Abstract: Fine particles such as nanoparticles and microparticles is irradiated to generate plasma by focusing an ultrashort pulse laser beam 15 emitted from a laser device 16. More preferably, the plasma is generated by a filament 14 generated in the ultrashort pulse laser beam 15. A constituent of the fine particles is measured based on an emission spectrum from the plasma.

Abstract: A spectroscopic detector includes a tunable light source, such as a continuously tunable, optical parametric oscillator laser; means for measuring the emitted radiation at a plurality of emission wavelengths to obtain a plurality of spectral measurement data; and a processor for processing the spectral measurement data, where the processor includes a multispectral data processing algorithm or is configured for 1) combining the plurality of spectral measurement data into a composite spectrum, and 2) applying the algorithm to the composite spectrum. The spectra such as resonant and near-resonant Raman Spectra that are acquired are more complete and contain more information. A powerful multispectral analysis code such as IHPS, CHOMPS, or ENN analyzes the acquired data points, examining details of the spectra that could not be handled by traditional methods.

Abstract: A fluorescent detection apparatus relates to an analysis technique for qualitatively detecting or quantifying biomolecules by producing an evanescent field on a surface of a substrate, exciting fluorescently labelled biomolecules on the substrate surface in the evanescent field, and detecting the resultant fluorescent light emitted from the biomolecules. The fluorescent detection apparatus has a configuration in which a well is provided in a surface opposing to a sample substrate of a prism, the well is filled with a matching liquid, and the matching liquid is filled between the sample substrate and the prism, thereby improving operability and providing a stable evanescent field.

Abstract: A fixed-optics system for detecting fluorescence light emitted from one or more spatially selected volumes (S), e.g., in one or more microfluidic channels, comprises a detection optical fiber (60) corresponding to each selected volume and a ball lens (110) adjacent to one end of each optical fiber, wherein the ball lens has a diameter (D) larger than the diameter of the optical fiber and a distance (d1) between the ball lens and the optical fiber is in a range of 3 to 40 times the diameter of the optical fiber, so that due to a quasi-focusing configuration light emitted from the spatially selected volume and received by the ball lens converges onto the end (60a) of the optical fiber.

Abstract: An active CMOS biosensor chip for fluorescent-based detection is provided that enables time-gated, time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy. In one embodiment, analytes are loaded with fluorophores that are bound to probe molecules immobilized on the surface of the chip. Photodiodes and other circuitry in the chip are used to measure the fluorescent intensity of the fluorophore at different times. These measurements are then averaged to generate a representation of the transient fluorescent decay response unique to the fluorophores. In addition to its low-cost, compact form, the biosensor chip provides capabilities beyond those of macroscopic instrumentation by enabling time-gated operation for background rejection, easing requirements on optical filters, and by characterizing fluorescence lifetime, allowing for a more detailed characterization of fluorophore labels and their environment.

Abstract: A method of ascertaining the orientation of molecules in a biological specimen by total internal reflection includes focusing illuminating light through an objective in different positions in a plane of a pupil of the objective so as to generate a plurality of respective differently oriented evanescent fields in the specimen. Respective different fluorescence intensities resulting from the differently oriented evanescent fields are correlated with respective different orientations of molecules in the specimen.

Abstract: The invention comprises a real-time stroboscopic acquisition protocol for a measurement of the fluorescence decay and a method and apparatus for real-time calculation of the fluorescence lifetime from that measurement.

Abstract: An on-chip micro-fluidic device (10) fabricated using a semiconductor material. The device has a micro-fluidic channel or chamber (14) defined within the material and one or more monolithically integrated semiconductor lasers (12) operate to form an optical trap in the channel or chamber (14).

Abstract: An optical evaluation method and an apparatus for performing said method are described. First laser pulses of a first type and second laser pulses of a second type that differs from the first type are sent onto a sample to be examined. The sample is hit with first incident light from the two laser pulses in at least one manner of simultaneously, within a very short time lag between the two laser pulses, and a time-correlated manner of the two laser pulses, thereby generating a first optical signal, and hit with second incident light from the two laser pulses, thereby generating a second optical signal. The generated first and second optical signals are detected with at least one detector; and an electronic difference between the first and second optical signals is generated.

Abstract: An improvement in a method for quantitative modulated imaging to perform depth sectioned reflectance or transmission imaging in a turbid medium, such as human or animal tissue is directed to the steps of encoding periodic pattern of illumination preferably with a fluorescent excitation wavelength when exposing a turbid medium to the periodic pattern to provide depth-resolved discrimination of structures within the turbid medium; and reconstructing a non-contact three dimensional image of the structure within a turbid medium. As a result, wide field imaging, separation of the average background optical properties from the heterogeneity components from a single image, separation of superficial features from deep features based on selection of spatial frequency of illumination, or qualitative and quantitative structure, function and composition information is extracted from spatially encoded data.

Abstract: A proposition of the present invention is to acquire necessary data without any chasm in an observation of a specimen containing plural kinds of substances of which exciting wavelengths are different. Accordingly, a spectral observation method of the present invention, irradiating light to the specimen containing plural kinds of substances (RFP, GFP, and so on) of which exciting wavelengths are different, and detecting spectra of light emitted from the specimen, the spectral observation method sequentially acquires spectral data of substances from the one of which exciting wavelength is long while switching a wavelength of the irradiated light among respective exciting wavelengths of the plural kinds of substances, and excludes the exciting wavelength of the substance corresponding to the spectral data to be acquired from detection wavelengths of the spectra each when acquiring the spectral data of the spectral data of the respective substances.

Abstract: The inventive method for optically measuring a sample consists in temporarily repeatedly transmitting an electromagnetic signal (2) to the sample in such a way that a substance contained in the sample is transferred from a first electronic state (1) into a second electronic state (3), wherein at least one part of said substance in the second state (3) emits photons which are used for carrying out the optical measurement of the sample, the signal (2) is transmitted to the same sample area at a certain repetition interval and said repetition interval of the signal (2) is adjusted with a lifetime of the second state (3) of the substance having an order of magnitude of 1 ns on a value of at least 0.1 ?s which is optimized with respect to photon yield from the substance.

Abstract: A system and associated method are disclosed for analyzing a sample or sample component including species capable of producing fluorescent light when excited by a light source, where the light source comprises an excimer light source having a high voltage power supply with voltage and current regulation circuitry.

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

Abstract: 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: The system and method of the present invention relate to characterizing lipoproteins in a sample. The system includes a light source that delivers electromagnetic energy in a predetermined range of wavelengths to the sample and a sensor that senses an intensity spectrum which emerges from the sample when the sample is illuminated by the light source. A processor determines a chemical composition of the sample to determine the presence of lipoprotein particles. The processor then characterizes lipoproteins that are within in the sample by deconvoluting the intensity spectrum into a scattering spectrum and absorption spectrum. The method includes illuminating the sample with electromagnetic energy having a predetermined range of wavelengths and sensing the electromagnetic energy that emerges from the sample. The method further includes transducing the sensed electromagnetic energy which emerges from the sample into an intensity spectrum that determines the types of lipoproteins that are within the sample.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the spectroscopy method, the method comprises the steps of modulating the wavelength of a monochromatic radiation at a modulation amplitude and a modulation frequency; determining a first variable representative of an absorbance of an analyte in a sample; and demodulating by phase-sensitive detection the first variable at a harmonic of the modulation frequency to produce a harmonic spectrum of the analyte. In one embodiment of the spectroscopy apparatus, the apparatus comprises a laser diode integrated with a first photodetector configured to detect an intensity of a backward emission from the laser diode and act as a reference detector; a second photodetector configured to detect an intensity of laser radiation exiting a sample; and electronic circuitry coupled to the laser diode and the photodetectors, configured to acquire and process spectra of the sample.

Abstract: Methods and apparati for fluorescence imaging using multiple excitation-emission pairs is revealed. A target object is illuminated by light in at least two spectral regions, causing fluorescence emission in at least two spectral regions. The emitted light is collected and separated for analysis.

Abstract: A spectroscopy system including first and second lasers. The first laser is triggered to induce a plasma, such as on a surface of a target at a stand-off distance from the target. The second laser stimulates amplified emissions from the plasma detected by one or more spectroscopes. The gain induced by the second laser detects traces of explosives and other substances on surfaces at stand-off distances. The spectroscopy systems use the same telescopic optics to collect emissions from the detection surface and activated at or just before the peak emission intensity useful for detecting element signatures and intensity ratios from the trace elements in the plasma.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method of detecting a concentration of an element in a soil sample wherein an opening or slot is formed in a container that supports a soil sample that was extracted from the ground whereupon at least a length of the soil sample is exposed via the opening. At each of a plurality of points along the exposed length thereof, the soil sample is ablated whereupon a plasma is formed that emits light characteristic of the elemental composition of the ablated soil sample. Each instance of emitted light is separated according to its wavelength and for at least one of the wavelengths a corresponding data value related to the intensity of the light is determined. As a function of each data value a concentration of an element at the corresponding point along the length of the soil core sample is determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for testing the slightest quality differences or quality features of any objects and agents interacting therewith based on measuring the percentage scatter of “ultraweak” photon emissions (“biophotons” in biological systems) and the delayed luminescence in a scatter chamber (darkroom). These scatter percentages can vary to such an extent as to enable the sufficiently sensitive registration of slightest quality differences (quality features).

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

Abstract: A sensor for a spectrometer is provided, which includes at least one optical element onto which an excitation light source beam is directed and from which a target beam is emitted towards a sample to be analyzed. The at least one optical element can move, thereby enabling the direction of the target beam to be varied.

Abstract: A method using fluorescence microscopy for image evaluation using a laser scanning microscope in which an at least partially spectrally resolved detection of the fluorescence spectrum occurs. Reference spectra are used for spectral demixing. Temporally and/or spectrally variable dyes and/or dye combinations are employed for recording of the reference spectra. Finally, the recorded reference spectra are inspected for image evaluation.

Abstract: The method determines laser stability of an optical material, which is suitable for making an optical element through which high-energy light passes. The method includes pre-irradiation to produce radiation damage and measurement of the resulting induced non-intrinsic fluorescence. The method is distinguished by excitation of induced fluorescence immediately after pre-irradiation and after at least ten minutes after pre-irradiation with light of a wavelength between 350 and 810 nm, and measurement and quantitative evaluation of fluorescence intensities at wavelengths between 550 nm and 810 nm. Especially laser-stable optical materials, particularly CaF2 crystals, have a normalized difference (Z) of the fluorescence intensities measured at a first time immediately after pre-irradiation and at a second time at least ten minutes after the pre-irradiation, as calculated by the following equation (1): Z=(I2,?1,?2?I1,?1,?2)I2,?1,?2??(1), which is less than 0.3.

Abstract: A sample analysis system comprises a laser unit and a spectrometer unit. The laser unit emits a first laser pulse and a second laser pulse towards the sample with a pulse separation time of between about 1 microsecond to 20 microseconds. The laser unit includes an oscillator unit which is configured to generate the first laser pulse and the second laser pulse. A pre-amplifier unit is configured to receive the first laser pulse and the second laser pulse and increase the energy levels of each pulse prior to the pulses being emitted from the laser unit. The spectrometer unit captures emissions generated by the sample after the sample is stuck by the first and second laser pulses and identifies the elemental constituents of the sample using the emissions.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for monitoring the curing status of a dental resin through the inherent fluorescence of the dental resin under a curing light. The method requires no sample preparation and is fast enough for real time cure monitoring.

Abstract: Systems and method for detecting and measuring light emitted from a sample and having a large dynamic range, e.g., a range of luminous intensity covering six or more orders of magnitude, that may be difficult to fully detect using a single detector with a limited detection range. Simultaneous measurement of the emitted light in two intensity ranges is performed using two detectors, e.g., one including a photomultiplier tube (PMT) and the other including a solid state detector such as a photodiode. A beam splitting element directs light emitted from a sample under investigation to both detectors simultaneously such that a portion of the light impinges on the first detector and a second portion of the light impinges on the second detector.

Abstract: A sensor-network system for spectrally sensing a chemical or biological substance includes a plurality of probe assemblies that each includes a sensor comprising a nano structured surface, wherein the nano structured surface can adsorb molecules of a sample material captured adjacent to the sensor; a laser configured to emit a laser beam to illuminate the molecules adsorbed to the nano structured surface, and a spectrometer that can obtain spectral data from light scattered by the molecules adsorbed to the nano structured surface. A control center includes a computer storage configured to store spectral signatures each associated with a chemical or biological substance and a spectral analyzer that can determine a spectral signature matching at least one of the spectral signatures stored in the computer storage thereby to identify, in the sample material, the chemical or biological substance associated with the one of the spectral signatures.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that characterizes a biological sample by analyzing light emissions from the biological sample in response to an excitation. The system first radiates the biological sample with a laser impulse to cause the biological sample to produce a responsive light emission. Next, the system uses a wavelength splitting device to split the responsive light emission into a set of spectral bands of different central wavelengths. The system applies temporal delays to the set of spectral bands so that each spectral band arrives at an optical detector at a different time, thereby allowing the optical detector to temporally resolve the responsive light emission for each spectral band separately. Next, the system captures the delayed spectral bands within a single detection window of the optical detector. The system then processes the captured spectral bands.

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, A), 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 the form of a focal line (10) with a cross-sectional profile having at least one intensity zero point (5) with laterally neighboring intensity maxima (9).

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: The present invention relates to a 3-color multiplex CARS spectrometer. In the 3-color multiplex CARS spectrometer, Raman resonance is achieved for multiple molecular vibrations of a sample by the combination of a short-wavelength pump beam generated by a broadband laser light source and a long-wavelength Stokes beam generated by a stable laser light source, and another short-wavelength laser beam having a narrow linewidth is then introduced separately to serve as a probe beam that interacts with the laser-driven sample, thereby generating CARS spectral signals whose wavelength components can be resolved. Accordingly, the 3-color multiplex CARS spectrometer solves problem of the conventional 2-color multiplex CARS spectroscopy in which the wavelength decomposition of CARS signals, necessary for high spectral resolution, is not possible with broadband pump light causing the CARS spectrum distortion.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are suggested for high-resolution optical scanning, particularly in a laser scanning fluorescence microscope. A sample to be scanned comprises a first and a second substance that are switchable into a first and second energy state. In the scanning process, excitation, de-excitation and detection for the first substance is carried out at a different point in time than for the second substance. This achieves a high spatial resolution beyond the diffraction limit while at the same time a high level of information is provided with physically simple and economical means.

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: The invention proposes a method for imaging at least one microscopic property of a sample and an apparatus with which the proposed method can be carried out. In the method, at least one coherent illumination light with at least one illumination wavelength is produced by means of at least one light source. The illumination light is imaged onto at least one region on or within the sampled. Detection light emitted by the sample is split at least partially into incoherent detection light and into coherent detection light by means of at least on physically separating beam splitter. The coherent detection light is at least partially separated from the coherent illumination light by at least one beam-splitter element. The coherent detection light is detected. The proposed method can be used in particular for investigating the sample by means of coherent anti-Stokes-Raman scattering.

Abstract: To provide a laser scanning microscope capable of enhancing the degree of freedom of observation while keeping its structure simple. Accordingly, a laser scanning microscope includes a light source, a spectroscopic unit guiding light from the light source to a specimen and guiding the light from the specimen to a detector, light path switching units switching a light path between the spectroscopic unit and the specimen to one among a plurality of light paths with different routes, and a plurality of light deflecting units each disposed in each of the plurality of light paths.

Abstract: A novel apparatus comprising three main systems: air sampling, detection and computerized electric system; and method of using the same in the sampling, detection and identification of bioaerosols, wherein the identification of the said bioaerosol is base on a multiphoton laser diagnostic technique along with the velocity and aerodynamic size of the particular bioaerosol. After exposing the said bioaerosols with near infrared wavelength laser, the obtained fluorescence spectra has been shown to be unique and particular for each bioaerosol, thus allowing the characterization of the said particles.

Abstract: A microscope with evanescent sample illumination and a method for testing samples are disclosed. A first evanescent field, which exhibits a first penetration depth in the sample, and a second evanescent field, which exhibits a second penetration depth in the sample that is greater than the first penetration depth, are produced. A detector is provided that detects the first detection light, which exits from the part of the sample illuminated with the first evanescent field, and which produces first detection light data therefrom, and the second detection light, which exits from the part of the sample illuminated with the second evanescent field, and which produces second detection light data therefrom. Furthermore, a processing module is provided for processing the first and second detection light data.

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: The apparatus for measuring concentrations of fuel mixtures using depth-resolved laser-induced fluorescence is a fluorometer equipped with a sample container holder that is movable in the path of the beam from the light source. Fluorescent emissions from the sample mixture pass at 90° to the excitation light path through a slit that is narrow enough that the emission intensity is effectively produced by a thin layer of the sample and focused on a monochromator, with successive thin layers receiving nonuniform excitation radiation due to reduction of intensity along the excitation light source path with increasing depth penetration and due to reabsorption of emitted fluorescence from adjacent layers. The method has a first mode in which the emission spectrum is scanned at a fixed depth, and a second mode in which the sample is moved relative to the emission monochromator slit to vary the depth while keeping the emission wavelength fixed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the detection of materials using laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). This invention discloses methods to draw the analyte of interest in a homogeneous matrix and subsequent analysis of these matrices, wherein the said matrices are preferably arranged in an array format. This invention is particularly applicable to analysis of Liquid samples arranged in an array format.

Abstract: The apparatus for measuring concentrations of fuel mixtures using depth-resolved laser-induced fluorescence is a fluorometer equipped with a sample container holder that is movable in the path of the beam from the light source. Fluorescent emissions from the sample mixture pass at 90° to the excitation light path through a slit that is narrow enough that the emission intensity is effectively produced by a thin layer of the sample and focused on a monochromator, with successive thin layers receiving nonuniform excitation radiation due to reduction of intensity along the excitation light source path with increasing depth penetration and due to reabsorption of emitted fluorescence from adjacent layers. The method has a first mode in which the emission spectrum is scanned at a fixed depth, and a second mode in which the sample is moved relative to the emission monochromator slit to vary the depth while keeping the emission wavelength fixed.

Abstract: Multivariate optical analysis systems employ multivariate optical elements and utilize multivariate optical computing methods to determine information about a product carried by light reflected from or transmitted through the product.

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: Fluorescence detection apparatus detects fluorescence from a fluorescent object. The apparatus includes a light source configured to irradiate the fluorescent object with light, a shutter configured to block the light, from the light source, directed to the fluorescent object, an optical output measuring unit arranged in an optical path between the shutter and the light source, an image pickup element configured to detect the fluorescence from the fluorescent object and to capture a noise image, and a changing unit configured to change at least one of an accumulation time of the image pickup element and an open-close time of the shutter. The changing unit calculates the accumulation time for capturing the noise image using the measurement result of the optical output measuring unit, and corrects a captured fluorescent image generated by detecting the fluorescence, using the noise image captured during the accumulation time calculated by the calculation unit.

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 with regard to increasing resolution in any desired direction and with regard to an increased imaging rate by the fact that the optical signal (4) is simultaneously concentrated at a number of focal points, and the focal points are focused into various sites of the sample (1).

Abstract: For the high spatial resolution imaging of a structure in a sample (2) the structure is marked with a substance which can be changed over by means of a first electromagnetic signal (5) from a first state having a larger absorption cross section for a second electromagnetic signal (3) into a second state having a smaller absorption cross section for the second signal (3) or which can be changed over by means of a first electromagnetic signal (5) into a first state having a larger absorption cross section for a second electromagnetic signal (3) from a second state having a smaller absorption cross section for the second signal (3). A spatially delimited distribution of a portion of the substance in the first state is then set by means of the first signal (5). Afterward, the second electromagnetic signal (3) is applied to the sample (2), and a local temperature increase in the sample (2) which results from the larger absorption cross section of the substance in the first state is detected.

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

Abstract: Provided is a laser ablation spectroscopy apparatus and method. A pulse laser is focused on the sample site to generate a plasma plume during a laser ablation process. The plasma plume is detected with a spectrometer and an intensified charge coupled device. A sample of material is coupled to a stage movable in the x, y and z directions using an array of x-y-z motors. A change in the height of the sample is detected using a triangulation sensor. The apparatus includes a system computer for synchronizing the movement of the stage in the x, y and z direction during the laser ablation process. The method includes a protocol of generating one or more laser ablations per sample site. The spectral data of the total number of laser ablations for each sample site are averaged together. The protocol includes laser ablating additional sample sites and averaging the spectral data of the total number of sample sites.