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 particle characterization system including a flow source to produce a stream of particles; a source of light or other energy directed at the stream of particles to cause fluorescence or scattered light to be emitted from the particles; a detector of the fluorescent or scattered light including a plurality of light receivers in an enclosed three-dimensional arrangement to detect the light emitted by the particles; and a computer which receives information from the detector regarding light emitted by a particle in response to the source of light or other energy, the computer programmed to determine a characteristic of the particle based on the light collected from the particle.

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: An optical detection device is provided for analyzing analytes in a liquid suspension or solution that can detect and process a large number of wavelengths of incident and fluorescent light simultaneously, which is small in size and can be easily adapted to different investigation requirements. The optical detection device may include a light supplying device, an analyte handling device, a light directing device, and a detector integrated on planar substrate devices, respectively. A plurality of optical waveguides are integrated in the substrate devices to direct light emitted by the light supplying device through the different sections of the optical detector to the detector. The analyte handling device may include an analyte channel for the liquid flow of the analyte suspension or solution and an analyte sorting device comprising several sorting channels.

Abstract: A method for determining size and composition of a particulate matter in a fume flow produced by a combustion process. A polarized laser light beam is projected through the fume flow and the scattered light from the fume flow is gathered in a sideward scattering direction and in at least one forward scattering direction. For each of these scattering directions, the gathered light is separated into two polarized light components on the planes parallel and orthogonal to the scattering direction, the light intensity of each of the polarized light components is measured and a scattered light polarization ratio is calculated as a function of the measured light intensities of the polarized light components. The size of the particulate matter and the unburnt carbon percentage in the particulate matter are determined as a function of the calculated scattered light polarization ratios.

Abstract: A sufficiently large light detection value can be obtained to determine a concentration of a target component in a desired section, without using a laser emitter of a high laser intensity or a large light collector. By changing an orientation of a laser emitter 3 about a horizontal axis or a height of the laser emitter 3, a laser irradiation position on a ground or water surface 5 is switched between a first irradiation position 5a and a second irradiation position 5b. A photodetector 9 detects first scattered light resulting from scattering of first laser beam at the first irradiation position 5a, second scattered light resulting from scattering of second laser beam at the first irradiation position 5a, third scattered light resulting from scattering of the first laser beam at the second irradiation position 5b, and fourth scattered light resulting from scattering of the second laser beam at the second irradiation position 5b.

Abstract: Provided is an ink detecting module (100) that detects the discharge state of a liquid droplet by receiving a light beam emitted to a flying path of the liquid droplet discharged from a nozzle row (103) of an inkjet printer, the ink detecting module including: a light emitting unit (104) that emits a light beam; a light receiving unit (105) that receives the emitted light beam; and a module base (108) that integrally supports the light emitting unit (104) and the light receiving unit (105), the module base (108) including: positioning pins (106, 107) that are engaged with the inkjet printer and determine the fastening position in the inkjet printer; and a fastening unit that is fastened to the inkjet printer, in which, in the state of being fastened to the inkjet printer, only the positioning pins (106, 107) and the fastening unit are in contact with the inkjet printer.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for flow cytometry are described. In described examples, various sample handling and preparation steps may be carried out within a same microfluidic device as flow cytometry steps. A combination of imaging and flow cytometry is described. In some examples, spiral microchannels serve as incubation chambers. Examples of automated sample handling and flow cytometry are described.

Abstract: The refractive index, extinction coefficient, size and density of fluid suspended particles are simultaneously determined by combined transmittance and scattering measurements. The scattering measurements are preferably angle selective to obtain additional information about the scattered light. A charge-coupled device is employed for its high sensitivity to low light intensity in measurement of scattered light in combination with a photodiode array employed for its high signal to noise ratio, which is beneficial in transmittance measurement. The scattered light may be measured in an angle selective fashion by use of a motorized aperture that is concentrically positioned with respect to the impinging beam axis and moveable along the impinging beam axis. An ellipsoidal mirror collects the scattered light that passes through the motorized aperture and focuses the scattered light towards the charge-coupled device.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for illuminating particles and for detecting emissions from illuminated particles in a flow cytometer having an optical configuration aligned with a flow or particles.

Abstract: A particle detector includes: a gas cell in which a gaseous alkali metal atom is sealed; a light source that emits a plurality of coherent light beams containing first light and second light having different frequencies; a light detection unit that receives light and produces a detection signal according to the intensity of the received light, the light being emitted from the light source, passing through a space in which predetermined particles can be present, and being incident on the gas cell and passing therethrough before reaching the light detection unit; and an analysis assessor that performs analysis assessment of at least one of the following items based on the detection signal: whether or not the particles are present and the concentration thereof.

Abstract: A particulate detector (10) comprises a radiation source (12) arranged to emit radiation in at least first and second predetermined wavebands towards a sampling region (18) suspected of containing particulates, and a detection element (14), shielded from the radiation source (12), and arranged to detect radiation from the sampling region (18) at least first and second instances. The radiation source (12) is such that the emissions in the wavebands temporarily overlap. The detector is such that, at the instances at which the radiation is detected, the relative contributions from the emissions in each predetermined waveband are distinguishable, thereby allowing characteristics of the particulates to be determined. The radiation source (12) may comprise a light emitting diode (24).

Abstract: A method and device of detecting a scattering light beam for tools measuring scattering signals produced by the interaction of solid microparticles, such as a biological cells moving with a high-intensity, focused light beam, capable of reducing the influence of the cell movement with respect to the optical axis of the illuminating beam, and improving the quality of the signal characterized by the recognition of the individual particle or cell, specifically in fluid currents, such as those used in flow cytometry are disclosed.

Abstract: A system (10) for automatically inspecting a stream of matter (12) for varying composition, comprising an emitting device (16) serving to emit a detection medium, which comprises electromagnetic radiation of a substantially constant intensity, to an irradiated zone (I) of the stream at which the medium penetrates a surface of the matter (12), the irradiated zone (I) extending continuously across substantially the width of the stream, the medium penetrating the surface being varied by the matter (12), a receiving device (32) for receiving the varied medium emanating from the matter (12) at a detection zone (D) substantially separate from the irradiated zone (I), and a detecting device (34) serving to generate detection data in dependence upon the varied medium, the arrangement being such that, in use of the system (10), at least the majority of the varied medium received at the receiving device (32) can be transflected medium.

Abstract: A sample analyzer comprising: a light source for emitting light to particles contained in a measurement sample which is prepared from a reagent and a urine sample collected from a subject; a detector for detecting scattered light and fluorescence which are generated from the particles in the measurement sample; a display; and a controller, wherein the controller executes operations comprising: obtaining particle data based on the scattered light and the fluorescence which are detected from the particles by the detector; and controlling, when the particle data satisfies a predetermined condition, the display to display information indicating a possibility that the subject is infected with an uncomplicated urinary tract infection is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented in which a sample can be accurately repositioned in a spectroscopic and/or imaging apparatus upon multiple insertions, and where the apparatus can be worn by living subjects for extended periods of time. The apparatus additionally reduces the temperature increase and stabilizes the temperature of the sample upon irradiation with an optical source of excitation. Additionally, the apparatus stabilizes the pressure and critical optical properties of the sample and its interface with the apparatus. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus can be used to alter and/or substantially reduce fluorescence from targeted fluorophores in the sample.

Abstract: Described herein is a portable, low power consuming optical particle counter calibration verification system and reliable and sensitive methods for verifying the calibration status of a gas or liquid particle counter. The calibration verification systems described herein are useful for quickly determining the calibration status of an optical particle counter at its point of use, as well as for allowing the end user to determine if an optical particle counter is in need of a recalibration before the recommended calibration schedule suggests.

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: In one general aspect, an instrument for measuring characteristics of particles suspended in a fluid is disclosed. It includes a closed wall surface defining a fractionation channel having a input opening, an output opening, and a flow axis that spans downstream from the input opening for the channel to the output opening. A force application subsystem has a force application output oriented perpendicular to at least part of the flow axis of the fractionation channel. A particle characteristic measurement subsystem is located hydraulically downstream from at least a portion of the closed wall surface defining the fractionation channel, and includes a sensor positioned to sense a property of the suspended particles in the potential measurement subsystem as well as a signal output responsive to the sensor.

Abstract: A particle monitor system that can detect fine particles in a substrate processing apparatus. The substrate processing apparatus has a chamber in which a substrate is housed and subjected to processing, a dry pump that exhausts gas out of the chamber, and a bypass line that communicates the chamber and the dry pump together. The particle monitor system has a laser light oscillator that irradiates laser light toward a space in which the particles may be present, and a laser power measurement device that is disposed on an optical path of the laser light having passed through the space and measures the energy of the laser light.

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: 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: The present invention is an instrument that detects a trace amount of silicon contained in a sample solution with simple means and measures a silicon concentration in the sample solution, and adapted to include: an excitation light irradiation part that irradiates the sample solution with excitation light for silicon; a light detection part that detects fluorescence and/or scattering light emitted from silicon in the sample solution irradiated with the excitation light; and a calculation part that calculates the silicon concentration in the sample solution from intensities or an intensity of the fluorescence and/or the scattering light.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring contaminant particles in pipelines. The system can include a probe for extending into a pipeline, and sampling fluid in the pipeline to ensure that a representative amount of contaminants within the pipeline can subsequently be measured. An analyzer receives the sampled fluid from the probe, illuminates the sampled fluid with a light source, and collects scattered light from any contaminant particles in the illuminated sampled fluid. A detector receives the scattered light from the analyzer, and converts the scattered light into an electrical signal that is proportional to the contaminant particles size. A processor receives the electrical signal from the detector, converts the electrical signal into digital data pertaining to the contaminant particles, and transmits the digital data on an Ethernet connection, or wireless signal to a communication network for distribution to at least one digital data processor for display and evaluation.

Abstract: The present invention is to present a particle analyzer that is capable of classifying and counting particles contained in a sample more accurately. The blood analyzer 1 includes: measuring unit 2 for obtaining a plurality of characteristic information of each of particles contained in a sample by measuring a measurement sample prepared from the sample; data processing unit 3 for obtaining a particle number of a specific kind of particles and each particle number of a plural kinds of particles different from the specific kind of particles, and determining a target kind of particles, whose particle number is corrected, from the plural kinds of particles, based on information obtained by the measuring unit 2, and correcting a particle number of the target kind of particles by using the particle number of the specific kind of particles.

Abstract: A chromatographic system that includes a light source and an imaging and analysis system for detecting particle size and analyzing other characteristics of particles in the effluent of a filtration column while filtration is ongoing. The effluent is directed into a guiding tube having a flow axis. Coherent light from the light source is shone into the guiding tube along the flow axis, thereby illuminating particles in the effluent within the guiding tube. An imaging device is used to capture images of the portion of the light scattered by the particles. The image signals are analyzed and used to provide information regarding particle size and other characteristics of the particles in the effluent scattering the light.

Abstract: Various optical apparatus, in particular embodiments, may provide a source of parallel light (7, 75). The parallel light (7, 75) may be generally achieved by directing an incident beam at the apex of a prism (1, 22, 24, 26, 28). The prism may have varying configurations. One configuration has a forward conical face (24). Another configuration has a pyramidal forward end (22). Other configurations are also disclosed. Various optical methods and methods for flow cytometry are also disclosed.

Abstract: Provided herein are new methods and apparatus for quantitative measurement and analysis of particles, including new apparatus systems to process and detect nanoparticles in suspension. By focusing a laser beam at the center of a reservoir, nanoparticles are concentrated by optical energy, and fluorescent intensity at the focal point of the laser is measured to quantify particle concentration in the reservoir. The techniques may be applied to the analysis of suspensions of nanoparticles, including natural particles (e.g., microorganisms including whole viruses, bacteria, animal cells, and proteins) and synthetic particles (e.g., colloidal latexes, paints, pigments, and metallic or semiconductor nanoparticles) for medical and industrial applications, among others.

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: A particle detection system that images and detects particles in a fluid flow stream through use of detector array(s) is described. The detection system may include light source arrays that may selectively illuminate a particle in a fluid stream. The detection system may also include a detector array employing smart binning to read the measured signals. The smart binning of the detector array may be achieved through knowledge of an exact particle location provided by a position sensitive detector. The detector array(s) may be low cost based on intelligence built into the system. This particle detection system may be particularly useful for detection and discrimination of different particle types since the read-out of the particle signals can be accomplished with low noise and can be flexible enough to optimize the read out measurements for each particle. The particle detection system may be used, for example, in early warning contamination detection systems and manufacturing processes.

Abstract: An apparatus and a flow cell for the same, which simultaneously fulfill the requirements of: 1) no need of cleansing a liquid sending system for each measurement; 2) enabling a sample liquid after measurement to be collected without being diluted and free from contamination; and 3) the flow cell being inexpensive are provided for a flow cytometer.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring hydrophobic contaminants distributed in paper pulp suspension. The method comprises: adding a fluorescent dye (18) to the paper pulp suspension (12) including fibers and hydrophobic contaminants, the dye (18) interacting with the hydrophobic contaminants of the paper pulp suspension (12); submitting the paper pulp suspension (12) including the fibers, the hydrophobic contaminants, and the dye (18) to light characterized by a wavelength exciting the dye (18) to produce light emission signals; and detecting the light emission signals and evaluating the signals to measure the hydrophobic contaminants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical measuring device which includes container for storing a sample, and an electrode pair for generating an electric field distribution upon impression of a voltage by an electrical power supply, thereby generating or extinguishing diffraction grating formed by a density modulation of particles within the sample. The particles within the sample are evaluated based upon a temporal change of an intensity of a diffracted light beam obtained by irradiating a light beam upon the diffraction grating formed by the density modulation of the particles. The electrodes constituting the electrode pair are configured to have a comb-like electrode teeth that are parallel with each other and are arranged such that the electrode teeth of one electrode are inserted between the electrode teeth of the other electrode. From such configuration, an optical measuring device of a high sensitivity and excellent S/N ratio can be obtained.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to evaporation light scattering detectors having an evaporative chamber having a wall that is in good thermal contact with a heat sink. The heat has a high thermal mass such that a change in temperature of the wall during an analysis is minimized.

Abstract: A particle detection system (100), such as an active video smoke detection system, includes at least one illumination means (102) for directing a beam (106) of radiation through at least part of the air volume being monitored (110), an image sensor (104) is positioned to capture images of at least part of a beam (106) from illumination means (102); and means to analyse (107) the captured images to detect the presence of particles within the volume. At least 29 different aspects are described for improving the sensitivity, usability, and robustness of particle detection. These include, for example, configuring illumination means (102) to create a curtain of light or a rapidly-scanned beam across the air volume (110), and configuring a reflector to steer or change direction of a beam reflected from illumination means (102).

Abstract: An improved cassette for detecting and quantifying particles in a liquid is provided. A sample volume of a liquid is held by a housing with an inlet and an outlet for the liquid. Light is emitted across the sample volume and reflected creating a doubled length of the optical path in the sample volume. The probability of detecting particles is increased and the measurement is improved. The housing reduces noise due to air bubbles and improves sensitivity of detection of particles in the liquid sample.

Abstract: An environmental sensor including an inlet and an outlet such that a flow of fluid moves from the inlet to the outlet, a particle detection portion to detect particles in the fluid, and a controller connected to the particle detection portion. The environmental sensor can be in communication with a data acquisition system (e.g., via a wireless access point) to form a particle counting system. Also disclosed are methods of operating the environmental sensor and methods of operating the particle detection system.

Abstract: A modular dust measuring device (10) is set forth for the determination of a foreign body concentration in a gas having at least one optical sensor head (14) which has a light transmitter (16) and a light receiver (22) and having a central unit (12) which has an evaluation unit (30) and a scavenging air unit (32), wherein the evaluation unit (32) is made to determine the foreign body concentration with the help of a scattered light intensity or transmitted light intensity recorded by the light receiver (22) and the scavenging air unit (32) can supply the sensor head (14) with scavenging air to avoid or eliminate impurities or deposits.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the quantitative determination of total suspended solid particles in a liquid. The method includes providing a liquid sample that includes solids suspended therein, illuminating the solids with a light source, collecting light scattered by the solids and correlating the light scattered by the solids with a total solids content.

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: 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: Disclosed is an irradiation unit for a flow-cytometry-based analytical instrument and analytical instrument including the same. The irradiation unit includes 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. The light shaper is used for flattening the distribution of light intensity on the irradiated area in a third direction X that is perpendicular to both a first direction in which the light beam spreads and a second direction in which cells to be detected flow. 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: The invention provides a method for the quantitative determination of total suspended solid particles in a liquid.

Abstract: Provided is a gel particle measuring apparatus for detecting a gel particle production starting point with high sensitivity in the measurement of a target substance in a sample by a gelation reaction.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a particle characterization instrument is disclosed that includes a first spatially coherent light source with a beam output aligned with an optical axis. A focusing optic is positioned along the optical axis after the coherent light source, and a sample cell is positioned along the optical axis after the focusing optic. The instrument also includes a diverging optic positioned along the optical axis after the sample cell, and a detector positioned outside of the optical axis to receive scattered light within a first range of scattering angles from the diverging optic. In another general aspect, an instrument can direct at least a portion of a first beam and at least a portion of a second beam along a same optical axis and a can receive scattered light from the sample cell resulting from interaction between the sample and either the first beam or the second beam.

Abstract: A system and method for the measurement of multiple emissions in multiple flow channels in a flow cytometry system is disclosed where each excitation source is modulated with a different frequency. A single detector is used to collect the fluorescent emissions excited by all sources in all flow channels, and the emissions are segregated using Fourier Transform techniques. The system and method are well-suited to microfluidic applications.

Abstract: A system for sensing particulate in a combustion gas stream is disclosed. The system transmits light into a combustion gas stream, and thereafter detects a portion of the transmitted light as scattered light in an amount corresponding to the amount of particulates in the emissions. Purge gas may be supplied adjacent the light supply and the detector to reduce particles in the emissions from coating or otherwise compromising the transmission of light into the emissions and recovery of scattered light from the emissions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing cell cytometry mitigate or eliminate the effects of refraction that result from interfaces between materials having different refractive indices. Solid materials, such as the walls of a flow path, which materials are disposed between a nominal focal point and an objective lens, are formed of a material having a refractive index between 1.30 and 1.40 inclusive. The refractive index of a liquid material, such as an immersion fluid or a fluid carrying, suspending, or bathing an analyte, may be adjusted to have a refractive index closer to that of surrounding solid materials and, in particular, within 0.02 of the refractive index of the surrounding solid materials.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical measurement apparatus including at least: a flow channel through which samples flow; a first light radiation section; a first opto-electrical conversion section; a first analog-to-digital conversion section; a second light radiation section; a second light detection section; a second opto-electrical conversion section; an amplification section; and a second analog-to-digital conversion section.

Abstract: A flow cell assembly for measuring the flow rate of gas in a pipe having an optical probe mounted on a flow cell inserted between sections of pipe. A distal end of the optical probe is disposed within an internal bore of the flow cell. The optical probe is capable of measuring the velocity of particles in a gas flowing through the internal bore. A sensor mechanism may be mounted on the flow cell and have a sensor array with a distal end disposed within the flow cell internal bore. The sensor array is capable of measuring physical properties of the gas. The optical probe is self-aligned when mounted to the flow cell through the use of a locking cam and an orientation ring. Velocity and physical property measurements are used to calculate flow rate. Alternatively, the optical probe and sensor mechanism may be mounted directly onto an existing pipe.