Abstract: In-situ optical spectroscopic monitoring, characterization and feedback control of extraction and purification processes of compounds such as oils, alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenes and cannabinoids derived from plant material are described. Liquids from an extraction or purification process flow down an optically transparent tube, such as one made of glass. An in-situ optical monitoring assembly is configured to be mounted onto the tube to measure optical properties of the liquid extract or liquid condensate as it flows in the tube. Optical properties of the flowing liquid may include optical transmittance, reflectance, photoluminescence, scattering, absorbance, turbidity, nephelometry, polarimetry and colorimetry. The output of the optical monitoring assembly can be used to display spectral and other about the flowing liquid, set alarms to notify an operator of a predetermined condition such as a set point, and used to control extraction or purification process.

Abstract: A camera assembly for determining depth information for a local area includes a light source assembly, a camera assembly, and a controller. The light source assembly projects pulses of light into the local area. The camera assembly images a portion of the local area illuminated with the pulses. The camera assembly includes augmented pixels, each augmented pixel having a plurality of gates and at least some of the gates have a respective local storage location. An exposure interval of each augmented pixel is divided into intervals associated with the gates, and each local storage location stores image data during a respective interval. The controller reads out, after the exposure interval of each augmented pixel, the image data stored in the respective local storage locations of each augmented pixel to generate image data frames. The controller determines depth information for the local area based in part on the image data frames.

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 recording various sizes of nanoparticles that scatter light with very different efficiencies (effective cross-sections), typically orders of magnitude different.

Abstract: The current invention concerns a method for determining the presence of a (pre)cancerous cell in a liquid cell sample, comprising the steps of: —suspending and preserving a cell sample obtained from a subject in a sample vial comprising a liquid medium, said liquid medium comprises means for labeling cells or epitope(s) on or in said cells; —obtaining data from said labelled liquid cell sample; and —determining the presence of said (pre)cancerous cells based on said obtained data; characterized in that said data comprises morphological data and biomarker data. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a liquid medium for fixing, preserving and labeling cells in a cell sample and a sample vial specifically designed to be used in conjunction with the current method.

Abstract: A calibration device for calibrating a scattered-light meter, which is developed for measuring a particle concentration, in particular in automotive exhaust gases, has at least one diffuser which emits scattered light of an intensity and distribution defined by the diffuser when irradiated by light. In addition, the calibration device has a calibration-light source, which is situated within the diffuser or on an external surface of the diffuser.

Abstract: A process for making a fermented liquid drink comprising separating and selecting a colony of a suitable bacterial strain, preparing a seed liquid from a live culture of the colony, and culturing the seed liquid in a large scale liquid culture. The bacterial strain is of the genus of Acetobacter or Gluconobacter. The seed liquid is prepared by culturing the colony on a slant surface on a solid medium, followed by multi-stage active liquid culture. The multi-stage active liquid culture has an initial stage of small scale active liquid culture and at least one enlarged scale active liquid culture.

Abstract: A method for idling vehicle detection comprises shining a light source on an exterior surface of a vehicle with an illumination module, collecting light reflected from the exterior surface of the vehicle with a capture module, and processing the collected light reflected from the exterior surface of the vehicle surface with a processing module wherein the processing model determines if the vehicle's engine is running or if the vehicle's engine is not running.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a sensor for monitoring the depth of consciousness of a patient. The sensor includes a plurality of light sources, light detectors, and in some embodiments, electrodes. In an embodiment, the sensor includes reusable and disposable portions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the measurement of wax appearance temperature and wax disappearance temperature. The apparatus includes the following. The sample receptacle having a receptacle opening, including a bottom, at least one side and an open top. The sample receptacle including an inlet and an outlet for sample insertion and removal. The at least one side about the receptacle opening being light absorbing. The sample receptacle including a transparent cover mounted over the open top. The bottom of the receptacle opening having a reflective upper surface. A thermo device temperature change of the sample. A thermometer to register current temperature of the sample. A viewing chamber above the transparent cover, where the viewing chamber is surrounded by material that is light absorbing. A light emitting device to project light through the viewing chamber and the transparent cover.

Abstract: There is provided an optical analysis technique enabling identification of a kind of light-emitting particle corresponding to a signal on a time series light intensity data or identification of a signal corresponding to light-emitting particles other than a particle to be observed in an optical measurement using a confocal microscope or a multiphoton microscope. The inventive optical analysis technique measures simultaneously and separately intensities of lights of two or more wavelength bands from a light detection region in a sample solution containing light-emitting particles of two or more kinds to generate time series light intensity data of the respective wavelength bands; detects signals simultaneously generated on the time series light intensity data of at least two wavelength bands; and identifies the simultaneously generated signals as signals of a light-emitting particle of at least one specific kind.

Abstract: A calibration apparatus for calibrating a scattered-light measuring device that is embodied to measure a particle concentration in motor vehicle exhaust gases, comprises at least one scattering body that has a number of scattering centers having a defined size and a defined mutual spacing. The scattering centers are disposed in such a way that the scattering body, upon irradiation with light from a light source, delivers scattered light having an intensity and a distribution predetermined by the scattering body.

Abstract: Refractive index of biological specimens is a source of intrinsic contrast that can be explored without any concerns of photobleaching or harmful effects caused by extra contrast agents. This feature also contains rich information that can be related to the metabolism of cells at the cellular and subcellular levels. The present invention relates to systems and methods that can provide, without any moving parts, the 3-D refractive index map of continuously flowing biological samples in a micro-fluidic channel, for example.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention disclose a vacuum cell-assembling device and a cell-assembling method. The vacuum cell-assembling device comprises: an upper substrate, a signal processing apparatus, and a lower substrate provided opposite to the upper substrate, wherein the upper substrate is provided with a light-emitting apparatus thereon, and the lower substrate is provided a photosensitive receiving element array thereon, and the photosensitive receiving element array is connected with the signal processing apparatus, and the signal processing apparatus is adapted for converting the electrical signals from the photosensitive receiving element array to a liquid crystal diffusion-simulation image.

Abstract: A method for determining the quality of the measuring results of a scattered light meter for measuring the particle concentration in motor vehicle exhaust gases, which has at least one scattered light measuring chamber, at least one light source and at least one light sensor, includes the steps: determining the difference between two scattered light sensor signals, that were picked up in a reference state of the scattered light meter; determining the difference between two scattered light sensor signals, which were picked up in a used state of the scattered light meter; and comparing the difference of the signals picked up in the used state to the reference signal difference of the signals picked up in the reference state.

Abstract: A method for assessing an interaction of a sample with light beams having different wavelengths, the method comprising: generating a light beam having a wavelength and being intensity modulated according to a modulation function to create an intensity modulation in the light beam; irradiating the sample with the light beam; detecting a response light from the sample, the response light being released by the sample when the sample is irradiated with the light beam, the response light having intensity fluctuations caused by the intensity modulation; using the intensity fluctuations in the response light to identify the modulation function and associate the wavelength and the response light to each other; assessing the interaction of the sample with the light beam using the response light; stopping irradiating the sample with the light beam and performing the previous step with at least one other light beam having a different wavelength.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for estimating the quantity of light scattered by a heterogeneous participating media, the light being transmitted by a light environment comprising a plurality of light sources. In order to improve the display while minimising the required calculation time, the method comprises steps for: estimation of first projection coefficients in an orthonormal basis of spherical functions, said first projection coefficients being representative of the reduction of light intensity in a point of said media, said estimation of first projection coefficients being carried out for each point of a first set of points of said media, and estimation of the quantity of light scattered by said media, according to at least one scattering direction of the light, using said first estimated projection coefficients.

Abstract: A cell observation device is provided with a reflection interference measurement light source 106, a quantitative phase measurement light source 105, a reflection interference detection camera 110 which images light emitted from the reflection interference measurement light source 106 and reflected from cells 101, to generate a reflection interference image, a quantitative phase detection camera 112 which images light emitted from the quantitative phase measurement light source 105 and transmitted by the cells 101, to generate a quantitative phase image, an image alignment unit 201 which matches a spatial position of the reflection interference image with a spatial position of the quantitative phase image, to implement alignment between the two images, a first extraction unit 204 which extracts a first parameter from the reflection interference image in alignment with the quantitative phase image, and a second extraction unit 205 which extracts a second parameter from the quantitative phase image in alignment

Abstract: A turbidity sensor for use in a machine for washing articles, e.g., a washing machine (400). The turbidity sensor comprises a light source (210) for emitting light. The emitted light has a radiant intensity which is variable. The sensor further comprises a light-sensitive element (220) for receiving light emitted from the light source (210). The light source (211) and the light-sensitive element (220) are positioned relative to each other so that, when the light source (210) is in operation, light emitted from the light source (210) can propagate through a washing liquid contained in the washing machine (400) on its way to the light sensitive element (220). The light-sensitive element (220) is configured to measure the radiant intensity of light received at the light-sensitive element (221). Furthermore, the sensor comprises a controller (230) which is communicatively coupled to the light source (210) and the light-sensitive element (220).

Abstract: A scattered light method for measuring particle-dependent parameters of gases, in particular particle-dependent parameters of internal combustion engine exhaust gases or other colloids, includes introducing a particle-containing gas into a measuring chamber; emitting a light beam into the measuring chamber; receiving light scattered by the particles using at least two scattered light sensors, the scattered light sensors generating scattered light sensor signals, each being a function of the light received by the respective scattered light sensor; determining an average particle size from the scattered light sensor signals from at least two scattered light sensors and determining at least one further particle parameter from the previously determined average particle size and the scattered light sensor signals.

Abstract: An optical fluid monitoring system for imaging debris and other particles in a flowing fluid. The system can have multiple sensors (camera and viewing port) connected to a single, remotely located, laser and computer. The system can also include multiple lasers, viewing ports and cameras to be located at different locations in a flow, with each sensor being configured to image a different particle size range. The system can simultaneously image fluid flows on different pieces of equipment. Optical sensors can be arranged on parallel flow conduits, with each sensor configured to image a different particle size range.

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

Abstract: Provided is a particle characterization device that can ensure measurement accuracy even though light detecting means has a single configuration, and enables the number of optical elements to be decreased as much as possible to suppress cost increase and reduce the number of adjustment places, and the particle characterization device has an incident side polarizer and an incident side ¼ wavelength plate as an illumination optical system mechanism and, as a light receiving optical system mechanism, an exit side ¼ wavelength plate and an exit side polarizer that can be rotated to a plurality of angle positions around a cell, wherein light attenuating means that prevents a polarization state from being changed is provided on a light path, and a light attenuation rate by the light attenuating means is controlled such that a detected light intensity at each measurement position falls within a measurement range of light detecting means.

Abstract: The present invention provides optical systems and methods for determining a characteristic of a cell, such as cell type, cellular response to a biochemical event, biological state and the like. The methods typically involve using interferometry to observe membrane properties in a cell and then use this information to determine one or more characteristics of a cell. The methods of the invention are useful for applications such as drug screening as well as diagnostic techniques.

Abstract: The scattered light from the measurement target substance passes through a light receiving window, and is received by a detector for +? scattered light and a detector for ?? scattered light which are arranged symmetrically to each other across an optical axis at an equal angle or an equal interval in a vertical direction. A light source is fixed by a light-source holder (that is a base member on which the light source is arranged), and the detectors are arranged on and fixed to a detector holder (that is a base member on which the detectors are arranged). In this manner, drift of the light quantity data caused by the thermal deformation of the optical system can be corrected by comparing values of the light quantity data of the detectors.

Abstract: An optical fluid monitoring system for imaging debris and other particles in a flowing fluid. The system can have multiple sensors (camera and viewing port) connected to a single, remotely located, laser and computer. The system can also include multiple lasers, viewing ports and cameras to be located at different locations in a flow, with each sensor being configured to image a different particle size range. The system can simultaneously image fluid flows on different pieces of equipment.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, a smoke detector comprises a housing, a light source, one or more light detectors, and an evaluation circuit for determining the presence of smoke particles outside the housing based on light emitted from and reflected back into the housing, as well as light emitted within the housing without emission therefrom.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, a smoke detector utilizes broadband light with a plurality of wavelengths to determine the presence of smoke.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments, a smoke detector utilizes a reflected-light signal and sensed ambient light to determine the presence of smoke particles.

Abstract: Methods, storage mediums, and systems for correlating pulses generated from multiple interrogation regions in a flow cytometer to particular particles flowing through the flow cytometer are provided. Embodiments of the methods, storage mediums, and systems include configurations for calibrating a flow cytometer using a calibration particle having a unique signature to determine a time-of-flight for particles flowing through the flow cytometer. Based on the calculated time-of-flight and relative positions of interrogation regions corresponding to collectors of the flow cytometer, the methods, storage mediums, and systems may further include configurations for associating other signal pulses to particles of one or more different particle sets.

Abstract: There is provided a particle number measurement method capable of accurately measuring the number of particles generated by a specific factor. When the number of particles is measured by irradiating laser beam 25 into a main exhaust line 16 via a glass window 24, receiving lights (L1 and L2) scattered from particles (P1 and P2) crossing with the laser beam 25 by a photodetector 21, and calculating the number of particles based on the received scattered light, static particles P2 are considered as contaminants attached to the glass window 24 and the number of static particles P2 is subtracted from the measured number of particles within the main exhaust line 16.

Abstract: Methods for increasing the amount of cenospheres in a fly ash sample are disclosed. The cenospheres are obtained in a dry state by using air as the “fluid” media for separation. In one version, the invention is a two step process, that is, screen by size followed by density separation such as in a fluidizing vertical column by density. In another version of the invention, the separation by density is followed by screening by size. Additional cycles can improve purity as defined by concentration of cenospheres.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for estimating the quantity of light scattered by a heterogeneous participating media. In order to optimise the display while minimising the required calculation time, the method comprises steps for selecting at least one level of spatial subdivision of said media from among a plurality of hierarchic levels of spatial subdivision according to at least one item of error information representative of an attenuation difference in said media according to at least one direction between two consecutive hierarchic levels, and estimating the quantity of light scattered by sampling of said media along at least one scattering direction, the sampling being a function of at least one selected spatial subdivision level.

Abstract: An apparatus may be provided for determining a signature from an article in a reading volume of the apparatus. The apparatus can comprise a source operable to generate a coherent beam and a beam directing member operable to direct the coherent beam into the reading volume. The apparatus may also comprise a detector arrangement for collecting signals created by scatter of the coherent beam within the reading volume, wherein different ones of the signals relate to scatter from different parts of the reading volume, the detector arrangement having a numerical aperture greater than a predetermined minimum and a processor operable to determine a signature for an article in the reading volume from the collected signals. Use of such apparatus can be repeated whenever required to test authenticity of the article.

Abstract: A calibration apparatus for calibrating a scattered-light measuring device that is embodied to measure a particle concentration in motor vehicle exhaust gases, comprises at least one scattering body that has a number of scattering centers having a defined size and a defined mutual spacing. The scattering centers are disposed in such a way that the scattering body, upon irradiation with light from a light source, delivers scattered light having an intensity and a distribution predetermined by the scattering body.

Abstract: A method for determining the quality of the measuring results of a scattered light meter for measuring the particle concentration in motor vehicle exhaust gases, which has at least one scattered light measuring chamber, at least one light source and at least one light sensor, includes the steps: determining the difference between two scattered light sensor signals, that were picked up in a reference state of the scattered light meter; determining the difference between two scattered light sensor signals, which were picked up in a used state of the scattered light meter; and comparing the difference of the signals picked up in the used state to the reference signal difference of the signals picked up in the reference state.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for increasing measurement accuracy in imaging cytometry. The system may include a light detector configured to measure light emitted by a first particle and light emitted by a second particle, where the measured light from the second particle at least partially overlaps the measured light from the first particle in an overlap region. Additionally, the system may include a processor coupled to the light detector, where the processor is configured to determine a contribution of light from the first particle in the overlap region and determine a contribution of light from the second particle in the overlap region. The processor may also be configured to subtract the contribution of light from the second particle from the contribution of light from the first particle and determine the intensity of light emitted by the first particle.

Abstract: In an integrated gimbal and High-Powered Multiband Laser (HPMBL) for use in an infrared countermeasure apparatus in a pod mounted on an aircraft, the improvement comprises an optical bench that connects the optical path between side-by-side mounted gimbal and high power laser; and a kinematic mounting system that prevents optical bench bending.

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: A coherent confocal microscope and methods for measuring elements of the non-linear susceptibility of a nanoparticle, including, more particularly, all of the elements of the second-order susceptibility tensor of a single nanoparticle under permutation and Kleinman symmetry. Using a high numerical aperture lens, two-dimensional scanning and a vector beam shaper, the second-order nonlinear susceptibility is derived from a single confocal image. A forward model for the problem is presented and a computationally efficient data processing method robustly solves the inverse problem.

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: This smoke detector is provided with: a plurality of light emitting devices which emit light beams of mutually different wavelengths; and a plurality of scattered light receiving sections which receive, at a different scattering angle for each light beam of the respective wavelengths, scattered light generated due to the plurality of light beams emitted simultaneously from these light emitting devices impinging on smoke.

Abstract: A method of determining a wavefront of a received light beam includes: (a) receiving a light beam; (b) producing a group of light spots from the light beam; (c) qualifying a set of the light spots for use in determining a wavefront of the received light beam; and (d) determining the wavefront of the received light beam using the qualified set of light spots. Qualifying the set of light spots includes, for each light spot: calculating a first calculated location of the light spot using a first calculation algorithm; calculating a second calculated location of the light spot using a second calculation algorithm; and when a difference between the first and second calculated locations for the light spot is greater than an agreement threshold, excluding the light spot from the set of light spots and/or from being employed in determining the wavefront of the received light beam.

Abstract: System and method for detecting and counting bacteria suspended in a biological fluid by means of light scattering measurements is provided. In accordance with the method of the invention the level of signal to noise of the measured intensities of light scattered by a sample of the biological fluid is significantly enhanced for forwardly scattered light within a range of scattering angles which are smaller compared to a predefined maximal scattering angle. The system of the invention includes a cuvette adapted to contain a sample of the biological fluid whose sidewalls and windows are suitably constructed and arranged to significantly reduce the level of reflected light obscuring the scattering patterns measured within the range of scattering angles considered.

Abstract: A device for detecting smoke based on the principle of optical scattered light measurements has a light emitting device, configured to issue a temporal succession of light pulses. A first light pulse has a first spectral distribution and a second light pulse has a second spectral distribution that is different from the first spectral distribution. A light receiver receives a first scattered light from the first light pulse and a second scattered light from the second light pulse, and generates a first output signal that is indicative for the first scattered light, and a second output signals that is indicative for the second scattered light. An evaluation unit compares the first output signal with the second output signal. In a preferred embodiment of the device, the light emitter and the light receiver are arranged directly next to one another.

Abstract: System and method for fluorescent light excitation and detection from samples to enhance the numerical aperture and/or reduce the cross-talk of the fluorescent light.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of optical teledetection of compounds in a medium in which: a detection measurement is carried out by emitting into the medium, short pulses of light at least 3 nm wide, and detecting a part of the light back-scattered by the medium by means of a detection unit with temporal resolution, a reference measurement in which the light emitted or the light back-scattered is filtered by virtue of addressable filtering means, simulating the optical spectrum of the light at the working wavelengths of at least one given compound to be searched for, a comparison of a detection measurement and of a reference measurement, so as to deduce therefrom the possible presence of the compound or compound(s) searched for in the medium, the addressable filtering means are modified dynamically, and a series of reference measurements and a series of corresponding comparisons are performed for a series of various compounds liable to be present in the medium, as well as a device adapted for implement

Abstract: A method for remotely sensing air outside a moving aircraft includes generating laser radiation within a swept frequency range. A portion of the laser radiation is projected from the aircraft into the air to induce scattered laser radiation. Filtered scattered laser radiation, filtered laser radiation, and unfiltered laser radiation are detected. At least one actual ratio is determined from data corresponding to the filtered scattered laser radiation and the unfiltered laser radiation. One or more air parameters are determined by correlating the actual ratio to at least one reference ratio.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a signature from an article in a reading volume of the apparatus. The apparatus can comprise a source operable to generate a coherent beam and a beam directing member operable to direct the coherent beam into the reading volume. The apparatus may also comprise a detector arrangement for collecting signals created by scatter of the coherent beam within the reading volume, wherein different ones of the signals relate to scatter from different parts of the reading volume, the detector arrangement having a numerical aperture greater than a predetermined minimum and a processor operable to determine a signature for an article in the reading volume from the collected signals. Use of such apparatus can be repeated whenever required to test authenticity of the article.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing air includes at least one, and in some embodiments three, transceivers for projecting the laser energy as laser radiation to the air. The transceivers are scanned or aligned along several different axes. Each transceiver receives laser energy as it is backscattered from the air. A computer processes signals from the transceivers to distinguish molecular scattered laser radiation from aerosol scattered laser radiation and determines air temperatures, wind speeds, and wind directions based on the scattered laser radiation. Applications of the system to wind power site evaluation, wind turbine control, traffic safety, general meteorological monitoring and airport safety are presented.