Abstract: A spectral image is corrected for optical aberrations. Tissue is exposed to a high-intensity, narrow band of light. The narrow band of light is scattered by at least one analyte in the tissue. Raman signals are optically collected from the scattered light. The Raman signals are directed to a wavelength-separating device. The Raman signals are detected as a function of intensity and wavelength to create the spectral image. The spectral image is corrected for optical aberrations using a software algorithm to spatially reassign intensity. The software may be adapted to use a reference image to make dynamic corrections. Fluorescence signals may also be collected.

Abstract: A detection system is used during irradiation of an interaction region of a structure with laser light. The structure includes embedded material. The detection system includes means for receiving light emitted from the interaction region. The detection system further includes means for separating the received light into a spectrum of wavelengths. The detection system further includes means for analyzing at least a portion of the spectrum for indications of embedded material within the interaction region.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for broad tuning of single wavelength quantum cascade lasers and the use of light output from such lasers for highly sensitive detection of trace gases such as nitrogen dioxide, acetylene, and vapors of explosives such as trinitrotoluene (TNT) and triacetone triperoxide (TATP) and TATP's precursors including acetone and hydrogen peroxide. These methods and apparatus are also suitable for high sensitivity, high selectivity detection of other chemical compounds including chemical warfare agents and toxic industrial chemicals. A quantum cascade laser (QCL) system that better achieves single mode, continuous, mode-hop free tuning for use in L-PAS (laser photoacoustic spectroscopy) by independently coordinating gain chip current, diffraction grating angle and external cavity length is described. An all mechanical method that achieves similar performance is also described. Additionally, methods for improving the sensor performance by critical selection of wavelengths are presented.

Abstract: A portable spectrograph including a primary mirror, a secondary mirror, and a tertiary mirror forming a TMA having a common vertex axis, a diffraction grating, and a dispersive prism, where the portable spectrograph can detect wavelengths between 150 nm and 1.1 ?m. The portable spectrograph also may include a collimating mirror and an entrance aperture, which form an interchangeable module. Radiation received through the entrance aperture is reflected in a collimated pattern towards an aperture stop. The diffraction grating, located between the collimating mirror and prism, diffracts radiation passed through the aperture stop into multiple beams directed onto the prism. A flat mirror, located to one side of the vertex axis receives and reflects the multiple beams exiting the prism onto the primary mirror, where they are reflected onto the secondary mirror. The secondary mirror reflects the beams to the tertiary mirror where they are reflected onto an image plane located on the other side of the vertex axis.

Abstract: A spectrograph including a primary mirror, a secondary mirror, and a tertiary mirror forming a TMA having a common vertex axis. The spectrograph also may include a collimating mirror, a diffraction grating, and a dispersive prism. The collimating mirror and an entrance aperture form an interchangeable module. Radiation received through the entrance aperture is reflected in a collimated pattern towards an aperture stop. The diffraction grating, located between the collimating mirror and prism, diffracts radiation passed through the aperture stop into multiple beams directed onto the prism. A flat mirror, located to one side of the vertex axis. receives and reflects the multiple beams exiting the prism onto the primary mirror, where they are reflected onto the secondary mirror. The secondary mirror reflects the beams to the tertiary mirror where they are reflected onto an image plane located on the other side of the vertex axis.

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

Abstract: The spectral method for determining the concentrations of a substance in a mixture of any number of substances is defined by a chemical image having a plurality of pixels (520). The method includes steps of providing a spectrum for each of the n number of substances in the mixture (530), and obtaining the spectrum for one of the plurality of pixels, and calculating a plurality of estimated concentrations of each substance in the mixture as a function of the spectrum for each substance and the spectrum for the pixel, and calculating a deviation value for each of the plurality of estimated concentrations as a function of the spectrum of each of the number of substances in the mixture, and selecting the estimated concentration with the lowest deviation factor as a most likely concentration of each substance in the mixture (550).

Abstract: A system for spatially selective, fixed-optics fluorescence detection in a multichannel polymeric microfluidic device, and a method for performing spatially selective, fixed-optics fluorescence detection.

Abstract: A system and method for the detection and identification of explosives and explosive residues using a combination of SWIR, Raman, and LIBS spectroscopy techniques, including imaging. A region of interest may be surveyed to identify a target area, wherein the target area comprises at least one unknown material. This surveying may be accomplished using visible imagery or SWIR imagery. The target area may be interrogated using Raman spectroscopy and LIBS spectroscopy to identify the unknown material. SWIR techniques may also be used to interrogate the target area. Fusion algorithms may also be applied to visible images, SWIR data sets, Raman data sets, and/or LIBS data sets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the spectral analysis of metal samples with the following steps: a. Recording of a spectrum of an unknown sample with a number of preset excitation parameters, b. Comparison of the spectrum with stored spectra of a number of control samples, c. Determination of the control sample with the best concordance of spectra, d. Setting of the excitation parameters, which are stored for the best and closest control sample determined in step c, e. Recording of the spectrum of the unknown sample with the excitation parameters set in step d, f. Calculation of the intensity ratios of the analysis lines stored for the control sample and the internal standards of the spectrum recorded in step e.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring the concentration of a catalytic clement in a fuel cell powder. The method includes depositing on a porous substrate at least one layer of a powder mixture comprising the fuel cell powder and an internal standard material, ablating a sample of the powder mixture using a laser, and vaporizing the sample using an inductively coupled plasma. A normalized concentration of catalytic element in the sample is determined by quantifying the intensity of a first signal correlated to the amount of catalytic element in the sample, quantifying the intensity of a second signal correlated to the amount of internal standard material in the sample, and using a ratio of the first signal intensity to the second signal intensity to cancel out the effects of sample size.

Abstract: A method and a microscope, in particular a laser scanning fluorescence microscope, for high spatial resolution examination of samples, the sample (1) to be examined comprising a substance that can be repeatedly converted from a first state (Z1, A) into a second state (Z2, B), the first and the second states (Z1, A; Z2, B) differing from one another in at least one optical property, comprising the steps that the substance in a sample region (P) to be recorded is firstly brought into the first state (Z1, A), and that the second state (Z2, B) is induced by means of an optical signal (4), spatially delimited subregions being specifically excluded within the sample region (P) to be recorded, are defined in that the optical signal (4) is provided in such a way that a standing wave with defined intensity zero points (5) is formed in the sample region (P) to be recorded.

Abstract: A sensor has a sensing surface, to which a specific substance R to be detected can bind. Further, the sensor has a metal portion, at least a portion of which is exposed at the sensing surface, and in which localized plasmons can be excited. The sensor is used in sensing, in which the substance R to be detected is marked with a fluorescent marker Lu that selectively binds to the substance R to be detected and one of two-photon excitation fluorescence and multi-photon excitation fluorescence of the fluorescent marker Lu is detected. Further, the sensing surface is illuminated with measurement light L1 having a wavelength that can excite localized plasmons in the metal portion and that is an absorption wavelength of the fluorescent marker Lu, at which the fluorescent marker Lu emits one of the two-photon excitation fluorescence and the multi-photon excitation fluorescence.

Abstract: A detection system is used during irradiation of an interaction region of a structure with laser light. The structure includes embedded material. The detection system includes means for receiving light emitted from the interaction region. The detection system further includes means for separating the received light into a spectrum of wavelengths. The detection system further includes means for analyzing at least a portion of the spectrum for indications of embedded material within the interaction region.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a detection system for identifying an unidentified substance in a sample, comprising light emitting sources, where at least one of the light emitting sources emits light in the infrared region; a circuit board; a trigger, that activates a pulse of electrons from the circuit board to the light emitting sources; a detector; and a central processing unit, where fluorescence generated from the unknown unidentified substance that is illuminated by light from the light emitting sources is collected in the detector and analyzed in the central processing unit.

Abstract: A real-time, 3D, non-linear microscope measuring system and method for examining a set of microscopic image points in different image planes. The system comprises a pulsed laser or parametric oscillator light source generating an examining optical signal, and is applicable to measure and/or photochemically stimulate pre-selected points within a short time interval. The system further comprises a bundle of fibers composed of optical fibers or other waveguides, a rapidly working optical switch, a imaging system, a light source and an optical system. The examining optical signal is a fluorescent or other optical signal imaged on the required spot.

Abstract: A system and process are disclosed that provide high accuracy and high precision destructive analysis measurements for isotope ratio determination of relative isotope abundance distributions in liquids, solids, and particulate samples. The invention utilizes a collinear probe beam to interrogate a laser ablated plume. This invention provides enhanced single-shot detection sensitivity approaching the femtogram range, and isotope ratios and particle assays that can be determined with relative precision better than about 10%.

Abstract: The optical analysis of body fluids is a method of determining the relative concentration of certain bio-molecules in blood and urine samples by fluorescent spectroscopy. The relative concentration of these bio-molecules serves as a marker or screening test to assess the presence and stage of cancer in some organ or tissue of the body, and in some cases, the presence of particular types of cancer in the body. The bio-molecules include various species of porphyrin, flavins (including flavin mononucleotide[FMN], flavin adeno dinucleotide [FAD], and riboflavin), bile components (including biliverdin and bilirubin), tyrosine, tryptophan, and NAD(P)H.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring materials using ultra fast laser pulses. Ultra fast laser pulses, such as femtosecond or attosecond laser pulses, are applied to the materials and laser pulses that result from interactions between the ultra fast laser pulses and the materials are collected. Spectral content of the resulting pulses is generated and presented. The elemental composition of the materials is determined using the spectral content.

Abstract: A system and method processes a structure comprising embedded material. The system includes a laser adapted to generate light and to irradiate an interaction region of the structure. The system further includes an optical system adapted to receive light from the interaction region and to generate a detection signal indicative of the presence of embedded material in the interaction region. The system further includes a controller operatively coupled to the laser and the optical system. The controller is adapted to receive the detection signal and to be responsive to the detection signal by selectively adjusting the laser.

Abstract: A system and method to improve the accuracy of the measure of constituent element(s) in a sample containing domains potentially including the constituent element(s) are described herein. For each domain, the volume of the domain is estimated and the concentration of the constituent element(s) in the domain is determined using LIBS. When all the domains have been analyzed, the volumetric concentration of the domains is summed and divided by the total volume of the sample. Accordingly, by limiting the concentration analysis to separate domains, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the concentration analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus to measure spatially resolved the luminescence of a semiconductor sample, in particular a semiconductor wafer or any part thereof, includes a rotatable sample holder for the semiconductor sample. This rotatable sample holder is mounted on an xy stage, and a drive mechanism is used to rotate the sample holder rapidly during the measurement. A device excites luminescence light on the semiconductor sample, and an optical device guides a portion of the luminescence light to a detector. The surface of the semiconductor sample is located in the range of a focal point of the optical device. Using a fixation device, it is possible to remove the rotatable sample holder from the xy stage, when required, and to replace it by a cryostat with an optical window and a further semiconductor sample, so that the surface of the further semiconductor sample is essentially located in the focus point of optical device.

Abstract: A spectroscopy system uses a probe laser beam and an opposing excitation laser beam, i.e., running opposite to a direction of the probe laser beam, but transmitted co-linearly with one another along a same optical path. A thermal lens effect acting on the probe laser beam allows for controlling alignment of the two laser beams and allows for supplementary measurements of parameters for the spectroscopy system based on geometric analysis of detected image signals. The alignment of the two laser beams is controlled by detection of the probe laser beam with respect to the effects of the excitation laser beam on a medium through which the two laser beams are passing.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of biochemical laboratory instrumentation for different applications of measuring properties of samples on e.g. microtitration plates and corresponding sample supports. The object of the invention is achieved by providing an optical measurement instrumentation wherein a sample (281-285) is activated (212AS, 218AS) and the emission is detected (291, 292), wherein between the activation and detection phases of measuring the sample, a shift is made in the relative position between the sample and means (218) directing the activation radiation to the sample as well as in the relative position between the sample and the means (293) receiving the emission radiation from the sample. This can be implemented e.g. by moving (299) the sample assay plate and/or a measuring head between the activation and emission phases of a sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spectroscopic method and associated apparatus and computer program for measuring and analysing intensities of fluorescent molecules excited by an energy pulse. The method includes the steps of: a) generating a transient state build-up in the fluorescent molecules by means of an excitation pulse, within which pulse repetitive excitation-emission cycles are induced in the fluorescent molecules between their ground, typically singlet (So) and excited, typically singlet (SO states, resulting also in transition from S] to the transient state, b) relaxation of population of the transient state by transition back to the ground state in a time period following directly after the excitation pulse, c) determination of the transient state population by recording the fluorescence. The invention is characterised by varying pulse characteristics from one sequence of pulses to the next so as to circumvent the need of time-resolution in the detection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel approach for reliably and accurately detecting and identifying airborne particles. This is done by providing a novel system which incorporates electrostatic concentrators and/or ion mobility separators with Raman, IR, UV, XRF, LIF and LIBS spectroscopy and/or other spectroscopic techniques.

Abstract: A multivariate optical computing and analysis system includes a light source configured to radiate a first light along a first ray path; a modulator disposed in the first ray path, the modulator configured to modulate the first light to a desired frequency; a spectral element disposed proximate the modulator, the spectral element configured to filter the first light for a spectral range of interest of a sample; a cavity disposed in communication with the spectral element, the cavity configured to direct the first light in a direction of the sample; a tube disposed proximate the cavity, the tube configured to receive and direct a second light generated by a reflection of the first light from the sample, the tube being further configured to separate the first and second lights; a beamsplitter configured to split the second light into a first beam and a second beam; an optical filter mechanism disposed to receive the first beam, the optical filter mechanism configured to optically filter data carried by the firs

Abstract: A method for high spatial resolution examination of a sample, the sample to be examined including a substance that can be repeatedly converted from a first state into a second state, the first and the second states differing from one another in at least one optical property. The method includes: a) bringing the substance into the first state by means of a switching signal in a sample region to be recorded, b)inducing the second state by means of an optical signal, spatially delimited subregions being specifically excluded within the sample region to be recorded, c) reading out the remaining first states, and d) steps a) to c) are repeated, the optical signal being displaced upon each repetition in order to scan the sample, wherein the individual steps a) to d) are carried out in a sequence adapted to the respective measuring situation.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment includes an apparatus having an energy source for selectively directing a first energy toward a first material. The at least a portion of the first energy excites a preselected second material to an excited state where at least two photons of the first energy are absorbed by the molecule of the second material causing the molecule to emit a second energy at about a predetermined wavelength. The apparatus also includes a control system for directing the first energy toward the first material. The apparatus also includes a detector for detecting at least a portion of the emitted second energy when the detector is more than about 40 meters from the molecule.

Abstract: A method to correct measurement error in a resonance energy-transfer assay, including exciting anti-Stokes photoluminescent donors with at least one wavelength of light which is greater than an emission wavelength of acceptor molecules; measuring emission at the acceptor's emission wavelength and which differs from the donor's emission wavelength in at least two different time windows; a first time window within the time window defined by the excitation light pulse and a second non-overlapping time window which follows the first time window; and correcting the emission signal, which includes signals originating from non-radiative and radiative energy transfer, within the first time window by estimating the ratio of the signals from non-radiative and radiative energy transfer or the signal originating from radiative energy transfer using at least one emission signal measured in the second time window.

Abstract: A method is described for quantitative determination of suitability of an optical material, especially alkali halide and alkaline earth halide single crystals, for optical components exposed to high energy densities, especially of pulsed laser light at wavelengths under 250 nm. In this procedure radiation-dependent transmission of the optical material is determined at ultraviolet wavelengths by fluorescence measurements for fluorescence induced by ultraviolet radiation at these ultraviolet wavelengths. This is accomplished by a method including determining an induced fluorescence maximum of a non-linear absorption process, measuring a slope (|dT/dH|) of a functional relationship representing the dependence of the radiation-dependent transmission on fluence (H) for the induced fluorescence and determining radiation-dependent transmissions from this slope for particular fluence values.

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

Abstract: An improved laser scanning microscope and method of use are disclosed that enable polarization anisotropy measurements to be made with greater sensitivity and accuracy. A controllable optical element is provided in a light path between a laser source and a sample, and is controlled so that the sample is alternately irradiated with light beams that are orthogonally polarized. This enables the signal strength to be higher than with previous laser scanning microscopes. Moreover, because the orthogonally polarized light beams that are alternately incident onto a sample may be switched at a high rate, a reduction may be achieved in the influence of molecular motion within a sample in which high speed biological reactions are observed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a spectroscopic system as well as a method of autonomous tuning of a spectroscopic system and a corresponding computer program product. By detecting the position of return radiation in a transverse plane of an aperture of a spectroscopic analysis unit, a control signal can be generated that allows to drive servo driven translation or tilting stages of optical components. In this way a transverse misalignment of a spectroscopic system can be effectively detected. Generally, a plurality of different detection schemes are realizable allowing for an autonomous tuning of the spectroscopic system and for autonomous elimination of misalignment of a spectroscopic system.

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

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

Abstract: According to the invention, an excitation layer is focused into a sample and switched on suddenly in order to improve the microscopic resolution; the history of the resulting fluorescence transient is detected and imperatively depending on the excitation intensity, wherein different patterns for the history of different transients are determined for individual excitation intensity values and are matched with the measured transient and the amplitude of the pattern matching the excitation power in the focus is determined and used as a pixel value and the sample scanned in this manner, whereby the spatial resolution is improved to levels lying below the Abbe limit by evaluating the transient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lateral flow quantitative assay method which can measure one or more analyte species at the same time, with high sensitivity. Also, the present invention relates to a strip which can measure one or more analyte species at the same time, with high sensitivity and a package in which the strip is integrated with a laser-induced surface fluorescence detector. The present invention can quantify multiple analytes with a minimum detection limit of pg/ml. Therefore, the present invention provides an advantage capable of quantifying a plurality of analytes at the same time using a simple lateral flow assay strip.

Abstract: A method includes illuminating a material using first light. The first light is associated with one or more ultraviolet wavelengths/wavelength bands, and the material includes pulp fibers. The method also includes measuring second light from the material, where the second light is based on the first light. The method further includes determining an amount of lignin in the material using the measured second light. The ultraviolet wavelengths/wavelength bands could include at least one wavelength between 260 nanometers and 300 nanometers, inclusive (such as 280 nm). The one or more ultraviolet wavelengths/wavelength bands could additionally include 205 nanometers, 250 nanometers, 300 nanometers, and/or 360 nanometers. The method could also include illuminating the material using third light and measuring fourth light from the material, where the fourth light is based on the third light.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, implementing and using techniques for collecting optical data pertaining to one or more characteristics of a sample. The apparatus has a light source, one or more illumination optical elements, a scanner, one or more collection optical elements, and a device forming an aperture that limits detection of light from the sample. The illumination optical elements direct a light beam from the light source onto the sample. The scanner scans the light beam across the sample. The collection optical elements collect light from the sample and transmit the collected light to a detector. None of the collection optical elements are included among the illumination optical elements. The device forming an aperture limits detection of light from the sample to light associated with a limited vertical depth within the sample, and is one of the collection optical elements.

Abstract: Described are dental implements useful for inspecting tooth surfaces for abnormalities such as caries or plaque. Preferred implements of the invention include light emitting diodes mounted on an implement body having a mirror for insertion into a user's mouth. Such implements also have on-board batteries mounted in chambers in the implement handle, and a switch for energizing and de-energizing the LED with the battery. Also described are methods for examining tooth surfaces for abnormal conditions indicative of plaque involving illuminating surfaces with radiation at a wavelength in the range of 390-450 nm wherein the radiation is effective to cause detectable fluorescence emissions from bacterial metabolites known to be associated with plaque-containing surfaces, and detecting the emissions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an array for optical evaluation of an object array, to which a microlens array (MLA), preferably an exchangeable and/or rotational microlens array, and a field lens with an illuminating device coupled by means of a beam splitter, preferably a rotational beam splitter, are pre-assigned in the direction of a detector array, wherein said illuminating device is coupled between the field lens and an objective.

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. 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: Systems and methods for probing a Raman signature of a sample with a resolution exceeding the diffraction limit are described. These systems, called GASSE (Gain Saturated Stimulated Emission) and iGASSE (interferometric GASSE), are detecting a Raman signal produced in a sample located at the focal spot of a Gaussian pump pulse. Two additional pulsed laser beams (Stokes beams), a central Stokes beam having a Gaussian beam profile and another Stokes beam having an annular beam profile, are also focused to the focal spot. The spatial and temporal phases of the laser pulses are adjusted to produce destructive interference over most of the temporal width of Stokes pulses, which causes emission from the central Stokes beam to narrow well below the diffraction limit. A two-dimensional image of the sample is produced by scanning the combined beams across the sample. The system may find applications in biomedical and semiconductor technology.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a cell analyzer capable of measuring cells which are approximately 20 to 100 ?m in size with high precision via flow cytometry. The cell analyzer 10 comprises: a flow cell 51 in which a measurement sample including a measurement target cell flows; a light source part 53 for irradiating a light on the measurement sample flowing in the flow cell 51; an optical system 52 for forming a beam spot on the measurement sample flowing in the flow cell 51, the beam spot having a diameter of 3˜8 ?m in a flow direction of the measurement sample and a diameter of 300˜600 ?m in a direction perpendicular to the flow direction of the measurement sample; and a light receiving part 55, 58, 59 for receiving a light from the measurement sample.

Abstract: A spectrophotometer is provided capable of reducing the influence of the vibration as much as possible when a wavelength dispersion element is rotationally driven and capable of increasing the analysis accuracy. When a fluorescence signal is obtained from the fluorescence detector, the central control unit A/D converts the fluorescence signal at sampling intervals of T1 for vibration convergence determination, and provides the result data to the data processor (S1). At the timing of performing the vibration convergence determination (S2), the data processor performs a predetermined signal processing to the digital signals obtained (S3), and determines whether all the data that have been obtained within a given period of time from the latest data are equal to or smaller than a specified value (S4). If all the data are equal to or smaller than the specified value, it is determined that the diffraction grating's vibration is converged, and the vibration convergence determination operation is terminated.

Abstract: There is described a method for identifying at least one target in a substantially transparent medium. High-power, ultra-short laser pulses are transmitted into the medium. A diameter of the laser pulses is enlarged and the laser pulses having an enlarged beam diameter are focused using a focusing element so as to generate filaments substantially near a geometrical focal zone of the focusing element, whereby a spontaneous fluorescence signal (amplified through amplified spontaneous emission or not) is detected and analyzed to identify the target.

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

Abstract: A piece of material that includes low-Z elements is classified based on photonic emissions detected from the piece of material. Both XRF spectroscopy and OES techniques, for example, Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and spark discharge spectroscopy, may be used to classify the piece of material. A stream of pieces of material are moved along a conveying system into a stimulation and detection area. Each piece of material, in turn, is stimulated with a first and second stimulus, of a same or different type, causing the piece of material to emit emissions, for example, photons, which may include at least one of x-ray photons (i.e., x-rays) and optical emissions. These emissions then are detected by one or more detectors of a same or different type. The piece of materials is then classified, for example, using a combination of hardware, software and/or firmware, based on the detected emissions, and then sorted.

Abstract: A process for confocal microscopy is disclosed in which laser light is coupled into a microscope beam path, directed successively with respect to time onto different locations of a specimen, and an image of the scanned plane is generated from the light reflected and emitted by the irradiated locations. A change in the spectral composition and in the intensity of light is are carried out during the deflection of the laser beam from location to location, while the deflection continues in an uninterrupted manner. In this way , so that at least two adjacent locations of the specimen located next to one another are acted upon by light with different spectral characteristics and by laser radiation of different intensity. By periodically interrupting the coupling in of the laser light during the deflection of the microscope beam path, it is made possible that only selected portions of the image field are acted upon by the laser radiation. A laser scanning microscope for carrying out this process is also disclosed.