Abstract: A screening device for performing an immunoassay test to detect the presence of a compound in a body fluid. The device includes a holder for removably receiving a membrane to which the fluid has been applied. A light is directed to the membrane. A photodetector measures the concentration of the light reflected back from the membrane. Specifically, the concentrations of reflected light from a control zone and a test zone are measured. Signals representative of the measured light concentrations are applied to a processor. If a specified concentration of predetermined light from a control zone on the membrane is detected, the processor considers the test to be successful. In the test is successful, the processor, based upon the measured concentration of reflected light from the test zone, generates data representative of the presence of the compound.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an arrangement for the optical detection of a moving target flow for pulsed energy beam pumped radiation generation based on a plasma. It is the object of the invention to find a novel possibility for detection of a moving target flow for energy beam pumped radiation generation based on a plasma which allows reliable orientation of the excitation beam on the target without the detector being subjected to influence and damage due to radiation emitted by the plasma. According to the invention, this object is met in that a target generator provides a target flow with relatively constant target states in an interaction point, a sensor unit is directed to a detection point which lies close to the interaction point in the direction of the path.

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 a method of high spatial resolution imaging or modifying a structure, the structure is marked with a substance which is selected from the group of substances which can be transferred from a first state having first optical properties to a second state having second optical properties by means of an optical switch over signal. Then, the second state of the substance is adjusted with the switch over signal except for a spatially limited area. If the substance and the switch over signal are adapted to each other in such a way, that everywhere where the switch over signal exceeds a threshold value essentially the second state of the substance is adjusted, and if the spatial area purposefully omitted by the switch over signal is an intensity minimum of an interference pattern, the spatial area of the structure in which the substance is within the first state becomes smaller than the diffraction limit for the switch over signal.

Abstract: In a process for the quantitative optical analysis of fluorescently labelled biological cells 5, a cell layer on a transparent support at the bottom 2 of a reaction vessel 1 is in contact with a solution 3 containing the fluorescent dye 4. The sensitivity of analytical detection can be considerably improved if to the fluorescent dye 4 already present in addition a masking dye 9, which absorbs the excitation light 6 for the fluorescent dye 4 and/or its emission light 7, is added to the solution 3 and/or if a separating layer 10 permeable to the solution and absorbing and/or reflecting the excitation light 6 or the emission light 7 is applied to the cell layer at the bottom 2. This process can also be used for improving the sensitivity in the quantitative optical analysis of a luminescent biological cell layer. The separating layer 10 must in this case be composed such that it has a high power of reflection for the luminescent light 11.

Abstract: A method for determining a useful life applied to a coating on a surface of a component coupled to a rotatable member of a rotary machine. The method includes directing a laser across a surface of the component while the rotatable member remains coupled within an assembled rotary machine and measuring radiation emitted from the surface of the component.

Abstract: A particle detector has a chamber defining a pathway that a target particle follows between an entry and an exit point, a solid-state energy source such as an LED, and a re-emission sensor. The energy source imparts energy to the particle between the two points, and the sensor includes an arcuate or multi-planar lens to focus energy re-emitted by the particle. The particle is identifiable by its re-emitted energy spectrum. A scanner re-directs the beam from a single energy source to track the particle between the entry and exit points. Alternatively, the energy source is a plurality of source elements that each scan the particle at a single position. Another embodiment is a chipscale detector system wherein energy source elements are disposed on a source layer, sensor elements are disposed on a sensor layer, and one or more target particles to be detected are retained on a capture layer disposed therebetween.

Abstract: An optical method, and an optical device based on a laser source for implementing an optical method, for nonintrusively measuring the temperature of a flowing liquid by using the fluorescence induced by a laser beam in a measurement volume of the liquid, uses a single temperature-sensitive fluorescent tracer and at least two separate spectral detection windows on the tracer, after molecular dilution of the tracer in the liquid medium.

Abstract: A fluorescence observing apparatus including a light source for emitting excitation light, an excitation light irradiation section for irradiating the excitation light to a sample, and a fluorescence measurement section for measuring fluorescence emitted from the sample by the irradiation of the excitation light. In the fluorescence observing apparatus, a GaN semiconductor laser is employed as the light source.

Abstract: Particle analyzing systems with fluorescence detection are disclosed, primarily in connection with particle sizing based on scattered light intensity or time-of-flight measurement. In one system, emission of fluorescence is used as a threshold for selecting particles for further analysis, e.g. mass spectrometry. In another embodiment, laser beams arranged sequentially along an aerosol path are selectively switched on and off, to increase the useful life of components, and diminish the potential for interference among several signals. Other embodiments advantageously employ color discrimination in aerodynamic particle sizing, single detectors positioned to sense both scattered and emitted fluorescent radiation, and laser beam amplitude or gain control to enhance the range of fluorescence detection.

Abstract: In a measuring apparatus for a semiconductor multiple layer structure, a spectrometer disperses light from a sample for measurement of the photoluminescence spectrum or disperses probe light to irradiate the sample for the measurement of the reflection spectrum. A controller makes a guide member guide the white light to the spectrometer and acquire electric signals from a first detector for the measurement of the reflection spectrum, and makes the guide member guide the light from the spectrometer to a second detector to acquire electric signals for the measurement of the photoluminescence spectrum.

Abstract: A method for separating different emission wavelengths in a scanning microscope includes scanning a specimen with an illuminating light beam by passing the illuminating light beam over the specimen using a beam deflector, and selectively applying each of a plurality of excitation wavelengths to the illuminating light beam during the scanning according to a predefinable illumination scheme. Emission light coming from the specimen is detected using a detector, the emission light including emission wavelengths corresponding to the excitation wavelengths. The detector is read out when an excitation wavelength is applied so as to provide detected signals. The detected signals are associated with the respective excitation wavelengths using the illumination scheme.

Abstract: Corrosion of refractory silica brick and air quality issues due to particulate emissions are two important glass manufacturing issues that have been tied to sodium vapor and its transport throughout the melt tank. Knowledge of the relationship between tank operating conditions and tank atmosphere sodium levels are therefore important considerations in correcting corrosion and air quality issues. However, until recently direct quantitative measurements of sodium levels has been limited to extractive sampling methods followed by laboratory analysis. Excimer laser induced fragmentation (ELIF) fluorescence spectroscopy is a technique that permits the measurement of volatilized NaOH in high temperature environments on a timescale of less than one second. The development of this method and the construction of field-portable instrumentation for glass furnace applications are herein disclosed. The method is shown to be effective in full-scale industrial settings.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evanescent light fluoroimmunoassays are disclosed. The apparatus employs a planar waveguide and optionally has multi-well features and improved evanescent field intensity. The preferred biosensor and assay method have the capture molecules immobilized to the waveguide surface by site-specific coupling chemistry. Additionally, the coatings used to immobilize the capture molecules provide reduced non-specific protein adsorption.

Abstract: A process for qualitative and quantitative analysis of an analyte in a solution includes irradiating a first chromophore with an electro-magnetic radiation while simultaneously moving an arrangement structure and the analyte relative to one another in a manner which effects extension of the elastic coupling interconnecting the first chromophore and a second chromophore. The process also includes measuring the intensities of a fluorescent light having a respective wavelength ?1 and a fluorescent light having a respective wavelength ?2 during the movement of the arrangement structure and the analyte relative to one another. The type and the amount of the analyte is determined as a function of the intensities of the fluorescent light having the respective wavelength ?1 and the fluorescent light having the respective wavelength ?2.

Abstract: A device is provided for the analysis of samples. The device includes a plurality of sample-containment features and a non-fluorescent quenching material for minimizing cross-talk between optical signals emitted from or directed toward the sample-containment features.

Abstract: A laser scanning microscope according to the present invention is a laser scanning microscope which scans a laser beam on a sample by a scanning optical system in a scanning optical system main body to detect a fluorescence or reflected light from the sample, and a light source section comprising a light source manufactured by a semiconductor process and an optical fiber provided on a radiation side of the light source is incorporated in the scanning optical system main body.

Abstract: In in-situ laser plasma spectroscopy (LPS) apparatus includes an enclosure for housing a laser energy source and associated signal coupling optics. A main fiber is attached to the enclosure at a first end of the main fiber, and attached to a probe at a second end of the main fiber. The main fiber is configured for transmitting input laser energy from the laser energy source to a target and for transmitting laser induced plasma emission signals back from the target. The probe has a single focal lens for directing the input laser energy from the main fiber to the target, and for directing the laser induced plasma emission signals from the target to the main fiber.

Abstract: Fast microbial detection is accomplished by identifying quantities of microorganisms accurately and easily. A cell 5 is placed on a loading portion. A coherent laser beam source 2 emits laser beam to a cell 5. A CCD area image sensor 4 is an array of light sensitive detectors. An image sensor 4 receives light projection image that passes through a cell 5 illuminated by the beam from a laser beam source 2, generating projection image signals on each light sensitive detectors. The projection image data is fed into a computer and analyzed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an optical fiber and a light collection device. The optical fiber has an untapered segment and a down-tapered segment. The light collection device has an optical aperture that collects light emitted by a sample in response to the sample being located outside and adjacent a lateral surface of the down-tapered segment. The optical aperture blocks light emitted from ends of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A method for investigating specimens, wherein a spectral splitting of the radiation coming from the specimen is carried out for specimen points or point distributions, for the operation of a laser scanning microscope or a fluorescence screening arrangement or a flow cylinder comprising the steps of generating a ?-stack so that the spectral distribution is measured by individual detection channels and storing the signals so as to be correlated to the detection signals with at least one of the spatial coordinates x, y and z and/or so as to be correlated to the measurement time t.

Abstract: A device for the chemical analysis of solid or molten material samples, based on laser-induced emission spectroscopy, including a laser source generating a laser beam, a deflection device deflecting the laser beam, a focusing device focusing the laser beam, a device that guides the reflections of a plasma ignited by the laser beam on the material sample to an evaluation device. To arrange the laser source and the evaluation device remotely from the material sample, an arm having at least one movable joint and a cavity for the laser beam is provided between the laser source and the material sample for guiding the laser beam. The deflection device is shaped as a mirror or a prism and is provided at the articulation of the arm, whereby the laser source and the evaluation device are arranged to be independent of the material sample in terms of their movements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technology called Pulse-Multiline Excitation or PME. This technology provides a novel approach to fluorescence detection with application for high-throughput identification of informative SNPs, which could lead to more accurate diagnosis of inherited disease, better prognosis of risk susceptibilities, or identification of sporadic mutations. The PME technology has two main advantages that significantly increase fluorescence sensitivity: (1) optimal excitation of all fluorophores in the genomic assay and (2) “color-blind” detection, which collects considerably more light than standard wavelength resolved detection. Successful implementation of the PME technology will have broad application for routine usage in clinical diagnostics, forensics, and general sequencing methodologies and will have the capability, flexibility, and portability of targeted sequence variation assays for a large majority of the population.

Abstract: The performance of devices for the detection of fluorophore labelled substances in an electrophoretic separation medium is improved by rescanning lines or pixels which caused saturation of an electromagnetic radiation detecting means (19) at a lower gain, the lower gain being adapted to prevent saturation of the electromagnetic radiation detecting means (19).

Abstract: There is provided a method and system for collecting optical data for use in time resolved optical imaging wherein light is directionally propagated through free-space optics to impinge on a plurality of illumination at the surface of a biological tissue such as that comprised in small animals. Light re-emitted from the tissue is collected and directionally propagated through free space optics towards a detector to produce time resolved optical signals useful for optical image reconstructions.

Abstract: The approximation of a spectral continuum by determining a plurality of minima in the spectral data; splitting the spectral data into a predetermined number of groups N; for each group of spectral data, determining major minima for the group, and calculating an average and a standard deviation for the determined major minima; determining a polynomial function that can be drawn through the major minima of all groups; for each group of spectral data, determining minor minima; calculating an average deviation (?N) between this polynomial function and the determined minor minima; reducing the number of groups, and repeating this process for the reduced number of groups until a minimum number of groups is reached. Then, the least ?N corresponding to an optimal number of groups Nopt is determined. The spectral data is split into Nopt groups; and a polynomial function that can be drawn through both the major minima and minor minima is determined for Nopt groups.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for a compact birefringent interference imaging spectrometer. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a portable system for obtaining a spectrum of a sample. The portable system may include a first photon emission source for illuminating the sample with a first plurality of photons to thereby produce photons scattered by the sample; an optical lens for collecting the scattered photons; a filter for receiving the collected scattered photons and providing therefrom filtered photons; a first photon detector for receiving the filtered photons and obtaining therefrom a spectrum of the sample; and a rejection filter for blocking the photons from said first photon emission source from entering said first photon detector. The disclosure additionally relates to methods of using such portable systems.

Abstract: A biomolecule analyzer of the present invention analyzes dynamic behaviors of biomolecules, and comprises image obtaining means for obtaining an image corresponding to at least one observation area of a biological sample containing biomolecules held in a measurable state, designation means for designating an arbitrary point on the image obtained by the image obtaining means, arrangement means for arranging a measuring point in a point position on the sample corresponding to the point designated by the designation means so that the measuring point may continuously coincide with the point position, measurement means for measuring a signal derived from dynamic information of an object to be measured from the measuring point arranged by the arrangement means, and analysis means for analyzing measuring results of the measurement means.

Abstract: Methods and instrumentation for performing charge coupled device (CCD)-based confocal spectroscopy with a laser spot array are provided. The methods and instruments of the invention are useful in any spectroscopic application, including, but not limited to, microscopy and microvolume laser scanning cytometry (MLSC).

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the lifetime of an excited state in a specimen is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an electromagnetic energy source (1) that emits light (3) of one wavelength. Also provided are a means (5) for dividing the light (3) into at least a first and a second partial light beam (7, 9) and an intermediate element (23) in at least one partial light beam to influence the transit time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for detecting the fluorescence of a sample, wherein the apparatus comprises excitation light source located on the same side of the sample as the detecting means. The apparatus may be constructed as a single-sided as well as a double-sided system, wherein the double-sided system comprises double-sided excitation system and/or double-sided detecting system. The double-sided system may also be a combination of fluorescence system and conventional microscopy. The apparatus may be used for analysis of various types of biological material, liquid as well as solid material, and various other types of material suitable being analysed through fluorescence studies.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging an array of a plurality of features associated with a sample tile. The apparatus includes a stage that supports the sample tile in an illumination region, and an illumination source having a plurality of LEDs adapted to emit light. At least a portion of the light illuminates the illumination region. Additionally, the apparatus includes an image collecting device adapted to selectively collect images of either a first signal when the illumination source is illuminating the illumination region, or a second signal absent illumination of the illumination region. The first signal has wavelengths effectively different from the wavelengths of the portion of the light emitted by the LEDs that illuminates the illumination region.

Abstract: The laser scanning microscope comprises an objective focusing a laser beam on a sample, and takes fluorescence or reflected light from the sample, optical scanning means for scanning the laser beam on the sample two-dimensionally, an acousto-optic device, arranged on an optical path of a fluorescence or a reflected light, which selects and deflects only a light beam with the wavelength which corresponds to incident fluorescence or the reflected light and a frequency of the applied high frequency voltage, optical detection means for detecting a light beam through the acousto-optic device, and frequency scanning means for switching and setting a frequency of a high frequency voltage applied to the acousto-optic device.

Abstract: Provided is a photodetector that detects missile launches from an above-flying surveillance platform through clouds. The plume detector includes a passive electro-optical sensor which detects the narrow spectral emissions in a rocket engine plume during launch thereof. By detecting a launch upon rocket engine ignition, despite a cloud layer, a gain of up to thirty seconds or more of launch warning is realized and the location of the launch can be accurately determined and the trajectory of such rocket more accurately plotted for enhanced response to such launch. The plume detector of the invention can be carried on a platform such as an aircraft or an orbiting satellite. In each case such detector can spectrally isolate the narrow spectral emissions of interest of a missile or other rocket, as it is launched, for faster tracking and response.

Abstract: A method for operating a confocal microscope system includes deflecting a light beam on a specimen with at least one beam deflection device. The position of the light beam is stepped with at least one beam deflection device across the specimen. A sample of emitted fluorescent light from the specimen is captured in synchronization with each of the stepped positions of the light beam. An image is obtained from the captured samples of emitted fluorescent light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple and direct method for the simultaneous correction of steady-state polarized fluorescence intensities, depolarized (or scrambled) by the effects of applied hydrostatic pressure without having to first determine the scrambling factors from a separate experiment. The method involves direct recalculation of the measured polarized data obtained for the sample of interest at the time of data collection.

Abstract: A semiconductor forensic light is disclosed. The forensic light may use a variety of semiconductor light sources to produce light that contrasts forensic evidence against its background for viewing, photographing and collection. Example semiconductor light sources for the forensic light include light emitting diodes and laser chips. A heat sink, thermoelectric cooler and fan may be included to keep the forensic light cool. A removable light source head may be included on the forensic light to provide for head swapping to give the user access to different wavelengths of light.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting the presence of a liquid introduced into a mix of constituents. The method comprises the following steps: excitation of the mix by a light signal in the absence of the liquid to be detected; measurement of a fluorescence signal over a time ?t characteristic of the liquid to be detected, so as to produce a reference quantity Ro; introduction of an amount of liquid to be detected in the mix; excitation of the mix by a light signal; measurement of a fluorescence signal over a time ?t so as to produce a quantity R; comparison of the quantity R with a quantity k×Ro. The invention applies to the detection of serum pipetting errors within the context of bioassays, especially immunological tests.

Abstract: The light detection system includes at least two light detection elements. Each element is responsive to a selected light color in a first mode, and each element has a different sensitivity and is responsive to a single color in a second mode for enhanced dynamic range. A preferred embodiment includes four light detectors for responding to four separate colors or for responding with enhanced dynamic range to two colors. Embodiments are disclosed using a mirror/beam splitter arrangement to switch between modes and an embodiment including dichroic filters serving as fractional beam splitters.

Abstract: A Fluorescence Particle Spectrometer (FPS) performs real-time measurement of the fluorescence spectra of aerosol particles in the size range 1-10 ?m diameter. The FPS has a sufficiently high sample rate (estimated to be a few liters/min) to measure aerosol within buildings (from 1 up to 600 particle fluorescence spectra per minute) at practical rates. A virtual impactor first concentrates aerosol particles, which are then drawn under negative pressure through an aerodynamic focusing nozzle in the inlet of the instrument, through the sample region, providing further concentration. The rate of particle spectra measured by the FPS increases significantly when the particle inlet is within a few meters of some common sources of indoor biological particles.

Abstract: Single-mode and multi-mode fibers to achieve modal splitting and greater sensitivity in an optical fiber coupler for evanescent-wave biosensor applications. A source of light having multiple modes is coupled to the input to one of the multi-mode fibers, with the geometry of necked-down section being such that a limited number of modes may be carried by the multi-mode fiber as the light emerges from the coupler. At least one of the single-mode fibers is supported adjacent the multi-mode fiber to receive and carry one of the limited modes. A biomolecule enveloped by the evanescent field, exhibits a direct or indirect affinity to a binding partner, such that attachment of the binding partner is at least partially responsible for the limited number of modes carried by the multi-mode fiber as the light emerges from the coupler.

Abstract: A time-resolved fluorescence microscope having high spatial and time resolution. Fluorescence from a sample 26 mounted on a confocal inverted optical microscope 19 and excitation laser light are simultaneously incident on a non-linear optical element 32 to produce sum-frequency light 34. Time-resolved fluorescence from the sample is measured by varying the amount of delay in an optical delay line 33.

Abstract: A personal identification and security system including a personal identification verification system, a controlled substance detection and identification system and an alarm indicator responsive to outputs of the personal identification verification system and the controlled substance detection and identification system for providing an alarm indication in response to fulfillment of alarm criteria in at least one of the outputs.

Abstract: A step-gradient composite waveguide for evanescent sensing in fluorescent binding assays comprises a thick substrate layer having one or more thin film waveguide channels deposited thereon. In one embodiment, the substrate is silicon dioxide and the thin film is silicon oxynitride. Specific binding molecules having the property of binding with specificity to an analyte are immobilized on the surface of the thin film channels. In preferred embodiments, the composite waveguide further includes light input coupling means integrally adapted to the thin film channels. Such light coupling means can be a grating etched into the substrate prior to deposition of the thin film, or a waveguide coupler affixed to the upper surface of the thin film. The waveguide coupler has a thick input waveguide of high refractive index which receives the laser light through one end and propagates it by total internal reflection.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are disclosed for use with Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) systems that can be applied to the real time analysis of molten materials or liquid. Since it is difficult to prepare a surface representative of the bulk when dealing with high temperature molten material, the invention, in one aspect, uses a forced gas flow through a tube insertable inside the molten material to generate a bubble. The inner surface of the bubble is a representative of the composition of the material. LIBS performed on such a surface produces an accurate real time analysis of material, even when other processing of material, e.g., copper smelting, etc., is being conducted.

Abstract: A remote optical measurement suitable for Raman and fluorescence detection uses one or more dielectric components and an optical configuration which affords significant miniaturization, in some cases resulting in a probe with dimensions on the order of one-half inch or less on a side. A primary application is the pharmaceutical market, wherein the reactors vessels are only 1-inch in diameter, causing a scale down of instrumentation due to space requirements.

Abstract: Devices are provided comprising reflecting channels for directing horizontally a vertical light beam through a multiplicity of streams. The devices provide particular applications in microfluidics, where streams of narrow cross-sectional dimensions are involved. Desirably, channels having 45° walls are provided for directing the beams and where the streams are divided by walls, the walls are at substantially 90°. Methods of fabrication of the devices are provided.

Abstract: A mirror driving mechanism comprises a driver configured to drive at least one mirror which reflects a light flux while adjusting a wavelength width and a wavelength band of the light flux separated in a spectrum, and a controller configured to control the driver.

Abstract: A method for detecting chemical species present in a condensed medium including determining characteristic wavelengths and intensity values of back-scattered electromagnetic emission signals due to fluorescence of chemical species excited in response to a multiplicity of electromagnetic excitations of distinct wavelengths of at least one chemical species that could be contained in the condensed medium; successively exciting a multiplicity of surface elements of a surface portion of the condensed medium with a laser beam having tunable wavelength capable of taking on at least one of value of the distinct wavelengths of the multiplicity of electromagnetic excitations; successively recording wavelengths and intensity values of the electromagnetic emission signals back-scattered by each of the surface elements in response to the electromagnetic excitations produced by the beam; comparing at least one excitation wavelength and at least one corresponding emission wavelength of the recorded intensity value of the el

Abstract: A system for material excitation in microfluidic devices is described. Aspects of the invention resemble a submerged periscope when in use. They allow for light to be redirected along a more advantageous trajectory as does the maritime device. A prism with a reflecting surface may be used to direct a laser beam along one or more microfluidic trenches or channels. Alternatively, a reflecting surface may be provided in connection with a simple support. Directing a beam along multiple paths is preferably accomplished by scanning a single laser across or around the reflecting surface provided. Provision may be made for at least a portion of the submersible used to function as an electrode to assist in electrokinetically driving fluids and/or ions within the microfluidic device.