Abstract: A laser light source emits a first light beam irradiating a solution including target particles and being flowed in a flow cell to generate forward scattered light and orthogonal scattered light therefrom. A light emitting diode emits a second light beam irradiating the solution in the flow cell to generate at least one wavelength of fluorescence therefrom. A first detector is adapted to detect the forward scattered light. A second detector is adapted to detect the orthogonal scattered light. At least one third detector is adapted to detect the at least one fluorescence. A first filter is disposed between the flow cell and the third detector and adapted to eliminate scattered light generated from the target particles by the irradiation of the first light beam.

Abstract: An automatic analysis apparatus and an automatic analysis method that can perform both spectrophometric measurements for biochemical tests and the turbidimetric immunoassay with high precision by selectively exchanging a white light or at least one monochromatic light based on analysis conditions determined by a measure condition setting unit for respective measuring object. The automatic analysis apparatus includes an irradiating direction setting unit configured to irradiate the selected white light or at least one monochromatic light based on the analysis conditions onto a reaction cuvette along the same light axis and a light detection unit having a plurality of light receiving elements in order to detect the white light of particular determined wavelength lights and the selected monochromatic light.

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: A device for identifying an unknown substance includes an optical source configured to direct a laser excitation beam at the unknown substance. A detector is configured to detect scattered light from the unknown substance and generate at least one signal representative of a scattering spectrum corresponding to at least one chemical within the unknown substance. A microprocessor is in signal communication with the detector and configured to generate a pattern representative of the at least one chemical in response to the at least one signal received from the detector to identify the chemical composition of the unknown substance. The device is configured to complete a bioassay to identify a biological nature of the unknown substance.

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 system for detecting a predetermined wavelength of light emitted from an area on the surface of a chemical array is provided. Aspects of the system include: a beam splitter for splitting emitted light into two or more light beams and a detector for detecting photons in each of the two produced light beams. Methods of detecting light using the subject system, programming for performing the subject methods and an array reader containing the subject system are also provided.

Abstract: Fluorescence, spectroscopy is used to analyze small numbers of molecules that are present in a relatively small detection volume or zone. Information regarding physical and chemical properties of these molecules is determined by rapidly modulating the wavelength, intensity and/or polarization of laser energy to excite fluorophores that are attached either to the molecule of interest or a molecule that interacts with the molecule of interest. The emission profile of the fluorophores is used to determine useful information about the labeled and/or non-labeled molecules including molecular interactions between the molecules.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for detecting defects in a semiconductor or silicon structure at room temperature, and in an efficient time, using photoluminescence. The invention employs the use of a high intensity beam of light preferably having a spot size between 0.1 mm 0.5 microns and a peak or average power density of 104-109 w/cm2 with a view to generating a high concentration of charge carriers, which charge characters detect defects in a semiconductor by interacting with same. These defects are visible by producing a photoluminescence image of the semiconductor. Several wavelengths may be selected to identify defects at a selective depth as well as confocal optics may be used.

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 system (1) for collecting biological information on a dyed biological particle (cell or chromosome) by irradiating light onto liquid containing the dyed biological particles and for detecting information light therefrom is provided according to the present invention. The system includes a path-defining structure (2) of transparent material defining a flow path (3) through which the liquid containing the dyed biological particles runs, an irradiation apparatus (5) for irradiating light onto the particles passing through the flow path (3), a first detecting apparatus (21) for detecting first information light obtained from the irradiated particle, and a second detecting apparatus (25) for detecting second information light obtained from the irradiated particle. At least one of the first and second detecting apparatuses (21, 25) includes one or more fiber optics (26, 27), of which one ends (61, 62) are arranged adjacent the flow path (3) so as to collect the information light.

Abstract: Multiple energy sources, such as a laser and electrical current, are employed, in close coordination, spatially and temporally, to clean a sample, vaporize its material and excite vapor atoms for the purpose of atomic emission spectroscopy. These methods permit better monitoring and control of the individual processes in real time, lead to higher consistency and higher quality optical emission spectra, and enhance the measurements of non-conducting solids, liquids and gases. Additionally, a portable instrument is provided with both laser source and spectrometer optically coupled to a hand-holdable unit.

Abstract: An in-situ laser plasma spectroscopy (LPS) system for automated near real-time elemental depth profiling of a target including: an optical source configured to generate an optical beam, wherein the optical beam is pulsed; an optical probe system configured to deliver the optical beam from the optical source to a surface of a target to generate an ablation plasma; a time resolved spectral detection system configured to generate time resolved spectral data from emission signals from the ablation plasma; and a data acquisition and processing system configured to acquire the time resolved spectral data to determine, in combination with predetermined calibration data, an absolute elemental concentration as a function of depth in near real-time.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the single particle detection of submicron structures such as biological molecules and viruses utilises an optical element (100) comprising an optically transparent substrate (1) partially coated with a thin film of metal (2) illuminated with an optical beam (4) incident on a non-metal coated region (3) of the surface of the optical element at a point adjacent or close to the metal coated region of the optical element such that the beam propagates above but close and substantially parallel to the metal surface defining a measurement zone from within which submicron particles (7) contained in a sample (6) placed in contact with the optical element scatter or emit light which can be detected in the far field by conventional photodetection systems. The apparatus can be configured in a flow cell or optical microscope configuration.

Abstract: A chemical imaging system is provided which uses a near infrared radiation microscope. The system includes an illumination source which illuminates an area of a sample using light in the near infrared radiation wavelength and light in the visible wavelength. A multitude of spatially resolved spectra of transmitted, reflected, emitted or scattered near infrared wavelength radiation light from the illuminated area of the sample is collected and a collimated beam is produced therefrom. A near infrared imaging spectrometer is provided for selecting a near infrared radiation image of the collimated beam. The filtered images are collected by a detector for further processing. The visible wavelength light from the illuminated area of the sample is simultaneously detected providing for the simultaneous visible and near infrared chemical imaging analysis of the sample. Two efficient means for performing three dimensional near infrared chemical imaging microscopy are provided.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a microscope has a first pulsed laser and a second pulsed laser arranged to irradiate a specimen. Coherent Raman scattering light emanated from the irradiated specimen is extracted, along with multiphoton excitation fluorescence and a second harmonic wave. One or more detectors detect the extracted coherent Raman scattering light, the extracted fluorescence, and the second harmonic wave. A single specimen can simultaneously be observed with respect to either parallel or selective observations of the two-photon excitation fluorescence, the second harmonic wave, and the coherent Raman scattered light.

Abstract: A spectroscopic detector for identifying the presence of a first substance in the presence of another substance includes a laser for illuminating the substances at a plurality of wavelengths to induce the emission of radiation characteristic of the substance; a spectrometer for measuring the emitted radiation to obtain a plurality of spectral measurement data; and a processor for processing the data. An algorithm combines the data into a composite spectrum and a parameter characteristic of the first substance is identified while information in the composite spectrum contributed by emission of radiation from the other substance is removed to identify the presence of the first substance and obtain a characteristic spectral signature of the first substance. The signature is compared to signatures in a spectral library database, wherein at least some of the library signatures have spectral characteristics differentiated from each other by identifiable spectral characteristics caused by environmental factors.

Abstract: In one aspect the invention relates to an apparatus for analyzing the presence of a single molecule using total internal reflection. In one embodiment an apparatus for single molecule analysis includes a support having a sample located thereon; two sources of light at distinct wavelengths, a collimator for directing the light onto the sample through a total internal reflection objective; a receiver for receiving a fluorescent emission produced by a single molecule in the sample in response to the light; and a detector for detecting each of the wavelengths in the fluorescent emission. In another embodiment the apparatus further comprises a focusing laser for maintaining focus of the objective on the sample.

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: A system and method for managing optical power for controlling thermal alteration of a sample undergoing spectroscopic analysis is provided. The system includes a moveable laser beam generator for irradiating the sample and a beam shaping device for moving and shaping the laser beam to prevent thermal overload or build up in the sample. The moveable laser beam generator includes at least one beam shaping device selected from the group consisting of at least one optical lens, at least one optical diffractor, at least one optical path difference modulator, at least one moveable mirror, at least one Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) integrated circuit (IC), and/or a liquid droplet. The system also includes an at least two degree of freedom (2 DOF) moveable substrate platform and a controller for controlling the laser beam generator and the substrate platform, and for analyzing light reflected from the sample.

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.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for detecting aerosols. The systems and methods can be used to detect harmful aerosols, such as, bio-aerosols.

Abstract: A method and/or arrangement for the analysis of fluorescing samples in an image-generating microscope system, preferably a laser scanning microscope, wherein the sample is scanned point-by-point or line-by-line in at least one surface section and a dispersive splitting of the radiation coming from the sample is carried out during the scanning, wherein the split radiation is detected by at least one line of detector elements in a wavelength-dependent manner, a selection of two-dimensional or three-dimensional sample parts which correspond to pre-stored two-dimensional or three-dimensional geometric objects or the like is carried out based on the recorded and stored intensity distribution of at least one of these detection elements and/or at least one other detection element for the radiation reflected from the sample by image processing, and an analysis of the spectral signature and/or spatial spectral sequence is carried out for at least a portion of these sample regions with respect to the fluorescence marke

Abstract: A system and method for standoff detection of explosives and explosive residue. A laser light source illuminates a target area having an unknown sample producing luminescence emitted photons, scattered photons and plasma emitted photons. A first optical system directs light to the target area. A video capture device outputs a dynamic image of the target area. A second optical system collects photons, and directs collected photons to a first two-dimensional array of detection elements and/or to a fiber array spectral translator device which device includes a two-dimensional array of optical fibers drawn into a one-dimensional fiber stack. A spectrograph is coupled to the one-dimensional fiber stack of the fiber array spectral translator device, wherein the entrance slit of the spectrograph is coupled to the one dimensional fiber stack.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for optically analyzing a sample are provided. The apparatus includes a first optical device that transmits a narrow waveband of light and has a first filter and a first monochromator that provide different paths for the narrow waveband of the light. The apparatus may also include a light source that generates the light as broadband excitation light, in which case the first optical device transmits a narrow waveband of the broadband excitation light through the first filter or the first monochromator. Further, the apparatus may include a second optical device that directs the narrow waveband of the broadband excitation light onto the sample and receives emission light from the sample, a third optical device that transmits a narrow waveband of the emission light, and a detector that converts the narrow waveband of the emission light into an electrical signal.

Abstract: A system for multispectral confocal mapping of a tissue, comprising: a light source; an optical fiber having an aperture providing a confocal pinhole, a scanner being free-space coupled to said aperture and operative to scan the tissue and provide intensity signals for each of a plurality of points therein; a switch or modulator operative to convert input signals to optical pulses; a reflector that receives the optical pulses and provides a temporal sequence of wavelength selective reflections; and, a detector optically coupled to receive the temporal sequence of wavelength selective reflections.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a portable, reliable, automated and simple device using Spectral Fluorescence Signature technology (SFS) for fast and accurate drug detection, quantification and data storage. The present also discloses a method for using Spectral Fluorescence Signature technology (SFS) for fast and accurate drug detection, quantification and data storage. Such device and method needing not highly skilled personnel or specific background to run the tests.

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 particle analyzer in which tagged particles to be analyzed are drawn through a suspended capillary tube where a predetermined volume in the capillary tube is illuminated. The illumination scattered by said particles is detected by a detector to count all particles. The fluorescent illumination emitted by tagged particles is detected and the output signals from the fluorescent detectors and scatter detector are processed to provide an analysis of the particles.

Abstract: A nanosecond pump-probe LFP system is disclosed and adapted to a substantially lower energy requirement of a pump light source and to electronically extend a time interval during which a chemical change of a sample may be measured. The LFP system includes a photonic crystal fiber based probe light source, a pump light source adapted to produce light pulses with microjoule or higher energy, a delay generator, computer, and a detector.

Abstract: A system and method for characterizing contributions to signal noise associated with charge-coupled devices adapted for use in biological analysis. Dark current contribution, readout offset contribution, photo response non-uniformity, and spurious charge contribution can be determined by the methods of the present teachings and used for signal correction by systems of the present teachings.

Abstract: An optical system is provided for achieving enhanced rejection of scattered excitation light and superior signal-to-noise performance when reading microplate wells. The optical system uses an axial configuration in which the excitation beam incident upon the sample propagates along the axis of the microplate well. Excitation light from a light source, such as a lamp or fiber optic bundle, is collimated into a beam using a lens. A reflective pick-off mirror is then used to reflect the collimated excitation beam upward along the well axis. A focusing lens, with a diameter exceeding the diameter of the collimated excitation beam, is used to focus the excitation beam in the well. The same broad lens is used to collimate the emitted fluorescent light, of which a large percentage propagates axially past the pick-off mirror towards a second focusing lens that focuses the emission beam onto the face of a fiber optic bundle.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for the single particle detection of submicron structures such as biological molecules and viruses utilises an optical element (100) comprising an optically transparent substrate (1) partially coated with a thin film of metal (2) illuminated with an optical beam (4) incident on a non-metal coated region (3) of the surface of the optical element at a point adjacent or close to the metal coated region of the optical element such that the beam propagates above but close and substantially parallel to the metal surface defining a measurement zone from within which submicron particles (7) contained in a sample (6) placed in contact with the optical element scatter or emit light which can be detected in the far field by conventional photodetection systems. The apparatus can be configured in a flow cell or optical microscope configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy comprises a handheld unit with a pump laser and a controller. A combination of a solid laser medium and a Q-switch receive a laser beam from said pump laser. Focusing optics focus laser pulses from said combination to a focal spot at a sample. Light collection optics collect light from plasma induced of sample material by focused laser pulses. A spectrometer receives collected light and produces information describing its spectral distribution. A power source delivers electric power to other parts of the apparatus. The pump laser, combination, focusing optics, light collection optics, spectrometer and power source are parts of said handheld unit.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a system for detecting a change in an attribute of a substance. The system may include a photon source for producing a first of a plurality of photons which interact with the substance while an attribute of the substance changes to produce a second plurality of photons. The system may also include a filter for receiving the collected photons and providing filtered photons; a photon detector for receiving the filtered photons and obtaining therefrom a spectrum of the substance; and a processor for detecting an aspect of the filtered photons wherein the aspect of the filtered photons is the function of the attribute of the substance.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy comprises a handheld unit with a pump laser and a controller. A combination of a solid laser medium and a Q-switch receive a laser beam from said pump laser. Focusing optics focus laser pulses from said combination to a focal spot at a sample. Light collection optics collect light from plasma induced of sample material by focused laser pulses. A spectrometer receives collected light and produces information describing its spectral distribution. A power source delivers electric power to other parts of the apparatus. The pump laser, combination, focusing optics, light collection optics, spectrometer and power source are parts of said handheld unit.

Abstract: Two or more high-frequency microphones are used to determine where an individual spark or other excitation beam strikes a sample in an optical emission spectroscopy (OES) instrument. The position of the spark can be correlated with the elemental composition of the material in the sample vaporized by the spark. The microphones are placed appropriately in air around a sparker of the instrument, or appropriately on the sample, or on both the sample and in the air. Arrival times of sound from the spark to the microphones, or a difference in the arrival times, yields information, from which the position of the spark relative to the microphones, and hence the absolute position of the spark, is deduced, such as by triangulation. Optionally or in addition, a signal that indicates a time when the spark is produced is correlated with one or more spectra detected by a spectrometer, so a spectrum that results from the vaporized sample can be distinguished from a spectrum that results from heated gas above the sample.

Abstract: An optoelectronic system for measuring fluorescence or luminescence emission decay, including (a) a light source being a light emitting diode, a semiconductor laser or a flash tube; (b) a first integrated circuit comprising at least one circuit causing the light source to emit light pulses towards a sample which causes a fluorescence or luminescence emission from the sample; (c) a photodiode detecting the emission; (d) a second integrated circuit comprising a detection analysis system determining information about the sample by analyzing decay of the detected emission; and (e) an enclosure enclosing the light source, the first integrated circuit, the second integrated circuit and the photodiode.

Abstract: A spectroscopic detector for identifying the presence of a substance includes a laser for illuminating the substance with electromagnetic radiation at a plurality of wavelengths to induce the emission of radiation characteristic of the substance; a spectrometer or photometer for measuring the emitted radiation at a plurality of emission wavelengths to obtain a plurality of spectral measurement data; and a processor for processing the spectral measurement data. The processor includes a processing algorithm configured for combining the plurality of spectral measurement data into a composite spectrum; and applying the algorithm to the composite spectrum whereby at least one parameter characteristic of the substance is identified while information in the composite spectrum contributed by an emission of radiation from any other substance is removed to thereby identify the presence of the substance, and thereby obtain a characteristic spectral signature of the substance.

Abstract: A gaseous analyte including a small amount of a multiatomic moiety incorporating a particular isotope, such as 14CO2 is subjected to a standing optical wave at a resonant wavelength of the moiety while maintaining the moiety in an excited condition, such as in a gas discharge. The standing optical wave may be applied by a laser having a sample cell containing the analyte within the laser cavity. Monitoring an induced effect such as the optogalvanic effect yields a signal directly related to the quantity of the moiety. The test can detect quantities of the moiety of an attomole or less, and in some cases on the order of 100 molecules.

Abstract: A time-resolved, fluorescence spectrometer makes use of a RadiaLight® optical switch and no dispersive optical elements (DOE) like gratings. The structure is unique in its compactness and simplicity of operation. In one embodiment, the spectrometer makes use of only one photo-detector and an efficient linear regression algorithm. The structure offers a time resolution, for multiple species measurements, of less than 1 s. The structure can also be used to perform fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy.

Abstract: An optical method and system sense and identify a foreign particle in a gaseous environment. A light source generates light. An electrically-conductive sheet has an array of holes formed through the sheet. Each hole has a diameter that is less than one quarter of the light's wavelength. The sheet is positioned relative to the light source such that the light is incident on one face of the sheet. An optical detector is positioned adjacent the sheet's opposing face and is spaced apart therefrom such that a gaseous environment is adapted to be disposed therebetween. Alterations in the light pattern detected by the optical detector indicate the presence of a foreign particle in the holes or on the sheet, while a laser induced fluorescence (LIF) signature associated with the foreign particle indicates the identity of the foreign particle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for carrying out emission spectroscopy, in particular laser emission spectroscopy. According to said method, a pulsed laser beam is automatically focussed on a workpiece to generate a laser-induced plasma, the radiation emitted from the plasma is detected and an elemental analysis is performed using the captured radiation spectrum. The invention is characterised in that a laser beam impingement is carried out with a variable pulse interval ?T, that prior to the plasma generation, additional geometric parameters P1, P2 . . . PN of a potential measurement location on the workpiece surface, in addition to the distance d of the autofocus lens from said workpiece surface are determined and in that an elemental analysis is only performed for the potential measurement locations, at which at least one of the additional geometric parameters lies within a predefined tolerance range [T1 . . . T2].

Abstract: A method and device are provided for analysis of a molten material using optical emission spectrometry. The molten material may be, for example, a molten metal, such as casting iron or steel, or slag, glass, or lava. A sensitive element is used having at least one emission spectrometer and at least one excitation device to effect the excitation of the molten material and to enable the partial or complete generation of a radiation to be analyzed by a spectrometer present in the sensitive element. The sensitive element is brought into contact with the molten material and transmits information, which contains analysis elements supplied by the spectrometer. An immersion sensor is also provided for carrying at least part of the device for performing the analysis method.

Abstract: A pulse photobleaching methodology wherein a monochromatic illumination (e.g., laser illumination) having a higher power intensity (photobleaching power) just below the photodamage threshold of a luminescent sample is initially used to significantly attenuate sample luminescence without photothermally destroying the sample material. Thereafter, the laser power density may be reduced to a significantly lower level (analytical power level) to carry out spectroscopic measurements (e.g., collection of Raman scattered photons) on the sample. In one embodiment, the laser illumination wavelength remains the same despite changes in laser power intensity. Some figures-of-merit may be computed from optical measurements made at the analytical power level to guide the photobleaching process. Sample-dependent combinations of laser power density and short exposure times may be obtained to significantly expedite photobleaching to assist in collection of sample spectral data in the field without a long wait.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for contemporaneous Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Light that has interacted with a sample is dispersed to separate wavelength components, including Raman and photoluminescence components. A first array detector is positioned to receive Raman components, and a second array detector is positioned to receive Raman components. The first array detector and the second array detector may comprise the same detector material, or different detector materials.

Abstract: A limited access space inspection system comprising: an imaging device for imaging a region in the limited access space, a mounting for mounting the imaging device to scan about the limited access space and a scanning control unit, associated with the imaging device, for controlling the imaging device to scan about the limited access space. The device is particularly useful for improving by automation, security checks customs checks and safety checks involving such awkward to access spaces.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for analyzing a substance using spectroscopy techniques. Raman scattered energy and fluorescence scattered energy are simultaneously excited in the substance from a beam of ultraviolet light. The Raman scattered energy and the fluorescence scattered energy, as well as the fluorescence energy lifetime are detected and analyzed to characterize or identify the substance.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for contemporaneous Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy. Light that has interacted with a sample is dispersed to separate wavelength components, including Raman and photoluminescence components. A first array detector is positioned to receive Raman components, and a second array detector is positioned to receive Raman components. The first array detector and the second array detector may comprise the same detector material, or different detector materials.

Abstract: A spectroscopy analysis apparatus contains a focusing unit which focuses light from a light source on a sample, an optical scanner which scans the light on the sample, an optical detector which detects light intensity of the light emitted from the sample, and a cross-correlation calculating unit which calculates cross-correlation between the measurement points by associating light intensity with scanning position of the optical scanner, light intensity, which is detected with the optical detector, from plural measurement points on the sample, whose position is controlled with the optical scanner.

Abstract: An optical method and system sense and identify a foreign particle in a gaseous environment. A light source generates light. An electrically-conductive sheet has an array of holes formed through the sheet. Each hole has a diameter that is less than one quarter of the light's wavelength. The sheet is positioned relative to the light source such that the light is incident on one face of the sheet. An optical detector is positioned adjacent the sheet's opposing face and is spaced apart therefrom such that a gaseous environment is adapted to be disposed therebetween. Alterations in the light pattern detected by the optical detector indicate the presence of a foreign particle in the holes or on the sheet, while a laser induced fluorescence (LIF) signature associated with the foreign particle indicates the identity of the foreign particle.