Abstract: A spectral measurement apparatus includes a light source for generating a excitation light; an integrator having an input opening portion and an output opening portion; a housing portion arranged in the integrator and for housing a sample; an incidence optical system for making the excitation light incident to the sample; a photodetector for detecting a light to be measured output from the output opening portion; and an analysis means for calculating a light absorptance of the sample, based on a detection value detected by the photodetector, and an irradiation area with the excitation light at a position of incidence to the sample is set larger than an irradiated area of the sample, and the analysis means performs an area ratio correction regarding the irradiation area with the excitation light and the irradiated area of the sample, with respect to the light absorptance calculated.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to integrated resonance detectors and arrays of integrated resonance detectors and to methods for making and using the integrated resonance detectors and arrays. Integrated resonance detectors comprise a substrate, a conducting mirror layer, an active layer, and a patterned conducting layer. Electromagnetic radiation is detected by transducing a specific resonance-induced field enhancement in the active layer to a detection current that is proportional to the incident irradiance.

Abstract: An automatic analyzer has a multi-wavelength light source that irradiates a reaction cuvette containing a liquid mixture of a sample to be analyzed and a reagent. A transmitted-light quantity detector detects the amount of light transmitted through the reaction cuvette and internal contents of the reaction cuvette. A single-wavelength light source irradiates the reaction cuvette with single-wavelength light; and a transmitted-light quantity detector detects the amount of single-wavelength light scattered from the reaction cuvette.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a light source configured to illuminate a target and a camera configured to image light responsively emitted from the target and reflected from a spatial light modulator (SLM). The imaging system is configured to generate high-resolution, hyperspectral images of the target. The SLM includes a refractive layer that is chromatically dispersive and that has a refractive index that is controllable. The refractive index of the refractive layer can be controlled to vary according to a gradient such that light reflected from the SLM is chromatically dispersed and spectrographic information about the target can be captured using the camera. Such a system could be operated confocally, e.g., by incorporating a micromirror device configured to control a spatial pattern of illumination of the target and to modulate the transmission of light from the target to the camera via the SLM according to a corresponding spatial pattern.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus and method for determining dimensional characteristics of a measurement object use a sensor head in order to register desired measurement points on the measurement object. The sensor head comprises a polychromatic light source for generating light having various wavelengths of light, a spectrometer, and an optical system having at least one lens element. The optical system produces a first defined range of color dependent foci and a second defined range of color dependent foci in front of the at least one lens element. The spectrometer generates a first spectral information when the measurement object is in the first defined range, and it generates a second spectral information when the measurement object is in the second defined range. An evaluation unit exploits the first spectral range in a coarse measurement mode, and it exploits the second spectral range in a fine measurement mode.

Abstract: An optical module includes a circuit substrate that has a concave portion and a flat surface, an optical sensor that is disposed inside a space, and an optical filter device that has a base which accommodates a variable wavelength interference filter and has a light-through hole through which light emitted from the variable wavelength interference filter passes and a first glass member which is disposed in the light-through hole. The first glass member is positioned inside the space. The base is bonded to the flat surface. The distance between the first glass member and the optical sensor is set to a distance at which light emitted from the variable wavelength interference filter does not interfere between the first glass member and the optical sensor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for efficiently and accurately detecting and identifying concealed materials. The system includes an analysis subsystem configured to process a number of pixelated images, the number of pixelated images obtained by repeatedly illuminating regions with a electromagnetic radiation source from a number of electromagnetic radiation sources, each repetition performed with a different wavelength. The number of pixelated images, after processing, constitute a vector of processed data at each pixel from a number of pixels. At each pixel, the vector of processed data is compared to a predetermined vector corresponding to a predetermined material, presence of the predetermined material being determined by the comparison.

Abstract: A colorimetric method includes performing colorimetry on color patches to acquire colorimetric values, and determining whether or not color patches subjected to colorimetry are color patches that should undergo colorimetry based on the colorimetric values and reference values.

Abstract: Methods and systems for efficiently and accurately detecting and identifying concealed materials. The system includes an analysis subsystem configured to process a number of pixelated images, the number of pixelated images obtained by repeatedly illuminating regions with a electromagnetic radiation source from a number of electromagnetic radiation sources, each repetition performed with a different wavelength. The number of pixelated images, after processing, constitute a vector of processed data at each pixel from a number of pixels. At each pixel, the vector of processed data is compared to a predetermined vector corresponding to a predetermined material, presence of the predetermined material being determined by the comparison.

Abstract: An image analysis method includes acquiring an image of at least one frame that comprises pixels, setting at least one analytic region for the image of at least one frame, extracting data on the pixel corresponding to each analytic region, setting time intervals for data pairs for use in correlation calculations, performing a correlation calculation for each of the time intervals by use of the extracted data, and performing a fitting for each of the correlation calculation results.

Abstract: A pyrometry imaging system for monitoring a high-temperature asset which includes at least one component is provided. The system includes a lens element in optical communication with the at least one component. The lens element is configured to receive at least a portion of thermal radiation emitted from the at least one component. The system also includes a view limiting device positioned between the lens element and a dispersive element. The dispersive element is configured to split the at least a portion of thermal radiation emitted into a plurality of wavelengths. The system further includes at least one camera device in optical communication with the dispersive element. The at least one camera device is configured to receive at least one wavelength from the dispersive element.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes a first beam combining device arranged to receive a first optical beam having a first wavelength at a first location and a second optical beam output having a second wavelength at a second location. The second optical beam has a polarization that is substantially orthogonal to a polarization of the first optical beam. The first beam combining device configured to output a first combined beam that comprises a combination of the first optical beam and the second optical beam. An optical element is arranged to receive the first combined beam and a second combined beam and to transmit an output beam that includes a combination of the first combined beam and the second combined beam.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an improved multi-pass cell for a long path-length spectrometer is designed to include a perturbing mirror that causes a base pattern of reflections to be repeated multiple times, where each subsequent base pattern of reflections is rotated about the axis at an angle from a prior base pattern, to circulate the base patters about the cell. The base pattern may be a Herriott cell pattern. The improved multi-pass cell may be constructed with a concave front mirror centered along an axis of the cell, and a concave back mirror centered along the axis and facing the front mirror. The perturbing mirror may be centered along the axis, facing the front mirror and located at a perturbing mirror spacing in front of the back mirror or behind the back mirror, depending on the implementation.

Abstract: There is provided a method for analyzing optical properties of an object, including utilizing a light illumination having a plurality of amplitudes, phases and polarizations of a plurality of wavelengths impinging from the object, obtaining modified illuminations corresponding to the light illumination, applying a modification to the light illumination thereby obtaining a modified light illumination, analyzing the modified light illumination, obtaining a plurality of amplitudes, phases and polarizations maps of the plurality of wavelengths, and employing the plurality of amplitudes, phases and polarizations maps for obtaining output representing the object's optical properties. An apparatus for analyzing optical properties of an object is also provided.

Abstract: An approach for determining a representation of a physical object, the representation indicating at least one of a color, a texture, and a pattern associated with the object, comparing the representation to one or more reference representations on a basis of at least one of the color, the texture, and the pattern, selecting one of the plurality of reference representations based on the comparison; and determining one or more physical items associated with the one reference representation, is presented.

Abstract: Method of characterizing a light beam having the steps of: a) disposing the input ends of N >3 optical fibers on the path of the light beam, in such a way that a respective portion of the beam is coupled and propagates in each optical fiber and is emitted from its output end so as to form a respective secondary beam; b) introducing an angular spectral dispersion into the secondary beams by means of at least one dispersive element; c) propagating the dispersed secondary beams in such a way that they overlap to form an interferogram; d) acquiring an image of the interferogram; and e) extracting from the image of the interferogram an item of information relating to the spatial variation of the phase of the light beam at a plurality of wavelengths. Device for the implementation of such a method.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a spectrophotometric colorimeter based on LED light source, wherein the spectrophotometric colorimeter includes an integrating sphere, a coupling light path, and a spectrometer. An inner wall of the integrating sphere is arranged with a composite light source consisting of eight LEDs; a sphere wall of the integrating sphere defines an incident aperture; light emitted from each LED enters an interior of the integrating sphere through the incident aperture and is irradiated onto the inner wall. The coupling light path is configured to couple light at a measurement caliber such that the light can enter an incident split and to eliminate stray light from the inner wall.

Abstract: A light detection and ranging device associated with an autonomous vehicle scans through a scanning zone while emitting light pulses and receives reflected signals corresponding to the light pulses. The reflected signals indicate a three-dimensional point map of the distribution of reflective points in the scanning zone. A hyperspectral sensor images a region of the scanning zone corresponding to a reflective feature indicated by the three-dimensional point map. The output from the hyperspectral sensor includes spectral information characterizing a spectral distribution of radiation received from the reflective feature. The spectral characteristics of the reflective feature allow for distinguishing solid objects from non-solid reflective features, and a map of solid objects is provided to inform real time navigation decisions.

Abstract: In a gas phase analyte testing method a laser beam is generated using a laser beam from a laser gain medium located within an external laser cavity. A gain parameter of the laser gain medium is changed so that the laser gain medium emits across a range of wavelengths in response to the change. The beam is passed through a test sample as the gain parameter is changed, the test sample being positioned inside the external laser cavity. A change in the spatial or spectral mode distribution or dynamics of the laser emission spectrum is detected. It is then determined whether the change in the spatial or spectral mode distribution or dynamics of the laser emission spectrum is caused by the test sample.

Abstract: A modular device includes base and color sensing portions. The color sensing portion has a face, a controlled light source having a first channel between the light source and the face, and a color sensor arranged at a distal end of a second channel. The color sensor receives light reflected from the target surface and generates output signals representative of a surface color. The first and second channels extend at least 45 degrees apart from each other and respective to the face. The base portion communicates with the color sensor and a user interface enabling control input for the color sensor. The program further receives the output signals from the color sensing device and displays a first image of the detected color, and displays a second image of a user-selected color beside the first image. Color data values are further displayed corresponding to the difference between displayed colors.

Abstract: A spectral characteristic acquisition apparatus includes a light emitting part configured to emit light onto an object, a light dividing part configured to divide the light reflected from the object into multiple light beams by multiple aperture parts of the light dividing part, a dispersing part configured to form multiple diffraction images corresponding to the aperture parts by spectrally dispersing the light beams, a light receiving part including an array of spectral sensors that receive the diffraction images at substantially the same position on their respective light receiving surfaces and convert the received diffraction images into electrical signals, and an operation part configured to compute a spectral characteristic of the object based on the electrical signals.

Abstract: An optical scanning system may include a moving sample positioning stage that supports the sample during an optical measurement of the sample using the light source and the spectrometer. The moving sample positioning stage may move the sample in at least one direction during the optical measurement of the sample. A scatterometer system may include collection imaging optics for imaging the reflected light onto a multi-pixel sensor that collects and analyze the reflected light.

Abstract: A system for evaluating the convergence to a solution for a matrix equation comprises at least one reconfigurable computing device such as a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an update storage element, a conversion element, a summation unit, and a comparator. The FPGA includes a plurality of configurable logic elements and a plurality of configurable storage elements, which are utilized to form the update storage element, the conversion element, the summation unit, and the comparator. The update storage element is configured to store a plurality of updates. The conversion element determines the absolute value of the updates. The summation unit accumulates the absolute values of the updates to produce a total sum, which is compared to a convergence factor by the comparator. Convergence is signaled when the total sum is less than the convergence factor.

Abstract: The present invention is thus directed to an automated system and method of varying the optical path length in a sample that a light from a spectrophotometer must travel through. Such arrangements allow a user to easily vary the optical path length while also providing the user with an easy way to clean and prepare a transmission cell for optical interrogation. Such path length control can be automatically controlled by a programmable control system to quickly collect and stores data from different path lengths as needed for different spectrographic analysis. Such a methodology and system, as presented herein, is able to return best-match spectra with far fewer computational steps and greater speed than if all possible combinations of reference spectra are considered.

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing spectrometer function may include initially exposing an array of photosensors of the spectrometer to spectral radiation and recording a first data set of photosensor counts within a predetermined measurement range; making a plurality of successive exposures of the photosensors to the radiation, and for each, progressively increasing an intensity of the radiation from the previous exposure, recording counts from the photosensors within the predetermined measurement range, disregarding counts from photosensors that already have recorded counts within the measurement range from a previous exposure to the radiation to make a data set of measured counts, and rescaling the data set of measured counts to adjust for the increasing an intensity of the spectral radiation to form a rescaled data set; and stitching together the first data set and each rescaled data set of measured counts to form a resultant data set of spectral irradiance.

Abstract: An information acquiring device that acquires information on a measurement object includes: a dividing section that divides pulsed light having a center wavelength ?c emitted from a light source into lights for a plurality of optical paths; waveguides provided in each of the optical paths; a multiplexing section that multiplexes lights emitted from the waveguides; and an information acquiring section that acquires information through detection of a light obtained by the multiplexing by the multiplexing section and applied to the object. In the information acquiring device, the waveguides provided in the optical paths, respectively are waveguides having different zero dispersion wavelengths, and the waveguides generate a plurality of wavelength-converted lights each having a center wavelength different from the center wavelength ?c of the pulse light.

Abstract: An optical mechanism for a miniaturized spectrometer comprises an input unit, an upper waveguide plate, a lower waveguide plate, and a miniature diffraction grating. The input unit is used to receive an optical signal and direct the optical signal to the interior of the optical mechanism. The upper waveguide plate has a first reflective surface. The lower waveguide plate having a second reflective surface aligned substantially parallel to the upper waveguide plate. The first reflective surface is located opposite to the second reflective surface. An optical channel is formed between the first reflective surface and the second reflective surface, so that optical signal from the input unit can travel in the optical channel. The miniature diffraction grating separates the optical signal transmitted in the optical channel into a plurality of spectral components and directs the spectral components to an image capture module at an end of the miniaturized spectrometer.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting explosives and explosive residues. A region of interest is surveyed using a video capture device to thereby identify a target area wherein the target area comprises an unknown material. The target area is interrogated using SWIR spectroscopic methods to form a SWIR hyperspectral image of the target area. The SWIR hyperspectral image is analyzed to thereby identify the unknown material.

Abstract: Provided a measuring apparatus includes a wavelength dispersion device which dispersed light reflected by one surface of an examination target having a thickness D and light reflected by a rear surface of the examination target, as incident light, a detector in which a plurality of photodetection elements receiving light dispersed by the wavelength dispersion device and detecting a power of the received light in are provided in an array shape, and a piezoelectric device which is attached to the detector to convert an applied voltage into a mechanical power, wherein the detector detects the power of the received light when the detector is shifted by the mechanical power converted by the piezoelectric device as much as d/m, where d is a width of each of the photodetection elements in an array direction and m is an integer equal to or greater than 2.

Abstract: A spectral characteristic obtaining apparatus including a light irradiation unit configured to emit light onto a reading object; a spectroscopic unit configured to separate at least a part of diffused reflected light from the light emitted onto the reading object by the light irradiation unit into a spectrum; and a light receiving unit configured to receive the diffused reflected light separated into the spectrum by the spectroscopic unit and to obtain a spectral characteristic. In at least one example embodiment, the light receiving unit is configured to be a spectroscopic sensor array including plural spectroscopic sensors arranged in a direction, and the spectroscopic sensors include a predetermined number of pixels arranged in the direction to receive lights with different spectral characteristics from each other.

Abstract: The apparatus for selectively transmitting the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation within a predefined wavelength range is provided with a carrier (115), a pinhole diaphragm which is arranged above the carrier (115) and is made of a material that is substantially impermeable to the radiation of interest, wherein the pinhole diaphragm has at least one radiation passage opening with a size for allowing through radiation at a wavelength which is less than or equal to a predefinable upper limit wavelength, and an electrically insulating and optically transparent dielectric layer (103) which is formed on the carrier (115) inside the radiation passage opening and extends, in a manner adjoining the radiation passage opening, between the carrier (115) and at least one section below the pinhole diaphragm. The dielectric layer (103) has a thickness which is less than or equal to half a predefinable lower limit wavelength which is less than the upper limit wavelength.

Abstract: An optical emission spectrometer system includes a light source and a dichroic beam combiner. The light source emits first light in a first direction and second light in a second direction different from the first direction. The dichroic beam combiner receives the first light via a first light path and the second light via a second light path, reflects a portion the first light into an entrance aperture of a light detection and measurement apparatus, and transmits a portion of the second light into the entrance aperture, enabling analysis and measurement of both first and second light characteristics simultaneously. The portion of the first light reflected into the entrance aperture predominately has wavelengths in a first range of wavelengths and the portion of the second light transmitted into the entrance aperture predominately has wavelengths in a second range of wavelengths, different from the first range of wavelengths.

Abstract: An optical absorption spectrometry system includes first and second light sources, a dichroic beam combiner and a wavelength selective module. The first light source emits first light having first wavelengths within a first wavelength range, and the second light source emits second light having second wavelengths within a second wavelength range different from the first wavelength range. The dichroic beam combiner includes a predetermined first reflectance/transmission transition region, the dichroic beam combiner being configured to transmit a first portion of the first light and to reflect a second portion of the second light to provide combined light. The wavelength selective module is configured to disperse the combined light received at an entrance aperture, to select a sample wavelength range of the dispersed light as sample light, and to output the sample light having the selected sample wavelength range from an exit aperture for illuminating a sample.

Abstract: A method of analyzing chemical species in a solution, the method comprising: providing an electrochemical deposition apparatus comprising a first electrode (2) formed of an electrically conductive diamond material and a second electrode (4); locating the first electrode in contact with a solution (8) to be analyzed and the second electrode in electrical contact with the solution to be analyzed; applying a potential difference between the first and second electrodes (2, 4) such that current flows between the first and second electrodes through the solution to be analyzed and chemical species are electro-deposited from the solution onto the first electrode; applying a spectroscopic analysis technique to the electro-deposited chemical species (M1, M2, M3) on the first electrode to generate spectroscopic data about the electro-deposited chemical species on the first electrode; and using the spectroscopic data to determine the type of chemical species electro-deposited on the first electrode.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor comprising: a reference electrode (4) formed of an electrically conductive synthetic doped diamond material and configured to be located in electrical contact with a solution (8) to be analysed; a sensing electrode (2) formed of an electrically conductive synthetic doped diamond material and configured to be located in contact with the solution (8) to be analysed; an electrical controller (10) configured to conduct stripping voltammetric measurements by applying a voltage to the sensing electrode (2), to change the applied voltage relative to the reference electrode (4), and to measure an electric current flowing through the sensing electrode (2) thereby generating voltammetry data; and a calibration system configured to provide an in-situ calibration for providing a reference point in the voltammetric data since the potential of the diamond reference electrode is non fixed and floating.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spectrum measuring apparatus for shortening such a measurement time period for an object being measured including two or more mutually different measurement portions as is required for the spectrum measurements of the lights from individual measurement portions. The spectrum measuring apparatus comprises a slit group having two or more slits, a spectroscope for separating the lights extracted by the slit group, for the individual slits, and a measuring unit for measuring the intensities of the individual components, which are separated by the spectroscope, for the slits. The individual slits extract such ones of the lights coming from an object being measured including two or more mutually different measurement portions, as come from the individual measurement portions.

Abstract: A system and method for cavity ring-down spectroscopy can include a pulsed quantum cascade laser, an optical ring-down cavity, a photodetector, and an oscilloscope. The system and method can produce pulse widths of less than 200 ns with bandwidths greater than 300 pm, as well as provide temporal resolution of greater than 10 ?s.

Abstract: Described herein is a spectroscopic system and method for measuring and monitoring the chemical composition and/or impurity content of a sample or sample stream using absorption light spectroscopy. Specifically, in certain embodiments, this invention relates to the use of sample pressure variation to alter the magnitude of the absorption spectrum (e.g., wavelength-dependent signal) received for the sample, thereby obviating the need for a reference or ‘zero’ sample. Rather than use a reference or ‘zero’ sample, embodiments described herein obtain a spectrum/signal from a sample-containing cell at both a first pressure and a second (different) pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the synchronicity of a rotary platen (22) in a vacuum deposition chamber (24). A light source (64) projects a highly collimated light beam (66) onto the rotating platen (22), thereby tracing a circular swept path (67). The swept path (67) passes alternately through samples (20) on the platen (22) and intervening webs (58, 60). The samples (20) are significantly more reflective than the webs (58, 60). The platen (22) includes an asymmetry feature (60) along the swept path (67). A detector (62) measures light signals reflected from the platen (22) along the swept path (67), and generates a unique signal upon encountering the asymmetry feature (60). A microcontroller generates a trigger pulse synchronized to the unique signal.

Abstract: One embodiment disclosed is a spectrometry system for collecting spatially and temporally co-registered hyperspectral data covering multiple spectral bands. The spectrometry system includes a single entrance slit for receiving light and a plurality of disperser elements operating over a plurality of distinct spectral bands to disperse the received light into constituent spectral channels. The system also includes a plurality of collimating and imaging optic elements that receive and re-image the dispersed light. The system also includes at least two focal plane arrays affixed in a common plane and configured to receive the re-imaged dispersed light, each of the at least two focal plane arrays being dedicated to sensing a distinct spectral band of the dispersed light.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods can include an optical waveguide coupled to a photonic crystal comprising a dielectric material, the photonic crystal located on an exterior surface of the optical waveguide and comprising a first surface including a first array of periodic features on or within the dielectric material, the array extending in at least two dimensions and including an effective dielectric permittivity different from the surrounding dielectric material. In an example, the periodic features include a specified lattice constant, the periodic features configured to extract a portion of propagating optical energy from the waveguide through the photonic crystal, the portion determined at least in part by the specified lattice constant.

Abstract: Systems and methods for accurately measuring the luminous flux and color (spectra) from light-emitting devices are disclosed. An integrating sphere may be utilized to directly receive a first portion of light emitted by a light-emitting device through an opening defined on the integrating sphere. A light collector may be utilized to collect a second portion of light emitted by the light-emitting device and direct the second portion of light into the integrating sphere through the opening defined on the integrating sphere. A spectrometer may be utilized to measure at least one property of the first portion and the second portion of light received by the integrating sphere.

Abstract: A device for detecting electromagnetic radiation comprises a waveguide and at least one resonator on a substrate, and a low-refractive index region between each resonator and the substrate. The low-refractive index region has a lower refractive index than a material of the resonator. The low-refractive index region may be annular, and may have a width corresponding to a width of a region in which electromagnetic radiation is concentrated in a whispering-gallery resonant mode. The low-refractive index region may be an air gap between the substrate and the resonator. The device may be a spectrometer for detecting a plurality of predetermined wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A method includes directing a beam of radiation along an optical axis toward a workpiece support, measuring a spectrum of the beam at a first time to obtain a first profile, measuring the spectrum of the beam at a second time to obtain a second profile, determining a spectral difference between the two profiles, and adjusting a position of the workpiece support along the optical axis based on the difference. A different aspect involves an apparatus having a workpiece support, beam directing structure that directs a beam of radiation along an optical axis toward the workpiece support, spectrum measuring structure that measures a spectrum of the beam at first and second times to obtain respective first and second profiles, processing structure that determines a difference between the two profiles, and support adjusting structure that adjusts a position of the workpiece support along the optical axis based on the difference.

Abstract: A spectroscopic measurement device includes a variable wavelength interference filter capable of selectively emitting light with a predetermined wavelength out of incident light, and changing the wavelength of the light to be emitted, a light receiving element adapted to output a detection signal corresponding to a light exposure in response to an exposure to the light emitted from the variable wavelength interference filter, a detection signal acquisition section adapted to obtain a plurality of detection signals different in the light exposure from each other with respect to each of the wavelengths, and a selection section adapted to select the detection signal having a highest signal level out of signal levels of the detection signals obtained, which are lower than a maximum signal level corresponding to a saturated light exposure of the light receiving element.

Abstract: A transportable goniospectrometer with a constant observation center for a radiometric measurement of the reflection of a natural surface includes a spectrometer having an optical unit and a sensor. A main pillar has a lower and an upper pillar end. An arc has a fixed and a free arc end. A slide is disposed displaceably and fixably along the arc. The slide carries the optical unit orientated towards the observation center. A cantilever has a fixed cantilever end connected to the upper pillar end via a screw connection, and a free cantilever end which has a suspension that is rotatable and fixable about a vertical axis. The suspension is connected to the sensor and to the fixed arc end of the arc. The suspension is configured to position the arc at a distance of the arc radius of the arc above the natural surface.

Abstract: A method of monitoring combustion properties in an interior of a furnace is described. A beam of light is projected through a pitch optic including a pitch collimating lens residing outside the boiler interior. The pitch collimating lens projects the beam through a penetration into the boiler interior. The beam of light projected by the pitch collimating lens is reflected from at least one in-furnace retro-reflector, and received with a catch optic substantially identical to the pitch optic residing outside the boiler interior. The pitch optic and the catch optic may be embodied in the same pitch/catch optic. The pitch collimating lens may also be steered toward another of the at least one in-furnace retro-reflectors. Combustion properties may be calculated for each retro-reflector based on retro-reflector zones within the furnace.

Abstract: Snapshot spectral imagers comprise an imaging lens, a dispersed image sensor and a restricted isometry property (RIP) diffuser inserted in the optical path between the source image and the image sensor. The imagers are used to obtain a plurality of spectral images of the source object in different spectral bands in a single shot. In some embodiments, the RIP diffuser is one dimensional. An optional disperser may be added in the optical path, to provide further dispersion at the image sensor. In some embodiments, all imager components except the RIP diffuser may be part of a digital camera, with the RIP diffuser added externally. In some embodiments, the RIP diffuser may be included internally in a digital camera.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing spectroscopy incorporates, between an EM source and a detector, an optical filter comprising a pair of mirrors opposed along the optical axis and shaped to provide an optical cavity with stable resonance and having a cavity length of at most 50 ?m and a mode at a wavelength within said band of wavelengths for bandpass filtering EM radiation passing therethrough. The actuator system is arranged to move the mirrors relative to each other along the length of the optical cavity for tuning the wavelength of said mode.

Abstract: Methods and systems of the invention can determine the identity and quantity of analytes in a vapor. In preferred methods, a porous optical film is exposed to vapor which contains analyte. The porous optical film is heated and its optical response is monitored during heating. An optical response observed via heating can determine the identity and/or quantity of the analyte. In preferred embodiments, optical response during a thermal pulse is compared to a database of sensor responses that are characteristic of various analytes. Preferred methods are conducted a relatively low temperatures, for example below about 200° C. In preferred methods, a heating and cooling cycle produces a hysteresis curve in the optical response that is indicative of analytes. In preferred embodiments, a thermal reset pulse resets the porous optical film for later use and also provides an optical response that can be used for sensing.