Abstract: An in-situ time domain spectroscopy (TDS)-based method (200) for non-contact characterization of properties of a sheet material while being produced by a manufacturing system (700). A time domain spectrometry system (100) and calibration data for the system is provided. The calibration data includes data for transmitted power through or reflected power from the sheet material as a function of a moisture content of the sheet material. At least one pulse of THz or near THz radiation from a transmitter (111) is directed at a location on a sheet material sample (130) while being processed by the manufacturing system (700). Transmitted or reflected radiation associated with at least one transmitted or reflected pulse from the sample location is synchronously detected by a detector (110) to obtain the sample data.

Abstract: An assembly including a holder and a fluid-fillable container. The holder is adapted for holding at least the container and includes a system for filling the container with a fluid from a fluid source. The holder further includes a detector for detecting the fluid level inside the container, a light source for at least locally illuminating the interior of the container and an optical detector. The detector is arranged outside the container and for detecting a fluid level inside the container by detecting light scattered inside the container resulting from the light emitted by the light source.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining and analyzing photometric and morphogenic features of small objects, such as cells to, for example, identify different cell states. In particularly, methods are provided for identifying apoptotic cells, and for distinguishing between cells undergoing apoptosis versus necrosis.

Abstract: Measuring and tracking velocity of individual aerosol particles in a bio-threat detection system are accomplished using a single beam laser source in combination with a birefringent crystal that splits the laser beam into two beams having orthogonal polarization. Scattered light is collected with an elliptical reflector and directed into two detection channels, sampling total elastic scatter in the first channel and sampling polarized elastic scatter in the second channel. The difference in intensity of the scattered light in the polarized channel is used to identify the position of the particles. By taking the ratio of signal output from the polarized detector to the total scatter detector, a threshold level can be established to determine the presence of particles traversing the two beams. The particles are time stamped as they traverse the two beams and the time difference between the pulses can be used to measure the velocity of the particles.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for imaging and/or measuring tissue qualities, such as tissue thickness, tissue surface roughness and degree of tissue fiber linearization. The arrangement includes at least one light generating element, at least one light detecting element, a probe with an extension, and possibly a control apparatus including a signal processor for processing the detected signals and/or images. The extension is designed to convey light from the light generating element to the tissue for visualization and/or measurement. The extension is also designed to convey light back-scattered from the tissue to the light detecting element. The detecting element is designed to measure the intensity and/or spatial distribution of light back-scattered from the tissue.

Abstract: Colored foreign particles contained in quartz powder material are detected in a high precision with the specified detection apparatus even when the colored foreign particles are pale colored foreign particles such as iron-based refuse, organic refuse and carbon-based refuse.

Abstract: In an apparatus in which an electrode pair formed of two electrodes including multiple mutually parallel linear electrode pieces is provided in a container for storing particles dispersed movably in a medium to form an spatially regularly arranged electric field, the particles are migrated in the container due to the formation of the electric field by the application of a voltage to the electrode pair to generate a diffraction grating resulting from density distribution of the particles, diffracted light obtained by applying light to the diffraction grating is measured, and a particle size analysis or the like is performed from the temporal change in the diffracted light in the free diffusion process of the particles by stoppage or modulation of the application of the voltage, by making width L of the electrode pieces of the electrode pair and a space distance S between the electrode pieces as follows: L/(L+S)?0.

Abstract: There are provided an optical information analyzing device and an optical information analyzing method in which a light receiving unit for receiving transmitted light is provided at a position directly facing an irradiating unit and which may increase the sensitivity of the received transmitted light by adjusting the position of a sample flow relative to a measurement region in a flow passage and measure the optical information on specimens with a small variation.

Abstract: A particle detector is provided, the particle detector including a spherical Cherenkov detector, and at least one pair of detector stacks. In an embodiment of the invention, the Cherenkov detector includes a sphere of ultraviolet transparent material, coated by an ultraviolet reflecting material that has at least one open port. The Cherenkov detector further includes at least one photodetector configured to detect ultraviolet light emitted from a particle within the sphere. In an embodiment of the invention, each detector stack includes one or more detectors configured to detect a particle traversing the sphere.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for ratiometric detection of analytes by surface plasmon coupled emission detection that includes disposing a target on the metal layer of a surface plasmon resonance detection system; coupling a first analyte to a first fluorescent dye and a second analyte to a second fluorescent dye; contacting the first and second analytes to the target on the surface plasmon resonance detection system; and measuring the intensity of a first and a second surface plasmon resonance enhanced fluorescence emission ring, wherein the first and second rings, respectively, quantitatively represents the amount of first and second analyte within 50 nanometers of the metal surface.

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, and for further reducing the complexity of such a cytometer or analyzer, by utilizing the technique of laser rastering in combination with a lysis-free single-dilution method. Laser rastering involves sweeping a laser beam across a flowing sample stream in a hematology analyzer. A lysis-free single-dilution method involves performing all the flow cytometer measurements on a sample using a single aliquot, a single lysis-free reagent solution, a single dilution, and a single pass of said dilution through the measurement apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and systems for particle characterization using a light fluctuation component of an optical sensor output signal. The use of the light fluctuation component enables particle characterization (e.g. provision of information on particle size, type and confidence) without requiring measurements at multiple wavelengths or multiple angles and using relatively lightweight calculations. The methods and systems allow integration of real-time airborne particle characterization into portable monitors. The methods and systems in some embodiments also use the output signal to further characterize particles through determination of particle density information.

Abstract: A powder dispensing device is disclosed for dispensing powder into hard gelatin capsules or the like. The powder dispensing device comprises at least one plunger for compacting the powder to a powder compact and/or at least one transfer plunger which transfers the previously produced powder compact into a capsule part ready to be filled. The device includes a sensing apparatus including fiber-optical cables and a lens for introducing and receiving radiation passed through the powder or the powder compact. The sensing apparatus is connected to either the compacting plunger or the transfer plunger, or both.

Abstract: A photometric device for investigating a sample, comprises an array of radiation sources that are spaced apart from one another, and which are operable to generate radiation that differs from that generated by the other radiation sources in the array. The device includes a lens arrangement for focusing the radiation at a region of space where a sample may be located for example by means of a sample holder, and at least one detector for receiving radiation from the region of space. Preferably, a number of detectors are employed that are spaced apart from one another, and especially about an axis of the device, so that one radiation detector can detect radiation transmitted by the sample and the other detectors can detect radiation scattered by it. The radiation sources may be time division multiplexed so that in each time slot the detectors receive radiation originating from each radiation source.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments of the invention is an optical system for a flow cytometer including a flow channel with an interrogation zone, and an illumination source that impinges the flow channel in the interrogation zone from a particular direction. The optical system preferably includes a lens system and a detection system. The lens system preferably includes multiple lens surfaces arranged around the flow channel and adapted to collect and collimate light from the interrogation zone. The detection system preferably includes multiple detectors adapted to detect light from the lens system. Each detector preferably includes a local filter that independently filters for specific wavelengths. Thus, the user may easily swap the filters in any order to achieve the same detection parameters.

Abstract: A high-throughput optical suspension characterization instrument is disclosed, which can include hydraulically separate and at least partially transparent sample containers. A selection mechanism is operative to selectively direct light from a light source (12) through different ones of the sample containers along an optical axis, and an off-axis scattering detector (38,24) is responsive to scattered light from the light source after it has interacted with a sample. Phase analysis light scattering is used to determine the electrophoretic mobility and zeta potential of samples. A second instrument is disclosed, wherein all sample containers are illuminated simultaneously. Transmitted light is collected by a camera. The electrophoretic mobility and hydrodynamic size of the samples may be determined.

Abstract: Method for quantitatively determining the viscoelastic properties of a complex medium with suspended particles in suspension, the method includes the following stages: a) characterizing the opacity of the medium by measuring the transport length 1* of the medium; b) introducing a sample of the medium into a flask; c) placing the flask in a thermostatically-controlled measuring chamber; d) projecting a coherent light beam on the sample and detecting scattered light in the form of a series of sequenced images; e) analyzing the movement of the particles based on time by calculating the inter-image distance d2 and the ratio d2/d2max; and f) establishing an analytical expression E putting into direct relationship, for the value of 1* that is determined in stage a), the ratio d2/d2max and the mean square displacement MSD for the purpose of calculating the viscous and elastic moduli of the medium.

Abstract: An instrument (10) for monitoring particles (67) flowing in a stack, includes: (a) a light source for providing a light beam (60); (b) a sensor/and (c) a probe housing. The housing comprises: (i) a mount (25); (ii) a proximal portion (30) including a first aperture (35) through which in use the light beam (60) exits; (iii) a distal portion (50), including a second aperture (55) through which the light beam (60) enters after having been scattered from particles (67) flowing in the stack, and a focusing mirror (70) arranged to reflect and focus the scattered light (90); (iv) a medial portion (40), connecting the distal portion (50) to the proximal portion (30); (v) a waveguide (80), passing from the distal portion (50) through the medial portion (40) and the proximal portion (30) to the sensor and arranged to guide to the sensor the light (90) reflected and focused by the focusing mirror (70).

Abstract: A particle detection system to identify and classify particles is programmed to capture digitized images of the particle generated by directing a light source through a fluid that includes the particle. The particle scatters the light and the scattered light is detected using a detector. The detector creates a digital signal corresponding to the particle, which is used by the system to generate Bio-Optical Signature. This Bio-Optical Signature can then be used to classify the event, or particle. Count rate and trends of the classified particles are monitored to detect a change that is representative of the overall health safety of the water or by knowing the levels of bacteria in process water, such as Reverse Osmosis (RO) feed water, reject brine, and product water, the operator may better monitor the life and condition of the RO membrane.

Abstract: A method for imaging acoustically manipulated particles includes introducing a fluid containing a population of particles therein to a flow cell; applying acoustic radiation pressure to the flow cell; acoustically focusing the population of particles within the flow cell to concentrate the population of particles; interrogating some of the concentrated population of particles with an interrogation source to obtain an optical signal from some of the population of particles to yield population statistical data; and constructing a sampling matrix of particles from subpopulations of the concentrated population of particles to produce a high content image representative of the population of particles.

Abstract: A particulate detector system is provided that can sense particulates (such as smoke in the air). The system employs a reflected light system that generally avoids making measurements of light intensity. Instead, coded signals are compared with one another to determine error rates between emitted light and detected light (across a chamber). Based on the error rate, processing circuitry can determine particulate concentration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fine particle measurement apparatus including a light condensing unit that condenses irradiated light irradiated to a sample flow where fine particles pass through and directly propagates the light without scattering, and scattered light scattered by the fine particles to an optical receiver divided into a plurality of regions; a position controller that controls the relative positions of members of an optical path; and a control unit that detects positions of condensing spots of the irradiated light and the scattered light based on signal intensities of each region of the optical receiver, and controls the position controller such that the positions of the condensing spots of the irradiated light and the scattered light match with each other.

Abstract: Various techniques for dispensing liquids are disclosed herein. In one embodiment a dispenser retention apparatus includes a frame. The frame includes a top surface configured to retain a liquid dispensing assembly. The frame also includes a bottom surface opposite the top surface. The bottom surface includes a first channel extending from a first lateral edge of the frame to a droplet passage between the top and bottom surfaces. The first channel is configured to allow a light beam introduced to the frame at the first lateral edge to intersect a droplet in the passage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flow cytometer system and method to apply a gain to data measurements to improve the display of the data measurements. The method for applying a gain to data detected in a flow cytometer, involves obtaining measurements from a detector in a flow cytometer, applying a gain to the measurements to produce shifted measurements to allow for improved display of the shifted measurements while maintaining the relationship between data points of the shifted measurements and displaying the shifted measurements on a display.

Abstract: Provided are methods for determining and analyzing photometric and morphogenic features of small objects, such as cells to, for example, identify different cell states. In particularly, methods are provided for identifying apoptotic cells, and for distinguishing between cells undergoing apoptosis versus necrosis.

Abstract: One aspect is a light source assembly in a drop detection arrangement. The light source assembly includes a light source and a gradient-index lens array to at least partially collimate light from the light source and to project a collimated light beam into the drop detection arrangement in a direction transverse to a drop direction of droplets in the drop detection arrangement. The light source assembly produces the light beam such that it has a beam width in a direction transverse to the drop direction that is larger than a beam height in the drop direction.

Abstract: Described herein is a particle detection system capable of spatially resolving the interaction of particles with a beam of electromagnetic radiation. Using a specific electromagnetic beam cross sectional shape and orientation, the detection sensitivity of a particle detection system can be improved. Also provided are methods for detecting and sizing particles in a manner that has low background signal and allows for spatially resolving the scattering or emission of electromagnetic radiation from particles.

Abstract: Described is a detector for receiving the eluent from a liquid- or supercritical-fluid chromatograph in which a signal indicative of the presence of an analyte in the eluent is generated by the scattering of light by desolvated particles of the analyte. The detector includes a nebulizer for generating an aerosol from the eluent in a chamber that has a wall in thermal communication with a heat sink. Changes in the temperature of the wall during an analysis of the eluent are reduced by the transfer of heat to the first heat sink.

Abstract: A nephelometer for detecting the concentration of particulates in a sample aerosol is provided with a branched flow path with a sample aerosol input, a clean gas input and an output leading to an optical sensor unit. At least one of the inputs has periodic variable flow so that a concentration-modulated gas stream is supplied to the optical sensor unit. The detector output of the sensor unit is processed in synchrony with the concentration modulation to filter out DC components, such as 1/f noise and parasitic instrument noise.

Abstract: An optical window is used to facilitate best performance for imaging an object placed in a separate ambiance. The window can be in a particle detection system, comprising a separator between first and second environments. The separator comprises an opening and an optical element located within the opening. An object is located in the second environment. An objective lens is located in the first environment and a detector is located in the second environment and is configured to detect particles on a surface of the object.

Abstract: A concave cell for the collection of radiated light including a body with a concave surface and an unmodified flat surface opposite thereto, and a reflective surface coupled to the body across from the concave surface, said reflective surface including an opening and a photo detector operatively coupled thereto. A method of collecting light by reflecting light inside the concave cell, striking the light at the concave surface, scattering the light at the concave surface, and registering the scattered light with the photo detector. A method of increasing uniformity of light registered in a photo detector. A method of making a concave cell.

Abstract: A particle detection system uses a reflective optic comprising a curved surface to detect high angle scattered light generated by a particle in a liquid medium, when a laser beam is incident on the particle. When the particles transit the laser beam, light is scattered in all directions and is described by MIE scattering theory for particles about the size of the wavelength of light and larger or Rayleigh Scattering when the particles are smaller than the wavelength of light. By using the reflective optic, the scattered light can be detected over angles that are greater than normally obtainable.

Abstract: One aspect is an aerosol detection arrangement including a light source for projecting a light beam. The arrangement includes a light collector configured to collect light scattered off liquid drops in an aerosol that enter the light beam and processing the scattered light into an output signal. The arrangement includes a controller for receiving the output signal from the light collector and uses the output signal to determine a predicted number of main liquid drops ejected.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes generating light fringes using a light source; directing a particle through the light fringes; detecting light scattered by the particle as the particle passes through the light fringes using at least one light detector; and determining at least one property of the particle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analyzing a fluid with particle analytes, where the fluid is fed through a passageway within an optical fiber and excitation light is guided by the optical fiber across the passageway and intersects the fluid therein. The optical core is made multimode and is adapted to shape the excitation light with a uniform spatial illumination over a cross-section of the optical core and the passageway is configured relative to the optical core such that the particle analytes are exposed to substantially equal excitation light while circulating in the passageway.

Abstract: Sub-micron objects are manipulated. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, Brownian motion effects are mitigated to facilitate the analysis and/or manipulation of sub-micron objects. In some applications, an electric field is applied to facilitate the manipulation of sub-micron objects in solution, facilitating the analysis of the manipulated objects. In other applications, fluid flow is used to effect the manipulation of sub-micron objects in solution.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining an analyte concentration of a sample, such as a tissue sample. The apparatus may comprise an emitter, close proximity detectors laterally located less than about 2 mm away from the emitter, and far away detectors laterally located greater than about 0.5 cm away from the emitter. A plurality of wavelengths may be sent from the emitter to the sample, reflected off of the sample, and received by the detectors. The reflectance value measured by the close proximity detectors may be used to calculate one or more scattering coefficients. The reflectance value measured by the far away detectors may be compared with a reflectance value calculated using the scattering coefficients in a numerical inversion of a diffusion model to determine the analyte concentration of the sample.

Abstract: Turbidity heads for a turbidity sensor or probe and the resulting sensor are disclosed that include a light source providing an outgoing light ray, a photodetector capable of detecting an incoming light ray; an isolator separating the light source from the detector portion; and a first reflector in the path of either the outgoing light ray or the incoming light ray. The first reflector is positioned to reflect either the outgoing light ray or the incoming light ray to achieve a measurement angle defined between the outgoing light ray and the incoming light ray of ninety degrees plus-or-minus two and a half degrees to comply with the standard ISO 7027 for turbidity measurement.

Abstract: With a device for measuring the fluorescent light or scattered light emitted by microscopically small particles or cells (12), with a flow-through cuvette (8) through which the luminescent particles or cells (12) are guided, whereby the flow-through cuvette (8) has a transparent window (3), and with a photodetector (2), which records the light emitted by the luminescent particles or cells (12), and with an optical element that guides the light emerging from the window (3) to the photodetector (2), the invention suggests that the optical element is embodied as a cylinder (4, 9) with a cylindrical reflecting surface.

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: A coherent confocal microscope for fully characterizing the elastic scattering properties of a nanoparticle as a function of wavelength. Using a high numerical aperture lens, two-dimensional scanning and a simple vector beam shaper, the rank-2 polarizability tensor is estimated from a single confocal image. A computationally efficient data processing method is described and numerical simulations show that this algorithm is robust to noise and uncertainty in the focal plane position. The measurement of the polarizability removes the need for a priori assumptions regarding the nanoparticle shape.

Abstract: A method of detecting particles in an air flow is described. The method includes receiving a signal indicative of light intensity scattered from the air flow at a plurality of wavelengths and processing the signal indicative of the intensity of received light at each of the wavelengths and a corresponding wavelength dependent parameter to generate an output signal indicative of at least one characteristic of particles in the air flow. A particle detection system is also described.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring trace levels of particles in an air sample is described. A device operating in a gradiometer configuration with two cavities built from a monolithic structure and utilizing a single probe laser, provides common mode subtraction of acoustic, vibrational, laser intensity and other noise sources, which allows sensitivity more closely approaching the quantum limit. Differential measurements between the two cavities occur simultaneously, which reduces errors due to cavity drift. Absorptive gradiometry can therefore provide noise immune detection for trace gasses, including broad linewidth absorbers where frequency-noise immune schemes are not practical. Differential measurements can be used for background subtraction, sensing vapor plume gradients and determining vapor plume propagation direction.

Abstract: The invention concerns high sensitivity light scattering detection and its application to evaporative light scattering detection in liquid chromatography. The exemplary embodiment includes a detection cell to accept particles suspended in a gas stream and permit a polarized light beam to pass through a trajectory of the particles and gas stream. A sample light detector is disposed to detect light scattered in the detection cell. A light trap accepts the polarized beam after it passes through the detection cell. The light trap includes an elongated housing through which the polarized beam passes, and light absorptive material within the elongated housing. An absorptive filter is aligned such that the angle of incidence of the light beam upon the filter approximates Brewster's angle and the electric field vector of the beam is aligned with the plane of incidence between the beam and the filter. Other embodiments of the invention provide increased light collection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and to a method for measuring the scattered light about molecules present in a suspension, wherein the suspension is fed through a measurement cell. The measurement cell is produced as a segment of a curved surface, particularly an ellipsoid, a hyperbolic shape, a parabolic shape, or a circle, and comprises a curved and a flat surface. Light-sensitive detectors are disposed about the curved surface and capture the scattered light.

Abstract: A system according to one embodiment includes a light source for generating light fringes; a sampling mechanism for directing a particle through the light fringes; and at least one light detector for detecting light scattered by the particle as the particle passes through the light fringes. A method according to one embodiment includes generating light fringes using a light source; directing a particle through the light fringes; and detecting light scattered by the particle as the particle passes through the light fringes using at least one light detector.

Abstract: The determination of wax crystal particle size and population is used to monitor the performance of wax crystallizers used in lubricant oil processing using solvent dewaxing. The wax crystal particle size is monitored using online measurements. The information obtained from on-line monitoring is then used to control crystallization in the dewaxing equipment in order to optimize performance of the dewaxing units.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of detecting impurities in a metal-containing article. A portion of metal material is removed from a metal article and is solubilized in an acid or base-comprising liquid to produce a liquid sample. The liquid sample is subjected to an incident laser beam and light scattered from the sample is detected. The invention includes a method of analyzing a physical vapor deposition target material. A portion of target material is removed from the target and is rinsed with an acid-comprising solution. The portion of target material is dissolved to produce a liquid sample. The sample is subjected to an incident laser beam and scatter of the laser beam is detected to determine the number of particles present in the sample within a particular size range.

Abstract: An optical system for a flow cytometer having a flow channel with an interrogation zone and an illumination source that impinges the flow channel in the interrogation zone includes a lens system and a detection system. The lens system preferably includes at least two lens surfaces located on opposite sides of the flow channel and configured to collect and collimate light from the interrogation zone. The detection system, configured to detect light from the lens system, preferably includes first and second detectors, a first filter that passes a first wavelength of light and reflects a second wavelength of light, and a second filter that reflects the first wavelength of light and passes the second wavelength of light, wherein the first and second filters are aligned such that light reflected from the first filter passes into the second detector and light reflected from the second filter passes into the first detector.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to measurement techniques utilizing laser induced incandescence, and specifically to laser induced incandescence measurement techniques utilizing a hollow core fiber.