Abstract: An instrument for measuring the size distribution of a particle sample by counting and classifying particles into selected size ranges. The particle concentration is reduced to the level where the probability of measuring scattering from multiple particles at one time is reduced to an acceptable level. A light beam is focused or collimated through a sample cell, through which the particles flow. As each particle passes through the beam, it scatters, absorbs, and transmits different amounts of the light, depending upon the particle size. So both the decrease in the beam intensity, due to light removal by the particle, and increase of light, scattered by the particle, may be used to determine the particle size, to classify the particle and count it in a certain size range.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical measuring device capable of performing measuring using a transient diffraction grating by only adjusting probe light, and a nanoparticle measuring device using the same principle as the optical measuring device.

Abstract: The invention provides an irradiation unit for a flow-cytometry-based analytical instrument and analytical instrument including the same. The irradiation unit comprises a light source; a light beam focusing module for focusing the illuminating light beam on an irradiated area; and a light beam shaper disposed between the light source and the light beam focusing module, for flattening the distribution of light intensity on the irradiated area in a direction that is perpendicular to both directions in which cells to be detected flow and the light beam spreads. The irradiation unit and the analytical instrument including the same enable the illuminating light beam to form the irradiated area with the uniform distribution of intensity in a predetermined direction to avoid misjudging particles of the same kind entering into different positions of the irradiated area as different, thereby improving accuracy.

Abstract: A method for measuring the degree of crosslinking of pressure sensitive adhesive. The method, having the advantages of simple steps and short measuring time, comprises immersing a transparent substrate coated with a pressure sensitive adhesive in a solvent. After a specific period, the haze of the transparent substrate is measured. The obtained haze is compared with a predetermined reference, thereby determining the degree of crosslinking of the pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: A particle monitor system capable of accurately detecting the number of or the size of particles flowing through an exhaust pipe. In a bypass line through which a chamber is communicated with a dry pump, there is disposed the particle monitor system that includes a laser oscillator for irradiating laser light, a photo multiplier tube having a focal point thereof located at a location where the center axis of the bypass line crosses the laser light, and a particle converging member formed by a circular disk-like member and formed with a through hole facing the focal point FP. A gap is defined between the bypass line and an outer periphery of the particle converging member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a turbidity sensor comprising an operational assembly which is housed in a structure (1) and which is equipped with a support (3) having a base (5) from which pins (6) extend. According to the invention, the components (7 and 8) of a turbidity sensor are incorporated in the aforementioned pins (6). The cables of said components passing through the pins to a printed circuit (4), In addition, a temperature sensor element (14) is incorporated in another pin (6.1) which also extends from the base (5).

Abstract: A method for increasing the throughput, or the precision, or both the precision and the throughput, of a flow cytometer, or of a hematology analyzer employing a flow cytometer, by utilizing the technique of laser rastering. Laser rastering involves sweeping a laser beam across a flowing sample stream in a hematology analyzer. An apparatus suitable for carrying out the method of this invention comprises an optical module comprising a source of light, a scanning device, a lens or system of lenses, a flow cell, detectors, and filters; and an electronic module comprising preamplifiers, analog signal conditioning elements, analog-to-digital converters, field-programmable gate arrays, digital signal processing elements, and data storage elements.

Abstract: An optical system for measuring in real-time the spatial distribution of aerosol particles, such as pesticides or the like, sprayed from a vehicle over an agricultural field. An optical sensor is mounted directly on the vehicle and sends an excitation light beam through the aerosol as it is being sprayed. The resulting scattered light is received and analyzed to deduce therefrom information on the spatial distribution of the particles. This information is relayed to a processing unit, which in turn provides spraying instructions, for example a warning signal, to the operator of the system. The spraying of the aerosol can therefore be controlled in real-time to avoid contamination of sensitive areas.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring the fluorescence of large multi-cellular organisms in a sample of liquid includes a pumping mechanism, a fluorescence measuring device, a method of analyzing the measurements, and optionally, a sorting mechanism. The pumping mechanism transfers large multi-cellular organisms from a reservoir through a fluorescence-measuring device causing minimum physical damage and/or stress. The pressure differential driving the organisms from a sample container/reservoir through the measuring device can be derived from gravity, air pressure, or liquid pressure, or some combination of the three. The fluorescence can be measured in a cytometer using a light detector or imager. Generally the detection element will include a filter, isolating the wavelength of fluorescent emission. The illumination may be provided by a laser or by an LED, combined with the use of dichroic mirrors to allow multiple wavelength simultaneous illumination.

Abstract: An improvement in a PVT apparatus, which improvement includes a fluid path model having a fluid path and a sampling section, wherein the depth of the fluid path within the sampling section is substantially uniform and is less than about 100 ?m. The apparatus may be configured to provide a micron-scale slim tube which may be used in a manner similar to a conventional slim tube apparatus. A method for characterizing an interfacial property of a dispersion such as, for example, miscibility of a first fluid and a second fluid as a function of pressure. The method includes collecting sets of transmittance images representing transmittance of electromagnetic radiation through the dispersion, generating values of a general interfacial property factor from the transmittance images, and characterizing the interfacial property using the values of the general interfacial property factor.

Abstract: A biological aerosol detector is provided. The biological aerosol detector uses a semiconductor optical source with an ultraviolet emission band to excite biological molecules in an aerosol sample. Filtering optics are configured to attenuate radiation from a secondary emission band of the optical source to prevent false signals due to scattering of secondary emission band radiation from non-biological molecules. An intake/exhaust manifold that includes an intake pipe that fits within a concentric exhaust pipe is also provided. The intake/exhaust manifold planarizes the flow of the sampled aerosol to maximize the time of irradiation. An electrostatic sampling grid is also provided to selectively draw biological molecules having a net charge into the optical chamber.

Abstract: A flow cytometer capable of forming a drop containing two or more particles comprising: (a) means (38) for moving particles in a liquid flow stream (35); (b) detector or analyser means (46A, 46B) adapted to detect or analyse particles in the flow stream; (c) waste route (39) disposed down stream from the detector or analyser means for receiving waste liquid; (d) collection route (41) disposed downstream from the detector or analyser means for receiving collection liquid containing desired particles; (e) drop forming means for dispensing a drop containing two or more particles from the collection route; and (f) controlling means (42) for directing the liquid stream to the waste route or to the collection route.

Abstract: An apparatus for photometric measurement of the concentration of a chemical substance in a solution, wherein a cuvette is provided containing the solution The cuvette is transmissive at least in predetermined regions for electromagnetic radiation, wherein a transmitting unit is provided, which produces electromagnetic radiation in at least two wavelength regions and which radiates into the cuvette The electromagnetic radiation in a first wavelength region serves for measurement purposes and the electromagnetic radiation in a second wavelength region is used for reference purposes The electromagnetic radiation in the two wavelength regions takes the same path through the cuvette and through the solution At least one detector unit is provided, which is so arranged that it receives the electromagnetic radiation in the at least two wavelength regions following passage through the solution, and wherein a control/evaluation unit is provided, which determines the concentration of at least one chemical substance in t

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a particle in a sample stream of a flow cytometer or the like. The system has a light source, such as a laser pointer module, for generating a low powered light beam and a fluidics apparatus which is configured to transport particles in the sample stream at substantially low velocity through the light beam for interrogation. Detectors, such as photomultiplier tubes, are configured to detect optical signals generated in response to the light beam impinging the particles. Signal conditioning circuitry is connected to each of the detectors to condition each detector output into electronic signals for processing and is designed to have a limited frequency response to filter high frequency noise from the detector output signals.

Abstract: A blood sample containing leukocytes flows through a flow cell. A light source emits a light beam in a first direction. The light beam incident into the flow cell is scattered by the blood sample as scattered light. A first detector detects an intensity of forward small scattered light out of the scattered light. The first detector is arranged so as to have a maximum angle of a detection angle range for the forward small scattered light stemmed from the first direction at a position inside (outside) of the flow cell, which is 3.1 (4) degrees or less. A second detector detects an intensity of forward large scattered light out of the scattered light. The second detector is arranged so as to have a detection angle range for the forward large scattered light stemmed from the first direction at a position inside (outside) of the flow cell, which falls in a range from 8 to 12 (10 to 16) degrees.

Abstract: The smoke detector contains an optical measuring chamber, having a sensor arrangement (2) with at least one light source (12, 12?) and one light receiver (11), and a labyrinth system (7) with screens (16) arranged on the periphery of the measuring chamber. The light source (12, 12?) and the light receiver (11) are each arranged in a housing (14, 15; 13). The above-mentioned housings (14, 15; 13) have an elongated shape and a small window opening The at least one light source (12, 12?) and light receiver (12, 12?) are arranged in the rear part of their housings (14, 15; 13), so that between the window openings of the housings (14, 15; 13) and the light-penetrated optical surfaces of the at least one light source (12, 12?) and/or the lens of the light receiver (11) a relatively large gap is formed. This gap is preferably greater than the diameter of the above-mentioned optical surfaces, or of the above-mentioned lens.

Abstract: Fluid-based particle detection exhibits improved light collection and image quality from a light collection system that uses immersed optics on a flow-through cell for collecting and detecting scattered light from particles carried by the fluid. The flow-through cell includes first and second body sections that are coupled to form a unitary article and have opposed interior surface portions configured to form opposed walls of a flow channel through which the fluid flows. First and second optical elements are associated with the respective first and second body sections. In certain embodiments, at least one of the first and second optical elements is an integral part of its associated body section. A lens element constructed as an integral part of the unitary flow-through cell eliminates additional interfaces or bonding joints that cause scattering and absorption of light.

Abstract: An optical system for acquiring fast spectra from spatially channel arrays includes a light source for producing a light beam that passes through the microfluidic chip or the channel to be monitored, one or more lenses or optical fibers for capturing the light from the light source after interaction with the particles or chemicals in the microfluidic channels, and one or more detectors. The detectors, which may include light amplifying elements, detect each light signal and transducer the light signal into an electronic signal. The electronic signals, each representing the intensity of an optical signal, pass from each detector to an electronic data acquisition system for analysis. The light amplifying element or elements may comprise an array of phototubes, a multianode phototube, or a multichannel plate based image intensifier coupled to an array of photodiode detectors.

Abstract: A particle detecting method which is capable of detecting the number of low-speed particles accurately, and a storage medium storing a program for implementing the method. Intensity of scattered light generated when a light emitted into a gas stream is scattered by a particle is measured using a light receiving sensor at predetermined time intervals. A measuring time period for measuring the scattered light intensity is divided into measurement periods each defined as a predetermined time period, and a measured time point in each measurement period is selected at which a maximum value of the scattered light intensity measured is measured. The number of particles having passed by in front of the light receiving sensor is counted based on the measured time point selected in each measurement period.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a detector, a pressure sensor and a processor. The detector is operable to detect light that is scattered by an aerosol that is associated with a pressure. The pressure sensor is operable to measure the pressure. The processor is coupled to the detector and to the pressure sensor, and is configured to receive at least a signal from the detector and the pressure sensor. The processor is further configured to use the received signals to calculate a volume of the first aerosol, and to output an output signal associated with the calculated volume. The various measurements can be repeated and compared, and the output signal can be a feedback signal for metering subsequent amounts of the aerosol, based on the comparison.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for real-time and on-line monitoring the cell growth and concentration in a dynamic cell culture environment, with techniques that suppressing noise from ambient light, non-uniform scattering distribution, bubble and interface reflection effects in the dynamic environment.

Abstract: Method and device for detecting and analyzing movement in a scattering medium, by: projecting a coherent light towards the scattering medium; performing a spatial and temporal sampling of the electromagnetic field of scattered light, in order to obtain a plurality of images of the electromagnetic field; and analyzing the speckle grains resulting from the images obtained from the spatial and temporal sampling of the electromagnetic field of the scattered light, in order to detect and analyze a movement in the scattering medium, the speckle grain analysis step including a step of analyzing the inter-image distance.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for the determination of the physical characteristics of a structured superficial layer of material using light scattering spectroscopy. The light scattering spectroscopy system comprises optical probes that can be used with existing endoscopes without modification to the endoscope itself. The system uses a combination of optical and computational methods to detect physical characteristics such as the size distribution of cell nuclei in epithelial layers of organs. The light scattering spectroscopy system can be used alone, or in conjunction with other techniques, such as fluorescence spectroscopy and reflected light spectroscopy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enabling chemical identification of individual particles, cells of molecules by obtaining a Raman spectrum of a particle, cell or molecule as it flows past a sensing point in a flow cytometer. The particles, which may be cells or molecules, are associated with a suitable noble metal colloid or colloidal aggregate. Cellular particles may be associated with gold or silver colloidal particles by ultra-sonic sonification while in a sample preparation reservoir containing the gold or silver colloidal suspension. The colloid associated particles are then hydrodynamically focused into a single file by a fluid control module. The surface-enhance Raman Spectrum of individual particles are obtained by illuminating the particle with a laser as the particle flows past a sensing point and gathering the light that is non-elastically scattered (Raman scattered) by the particle. The surface-enhanced Raman spectrum is then analyzed to identify the particle.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the impurity content of drinking water processes has a monochromatic light source projecting a beam of visible light toward a light trap. A water sample generator passes a water sample transverse to and intersecting the beam of light. A photo sensor array with an angular resolution of at least 0.10° detects forward scattered light from particles in the water sample. A data acquisition and processing system connected to the photo sensor array receives signals of the intensity of scattered light as a function of the scattering angle and compares the received light intensities to stored patterns of known waterborne contaminants. Based upon detected contaminants and their concentrations, the data acquisition and processing system provides an output on a connector which can be used to control a water processing system to adjust treatment of drinking water for contamination such as bacterial pathogens.

Abstract: A compact optical system for a particle analyzer and particle analyzer using same are provided. The optical system for a particle analyzer of the present invention comprises a light source, an irradiation optical system for irradiating particles passing through a flow cell with light from the light source, a photodetector for receiving the scattered light from the particles, a light shielding member for blocking the direct light from the light source from impinging the photodetector, and a detecting lens for directing the scattered light toward the photodetector, wherein the irradiation optical system forms a first focus that focuses the light from the light source on the particle passing through the flow cell, and forms a second focus that focuses the light from the light source at a position between the detecting lens and photodetector, and disposes the light shielding member at the position of the second focus.

Abstract: Imaging systems may include a light source that directs light towards a scattering medium. A digital imaging system receives transmitted light that is transmitted through the scattering medium substantially without being scattered, and also receives multiple components of scattered light that are passed through the scattering medium after being scattered. The digital imaging system then outputs image intensity information related to the transmitted light and the scattered light. An imaging controller determines a property of the scattering medium, based on spatial correlations related to the image intensity information.

Abstract: Imaging systems may include a light source that directs light towards a scattering medium. A digital imaging system receives transmitted light that is transmitted through the scattering medium substantially without being scattered, and also receives multiple components of scattered light that are passed through the scattering medium after being scattered. The digital imaging system then outputs image intensity information related to the transmitted light and the scattered light. An imaging controller determines a property of the scattering medium, based on spatial correlations related to the image intensity information.

Abstract: Light from an object such as a cell moving through an imaging system is collected and dispersed so that it is imaged onto a plurality of separate detectors. The light is spectrally dispersed by a plurality of spaced-apart dichroic reflectors, each detector receiving light from a different one of the dichroic reflectors. Each dichroic filter reflects light of a different predetermined color, passing light of other colors. The output signal from each detector is indicative of a different characteristic of the object. In one configuration, each detector is provided with a separate imaging lens. In another configuration, the detectors are spaced at varying distances from the corresponding dichroic reflectors, so that separate imaging lenses are not required.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a technique to monitor carbon nanotubes (CNTs). A carbon nanotube (CNT) is manipulated in a fluid by a laser beam. An illuminating light from a light source is aligned along axis of the CNT to produce an optical response from the CNT. The CNT is monitored using an optical sensor according to the optical response.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for measuring the mass of a substance. In one method, energy is applied to a substance and a response resulting from the application of energy as measured. The mass of the substance is then determined based at least in part on the measured response.

Abstract: A light scattering apparatus capable of measuring light scattering of opaque samples. In the apparatus, control section 190 controls an optical path length required for laser light output from laser light source 210 to being incident on a sample and then outgoing as scattered light to approximate by zero. Detector 330 detects outgoing scattered light to output as a photon pulse. Pulse interval measurer 350 measures a time interval of the photon pulse output from detector 330. An operator in computer 360 calculates an n-order correlation function (n1) using the time interval of the photon pulse measured in pulse interval measurer 350.

Abstract: Described is a dark-field imaging device for the spatially resolved dark-field imaging of a sample (60), especially a fluorescent sample, comprising, for the illumination of the sample with excitation light, an illumination assembly (20) comprising a grid (22) of individually addressable light sources (24), wherein the lines connecting the light sources and the sample define a region (64) with the optical path of the direct excitation light and a region (66) with the optical path of the specular reflected excitation light, and a detection assembly (30) for the detection, with radiation-receiving elements (34), of the radiation emitted by the sample (60) as an optical response to the illumination, wherein the radiation-receiving elements (34) of the detection assembly (30) are disposed outside the region (64) with the optical path of the direct excitation light and the region (66) with the optical path of the specular reflected excitation light.

Abstract: The sensitivity of scattered-light fire detectors for small particles can be increased substantially when blue light is introduced into the measuring volume in addition to an infrared radiation and the scattered radiation produced by the particles is measured and evaluated separately from each other in the infrared and blue region both in the forward scattering region as well as in the backward scattering region. This can be realized by a fire detector that includes two transmitter LEDs (2.1a, 2.1b) and two photodetectors (2.2a, 2.2b), with these components being arranged such that the photodetectors receive both the forward scattered radiations as well as the backward scattered radiations of the longer and shorter wavelengths separately from each other. A multi-channel evaluation circuit is provided downstream of the photodetectors.

Abstract: An optical system for acquiring fast spectra from spatially channel arrays includes a light source for producing a light beam that passes through the microfluidic chip or the channel to be monitored, one or more lenses or optical fibers for capturing the light from the light source after interaction with the particles or chemicals in the microfluidic channels, and one or more detectors. The detectors, which may include light amplifying elements, detect each light signal and transducer the light signal into an electronic signal. The electronic signals, each representing the intensity of an optical signal, pass from each detector to an electronic data acquisition system for analysis. The light amplifying element or elements may comprise an array of phototubes, a multianode phototube, or a multichannel plate based image intensifier coupled to an array of photodiode detectors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described by which means molecules in suspension may be characterized in terms of the size and mass distributions present. As a sample solution is separated by centrifugal means, it is illuminated at a particular radial distance from the axis of rotation by a fine, preferably monochromatic, light beam. Despite the high resolution of such devices, a key problem associated with most separators based upon use of centrifugal forces is the difficulty in deriving the absolute size and/or molar mass of the separating molecules. By integrating means to detect light scattered, over a range of scattering angles, from samples undergoing centrifugal separation, molecular sizes in the sub-micrometer range may be derived, even in the presence of diffusion. Adding a second light beam at a displaced rotational angle, preferably of an ultraviolet wavelength, that intersects the sample at the same radial region as the first beam permits determination of the molecular concentration at that region.

Abstract: In a method for controlling an orienting/positioning system, the orienting system comprises at least one sensor means, an external motion detection device for detecting an externally-caused motion in the environment of the sensor means and actuator means for controlling an orienting and/or positioning action of the sensor means.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved capillaries that lead to increased resolution in conventional capillary-flow cytometers. The cross-sectional shape of capillaries made according to the present invention lack a center of symmetry. In some embodiments, capillaries have inner side walls that are tilted at angles with respect to the collection-system optical axis so that the widest dimension of the inner bore is closest to the collection optical system and have an outer wall closest to the collection optical system with a dimension large enough to minimize the contribution of outer-wall refraction to the collected light signal. Exemplary capillary embodiments include tubes with a rectangular outer wall and a trapezoidal inner wall, a rectangular outer wall and a triangular inner wall, triangular outer and inner walls, a triangular outer wall with a trapezoidal inner wall, and a hemispherical or rhomboid outer wall and trapezoidal or triangular inner wall.

Abstract: A measurement system having dual measurements capabilities is disclosed. The measurement system has a light source configured to provide light along a first axis that illuminates a sample media. The measurement system has a first sensor configured to measure scattered light in a sample media. The measurement system has a second sensor configured to measure light passing through the sample media.

Abstract: The optical design of a measurement system is disclosed. The measurement system comprising a light source configured to provide light along a first axis. The measurement system has a reflecting lens aligned along a second axis where the reflecting lens has a first focus on the second axis and a second focus on the second axis where the second focus is between the first focus and the reflecting lens and where the second focus is positioned near the first axis. The measurement system has a field lens located on the second axis and positioned such that the second focus of the reflecting lens occurs inside the field lens. The measurement system has a relay lens system aligned to the second axis where the relay lens system forms a first focus at the second focus of the reflecting lens. The measurement system has a sensor located on the second axis at a second focus of the relay lens system and is configured to detect scattered light near the second focus of the reflecting lens.

Abstract: A measurement system that has multiple sensors or multiple light sources is disclosed. The measurement system comprising a light source directed along a first axis and configured to illuminate a sample volume. The measurement system has a first sensor aligned along a second axis and is configured to detect scattered light in the sample volume. The measurement system has a second sensor aligned along a third axis and is also configured to detect scattered light in the sample volume.

Abstract: A measurement system that can self calibrate is disclosed. The measurement system comprising a first light source directed along a first axis and configured to illuminate a sample volume. The measurement system has a sensor aligned along a second axis and is configured to detect scattered light in the sample volume. The measurement system has a second light source aligned along the second axis that is configured to illuminate the sensor during a calibration procedure.

Abstract: A measurement system that can measure scattered light across a predetermined scatter angle is disclosed. The measurement system has a light source configured to provide light along a first axis. The measurement system has a lens system aligned along a second axis that has a first focus near the first axis and where the second axis is different than the first axis. The measurement system has a sensor located on the second axis at a second focus of the lens system and is configured to detect scattered light near the first focus. The measurement system has a mask located on the second axis and is configured to limit the light that reaches the sensor to a predetermined angle of scatter. The disclosed invention eliminates the need for multiple nephelometric measuring devices and also system verification devices in order to perform assay of the presents or absence or number of suspended particles in a media as well as verification of the systems ability to measure in compliance to required performance attributes.

Abstract: A system and method for determining porosity of a material enables rapid testing of materials by detecting test particle penetration. The material is held by a test chamber wherein a test particle solution covers a surface of the material. The test chamber is pressurized to a predetermined pressure, predetermined temperature and for a predetermined time. After the pressure is released the test particle penetration/diffusion into the material is then detected through differential fluorescence of the test particle.

Abstract: An optical system design for measuring the velocity of fluids flowing through pipes or other conduits is disclosed. The optical system is comprised of a means for delivering two beams through a window in the wall of the pipe, focused to two points aligned along an axis of the pipe and separated by a known distance, and means for detecting light that is scattered by particles carried in the fluid stream through a second window, that is disposed on the opposite side of the pipe. By measuring the time delay between detected signals, the velocity of the fluid can be determined. The delivered light beams are focused in a shallow cone of light and are blocked by an obstruction disposed behind the second window. The scattered light passes through an aperture behind the second window that surrounds the obscuration, and is focused on to a detector surface.

Abstract: A system which detects droplets on a translucent surface having a camera which, upon activation, acquires an image of a portion of the surface. A radiation source, upon activation, illuminates the portion of the translucent surface while a control circuit selectively activates both the camera and the radiation source. A processor receives a captured image from the camera and, through image processing, generates an output signal representative of the number of droplets on the portion of the translucent surface.

Abstract: A sheath liquid for a particle analyzer being used to analyze particles contained in a sample is described. The sheath liquid comprises water and a refractive-index adjustment agent comprising glycerols and/or sulfate. A method for producing the sheath liquid and a method for analyzing particles using the sheath liquid are also described.

Abstract: A cytometer having two or more chambers or regions in a containment structure of sheathing fluid that may be used to provide hydrodynamic focusing of another fluid having particles to be observed. The latter fluid may be a core stream which may have its lateral position in a flow or measurement channel affected by control of at least one of the parameters of the several segments of the sheathing fluid. The lateral position of the core stream may be aligned with a light source and detector for a count and observation of the particles. Electrical signals from the detector may be fed back to a processor which may control one or more parameters of the sheathing fluid in the various chambers or regions via pumps, valves, and flow and pressure sensors. This control of parameters may provide for the positioning of the core stream. This cytometer may be miniaturized.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device to detect and/or characterize individual moving objects having very small dimensions which comprises a photo electric sensor having at least one light beam emitter and one light beam receiver in which the objects that are to be measured move through the optical path of the photo electric sensor, a first number of optical waveguides whose inputs are connected to the light beam emitter, the light beams emitted by the outputs of the optical waveguides forming the optical path of the photo electric sensor, a second number of optical waveguides whose inputs pick up the light beams emitted by the optical waveguides and whose outputs are connected to the light beam receiver, the outputs of the optical waveguides and the inputs of the optical waveguides being arranged in the form of a ring on a common plane, and an evaluation unit which is coupled to the light beam receiver and records the change in light intensity of the photo electric sensor produced by the objects passing through

Abstract: A method for designing and manufacturing lens modules includes selecting design parameters from a design database stored with the design parameters suitable for a lens module desired to be manufactured to design the lens module according to characteristics of the lens module and storing the design parameters of the lens module in an analysis database, analyzing the lens module based on a predetermined analysis process to generate analysis parameters corresponding to the lens module and storing the generated analysis parameters in the analysis database, and re-designing the lens module based on the analysis parameters stored in the analysis database.