Monochromatic (e.g., Laser) Patents (Class 356/318)
  • Patent number: 9983120
    Abstract: An imaging section that detects the amount of light separated by a wavelength tunable interference filter to acquire a spectroscopic image (imaging device and light amount acquisition section) detects the amount of light successively separated for three wavelengths to acquire spectroscopic images for producing a combined image. A display controller causes a display section to display a combined image based on the spectroscopic images for producing the combined image. A specified position detection section identifies based on user's operation a specified position where a colorimetry result is to be outputted. The imaging section detects the amount of light successively separated for a plurality of wavelengths by the wavelength tunable interference filter to acquire spectroscopic images for colorimetry corresponding to the plurality of wavelengths. A colorimetry section measures the color in the specified position by using the amount of light obtained from each of the spectroscopic images for colorimetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2018
    Assignee: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tetsuo Tatsuda
  • Patent number: 9958395
    Abstract: This invention discloses an improved laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) apparatus and method for the detection of mineral and metal contamination in liquid samples. The mineral and metal contaminant is first collected by filtering the liquid sample with a membrane filter. The membrane filter with the mineral and metal contaminant is then measured by a LIBS apparatus. The LIBS apparatus is based on a high repetition rate pulsed laser. The laser produces a train of laser pulses at a high repetition rate in the kHz (or even higher) range. When the laser beam hits the surface of the membrane filter, it generates several thousands of micro-plasma emissions per second. Synchronized miniature CCD array optical spectrometer modules collect the LIBS signal from these micro-plasma emissions. By adjusting the integration time of the spectrometer to cover a plurality of periods of the laser pulse train, the spectrometer integrates the LIBS signal produced by this plurality of laser pulses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: BWT Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Xin Jack Zhou, Sean Xiaolu Wang, Qun Li
  • Patent number: 9952159
    Abstract: This invention discloses a laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) apparatus based on high repetition rate pulsed laser. The laser produces a train of laser pulses at a high repetition rate in the kHz (or even higher) range. When the laser beam hits the biological sample, it generates several thousands of micro-plasmas per second. Synchronized miniature CCD array optical spectrometer modules collect the LIBS signal from these micro-plasmas. By adjusting the integration time of the spectrometer to cover a plurality of periods of the laser pulse train, the spectrometer integrates the LIBS signal produced by this plurality of laser pulses. Hence the intensity of the obtained LIBS spectrum can be greatly improved to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and lower the level of detection (LOD).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2018
    Assignee: BWT Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Xiaolu Wang, Qun Li
  • Patent number: 9891173
    Abstract: A method for detecting an element in a sample using molecular emission by double pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy is provided. The method includes observing emissions from molecules including the element to be detected. The method is particularly useful for detecting halogens, whose elemental emissions are difficult to detect, rare earth elements and boron.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: LASER DISTANCE SPECTROMETRY LTD.
    Inventors: Michael Gaft, Lev Nagli
  • Patent number: 9839361
    Abstract: Imaging, testing and/or analysis of subjects are facilitated with a capillary-access approach. According to an example embodiment, a capillary is implanted into a specimen and adapted to accept an optical probe to facilitate optical access into the specimen. In some applications, the capillary is implanted for use over time, with one or more different probes being inserted into the capillary at different times, while the capillary is implanted. Certain applications involve capillary implantation over weeks, months or longer. Other applications are directed to the passage of fluid to and/or from a sample via the capillary. Still other applications are directed to the passage of electrical information between the sample and an external arrangement, via an implanted capillary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2017
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Mark Jacob Schnitzer, Juergen Claus Jung
  • Patent number: 9829692
    Abstract: An optical observation unit (1) has an illumination apparatus (43) for illuminating an observation object (3). The illumination apparatus (43, 143) has a light source (45) emitting illumination light with a first color temperature, and a spectral filter (49) that can be inserted in the illumination beam path. The spectral filter (49) converts the illumination light with the first color temperature into illumination light with a second color temperature. The illumination apparatus further has an attenuator (51) that can be inserted in the illumination beam path in place of the spectral filter (49) and has a transmission characteristic that leads to an intensity reduction of the illumination light with the first color temperature that corresponds to the intensity reduction of the illumination light with the second color temperature by way of the spectral filter (49).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: CARL ZEISS MEDITEC AG
    Inventors: Peter Reimer, Thomas Kratzer, Stefan Ernsperger, Bruno Stich
  • Patent number: 9823129
    Abstract: A printer includes a spectroscope and a carriage moving unit. The spectroscope includes a wavelength-selective interference filter on which light from a measurement target is incident, and the carriage moving unit moves the spectroscope in an X direction with respect to the measurement target. If the measurement target is a color patch, the spectroscope performs spectrometry by changing a wavelength of light passing through the wavelength-selective interference filter in a first period during which the spectroscope is moved in the X direction, and passes light of an initial wavelength through the wavelength-selective interference filter at a start of measurement and at an end of measurement in the first period. A first output value that is a measured value from the spectrometry at the start of measurement is compared with a second output value that is a measured value from the spectrometry at the end of measurement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Ryohei Kuri
  • Patent number: 9797776
    Abstract: This invention discloses a laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) apparatus based on a high repetition rate pulsed laser. The laser produces a train of laser pulses at a high repetition rate in the kHz or even higher range. When the laser beam hits the sample, it generates several thousands of micro-plasma emissions per second. Synchronized miniature CCD array optical spectrometer modules collect the LIBS signal from these micro-plasma emissions. By adjusting the integration time of the spectrometer to cover a plurality of periods of the laser pulse train, the spectrometer integrates the LIBS signal produced by this plurality of laser pulses. Hence the intensity of the obtained LIBS spectrum can be greatly improved to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and lower the limit of detection (LOD).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: BWT Property, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Xiaolu Wang, Qun Li
  • Patent number: 9797835
    Abstract: An in-situ on-line detection device and detection method for a long-distance metallurgical liquid metal component. The detection device comprises a front-end high-temperature resistant probe, a middle-end optical sensing device and a back-end control platform, wherein the head of the front-end high-temperature resistant probe is placed in a liquid metal, the tail thereof is coaxially connected to the middle-end optical sensing device, and an optical window is arranged in the connection position; and the middle-end optical sensing device is connected to the back-end control platform through a signal line. The detection device and detection method can provide a timely and valid message for quality control and a melting end, so that the detection time is greatly shortened, the detection distance can he adjusted extensively, the measurement result is accurate, and it can be achieved to measure components that are difficult to measure such as carbon, sulfur, phosphorous, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: SHENYANG INSTITUTE OF AUTOMATION OF THE CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
    Inventors: Lanxiang Sun, Haibin Yu, Yong Xin, Lifeng Qi, Yang Li, Zhibo Cong
  • Patent number: 9766223
    Abstract: This invention provides new methods and apparatus for rapidly analyzing a single bioparticle or a plurality of bioparticles to assess their condition. The invention is enabled by an optical microcavity comprising reflective structures to confine light and bioparticles in the same space. Under resonance conditions, an electromagnetic standing wave is established in the microcavity to interact with the bioparticle. Means are provided to bring a bioparticle into the microcavity and to detect changes in the resonance condition with and without the bioparticle in the microcavity. Information about the bioparticle is obtained using the benefits of light interactions as fast, non-contacting, and non-destructive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2017
    Inventor: Paul L. Gourley
  • Patent number: 9759661
    Abstract: In a device for the optical imaging of a sample, having at least one light source for excitation light in order to excite a fluorescent dye in a sample, which is held by a sample holder, for spontaneous emission of fluorescent light over a limited period of time in a spatial region having increased resolution, and for de-excitation light in order to de-excite the fluorescent dye again except for a residual zone that is reduced in size relative to the spatial region, wherein light from the sample having wavelengths other than those of the excitation light and of the de-excitation light is assignable to the spontaneous emission of fluorescent light from the residual zone of the spatial region (STED, GSD, etc.), the de-excitation light (3) is arranged to be transmitted in two parallel planes which are separated by a gap (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Assignee: Hans-Ulrich Dodt
    Inventor: Hans-Ulrich Dodt
  • Patent number: 9739715
    Abstract: A method of setting a laser-light intensity value includes: emitting laser light, the laser light being excitation light, a fluorescent-dyed biological sample being irradiated with the excitation light and emitting light; detecting fluorescence emitted by the biological sample, and outputting a signal corresponding to a brightness value; prestoring relation information, the relation information including the plurality of laser-light intensity values, and information on at least one possible correlation between a phototoxicity degree and the brightness value in relation to each of the laser-light intensity values, the phototoxicity to the biological sample resulting from the laser light; generating a fluorescence image having the brightness value based on the output signal; calculating a brightness value representative of a ROI area based on the generated fluorescence image; and referring to the relation information, and determining a laser-light intensity value satisfying tolerance of the phototoxicity based
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Watanabe, Kazuki Aisaka
  • Patent number: 9738864
    Abstract: A device (10) for detecting the presence of at least one microorganism in the contents (101, 201) of a container (100, 200) comprising a wall with a translucent zone, said detection device (10) comprising: a) at least one light source (11), such as a light-emitting diode (LED), capable of illuminating the contents of the container (100, 200) by emitting an excitation light beam through the translucent zone of the container (100, 200); b) at least one detection means (12, 13, 14, 15), such as a photodiode, for detecting at least one reaction light beam emitted in response to the illumination of the contents (101, 201) of the container (100, 200); said at least one light source (11) and said at least one detection means (12, 13, 14, 15) being equipped with at least one connection means (105, 205), to connect said at least one light source (11) and said at least one detection means (12, 13, 14, 15) to the wall of the container (100, 200), in the translucent zone, said at least one detection means (12, 13, 14
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: Biomerieux
    Inventors: Bruno Colin, Corinne De La Foata, Jacques Dachaud, Fabienne Made
  • Patent number: 9719933
    Abstract: A method of quantifying at least one property of interest of an oil sands ore sample is provided using a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) method. The LIBS method may be applied to oil sands ore being conveyed prior to a slurry process to measure oil sand composition and provide information which may predict extraction characteristics. The LIBS method may be applied to oil sands core samples in a laboratory setting to reduce the cost and analysis time associated with conventional laboratory measurement techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignees: SYNCRUDE CANADA LTD, NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL OF CANADA
    Inventors: Richard Paproski, Aïssa Harhira, David Duford, Josette El Haddad, Darcy Daugela, Alain Blouin, Mohamad Sabsabi
  • Patent number: 9696260
    Abstract: An installation for spectroscopic measurement includes a focusing system (2) for focusing a laser beam (3) on a sample (4) for analysis and a system (17) for collecting and spectroscopically analyzing light rays emitted by the plasma (15), this system (17) including, in particular, an optical fiber (18) for collecting light. The installation also includes a motor-driven system (23) for moving the optical fiber (18), an optical imaging system (25) for imaging the plasma in the form of an image, and a processor and control unit (24). The unit (24) is capable of analyzing the image formed by the optical imaging system in order to select a zone of interest and controlling the motor-driven system (23) in order to place the optical fiber in a position enabling it to collect light coming from the selected zone of interest in the plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignees: UNIVERSITE CLAUDE BERNARD LYON I, CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE
    Inventors: Vincent Motto-Ros, Jin Yu
  • Patent number: 9658103
    Abstract: A measuring apparatus, comprising at least a first light source and a second light source for transmitting light; at least one light receiver for receiving light at least of a first received wavelength and a second received wavelength; at least one dispersing element for bending and/or refracting light; wherein the light transmitted by the light sources strikes the dispersing element and is so turned by the dispersing element that it strikes the light receiver. The first light source is arranged at a first angle relative to the dispersing element and the second light source at a second angle relative to the dispersing element, wherein the second angle differs from the first angle. The first angle is so embodied that the wavelength of the light turned by the dispersing element corresponds to the first received wavelength, and wherein the second angle is so embodied that the wavelength of the light turned by the dispersing element corresponds to the second received wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: Endress+Hauser Conducta GmbH+Co. KG
    Inventor: Ralf Bernhard
  • Patent number: 9651478
    Abstract: The analyzer according to the embodiment comprises an irradiation optical part that irradiates a mixture inside reaction tubes with light from a light source. Moreover, a detection optical part detects light transmitted through the mixture. Moreover, the irradiation optical part comprises a first optical element in which the light source is disposed at the front focal position and that concentrates light from the light source. Moreover, a second optical element guides light transmitted through the first optical element to the reaction tubes. In addition, an incident numerical aperture adjustment member is provided at the rear side of the first optical element and adjusts the numerical aperture when light from the light source is incident on the reaction tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: TOSHIBA MEDICAL SYSTEMS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shoichi Kanayama, Tomoyuki Tada, Naotada Okada
  • Patent number: 9625391
    Abstract: (EN) The invention relates to a special LIBS measurement tube focusing unit, referred to simply as LIBS measurement tube, for vertically dipping into a material to be analyzed, which material is moved in a horizontal flow, characterized in that the measurement tube extends vertically and is internally hollow and open at least at the bottom end, such that a bottom edge is formed at the bottom end, the measurement tube has an inlet for coupling in a laser beam and an outlet for coupling out an emission spectrum at the upper end, the measurement tube is constructed in such a way that, in the measurement tube, the laser beam is focused at the material to be analyzed, specifically bulk material, in particular raw, intermediate, and end products from the processing of potash, magnesium, rock salt, or evaporated salt, but without additional scattering and deflection occurring, such that a plasma of the material to be analyzed is produced within the measurement tube by the laser radiation and the emission spectrum of
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: K+S Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Udo-Walter Lisner, Torsten Rest, Jessica Waechter, Joachim Makowe, Volker Moerkens, Christoph Dominic Gehlen
  • Patent number: 9606068
    Abstract: Arrays of integrated analytical devices and their methods for production are provided. The arrays are useful in the analysis of highly multiplexed optical reactions in large numbers at high densities, including biochemical reactions, such as nucleic acid sequencing reactions. The devices allow the highly sensitive discrimination of optical signals using features such as spectra, amplitude, and time resolution, or combinations thereof. The devices include an integrated diffractive beam shaping element that provides for the spatial separation of light emitted from the optical reactions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: PACIFIC BIOSCIENCES OF CALIFORNIA, INC.
    Inventors: Annette Grot, Ravi Saxena, Paul Lundquist
  • Patent number: 9606065
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a quantitative analysis method for measuring a target element in a specimen using laser-induced plasma spectrum. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for analyzing a composition ratio of a target element by calculating peak intensities when peaks overlap each other in a spectrum, and a method for selecting a peak of a wavelength at which the highest precision and reproducibility are secured through linearity of a correlation plot of the peak intensities and a value by dividing a standard deviation value of calibration curve data (peak intensity ratios) by a slope when an internal standard method is used for quantitative analysis of a target element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: GWANGJU INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Sungho Jeong, Jeonghwan In, Chan Kyu Kim, Seokhee Lee
  • Patent number: 9584730
    Abstract: The disclosed apparatus, systems, and methods provide for a displacement sensor with a multi-position image sensor. The displacement sensor includes an optical lens. The displacement sensor includes an image sensor configured to view an object through the lens along a plane of focus that is not parallel to an image plane of the image sensor. The displacement sensor includes a laser for illuminating the object by the displacement sensor, wherein the laser is: spaced from the lens at a fixed distance, and configured to project a line of light along the plane of focus of the image sensor. The displacement sensor comprises a first configuration wherein the image sensor is at a first location along an image plane with a first field of view along the plane of focus, and a second configuration at a second location with a different field of view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: COGNEX CORPORATION
    Inventors: George Costigan, Laurens Nunnink, Aaron Wallack, Roger Sumner
  • Patent number: 9568423
    Abstract: A system for detecting signal components of light induced by multiple excitation sources including: a flow channel including at least two spatially separated optical interrogation zones; a non-modulating excitation source that directs a light beam of a first wavelength at a near constant intensity onto a first of the optical interrogation zones; a modulating excitation source that directs a light beam of a second wavelength with an intensity modulated over time at a modulating frequency onto a second of the optical interrogation zones; a detector subsystem comprising a set of detectors configured to detect light emitted from particles flowing through the at least two optical interrogation zones and to convert the detected light into a total electrical signal; and a processor that determines signal components from the light detected from each of the optical interrogation zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: ACEA Biosciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Nan Li, Jian Wu, Ye Chen, Tianxing Wang, Xiaobo Wang
  • Patent number: 9568430
    Abstract: An analysis system includes a moveable focusing lens, a laser (typically an eye safe laser) having an output directed at the focusing lens, and a spectrometer outputting intensity data from a sample. A controller system is responsive to the spectrometer and is configured to energize the laser, process the output of the spectrometer, and adjust the position of the focusing lens relative to the sample until the spectrometer output indicates a maximum or near maximum intensity resulting from a laser output focused to a spot on the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: SciAps, Inc.
    Inventor: David Day
  • Patent number: 9551650
    Abstract: An integrated optofluidic system for trapping and transporting particles for analysis is provided comprising a planar substrate; a microfluidic channel; and a waveguide integrated with the channel. A microsphere particle in the integrated optofluidic system can act as a cavity, allowing light to circulate many thousands of times around the circumference of the microsphere. Optical trapping and transport is used for nanoscale positioning to excite the microsphere resonances. Sensitive measurements on molecules can be accomplished by monitoring changes in whispering gallery modes (WGMs) that propagate around the circumference of the microsphere. By using a broadband or supercontinuum light source, a microsphere can be trapped and many WGM resonances can be excited through the visible and near-infrared wavelengths simultaneously. After the resonances are measured using the waveguide transmission, the microsphere can be freed by decreasing the optical power and the process repeated with a different microsphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Cornell University
    Inventors: Arthur Nitkowski, Michal Lipson
  • Patent number: 9513473
    Abstract: Fluorescence microscopy systems with polychroic mirror changers are described. In one aspect, a polychroic mirror changer includes a polychroic-mirror array. The array includes a plate with a planar surface and a number of holes formed in the plate. The array also includes polychroic mirrors attached to the planar surface of the plate such that each polychroic mirror covers one of the holes and the reflective surface of each polychroic mirror is adjacent to and aligned with the planar surface of the plate. Each polychroic mirror is partially exposed through a corresponding hole to reflect a different subset of excitation channels of a beam of excitation light input to the changer. The polychroic-mirror array can be mounted in the changer so that when a different subset of excitation channels is selected to illuminate a specimen, the plate is moved within a single plane of motion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: GE HEALTHCARE BIO-SCIENCES CORP.
    Inventors: Jeremy R. Cooper, Justin Kyle Curts
  • Patent number: 9506808
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for performing photothermal measurements on a object. The apparatus, which may be provided as a handpiece, houses optical components including a laser, an infrared detector, a dichroic beamsplitter, and focusing and beam directing optics for the delivery of a laser beam to, and the collection of photothermal radiation from, a measured object. Some of the optical components may be provided on an optical bench that is directly attached to a thermally conductive tip portion for the passive heat sinking of internal optical components. The apparatus may further include a sampling optical element and a photodetector for the detection of luminescence, and a camera for obtaining an image of the object during a diagnostic procedure. The apparatus may be employed for the scanning of a tooth to determine an oral health status of the tooth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: QUANTUM DENTAL TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Jin-Seok Jeon, Andreas Mandelis, Stephen Abrams, Anna Matvienko, Koneswaran Sivagurunathan, Josh Silvertown, Adam Hellen
  • Patent number: 9506869
    Abstract: A novel device, method and systems disclosed managing the thermal challenges of LIBS laser components and a spectrometer in a handheld structure as well the use of simplified light signal collection which includes a bare fiber optic to collect the emitted light in close proximity to (or in contact with) the test material. In one example embodiment of the handheld LIBS device, a burst pulse frequency is 4 kHz is used resulting in a time between pulses of about 250 ?s which is a factor of 10 above that of other devices in the prior art. In a related embodiment, an active Q-switched laser module is used along with a compact spectrometer module using a transmission grating to improve LIBS measurement while substantially reducing the size of the handheld analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: TSI, Incorporated
    Inventors: Frederick Quant, Kenneth R. Farmer, Phillip V. Tan, Christopher B. Stipe, Steven G. Buckley, Erik Stockinger, Daniel Jensen
  • Patent number: 9494598
    Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, kits, and systems for the sensitive detection of cardiac troponin, Such methods, compositions, kits, and systems are useful in diagnosis, prognosis, and determination of methods of treatment in conditions that involve release of cardiac troponin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignees: Singulex, Inc., The Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Philippe Goix, Robert Puskas, John Todd, Richard Livingston, Douglas Held, Allan H. B. Wu
  • Patent number: 9482624
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an inspection apparatus, the inspection apparatus including a projection unit configured to project a plurality of lights, each having a different focal length relative to a surface of an inspection object, and an inspection unit configured to inspect a surface of an inspection object using the light reflected from the inspection object, wherein the projection unit is provided with a plurality of lenses configured to project the lights, and curvature of each lens is different, and the focal length is different due to the difference of the curvature, whereby the curve on a surface of the inspection object can be reliably measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Sunmoon University Industry-University Cooperation
    Inventor: Kuk Won Ko
  • Patent number: 9476829
    Abstract: A system for classifying moving materials in real time, the system including a laser pulse generator operative to generate at least first and second laser pulses which impinge on the same impingement location on the moving materials, the first and second laser pulses being separated in time by up to 10 microseconds; and an absorption detector operative to sense an absorption spectrum at the impingement location over a detection time duration of up to 20 nanoseconds following the second laser pulse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: LASER DISTANCE SPECTROMETRY LTD.
    Inventors: Lev Nagli, Michael Gaft
  • Patent number: 9397466
    Abstract: An optical amplification system is disclosed which includes a seed source providing a seed beam, and a chirally coupled core fiber amplifier optically coupled to the seed beam and configured to convert the coupled seed beam into an amplifier output beam, wherein the polarization of the seed beam is controllably launched into the chirally coupled core fiber in order to reduce nonlinearities in the amplifier output beam. Peak output powers in excess of 500 kW can be realized for short-pulsed single-mode beams having mode field diameters greater than 30 ?m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: nLIGHT, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy S. McComb, Roger L. Farrow
  • Patent number: 9315855
    Abstract: Described systems and methods allow the detection of and determination of a concentration of a target analyte such as a biological cell, a virus, a polypeptide, a toxin, a pesticide, a drug, a drug residue, or a DNA strand, in a fluid sample. A variable stimulus, such as an oscillating magnetic field or a light beam of oscillating intensity, is applied to the sample, inducing variations in a position or shape of a constituent of the sample, or variations in a fluorescence of the sample. Such variations produce measurable variations in electric and/or optical properties of a sensor, variations which allow the determination of the concentration of the target analyte.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Centrul International De Biodinamica
    Inventors: Eugen Gheorghiu, Mihai Sorin David, Cristina Polonschii, Dumitru Bratu
  • Patent number: 9310304
    Abstract: Provided are methods for multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of short tandem repeat (STR) loci that can be used to rapidly generate a highly specific STR profile from target nucleic acids. The resulting STR profiles are useful for human identification purposes in law enforcement, homeland security, military, intelligence, and paternity testing applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: NetBio, Inc.
    Inventors: James W. Schumm, Richard F. Selden, Eugene Tan
  • Patent number: 9304085
    Abstract: A method of setting a laser-light intensity value includes: emitting laser light, the laser light being excitation light, a fluorescent-dyed biological sample being irradiated with the excitation light and emitting light; detecting fluorescence emitted by the biological sample, and outputting a signal corresponding to a brightness value; prestoring relation information, the relation information including the plurality of laser-light intensity values, and information on at least one possible correlation between a phototoxicity degree and the brightness value in relation to each of the laser-light intensity values, the phototoxicity to the biological sample resulting from the laser light; generating a fluorescence image having the brightness value based on the output signal; calculating a brightness value representative of a ROI area based on the generated fluorescence image; and referring to the relation information, and determining a laser-light intensity value satisfying tolerance of the phototoxicity based
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Shinji Watanabe, Kazuki Aisaka
  • Patent number: 9296068
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a laser irradiation method and a laser irradiation apparatus for irradiating an irradiation surface with a linear beam having more homogeneous intensity by blocking a low-intensity part of the linear beam without forming the fringes due to the diffraction on the irradiation surface. In the laser irradiation, a laser beam emitted from a laser oscillator 101 passes through a slit 102 so as to block a low-intensity part of the laser beam, the traveling direction of the laser beam is bent by a mirror 103, and an image formed at the slit is projected to an irradiation surface 106 by a convex cylindrical lens 104.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koichiro Tanaka, Yoshiaki Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 9285272
    Abstract: A dual source system and method includes a high power laser used to determine elemental concentrations in a sample and a lower power device used to determine compounds present in the sample. A detector subsystem receives photons from the sample after laser energy from the high power laser strikes the sample and provides a first signal. The detector subsystem then receives photons from the sample after energy from the lower power device strikes the sample and provides a second signal. The high power laser is pulsed and the first signal is processed to determine elemental concentrations present in the sample. The lower power device is energized and the second signal is processed to determine compounds present in the signal. Based on the elemental concentrations and the compounds present, the compounds present in the sample are quantified.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: SciAps, Inc.
    Inventor: Don Sackett
  • Patent number: 9261464
    Abstract: Provided are photoluminescence spectroscopy systems and methods for identifying and quantifying impurities in a semiconductor sample. In some embodiments, the systems and methods comprise a defocused collimated laser beam illuminating a first sample surface, and collection by a collection lens of photoluminescence from a sample edge at the intersection of the first surface with a substantially orthogonal second surface, wherein the first sample surface is oriented from about 0° to 90° with respect to a position parallel to the collection lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Doug Kreszowski, John W. Hadd
  • Patent number: 9255900
    Abstract: A system and method for reliably testing for toxic substances is described. Based on spectrographic means, the system embodies one or more types of spectrometers, designed for the detection of toxic elements such as lead, and alternatively designed for the detection of toxic compounds such as asbestos. By restricting the broad functionality common to a typical spectrometer, dramatic cost reductions can be made permitting the device to be cost-effectively manufactured and made available to the typical consumer. The device can be portable and incorporates safety systems to inhibit improper use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Inventors: Glenn M. Fishbine, Nancy DeGidio, Arnie W. Kwong
  • Patent number: 9250061
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10; 210; 310; 410; 510) for tomographic image recording. The device comprises a sample retainer (14), a light source (12), and a detector unit (16). The light source (12) is designed to produce a pencil beam (38), which has a beam direction (40) and which passes through a sample volume of the sample retainer (14) provided in order to accommodate a sample, and has an optical control element (30), which is able to move the pencil beam (38) passing through the sample retainer (14) transversely to the beam direction (40) while the beam direction (40) remains substantially unchanged. The detector unit (16) is designed to detect at least a portion of scattered radiation (64; 64?) escaping from a section of the pencil beam (38) within the sample volume or the sample retainer (14) in a non-spatially-resolved manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: LASER ZENTRUM HANNOVER E.V.
    Inventors: Raoul-Amadeus Lorbeer, Heiko Meyer, Marko Heidrich, Alexander Heisterkamp
  • Patent number: 9241388
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a light-emitting device which includes a light-emitting source is provided by applying, onto the light-emitting source, a fluorescent resin which includes fluorescent particles and is stored in and discharged from an applicator. The method includes measuring a first concentration which is a concentration of the fluorescent particles included in the fluorescent resin discharged from the applicator; and applying, onto the light-emitting source, the fluorescent resin in an application amount determined based on the first concentration which has been measured and reference data which indicates a relationship between a concentration of the fluorescent particles and an application amount of the fluorescent resin that enables the light-emitting device to have constant chromaticity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2016
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hirotoshi Oikaze, Katsuyuki Nagahama, Kentaro Nishiwaki, Yasuhiro Kabetani
  • Patent number: 9222859
    Abstract: A saturator block assembly that is adapted for use with a condensation particle counter is described. The saturator block assembly is comprised of a member that is at least partially formed from a porous material that is adapted to absorb a working fluid. The saturator block assembly also includes at least one open column formed through the porous member. The open column is parallel with a length of the member and is adapted to emit the working fluid in vapor form from the porous material. The saturator block assembly is further comprised of an outer surface, and is adapted to operate at low pressure or low pressure transient applications. A volume of the porous material is configured so as to reduce the amount of air capable of being trapped in the pores of the porous material during low pressure or low pressure transient applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: TSI, INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Robert Caldow, Steven William Kerrigan, Jason Paul Johnson, Jacob Hackbarth Scheckman
  • Patent number: 9217746
    Abstract: The present invention relates to detecting and/or measuring scattering effects due to the aggregating metallic nanostructures or the interaction of plasmonic emissions from approaching metallic nanoparticles. The scattering effects may be measured at different angles, different wavelengths, changes in absorption and/or changes in polarization relative to changes in the distances between nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE COUNTY
    Inventor: Chris D. Geddes
  • Patent number: 9174305
    Abstract: A laser processing apparatus removes a sapphire substrate from an optical device wafer configured by forming an optical device layer on the front side of the sapphire substrate through a buffer layer. A chuck table holds the optical device wafer. A pulsed laser beam is applied to the optical device wafer to break the buffer layer, and the light intensity of plasma light produced in the buffer layer by the application of the pulsed laser beam is detected and displayed. The light intensity of a predetermined wavelength region of the plasma light generated from a substance forming the buffer layer is detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: DISCO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hiroshi Morikazu, Yoko Nishino
  • Patent number: 9170201
    Abstract: The present invention describes (bio)chemo-functional waveguide grating structures consisting of at least one (bio)chemo-functional waveguide grating structure unit or at least one (bio)chemo-functional sensor location with beam guidance permitting light beam separation, as well as detection methods for parallel analysis which are marking-free or based on marking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: ARTIFICIAL SENSING INSTRUMENT ASI AG
    Inventor: Kurt Tiefenthaler
  • Patent number: 9156108
    Abstract: A laser machining apparatus includes a chuck table for holding a workpiece, and an irradiation unit which irradiates a laser beam upon the workpiece held on the chuck table. The laser beam irradiation unit includes a condenser which condenses the laser beam and irradiates the condensed laser beam upon the workpiece held on the chuck table. The condenser includes first and second condenser lenses arrayed in series in an advancing direction of the laser beam, a first moving unit having a first driving source for moving the first condenser lens in a first direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the first condenser lens, and a second moving unit having a second driving source for moving the second condenser lens in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Disco Corporation
    Inventor: Keiji Nomaru
  • Patent number: 9116126
    Abstract: Systems and techniques are disclosed for removing contaminants from a surface of a thermal barrier coating (TBC) and, optionally, estimating the remaining lifetime of the TBC. Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is one method that may be used to remove contaminants from a surface the TBC prior to performing photo luminescence piezo spectroscopy (PLPS) or another spectroscopic technique on a thermally grown oxide (TGO). LIBS may facilitate monitoring substantially in real-time the chemical composition of the material removed. LIBS may be used to remove substantially only the contaminants with minimal effects on the underlying TBC. One technique for determining when to stop removal of material from the TBC is cross-correlation between a spectrum collected from the ablated material and a reference spectrum collected from a reference substrate. In some embodiments, the same system may be used to perform LIBS to remove impurities and PLPS to measure stress in the TGO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Assignees: Rolls-Royce Corporation, The University of Connecticut
    Inventors: Waled T. Hassan, William J. Brindley, Eric H. Jordan, Michael W. Renfro
  • Patent number: 9104020
    Abstract: A method for illuminating at least one sample in SPIM microscopy includes generating a light beam and forming a light strip from the light beam using an optical device that interacts with the light beam. The light strip is passed strip through at least one objective having optics configured to deliver detection light emanating from the sample directly or indirectly to a detector, with the objective optics interacting with the light strip. The light strip is deflected using a light-redirecting device downstream of the objective optics so as to propagate the light strip, after deflection, at an angle other than zero degrees with respect to an optical axis of the objective in order to illuminate the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: LEICA MICROSYSTEMS CMS GMBH
    Inventors: Werner Knebel, Frank Sieckmann
  • Patent number: 9103721
    Abstract: A system and method of high-speed microscopy using a two-photon microscope with spectral resolution. The microscope is operable to provide two- to five-dimensional fluorescence images of samples, including two or three spatial dimensions, a spectral dimension (for fluorescence emission), and a temporal dimension (on a scale of less than approximately one second). Two-dimensional (spatial) images with a complete wavelength spectrum are generated from a single scan of a sample. The microscope may include one of a multi-beam point scanning microscope, a single beam line scanning microscope, and a multi-beam line scanning microscope. The line scans may be formed using one or more of curved mirrors and lenses. The multiple beams may be formed using one of a grating, an array of lenses, and a beam splitter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: UWM Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Valerica Raicu, Gabriel Biener
  • Patent number: 9068949
    Abstract: A system for measuring an sample includes an illumination source providing electromagnetic radiation pulses at a selected temporal frequency. A microscope focuses the radiation to interact with the sample and produce resultant electromagnetic radiation. A disperser disperses wavelengths of the resultant radiation onto optical sensors, and respective resonant amplifiers amplify signals having the selected temporal frequency. Optical detection apparatus includes the optical sensors, resonant amplifiers, and disperser. The resonant amplifiers amplify portion(s) of their inputs having a selected temporal frequency and attenuate other portion(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: Ji-Xin Cheng, Mikhail N. Slipchenko, Robert A. Oglesbee
  • Publication number: 20150138544
    Abstract: The method includes guiding a light beam to a first optical path, the light beam being attenuated to an attenuated light beam and detecting a first value indicative of a first intensity of the attenuated light beam. The method further includes generating a last light pulse, dissociating at least part of the gas compound molecules (optionally excited) or dissociated parts thereof (optionally excited) on the first optical path to first part atoms, molecules, ions, or radicals, and to another part using the last light pulse, the light beam being further attenuated by absorption to the first part atoms, molecules, ions, or radicals on the first optical path. The method further includes detecting a second value indicative of a second intensity of the attenuated light beam and determining, using the first and second values, the gas compound content of the gas mixture. A gas compound measuring device measures uses the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: VALMET POWER OY
    Inventors: Tapio Sorvajãrvi, Juha Toivonen, Juha Roppo, Jaani Silvennoinen, Sonja Enestam