Abstract: A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus includes a processing chamber for performing a manufacturing processing on a wafer. A gas supply line for introducing a purge gas is connected to an upper portion of the processing chamber, a valve being installed on the gas supply line. A rough pumping line with a valve a is connected to a lower portion of the processing chamber. Installed on the rough pumping line are a dry pump for exhausting a gas in the processing chamber and a particle monitoring unit for monitoring particles between the valve a and the dry pump. In the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, after the valve is opened, the purge gas is supplied to apply physical vibration due to shock wave in the processing chamber 100 so that deposits are detached therefrom to be monitored as particles.

Abstract: Systems for analyzing polarized light back-scattered from a sample are provided. An exemplary system comprises an optical beamsplitter, a polarization separator and an array of light detectors. The optical beamsplitter is operative to receive an incident ray of light, to direct at least a portion of the incident ray to a sample, to receive a back-scattered ray from the sample, and to reflect at least a portion of the back-scattered ray as a reflected back-scattered ray. The polarization separator is located to receive the reflected back-scattered ray and is operative to divide the reflected back-scattered ray into a transverse-electric (TE) component and a transverse-magnetic (TM) component. The array of light detectors is located to receive the TE component and the TM component and is operative to acquire information corresponding to the respective intensities of the TE component and the TM component simultaneously. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: A lidar, which includes a transmitter and a receiver, as well as an optical system, which is arranged to direct at least part of the light sent by the transmitter as a transmitter beam progressing towards an object and to define the receiver beam to the receiver, at least part of the light arriving from the zone of which is focussed on the receiver. The optical system of the lidar is implemented in such a way that the beams immediately in front of the lidar are located essentially outside of each and one of the beams at least partially surrounds the other beam. The optical system includes an integrated optical, which has a first area for forming the transmitter beam, and a second area for forming the receiver beam.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the use of visible and/or near-infrared spectroscopic methodology to monitor and control processes for the generation of particles, including processes that provide for a reduction in particle size and processes that result in an increase in particle size. One embodiment of the present invention employs visible and/or near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to monitor particle size. The present invention is particularly useful for monitoring particle size of optically dense samples and is further useful for monitoring the endpoint of particle generation processes. In contrast to methods known in the art, the present invention is especially useful for on-line monitoring of particle size.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing air outside a moving aircraft are presented. In one embodiment, a system includes a laser for generating laser energy. The system also includes one or more transceivers for projecting the laser energy as laser radiation to the air. Subsequently, 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 one or more air parameters based on the scattered laser radiation. Such air parameters may include air speed, air pressure, air temperature and aircraft orientation angle, such as yaw, angle of attack and sideslip.

Abstract: An inspection area on a semiconductor wafer can be examined using a photonic nanojet. The photonic nanojet, an optical intensity pattern induced at a shadow-side surface of a dielectric microsphere, is generated. The inspection area is scanned with the photonic nanojet. A measurement is obtained of the retroreflected light from the dielectric microsphere as the photonic nanojet scans the inspection area. The existence of a structure in the inspection area is determined with the obtained measurement of the retroreflected light.

Abstract: A coherent laser radar or lidar device (2;20;84;90) for measuring wind speed is described that comprises a transmitter for transmitting a beam of light to a remote probe volume (6;54), a receiver for detecting back-scattered light and an analyzer for calculating wind velocity at the remote probe volume from the Doppler shift in frequency of the detected back-scattered light. The analyzer is arranged to monitor for the presence of, and/or to ensure the calculated wind speed is corrected for, any Doppler frequency components of the detected back-scattered light that arise from back-scatter off cloud located at a range greater than the range of the remote probe volume. It is described how the lidar (2;20;84;90) may be scanned and wind velocity components calculated by fitting the scanned line of sight velocity values to a predetermined function. Furthermore, it is outlined how an initial fit may be performed to determine which points are to be used in this calculation.

Abstract: At least one second beam of light from a first beam of light generated by a laser is directed into an atmosphere. Light therefrom scattered by molecules or aerosols in the atmosphere is collected by at least one telescope as at least one light signal, which together with a reference beam from the first beam of light are simultaneously processed by an interferometer, and resulting fringe patterns are imaged onto a detector adapted to output a resulting at least one signal responsive thereto. In various aspects: a plurality of transversely separated light collectors collected the scattered light; at least two telescopes are associated with a common second beam of light; or the telescope is coupled to a gamble mount that provides for positioning a region of overlap of the second beam of light with the field of view of the telescope.

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

Abstract: Methods for enhancing the dynamic range for specific detection of one or more analytes in assays using scattered-light detectable particle labels. The methods involve utilizing variations in detection technique and/or signal processing to extend the dynamic range to either or both of lower and higher concentrations.

Abstract: A temperature sensing method in which pulses of optical radiation are launched by a laser diode (11) into an optical fibre (14) and optical radiation backscattered from the fibre is detected, the method comprising passing the backscattered radiation through a single optical filter (15) whereby a first signal is recorded at the anti-Stokes Raman wavelength from a signal launched by the laser diode in a laser mode and a second signal is recorded at the Rayleigh wavelength from a signal launched by the laser diode in a light emitting diode mode, and a comparison is made of the two signals to provide an indication of temperature.

Abstract: A spectrometer (100) includes a light source (102) providing output light (106) to the bundled input ends (108) of multiple light pipes (110). The light pipes (110) branch into sets (118) between their input ends (108) and output ends (114), with each set (118) illuminating a sample detector (126) (via a sample chamber (122)) for measuring light scattered or emitted by a sample, or a reference detector (128) for obtaining a reference/datum measurement of the supplied light, so that comparison of measurements from the sample detector (126) and the reference detector (128) allows compensation of the sample detector measurements for drift. Efficient and accurate measurement is further assured by arraying the multiple light pipes (110) in each set (118) about the input bundle (116) so that each set receives at least substantially the same amount of light from the light source (102).

Abstract: A remote sensing optical system and method is disclosed that permits detection and discrimination of aerosols. The system outputs a plurality of wavelengths and is equipped with a polarization sensitive receiver capable of measuring the scattered energy in two orthogonal polarization states. By normalizing the depolarization to the total energy received and calculating the ratio of normalized depolarization at different wavelengths it is possible to use this ratio to discriminate materials having wavelength dependent depolarization properties. One use is the discrimination of bioaerosols such as anthrax from other airborne particular matter.

Abstract: A laser remote sensing apparatus comprises a laser to provide collimated excitation light at a wavelength; a sensing optic, comprising at least one optical element having a front receiving surface to focus the received excitation light onto a back surface comprising a target sample and wherein the target sample emits a return light signal that is recollimated by the front receiving surface; a telescope for collecting the recollimated return light signal from the sensing optic; and a detector for detecting and spectrally resolving the return light signal. The back surface further can comprise a substrate that absorbs the target sample from an environment. For example the substrate can be a SERS substrate comprising a roughened metal surface. The return light signal can be a surface-enhanced Raman signal or laser-induced fluorescence signal. For fluorescence applications, the return signal can be enhanced by about 105, solely due to recollimation of the fluorescence return signal.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing simultaneous multi-point measurements of multiple velocity components in a gas flow is described. Pulses of laser light are directed to a measurement region of unseeded gas to produce Rayleigh or Mie scattered light in a plurality of directions. The Rayleigh or Mie scattered light is collected from multiple directions and combined in a single collimated light beam. The Rayleigh or Mie scattered light is then mixed together with a reference laser light before it is passed through a single planar Fabry-Perot interferometer for spectral analysis. At the output of the interferometer, a high-sensitivity CCD camera images the interference fringe pattern. This pattern contains the spectral and spatial information from both the Rayleigh scattered light and the reference laser light. Interferogram processing software extracts and analyzes spectral profiles to determine the velocity components of the gas flow at multiple points in the measurement region.

Abstract: A method for improving the accuracy of estimating concentration path length of a target molecule using a differential absorption LIDAR (DIAL) system. In particular, this method allows improved detection of plumes containing the target molecule against inhomogeneous background, such as uncovered ground or ground with various types of cover. In an embodiment of the present invention, spectral surface reflectivity variations are systematically corrected based on interpolation of surface reflectivity measurements of multiple offline beams of different wavelengths, which are relatively close to the online wavelength. In another embodiment, the signal to noise ratio of the received online pulse energy is improved by using multiple laser beams having the online wavelength and the signal to noise ratio of the received pulse energies at an offline wavelength is improved by using multiple laser beams having that offline wavelength.

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

Abstract: A long range eye-safe laser radar (LADAR) system for use in an environment where real-time non-cooperative identification of an object is required. In particular, a laser beam is aimed at an object, the laser energy reflected from the object is collected by a detector array for use in generating a composite of both a high resolution 3-Dimensional (3D) shape of the object and the object's high resolution micro-Doppler vibration spectrum, a characteristic of the object as unique as a fingerprint. The composite is then used to automatically identify the object by comparison to a database of similar composite sets of 3D shape and vibration spectrum information with the results of the identification conveyed to the user.

Abstract: A method for measuring a light flux backscattered by a dispersed medium located on one first side of a wall, by interaction with a plurality of light rays emitted from the second opposite side of the wall where the dispersed medium is located and towards the latter, the plurality of light rays being adapted to pass through the wall and being backscattered at least partly by the dispersed medium towards reception elements arranged on the second side of the wall. The method includes: emitting the plurality of light rays towards the dispersed medium and through the wall so as to form a backscattering spot having a central disc whose center corresponds to the luminous barycenter of the spot and whose radius is equal to four times the maximum free travel path (1*max) of the dispersed medium.

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

Abstract: A system and method of inspecting semiconductor wafers that is capable of determining a scattering power associated with a wafer surface defect whether or not the scattering power associated with the defect exceeds the dynamic range of the system. The scattering power of the detected defect is obtained by determining the height of a Gaussian shape representing data collected by the system. The height of the Gaussian shape may be determined by defining a cross-sectional area of the Gaussian shape at an intermediate height, determining a cross-sectional area value and combining the area value, intermediate height and a slope value m that is representative of a relationship between the area of a cross-section in a Gaussian pulse and the height of the pulse at the cross-section. The technique increases the dynamic range of the equipment with a uniform scan process that can determine all defect sizes in a single scan pass.

Abstract: A response period is determined arbitrarily. A satisfactory detecting ability may not be provided because of an artifact or the like contained in a signal. Therefore, an effective detection method and an effective display method of presenting results of detection must be developed. A series of tasks (stimuli) or a selected measurement signal is used as a reference signal, and a phase difference of any other measurement signal from the reference signal is calculated. The synchronousness of the phase of the measurement signal with the phase of the reference signal is numerically expressed. The thus obtained numerical value is statistically processed in order to numerically express a degree of reliability. Thus, a brain activity or a functional connectivity is visualized.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a distributed measurement comprises deploying an optical fibre in a measurement region of interest, and launching into it a first optical signal at a first wavelength ?0 and a high power level, a second optical signal at a second wavelength ??1, and a third optical signal at the first wavelength ?0 and a low power level. These optical signals generate backscattered light at the second wavelength ??1 arising from Raman scattering of the first optical signal which is indicative of a parameter to be measured, at the first wavelength ?0 arising from Rayleigh scattering of the first optical signal, at the second wavelength ?—1 arising from Rayleigh scattering of the second optical signal, and at the first wavelength ?0 arising from Rayleigh scattering of the third optical signal.

Abstract: In an optical measurement system and imaging method adapted to measure in vivo information in a living body without harming the living body, light rays of a plurality of wavelengths which are modulated in intensity with a plurality of different frequencies are irradiated on a plurality of irradiation positions on the surface of a living body, and time-variable changes in living body transmitting light intensity levels corresponding to the respective wavelengths and the respective irradiation positions are measured at different positions on the surface of the living body. Light is utilized to image the results of the measurements, in which the measuring time is shortened by estimating fluctuation attributable to the living body, and the presence or absence of a change in measured signal can be decided easily by displaying an estimation signal and a measured signal at a time.

Abstract: An aircraft docking system (115, 117) is configured to be located at a docking site (103, 105). The system comprises distance determining means configured to determine, using electromagnetic radiation signal reception means, at least a distance between the system and an aircraft (111, 113). The distance determining means are further configured to measure at least one property of a receiver signal received by the signal reception means, the property being related to the visibility at the docking site, compare said measure of the at least one receiver signal property with a thres-hold value and, depending on the comparison, provide a signal indicative of whether or not the visibility at the docking site is good enough to allow safe docking of the aircraft.

Abstract: A flat spatial response LIDAR apparatus for detecting particles within a short range is provided. The apparatus includes a light source projecting a light beam which is back-scattered by the particles to be detected. The back-scattered light is received, detected and analyzed. A spatial filter spatially filters the received back-scattered light in order to flatten the spatial response of the apparatus, so that a same concentration of particles at any distance within the short range will generate a signal of substantially the same intensity. This is for example accomplished by a properly profiled mask disposed in front of the detector, or a plurality of spatially distributed waveguides. As a result, the LIDAR apparatus can compensate for the 1/r2 dependence, or other dependences of the back-scattered light on the distance r.

Abstract: Methods are provided for measuring isotropic scattering coefficients of suspensions using multiply scattered radiation that is modulated in amplitude at selected modulation frequencies. The radiation may be light. Quantities describing diffusion of the multiply scattered radiation are preferably measured at a plurality of distances between source and receiver and a plurality of frequencies. Linear regression techniques are provided for maximizing accuracy of the scattering data at a selected wavelength of a radiation. Methods are provided for inversing an integral equation so as to determine a calculated value of scattering coefficient. Parameters are varied to minimize the difference between the calculated and measured scattering coefficients and thereby to determine volume fraction, particle size distribution and interparticle force between the particles in a suspension.

Abstract: A system (20) and method are disclosed for the self-calibrating, on-line determination of size distribution f(x) and volume fraction ? of a number of particles (P) dispersed in a medium (M) by detecting one or more propagation characteristics of multiply scattered light from the particles (P). The multiply scattered light is re-emitted in response to exposure to a light source (21) configured to provide light at selected wavelengths. The determination includes calculating the isotropic scattering and absorption coefficients for the particles (P) by comparing the incident and detected light to determine a measurement corresponding to the propagation time through the scattering medium (M), and iteratively estimating the size distribution f(x) and volume fraction ? as a function of the coefficients for each of the wavelengths. An estimation approach based on an expected form of the distribution and the mass of the particles is also disclosed.

Abstract: A photodetector includes a light emitting portion for applying light, a light receiving portion for sensing the light, and a light guiding member 3 for guiding the light from the light emitting portion to a surface to be measured and guiding detection light from the surface to be measured to the light receiving portion. The light guiding member has a sheet-like optical transmission medium, which is disposed at a portion facing to the surface to be measured and transmits the light by internal reflection. The sheet-like optical transmission member has an optical aperture facing to the surface to be measured.

Abstract: A compact particle sensor for detecting suspended particles includes a housing, a light source, a light receiver and a plurality of optical elements. The housing provides a test chamber and includes at least one opening for admitting particles into the test chamber, while simultaneously substantially preventing outside light from entering the test chamber. The light source is positioned for supplying a light beam within the test chamber. The plurality of optical elements are positioned to direct the light beam from the light source to the receiver, which is positioned to receive the light beam supplied by the light source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating the scattering properties of a transparency image comprises projecting radiation through the transparency image to form a transmitted beam of radiation; splitting the transmitted beam of radiation into at least two distinct beams of radiation, a first distinct beam and a second distinct beam; measuring a first amount of energy in the first distinct beam that corresponds to non-scattered light; measuring a second amount of energy in the second distinct beam that corresponds to scattered light; and comparing the first amount of energy to the second amount of energy to determine the proportion of the transmitted beam of radiation that is not scattered.

Abstract: A device is illustrated for detecting particles in a fluid that can detect smaller particles without the need for added power or space and can be implemented inexpensively. The device utilizes two mirrors and a photo-diode. The housing of the photo-electric diode is machined to form one of the mirrors. The mirrors have a special positioning so that the second mirror uses the first mirror to reflect light deflected by particles back to the photo-electric diode.

Abstract: A flow cytometer includes an optical flow cell through which particles to be characterized on the basis of at least their respective side-scatter characteristics are caused to flow seriatim. A plane-polarized laser beam produced by a laser diode is used to irradiate the particles as they pass through a focused elliptical spot having its minor axis oriented parallel to the particle flow path. Initially, the plane of polarization of the laser beam extends perpendicular to the path of particles through the flow cell. A half-wave plate or the like is positioned in the laser beam path to rotate the plane of polarization of the laser beam so that it is aligned with the path of particles before it irradiated particles moving along such path.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus comprising a measuring chip, an optical incidence system, a photodiode array, a differentiation part, and a computation part. The differentiation part differentiates an optical detection signal output from each light-receiving element, in a direction where light-receiving elements are juxtaposed, at intervals of outputs of two adjacent light-receiving elements. The computation part specifies a reference light-receiving element, then judges whether or not values of the optical detection signals of a first predetermined number of light-receiving elements increase monotonously in directions going to both sides, and computes a position of a dark line on the basis of a value obtained by differentiating the outputs of a second predetermined number of light-receiving elements sandwiching the reference light-receiving element when it is judged that the values of the optical detection signals increase monotonously, in the above-described direction.

Abstract: Optical emission spectra from a test wafer during a plasma process are measured using a spectrometer. The plasma charging voltage retained by (detected by) the test wafer is measured after the process step is completed. The emission spectra are correlated with the plasma charging voltage to identify the species contributing to the plasma charging voltage. The optical emission spectra are monitored in real time to optimize the plasma process to prevent plasma charging damage. The optical emission spectra are also monitored to control the plasma process drift.

Abstract: A fluid quality sensor system comprising a light source, a first light sensitive element disposed at a distance from the light source, forming a gap having dimensions suitable for permitting a fluid to flow therebetween, and aligned with the light source to receive light transmitted by the light source through the fluid, a second light sensitive element disposed perpendicular to a midpoint of a light path between the light source and the first light sensitive element, and a third light sensitive element disposed so as to form an acute angle at the midpoint with the light source.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting light scattered by a small particle (e.g., a blood cell) irradiated by a light beam comprises one or more photodetectors and a plurality of optical fibers that serve to optically couple the scattered light and the photodetector(s). To enhance the efficiency of such optical coupling, a portion of each of the optical fibers in the vicinity of its light-collecting end is supported so that its optical axis extends towards the light-scattering source. By this arrangement, scattered light enters each fiber from a direction substantially parallel to the fiber axis. Preferably, the light-collecting ends of the optical fibers are supported on a concave surface and so that the respective optical axes of the fibers converge at a point representing the apparent position of the light-scattering source, taking into account the refractive effects of an optical flow cell through which scattering is detected.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a plurality of spectroscopic systems and methods to measure characteristics of tissue useful in the diagnosis of disease. In a preferred embodiment, a combination of fluorescence, reflectance and light scattered spectra can be measured and processed to provide biochemical, architectural and morphological state of tissue. The methods and systems can be used particularly in the early detection of carcinoma within tissue in vivo and in vitro.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for detecting a target substance in an atmospheric target area. The target area is illuminated with a laser beam to produce back-scatter light from substances within the target area. The back-scatter light is combined with a sample of the target substance within a hollow core fiber that has been pumped with a laser spectrum identical to the illuminating bean. If a back-scatter spectrum matches the pumped sample in the hollow core fiber, stimulated Raman scattering emissions can occur, which provide optical gain for the matching spectrum. A detector analyzes the amplified matching spectrum to identify the target substance. The disclosed apparatus may be expanded to detect multiple target substances simultaneously by using hollow core fibers containing different target samples.

Abstract: A back-scatter detector for detecting light scattered backwardly (i.e., reflected) by an irradiated particle such as a blood cell comprises a plurality of optical fibers. A fiber optic holder having a centrally located opening for passing a light beam used to irradiate particles at a particle-interrogation zone serves to position the light-collecting ends at a desired position to collect back-scattered light. Preferably, the light-collecting ends of the optical fibers are positioned in a circular pattern centered about the irradiating light beam, and the respective axes of the supported portions of the optical fibers extend either parallel to the beam axis, or, more preferably, so that they converge at or near the location of the scattering source, i.e., the irradiated particle or cell. The latter configuration assures that the back-scatter light enters the fiber end substantially parallel to the fiber axis, thereby reducing optical transmission loses in the fiber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing air outside a moving aircraft are presented. In one embodiment, a system includes a laser for generating laser energy. The system also includes one or more transceivers for projecting the laser energy as laser radiation to the air. Subsequently, 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 one or more air parameters based on the scattered laser radiation. Such air parameters may include air speed, air pressure, air temperature and aircraft orientation angle, such as yaw, angle of attack and sideslip.

Abstract: A compact particle sensor for fdetecting suspended particles includes a housing, a light source, a light receiver and a plurality of optical elements. The housing provides a test chamber and includes at least one opening for admitting particles into the test chamber, while simultaneously substantially preventing outside light from entering the test chamber. The light source is positioned for supplying a light beam within the test chamber. The plurality of optical elements are positioned to direct the light beam from the light source to the receiver, which is positioned to receive the light beam supplied by the light source.

Abstract: A system for automatically correcting flight path of an aircraft onto a predetermined trajectory is provided. A sensor is configured to sense speed and direction of air relative to the aircraft at a predetermined distance in front of the aircraft. A navigation system is configured to determine displacement of a flight path of the aircraft from a predetermined trajectory. A processor is coupled to receive the sensed speed and direction of air from the sensor and the displacement of the flight path from the navigation system. The processor includes a first component that is configured to determine whether the speed of the air at the predetermined distance is indicative of turbulence, and a second component that is configured to automatically generate control signals to correct the flight path of the aircraft from the displacement onto the predetermined trajectory by a time when the aircraft enters the turbulence.

Abstract: A particle sizing method and apparatus of the PIDS type uses randomly polarized radiation to irradiate a particle sample. Portions of the resulting side scattering pattern are decomposed to simultaneously produce, for each decomposed portion, first and second linearly polarized beams of radiation in which the respective planes of polarization of the two beams are mutually perpendicular. Each of the polarized beams is focused onto a photodetector, and the respective photodetector outputs are differentiated to provide PIDS signals that are useful in calculating a particle size distribution for the sample.

Abstract: A method for controlling both the scattering and absorption of electromagnetic waves. The method is based on prescribing the sizes of the particles that are suspended in a specified medium and a ratio of the refractive indices of the particles and the medium. This method can be used in applications that require maximizing or minimizing scattering of electromagnetic waves. The present method can also be used in applications that require maximizing or minimizing absorption of electromagnetic waves. Further, the invention provides control of backscattering (radar cross section) and, controlling any combination of scattering, absorption and backscattering of electromagnetic waves. Applications for the present method include stealth technology, friend or foe identification, and defensive screening.

Abstract: The analytical method having both flow cytometery and cytodiagnosis functions comprises the steps of: preparing a sample containing particulate substances such as cells and viruses; injecting the sample into a plate-like sample container; centrifuging the sample container; and using the sample container in which a distribution of the particulate substances has been formed as a preparation for analysis. The preparation is scanned with a laser beam to obtain analytical data. An analytical device for this method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mass-flow sensor that measures the mass flow of conveyed reflective materials, such as cotton, in a stream of air or non-opaque fluid. In particular, the mass-flow sensor of the present invention may be used with a GPS receiver as a cotton yield monitor when mounted on a cotton harvester. It can also be used to measure mass flow of the various cotton component streams in a cotton gin. The mass flow measurements may be made non-intrusively and in real time. The present invention also relates to a method for measuring mass flow using the mass-flow sensor of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to optical probes of optical imaging systems and methods thereof for providing two-or three-dimensional images of spatial or temporal distribution of chromophores and/or their properties in a physiological medium. More particularly, the present invention relates to optical probes of optical imaging systems equipped with optical sensors such as wave sources and wave detectors which are disposed on scanning surfaces of the optical probes in a symmetric fashion. A typical optical probe of the present invention includes at least two wave sources (a first wave source and a second wave source) as well as at least two wave detectors (a first wave detector and a second wave detector), where the first wave source is disposed closer to the first wave detector than the second wave detector, and where the second wave source is disposed closer to the second wave detector than the first wave detector.

Abstract: The Laser Induced Fluorescence Attenuation Spectroscopy (LIFAS) method and apparatus preferably include a source adapted to emit radiation that is directed at a sample volume in a sample to produce return light from the sample, such return light including modulated return light resulting from modulation by the sample, a first sensor, displaced by a first distance from the sample volume for monitoring the return light and generating a first signal indicative of the intensity of return light, a second sensor, displaced by a second distance from the sample volume, for monitoring the return light and generating a second signal indicative of the intensity of return light, and a processor associated with the first sensor and the second sensor and adapted to process the first and second signals so as to determine the modulation of the sample.