Abstract: A variable focus imaging lens assembly has different, calibrated settings for each of multiple different wavelength ranges. Images are captured for each wavelength range using the different settings, corrected and stacked to form an image data cube. Using multiple wavelength ranges allows a scene or object to be imaged by multispectral imagers, hyperspectral imagers and imaging spectrometers using an overall wide wavelength range.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a diagnostic method using laser induced breakdown spectrum analysis and a diagnostic device for performing the same. The diagnostic device may include a laser projection module projecting a pulsed laser to a specimen, a light receiving module receiving a light generated by a plasma ablation induced at the specimen by the pulsed laser, a spectral member receiving and dividing the light generated by the plasma ablation; a sensor array including a plurality of sensors arranged to receive the divided light for each wavelength, and a controller obtaining spectrum data of the light generated by the plasma ablation from a specific exposure period, and determining whether or not the specimen is diseased based on the spectrum data of the light generated by the plasma ablation.

Abstract: A joint point-of-care testing (POCT) analyzer, and a system comprising an analyzer and a cartridge, for measuring one or more analyte quantities per unit volume of blood and one or more formed element quantities per unit volume of blood, is described. Examples of formed elements of blood are red blood cells and white blood cells, and cell counts are determined by imaging using a two-dimensional multi-channel detector. Examples of analytes are hemoglobin and bilirubin, and hemoglobin and bilirubin concentrations are determined by spectroscopy using a one-dimensional multi-channel detector. Other examples of analytes are electrolytes, and electrolyte concentrations may be determined using biosensors incorporated in the cartridges.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for shaped incoherent light for control (SILC). More particularly, disclosed is a method for controlling the evolution of photo-responsive systems (including chemical species, biochemical species or material compounds) using a device capable of producing shaped incoherent light for such control. The disclosed device integrates a polychromatic incoherent source in an adaptive feedback control loop.

Abstract: Systems and methods for image-based biological sample constituent analysis are disclosed. For example, image data corresponding to an image having a target constituent and other constituents may be generated and utilized for analysis. The systems and processes described herein may be utilized to differentiate between portions of image data corresponding to the target constituent and other portions that do not correspond to the target constituent. Analysis of the target constituent instances may be performed to provide analytical results.

Abstract: A fully automatic online aero aluminum sorting and recovery system based on LIBS (Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy) technology, which belongs to the field of aero aluminum sorting and recovery technology, and is suitable for online sorting, detection and recovery of large batch of aero aluminum. The fully automatic online aero aluminum sorting system based on LIBS technology provided in the present invention consists of six portions: a sample feeding unit (1), a surface treatment unit (2), a material positioning unit (3), a LIBS analysis and detection unit (4), a transfer unit (5) and a sorting and recovery unit (6). The system according to the invention can be used to realize the automatic online detection, sorting and recovery of aero aluminum, and the system does not have requirements on the surface condition of the recovered aero aluminum samples. The sorting accuracy rate is greater than 90% and the sorting rate is not less than 1 block per second.

Abstract: Methods for wavelength determination of widely tunable lasers and systems thereof may be implemented with solid-state laser based photonic systems based on photonic integrated circuit technology as well as discrete table top systems such as widely-tunable external cavity lasers and systems. The methods allow integrated wavelength control enabling immediate system wavelength calibration without the need for external wavelength monitoring instruments. Wavelength determination is achieved using a monolithic solid-state based optical cavity with a well-defined transmission or reflection function acting as a wavelength etalon. The solid-state etalon may be used with a wavelength shift tracking component, e.g., a non-balanced interferometer, to calibrate the entire laser emission tuning curve within one wavelength sweep.

Abstract: A circular dichroism spectrometer which comprises a metasurface. The metasurface has a plurality of anisotropic antennas configured to simultaneously spatially separate LCP and RCP spectral components from an incoming light beam. An optical detector array is included which detects the LCP and RCP spectral components. A transparent medium is situated between the metasurface and the optical detector array.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a level of background fluorescent light produced during photometric interrogation of a sample is provided. The method includes applying an excitation light to a sample using a laser at a plurality linewidths different from one another, the excitation light at each of the plurality of different linewidths applied at an excitation wavelength operable to cause emission of light from the sample, the light emitted from the sample including Raman scattered light and background fluorescent light; detecting light emitted from the tissue sample at each of the plurality of linewidths using a detector and producing light signals representative of the detected light; and determining a level of the background fluorescent using the light signals representative of the detected light for each of the plurality of different linewidths.

Abstract: Methods for wavelength determination of widely tunable lasers and systems thereof may be implemented with solid-state laser based photonic systems based on photonic integrated circuit technology as well as discrete table top systems such as widely-tunable external cavity lasers and systems. The methods allow integrated wavelength control enabling immediate system wavelength calibration without the need for external wavelength monitoring instruments. Wavelength determination is achieved using a monolithic solid-state based optical cavity with a well-defined transmission or reflection function acting as a wavelength etalon. The solid-state etalon may be used with a wavelength shift tracking component, e.g., a non-balanced interferometer, to calibrate the entire laser emission tuning curve within one wavelength sweep.

Abstract: An apparatus (and concomitant method) for rapid detection of a plurality of pathogens and/or chemicals, comprising a laser generating laser-induced breakdown spectra from a sample inserted into the apparatus, a receiver recording the spectra, and a data analysis component acquiring the spectra from the receiver and a display and/or data storage component displaying and/or receiving from the data analysis component which pathogens and/or chemicals are present in the sample and/or the likelihood of such presence, wherein the data analysis component comprises: predictive models for the plurality of pathogens and/or chemicals, a queue to order automated analysis by the predictive models in a predetermined order, and statistical analysis models for each of the predictive models to automatically provide likelihoods of presence of the respective pathogens and/or chemicals.

Abstract: An optical signal analyzing apparatus enables real-time and single-shot analysis simultaneously in both time and frequency domains with spectro-temporal analysis. The apparatus includes a fiber tap coupler for receiving an input optical signal from continuous wave (CW) to ultra-short pulses (femtosecond-picosecond). An optical splitter directs part of the signal to a frequency channel and part to a time channel A photodiode in the time channel directly monitors the intensity evolution and converts it to an electrical signal. In the frequency channel, two sub-channels are provided: one for CW/quasi-CW and one for short-pulse components. A signal processor analyses the time- and frequency-domain data from the time channel and frequency channel and displays the temporal and spectral evolutions simultaneously, so that the two different pieces of information of a non-repeated dynamic event can be correlated in different domains.

Abstract: Portable instruments for analyzing elemental composition of liquid and solid phase materials by laser induced ablation spectroscopy are disclosed. The optical path of a single pulsed laser beam in the instrument is directed to a position depending on the phase of the sample material. Liquid phase samples are aerosolized before streaming to an analysis zone where they are dissociated in a plasma plume. A wide range of physical and chemical characteristics of liquid materials can be analyzed by the instruments. A large number of sites within solid phase sample structures are analyzed using a movable x-y-z stage in the instrument and the results are displayed in a chemical map.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a diagnostic method using laser induced breakdown spectrum analysis and a diagnostic device for performing the same. The diagnostic method may include projecting a pulsed laser to a suspicious specimen, obtaining first spectrum data on the light collected from the suspicious specimen, projecting the pulsed laser to a non-diseased specimen, obtaining second spectrum data on the light collected from the non-diseased specimen, and determining whether a disease is present in the suspicious specimen from a comparison value of the first spectrum data and the second spectrum data using an artificial neural network.

Abstract: An optical manufacturing process sensing and status indication system is taught that is able to utilize optical emissions from a manufacturing process to infer the state of the process. In one case, it is able to use these optical emissions to distinguish thermal phenomena on two timescales and to perform feature extraction and classification so that nominal process conditions may be uniquely distinguished from off-nominal process conditions at a given instant in time or over a sequential series of instants in time occurring over the duration of the manufacturing process. In other case, it is able to utilize these optical emissions to derive corresponding spectra and identify features within those spectra so that nominal process conditions may be uniquely distinguished from off-nominal process conditions at a given instant in time or over a sequential series of instants in time occurring over the duration of the manufacturing process.

Abstract: In an example, an apparatus is described that includes a light source, a holographic optical element, a sampling apparatus, and a detector. The light source is configured to emit a beam of excitation light. The holographic optical element is arranged to convert the beam of excitation light into a plurality of beams of excitation light. The sampling apparatus is arranged to project the plurality of beams of excitation light onto a surface outside the apparatus as a two-dimensional pattern of projection points. The sampling apparatus is further arranged to collect scattered radiation emitted by the surface in response to the two-dimensional pattern of projection points. The detector detects a frequency shift in the scattered radiation.

Abstract: Provided is a hyperspectral imaging (HSI)-based inspection apparatus capable of quickly and stably performing two-dimensional (2D) HSI for an inspection object, and accordingly, capable of quickly and accurately inspecting the inspection object. The HSI-based inspection apparatus includes: a stage on which an inspection object is arranged; an optical system configured to allow light to be incident on the inspection object and emit the light reflected from the inspection object; a scan mirror configured to reflect the emitted light from the optical system while rotating; and a hyperspectral camera configured to obtain an image having a wavelength direction and a line direction as two axes for light reflected from the scan mirror, wherein, by using the rotation of the scan mirror, the hyperspectral camera is configured to perform the 2D HSI for the inspection object.

Abstract: A signal generator for a phased array antenna comprises a laser light source arranged to provide an optical spectrum comprising a plurality of spaced wavelengths. The signal generator further comprises a dispersion unit arranged to introduce a delay to a plurality of spectral components of the optical spectrum associated with the spaced wavelengths. The delay is dependent on the wavelength of the spectral components of the optical spectrum. The signal generator further comprises a heterodyning device configured to generate a signal for the phased array antenna by heterodyning the spectral components associated with different ones of the spaced wavelengths of the laser light source.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, detection of a fire event via detection of scattered light of at least two wavelengths is based on rates of change between measurements of the scattered light of the different wavelengths.

Abstract: A laser-induced breakdown spectroscope according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes: a laser head which emits a laser beam; a focusing lens which focuses the laser beam on a target specimen; a plasma reactor unit which amplifies first plasma, which is generated on the target specimen positioned at a focal point of the laser beam passing through the focusing lens, by controlling electron density and electron energy of the first plasma; a collection lens which focuses second plasma amplified by the plasma reactor unit; and a spectrophotometer which analyzes the second plasma focused by the collection lens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying or monitoring circulatory failure in a subject, which method comprises assessing the subject's microcirculation in respect of the following parameters: (a) functional capillary density (FCD); (b) heterogeneity of the FCD; (c) capillary flow velocity; (d) heterogeneity of capillary flow velocity; (e) oxygen saturation of microvascular erythrocytes (SmvO2); and (f) heterogeneity of SmvO2; wherein parameters (a) to (d) are assessed visually by microscopy and parameters (e) and (f) are assessed by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS); well as apparatus and software designed for performance of such a method.

Abstract: At least one embodiment relates to an apparatus for super-resolution fluorescence-microscopy imaging of a sample. The apparatus includes an objective lens having a forward field of view, the objective lens being configured to collect light. The apparatus may also include a processing arrangement configured to perform super-resolution fluorescence-microscopy imaging of the sample with the collected light. Further, the apparatus includes a waveguide component located forward of the objective lens and configured to (i) receive light from outside the forward field of view, and (ii) use total internal reflection within the waveguide component to direct excitation light. In addition, the apparatus includes an electronic optical-path control system configured to cause input light of a first wavelength to follow a first optical path corresponding to a first optical mode and also configured to cause input light of the first wavelength to follow a second optical path corresponding to a second optical mode.

Abstract: The invention provides systems for characterizing a biological sample by analyzing emission of fluorescent light from the biological sample upon excitation and methods for using the same. The system includes a laser source, collection fibers, a demultiplexer and an optical delay device. All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety as though fully set forth. Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

Abstract: A system is described to facilitate the characterization of particles within a fluid contained in a vessel using an illumination system that directs source light through each vessel. One or more optical elements may be implemented to refract the source light and to illuminate the entire volume of the vessel. As the refracted source light passes through the vessel and interacts with particles suspended in the fluid, scattered light is produced and directed to an imager, while the refracted source light is diverted away from the imager to prevent the source light from drowning out the scattered light. The system can therefore advantageously utilize an imager with a large depth of field to accurately image the entire volume of fluid at the same time, facilitating the determination of the number and size of particles suspended in the fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus (1, 14) for additively manufacturing of three-dimensional objects (2) by means of successive layerwise selective irradiation and consolidation of layers of a build material (3) which can be consolidated by means of an energy beam (4), wherein the energy beam (4) is guided onto a build plane (5) via an irradiation device (6), wherein an evaluation unit (11) is provided that is adapted to determine spectral information of radiation (12) emitted in the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided, in which an observation volume is defined by a volume where light from illumination means and a field of view of detection means overlap. The central axes of said light from the illumination means and said field of view of the detection means are non-parallel, and the sample is transported through the observation volume during imaging, preferably by rotation of a sample container holding the sample.

Abstract: A passive fiber optic switching (“PFOS”) device may provide failover in a fiber optic network by switching a working path between different fibers of a redundant set of fibers. The PFOS device may operate passively (e.g., without an active, external, and/or continuous power supply) by harvesting the power that it needs from the light that passes over any one or more fibers that are connected to the PFOS device. The PFOS device may detect issues that disrupt signaling and/or light transmission on the working path based on quality (e.g., signaling and/or light properties) of the working path, and/or diagnostic messaging received from other devices on the working path. The PFOS device may include an optical switch, such as a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (“MEMS”) mirror switch, that can change the working path by switching light to any fiber of the redundant set of fibers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-destructive method of characterizing CMAS infiltration and CMAS assisted damage in thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). Such approach is especially relevant for determining the lifetime of coatings on e.g. turbines or parts of the turbines such as blades or in-liners of the combustion chambers. The turbines can be gas turbines or high-pressure turbines or others and may be stationary or used for example in aviation.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of spectral analysis of the chemical composition of ferrous and non-ferrous metals and can be used in metallurgical factories to monitor the ongoing production of molten (liquid) electrically conductive materials directly in the melting units.

Abstract: A method for generating EUV radiation is provided. The method includes generating a target droplet with a target droplet generator. The method further includes recording an image of the target droplet on a first image plane to detect a first position of the target droplet. The method also includes recording an image of the target droplet on a second image plane to detect a second position of the target droplet. In addition, the method includes projecting a laser pulse onto the target droplet when the target droplet is located on a focus plane. The method further includes adjusting at least one parameter of the target droplet generator according to the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A laser welding device includes: a laser scanner body configured to emit a laser beam to a workpiece; a jet nozzle configured to jet gas so as to cause the gas to cross an optical path of the laser beam emitted from the laser scanner body; and a guide plate disposed on the downstream side in the flow direction of the gas, from the optical path of the laser beam emitted from the laser scanner body. The guide plate is configured to change the flow direction of the gas that has crossed the optical path of the laser beam into a direction away from a laser irradiation position on the workpiece toward the downstream side in the flow direction of the gas.

Abstract: A subject irradiated with violet light and green light is imaged to obtain RGB signals, based on which a base image is produced. Frequency filtering processing is applied to the B signal to obtain a blood vessel extraction signal, in which a most superficial blood vessel, a superficial blood vessel, and a middle-layer blood vessel at different depths are extracted. Edge strength of each blood vessel in the blood vessel extraction signal is calculated. Display control processing based on the edge strength of each blood vessel is applied to the base image. Thereby, a first image or a second image is produced. In the first image, the most superficial blood vessel, the superficial blood vessel, and the middle-layer blood vessel are displayed in a distinguishable manner. In the second image, the most superficial blood vessel, the superficial blood vessel, and the middle-layer blood vessel are selectively enhanced or suppressed.

Abstract: A consolidating device for an additive manufacturing system is provided. The consolidating device includes at least one first energy beam generator, at least one second energy beam generator, at least one first lens, at least one second lens, and at least one reflective element. The first energy beam generator is configured to generate a first energy beam. The second energy beam generator is configured to generate a second energy beam. The first lens has a first entrance pupil and is positioned between the first energy beam generator and the layer of material. The second lens has a second entrance pupil and is positioned between the first lens and the layer of material. The first entrance pupil and the second entrance pupil substantially overlap. The reflective element is positioned between the first lens and the second lens, and is configured to reflect the second energy beam onto the layer of material.

Abstract: A quantification device for the level of lipids and/or proteins present within hepatic tissues. The Device includes: a light source, having at least one vacuum tungsten lamp with a total power of between 0.5 and 2 watts, with a total brightness of between 1000 and 2000 lumens and a total color temperature of between 6000 and 10000 degrees Kelvin; a photosensitive sensor having a sensitivity wavelength of between 800 nm and 2450 nm, configured to capture the light emitted from the light source after diffraction within liver tissues; means for extracting a diffraction spectrum of the light according to an image captured by the photosensitive sensor; and means for analyzing the spectrum in order to determine a level of lipids and/or proteins.

Abstract: For multi-dimensional high-resolution imaging a structure marked with fluorescence markers, fluorescence enabling light is focused to illuminate a measurement area in a sample. A partial area of the measurement area is subjected to fluorescence inhibiting light. The partial area omits a center of the measurement area in that an intensity distribution of the fluorescence inhibiting light comprises a line-shaped intensity minimum. A minimal extension of the intensity minimum in a direction through the center area is by a factor k?2 smaller than a diameter of the measurement area in said direction. Without spatial resolution, fluorescence light emitted out of the measurement area is measured for a plurality of consecutive angle positions of the intensity minimum about the center, while the measurement area, for each angle position, is subjected to the fluorescence enabling light. A value of the measured fluorescence light is assigned to the position of the center.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus to improve the precision and reproducibility of particle size analysis by laser diffraction is presented. Powder particles are typically prepared for laser diffraction testing using an ultra-sound bath which will disperse particle agglomerates and allow a precise measurement. However, the precision and reproducibility of agglomerate dispersion is affected by ultra-sound probe wear, corrosion and age. Differences in sonication performance can be compensated by voltage adjustments to the ultra-sound probe, leading to substantial improvements in the precision and reproducibility of particle size determination.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed that allow for analysis with simplified sample preparation. Of particular relevance is the analysis of wire samples (e.g., weld wires) using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) or optical emission spectrometry (OES). Representative devices can isolate a sample, such as in a sealed, inert environment in an analytical instrument. These devices may include first and second sample end attachments connected to a body, which has a connecting portion that may be configured for alignment with the face of the instrument. The body may also include a rotatable cap, and the sample end attachments may be joined to this cap (e.g., at opposite ends thereof) to allow adjustment of the angular position of the sample, relative to the connecting portion, which in use may be affixed to the instrument.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices of the various embodiments may enable simultaneous preparation of a substrate for adhesive bonding and detection of minute contaminants on the substrate. Various embodiments may enable detection of contaminants on a surface of a substrate while the surface of the substrate is being prepared for adhesive bonding by laser ablation. Various embodiments may provide an integrated laser treatment and measurement system.

Abstract: Refractive index of biological specimens is a source of intrinsic contrast that can be explored without any concerns of photobleaching or harmful effects caused by extra contrast agents. This feature also contains rich information that can be related to the metabolism of cells at the cellular and subcellular levels. The present invention relates to systems and methods that can provide, without any moving parts, the 3-D refractive index map of continuously flowing biological samples in a micro-fluidic channel, for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a highly portable, highly flexible standard of distance chemical detector such as can be used, for example, for standoff detection of explosives. Aspects of the invention include techniques for portability compactness and ways to diminish influence of fluorescence on Raman spectroscopy. Additional features can include a compact imaging spectrometer, a wirelessly connected smart device for user interface, and an auto-focus/range finder.

Abstract: A system for sorting reusable raw-material pieces, where the chemical composition of the raw-material pieces is analyzed by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), where the raw-material pieces in a first step are subjected to a plurality of first laser pulses in order to remove surface coatings and/or contaminants from the raw-material pieces, and in a second step, one or more further laser pulses from the same laser are used to generate a plasma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for identifying optical materials, and more specifically to methods employed to identify glass and other optical materials used in medical devices. The method includes the steps of (1) selecting refractive index liquids matching a given optical sample; (2) determining the matching points for the refractive index liquids; and (3) calculating the refractive indices and selecting best fit optical materials. The invention also relates to a system for identifying optical materials. The system is under the control and operation of a computing device which documents, displays and stores all the data.

Abstract: A measurement system includes a system for causing relative motion between a sample and an irradiation spot. The sample includes fluorescent markers having respective wavelengths. A gating system provides a gating signal based at least in part on resultant light substantially at an irradiation wavelength. A detection system detects fluorescent light from the irradiated markers and provides detection signals representing the fluorescent light detected concurrently with a gate-open signal. In some examples, the detection system detects fluorescent light at multiple wavelengths and provides respective detection signals. A spectral discriminator arranged optically between the sample and the detection system receives the fluorescent light from the sample and provides respective fluorescent light at the wavelengths to the detection system. A flow cytometer can spectrally disperse resultant fluorescent light and measure the wavelengths separately.

Abstract: A laser coating removal system includes a detector and a controller. The detector detects wavelengths associated with radiative emission of elements in laser-induced plasma generated by the laser coating removal. The controller generates concentration data based on the wavelengths, the concentration data indicating concentration of the elements in the laser-induced plasma, and notifies a user of the laser coating removal system in response to concentration of one of the elements in the laser-induced plasma being greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An optical analysis apparatus, including: a sample delivery system from which a liquid sample may be delivered in operation; a flow cell defining a channel through which, in operation, the delivered liquid sample may flow at a controllable rate, the channel including an optical analysis region; an illumination source focused on a portion of the optical analysis region that, in operation, illuminates a single particle at a time in a stream of the sample wider than the single particle; a detector that, in operation, detects light resulting from the illumination of the sample and outputting a signal representative of the detected light; and an analysis system receiving the representative signal.

Abstract: A security inspection apparatus and a security inspection method are disclosed. In one aspect, an example apparatus includes a CT inspection device and a Raman spectrum inspection device, the CT inspection device includes: a CT scanner scanning an object to be inspected to generate a CT image, an image recognizing device recognizing the CT image to check whether or not the object has a suspected hazardous article, and an object marking device making a predetermined marker on the object which has the suspected hazardous article. The Raman spectrum inspection device includes: a Raman spectrum measuring device extracting a Raman spectrum of the suspected hazardous article in the object, a Raman spectrum comparing device comparing the Raman spectrum of the suspected hazardous article with Raman spectra of known compositions to determine a composition of the suspected hazardous article, and an object marker recognizing device recognizing the predetermined marker on the object.

Abstract: A marking method includes: a step of irradiating, with first light (narrow band light) from an endoscope, an observation target site not suitable for spray of a coloring agent in a subject; a step of picking up an image of, through the endoscope, second light (reflected light of the narrow band light) generated at the observation target site through irradiation of the observation target site with the narrow band light; a step of displaying an image in which a site suspected to be a tumor is highlighted by generating the image based on the second light received through the endoscope; and a step of providing a tissue denatured portion around the site suspected to be a tumor by using an energy radiation device while the displayed image is observed.

Abstract: According to an example embodiment, a detector assembly for use in analysis of elemental composition of a sample by using optical emission spectroscopy is provided, the detector assembly comprising a rotatable element that is rotatable about an axis and that has attached thereto a laser source for generating laser pulses for invoking optical emission on a surface of the sample, which laser source is arranged to generate laser pulses focused at a predefined distance from said axis at a predefined distance from a front end of the detector assembly, and an optical receiver for capturing optical emission invoked by said laser pulses.

Abstract: An optical manufacturing process sensing and status indication system is taught that is able to utilize optical emissions from a manufacturing process to infer the state of the process. In one case, it is able to use these optical emissions to distinguish thermal phenomena on two timescales and to perform feature extraction and classification so that nominal process conditions may be uniquely distinguished from off-nominal process conditions at a given instant in time or over a sequential series of instants in time occurring over the duration of the manufacturing process. In other case, it is able to utilize these optical emissions to derive corresponding spectra and identify features within those spectra so that nominal process conditions may be uniquely distinguished from off-nominal process conditions at a given instant in time or over a sequential series of instants in time occurring over the duration of the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A target within a sample can be characterized using an energy source configured to transform a metal in the sample into a plasma and an optical spectroscopic detector configured to detect electromagnetic radiation emitted by the plasma to provide an optical-spectrum signal. A processor can determine presence of the metal in the sample using the optical-spectrum signal. The target can include a microbe or biological toxin. A recognition construct comprising a metal and a scaffold can be applied to the sample. The scaffold can bind to the target. Energy can be applied to transform at least some of the sample into a plasma. Electromagnetic radiation emitted by the plasma can be detected to provide an optical-spectrum signal of the sample. A preparation subsystem can add the recognition construct to the sample and a washing subsystem can wash unbound recognition construct out of the sample.