Abstract: A laser ablation chamber, which is suitable for use in a conventional laser-assisted micro dissection unit (LMD), in combination with the LMD allows for both quantitative spatially resolved nanolocal analysis and distribution analysis of element concentrations of a sample, and a microscopic detection of the surface topography of the same sample, in the nanometer range. Optionally, further examinations may follow, without having to remove the sample from a microscope slide bearing the sample. For the examination, a region of the sample to be analyzed is selected with the aid of a microscope of a LMD. For this purpose, the sample is located on the lower face of a cover slip (microscope slide), which also forms part of a laser ablation chamber mounted beneath the microscope slide and inside the LMD. A portion of the sample is ablated and analyzed.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method including exposing a first fluid to a pre-filter, observing the first fluid, introducing a second fluid to the first fluid, exposing the first and second fluids to a filter, and observing the first and second fluids wherein the observing the first fluid and observing the first and second fluids comprise optical measurements and the first fluid comprises material from a subterranean formation. Some embodiments may compare the optical measurements of the first fluid and the first and second fluids and/or estimate the first fluid's likelihood of forming precipitants with other fluids and/or the first fluid's asphaltene content.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for optical visualization of graphene domains, and more particularly to a method for optical visualization of graphene domains, which can optically visualize the domains and domain boundaries of graphene by forming on a substrate a graphene layer to be measured, forming a liquid crystal layer on the formed graphene layer, and then measuring the optical properties of the formed nematic liquid crystal layer. The method for optical visualization of graphene domains according to the invention uses a liquid crystal-coating method, which is simpler and easier than a conventional method for observing graphene domains. Thus, the method of the invention is simple, time-saving and inexpensive and, at the same time, enables very-large-area graphene domains to be observed with a polarizing microscope or the like. Therefore, the inventive method will be very useful in the research of graphene's properties.

Abstract: The invention encompasses analyzers and analyzer systems that include a single molecule analyzer, methods of using the analyzer and analyzer systems to analyze samples, either for single molecules or for molecular complexes. The single molecule uses electromagnetic radiation that is translated through the sample to detect the presence or absence of a single molecule. The single molecule analyzer provided herein is useful for diagnostics because the analyzer detects single molecules with zero carryover between samples.

Abstract: A device for performing target activated transfer that includes a mounting surface for mounting a tissue sample; and a light source positioned to substantially uniformly irradiate both stained and unstained regions of the tissue sample with light energy that activates the reagent to selectively adhere the stained regions to a transfer surface. Also described is an automated system for transferring tissue from a tissue sample to a transfer substrate. The system includes means for holding a tissue section that includes targets specifically stained with an absorptive stain thereby resulting in a stained tissue surface, and a flexible transfer film that includes a lower thermoplastic layer in sufficient thermal contact with the stained tissue surface; an irradiating assembly configured to provide a predetermined uniform light dose to the entire tissue section; and means for applying a constant pressure to the transfer film during irradiation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for controlling the metallic gloss of a coating resulting from a coating composition, such as automotive OEM or refinish paint, that contains flakes, such as metallic aluminum flakes. Thus, by adjusting the amount of flattener added to the coating composition, the gloss of a coating resulting therefrom can be controlled from glossy to flat (matte) finish. The process includes measuring reflectance (L-value) of a layer of the coating composition applied over a test substrate by using gloss prediction device of the present invention. The metallic gloss of a coating resulting from the layer is then measured. The process is repeated with varying amounts of one or more flatteners added to the composition and the metallic gloss vs. reflectance is plotted on a graph. Then by means of a curve fitting equation, a metallic gloss prediction curve is plotted.

Abstract: A device, system, and methods are disclosed for detecting the presence or determining a quantitative amount of at least one drug substance from exhaled breath of a subject in-situ. A collecting surface has a Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS)-active layer that comprises at least one SERS-active material. The collecting surface is arranged as an outer surface of a waveguide for contact with exhaled breath, such that at least traces of said at least one drug substance in said exhaled breath can contact said SERS-active layer for read-out of a Raman shift spectrum that is detected in-situ for said detecting the presence or determining the quantitative amount of said at least one drug substance from said exhaled breath.

Abstract: A system includes a cold cell tube configured to receive a mixture of a target gas and a buffer gas to cool the target gas to a temperature at which a partial pressure of the target gas is greater than the saturated vapor pressure of the target gas while maintaining at least a portion of the target gas in the gas phase. The system also includes a spectroscopic module configured to detect the cooled target gas in the cold cell tube; and an analysis module configured to determine a characteristic of the target gas based on the results of the detecting.

Abstract: A sample container (20) for receptacle devices for receiving biological objects that may be used for example as collecting devices (30) in laser microdissection systems is described, in which the sample container (20) has a coding (23) with the aid of which the sample holder in the laser microdissection system can be unambiguously identified in order subsequently to be able to allocate correctly biological objects (43) to be dissected to individual receptacle containers (31) of the identified receptacle device (30) or of the identified sample holder (20), so as to carry out a fully automated microdissection procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the light scattering properties of a sample in a liquid medium, wherein the liquid medium with the sample is illuminated by a laser beam in a measuring cell transversely to the direction of filling the liquid medium in the measuring cell or transversely to the flow direction of the liquid medium within the measuring cell, comprising a laser, a cylindrical measuring cell, a first inner aperture system, a second outer aperture system and at least two detectors, wherein the detectors are arranged outside of the second outer aperture system so that they collect the light scattered on the sample within set, different angle ranges, wherein the first inner aperture system and the second outer aperture system are formed and arranged circularly and concentrically around the axis of the measuring cell. Use of the apparatus and a method that makes use of the apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pre-treatment method for analyzing a specified portion in a specimen composed of a biological tissue includes the steps of preparing a specimen to be analyzed, determining a specified portion in the specimen; and applying an analysis inhibitor to a portion except the specified portion of the specimen using a droplet spray method.

Abstract: A method for measuring defects in a silicon substrate obtained by silicon ingot pulling, wherein the defects have a size of less than 20 nm. The method includes applying a first defect consolidation heat treatment to the substrate at a temperature of between 750 and 850° C. for a time of between 30 minutes and 1 hour to consolidate the defects; applying a second defect enlargement heat treatment to the substrate at a temperature of between 900 and 1000° C. for a time of between 1 hour and 10 hour to enlarge the defects to a size of greater than or equal to 20 nm, with the enlarged defects containing oxygen precipitates; measuring size and density of the enlarged defects in a surface layer of the substrate; and calculating the initial size of the defects on the basis of the measurements of the enlarged defects.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method for detecting substances, such as explosives and/or drugs, using, in part, short bursts of energy light from a relatively low energy strobe. Embodiments include coupling the strobe with a detector for use in a portable hand-held unit, or a unit capable of being carried as a backpack. Embodiments further include placement of one or more stroboscopic desorption units and detectors in luggage conveyors systems, carry-on X-ray machines, and check-in counter locations. Embodiments further comprise the use of a strobe or another energy source to assist in maintaining the integrity of a SERS substrate surface operatively associated with the detector system, wherein the SERS substrate may be positioned in hand wand spaced apart from at least a portion of the detector. In another embodiment, the Raman excitation source may be located directly in the hand wand of a portable stroboscopic detection system.

Abstract: A method and a device for providing a predeterminable concentration of at least one component in a microscopic sample liquid medium are described. The device includes a feeding device for the at least one component. Measurement data are determined, measuring a predeterminable parameter using a microscopic method. The concentration of the at least one component is adjusted or controlled via the feeding device based on the basis of measurement data.

Abstract: A sample is cleaned up for spectroscopic analysis by receiving a slide substrate having the sample thereon, fixing the sample to a substrate surface of the slide substrate by applying heat to the slide substrate for a predetermined heating time and incubating the sample on the slide substrate for a predetermined incubation time after fixing the sample to the slide substrate. The sample is further cleaned by washing the sample on the slide substrate after the sample has been incubated and drying the sample by applying heat to the slide substrate for a predetermined drying time, wherein the sample on the slide substrate after drying has retained particles of interest and interferant particles are removed from the substrate. A substrate is also provided for sample collection, which is culturable and Raman silent.

Abstract: The invention comprises a slide preparation apparatus and method of operation therefor for aiding in microscope slide preparation. The slide preparation apparatus includes an inclined plane surface configured to support a microscope slide assembly at an angle that ergonomically facilitates delivery of a fluid sample to an upper edge of a cover slip of the microscope slide assembly, which allows gravity to aid fluid delivery a microscope slide. Preferably, the slide preparation apparatus is heated and/or temperature controlled to reduce viscosity of the sampled fluid, which enables the fluid to flow between the microscope slide and the cover slip.

Abstract: There are provided methods and systems for precisely controlling the surfactant concentration and character of ferroelectric nanoparticles in a ferroelectric liquid crystal dispersion. In an aspect, the invention provides an efficient FTIR technique to characterize the status and measure the distribution of the surfactant in ferroelectric particle dispersion. This allows for establishing a reproducible fabrication process for ferroelectric nanoparticle liquid crystal dispersions. The methods also maintain the nanoparticles ferroelectricity, which is provided by the addition of surfactant during a comminution process. The invention therefore optimizes both the milling time (to achieve small particle size and narrow size distribution) and surfactant concentration (to maintain the ferroelectricity during milling).

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for classifying different parts of a sample into respective classes based on an image stack that includes one or more images.

Abstract: The invention encompasses analyzers and analyzer systems that include a single molecule analyzer, methods of using the analyzer and analyzer systems to analyze samples, either for single molecules or for molecular complexes. The single molecule uses electromagnetic radiation that is translated through the sample to detect the presence or absence of a single molecule. The single molecule analyzer provided herein is useful for diagnostics because the analyzer detects single molecules with zero carryover between samples.

Abstract: A laser capture microdissection system includes a laser illuminator, a fiber and an electric moving stage. The fiber has a probe terminal and a coupling terminal for being coupled to the laser illuminator. The electric moving stage includes a fiber probe holder, a driving mechanism for vertical shift, a stage unit, a driving mechanism for horizontal shift and an electronic control unit. The driving mechanism for vertical shift serves for driving the fiber probe holder to shift in microscale. The stage unit has a nanoscale shift controller, a placing portion, wherein the nano-scale shift controller is connected to the placing portion, and the placing portion is located under the fiber probe holder. The driving mechanism for horizontal shift serves for driving the stage unit to shift in microscale. The electronic control unit is electrically connected to the nanoscale shift controller and the driving mechanism for horizontal shift.

Abstract: The described apparatus for analyzing a biological sample includes a first analysis instrument fluidly connected to a reservoir for receiving a first flow of the biological fluid and adapted for performing a measurement of a property of the biological sample. A second analysis instrument is fluidly connected to the reservoir for receiving a second flow of the biological fluid and adapted for performing a thermally controlled analysis of the biological sample. The second analysis instrument includes a thermally controlled chamber. A flow stopping device stops the second flow within the thermally controlled chamber in order to allow the second analysis instrument to perform the thermally controlled analysis of the biological sample. The first analysis instrument may include, for example, a hematology analyzer or a flow cytometer, and the second analysis instrument may include, for example, a dynamic light scattering instrument.

Abstract: A sample preparation apparatus comprising: a detector for detecting a predetermined cell included in a biological sample; a sample preparation section for preparing a measurement sample from the biological sample and a predetermined reagent; and a controller configured to generate, based on a detection result by the detector, concentration information reflecting a concentration of the predetermined cell in the biological sample and to control, based on the concentration information, the amount of the biological sample supplied to the sample preparation section.

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

Abstract: The invention comprises the use of one or more charged surfactants in preparations having an antiperspirant effect for reducing staining in or on clothing and improving improvement the ability of stains to be washed out of the clothing.

Abstract: The present specification discloses an automated method and apparatus useful for separating and harvesting cells of interest, e.g., mononuclear cells, in a whole blood sample. The method of the invention uses the aspirating/dispensing probe of an automated sample preparation instrument to underlay a density gradient medium beneath a whole blood sample in a centrifugation tube, and the same probe is used to harvest cells of interest from a cell layer formed in the tube as a result of a centrifugation step. In harvesting cells, the probe is advanced inside the tube by a fixed, predetermined distance at which the probe tip (i.e., its aspiration port) is known to be located at, or within a predetermined distance below, the bottom of the cell layer. A predetermined volume of liquid is then aspirated through the probe tip, whereby most cells of interest (and more than 90% of those cells that can be harvested by a flawless manual method) are removed from the cell layer and collected for analysis.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a platform for placement of a sample or an animal to be imaged, and at least one excitation light source for irradiating the sample or animal to stimulate an emission at a plurality of different center wavelengths. An acousto-optic tunable filter (AOTF) is provided that includes a piezoelectric transducer crystal for emitting an acoustic wave having a ground electrode disposed on one side of the piezoelectric crystal. A patterned electrode layer is disposed on a side of the piezoelectric crystal opposite the ground electrode. The patterned electrode layer includes a continuous region proximate to its center and a discontinuous region, a pattern in the discontinuous region comprising a plurality of spaced apart features electrically connected to the continuous region, and an AO interaction crystal receiving the acoustic wave attached to the ground electrode or the patterned electrode layer.

Abstract: Methods disclosed herein include: (a) determining positions of a plurality of cells based on one or more images of the cells; (b) for at least some of the plurality of cells, generating a matrix that includes two-dimensional information about positions of neighboring cells, and determining one or more numerical features based on the information in the matrix; and (c) classifying the at least some of the plurality of cells as belonging to at least one of multiple classes based on the numerical features.

Abstract: An optical detection process relates to detecting micron- or submicron-sized particles or organisms by means of a contact imaging device, the particles or organisms being immersed in a liquid droplet and the detection being carried out by means of a matrix of photosensitive cells or photosites. The process includes one detection step or a succession of detection steps carried out while the liquid droplet is evaporating. The process may also include a detection step carried out after the liquid droplet has evaporated. The process allows a three-dimensional distribution of the particles or organisms in the initial unevaporated droplet to be reconstructed.

Abstract: A water quality evaluation method capable of evaluating quality of water to be evaluated with high precision and a substrate contacting apparatus used in the water quality evaluation method are provided. The substrate contacting apparatus 10 has a sealing performance keeping the interior at a vacuum degree lower than or equal to ?0.094 MPa. A substrate W is accommodated in the substrate contacting apparatus 10 and water to be evaluated is fed therein, after stopping feeding water, the interior of the substrate contacting apparatus 10 is sealed, and the substrate contacting apparatus 10 is sent to an analysis device with the substrate W accommodated therein.

Abstract: The invention provides ways to determine the impact of diluting a solution wherein the diluting may be carried out for any of a variety of purposes. In one embodiment, the method enables accurate volume dispensation calculations independent of meniscus shape. In another embodiment, the method enables accurate determination of plate washing efficiency. In yet another embodiment, the method enables the accurate determination of dilution ratio over a plurality of dilution steps. The methods described may be carried out using one or more systems arranged to perform the steps. A kit of the invention includes instructions for carrying out the steps of the methods and, optionally, one or more solutions suitable for conducting photometric measurements.

Abstract: A rapid-sampling stochastic scanning multiphoton multifocal microscopy (SS-MMM) fluorescence imaging technique enables multiparticle tracking at rates upwards of 1,000 times greater than conventional single point raster scanning. Stochastic scanning of a diffractive optical element may generate a 10×10 hexagonal array of foci with a white noise driven galvanometer to yield a scan pattern that is random yet space-filling. SS-MMM may create a more uniformly sampled image with fewer spatio-temporal artifacts than obtained by conventional or multibeam raster scanning.

Abstract: Methods and devices for cutting and collecting dissected specimens are described herein.

Abstract: There is provided a method and device for remote sampling, preparation and optical interrogation of a sample using light scattering and light absorption methods. The portable device is a filtration-based device that removes interfering background particle material from the sample matrix by segregating or filtering the chosen analyte from the sample solution or matrix while allowing the interfering background particles to be pumped out of the device. The segregated analyte is then suspended in a diluent for analysis. The device is capable of calculating an initial concentration of the analyte, as well as diluting the analyte such that reliable optical measurements can be made. Suitable analytes include cells, microorganisms, bioparticles, pathogens and diseases. Sample matrixes include biological fluids such as blood and urine, as well as environmental samples including waste water.

Abstract: A sample analyzer for analyzing a biological sample is disclosed that comprising: a measurement specimen preparation section for preparing a measurement specimen by using a reagent and the biological sample; a irradiator for irradiating the measurement specimen with a light; a first light receiving section for receiving a light from the measurement specimen and converting the received light into an electrical signal; a analysis section for analyzing the measurement specimen based on the electrical signal output by the first light receiving section; and a selection section for selecting an intensity of light to be irradiated by the irradiator, wherein the irradiator is configured to irradiate with a light of an intensity corresponding to the light intensity selected by the selection section.

Abstract: A device having an air sampler, an electrospray apparatus, and a fluorescence excitation and detection system. The air sampler is capable of moving air suspected of containing a biological or chemical aerosol particle into a chamber. The electrospray apparatus is capable of spraying a charged solution into the chamber to coat the aerosol particles with a coating. The solution has a fluorescent-labeled biological or chemical marker capable of specific binding to the aerosol particle. The fluorescence system is capable of detecting fluorescence of the fluorescent label in the coating. A method of detecting the aerosol particle by: moving air suspected of containing the aerosol particle into a chamber; spraying the charged solution into the chamber with an electrospray apparatus, such that a coating of the solution is formed around the particle; exciting the fluorescent label; and detecting fluorescence of the fluorescent label.

Abstract: To perform accurate measurement in the analysis of chemical components with low concentration, pretreatment such as concentration and purification of samples is essential. For high-throughput of pretreatment of biological samples, various random clinical testing is encountered, where analytes change from sample to sample. The pretreatment apparatus has a separating agent selectively separating a specific component by allowing a sample solution to flow therethrough. A holding section holds a plurality of housing sections, which house the separating agent therein, and has an endless track. A pressurizing section applies pressure to the housing section in a continuous and random-accessible manner; and an extraction solution receiver mechanism selectively receives an extracted solution from the separating agent housed in the housing section. A mass spectrometer is connected to the pretreatment apparatus. Thus, a large number of specimens can be simultaneously processed.

Abstract: The present invention includes a microscope and a method for using the microscope for single molecule with reduced photobleaching of a fluorophore (20) that includes a light translucent material (16); a metal layer (18) disposed on the light translucent material (16); a medium (15) disposed on the metal layer (18), the medium (15) having one or more fluorophores (20) capable of binding a target analyte (e.g.

Abstract: A biochip for implementing analysis on the basis of the distribution of a quantity of light of fluorescent light generated at sites disposed thereon, the biochip having, markers formed thereon and defined previously in a positional relationship relative to the sites; and a processor for recognizing positions of the sites on the biochip on the basis of the positions of the markers, wherein the markers are formed of at least one of dyes, pigment, metal colloid bonded to biopolymer, dyes bonded to biopolymer, and pigment bonded to biopolymer.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for classifying different parts of a sample into respective classes based on an image stack that includes one or more images.

Abstract: There are provided methods and systems for precisely controlling the surfactant concentration and character of ferroelectric nanoparticles in a ferroelectric liquid crystal dispersion. In an aspect, the invention provides an efficient FTIR technique to characterize the status and measure the distribution of the surfactant in ferroelectric particle dispersion. This allows for establishing a reproducible fabrication process for ferroelectric nanoparticle liquid crystal dispersions. The methods also maintain the nanoparticles ferroelectricity, which is provided by the addition of surfactant during a comminution process. The invention therefore optimizes both the milling time (to achieve small particle size and narrow size distribution) and surfactant concentration (to maintain the ferroelectricity during milling).

Abstract: In relation with a laser-induced transport process of an object from a carrier to a collecting device, the invention provides a collecting medium in the collecting device in a liquid state. Prior to the laser-induced transport process, the object is separated from a mass on the carrier by laser irradiation. After the laser-induced transport process, the object, thus selected and separated, is transferred together with the collecting medium to a destination, for example, a container, for further treatment. To this end, a manipulation system for liquids is provided, the system permitting manipulation of the collecting medium with the object contained therein with a high degree of reliability and a high throughput.

Abstract: The invention provides ways to determine the impact of diluting a solution wherein the diluting may be carried out for any of a variety of purposes. In one embodiment, the method enables accurate volume dispensation calculations independent of meniscus shape. In another embodiment, the method enables accurate determination of plate washing efficiency. In yet another embodiment, the method enables the accurate determination of dilution ratio over a plurality of dilution steps. The methods described may be carried out using one or more systems arranged to perform the steps. A kit of the invention includes instructions for carrying out the steps of the methods and, optionally, one or more solutions suitable for conducting photometric measurements.

Abstract: The invention encompasses analyzers and analyzer systems that include a single molecule analyzer, methods of using the analyzer and analyzer systems to analyze samples, either for single molecules or for molecular complexes. The single molecule uses electromagnetic radiation that is translated through the sample to detect the presence or absence of a single molecule. The single molecule analyzer provided herein is useful for diagnostics because the analyzer detects single molecules with zero carryover between samples.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for cross-sectional scanning of parts employ a scanning station in which the focal plane of the scanning apparatus never moves in the vertical direction, i.e., the direction in which the stage of the part/potting combination moves. Distinct steps of material removal and scanning alternate with an intermediate step of moving the part/potting combination in the vertical direction after a surface layer has been removed, thus placing the newly-created surface back into the non-moving focal plane for the next scanning step. A removal station (not the stage carrying the part/potting combination) repeatedly moves into and out of the field of view of the scanning station between scanning steps. The material removal station is specially configured to remove the desired surface layer of the part/potting combination and the created debris, without requiring the separate environment characteristic of previous commercial applications.

Abstract: A microdissection method for separating and taking a target zone of a biological preparation, disposed on a carrier device with a laser light-absorbent incisable layer and a carrier means, comprises cutting the preparation and the incisable layer along an edge segment of the target zone and removing of a non-excised segment of the incisable layer from the carrier means.

Abstract: The invention relates to embodiments of an optical system for luminescence determination, comprising two or more excitation light sources, a sensor platform and an optical component with several discrete facets for beam deflection towards the sensor platform. Further subjects of the invention are methods for luminescence determination with an optical system according to the invention and analytical systems, as well as the use of these methods for quantitative affinity sensing and for various other applications. The aim of the present invention is to provide optical and analytical measuring devices for highly sensitive detection of one or more analytes, using a multitude of measurement areas on a common carrier.

Abstract: Provided are procedures and arrangements for determining composition of cored welding wire electrodes. A portion of a length of a cored welding wire electrode is detached, to serve as a sample portion. The sample portion is provided to a digestion vessel, where it is digested into a sample solution. The sample solution is provided to an analytical device which analyzes the sample solution to determine the elements and concentrations of elements which comprise the sample solution.

Abstract: A fluid analysis apparatus includes a cell body having a chamber disposed therein for containing fluid during analysis thereof. The chamber is specifically configured to operably and statically secure a radiant energy guiding member solely through surface-to-surface interaction.

Abstract: An automated method for classifying a cytological sample is provided. The method comprises interrogating the sample with one or more wavelengths of light to obtain a result, and then attaching one or more designators to the sample based on whether the result meets a given criterion. The method allows for rapid feedback on the characteristics of the sample, permitting automated designation of the sample as positive for a given characteristic, and allowing for immediate remedial actions if the sample fails to meet the criterion.

Abstract: A diagnostic test device comprises means for sampling a liquid biological sample and means for reacting the sample with at least one reagent to provide one or more visible indicia. The device also comprises an optical detector for detecting the presence of the one or more indicia. The device also comprises means for causing at least part of the optical detector to move over the one or more indicia.