Abstract: Optical fiber sensors and fiberless optical sensors for measuring analytes, and in particular nitric oxide, are described utilizing metals, and more particularly, metal colloids. Proteins (or fragments thereof) with selective binding are immobilized on metal particles. The proteins may be dye-labeled for increased sensitivity.

Abstract: A method of detecting cancer using a laser biocavity having a semiconductor laser including a microchannel through which cells in fluid traverse, comprising determining the laser wavelength of the laser biocavity with only fluid in the microchannel; determining the wavelength shift of the biocavity when each cell passes through the microchannel; and determining the percentage of cells in G2 phase from the wavelength shift of the cells; wherein an increased percentage of G2 phase cells is an indication of cancer.

Abstract: An installation is provided for multi-dimensional non-linear imaging of a material comprising intrinsic chromophores, using laser scanning.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus and method for controlled surface plasmon resonance analysis having a surface plasmon resonance sensor (200) with a derivatized surface plasmon layer (116) in optical communication with the sensor, derivatizing the surface plasmon layer and placing an analyte detection chamber (102) in fluid communication with the derivatized surface plasmon layer. The chamber is adapted (118, 120) for the generation of a molecular interaction bias across the chamber. A conjugate is provided between an analyte and a bias responsive element, wherein the analyte is reactive with the derivatized surface plasmon layer and the bias responsive element changes the response of the analyte to the molecular interaction bias. A conjugated analyte may be introduced into the chamber, generating a molecular interaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biochip reader for reading with a detector the fluorescence image information from genes to which fluorescent substances are stuck and which are poured into biochip cells, by emitting coherent light beams such as laser light onto the cells as excitation light. The present invention aims to achieve a biochip reader that is small, cheap, and highly durable.

Abstract: The present invention proposes a method of and system for analyzing samples (particularly, bio-samples), wherein the continuous spectrum white light pulse generated from an ultra-short optical pulse is used in a simple manner. By a system according to the invention, continuous spectrum white light pulses generated by converging ultra-short optical pulses on a point in a transparent substance 23 are dispersed into a spectrum of light by a dispersing element 25, and a plurality of objective wavelength components are separately selected by small reflection mirrors 37, masked mirrors or the like. The selected objective wavelength components are combined by the dispersing element 25 into a composite optical pulse containing the objective wavelength components. The composite optical pulse is irradiated onto the bio-sample 28 or other samples, whereby only the desired fluorescent substances are excited by the objective wavelength components corresponding to them.

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: An atomic force microscope (AFM) tip is used to selectively produce surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for localized Raman spectroscopy. Spectra of thin films, undetectable with a Raman microprobe spectrometer alone, are readily acquired in contact with a suitably gold-coated AFM tip. Similarly, an AFM tip is used to remove sample layers at the nanometer scale and subsequently serve as a SERS substrate for ultra-trace analysis. This demonstrates the interface of an AFM with a Raman spectrometer that provides increases sensitivity, selectivity and spatial resolution over a conventional Raman microprobe. An AFM guiding the SERS effect has the potential for targeted single molecule spectroscopy.

Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus capable of specific detection of environmental chemicals in water and air. The apparatus combines a specific chemical sampler, encompassing selectively adsorbing material to automatically sample air or water samples and trap target chemicals, and uses Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for analysis of trapped chemicals. Operation of the apparatus is controlled by a computer interface. In order to provide the accuracy needed for chemical detection and adaptability required for field use it is required to incorporate Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy with sample collection utilizing selective adsorbents. The invention provides a chemical detection device for concentrating chemical samples from water or air environments and then analyzing these samples with a low power highly portable Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope.

Abstract: The present invention provides various embodiments of a double-resonance-absorption microscope which realizes a super-resolution by using double resonance absorption. In particular, a double-resonance-absorption microscope includes a light source for a pump light of a wavelength ?1 which excites a sample molecule to a first electronic excited state from a ground state, a light source for an erase light of a wavelength ?2 which excites the sample molecule to a second electronic excited state or a higher excited state from the first electronic excited state, and an overlap component for partially overlapping irradiating areas of the pump light and the erase light with each other. An emission area upon deexcitation of the sample molecule to the ground state from the first electronic excited state is partially inhibited by irradiating the pump light and the erase light through the overlap means.

Abstract: Optical diagnosis system for small animal imaging, in which the animal which has been arranged on a bearing plate and treated with an activatable optical contrast medium is irradiated by an excitation source and the resulting fluorescent radiation that is radiated back is detected by a detector system, in which case the bearing plate is designed as a radiation-transparent window (13) for a reference radiation—generated by a second marker of the contrast medium—for the detection of the initial concentration of the inert contrast medium.

Abstract: A fluorescent optical imaging system (10) produces two separate spots (S1 and S2) on a sample (12) by a pair of excitation laser beams (B1 and B2) that are generated by first and second lasers (L1 and L2). Excitation laser beams (B1 and B2) pass at slightly different angles, first through an aperture (15) of a 45° fold mirror (13), and then through an objective element (14). As a result, emission light beams (16, 18) are generated from each illuminated spot (S1 and S2) and are reflected and redirected by mirror (13) through a secondary lens (19) before reaching one of two detectors (PMT 1 and PMT 2). Emission beam (16) reflects off a second 45° mirror (22) prior to reaching detector (PMT 1), while emission beam (18) travels directly to (PMT 2). If desired, optical separation elements (24), such as dichroic filters, prisms, or gratings, can be positioned in front of each detector (PMT 1 and PMT 2).

Abstract: A light source produces a pump wave that is used to pump a parametric device. The parametric device is configured at or near its degeneracy point and produces a broadband output. The broadband output is directed to a remote location where chemical agents may be located. The broadband output may be transmitted through or scattered from the remote location and chemical agents located at the remote location may absorb portions of the broadband output. The broadband output may be collected and dispersed to produce channels or sub-bands that are detected by a detector array. The detector array may multiplex the intensities of the sub-bands and produce an absorption spectrum. The absorption spectrum may be compared to a library of known chemical agents and the presence of a chemical agent at the remote location can be determined in or near real time.

Abstract: A method for the detection and evaluation of the light generated in a fluorescing specimen by a short pulse laser, wherein at least a first and a second fluorophore and/or a self-fluorescing specimen are separately irradiated with different wavelengths and the specimen light is recorded in a wavelength-dependent manner with at least one nondescanned detector as reference spectrum and a separation into individual spectra is carried out during the irradiation of at least two fluorophores and/or self-fluorescing specimens simultaneously from the measured spectrum and the reference spectra through regression analysis, wherein the wavelength of the short pulse laser is advantageously changed continuously in at least one wavelength region.

Abstract: The invention concerns a laser-induced fluorescence analysis device (1), comprising a tube (2) including a channel, means projecting, an excitation light (13), optical collecting means (7), optical measurement means (8) and a processing means (9) for producing an analysis result, said collecting means being mechanically coupled to one end of the channel, the tube being integrally made of a material with refractive index either lower than that of water, or higher than both that of water and that of ambient air so as to guide the fluorescence light along said channel in said channel and/or its wall up to the collecting means, which is designed to collect the fluorescence light propagated along the longitudinal direction of the channel.

Abstract: An apparatus for presenting a sample of material for analysis by a laser-based analyser comprises a chamber, a first window for admitting laser radiation to the chamber, sample presentation means for presenting a sample such that said laser radiation can impinge upon the sample, and a plurality of second windows (76,78,80,82) for receiving radiation emitted from the sample, said plurality of second windows (76,78, 80,82) adapted to pass radiation emitted from the sample to a plurality of detector means. The apparatus further includes a gas inlet (98) and a gas outlet (100) to enable the atmosphere inside the chamber (52) to be controlled.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for substrate inspection and other lighting applications. It includes an lighting apparatus 10 which comprises: an illuminator 12 including a light source for emitting lights 14; supporting means for supporting an object (e.g. a patterned substrate) 18 having a finely patterned surface 16 on which predetermined patterns are formed, which is illuminated at a predetermined angle with the lights 14 from the illuminator 12; and determining means 24 for determining whether or not predetermined patterns on the surface of the object (substrate) 16 are deformed using lights 22 diffracted by the finely patterned surface 16, wherein the illuminator 12 applies two kinds of lights 14 each having a narrow wavelength range with a peak wavelength at a respective one of two complementary colors.

Abstract: A method of interrogating an addressable array having a plurality of different chemical features. The method may include simultaneously illuminating different regions of the array with light of different intensities (which, for example, can, but need not be, also of a same waveband). Light emitted from the different regions in response to the illuminating (which light, for example, can, but need not be, of a same waveband) may be simultaneously detected with different detectors. An apparatus, addressable array unit, and related methods are further provided.

Abstract: System and method of aerosolized agent detection. Multi-part collection tape is employed for capturing particles of interest for immediate analysis and optional forensic preservation and recording information related to capture and subsequent real-time analysis. Laser induced breakdown spectroscopic processing is employed and spectra attributable to known collection tape materials is subtracted to derive particle spectra for comparison to known hazardous agent spectra.

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: An optical imager, such as a microscope for performing multiple frequency fluorometric measurements comprising a light source, such as a laser source is disclosed. The system is used to excite a sample into the fluorescent state. Light from the excited sample is collected by a microscope. The microscope utilizes conventional confocal optics optimized to have a very narrow depth of field, thus limiting the information collected to a thin planar region. Measurements are taken over the fluorescence lifetime of the sample simultaneously from the excitation source and from the excited sample. Information is taken in a matrix and comparison of the image matrix and the standard during simultaneous measurements yields output information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a fluorescent substance tagged to a microparticle are described. The device comprises a single capillary flow carrier system for transporting the microparticle past a selected location, a source of electromagnetic radiation for irradiating the substance tagged to the microparticle, and a detection system for measuring fluorescent light emitted from the substance at the selected location. The method comprises transporting the microparticle to a selected location, irradiating a fluorescent substance tagged to the microparticle, and measuring the fluorescent light emitted from the fluorescent substance at the selected location.

Abstract: A laser beam is scanned on a sample while a wavelength of the laser beam is varied. Quantity of fluorescence from the sample is detected. Absorption wavelength spectral characteristic data of fluorescence indicators whose kinds are known and which dye the sample is acquired. The absorption wavelength spectral characteristic data of a site to be discriminated is compared with the absorption wavelength spectral characteristic data of each of the fluorescence indicators of known kinds. The kind of fluorescence indicator dyeing the site to be discriminated is discriminated from a result of the comparison.

Abstract: A shield is disclosed that is particularly useful for protecting exposed optical elements at the end of optical probes used in the analysis of hazardous emissions in and around an industrial environment from the contaminating effects of those emissions. The instant invention provides a hood or cowl in the shape of a right circular cylinder that can be fitted over the end of such optical probes. The hood provides a clear aperture through which the probe can perform unobstructed analysis. The probe optical elements are protected from the external environment by passing a dry gas through the interior of the hood and out through the hood aperture in sufficient quantity and velocity to prevent any significant mixing between the internal and external environments. Additionally, the hood is provided with a cooling jacket to lessen the potential for damaging the probe due to temperature excursions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for detecting a coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) signal from a microscopic sample in an epi-direction. In an embodiment, the system includes at least two sources having a pump source for generating a pump field at the pump frequency, a Stoke source for generating a Stoke field at the Stoke frequency that is different from the pump frequency, optics (64) for directing the pump and Stoke beams (60) in a collinear fashion through a focusing lens (66) toward a common focal spot in a sample (70), and detector optics that images the CARS in epi-direction, which is generated by the interaction of the pump and Stoke fields (60) with the sample (70) and is collected by the same focusing lens (66), towards an epi-detector (78).

Abstract: Laser pulses from laser head 12 pass through objective lens 16 to a focal spot in sample spot 17. If a pulse hits a fluorophore molecule in the focal spot a fluorescence photon is emitted which is collected by lens 16, reflected by dichroic mirror 15 through filter 20, which blocks photons of other wavelengths, to single photon counting photomultiplier unit 21. On detecting a photon, photomultiplier unit 21 generates an output pulse which is coupled, with a short delay, by pulse controller 30 to driver circuit 24 which causes laser head 12 to generate another laser pulse. Thus the interval between the laser pulses is substantially equal to the time between excitation of, and fluorescence emission by, the fluorophore molecule. Computer 23 coupled to photomultiplier unit 21 and driver circuit 24 determines the decay time by measurement of a number of fluorescence events.

Abstract: A spectroscopic probe includes a monolithic block (10) of transparent material and GRIN lenses (20, 22, 24). Light for illuminating a sample is delivered by an optical fiber (31), and light scattered by the sample is output by an optical fiber (33). The block (10) has opposing angled faces (12A, 12B), coated with a dichroic filter coating and a reflective coating respectively. A method for making blocks (10) is also disclosed, in which the coatings are first provided on a large sheet, and blocks (10) are then cut from the sheet using angled cuts. Since the coated block reduces the number of components required, the probe can be miniaturized, e.g. for use in an endoscope.

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: The invention relates to a fluorescence microscopy technique for measuring physical and chemical properties of individual fiber-like particles. Fluorescence intensity per unit length is shown to be proportional to the fiber coarseness. In addition, other fiber properties such as fiber length, width and wall thickness can be obtained from fluorescence images, and lignin content from fluorescence spectra. The present invention will provide a process for determining the uniformity of pulp samples in terms of the physical and chemical properties of the individual fiber-like particles, particularly wood pulp fibers.

Abstract: A system is described for providing a wavelength of light that comprises: a scanner that provides a first wavelength; and an optical assembly that emits a second wavelength based, at least in part upon the first wavelength, wherein the second wavelength is not the result of a fluorescent emission.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for steering a beam of light. The method and apparatus are based on the discovery that the spectral dispersion of multi-chromatic light pulses by an acousto-optical deflector can be significantly ameliorated by positioning a dispersive element, such as a prism, along the path of the multi-chromatic light pulses in such a way that the dispersive element disperses the multi-chromatic light pulses in a direction opposite to the spectral dispersion caused by the acousto-optical deflector. The dispersive element may be positioned either before or after the acousto-optical deflector. The method and apparatus are particularly well-suited for use with ultrashort laser pulses in the visible and infrared ranges having a bandwidth of up to about 40 nm. The method and apparatus have applicability in, among other things, multi-photon laser scanning microscopy.

Abstract: A condenser lens is disposed in a position facing an objective lens via a specimen, a reflection mirror is movably disposed in the vicinity of an outermost part of a transmitted illuminative light path on the side of a transmitted illuminative light source from the condenser lens, and a laser beam output from a laser oscillation unit is reflected by the reflection mirror and is incident upon the condenser lens.

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: The present invention describes an apparatus capable of specific detection of environmental chemicals in water and air. The apparatus combines a specific chemical sampler, encompassing selectively adsorbing material to automatically sample air or water samples and trap target chemicals, and uses Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for analysis of trapped chemicals. Operation of the apparatus is controlled by a computer interface. In order to provide the accuracy needed for chemical detection and adaptability required for field use it is required to incorporate Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy with sample collection utilizing selective adsorbents. The invention provides a chemical detection device for concentrating chemical samples from water or air environments and then analyzing these samples with a low power highly portable Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope.

Abstract: Optical fiber sensors and fiberless optical sensors for measuring analytes, and in particular nitric oxide, are described utilizing metals, and more particularly, metal colloids. Proteins (or fragments thereof) with selective binding are immobilized on metal particles. The proteins may be dye-labeled for increased sensitivity.

Abstract: The nonlinear system includes a fixed visible input and tunable visible input that are directed to a location on a surface to be interrogated. The fixed visible input and the tunable visible inputs are aligned so that their surface locations of optical illumination overlap on the interrogated location. An output wavelength discriminator receives the reflected difference-frequency generated on the interrogated location. The output wavelength discriminator is substantially non-transmissive at frequencies higher than the difference-frequency, but substantially transmissive at the difference-frequency of the fixed visible input and the tunable visible input. The output of the output wavelength is a microwave output. Signal collection optics receives an output of the output wavelength discriminator and directs the propagation of the output thereof so that a collected microwave light signal is formed after propagation through the signal collection optics.

Abstract: A laser system comprising a laser for providing a laser beam, a non-linear optical crystal in the laser beam path creating a second order light, a laser beam expander in the beam path after the non-linear crystal, a dichromatic mirror in the beam path after the beam expander, an objective lens that focuses the laser beam on a sample and collects transmission from the sample before the sample transmission impacts the dichromatic mirror, a partial reflector of the second order light in the transmission path after the dichromatic mirror, and a coupler for coupling an optical component to the sample transmission.

Abstract: A system for sorting randomly positioned, irregularly shaped scrap metal particles on a moving conveyor employs laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), and includes an image detector for locating the particles as they path through a predefined viewing area, a position detector for detecting movement of the conveyor, a laser system for providing laser pulses, a scanner assembly for directing the pulses to selected locations within a target area, a light collector, a light distribution and spectral analyzer for isolating and measuring at least one selected band from the collected light, a separator, and suitable logic for identifying the particles, monitoring their position, monitoring the output of the laser and, operating the scanner assembly to direct the pulses to the identified particle. The spectral data is then analyzed, each particle is categorized, and thereafter sorted.

Abstract: A universal microplate analyzer capable of carrying out measurements on samples contained in the wells of microplates by fluorescence, absorbance, luminescence employs at least two light sources and optical fiber channels for directing excitation light to the sample wells. Flexibility of operation is provided by arrays of mirrors, apertures, and polarizers which can be positioned as required for the analysis to be carried out.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for use in performing a quantitative analysis of a turbid pharmaceutical sample, e.g. a tablet, a capsule or a similar sample forming a pharmaceutical dose. A pharmaceutical, turbid sample (24) is irradiated with an excitation beam (20) of radiation, e.g. near infrared radiation. The intensity of emitted radiation (30) from the sample (24) is detected as a function of both the wavelength of the emitted radiation and the photon propagation time through said sample (24). Optionally, the intensity of the emitted radiation (30) from the sample (24) is also detected in a spatially resolved manner.

Abstract: This invention discloses an Excitation Emission Matrix (EEM) fluorescence spectrometer system that uses an LED array to cause excitation emission matrix fluorescence that is imaged onto a spectrograph for sample identification and analysis. By using the LED array, the spectrograph requires only high spectroscopic resolution of about 1 to 5 nm in the fluorescence emission range and low excitation light resolution of about 14 to 73 nm in the excitation range. While individual LED optical excitation spectra may contain wavelength regions that overlap, as long as the various LEDs have different excitation wavelengths and intensities, spectral overlap does not preclude data analysis. The invention provides an EEM spectroscopy system that is not a high resolution such as a laser or lamp based excitation system, but instead uses a lower resolution, lower power LED system.

Abstract: An apparatus for total internal reflection microscopy of a sample, comprising a microscope objective lens; an excitation beam path for passing light through the objective lens to said sample; and a coupling element arranged in a back focal plane of the objective lens or in a plane which is conjugate to said back focal plane; said coupling element comprising a first area for relaying light to the objective lens for total internal reflection illumination of said sample and a second area; wherein said second area is capable of separating light emitted by said sample and passing through said excitation beam path in reverse direction from said excitation beam path; wherein said second area is spatially separate from said first area and does not overlap with said first area; and wherein a distance between said optical axis of the objective lens and that boundary of said first area which is nearer to said optical axis of the objective lens is selected such that the light beams passing from said first area into the o

Abstract: An apparatus for laser interrogation of surface agents moving relative to the apparatus. A receiver telescope includes a secondary reflector that may compensate for variations in distance from a target to the laser. The secondary reflector relies on a distance to target signal that may be collected at a point substantially away from the target, in the direction of relative motion, to allow a focusing mechanism time to react.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical system in the ray path of a confocal fluorescence microscope, comprising at least one laser light source (1, 2), a device positioned in the illuminating/detecting beam (3, 4, 5) for separating the exciting light (8) from the fluorescent light (9), an objective (10) arranged between the device and the object (7), and a detector (11) positioned downstream of the device situated in the detecting beam (5). The aim of the invention is to increase the fluorescence yield of the system while retaining its compact structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing material, such as coal, comprises subjecting the coal (14) to laser light The laser light is used to vaporize and ionize a small amount of the coal to produce spectral emissions. A plurality of detection, (26, 30, 34) each of which detect a part of the spectrum of the spectrum emissions, collect spectral information and pass it to data collection means (38, 40, 42). The data is then analyzed to determine the presence and/or amount of one or more elements or species in the coal. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus, has a plurality of data collection means (26, 30, 34), with each of the plurality of detection means being associated with a respective data collection means (38, 40, 42). The apparatus provides rapid and accurate analysis of the coal. The apparatus may be used to analyze coal on conveyor belt or coal in a seam in the ground.

Abstract: A colloidal system for detection of a variety of analytes involves techniques which permit reconstitution of a desiccated substance such as for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopic analysis and multiple sensors at once, each having different spectra through the use of markers or the like. Competitive assay techniques and a variety of substances are explained to permit a practical an versatile system which can also be used for immunological assays and can include antibodies tagged to provide spectroscopic indicia.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating multispectral images of tissue. The multispectral images may be used as a diagnostic tool for conditions such as cervical cancer detection and diagnosis. Primary radiation is produced with an illumination source. The primary radiation is filtered to select a first wavelength and a first polarization. Tissue is illuminated with the filtered primary radiation to generate secondary radiation, which is filtered to select a second wavelength and a second polarization. The filtered secondary radiation is collected with a detector, and a plurality of multispectral images of the tissue is generated according to different combinations of first and second wavelengths and first and second polarization with an analysis unit in operable relation with the detector. Apparatus utilizing the invention include endoscopes and colposcopes.

Abstract: There is described a method for identifying at least one molecule in a substantially transparent medium, the method comprising: transmitting high-power, ultra-short laser pulses into the medium so as to generate filaments in which a spontaneous fluorescence signal propagating along an axis of the filament is amplified by stimulated emission; detecting the amplified spontaneous fluorescence signal; and analyzing the florescence signal to identify said molecule.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting chemical species present in a condensed medium, comprising means for determining the wavelength and the intensity values which are characteristic of electromagnetic transmission signals which are backscattered in response to a plurality of electromagnetic excitations, which have distinct wavelengths, of at least one chemical species which can be contained in the condensed medium; laser means producing a beam in order to excite the condensed medium; means for recording the wavelengths and the intensity values of backscattered electromagnetic transmission signals; and comparing and determining means for comparing the recorded intensity value of the electromagnetic signal, which is backscattered by the medium at a determined characteristic intensity value, with at least one corresponding transmission wavelength and excitation wave length.

Abstract: A vacuum chamber includes chamber walls separating a chamber interior and a chamber exterior, with one or more access ports defined in the chamber walls. A viewing tube extends from the chamber exterior into the chamber interior and terminates in a window. A positioner for imaging devices is then provided within the viewing tube, and is thus situated at least partially within the chamber interior with its imaging device(s) oriented towards the window of the viewing tube to allow imaging of areas within the vacuum chamber. The positioner preferably allows translation and/or rotation of an imaging device within the viewing tube within two perpendicular planes oriented along the axis of the viewing tube, thereby allowing the imaging device to view an area of interest from more angles oriented about the area of interest than would otherwise be possible if the imaging device was situated outside the vacuum chamber.