and the angle can be calculated on the basis of the angle of the reflected fans of light received on the measuring platform by the trigonometric method. This arrangement according to the invention results in precise measurements of the distance and the angle in one circular passage of the light emitter, even when the measuring platform is moving.

Abstract: A multiple optical head interferometer comprises one Light Source-Detection-Computing unit and multiple optical heads. The diameters of all of the optical heads are of equal size, and oriented in the same direction. Shutters or adjustable mirrors are provided such that the Light Source-Detection-Computing unit is used with only one optical head at a time. The multiple optical head interferometer of the present invention may measure many workpieces quickly in a short time, as while one workpiece is being measured, others may be setup for measurement or removed for further processing. In a first embodiment, the branching device for branching the laser beam comprises a plurality of beam splitters. Shutters are used to control which optical head is to be used with the Light Source-Detection-Computing unit at a particular time. In the second and preferred embodiment of the present invention, branching out of the optical heads is achieved by using adjustable mirrors and reflection.

Abstract: A light beam, preferably from a laser, is reflected from a target, which is a potential intruder. The time period required for the beam to return to a light detector, as well as the intensity of the reflected light, is recorded. The system includes a computer and software for analyzing the measurements of distance and intensity of reflected light. The algorithm for detecting the presence of an intruder is based on changes in the measured distance and/or intensity of reflected light from initial measurements made during a "learning" period. The system tracks targets using data collected in consecutive searches of the area to be protected. Preferably, an alarm is sounded and/or a video camera is slaved to the system.

Abstract: An optical device for wavelength monitoring and wavelength control. The optical device has an optical element having a first surface and a second surface not parallel to each other. The optical element separates a light beam supplied to the first surface into a first beam reflected on the first surface, a second beam passed through the first surface, reflected on the second surface, and passed through the first surface again, and a third beam passed through the first surface and the second surface in this order. An optical filter is provided so as to transmit the first and second beams. The optical filter has wavelength characteristics different according to an incidence angle. The first and second beams passed through the optical filter are supplied to first and second photodetectors, respectively. On the basis of such a difference in wavelength characteristic, the wavelength of the light beam can be monitored according to outputs from the first and second photodetectors.

Abstract: A high-resolution range imaging system and method can sense the presence of and determine the position or range of each point on the surface of an object through triangulation calculation methods. A moving pattern of light is projected onto the object to be imaged. This resulting moving light pattern, comprised of vertical planes of light, is achieved by projecting light through a moving mask having a DeBruijn code formed thereon, the light being projected through the mask to provide blurring. The light source has a slit or the like which is between one and two times as wide as the narrowest stripe on the mask. Each light ray of the incoming reflected light pattern is recorded by a detecting device, such as a charge coupled device camera (CCD camera). The detecting device measures the blurring of the light pattern and records the associated gray-scale value, a measurement of the reflected light intensity, at each pixel location.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for the characterization of a sample containing a macromolecule in solution. A light source illuminates the sample, generally in the ultraviolet-visible wavelength range, and a plurality of sensors that are radially disposed about the sample at a plurality of observation angles simultaneously sense the light energy emerging from the sample. An intensity spectrum is calculated as a function of wavelength for each observation angle, from which is calculated a particle characteristic such as shape, conformational change, composition, and particle size distribution. Both scattering and absorption data are utilized to provide complementary information.

Abstract: A light having a single wavelength which is emitted from a light emitting element comprising a light emitting diode, a semiconductor laser or the like is changed to a parallel light by a collimator lens. The parallel light emitted from the collimator lens which has been changed or is being changed to such a beam as to keep a small beam diameter for a long distance by a conical lens is irradiated on a surface of an object to be measured. The light diffused from the surface of the object to be measured is collected into a position detecting element by a condenser lens so that a distance on the surface of the object to be measured can be measured.

Abstract: The present invention offers a light scanner which is compact and highly precise during high-speed operation, has a long lifespan, and is resistant to influence by external acceleration. Specifically, a light beam emitted from an optical source 20 is separated into two light beams by means of a light beam separation means 30, and these light beams are deflected by a mirror 43 on the scanner 40. On of the light beams is used for the object of usage, while the other light beam is made incident on a photo detector 50 which outputs a signal based on the incident position of the light beam, in order to determine the deflection angle of the light beam based on vibrations of the mirror 43.

Abstract: An optical radar device has a vertical deflecting device which deflects an optical beam so as to emit the optical beam horizontally in a first half of reciprocal scanning in a horizontal direction and a part thereof upwards by a predetermined angle in a second half thereof. Thus, the optical radar device can detect both objects each with a reflecting portion installed at a low position such as a car and at a high position such as a truck.

Abstract: A first light receiving portion and a second light receiving portion are provided on the upper surface of a moving body having driving wheels at an interval of a prescribed distance in a plane. The first light receiving portion and the second light receiving portion rotate around the axis in the vertical direction. On the other hand, a first light emitting portion and a second light emitting portion are provided on the side face of a station serving as a reference station at an interval of a prescribed distance in a plane. The first and second light receiving portions carry out sampling while rotating, so that the quantity of light reception is changed according to the directivities of the first and second light receiving portions. When the peaks of the directivities of the first and second light receiving portions match the direction of the first light emitting portion or the second light emitting portion, the quantity of light reception is maximized.

Abstract: A laser beam projection apparatus is capable of supplying laser beams finely converged on an object at all times irrespective of a distance to the object. The laser beam projection apparatus has a laser beam generator, including a focus adjusting device, for supplying laser beams periodically swept within one plane and, at the same time, converged at a controllable distance, a light receiving element for receiving reflected laser beams from a predetermined object and generating an output signal, a distance calculating unit for calculating a distance to the object on the basis of the output signal and a controller for operating the focus adjusting device so that the swept laser beams are converged in a position corresponding to the calculated distance. The controller can change a sweep speed of the laser beam in accordance with a change in the calculated distance. The controller cna change a sweep speed of the laser beam in accordance with a change in the calculated distance.

Abstract: Improved transmitter and receiver units for use in spatial measurement system that are easy and inexpensive to manufacture while providing a high degree of reliability are disclosed. Specifically, the laser transmitter includes a laser emitter, a bearing/motor assembly coupled to the laser emitter, the bearing/motor assembly including a rotatable hollow spindle shaft through which a laser beam generated by the laser emitter passes and a motor for driving the spindle shaft, a prism assembly coupled to the spindle shaft, wherein the prism assembly divides the laser beam generated by the laser emitter into a pair of fanned laser beams, and reflecting means for reflecting the fanned laser beams generated by the prism assembly as counter-rotating fanned laser beams. The receiver unit preferably includes at least one optical receiver coupled to an extension member, a processing unit coupled to the optical receiver, and a receiver interface coupled to the processing unit.

Abstract: A safety distance measuring device employing an electromagnetic wave is provided. A laser diode 2 is energized to emit laser beams by a laser diode drive circuit 3 in accordance with a clock signal generated by a control circuit 29. The emitted laser beams are sequentially changed to predetermined scanning directions by a scanner 1 associated with control circuit 29. The scanned laser beams from scanner 1 are reflected by an object 19 to be received by a photodiode 5. An output of the photodiode is applied to control circuit 29 through a light receiving circuit 6 where an elapsed time from emission to receipt is computed to obtain a distance from scanner 1 to object 19. Based on data relating to scanning directions by a scanning position detector 4, a begin-and-end detecting circuit 28 can stop the radiation of electromagnetic waves around a scanning start point and a scanning end point which is danger to human bodies.

Abstract: A distance-velocity predicting system has an illuminator for projecting a light beam for searching for an obstacle, and a plurality of position sensors spaced at a distance corresponding to a base line length. A minimum value of a distance component from the base line to an obstacle lying in a direction perpendicular to the base line, which is obtained from the light beam and the position sensors, or a value in the neighborhood of the minimum value, is sampled to obtain time-series data, and a relative velocity component in a direction perpendicular to the base line with respect to the obstacle is obtained in real time by using the time-series data. The relative velocity component perpendicular to the base line is compared with a predetermined threshold value, and when the relative velocity component exceeds the threshold value, a starting signal for life protecting equipment is generated.

Abstract: A new method for accurately and sequentially growing monolayers and creating new superlattice structures employing a MBE thermal source control technique employing a quasi-double beam atomic absorption background correction measurements with the beam blocked and with the beam unblocked and by calculating the concentration based on the: ##EQU1## and applying corrections for non-linear absorption curves because of comparable spectral bandwidth of the molecular beam.

Abstract: A laser beam from a tunable laser is split into two paths containing an etalon and a sample cell respectively. The two paths are chopped at different frequencies. The paths are combined and fed to a monochromator and then detected by a single detector. Lock-in amplifiers tuned to the chopper frequencies and responsive to the detector output produce signals corresponding to the spectra arising from the etalon and the sample gas absorption. A recorder simultaneously displays the two spectra.