Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to verify the composition of a medical fluid in a fluid container. The verification is performed at a centralized location, where light is transmitted through the fluid and detected by a sensor that generates signals representative of the spectral data of the actual composition of the fluid. These signals are compared with the spectral data of an expected composition of the fluid. Based on the comparison, a label is generated that identifies the composition of the fluid and is affixed to the fluid container. The fluid container, with the verified fluid, is distributed to the point of care.

Abstract: A spectrophotometer capable of high spectral resolution (e.g., in the GHz range) is presented. The spectrophotometer includes a container for holding a sample, an arrayed-waveguide grating coupled to the sample holder, and a detector array coupled to the arrayed-waveguide grating. The arrayed-waveguide grating may be a monolithic chip, and the container may be integrated into the chip. An integrated container may be a microfluidic channel formed through the layers in the chip and positioned in such a way that light is transferable from the microfluidic channel to the waveguides of the arrayed-waveguide grating. The invention is also a method of making the spectrophotometer. The method entails providing an arrayed-waveguide grating having an input end and an output end, coupling a container to the input end, wherein the container is capable of holding a sample, and coupling a detector array to the output end of the arrayed-waveguide grating.

Abstract: A sensor device is formed from a metal film having a plurality of openings, a sensor material positioned within each of the openings, a light source that emits light having a first wavelength, and a light detector that detects light emitted from the light source and transmitted through or reflected from the openings. The plurality of openings are arranged periodically in a first direction in the metal film, and both a size of each of the plurality of openings and an interval thereof in the first direction are equal to or less than the wavelength of the light.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations, or modules, in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in reaction receptacles. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a specimen sample, incubating the sample at prescribed temperatures for prescribed periods, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, and ascertaining the presence of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the reaction receptacles from one station to the next.

Abstract: A color measurement system includes a hand held color measurement instrument, which may be provided with a wireless interface to a computer. The color measurement system includes a scanning guide for holding the hand held color measurement instrument in proper alignment with a color target. The scanning guide includes a calibration reference to allow convenient calibration of the hand-held color measurement instrument. The hand-held color instrument includes an illumination ring to provide visual feedback to the user. The color of the illumination ring changes in order to display a color similar to that being read by the hand-held color measurement instrument. Color management profiling of the hand held color measurement instrument illumination ring improves the color rendition capability of the illumination ring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to alkylglycoside-containing compositions and methods for increasing the stability, reducing the aggregation and immunogenicity, increasing the biological activity, and reducing or preventing fibrillar formation of a peptide, polypeptide, or variant thereof, for example insulin and Peptide T or analog thereof.

Abstract: A spectrophotometric optical system of a microplate reader and a filter wheel thereof are disclosed. The filter wheel comprises a pivotable wheel body, at least one narrow-band filter with a relatively long central wavelength mounted to the wheel body, and at least one narrow-band filter with a relatively short central wavelength mounted to the wheel body. The narrow-band filter with a relatively long central wavelength is provided with a diaphragm on a front surface thereof The diaphragm is formed with a plurality of apertures. By the diaphragm attached to the front surface of the narrow-band filter with a relatively long central wavelength, an energy matching between light of longer wavelength and light of shorter wavelength may be achieved. Further, due to the uniformly distributed apertures in the diaphragm, an even light spot may be obtained.

Abstract: A spectrophotometer (2) comprising a source of radiation (6), preferably optical radiation, disposed to emit radiation at a plurality of wavelengths towards a sample in a sample holder (4) and a detection arrangement 8 for detecting the radiation after its interaction with the sample. The sample holder (4) is adapted to present a plurality of different path lengths for the emitted radiation through the sample.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying explosive or other target materials includes the steps of irradiating a first location and a second location spaced apart from the first location from a sample suspected of including explosives with ultraviolet, visible or infrared light, measuring reflected light emanated from the first sample location (R1) and reflected light emanated from the second sample location (R2), and calculating a normalized difference in reflectivity (?R/ R), wherein R=(R1+R2)/2 is an average reflectivity. A differential reflection spectrum (DRS) is then generated for the sample where ?R=R2?R1 is the difference of the reflectivities of the first and the second sample location. One or more explosives if present are identified in the sample based on comparing the DRS for said sample to at least one reference DRS.

Abstract: A spectral photometer intended for integration purposes includes a measurement head equipped with illumination arrangement including at least one light source for the illumination at an angle of incidence of 45° of a measured object and located in a measurement plane, a pickup arrangement for capturing the measurement light remitted by the measured object at an angle of reflection of essentially 0° relative to the perpendicular to the measurement plane, a spectrometer arrangement including an entry aperture for the spectral splitting of the measurement light captured and fed through the entry aperture, and a photoelectric receiver arrangement exposed to the split measurement light for conversion of the individual spectral components of the measurement light into corresponding electrical signals. It further includes an electronic circuit for control of the light source and forming digital measurement values from the electrical signals produced by the photoelectric receiver arrangement.

Abstract: A light source device for a spectrophotometer includes a light source chamber, a light source retained in the light source chamber and having an electrode therein for generating light, an electrode support part connected to the electrode and extending outside the light source chamber, and a cover disposed around the electrode support part for covering a portion of the electrode support part situated outside the light source chamber. A cooling mechanism is installed for cooling the light source chamber from an outside thereof so that the light source is not directly cooled by means of the cover. The spectrophotometer includes the light source device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method were used to track the movement of fluorescent particles in three dimensions. Control software was used with the apparatus to implement a tracking algorithm for tracking the motion of the individual particles in glycerol/water mixtures. Monte Carlo simulations suggest that the tracking algorithms in combination with the apparatus may be used for tracking the motion of single fluorescent or fluorescently labeled biomolecules in three dimensions.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for establishing a directed color standard. Color reflectance data is measured from a fabric to construct an initial color standard. Because all fabrics have inherent quality fluctuations, a second series of color reflectance measurements are taken at various locations on a fabric. The second series of color data is used to establish a narrower, directed color standard. The directed color standard can be used by an entity to more efficiently utilize a plurality of third party colored product providers because using the directed color standard results in fewer product rejections based on color deviation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a device, as well as a system and method associated therewith, for, among other things, providing: (i) up to five distinct measurement angles along with an illumination reference channel; (ii) a plurality of illumination sources that provide a focused beam of illumination at specific desired angles of incidence to a sample under target; (iii) a shutter mechanism incorporating a calibration transfer standard; (iv) an internal optical system that is operatively associated with a gimbaled structure suitable to allow vertical and angular conformity to a target sample; and (v) a handheld and operated enclosure incorporating a user interface with a visual display unit complete with interactive navigation means and an activation switch, and a number of surface detecting contact elements operatively associated with the optical system and shutter mechanism.

Abstract: A spectrometer (100) includes a light source (102) providing output light (106) to the bundled input ends (108) of multiple light pipes (110). The light pipes (110) branch into sets (118) between their input ends (108) and output ends (114), with each set (118) illuminating a sample detector (126) (via a sample chamber (122)) for measuring light scattered or emitted by a sample, or a reference detector (128) for obtaining a reference/datum measurement of the supplied light, so that comparison of measurements from the sample detector (126) and the reference detector (128) allows compensation of the sample detector measurements for drift. Efficient and accurate measurement is further assured by arraying the multiple light pipes (110) in each set (118) about the input bundle (116) so that each set receives at least substantially the same amount of light from the light source (102).

Abstract: A spectrophotometer having an optical system for directing a beam of substantially monochromatic excitation light to a liquid sample contained in a well (3) of a well plate for interaction with the sample for absorption or emission measurements to analyse the sample. The optical system includes two apertures (46, 28) for establishing a Kohler illumination region outside the well, that is an excitation beam region between conjugate images (18, 21) of the two apertures. This excitation beam region is then demagnified and imaged (10, 9) into the well (3). The invention provides for the shape of the Kohler illumination region to correspond to the shape of the well space so that all of the liquid sample is uniformly illuminated without the well obstructing any portion of the illuminating excitation beam of light.

Abstract: A system uses reflectance spectrophotometry to characterize a sample having any number of structures. The system uses toroidal mirrors that are shaped in such a way that the angle of reflectance off of the target is small. The small angle of reflectance may allow for simplification of calculations and can result in a faster processing time. In addition, a more accurate measurement can be achieved when the reflected beam is close to normal.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a goniospectrophotometer is provided for quickly obtaining a goniospectrum using a goniospectrophotometer. In some embodiments, a parabolic reflector is used to optically transform the angular space of a source at the parabola focus into a linear space and facilitate the use of a single diffracting element and area camera to simultaneously measure the angular spectrum of the source. Spectra corresponding to zenith angles of light reflection by the parabolic reflector can be acquired by a detector and analyzed in a computer.

Abstract: In a self-referencing instrument for measuring electromagnetic radiation, a mounting member to which a sample can be coupled moves the sample such that, in a first position, the electromagnetic radiation impinges on the sample, and, in a second position, the electromagnetic radiation does not impinge on the sample. A detection unit receives the electromagnetic radiation from the sample and generates a sample signal when the sample is in the first position, and the detection unit receives the electromagnetic radiation from the source and generates a reference signal when the sample is in the second position. A processor coupled to the detection unit processes the reference signal and the sample signal. This results in a continuous, accurate reference measurement, and permits the instrument to efficiently compensate for error, while offering accurate measurements.

Abstract: Small, fast, and inexpensive in-line spectrophotometers can produce in-line spectrums of a substrate before or after printing on the substrate. In-line spectrums are generally far less complete than a reference spectrum produced with a large, slow, and expensive reference spectrophotometer. An in-line spectrum can be mapped to a reference spectrum using a variety of known algorithms. However, the mapping is erroneous when the media substrate type changes. Reference transform matrices and in-line transform matrices can correct the erroneous mapping.

Abstract: A method for measuring the presence or concentration of an analyte in a sample by spectrophotometry: providing an open top cuvette having a sample with an analyte to be measured; providing a light source and a detector for detecting emitted light; taking at least two measurements that includes: (i) directing at least two beams of light from the light source to different locations on the cuvette; (ii) passing the at least two beams through the cuvette at their respective locations and through the sample to be measured; and (iii) measuring at least two respective emitted light beams with the detector; and comparing the at least two emitted light beams to determine if: all the emitted light beams should be disregarded; one or more of the emitted light beams should be disregarded; or the sample absorbances should be averaged. In a preferred embodiment, the method includes taking at least three measurements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the color of wine from grapes. The method involves digesting the grapes in a pectolytic enzyme solution and a sulfur dioxide solution; diluting the solution with diluted acid and spectrophometric reading of the resulting solutions. The invention also relates to a program that calculates the probable color of the wine based on the spectroscopic data and physical-chemical parameters of the wine.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a process output with a highly abridged spectrophotometer. The method includes securing spectral data for each spectral primary used in a process, measuring spectral data with a highly abridged spectrophotometer for a sample produced by the process, determining an estimated weight for each spectral primary in the sample, and computing spectral data representative of the sample based on the secured spectral data and the determined estimated weight for each spectral primary in the sample.

Abstract: A target acquisition attachment device for the accurate handheld spectrophotometric measurement of small samples or samples of particular areas of larger objects, having an orifice in its base plane of precise location and size that will properly align with the aperture of the handheld spectrophotometer. The alignment occurs when the target device is first placed over the small sample and subsequently, the handheld spectrophotometer is placed within the peripheral dimensions of the target device. This alignment of the handheld spectrophotometer's aperture within the peripheral dimensions of the small sample can be achieved even when the sample becomes no longer visible to the spectrophotometer operator due to the handheld spectrophotometer's placement over the small sample being targeted for measurement.

Abstract: A method and a system for optical measuring in a structure having a pattern in the form of spaced-apart parallel elongated regions of optical properties different from that of spaces between said regions. The system comprises a broadband illuminator (8) for generating incident radiation, a spectrophotometer arrangement (30) for detecting a spectral response of the structure to the incident radiation, and an optical arrangement (2) for directing the incident light to the structure and collecting the response of the structure, said optical arrangement (2) comprising a numerical aperture (32) selectively limiting the range of at least one of light incidence or collecting angles in direction substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axes of said elongated regions of the pattern.

Abstract: This application discloses a new method to record an image. It relates to microscopy and surface analysis in many scientific and technical fields. In particular it relates to the imaging and inspection of surfaces used in microelectronics: non-patterned and patterned wafers and photomasks. In the sense that it records electric amplitude, it relates to holography. Applications include microscopy, defect inspection, scatterometry, and optical metrology.

Abstract: A spectrophotometric system includes a zoom lens assembly that is mounted for axial translation relative to an integrating sphere. The zoom lens assembly includes first and second focusing lens mounted to an axially movable lens carrier. The lens carrier is positioned intermediate first and second sets of mirrors for reflecting/directing SCE and SCI beams toward fiber ports. A reference beam is also emitted from the integrating sphere and transmitted to a processor, thereby resulting in simultaneous tri-beam measurements. The disclosed spectrophotometric systems may also include an aperture plate detection assembly and/or a sample holder assembly that incorporates a dampening gas spring. The aperture plate detection system includes a detection disk that may include a plurality of pre-positioned sensors that interact with an activating ridge formed on the aperture plate for identification thereof.

Abstract: A spectrometer generates Vibrational Circular Dichroism (VCD) measurements having an exceedingly high signal-to-noise ratio, as well as a greater wavelength range over which measurements may be accurately provided. This is achieved by utilizing reflective optics (preferably solely reflective optics, i.e., no refractive elements) to supply a concentrated and collimated input light beam to a sample within a sample cell, and similarly collecting the light output from the sample cell via reflective optics for supply to a detector.

Abstract: According to the invention, to analyse a non-limpid medium, this medium is lit by at least one light pulse, a spectral and temporal transmission image, in counting mode, is acquired from the lit medium, and the image and derivatives thereof are processed so as to acquire information about the non-limpid medium. The invention applies to the analysis of diffusing and absorbing media, for example milk.

Abstract: Weak signals scattered from analytes at multiple wavelengths can be summed to illuminate either a single detector or a multiplicity of detectors, offering the possibility of concentrating the spectral energy on a smaller total detector area. In addition, a method is disclosed whereby a calibration of the resulting signal for a given analyte can be obtained by means of measuring the quantity of water in the sample volume and by means of measuring the salinity of the fluid in the sample volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for obtaining a low-noise optical signal. According to the method, a luminous beam is injected through two apertures and after detection respectively a basic optical signal (21) and a corrective optical signal (22) are generated. Both optical signals obtained (21, 22) are subtracted, so that a resulting optical signal is generated, forming the low-noise optical signal. The apertures are preferably two slits of a spectroscope, the optical signals being expressible relative to the wavelength.

Abstract: The invention concerns measurements in which light interacts with matter to generate light intensity changes, and spectrophotometer devices of the invention provide ultrasensitive measurements. Light source noise in these measurements can be reduced in accordance with the invention. Exemplary embodiments of the invention use sealed housings lacking an internal light source. In some embodiments a substantially solid thermally conductive housing is used. Other embodiments include particular reflection based sample and reference cells. One embodiment includes a prism including an interaction surface, a detector, a lens that focuses a prism beam output onto the detector, and a closed interaction volume for delivering gas or liquid to the interaction surface. Another embodiment replaces a prism with a reflective surface. Another embodiment replaces a prism with a scattering matte surface.

Abstract: A modified-color generation and display method uses a computer graphic. The method includes measuring the spectral reflectance of an original color by using a spectrophotometer, obtaining a modified spectral reflectance for a modified color by changing the measured spectral reflectance, and displaying the computer graphic of the modified color on a monitor.

Abstract: An LED spectrophtometer device for determining an aspect of the color of an object may include: a visible spectrophotometer comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes that emit light in the visible spectrum onto the object; at least one detector for detecting said light after being directed onto the object and for generating an output; and a UV light emitting diode assembly that emits light in the near ultraviolet spectrum and communicates with at least one detector for generating an output. The device may further include a processor that combines the outputs of the at least one detector of the visible spectrophotometer and the at least one detector in communication with the UV light emitting diode assembly.

Abstract: A process for measuring a point comprising at least one spectrometer and a measuring transducer connected thereto for picking up, processing and forwarding measuring signals from the spectrometer, the spectrometer being arranged in an armature for introduction into a process or a process fluid and the data produced by the spectrometer is used to control a process. The armature comprises a housing for receiving the spectrometer and for securing the armature to a process container containing process fluid and a sensor holder with an inbuilt sensor, interacting with the spectrometer and which is guided in an axially displaceable manner in the armature, whereby the sensor holder protrudes into the process fluid in an extended state.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided to verify the composition of a medical fluid in a fluid infusion channel by comparison with clinician-entered input. Light is transmitted through the channel and detected by a sensor that generates signals representative of the spectral data of the light detected. A processor compares the spectral data of the light detected to the spectral data associated with the expected contents of the channel to verify that the correct fluid is being infused.

Abstract: A library of material samples is provided in a condition suitable for imaging using infrared (IR) spectroscopy. The samples are provided to one or more detection cells, each of the cells including or containing a reflective surface. Preferably, for imaging, an energy source (e.g. a source of infrared radiation) provides energy to the detection cells to interact with the samples. Thereafter, images (e.g., spectra) related to the samples are created based upon the interaction.

Abstract: A color measurement apparatus is adapted as an attachment for a personal computing system. An interface integral to the color measurement apparatus couples the color measurement apparatus to the personal computing system. A computer pointing device integral to the color measurement apparatus provides a pointer input for the personal computing system. A spectral sensing device integral to the color measurement apparatus measures light received via an input port in a plurality of spectral bands. A light source integral to the color measurement apparatus emits light external to the color measurement apparatus. The color measurement apparatus is operable in first, second and third modes of operation. In the first mode of operation, the computer pointing device provides pointer input of a user to the personal computing system. In the second mode of operation, the spectral sensing device measures light generated by a display of the personal computing system.

Abstract: A Method for identifying one or a small number of molecules, especially in a dilution of ?1 ?M, using laser excited FCS with measuring times ?500 ms and short diffusion paths of the molecules to be analyzed, wherein the measurement is performed in small volume units of preferably ?10?14 l, by determining material-specific parameters which are determined by luminescence measurements of molecules to be examined. The device which can be preferably used for performing the method according to the invention is a per se known system of microscope optics for laser focusing for fluorescence excitation in a small measuring compartment of a very diluted solution and for imaging the emitted light in the subsequent measurement through confocal imaging wherein at least one system of optics with high numerical aperture of preferably ?1.2 N.A.

Abstract: A spectrophotometric instrument is comprised of a processor, a probe having a tissue engaging surface with an aperture therethrough and a light source producing measurement light signals and optically coupled to the probe via a first optical path. A partially reflective first reflecting member is located in the probe and has a generally elliptical profile positioned to reflect a first portion of the measurement light signals to the tissue aperture and to transmit a second portion of the measurement light signals through the first reflecting member. A second reflecting member is located in the probe and has a generally elliptical profile positioned to reflect the measurement light signals transmitted through the first reflecting member. A second optical path has a distal end positioned to receive the measurement light signals reflected off of the second reflecting member and a proximal end coupled to the processor.

Abstract: A direct-view handheld binocular spectrometer for use in a variety of educational settings. The device comprises a holographic transmission diffraction grating and a uniquely curved quantitative wavelength scale for viewing visible-wavelength spectra with both eyes simultaneously. A variable width entrance slit, adjustable illumination for the wavelength scale, and attachable corrective lenses enhance the ease of use and efficiency as compared to traditional monocular spectrometers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the color and gas fill concentration of insulating glass units is disclosed. One apparatus includes a color measuring device and gas fill concentration measuring device coupled to a production line for manufacturing insulating glass units. One method of the invention involves measuring the color and gas fill concentration of insulating glass units after they have been filled with gas and sealed.

Abstract: An in-situ technique is provided for automatically verifying proper operation of a photometric device, such as a cell density probe (CDP). The CDP has a first detector and a second detector. The first detector senses light that is transmitted from a light source of the CDP. The second detector senses light that has passed through an optical gap at a tip of the CDP, wherein the sensed light has been reduced in intensity due to light absorption. Electrical current provided to the light source is reduced, and the resultant values of a light characteristic (such as intensity) are sensed. These values from the detectors are compared against one or more predicted values. If the CDP is operating properly, the values from the detectors will be consistent with the predicted values. If there is a malfunction in the CDP, then the values from the detectors will be inconsistent with the predicted values.

Abstract: A process for color matching a metallic paint by taking a color measurement reading at a single angle using a regular spectrophotometer or colorimeter is provided. The preferred type of metallic pigment to be utilized in preparing the matching color can be selected by microscopic evaluation of the metallic pigment in the target metallic paint to identify its size, shape and probable composition.

Abstract: Atom absorption spectroscopy method generates at least one first beam of monochromatic radiation at a certain wavelength. Radiation is separated into a test beam and a reference beam, and only the test beam is led through a test area. Subsequently, both beams pass through a slot system into a monochromator, and after their spectral breakdown, reach a detector system. In order to improve such atom absorption spectroscopy method in a way that allows the test beam and the reference beam as well as their spectra to be guided close to, or adjacent to one other onto the detector system, and, at the same time enables a simple and easy adaptation of the spectrometer's effective spectral range to a monochromator's characteristics, the test beam and the reference beam thus pass through different slots in the slot system and are projected onto essentially spatially separate areas of the detector system, with their spectra's broken-down.

Abstract: A detecting device for a spectrophotometer is provided which is capable of exhibiting a sufficient sensitivity and with an adequate linearity over the ultraviolet light, visible light and near-infrared light ranges. The spectrophotometer detecting device includes detectors of a photomultiplier-tube detector, an InGaAs detector and a PbS detector, and a switching device for switching among these detectors. Alternatively, the spectrophotometer may include a single integrating sphere including these three types of detectors placed thereon. The spectrophotometer may further include output conversion means for correcting the output linearity difference among these detectors.

Abstract: At the time of measurement of a sample, before a sample is introduced into a graphite tube, signal voltages which would be detected by a photomultiplier in connection with all programmable combinations of atomizing temperatures of a graphite tube, widths of entrance and exit slits provided in a spectrometer, and wavelengths into which the light is to be decomposed by the diffraction grating are stored in memory beforehand. At the time of measurement of a sample, an amplification factor of the photomultiplier is controlled by a negative high-voltage controller according to measurement requirements, or measurement is performed after an optimum detector signal voltage is set by controlling the amplification factor of the detector signal output from an amplifier.

Abstract: An infrared spectrometer includes an infrared source system that is stabilized to provide a substantially constant output light intensity. The infrared source system includes a source element adapted to receive electrical power and to emit light at an intensity related to the electrical power received by the source element. A light detector is mounted in position to receive light emitted from the source element and to provide an output signal related to the intensity of the light received by the detector. A feedback control loop receives the signal from the detector and provides electrical power to the source element to maintain the intensity of the light output from the source element at a selected level as detected by the detector.

Abstract: A spectrometer for correcting a displacement of a dispersed light image having a light source for outputting a monochromatic ray of light, an optical system which images a dispersed light image of the monochromatic ray through an incident slit on an imaging plane, a sensor array, and a calculator for calculating a variation in an imaging position of a primary dispersed light image of the monochromatic ray through the incident slit on the imaging plane from its initial position as a first image displacement amount, and a variation in an imaging position of a secondary dispersed light image of the monochromatic ray through the incident slit from its initial position as a second image displacement amount, and calculating, based on the first and second image displacement amounts, a third image displacement amount which is free of an influence due to a fluctuation of a wavelength of the monochromatic ray.

Abstract: A method of producing a finish for a selected wood substrate, wherein the finish provides the selected wood substrate with a color that matches the color of a target object. In accordance with the method, calculations are performed to determine the quantities of at least one group of colorants required to produce a semitransparent wood stain from a vehicle, wherein when the semitransparent wood stain is applied to the selected wood substrate, the selected wood substrate will have a color that matches the target object. The calculations are performed using reflectance measurements of the target object obtained using a spectrophotometer and previously obtained spectral data of the colorants as applied to at least one type of wood. The colorants used to form the semitransparent wood stain do not include a white colorant.