Abstract: A system and related method for improved liquid delivery evaluation using a solution containing one or more dyes such that the solution exhibits multiple distinct detectable light absorbance spectral features for calibrating or testing over extended volume or dilution ranges are described. The system includes: a photometric instrument capable of measuring optical absorbance at multiple wavelengths; one or more sample solutions to be dispensed using the liquid delivery system whose performance is being tested or calibrated; and vessels optionally pre-filled, or filled by the user, with diluent solution. The sample solutions contain one or more dyes, chosen so that multiple distinct detectable light absorbance spectral features, such as peaks and/or valleys and/or plateaus of the solution can be distinguished for volume or dilution ranges of interest.

Abstract: A sample acquiring device for volumetric enumeration of thrombocytes in a blood sample is provided which comprises a measurement cavity for receiving a blood sample. The measurement cavity has a predetermined fixed thickness. The sample acquiring device further comprises a reagent, which is arranged in a dried form on a surface defining the measurement cavity. The reagent comprises a haemolyzing agent for lysing red blood cells in the blood sample, and optionally a staining agent for selectively staining thrombocytes in the blood sample. A system comprises the sample acquiring device and a measurement apparatus. The measurement apparatus comprises a sample acquiring device holder, a light source, and an imaging system for acquiring a digital image of a magnification of the sample. The measurement apparatus further comprises an image analyzer arranged to analyze the acquired digital image for determining the number of thrombocytes in the blood sample.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analyzing biological cells and other particles using an external laser cavity. Microfluidic channels contain and transport biological cells to be analyzed. A laser diode provides light for cell analysis. An external cavity is provided between one surface of the laser diode and a mirror opposite thereto. A microlens set focuses the light on only one cell as it passes through the external cavity. The presence of the cell in the external cavity gives a weak feedback toward the laser diode. The emission frequency and the output power of the laser are both functions of the length of the external cavity. Therefore, the variation of cavity length can be deduced from these parameters, where the variation is caused by changing the refractive index or size of the cell in the cavity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for forming an optical trap with light directed through or above a semiconductor material. A preferred embodiment selected light-trapping wavelengths that have lower absorption by the semiconductor. A preferred embodiment provides for an optical trapping through semiconductor employing a thin silicon (Si) wafer as a substrate. Further embodiments of the invention provide for microchannel fabrication, force probe measurement, sorting, switching and other active manipulation and assembly using an optical trap.

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: Described herein is a method and system for providing a countermeasure against laser detection systems using nanocomponent material that is tailored to cloak or obscure a target from detection by transmitted laser radiation. The nanodot material absorbs and/or down-converts the transmitted laser radiation. Similarly, described herein is a method and system for providing a countermeasure against laser systems intended to blind a target through the use of a specifically engineered nanocomponent material for absorbing and/or down-converting the radiation from the laser system.

Abstract: A chemical vapor sensor is provided that passively measures a suspect chemical species of interest with high sensitivity and chemical specificity, for use with safety systems. A vapor concentrator amplifies a suspect chemical vapor concentration to a detectible level, for use with an infrared detector. Compensation is provided for environmental variations that may influence the passive measurement of the chemical vapor sensor. Environmental variations may include extrinsic vapors in the surrounding air, or air currents that divert the sample vapor as it drifts from the suspect vapor source to a sampling intake. In an example, ethanol vapor is measured and carbon dioxide tracer measurements are used to calculate an ethanol vapor measurement that is adjusted for environmental variations. In an aspect, a time artifact filter sets the output of the carbon dioxide sensor to match the time dependence of the ethanol sensor, to calculate blood alcohol concentration.

Abstract: A transparent plastic slide has a recessed chamber which receives a transparent plastic cover. The cover has a fluid inlet opening which overlies a recessed center well in the slide. The well has a sloping ramp which extends to a viewing platform which has a surface which is closely spaced from the underside of the cover to define a constant thickness viewing cavity surrounding the well. An overflow channel surrounds the viewing platform. A vent hole extends through the cover above the overflow channel. The sample is introduced into the center well through the fluid inlet opening. The fluid flows into the viewing cavities by capillary action, and is free to overflow the viewing cavities and be received within the overflow channel, thus reducing boundary effects. An inlet port may be provided above the viewing platform to permit substances to be added to a sample while it is under observation.

Abstract: A method of removing a target from a biological sample which involves placing a transfer surface in contact with the biological sample, and then focally altering the transfer surface to allow selective separation of the target from the biological sample. In disclosed embodiments, the target is a cell or cellular component of a tissue section and the transfer surface is a film that can be focally altered to adhere the target to the transfer surface. Subsequent separation of the film from the tissue section selectively removes the adhered target from the tissue section. The transfer surface is activated from within the target to adhere the target to the transfer surface, for example by heating the target to adhere it to a thermoplastic transfer surface. Such in situ activation can be achieved by exposing the biological sample to an immunoreagent that specifically binds to the target (or a component of the target).

Abstract: A chemical vapor sensor is provided that passively measures a chemical species of interest with high sensitivity and chemical specificity. In an aspect, ethanol vapor in a vehicle cabin is measured, and sufficient sensitivity is provided to passively detect a motor vehicle driver that exceeds a legal limit of blood alcohol concentration (BAC), for use with vehicle safety systems. The sensor can be situated in an inconspicuous vehicle cabin location and operate independently without requiring active involvement by a driver. A vapor concentrator is utilized to amplify a sampled vapor concentration to a detectible level for use with an infrared (IR) detector. In an aspect, in comparison to conventional chemical sensors, the sensitivity of detection of ethanol vapor is increased by a factor of about 1,000. Further, a single channel of infrared detection is utilized avoiding spurious infrared absorption and making the chemical vapor sensor less costly to implement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biochip comprising a substrate presenting a reflecting main surface and wherein the main surface presents localized sites that are made sensitive to fluorescence detection by a transparent layer having optical thickness (2k+1)?/4 where k is a positive or zero integer and where ? designates a wavelength lying between a wavelength ?0 at which fluorescence is excited and a wavelength ?1 at which fluorescence is emitted. The biochip can be manufactured by depositing a transparent layer of thickness m??/2 on a substrate and by making studs or wells of thickness (2k+1)?/4 in said layer to form said sensitive sites.

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: To increase inspection throughput, the field of view (FOV) of an IR camera can be moved over the sample at a constant velocity. Throughout this moving, a modulation (e.g. optical or electrical) can be provided to the sample and IR images can be captured using the IR camera. Moving the FOV, providing the modulation, and capturing the IR images can be synchronized. The IR images can be filtered to generate the time delay LIT, thereby providing defect identification. In one embodiment, this filtering accounts for the number of pixels of the IR camera in a scanning direction. For the case of optical modulation, a dark field region can be provided for the FOV throughout the moving, thereby providing an improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) during filtering.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensing device for obtaining information of a test sample using an electromagnetic wave including a frequency region within a frequency region of 30 GHz to 30 THz, the sensing device comprising an electromagnetic wave transmitting portion including a plurality of transmission portions (4a, 4b) for propagating electromagnetic waves and detection portions (3a, 3c) for receiving and detecting the electromagnetic waves from the plurality of transmission portions (4a, 4b), in which at least one of the plurality of transmission portions (4a, 4b) is constructed such that the test sample (5, 6) can be placed in a portion affected by an electromagnetic wave propagating therethrough.

Abstract: A method of measuring the free chlorine level in a solution of chlorinated pool/spa water comprises a first sample of said solution having a first selected pH and a second sample of said solution having a second selected pH and determining first and second ultraviolet light (UV) transmissivity values for each of the first and second samples. The first and second transmissivity values are then used to determine the free chlorine level.

Abstract: A pulse photobleaching methodology wherein a monochromatic illumination (e.g., laser illumination) having a higher power intensity (photobleaching power) just below the photodamage threshold of a luminescent sample is initially used to significantly attenuate sample luminescence without photothermally destroying the sample material. Thereafter, the laser power density may be reduced to a significantly lower level (analytical power level) to carry out spectroscopic measurements (e.g., collection of Raman scattered photons) on the sample. In one embodiment, the laser illumination wavelength remains the same despite changes in laser power intensity. Some figures-of-merit may be computed from optical measurements made at the analytical power level to guide the photobleaching process. Sample-dependent combinations of laser power density and short exposure times may be obtained to significantly expedite photobleaching to assist in collection of sample spectral data in the field without a long wait.

Abstract: To enable contactless laser microdissection in a closed container (10, 11), for example in the form of a Petri dish, it is proposed according to the invention to use a holding device which comprises a receiving portion (4) for arrangement in the container (10, 11) and a holding portion (1) for arrangement externally of the container (10, 11). The receiving portion (4) serves to receive at least one receiving means (9), which serves in turn to receive or collect at least one biological specimen obtained by laser microdissection from biological material (15) located in the container (10, 11). The holding portion (1) is coupled to the receiving portion (4) in contactless manner, for example by means of magnetic coupling, in such a way that, by moving the holding portion (1), the receiving portion (4), together with the receiving means (9) held thereby, may be positioned in the closed container (10, 11) precisely over the biological specimen in each case to be received.

Abstract: An ophthalmic lens , e.g. a contact lens, is centered in a concave trough (10) of an inspection cell (1) which is filled with liquid (W). The inspection cell (10) has a channel (11) which is in communication with the concave trough (10). Centering of the ophthalmic lens is achieved by applying a pulse (P) of a fluid to the liquid (W) so as to whirl up the ophthalmic lens (CL) and by allowing the ophthalmic lens (CL) to settle down in the center of the concave trough (10).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides method and apparatus for detection of airborne particulates. Liquid droplets comprising reagents capable of reacting with particulates whereby to produce emitted light are introduced to an air flow comprising particulates, whereupon the particulates and liquid droplets agglomerate thereby producing the emitted light. The light is detected by a suitable detector (7), and agglomeration may be enhanced by application of an oscillating electric field (6). The disclosure is particularly concerned with detection of biological particulates.

Abstract: Various methods of using Raman-active or SERS-active probe constructs to detect analytes in biological samples, such as the nucleic acid and/or protein-containing analytes in a body fluid are provided.

Abstract: In a measuring apparatus for biomolecule interaction, a fine particle sensor surface is dipped in a buffer solution in a reaction vessel to conduct spectral measurement by way of optical fibers. The buffer solution in the reaction vessel is made to enter an upper reaction vessel and discharged from a flow channel. Air is injected from a flow channel to inject a specimen from the discharge port to the reaction vessel. Then the specimen is sucked into the reaction vessel and brought into contact with the sensor surface where a ligand and an analyte in the specimen are bonded. Bonding is measured by a spectrophotometer through the optical fibers. A buffer solution is injected from the injection flow channel into the reaction vessel and the specimen is discharged out of the flow channel. The dissociation process in which the biomolecules are dissociated along with lowering of the concentration is measured.

Abstract: A system and method of detecting entangled photon pairs, each pair including a signal photon and an idler photon, is disclosed. Entangled photon pairs are provided having an entanglement time and an entanglement area selected to substantially increase an associated entangled two-photon cross-section of an associated target medium. The entangled photon pairs are also selected to have an energy distribution between the signal photon and the idler photon to substantially decrease an associated random two-photon absorption cross section of the target medium. The entangled photon pairs are directed to the target medium, and at least one entangled-photon pair being absorbed by the target medium is detected.

Abstract: A system and related method for improved liquid delivery evaluation using a solution containing one or more dyes such that the solution exhibits multiple distinct detectable light absorbance spectral features for calibrating or testing over extended volume or dilution ranges are described. The system includes: a photometric instrument capable of measuring optical absorbance at multiple wavelengths; one or more sample solutions to be dispensed using the liquid delivery system whose performance is being tested or calibrated; and vessels optionally pre-filled, or filled by the user, with diluent solution. The sample solutions contain one or more dyes, chosen so that multiple distinct detectable light absorbance spectral features, such as peaks and/or valleys and/or plateaus of the solution can be distinguished for volume or dilution ranges of interest.

Abstract: A biosensor includes an external cavity laser device having an optical resonator with at least one total-reflection mirror and a semi-reflection mirror corresponding to the total-reflection mirror, wherein the total-reflection mirror includes a transparent substrate and a surface plasma resonance unit disposed on the transparent substrate. The total-reflection mirror includes a transparent substrate, and the surface plasma resonance unit is disposed on the transparent substrate.

Abstract: A scanning system includes a cable take-up mechanism that uses a series of pulleys that determine the bend diameters of a scanning system. The mechanism is particularly suited for a spectrometric, e.g., infrared, scanning system where moving scanner or sensor head essentially houses only the optical elements while essentially of all the other electronic and optical components associated with the measurement are housed in an easily accessible compartment that is remote from the moving scanner head. Light is transmitted through optical fiber cables. The cable take-up mechanism maintains the fiber optic cable at essentially constant total bend length and bend diameter thereby minimizing any dynamic changes to spectral bend losses as the optical head is scanned. The light weight construction of the sensor head further reduces vibrations associated with the moving scanner head.

Abstract: An optical property measuring method and an optical property measuring apparatus according to an aspect of the invention are operable to select bi-spectral characteristics relatively close to bi-spectral characteristics of a fluorescent sample, out of multiple bi-spectral characteristics stored in advance, based on a relative ratio between excitation efficiencies of the fluorescent sample illuminated by excitation illuminations whose spectral distributions are different from each other, in calculating an optical property of the fluorescent sample. The inventive optical property measuring method and optical property measuring apparatus are advantageous in calculating an optical property of a fluorescent sample easily and with high precision.

Abstract: Fluorescent nanoparticles such as quantum dots are incorporated into paper and other web products such as plastics to achieve cross-direction and machine direction on-line detection of selected components during manufacture. Fluorescent nanoparticles markers are added in known proportions into product formulations along with the selected components of interest. By detecting the fluorescence from the nanoparticles, the selected components can be traced at various stages of production. In addition, by using different fluorescent nanoparticles that emit radiation at different wavelengths, data from individual materials or layers in a composite structure can be ascertained simultaneously with a single sensor. The technique is particularly suited for monitoring expensive and difficult-to-measure components that may be present only in trace quantities.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an optical measurement apparatus equipped with an ion-exchange resin for pretreating a sample, thereby enabling the concentration of component in the sample to be measured with higher accuracy. The optical measurement apparatus of the present invention includes, in addition to the ion-exchange resin, an optical measurement section for measuring, based on the optical characteristics of the component, the concentration of the component in the sample after the sample is passed through the ion-exchange resin.

Abstract: A novel method for measuring airborne radon and thoron capable of separately measuring radon and thoron with high sensitivity, having a small-sized device structure, and free of the influence from its measurement environment. In the method, by measuring Cherenkov light generated when airborne radon and thoron are adsorbed to an absorbent and then ? rays emitted in process of disintegrations of radon and thoron pass through the absorbent, radon and thoron are measured. Based on a decay time of the Cherenkov light, a mixture ratio between radon and thoron is measured. As the absorbent, porous glass is preferably employed which is provided with fine pores of 0.3 to 30 nm in diameter.

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: A sample acquiring device for volumetric enumeration of thrombocytes in a blood sample is provided which comprises a measurement cavity for receiving a blood sample. The measurement cavity has a predetermined fixed thickness. The sample acquiring device further comprises a reagent, which is arranged in a dried form on a surface defining the measurement cavity. The reagent comprises a haemolysing agent for lysing red blood cells in the blood sample, and optionally a staining agent for selectively staining thrombocytes in the blood sample. A system comprises the sample acquiring device and a measurement apparatus. The measurement apparatus comprises a sample acquiring device holder, a light source, and an imaging system for acquiring a digital image of a magnification of the sample. The measurement apparatus further comprises an image analyser arranged to analyse the acquired digital image for determining the number of thrombocytes in the blood sample.

Abstract: A LoC (Lab on a Chip) is described to analyze surface properties of fluid drops. Substrates with cavities near the edge are filled with fluids that have a contact angle greater than 90°. The surfaces of two different drops can be brought in contact with one another by using Coulomb forces. Several experiments can be carried out while the drops are in contact: the concentration of the fluid in each drop can be altered, tangential and normal forces can be applied to the contact surface, voltage differences across and current flow through the contact surface can be monitored. MEMS pumps can be used to mix reagents or buffers with the fluid to determine the protein concentration or to extract DNA from whole cells, respectively. Substrates holding optical components can be used to align fibers with either lasers or receivers. The alignment is automatic and controlled by a control unit.

Abstract: A bioassay system is disclosed. The bioassay system may include a plurality of optical detection apparatuses, each of which includes a substrate having a light detector, and a linker site formed over the light detector, the linker site being treated to affix the biomolecule to the linker site. The linker site is proximate to the light detector and is spaced apart from the light detector by a distance of less than or equal to 100 micrometers. The light detector collects light emitted from the biomolecule within a solid angle of greater than or equal to 0.8 SI steridian. The optical detection apparatus may further include an excitation light source formed over the substrate so as to provide a light source for exciting a fluorophore attached to the biomolecule.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for automatic real-time monitoring for the presence of a pathogen in water using coherent anti-stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy. Water sample trapped in a trapping medium is provided to a CARS imager. CARS images are provided to a processor for automatic analyzing for the presence of image artifacts having pre-determined features characteristic to the pathogen. If a match is found, a CARS spectrum is taken and compared to a stored library of reference pathogen-specific spectra for pathogen identification. The system enables automatic pathogen detection in flowing water in real time.

Abstract: For the high spatial resolution imaging of a structure of interest in a specimen, a substance is selected from a group of substances which have a fluorescent first state and a nonfluorescent second state; which can be converted fractionally from their first state into their second state by light which excites them into fluorescence, and which return from their second state into their first state; the specimen's structure of interest is imaged onto a sensor array, a spatial resolution limit of the imaging being greater (i.e.

Abstract: A Method for identifying one or a small number of molecules, especially in a dilution of ?1 ?M, using laser excited FCS with measuring times ?500 ms and short diffusion paths of the molecules to be analyzed, wherein the measurement is performed in small volume units of preferably ?10?14 l, by determining material-specific parameters which are determined by luminescence measurements of molecules to be examined. The device which can be preferably used for performing the method according to the invention is a per se known system of microscope optics for laser focusing for fluorescence excitation in a small measuring compartment of a very diluted solution and for imaging the emitted light in the subsequent measurement through confocal imaging wherein at least one system of optics with high numerical aperture of preferably ?1.2 N.A.

Abstract: A biological and chemical detection system is provided that detects and identifies biological and/or chemical particulates of interest. The biological and chemical detection system comprises a collector, a first optical device, a second optical device and a processor. The collector is configured to deposit particulates drawn from a fluid stream onto a sample substrate to define a sample area. The first optical device derives first data relative to at least a portion of the sample area, which is analyzed to determine at least one field of view and/or specific target location. The second optical device then interrogates the sample area at each determined target location, e.g., using Raman spectroscopy, to produce interrogation data.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the analysis of solid materials are disclosed. The present invention comprises x-ray and Raman analytical techniques and systems which facilitate the rapid characterization of a plurality of solid samples.

Abstract: An optical technique to improve the imaging of a target inside suspensions of scattering particles includes the illumination of the scattering particles with circularly polarized light. The backscattered light from the host medium preserves the helicity of incident light, while the backscattered light reflected from the target is predominated with light of opposite helicity. Based on the observed helicity difference in the emerging light that originated at the target and that backscattered from the medium, the present optical technique improves the image contrast using circular polarization. This approach makes use of polarization memory which leads to the reflected light from the target accompanied by weak diffusive backscattered light. Using the present technique, improved imaging of the artery wall is achieved and plaque composition can be assessed through a blood field associated with the artery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring a tool 1 of a machine tool, the tool 1 being measured by means of a laser measurement device 2, 3, 4, characterized in that the tool 1 is sprayed with an oil- or grease-dissolving agent prior to laser measurement.

Abstract: A particle presentation apparatus for presenting particles being conducted within a gaseous stream for in-stream spectroscopic elemental analysis includes a particle blending section for homogenizing the distribution particles of significantly different sizes received within a gaseous stream of randomly distributed particles; and a particle sampling section including a window that is adapted for passing a particle excitation beam, such as a laser beam, and photon emissions, and a conduit for conducting the homogenized stream of particles past the window so that a particle excitation beam passing through the window can pass into the stream of homogenized particles. The apparatus may be used in combination with a drilling machine, wherein the particle blending section is coupled to an outlet pipe of the drilling machine for receiving a said gaseous stream of randomly distributed particles that are expelled from a drill hole.

Abstract: A method for immersion based inspection, the method includes: (i) receiving an article that comprises a wafer and a transparent element, wherein a first fluid substantially fills a space between an upper surface of the wafer and the transparent element; and (ii) inspecting the wafer by utilizing a lens that contacts a second fluid element that also contacts the transparent element.

Abstract: The concentration of impurities contained in ultrapure water or press water can be efficiently analyzed with high precision. A portion of a liquid to be measured is introduced into an absorption spectrometric portion 2c from a predetermined line. The liquid is irradiated with exciting light Le from an exciting light irradiation system 10, and a measurement objet region AS in which a photothermal effect of the impurities in the liquid is produced by the irradiation is irradiated with measuring light Lm from a measuring light irradiation system 20. A change in phase of the measuring light Lm is detected by a predetermined optical system and a photodetector 36, and the impurity concentration in the liquid is determined on the basis of the change in phase.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of quantitatively obtaining a measurement of pollen of a plant. One method of counting comprises imaging the sample with the pollen well-distributed in the focal plane of the imager. Image evaluation software can identify and count objects in the image that are consistent with pollen. Total pollen count for the plant can be derived from the count of pollen of the sample, proportionality of the sample volume to the starting volume, and proportionality of area of sample imaged to total area of sample. Pollen quantification can be used for research or commercial production decisions relative to the plant or its seed.

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: An apparatus for forming a solid sample from a sample solution and then analyzing the solid sample to determine the solid form of the sample is provided. The apparatus may optionally comprise a masking block with an array of openings, a film on which the solid sample can be deposited, and a sheet. The apparatus may optionally comprise a masking block with an array of openings and a sheet on which the sample can be deposited. The apparatus may comprise the formation unit of a system for forming a solid sample and analyzing the solid sample. The system may further comprise an analysis unit comprising the film and/or sheet with the solid samples and a spacer unit attached to the film after it has been removed from the formation unit. Methods for using the apparatus and/or system of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: A thin, deformable member may be fixed at one end, while another portion of the member rests on a hydrogel substance whose thickness changes depending on a characteristic of a liquid that permeates the hydrogel. When the hydrogel changes thickness and causes part of the member to tilt, a reflective surface on the member may reflect light in a different direction. Appropriate sensors may detect the change in the direction of the reflected light, allowing determination of the change in thickness, which in turn permits determination of the relevant characteristic of the liquid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated laser microdissection are disclosed. A sample of biological material is located between a polymer membrane and a substrate. Targeted biological material is manually or automatically selected and a transfer film is placed in juxtaposition with the targeted biological material on the side of the polymer membrane. An infrared laser activates at least a portion of the transfer film such that the transfer film in the vicinity of targeted portion of biological material adheres onto the polymer membrane. The infrared laser is directed in a closed or substantially closed curve around the targeted portions or directly at the targeted portions. The transfer film is then separated removing the targeted portions of biological material which are adhered along with the membrane from the remaining portion of the tissue sample.

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: The invention relates to a device (10) and a method for automatically eliciting a thermal avoidance response in nematodes, particularly in order to test pharmaceutical substances. The device (10) has a bearing surface (12) on which sample containers (14) of nematodes (16) are disposed, a laser (18), a selective laser-beam interrupter (27) to regulate the length of the laser pulse, aft and a scanner (22) for projecting and focussing the laser beam and for controlling a deflection. A light source (28) illuminates the sample container (14) with light, which brings about a contrast in the nematodes in the container. An additional light source (29) can also illuminate the sample container (14) with light in order to excite fluorescence-labeled areas of the nematodes, causing them to fluoresce. A real-time image processing device connected to the camera (30) determines the respective positions of all areas relevant for laser irradiation of the nematodes and makes this information available to a controller (32).