Abstract: A spectrophotometer is provided capable of reducing the influence of the vibration as much as possible when a wavelength dispersion element is rotationally driven and capable of increasing the analysis accuracy. When a fluorescence signal is obtained from the fluorescence detector, the central control unit A/D converts the fluorescence signal at sampling intervals of T1 for vibration convergence determination, and provides the result data to the data processor (S1). At the timing of performing the vibration convergence determination (S2), the data processor performs a predetermined signal processing to the digital signals obtained (S3), and determines whether all the data that have been obtained within a given period of time from the latest data are equal to or smaller than a specified value (S4). If all the data are equal to or smaller than the specified value, it is determined that the diffraction grating's vibration is converged, and the vibration convergence determination operation is terminated.

Abstract: Fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) is a powerful technique increasingly used in the life sciences during the past decades. An all-solid-state fluorescence-lifetime-imaging microscope (1) with a simple lock-in imager (4) for fluorescence lifetime detection is described. The lock-in imager (4), originally developed for 3D vision, embeds all the functionalities required for FLIM in a compact system. Its combination with a light-emitting diode (2) yields a cost-effective and user-friendly FLIM unit for wide-field microscopes. The system is suitable for nanosecond lifetime measurements and achieves video-rate imaging capabilities.

Abstract: A nanostructured optical device includes a metal film or a plurality of metal islands having an array of a plurality of openings having a width that is less than at least one first predetermined wavelength of incident radiation to be provided onto the film or the islands. The metal film or islands are configured such that the incident radiation is resonant with at least one plasmon mode on the metal film or metal islands.

Abstract: Methods and systems for expanding the dynamic range of a system are provided. One method includes splitting fluorescent light emitted by a particle into multiple light paths having different intensities, detecting the fluorescent light in the multiple light paths with different channels to generate multiple signals, and determining which of the channels is operating in a linear range based on the multiple signals. The method also includes altering the signal generated by the channel operating in the linear range to compensate for the different intensities. Another method includes illuminating a particle in multiple illumination zones with light having different intensities and separately detecting fluorescent light emitted by the particle while located in the multiple illumination zones to generate multiple signals. The method also includes determining which of the signals is located in a linear range and altering the signal located in the linear range to compensate for the different intensities.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprises inlets for a sample flow and an out-of-plane focusing sheath flow, and a curved channel section configured to receive the sample flow and out-of-plane focusing sheath and to provide hydrodynamic focusing of the sample flow in an out-of-plane direction, the out-of-plane direction being normal to a plane including the curved channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of obtaining a spectral image of each of a plurality of predetermined chemical species in a sample, comprising: (a) illuminating the sample with a first plurality of photons to produce a second plurality of photons; (b) collecting the second plurality of photons and producing a plurality of images of the sample therefrom, each of said images comprising a frame consisting essentially of a plurality of pixels; (c) for each of the predetermined chemical species, identifying at least one wavelength range at which the chemical specie exhibits a unique absorption of radiation; (d) identifying at least one wavelength range at which none of the predetermined chemical species exhibits an absorption of radiation; (e) in each of the image frames, identifying which of the pixels do not contain any of the predetermined chemical species; (f) in each of the image frames, identifying which of the pixels contain only a first the predetermined chemical species; (g) repeating the previous step for each of

Abstract: A retro-emissive marking system that returns a coded-spectrum optical signal to a source of an interrogation beam is described. The system is valuable for applications such track-and-trace systems, vehicle markings, anti-counterfeit/security, inventory control, animal ear tags, product authentication, identification cards, and security systems; and it also has value as a remotely readable sensor of chemical or biological agents.

Abstract: A system and the method for transport of microscopic objects/particles involving the use of laser source operatively connected to a microscope objective which is adapted to generate optical focal spots on said particle(s) with asymmetric intensity profile in transverse plane followed by varying the said asymmetry of the gradient optical forces on the micron sized object/particles to thereby transport the microscopic object(s). The system and the method can be used to transport microscopic objects including i) transportation of cells and intra-cellular organelles, ii) acceleration of microscopic objects along any direction in a plane transverse to the direction of propagation of laser beam, iii) optical channeling of objects through a micro-capillary from one micro-well to another and transfer to another channel after desired processing, iv) sorting of microscopic objects, v) optical control of micro-machines, micro-fluidic devices etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus architecture for detecting gases, particularly hazardous gases which should be detected in miniscule amounts. High sensitivity detection of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) is set forth with very low probability of false positives (PFP) by the use of an innovative laser-photoacoustic spectrometer (L-PAS). Detection of diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP), a decomposition product of Sarin and a relatively harmless surrogate for the nerve gases, is made in the presence of other gases that are expected to be interferences in an urban setting. Detection sensitivity for DIMP in the presence of these interferences of better than 0.45 ppb, which satisfies current homeland and military security requirements is shown as well as the first analysis of optical techniques for the detection of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) in real world conditions.

Abstract: An automated seed sampler includes a sampling station; a sampler for removing material from a seed in the sampling station; a seed conveyer for conveying the seed from the sampling station to a compartment in a seed tray; and a conveyor for conveying the material removed from the seed to a corresponding compartment in a sample tray. The method of the present invention comprises feeding seeds individually to a sampling station, removing a sample from the seed in the sampling station; conveying the sample to a compartment in a sample tray, and conveying the seed to a corresponding compartment in a seed tray. The samples can be tested, and the seeds can be sorted according to the results of the testing of their corresponding samples.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for depth-resolved spectroscopy. A ball lens may be used to redirect light from a fiber-optic probe so that the light intersects the detection region of a collection probe in a specific depth layer of the specimen. A fiber-optic probe may comprise a collection fiber proximal to a central axis of a ball lens and a pair of illumination fibers distal to the central axis.

Abstract: A readhead for illuminating a sample carrier and receiving light from the sample carrier, including a housing for receiving a sample carrier, an array of light sources mounted within the housing in a fixed position relative to the sample carrier, and including first and second light-emitting diodes for emitting substantially monochromatic light of a two different wavelengths, a light guide mounted in the housing between the light-emitting diodes and the sample carrier, and a light detector coupled to receive light from the sample carrier. The readhead also includes a light source for directing excitation light of a predetermined wavelength to the sample carrier, and a light filter positioned between the sample carrier and the light detector and adapted to prevent passage therethrough of the excitation light. The readhead allows both fluorescence spectroscopy and reflectance spectroscopy to be conducted on the sample carrier.

Abstract: The optical analysis of body fluids is a method of determining the relative concentration of certain bio-molecules in blood and urine samples by fluorescent spectroscopy. The relative concentration of these bio-molecules serves as a marker or screening test to assess the presence and stage of cancer in some organ or tissue of the body, and in some cases, the presence of particular types of cancer in the body. The bio-molecules include various species of porphyrin, flavins (including flavin mononucleotide[FMN], flavin adeno dinucleotide [FAD], and riboflavin), bile components (including biliverdin and bilirubin), tyrosine, tryptophan, and NAD(P)H.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and systems that use acoustic radiation pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spectroscopic method and associated apparatus and computer program for measuring and analysing intensities of fluorescent molecules excited by an energy pulse. The method includes the steps of: a) generating a transient state build-up in the fluorescent molecules by means of an excitation pulse, within which pulse repetitive excitation-emission cycles are induced in the fluorescent molecules between their ground, typically singlet (So) and excited, typically singlet (SO states, resulting also in transition from S] to the transient state, b) relaxation of population of the transient state by transition back to the ground state in a time period following directly after the excitation pulse, c) determination of the transient state population by recording the fluorescence. The invention is characterised by varying pulse characteristics from one sequence of pulses to the next so as to circumvent the need of time-resolution in the detection.

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.

Abstract: An optical modulation spectroscopy system comprises a probe beam source and components for directing the probe beam at a sample. It also may comprise a modulated pump beam source and components for directing a modulated pump beam at the sample. A dispersive system may disperse the reflected probe beam into constituent wavelengths to provide dispersed beams. A detector array may detect multiple dispersed reflected probe beams and processes a signal corresponding to each. Thus, measurement may be multiplexed for very fast performance.

Abstract: A resolution-enhanced luminescence microscopy method, wherein a sample is excited so as to luminesce, and thus to emit a given luminescence radiation, by irradiation of exciting radiation and an image of the luminescent sample is obtained, wherein the luminescent sample is transferable from a first state of luminescence, in which first state the sample's excitability for emission of the given luminescence radiation increases up to a maximum value as the exciting radiation power increases, into a second state of luminescence, in which second state the sample has reduced excitability for emission of the given luminescence radiation relative to the first state, wherein the maximum value is assigned to a threshold value of exciting radiation power and the sample is transferable into the second state by irradiation of exciting radiation power above the threshold value, the sample being brought into the first state in partial areas and being brought into the second state in adjacent partial areas by irradiating exc

Abstract: A scanning microscope includes a light source for evanescently illuminating a sample disposed on a slide. A point detector receives detection light emanating from a scanning point of the sample. A beam deflection device disposed in an optical path of the detection light can shift a position of the scanning point.

Abstract: A scanning microscope for imaging an object includes a light source and a spectrally selective detection device. An illumination beam path extends from the light source to the object. A detection beam path extends from the object to the detection device. A spectrally selective element useable to select light from the light source is provided. The spectrally selective element is useable to mask out of the detection beam path the selected light from the light source reflected or scattered on the object. An illumination slit diaphragm is disposed in the illumination beam path and configured to generate a linear illumination pattern in a region of the object. A detection slit diaphragm is disposed in the detection beam path and configured to detect the light coming from the linear illumination region from a focal plane so as to provide a confocal slit scanner.

Abstract: A dual illumination system is disclosed for use with an imaging apparatus. The imaging apparatus defines a light-tight imaging compartment with an interior wall having a view port extending into the imaging compartment. This view port enables data acquisition of a biological specimen contained in the imaging compartment. The dual illumination system includes a first illumination assembly configured to direct structured light onto a first side of the specimen to enable structured light and surface topography measurements thereof. A second illumination assembly then directs light at the specimen wherein diffused fluorescent light emanates from a surface thereof for receipt through the view port to acquire fluorescence data of the specimen. The combination of structured light imaging and fluorescence imaging enables 3D diffuse tomographic reconstructions of fluorescent probe location and concentration.

Abstract: A fluorescence illumination system is provided for use with an imaging apparatus that defines a light-tight imaging compartment. The fluorescence illumination system includes a trans-illumination component configured to direct excitation light into a first surface of the specimen wherein diffused light emanates from a second surface thereof for receipt through the view port to acquire fluorescence data of the specimen. Further, the fluorescence illumination system includes an epi-illumination component configured to direct excitation light onto a third surface of the specimen wherein the diffused light exits the third surface thereof for receipt through the view port to acquire fluorescence data of the specimen.

Abstract: A fluorometric system for on-line monitoring of biological processes uses a plurality of light sources, each with a different spectral width, to illuminate a sample, the light sources selected to produce emission of fluorescent light, and usually also dispersed light, from the illuminated sample. One of the light sources has a wide spectral range. The light sources are operated sequentially or in combination. Spectra acquired from the emitted light are combined and processed to evaluate properties of the sample, such as concentration of the fluorescing components or particle concentration. The system preferably uses an electro-optical probe in which excitation optical energy is transmitted to the sample directly from the light sources, typically LEDs, without an optical waveguide.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus including (a) a frame having a boundary plane; (b) a flow chamber supported by the frame, the flow chamber placed a distance from the boundary plane; (c) a radiation source, the radiation source directed away from the flow chamber and away from the exterior side of the boundary plane, and (d) a first reflective surface placed to direct a radiation beam in a path crossing the boundary plane to the flow chamber; (e) one or more reflective surfaces placed to direct a radiation beam from the radiation source to the first reflective surface, the path from the radiation source to the flow chamber being at least 1.5 times the distance from the flow chamber to the boundary plane.

Abstract: Methods and optical systems for scanning of a target sample, including methods and systems using a low mass scan head. The present invention also relates to methods and systems for performing sample assays, and for producing and measuring optical responses and signatures.

Abstract: A fluorescence spectrophotometer having an excitation double monochromator, a coaxial excitation/emission light transfer module, and an emission double monochromator. Each monochromator includes a pair of holographic concave gratings mounted to precisely select a desired band of wavelengths from incoming broadband light without using other optical elements, such as mirrors. Selected excitation light is directed into a sample well by a light transfer module that includes a coaxial excitation mirror positioned to direct excitation light directly to the bottom of a well of a multi-well plate. Fluorescence emission light that exits the well opening is collected by a relatively large coaxial emission mirror. The collected emission light is wavelength selected by the emission double monochromator. Selected emission light is detected by a photodetector module.

Abstract: A measurement system that optically measures in turn a plurality of samples arranged in an array via an objective lens and an imaging lens is disclosed, which is characterized by comprising an actuator means that moves the above described objective lens corresponding to each position of the above mentioned samples, and a photo-detecting part that detects a sample image via the above objective lens and imaging lens.

Abstract: A macroscopic fluorescence illumination assembly is provided for use with an imaging apparatus with a light-tight imaging compartment. The imaging apparatus includes an interior wall defining a view port extending into the imaging compartment to enable viewing of a specimen contained therein. The illumination assembly includes a specimen support surface facing toward the view port of the imaging apparatus. The support surface defines a window portion that enables the passage of light there through. The window portion is selectively sized and dimensioned such that the specimen, when supported atop the support surface, can be positioned and seated over the window portion in a manner forming a light-tight seal substantially there between.

Abstract: A modular, micro-scale, optical array and biodetection device for quantifying fluorescence intensities of a plurality of substantially separated, and dimensionally uniform elements of a bioarray that are located at known positions on a plain support includes a light guide that directs bioarray illumination light from a respective light source to opposing sides of the plain support. An optical module collecting light individually from the bioarray elements includes an optical member, a filter, and a sensor, such as a CCD chip. The optical member collects and transfers emitted light from the bioarray elements via the filter to the sensor. The filter transfers light from the elements having a predefined wavelength spectrum and blocks light outside the predefined wavelength spectrum. The sensor receives transferred light from the elements and produces a signal corresponding to respective elements of the bioarray.

Abstract: A fluorescence detecting module for detecting fluorescence in a microchamber and a fluorescence detecting system. The fluorescence detecting module includes a light source irradiating excitation light a collimating lens condensing excitation light irradiated, a dichroic mirror selectively transmitting or reflecting the light according to a wavelength thereof, an objective lens condensing excitation light selected to be irradiated on a sample in a microchamber and condensing fluorescence generated in the microchamber, a focusing lens focusing fluorescence selected by the dichroic mirror, and a fluorescence detecting element detecting fluorescence focused.

Abstract: A small object identifying device and its identifying method according to which a large number of small objects can be identified. In one embodiment, the device includes a dispersion region section which disperses a large quantity of several kinds of small objects which are labeled by a combination of the presence/absence or measure of label elements of several kinds. A measuring device distributes and associates kinds of said label elements to two or more measurement points and measures the presence/absence or the measure of said label elements of the kinds which have been associated with respective measurement points. An identifying section associates the measurement results measured at each measurement point to thereby identify said small objects.

Abstract: An analyzer or spectrophotometer for the detection of material is described with a single source with variable intensity, a single detector having a variable spectral response where the sample is able to be analyzed based on varying the intensity and spectral response. Various methods are described for varying the intensity, and also for varying the spectral response.

Abstract: Bones, bone fragments, and shell fragments on or near the surface of processed animal flesh may be detected by detecting their fluorescent emissions. The surface of the flesh is illuminated with UV or visible light to elicit fluorescence of animal bones or shells, and the fluorescent light emissions are measured at first and second different wavelengths, which wavelengths are selected to yield a substantial difference between the ratio or subtractive difference for bones or shells and the ratio or subtractive difference for animal flesh. The ratio and/or subtractive difference of the fluorescent light emissions at the first and second wavelengths is calculated, and the presence of bone, bone fragment, or shell fragment is determined therefrom.

Abstract: A method of multidimensional spectroscopy has a controllable excitation source parameter and comprises controlling said controllable parameter to excite a vibrational mode of the sample, generating a homodyne reflected signal from the sample and obtaining a spectrum of the sample from the reflected signal.

Abstract: In fluorescence detection, complicated concentration adjustment and retry of detection operation can be eliminated. In a fluorescence detection method for irradiating an exciting light ray on a fluorescent material or a sample having the fluorescent material to detect fluorescent luminescent rays emanated under the irradiation, the fluorescent luminescence rays parameterized by a plurality of wavelengths in a wavelength band of a fluorescent area are detected simultaneously, wavelengths which parameterize fluorescence intensities detected within a detection range are adopted from the plurality of wavelengths and the fluorescence intensities parameterized by the adopted wavelengths are delivered as detection results. The present invention also discloses a fluorescence detection apparatus and a program for a computer.

Abstract: A system for use in in-situ analysis of pharmaceutical samples, said system comprising means for holding a plurality of said samples, wherein said samples are present in the form of a powder formulation; means for moving said plurality of samples along a sample path; means for generating a plurality of incident radiation pulses of different wavelength; means for illuminating at least a respective one of said samples with at least a respective one of said radiation pulses during said movement of said samples, said radiation pulse having a suitable range of radiation wavelengths capable of inducing a fluorescent response; means for detecting a first resultant fluorescence emitted from each of said samples; first control means in communication with said moving means and said incident radiation generating means for synchronizing said means for illuminating each of said samples with said moving means.

Abstract: An improved method of analyzing target analytes in a sample is described. The method is based on creating an approximately homogeneous distribution of light in an anti-resonant guided optical waveguide to improve light-target interaction in a target-containing medium. The light-target interaction can be monitored by many different means to determine characteristics of the target analyte.

Abstract: Pulse excitation light, emitted from a laser light source 10, is scanned in a first direction by a first scanning means 100, scanned in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, by a second scanning means 120, converged by an objective optical system 140, and illuminated onto sample 50. Fluorescences, emitted from sample 50, are output from objective optical system 140 to second scanning means 120, scanned in the second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, and output to a light separation means 110 by second scanning means 120, output from light separation means 110 to a streak camera, and recorded as variations of time of the fluorescence intensities by streak camera 30. Fluorescence lifetimes are calculated based on these variations with time of the fluorescence intensities and a fluorescence lifetime distribution image is prepared.

Abstract: An apparatus for fluorescence observation includes an excitation filter which transmits only exciting light of an specific wavelength among illumination light, and an absorption filter which blocks the exciting light and transmits only fluorescence generated from a specimen when the exciting light is irradiated to the specimen. Here, an interval of a half-value wavelength at a long-wavelength side of the excitation filter and a half-value wavelength at a short-wavelength side of the absorption filter is in a width between 1 nm to 6 nm, and change of the half-value wavelength of the excitation filter and the absorption filter when humidity changes from 10% to 95%, is 0.5 nm or less.

Abstract: A property of a fluid is determined spectroscopically, such as for the purposes of in vivo blood analysis. First the position of a volume of interest through which the fluid flows is determined by an optical detection step by making use of an objective. Preferably the optical detection step is an imaging step. Next the objective is moved to bring the focal point of the objective into coincidence with the volume of interest. In this position an optical spectroscopic step is performed. This has the advantage that the measurement beam for performing the optical spectroscopy travels along the optical axis for optimum efficiency.

Abstract: Enhancement of fluorescence emission from fluorophores bound to a sample and present on the surface of two-dimensional photonic crystals is described. The enhancement of fluorescence is achieved by the combination of high intensity near-fields and strong coherent scattering effects, attributed to leaky photonic crystal eigenmodes (resonance modes). The photonic crystal simultaneously exhibits resonance modes which overlap both the absorption and emission wavelengths of the fluorophore. A significant enhancement in fluorescence intensity from the fluorophores on the photonic crystal surface is demonstrated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus to analyze fast and accurately biological samples. The method includes prior mapping of the DNA chip with a CCD camera, addressed excitation of samples, and recording of fluorescence spectra via ultra-fast spectrometer.

Abstract: A multiphoton-excitation laser scanning microscope capable of efficiently collecting fluorescence emitted from a specimen to acquire a brighter multiphoton-excitation fluorescence image is provided. This multiphoton-excitation laser scanning microscope includes a multiphoton-excitation laser light source for emitting ultrashort pulsed laser light, a light-scanning unit configured to scan a specimen with the ultrashort pulsed laser light emitted from the multiphoton-excitation laser light source in two dimensions, an objective lens configured to focus the ultrashort pulsed laser light scanned by the light-scanning unit on the specimen, a collector lens disposed opposite the objective lens, with the light-scanning unit disposed therebetween, to collect fluorescence emitted from the specimen, and a light detector configured to detect the fluorescence collected by the collector lens. The collector lens has a higher numerical aperture and a larger field number than the objective lens.

Abstract: A system for measuring the irradiance of a fluorescently labeled particle having a cytometric flow chamber; a plurality of excitation light sources; a plurality of scatter detectors, each configured to detect light from only one of the plurality of excitation light sources and arranged so as to detect scattered light from the particle; a trigger connected to the plurality of scatter detectors, the trigger emitting a signal when scattered light incident on one of the scatter detectors is exceeding a predetermined threshold value; collection optics; at least one fluorescence detector to receive emissions collected by the collection optics and generate an output, the at least one fluorescence detector being configured to respond only to a discrete number of wavelength bands; and an integrator for recording the output of the at least one fluorescence detector in response to a signal from the trigger.

Abstract: Biosensors are disclosed which include a surface for binding to sample molecule to the biosensor in the form of a porous, thin film of dielectric material, e.g., TiO2. In one example the porous, thin film is in the form of a multitude of sub-micron sized rod-like structures (“nanorods”) projecting therefrom. In one embodiment, the biosensor is in the form of a photonic crystal biosensor. The approach of depositing a thin film of dielectric nanorods may be applied to any enhanced fluorescence biosensor surface structure, including 1-dimensional photonic crystals, 2-dimensional photonic crystals, 3-dimensional photonic crystals, surface plasmon resonance surfaces, planar waveguides, and grating-coupled waveguides. The dielectric nanorod structures can be fabricated on the surface of a biosensor by the glancing angle deposition technique (GLAD).

Abstract: A fiber optical sensor includes a light source, a detector and an optical resonator having a multimode optical fiber and two reflective layers respectively provided adjacent to or on ends of the optical fiber. Excitation light from the light source is coupled into the optical resonator through a transparent hole formed in one of the reflective layers. An evanescent wave extends outside the optical fiber in the active region of the optical fiber. The fluorescent light generated by a fluorescent material excited by the evanescent wave in response to the presence or concentration of the analyte in a sample to be assayed is detected by the detector. The light beam is reflected back and forth between the first and second reflective layers many times within the optical resonator whereby the strength of the fluorescent light is significantly increased thereby resulting in a significantly signal amplification.

Abstract: In order to provide a fluorescence detection apparatus having a high sensitivity, a high processing capacity and a competitive edge in cost, the fluorescence detection apparatus according to this invention irradiate the sample with light so that the aspect ratio of the form of the irradiated region by light on the arrangement surface of the sample may be 1±0.1. The preferable form of irradiate region is not limited to one and varies to some extent depending on the item to be optimized. The form of irradiated region may be, for example, a circle, an equilateral triangle, a square, a regular hexagon and the like.

Abstract: In high spatial resolution imaging, a structure of a sample is marked with a substance selected from a group of substances capable of being repeatedly transferred out of a first state having first optical properties into a second state having second optical properties by means of an optical switch over signal, and capable of returning out of the second state into the first state, the two states differing in at least one criteria. Within areas the sample is transferred into the second state by means of the optical switch over signal with which at least one spatially limited area is purposefully omitted. An optical measurement signal is detected, which is associated with the substance in the first state and which comes out of a detection area including both the area omitted with the switch over signal and areas in which the substance has been transferred into to second state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for authentication of materials used in imaging members and assemblies. Authentication of imaging materials ensure that compatible components are being used with the imaging members and assemblies. Embodiments provide a system and method for efficiently detecting whether materials being used in the imaging members and assemblies are compatible and authentic materials authorized for such uses.

Abstract: A technique for measuring broadband near-infrared absorption spectra of turbid media that uses a combination of frequency-domain and steady-state reflectance methods. Most of the wavelength coverage is provided by a white-light steady-state measurement, whereas the frequency-domain data are acquired at a few selected wavelengths. Coefficients of absorption and reduced scattering derived from the frequency-domain data are used to calibrate the intensity of the steady-state measurements and to determine the reduced scattering coefficient at all wavelengths in the spectral window of interest. The absorption coefficient spectrum is determined by comparing the steady-state reflectance values with the predictions of diffusion theory, wavelength by wavelength. Absorption spectra of a turbid phantom and of human breast tissue in vivo, derived with the combined frequency-domain and steady-state technique, agree well with expected reference values.