Abstract: A sample analyzer with an optical detection device and a sample analysis method of the sample analyzer are disclosed. The optical detection device includes a fluid chamber, a light source and a light detector. The fluid chamber includes an illumination zone. An analyte flows through the illumination zone so as to form a sample stream. The light source illuminates the illumination zone to excite cell articles, reacted with a reagent, of the sample stream to emit a light signal. The light detector detects the fluorescent lights and transforms it into an electric signal. The light detector can include a silicon photomultiplier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for observing a sample (15), comprising the illumination of the sample using a light source (11) and the acquisition of an image (Io) of the sample using an image sensor (16), the sample being disposed between the image sensor and the light source. Iterative steps are applied to the acquired image (Io), also referred to as a hologram, comprising: a single iterative numerical propagation (h), such as to estimate a complex image (A) of the sample in a reconstruction plane (P10) or in a detection plane (P0), in which the image sensor extends. The complex image can be used for the characterisation of the sample.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method and system for imaging a biological sample. The method may include scanning a biological sample using one or more light sheets, where the biological sample is in a field of view of a microscope that includes an objective and a direction of observation of the objective defines a z-axis, where a point spread function of the microscope is elongated in the z-axial direction, and the biological sample is at a z-axial distance from the objective, thereby illuminating a plurality of z-axial slices of the biological sample, and recording a plurality of images corresponding to a plurality of z-axial slices of the sample, where the images are generated by light patterns emitted from the scanned biological sample, thereby generating an image stack that includes a plurality of images of the biological sample.

Abstract: An example forward scatter sensor comprises: a transmitter to emit a light sheet; a receiver to observe light scattered from particles that fall through a measurement volume; and a control entity comprising an analyzer to record a measurement signal descriptive of intensity of light captured by the receiver as a function of time and to: carry out a precipitation analysis on basis of a time segment of the measurement signal; carry out a verification of analysis performance based on magnitudes of first peaks of at least one identified double peak and on respective residence times for said at least one identified double peak; and invoke a predefined maintenance action responsive to said verification indicating a threshold-exceeding difference between respective size estimates derived based on magnitudes of the first peak of said at least one identified double peak and based on residence times of said at least one identified double peak.

Abstract: A method of conducting wireless fiber inspection includes obtaining a video stream from an inspection probe and transmitting the video stream over a Wi-Fi network. The method further includes creating the Wi-Fi network using a Wi-Fi hotspot, performing image analysis on the obtained video stream, and transmitting the image analysis along with the video stream over the Wi-Fi network.

Abstract: Complex wavefront engineering is realized through a random metasurface phase mask backed by a phase-only spatial light modulator. The metasurface consists of an array of subwavelength nanoscatterers which give the metasurface a pre-arranged disorder. Since the transmission matrix of the disordered metasurface is known, there is no need for extensive characterization measurements which are instead required in standard disordered optical devices.

Abstract: A system and method for optimizing a fiber optic sensor by properly clocking or rotationally orienting a window with a fiber optic focuser. This method may include shining light through the focuser into the window and receiving with a reflectometer a first reflection from a first surface of the window and a second reflection from a second surface of the window. Next, the method may include calculating a delta of intensities between the first and second reflections, and then rotating an orientation of the window to a next rotational orientation. The steps of rotating the orientation of the window, receiving reflections, and calculating their delta may be repeated any plurality of times to solve for a plurality of deltas. Then, the method may include the steps of determining which one of the deltas is the largest and fixing the window to the focuser at a rotational orientation associated therewith.

Abstract: Devices (herein “powder spreadability inspection tools”) and methods are provided for evaluating the spreadability of powders utilized in additive manufacturing (AM) processes. In embodiments, the powder spreadability inspection tool includes a powder support surface on which a visual inspection area is provided, a spreader system including a spreader implement, and a powder dispenser. The spreader implement is movable relative to the powder support surface along a path, which extends or passes over the visual inspection area. The powder dispenser is operable to dispense a premeasured or metered volume of an AM powder sample onto the powder support surface ahead of the spreader implement. As the spreader implement moves along the path relative to the powder support surface, the spreader implement spreads a layer of the metered powder sample across the visual inspection area to allow a visual evaluation of the spreadability of the AM powder.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for a novel optical chopper that can rapidly change the intensity of light incident on a colloid under investigation. This helps record images of various sizes of nanoparticles that scatter light with very different efficiencies (effective cross-sections), typically orders of magnitude different.

Abstract: An imaging system may include a modulation component to provide a modulation signal. The imaging system may include an illumination component to receive the modulation signal and emit a modulated optical signal based on the modulation signal, and provide an electrical illumination signal. The electrical illumination signal may be an electrical representation of the modulated optical signal emitted by the illumination component. The imaging system may include an electrical mixer to receive the electrical illumination signal and the modulation signal, multiply the electrical illumination signal and the modulation signal in order to form a mixed signal, filter the mixed signal in order to form a filtered mixed signal, and output, based on the filtered mixed signal, a calibration signal associated with calibrating the imaging system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are aerosol particle growth systems including polymer electrolyte membranes and related methods of increasing the size of aerosol particles. In some embodiments, an outer housing contains a reservoir of a working fluid, and a PEM conduit extends through the outer housing, the reservoir, and the working fluid so that the working fluid is in contact with an outer surface of the PEM conduit. The conduit can be generally helical or coiled, for example. In some embodiments, the working fluid is molecularly transported across the PEM and disperses into an aerosol flowing through the PEM conduit. As the aerosol flows through the PEM conduit, the aerosol particles act as nucleation sites for the gaseous working fluid, which condenses on the particles, causing the particles to grow in size and making them easier to detect, collect, measure, count, study, or otherwise investigate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed to monitor the condition of a fluid flow including particulate matter and air or gas content fluid in the fluid flow as well as fluid quality. The apparatus includes a sensor array with an ultrasonic transducer, inductive sensor and fluid quality sensor. It also includes a cyclonic separator. The method includes sensing and sizing particulate matter, distinguishing air bubbles from the particle matter and assessing the quality of the fluid.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and apparatuses to reduce false-particle counts in a water-based condensation particle counter (CPC). In one embodiment, a cleanroom CPC has three parallel growth tube assemblies. A detector is coupled to an outlet of each of the three parallel growth tube assemblies, and is used to compare the particle concentrations measured from each of the three growth tube assemblies. An algorithm compares the counts from the three detectors and determines when the particles counted are real and when they are false counts. Any real particle event shows up in all three detectors, while false counts will only be detected by one detector. Statistics are used to determine at which particle count levels the measured counts are considered to be real versus false. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: A module for preventing barnacle formation in a marine air-conditioning system. The module comprises: i) a housing; ii) a source of irradiating light disposed in the housing, the irradiating light suitable for killing or stunning barnacle larvae; iii) a circuit assembly disposed in the housing and configured to receive electrical power from an external power supply and to provide electrical power to the source of irradiating light; and iv) a transparent window disposed in the housing to permit the irradiating light to pass therethrough. The housing is adapted to be coupled to a water filter supplying raw water to the marine air-conditioning system such that the irradiating light is transmitted into the raw water in the water filter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for improving an identification degree of low-luminosity dispersed-phase particles in a multiphase system. The method comprises: adding additive particles into a multiphase system containing low-luminosity dispersed-phase particles before photographing the multiphase system to obtain an image including the low-luminosity dispersed-phase particles, wherein the refractivity of the additive particles is greater than that of the low-luminosity dispersed-phase particles.

Abstract: A substrate treating apparatus includes a treatment unit including a container, and a support member in the interior of the container to support a substrate, the treatment unit being configured to treat the substrate a nozzle unit having a treatment liquid nozzle for supplying a treatment liquid to the substrate provided in the treatment unit and an inspection unit that inspects whether the treatment liquid is normally discharged from the treatment liquid nozzle. The nozzle further includes a nozzle driver that moves the treatment liquid nozzle from a process position at which the substrate is treated by the treatment unit and an inspection position at which the treatment liquid nozzle is inspected by the inspection unit.

Abstract: An improved optical flow cell adapted for use in a flow cytometer for differentiating formed bodies (e.g., blood cells) in liquid suspensions. Preferably manufactured by assembling, aligning, and optically joining at least two elements made from transparent material, the improved flow cell has a seamless internal flow channel of preferably non-circular cross-section in a cylindrical first element through which prepared samples can be metered and an independent second element having an external envelope suited to acquisition of optical parameters from formed bodies in such suspensions, the second element being conforming and alignable to the first element so that non-axisymmetric refractive effects on optical characterizing parameters of formed bodies passing through the flow channel in the first element may be minimized before the two elements are optically joined and fixed in working spatial relationship.

Abstract: In one implementation, a spectral microscope may comprise a substrate with a planar lens, the planar lens including a phase profile including an axial focus and an oblique focus, a light source to excite a signal of a particle among a plurality of particles, and a detector to receive light generated from the light source from the axial focus of the planar lens and a spectral color component of the excited signal of the particle from the oblique focus of the planar lens.

Abstract: A drip chamber for an infusion tube that includes a first end arranged to receive a drip tube, a second end including an exit port, at least one wall connecting the first and second ends, a space enclosed by the first and second ends and the at least one wall, and first and second lenses each directly fixed to said at least one wall.

Abstract: A method for detecting a separation gas in a fluid flow stream is provided herein. In one example, a voltage output signal is generated by a scatter detector of a flow cytometer as a flow stream of a plurality of gas-separated samples passes through the flow cytometer. The voltage output signal is sampled, and a timestamp and a voltage value are recorded for each sampled voltage of the voltage output signal that is greater than a separation gap threshold. In some examples the separation gap threshold is at least two times greater than a maximum voltage output of the samples. Flow cytometry systems including software configured to perform these method steps are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for characterizing an obscurant and imaging a target are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of imaging a target includes characterizing at least one obscurant present in an environment, and determining, based on the at least one characterized obscurant, one or more of the following: one or more wavelengths corresponding to the at least one obscurant, a polarization state corresponding to the at least one obscurant, and a sensor exposure time corresponding to the at least one obscurant. The method further includes adjusting one or more parameters of an imagining system based at least in part on a characterization of the at least one obscurant.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improved flow properties in fluidic and microfluidic systems are disclosed. The system includes a microfluidic device having a first microchannel, a fluid reservoir having a working fluid and a pressurized gas, a pump in communication with the fluid reservoir to maintain a desired pressure of the pressurized gas, and a fluid-resistance element located within a fluid path between the fluid reservoir and the first microchannel. The fluid-resistance element includes a first fluidic resistance that is substantially larger than a second fluidic resistance associated with the first microchannel.

Abstract: Provided are turbidometers and fluorometers having a unique form-factor to accommodate a number of optical components in a confined geometry. This provides the ability to compensate for change in light intensity from an optical source even in a closed-loop manner. The ability to package reference and signal detectors, along with a relatively large diameter LED light source in a confined geometry is particularly suited for applications requiring small-diameter sensors, such as multi-parameter sonde devices having a total diameter that is in the sub-two inch range.

Abstract: A method for aligning a projected beam on a reflector in a reflective-type beam detector, the method including adjusting the projected beam so as to: project on to substantially all, if not all, of a reflective surface of the reflector; or project on to at least a portion of a reflective surface of the reflector until a constant, or within a predetermined threshold of a constant, signal is received from the reflector; and detecting one or more edges of the reflective surface of the reflector and thereby: centering the projected beam, so as to align an approximate center of the projected beam on, or within a predetermined threshold of, an approximate center of the reflective surface of the reflector; and/or determining a shape or profile of the reflector.

Abstract: An in-flight 3D inspector includes a sample input funnel, a sample chute, a trigger, a plurality of cameras, a light source and storage device. A sample is placed in the sample input funnel and is caused to travel down the sample chute. The trigger is located on the sample chute and detects when the sample passes the trigger. In response to detecting the passing of the sample, the trigger outputs a trigger signal that indicates when the sample will pass through a focal plane on which all the plurality of cameras are focused. In response to the trigger signal, the sample is illuminated by the light source and the plurality of cameras capture an image of the sample as the sample passes through the focal plane. The captured images are stored on the storage device and used to generate a 3D image of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a device for holding a light guide, for use in a flow cell, with the steps of providing a light guide holder having a first end and a second end connected by a longitudinal through hole with a narrow portion at the first end having a first diameter and a wide portion at the second end having a second diameter, the first diameter being smaller than the second diameter, and the narrow portion and wide portion being connected by a tapering portion, inserting a light guide into the through hole so that a first end of the light guide extends from the first end to the second end of the light guide holder, inserting a substance into at least part of the wide portion of the through hole, Inserting a tube between the light guide and the light guide holder, and fix the light guide in relation to the holder by means of the substance. The invention also relates to a device for holding a light guide.

Abstract: In some examples, an apparatus can include a light transmitter, a light sensor aligned along a light transmittance axis of the light transmitter, an impeller positioned between the light transmitter and the light sensor. The impeller can in some examples include a blade to pass through the light transmittance axis during rotation of the impeller. The blade can in some examples be translucent to permit calibration of the light sensor based on a comparison of a first light sensor reading when the blade intersects the light transmittance axis and a second light sensor reading when the blade does not intersect the light transmittance axis.

Abstract: A particle sensing device and an air conditioner including a sensor has a sensing path through which air passes, a flow path housing which accommodates the sensor and guides air, and a flow path switching device to all air suctioned from the outside is guided to the sensing path, or some of the air suctioned from the outside and moving flows back in an obliquely upward direction and flows into the sensing path.

Abstract: A method for irradiating scattering medium, including modifying a particle's response to electromagnetic radiation irradiating the particle in a scattering medium, wherein the electromagnetic radiation is scattered by the scattering medium, and modulated by the modifying, into scattered electromagnetic radiation comprising a scattered field; forming a phase conjugate field, wherein the phase conjugate field is a phase conjugate of the scattered field; and irradiating the scattering medium with the phase conjugate field, wherein the phase conjugate field forms a focus at a target defined by the particle.

Abstract: A microfluidic multiple channel particle analysis system which allows particles from a plurality of particle sources to be independently simultaneously entrained in a corresponding plurality of fluid streams for analysis and sorting into particle subpopulations based upon one or more particle characteristics.

Abstract: Turbidity measurement systems and methods of using the same are described. A turbidity measurement system comprise a vessel configured to hold a wellbore fluid, wherein a permeable obstruction to flow is positioned in the vessel; a light source positioned to direct light at the vessel; a light detector positioned to measure light intensity of light emitted by the light source and passing through the vessel; and a backscatter detector positioned to measure the light intensity of reflected light emitted from the light source.

Abstract: Systems and methods for high-throughput processing of assay plates include a calibration nanoparticle to facilitate automated focusing of the imaging system. An assay plate includes a base layer, a transparent layer in contact with the base layer, and at least one calibration nanoparticle having a pre-defined size immobilized on the assay plate surface. The assay plate surface can be functionalized to selectively bind to biological targets. The assay plate can be used in an imaging system for high-throughput autofocus and biological target detection.

Abstract: A method of fabricating tantalum nitride barrier layer in an ultra low threshold voltage semiconductor device is provided. The method includes forming a high-k dielectric layer over a semiconductor substrate. Subsequently, a tantalum nitride barrier layer is formed on the high-k dielectric layer. The tantalum nitride barrier layer has a Ta:N ratio between 1.2 and 3. Next, a plurality of first metal gates is formed on the tantalum nitride barrier layer. The first metal gates are patterned, and then a second metal gate is formed on the tantalum nitride barrier layer.

Abstract: A system for fluorescence activated cell sorting includes at least two excitation lasers and an objective that directs light from the at least two excitation lasers to a common point in an interrogation region of a fluidic channel. The fluidic channel directs a flow of a plurality of fluorescently labeled particles through the interrogation region. At least one modulator temporally multiplexes light from the at least two excitation lasers such that pulses of light from different lasers intersect the common point at different times. The system further includes at least one detector and at least one optical element that directs light emitted from the particles and transmitted through the objective to the at least one detector. The system may further include optics for generating and detecting side and forward scattered light. Methods for operating example systems to collect fluorescent, side scattered and forward scattered light are also described herein.

Abstract: A filter mask for use in a flow cytometer includes light blocking features and light passing apertures. The flow cytometer operates to evaluate one or more characteristics of a sample by illuminating the sample and a carrier fluid and collecting light rays that are radiated from the sample and the carrier fluid. The light rays are passed through the filter mask. The light blocking features of the filter mask are arranged to selectively block radiated light at certain radiation angles, while permit light rays having other radiation angles to pass therethrough. A sensor analyzer receives the light rays that pass through to evaluate at least one characteristic of the sample. The light rays can also be separated into two beams, which can be independently filtered using different filter masks. The results can then be compared to provide even more information regarding characteristics of the sample.

Abstract: A method for measuring turbidity and chlorine content of a liquid. The method includes shaking the liquid in a sample holder, using a shaker assembly, and removing bubbles including micro bubbles from the liquid using the micro-bubble removing shaker, retaining a sample volume of the liquid, and at least nearly simultaneously executing at least two of detecting illumination from the sample volume by a first detector operable for detecting illumination from the sample volume at a 90-degree angle with respect to an illumination beam generated by an illuminator and impinging on the sample volume, thereby measuring a turbidity of the sample volume, detecting illumination from the sample volume of liquid by a second detector operable for detecting illumination from the sample volume of liquid at a 180-degree angle with respect to the illumination beam, thereby measuring chlorine content of the sample.

Abstract: A system includes a computing device including a memory configured to store instructions. The computing device also includes a processor to execute the instructions to perform operations including initiating transmission of incident light from one or more light sources to a sealed bottle containing liquid. The operations also include receiving scattered light from the liquid contained in the sealed bottle. The operations also include processing one or more signals representative of the scattered light to detect interactions of the incident light with a particular molecule.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sensor arrangement for determining the turbidity of a liquid medium. The sensor arrangement includes a sensor section with at least one light source for sending transmission light into a measuring chamber, and at least one receiver associated with the light source for receiving reception light from the measuring chamber, wherein the transmission light is converted into the reception light in the measuring chamber by the medium by means of scattering at a measurement angle, and the reception light received by the receiver is a measure of the turbidity. The reception light is back reflected at a reflection element in contact with the medium, whereby an optical path from the light source through the measuring chamber to the reflection element and from the reflection element through the measuring chamber to the receiver results.

Abstract: A measurement device according to the present disclosure includes a light source which emits at least one kind of measurement light belonging to a predetermined wavelength band toward a measurement region formed of at least part of a living body, a detection unit in which a plurality of sensors is regularly arranged in a predetermined arrangement and which detects the measurement light emitted from the light source and passing through the living body with the plurality of sensors, and an analysis unit which performs analysis processing of specifying a measurement position for measuring information on pulsation along with activities of the living body from the measurement region based on a temporal change in an amount of light of the detected measurement light by use of a detection result detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: On-line detection of mesophase particles employs a laser diode light source to illuminate a target area with a pulsed laser linearly or circularly polarized probe beam. Analysis of images determines extent of presence the birefringent mesophase particles, which are precursors to coking in catalytic hydrocracking processes. The inherently polarized low-coherence, unfocused but sufficiently collimated, pulsed laser beam yield sharp imaging with high depth of field of very small mesophase particles that are present in a moving, dark reactor liquid environment.

Abstract: A particle characterization apparatus is disclosed comprising: a light source; a sample cell; a collecting lens and a detector. The light source is operable to illuminate a sample comprising dispersed particles within the sample cell with a light beam along a light beam axis. The light beam axis passes through a first wall of the sample cell, through the sample, and through a second wall of the sample cell, so as to produce scattered light by interactions with the sample. The detector is configured to detect light scattered from the sample. The second wall of the sample cell comprises a lens with a convex external surface through which the light beam axis passes. The collecting lens is arranged to collect and focus scattered light leaving the sample cell onto the detector, and comprises an aspheric surface.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for emitting a light beam (10) intended to form an image, the device comprising one or more sources (4, 5, 6), each emitting a laser-type beam (7, 8, 9), the device being configured to form the light beam (10) from the one laser beam or from the combination of laser beams (7, 8, 9), the device comprising attenuation means (12) disposed downstream of the source(s) (3, 4, 5), enabling the optical power of the light beam (10) to be varied.

Abstract: An in-flight 3D inspector includes a sample input funnel, a sample chute, a trigger, a plurality of cameras, a light source and storage device. A sample is placed in the sample input funnel and is caused to travel down the sample chute. The trigger is located on the sample chute and detects when the sample passes the trigger. In response to detecting the passing of the sample, the trigger outputs a trigger signal that indicates when the sample will pass through a focal plane on which all the plurality of cameras are focused. In response to the trigger signal, the sample is illuminated by the light source and the plurality of cameras capture an image of the sample as the sample passes through the focal plane. The captured images are stored on the storage device and used to generate a 3D image of the sample.

Abstract: A modular LIDAR system may be formed of multiple LIDAR components. Each LIDAR component may include a laser emitter and a laser detector configured in a frame. Multiple LIDAR components may be arranged on a rotatable swivel housing. The rotatable housing may rotate about a first axis that is perpendicular to a plane defined by a mounting base. The multiple LIDAR components may be aimed outward from the swivel housing at different directions, which may range up to 90 degrees or up to 180 degrees in separation in some embodiments. When the rotatable housing is rotated completely around the first axis, the multiple LIDAR components may scan a first field of view of 360 degrees around the first axis and may scan a second field of view of substantially 180 degrees about a second axis. The modular LIDAR system may be implemented with an aircraft for navigational purposes.

Abstract: A sensor system is provided for measuring particle concentration and mass concentration in an aerosol. An optical sensor (33) is used for measuring a particle concentration and a mechanical sensor (32) is used for measuring a mass of collected particles. A particle concentration in the aerosol is monitored using the optical sensor (33), until detection of a particle generating event. Upon detection of a particle generating event, a mass measurement using the mechanical sensor (32) is performed and the mass measurement is used to calibrate the optical sensor (33). This approach enables the lifetime of the mechanical sensor to be extended, because it is only used when events are detected. The optical sensor, which typically is less accurate for mass sensing, is calibrated by the mechanical sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting microbes use laser speckles. The apparatus includes a light source configured to irradiate light into a sample to detect microbes, and a measuring part configured to measure laser speckles, which are formed due to a multiple scattering of the light which is incident into the sample, every reference time and to measure concentration of the microbes contained in the sample based on temporal correlation of the measured laser speckles.

Abstract: A measurement probe includes: a plurality of optical fibers including an illumination fiber configured to propagate light to irradiate a measuring object and including a light receiving fiber configured to receive scattered light retuned from the measuring object; and a detection portion configured to detect contact with the measuring object, the detection portion having a contact part provided on a part of a side portion of the measurement probe, the side portion forming a surface along a longitudinal direction of the measurement probe, the contact part being configured to be in contact with measuring object.

Abstract: An automated method of detecting measurement inaccuracy in an air quality detection system includes: receiving an air quality measurement from at least two sensors; determining a difference among the received air quality measurements; and comparing the difference to a threshold value. A system that detects measurement inaccuracy in an air quality detection includes: multiple smart residue avoidance and inaccuracy detection (SRAID) devices; and a server. An SRAID device includes: a plurality of air quality detection sensors; a controller able to: receive measurements from the plurality of air quality detection sensors; calculate a difference among the received measurements; and generate a notification if the difference exceeds a threshold value; and a communication module able to communicate with at least one of a server and an air flow controller device.

Abstract: Spatially modulated light emanating from an object moving along a flow path is used to determine various object characteristics including object length along the flow direction. Light emanating from at least one object moving along in a flow path along a flow direction of a spatial filter is sensed. The intensity of the sensed light is time modulated according to features of the spatial filter. A time varying electrical signal is generated which includes a plurality of pulses in response to the sensed light. Pulse widths of at least some of the pulses are measured at a fraction of a local extremum of the pulses. The length of the object along the flow direction is determined based on the measured pulse widths.

Abstract: A device for determining an assay result may include a test strip, a light source system, a light detection system, and a processor.