Abstract: Aerosol particle analyzer (APA) for measuring the amount of analyte in airborne particle is described. The APA uses an analysis liquid. In most embodiments, this analysis liquid is chosen so that when it is mixed with the particles, an optical property of the analysis liquid (AL) varies according to the amount of the analyte in the particles. Airborne particles are drawn into the instrument, and detected using optical methods such as light scattering or laser-induced fluorescence. When a particle of interest is detected, a charged droplet of the analysis liquid (CDAL) is ejected so that it collides with the detected particle and moves into a horizontally oriented linear quadrupole that is in an airtight container, except for small orifices to let the CDAL enter and exit.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a reflection-photometric analytical system having a measuring head comprising a source of radiation and a radiation detector for the reflection-photometric analysis of a target surface of a test object arranged at a distance from the measuring head and in particular of a test strip for body fluids such as urine or blood. A triangulation unit operating on the basis of optical triangulation is proposed for contact free checking of the distance in order to monitor or regulate the measuring distance.

Abstract: Aerosol particle analyzer (APA) for measuring the amount of analyte in airborne particle is described. The APA uses an analysis liquid. When this analysis liquid is mixed with the particles, an optical property of the analysis liquid (CDAL) varies according to the amount of the analyte in the particles. A charged droplet of the analysis liquid is levitated. Airborne particles are drawn into the instrument and given a charge that is opposite that of the CDAL, and made to flow near the CDAL so that electrostatic forces greatly increase the probability that the CDAL and charged particles will combine. Then the CDAL is ejected into a horizontally oriented linear quadrupole that is in an airtight container, except for a small orifice to let the CDAL enter. The CDAL is levitated in a high humidity environment so that it evaporates slowly, so that there is time for the reaction between the analyte, if any, and the CDAL can take place, and so that the optical property, typically fluorescence, can be measured.

Abstract: A method of using elongate multicellular organisms in conjunction with a specialized flow cytometer for drug discovery and compound screening. A stable, optically detectable linear marker pattern on each organism is used to construct a longitudinal map of each organism as it passes through the analysis region of the flow cytometer. This pattern is used to limit complex data analysis to particular regions of each organism thereby simplifying and speeding analysis. The longitudinal marker pattern can be used to alter signal detection modes at known regions of the organism to enhance sensitivity and overall detection effectiveness. A repeating pattern can also be used to add a synchronous element to data analysis. The marker patterns are established using known methods of molecular biology to express various indicator molecules. Inherent features of the organism can be rendered detectable to serve as marker patterns.

Abstract: The present invention provides passive sampling systems and methods for monitoring contaminants in a semiconductor processing system. In one embodiment, that passive sampling system comprises a collection device in fluid communication with a sample line that provides a flow of gas from a semiconductor processing system. The collection device is configured to sample by diffusion one or more contaminants in the flow of gas.

Abstract: A dry particle-size distribution measuring apparatus and method is provided for suspending a plurality of bristle members across a support surface of a dispensing trough with bristles being arranged to contact and disperse any clusters of particles to a primary state prior to releasing the particles to a sample flow cell. A source of light can irradiate the sample flow cell and a detector unit can measure any scattered and/or diffracted light to provide corresponding signals. A control unit can determine the size and distribution of particles from the corresponding signals. The bristle members can be mounted on a brush unit that is directly mounted on the trough and both the trough and the brush unit can be driven by the same vibrator unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automated laser capture microdissection are disclosed. High throughput microdissection is provided by using cell procurement and multi-imaging tools for pre-selecting cells of interest. Novel methods of computer-controlled cap transfer along with automated multi-slide and multi-cap placements, and automated slide and cap detection are provided. The systems and methods provide the advantages of increased speed and much lower rates of contamination.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser capture microdissection are disclosed. An inverted microscope includes a translation stage joystick subsystem. The systems and methods provide the advantages of increased speed and much lower rates of contamination.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assay of multiple analytes. The method uses a sensing element comprising a substrate upon which is arranged a multiplicity of recognition elements, such that each element is laid out in a predetermined pattern. Each pattern is unique in that it can give rise to a characteristic diffraction pattern in the assay. The patterns may or may not be interpenetrating on the substrate surface. The method of detecting multiple analytes includes contacting the medium of analytes with the patterned substrate, illuminating the substrate by a light source, and detecting any resultant diffraction image. The pattern of diffraction and the intensity of the diffracted signal provides information about the existence of specific analytes and their quantification.

Abstract: A method for analyzing impurities present in a silicon substrate. The method includes the steps of accommodating a silicon substrate resting on a support, and a solution for decomposing a silicon substrate which comprises a mixture of hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid and sulfuric acid, in an air-tight reaction vessel, in such a way as to keep the silicon substrate from directly contacting with the decomposing solution; allowing the decomposing solution to vaporize, thereby causing the substrate to decompose through vapor-phase reaction for sublimation, without heating or pressurizing the reaction vessel; and recovering the residue left by the decomposed substrate, to analyze the impurities contained in the substrate. This method makes it possible to determine the content of impurities that are present in a silicon substrate extremely precisely in a comparatively short time by decomposing the substrate through vapor-phase reaction without resorting to heating or pressurization.

Abstract: A method of imaging a histological sample is provided which comprises stimulating autofluorescence in a sample using electromagnetic radiation of wavelength 750 nm. Detection of the autofluorescence is undertaken by a CCD camera, typically with an excitation filter of 510 nm disposed between the camera and the sample. The weak signal from autofluorescence is reinforced by manipulation of data acquired by the camera. Autofluorescence is detected from an upper face of the sample, an upper layer of the sample removed and a next face of the sample imaged. These steps are repeated to obtain information on autofluorescence throughout the sample. The method enables detection of features for virtually any thickness of slice, and in particular slices can range from 50 ?m to 1 ?m, with the method generally being used to analyse slices of thickness 5?1 ?m.

Abstract: An organometallic compound vaporizing and feeding system includes a carrier gas feed passageway connecting a carrier gas source to a container containing an organometallic compound MO and having a carrier gas mass flow controller, an MO gas passageway connecting the container to an in-line monitor for transporting the MO gas, a sample gas passageway connecting the in-line monitor to a sample inlet of an ICP spectrometer, a standard gas passageway connecting a gas cylinder filled with a calibration standard gas to the sample gas passageway and having a standard gas mass flow controller, and a diluent gas passageway connected to the standard gas passageway for passing a diluent gas for adjusting the concentration of the standard gas and having a diluent gas mass flow controller.

Abstract: A dilution apparatus for continuously producing a diluted liquid sample, e.g., a chemical-mechanical polishing slurry, for analysis, e.g., particle size distribution, comprises a mixer manifold, a diluent-introducing means, e.g., a flow controlling device, for introducing a diluent, e.g., water, into the mixer manifold, and a liquid sample introducing means, e.g., a pump, for introducing the sample into the mixer manifold. The mixer manifold includes a plurality of ports for receiving a plurality of liquid samples from a plurality of sample points. The dilution apparatus can include a second mixer manifold for continuously producing a second diluted liquid sample, and it can be associated with one or more sensors operable to measure sample properties, e.g., an optical particle counter. The sensors can be operated simultaneously, and the measurements of the sensors can be compared.

Abstract: A compact scanning apparatus has an infrared laser adapted to emit light. The light is delivered as a beam by an optical system to illuminate an interrogation area on the surface of an object being scanned to cause selective desorption of molecules of the contraband substance, which are present on the surface, without substantially damaging the surface. A collection system collects at least a portion of the desorbed molecules. At least a portion of the collected molecules is thermally decomposed to form NO2 and transferred to a reaction cell containing an aqueous, alkaline, luminol-containing solution. The NO2 reacts with the luminol to produce light by chemiluminescence. A light detector registers the presence of this light to carry out a rapid screening of the object for the possible presence of the contraband substance. The apparatus further includes a supplemental detector such as a GC/IMS detector that is activated in response to the detection of the chemiluminescent light.

Abstract: A laser micro-dissection system, which is provided with a laser beam, in particular for the processing of biological material located on a carrier, comprises a laser, a microscope with a camera for the production of a microscope image or video image of the biological material located on the carrier and display screen for the display of the recorded video image, With the aid of suitable input means, a desired biological object to be processed with the laser beam, in the video images displayed on the screen, is selected and allocated to a corresponding object group. The control of the laser micro-dissection system, which can be realised in the form of a computer, automatically produces a list, in which on the one hand the individually selected objects and, on the other, a comprehensive representation of the object groups is contained.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser capture microdissection are disclosed. An inverted microscope includes a vacuum chuck subsystem that is adapted to hold a microscope slide down during the process of laser capture microdissection. The systems and methods provide the advantages of increased speed and much lower rates of contamination.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining one or more elements or compounds in a laboratory sample, and for simultaneously performing both vapor generation and nebulization in one device, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an enclosed cyclonic spray chamber with two integrally affixed cylindrical ports, one for introducing a nebulizer into the chamber and the other for facilitating volatilization of analytes within the chamber. In addition, two conical tubes are integrally affixed to the chamber and oriented opposite each other, with one tube serving as the means for introducing a sample into the spray chamber, and the other tube serving as the means for introducing reductant/reactant into the spray chamber. This invention allows a sample that has been introduced into the spray chamber to be subjected to nebulization or vapor generation, or to both processes.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides an improved transfer film having multiple layers for laser micro-capture of a sample. The transfer film for laser micro-capture includes distinct layers for expansion and adhesion in order to optimize the performance of the transfer film. A transfer film including a spring-back layer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sample introduction system for ICPMS and ICPAES comprising a nebulizer which sprays liquid samples into a heated cyclonic spray chamber which has a common exit port for both liquid waste and sample aerosol which is coupled to a desolvation system comprised of condenser and revaporization loops that alternately condense solvent vapor both on the inner walls of the loop and in the aerosol stream, then revaporize the portion of solvent condensed in the aerosol stream for subsequent condensation in the next loop. The exit port of the system is capable of being directly or remotely coupled to the ICP injector tube.

Abstract: The method according to the invention permits a selected withdrawal of one or a few molecularly disperse or cellular components of a system, such as molecules, molecular complexes, vesicles, micelles, cells, optionally together with an associated volume element V having a size of 10?9 l?V?10?18 l from a larger sample volume. The selected transfer of the sought component to another environment is effected by defining the space and time of withdrawal by means of a signal correlating with the small component to be withdrawn. The method is particularly useful for the withdrawal of non-abundant components the existence of which can be detected in a preceding step by a scanning process. The method is also useful for the withdrawal of per se unidentified components.

Abstract: The present invention describes an apparatus capable of specific detection of environmental chemicals in water and air. The apparatus combines a specific chemical sampler, encompassing selectively adsorbing material to automatically sample air or water samples and trap target chemicals, and uses Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy for analysis of trapped chemicals. Operation of the apparatus is controlled by a computer interface. In order to provide the accuracy needed for chemical detection and adaptability required for field use it is required to incorporate Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy with sample collection utilizing selective adsorbents. The invention provides a chemical detection device for concentrating chemical samples from water or air environments and then analyzing these samples with a low power highly portable Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope.

Abstract: A laser micro-dissection system, which is provided with a laser beam, in particular for the processing of a biological material (14) located on a carrier (3), comprises a laser (4), a microscope (1) with a camera for the production of a microscope image or video image of the biological material located on the carrier (3) and a display screen (8) for the display of the recorded video image. With the aid of suitable input means (9, 10), a desired biological object (15) to be processed with the laser beam, in the video images displayed on the screen (8), is selected and allocated to a corresponding object group. In particular, marking of the biological objects (15) in different colours is possible on the video image, whereby the biological objects which are marked in one and the same colour in each case form a common object group.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a more positive pick up of a micro sample by means of a microscope system with manipulator. The microscope system with manipulator incorporates therein a low-vibration probe rotary mechanism, which is used for precisely correcting the rotational direction of the micro sample without applying vibrations thereto.

Abstract: Improved laser capture microdissection systems and related methods are provided by using an imaging system for imaging the tissue sample from which a cell sample is to be obtained, the imaging system comprising a sensor having one or more receptors, and an image transfer medium to scale the one or more receptors to an object field of view.

Abstract: A compact scanning apparatus includes an optical system to deliver a beam of pulsed infrared laser light that illuminate an interrogation area of a surface. The illumination has sufficient intensity and duration to cause selective ablation of molecules of a contraband substance present on the surface without substantially damaging the surface. A collection system collects at least a portion of the ablated molecules and transfers them to a chemical analysis system having a detector. In response to the presence of a wide variety of contraband substance molecules, the detector outputs an electrical signal that activates an audible or visible alarm. Automated screening is provided in an accurate, reliable manner that virtually eliminates the vagaries of human performance. False alarms are reduced. Detection efficacy is increased. A traceable residue of the detected contraband is left on the article for subsequent forensic analysis.

Abstract: A method for cutting compounded rubber for reflected light measurement of the disbursement of fillers therein is disclosed. The method includes subjecting a sample of compounded rubber to a dynamic pulling force, and cutting the sample while it is subjected to the dynamic pulling force. The method may further include the step of pressing the sample to remove entrapped air from the sample, and, preferably, the method includes cooling the sample during such a pressing step. Cutting the sample while it is subjected to a dynamic pulling force will reduce, and, preferably, eliminate, the presence of smears on a cut surface of the sample. By reducing the amount of entrapped air within a sample and, further, reducing the occurrence of smearing during cutting of the sample, a subsequent reflected light measurement of the dispersion of fillers within the compounded rubber sample is more accurate.

Abstract: A compact scanning apparatus includes an optical system to deliver a beam of pulsed infrared laser light that illuminate an interrogation area of a surface. The illumination has sufficient intensity and duration to cause selective ablation of molecules of a contraband substance present on the surface without substantially damaging the surface. A collection system collects at least a portion of the ablated molecules and transfers them to a chemical analysis system having a detector. In response to the presence of a wide variety of contraband substance molecules, the detector outputs an electrical signal that activates an audible or visible alarm. Automated screening is provided in an accurate, reliable manner that virtually eliminates the vagaries of human performance. False alarms are reduced. Detection efficacy is increased. A traceable residue of the detected contraband is left on the article for subsequent forensic analysis.

Abstract: An ethanol sensing unit and a method of using, wherein the unit is particularly suitable for use in a confined environment such as the passenger compartment of a passenger vehicle. The sensing unit comprises a device for collecting ethanol vapors while the device is at a first temperature, a device for heating the collecting device to a second temperature higher than the first temperature so as to release ethanol vapors from the collecting device, and a device for sensing the ethanol vapors released from the collecting device when heated by the heating device. The sensing unit is also adapted to delay the operation of the heating device until a period of time sufficient for the collecting device to adsorb ethanol vapors from air contained in the confined environment.

Abstract: A method for applying a sample film to a sample carrier for subsequent spectroscopic analysis is described, comprising providing a quantity of sample in liquid state, providing a sample carrier having at least one sample position, applying the quantity of sample in liquid state on the at least one sample position in a plurality of partial quantities of the quantity of sample in such a manner that the partial quantities on the at least one sample position are not in contact with one another before being dried, drying the quantity of sample to form the sample film.

Abstract: A compact scanning apparatus has an infrared laser adapted to emit light. The light is delivered as a beam by an optical system to illuminate an interrogation area on the surface of an object being scanned to cause selective desorption of molecules of the contraband substance, which are present on the surface, without substantially damaging the surface. A collection system collects at least a portion of the desorbed molecules. At least a portion of the collected molecules is thermally decomposed to form NO2 and transferred to a reaction cell containing an aqueous, alkaline, luminol-containing solution. The NO2 reacts with the luminol to produce light by chemiluminescence. A light detector registers the presence of this light to carry out a rapid screening of the object for the possible presence of the contraband substance. The apparatus further includes a supplemental detector such as a GC/IMS detector that is activated in response to the detection of the chemiluminescent light.

Abstract: A particle analyzer that includes a specimen source, a flow cell, a pump and delivery tube for transporting specimen fluid from the specimen source to the flow cell, a dispensing valve for injecting stain from a stain source into the specimen fluid in the delivery tube, and a mixing device for mixing the stain and the specimen fluid together. The mixing device includes a cylindrical shaped member having an outer surface, a channel formed in the outer surface with the channel including circumferential and longitudinal turns, and a hollow mixing tube disposed in the channel. As the stain and the specimen fluid flow through the mixing tube, they travel through the circumferential and longitudinal turns and are mixed together. A fluid sensor employing a sensor RC circuit and a reference RC circuit detects capacitance changes in the delivery tube for detecting the presence or absence of fluid therein.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the optical analysis of a fluid, in which the fluid that has a first refractive index, is surrounded by an auxiliary fluid with a second refractive index, the first refractive index being larger than the second refractive index and light being sent through the fluid. It is endeavoured to obtain an encapsulation of the fluid in the auxiliary fluid at low cost. For this purpose, firstly the auxiliary fluid is led into a measuring channel, until it is filled, and then lead the fluid into the auxiliary fluid within the cross section with a flow speed, which generates a parabolic flow profile.

Abstract: The process is used for the screening of molecules from molecule libraries with regard to their individual binding behavior towards at least one given ligand. For this purpose the ligands labelled with a fluorescent dye are mixed with the molecule library which is in the form of a suspension. The mixture is plated out on a two-dimensional substrate (2) after the excess, unbound ligands have been washed out. Then the local fluorescence intensities on the substrate are electro-optically identified in a fluorescence microscope (5) and electronically discriminated in accordance with given selection criteria. The objects selected and localised in this way are then sequentially positioned exactly by a displacement, the coordinates of which are controlled by the image calculator, between the substrate (2) and a separation actuator (20, 21) and are spatially separated from the substrate (2) by the separation actuator (20, 21).

Abstract: A beam splitter wave guide apparatus and method for enabling the selection of one of a plurality of distinct spectra of an optical input signal and for enabling an intensity of a resulting output signal to be adjusted. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical optical element having an input end and an output end. The input end includes a pair of spaced apart surfaces that each include a suitable filter formed thereon. A first one of the filters passes a first spectrum of light and reflects all other light outside the first spectrum. The second filter passes a second spectrum of light but reflects all other light outside of the second spectrum. Rotating the cylindrical optical element allows either the first or second spectrum to be selected such that an optical output signal is generated having the desired spectrum. Controlled rotational movement of the cylindrical optical element further allows the intensity of the resulting optical output signal to be varied as needed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser capture microdissection are disclosed. An inverted microscope includes an illumination/laser beam delivery system that is adapted to both illuminate a sample and provide energy for laser capture microdissection of the sample. The systems and methods provide the advantages of increased speed and much lower rates of contamination.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser capture microdissection are disclosed. An inverted microscope includes a vacuum chuck subsystem that is adapted to hold a microscope slide down during the process of laser capture microdissection. The systems and methods provide the advantages of increased speed and much lower rates of contamination.

Abstract: A sort block for use with sorting flow analysis system. The sort block includes a fin extending into a sort stream in the sort block. Unsorted particles and aerosol are aspirated into the open top of the fin. When error is detected, collection baskets associated with the fin extend into the sort stream, block passage of particles to the collection containers and aspirate all droplets and aerosol to a waste or retrieval container. This sort block may include error monitors, such as a laser and camera combination, which monitor the flow stream and control the extension of the fin and basket type collector.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser capture microdissection are disclosed. An inverted microscope includes a translation stage joystick subsystem. The systems and methods provide the advantages of increased speed and much lower rates of contamination.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for separating, immobilizing, and quantifying biological substances from within a fluid medium. Biological substances are observed by employing a vessel (6) having a chamber therein, the vessel comprising a transparent collection wall (5). A high internal gradient magnetic capture structure may be on the transparent collection wall (5), magnets (3) create an externally-applied force for transporting magnetically responsive material toward the transparent collection wall (5). The magnetic capture structure comprises a plurality of ferromagnetic members and has a uniform or non-uniform spacing between adjacent members. There may be electrical conductor means supported on the transparent collection wall (5) for enabling electrical manipulation of the biological substances. The chamber has one compartment or a plurality of compartments with differing heights. The chamber may include a porous wall.

Abstract: This method for analyzing blood enables one to isolate, detect, enumerate and confirm under magnification the presence or absence of fragments of target analyte cancer cells which are circulating in blood. The analysis is performed in a sample of centrifuged anticoagulated whole blood. The analysis of the presence or absence of fragments of cancer cells relies on the detection of external or internal binding sites which are known to be present only in or on tumorous cancer cells. Fluorophors with distinct wavelength emissions are coupled with antibodies, or other binding moieties such as complementary nucleotide sequences, which antibodies are directed against the epithelial cell fragment membrane binding sites, such as internal or external surface epitopes on the cell fragments, or internal binding sites on cell organelles; and which nucleotide sequences are complementary to portions of cell fragment RNA and/or DNA. The labled binding agents are humoric or soluble in the blood sample.

Abstract: Improved laser capture microdissection systems and related methods are provided by using an imaging system for imaging the tissue sample from which a cell sample is to be obtained, the imaging system comprising a sensor having one or more receptors, and an image transfer medium to scale the one or more receptors to an object field of view.

Abstract: Raised electrical contacts, such as Pb-alloy solder bumps or balls utilized in semiconductor IC flip-chip devices, are selectively and readily removed from underlying contact pads by means of a chemical etching process, thereby facilitating metallurgical and/or microstructural inspection and/or analysis of the contact pads for failure analysis, void formation, electromigration, diffusion, loss of adhesion, etc., by a variety of optical and microscopic techniques.

Abstract: A sample observation plate is provided which is smooth in a surface in molecular levels and cheap in price, thereby making feasible topological and optical observation in molecular levels. In a sample observation plate to be used on an apparatus for observation of topological and optical information in molecular levels, the sample observation plate is structured by bonding a crystalline thin film on a glass plate. Furthermore, using this sample observation plate, an observation apparatus is structured.

Abstract: Patterned platelets are platelets made with specified shapes and sizes. The various sizes and shapes of the platelets are used to code articles and substances to which they are applied. The patterned platelets can be in inks or paints applied to articles. The platelets can be further coded by markings thereon or by spectral or polarization codes rather than just the distribution of sizes and shapes. The patterned platelets can be made from any materials buy subtractive or additive processes. A patterned platelet can also be made by an actinic polymer being applied to a substrate and a mask applied to allow only the desired size and shape to be exposed to radiation curing the unmasked portion of the polymer on the substrate. The polymer can be cholesteric liquid crystals with the properties of reflecting polarized light of selected wavelengths to code the crystals in addition to the size and shape codes.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser capture microdissection are disclosed. An inverted microscope includes a translation stage joystick subsystem. The systems and methods provide the advantages of increased speed and much lower rates of contamination.

Abstract: A dilution apparatus for continuously producing a diluted liquid sample, e.g., a chemical-mechanical polishing slurry, for analysis, e.g., particle size distribution, comprises a mixer manifold, a diluent-introducing means, e.g., a flow controlling device, for introducing a diluent, e.g., water, into the mixer manifold, and a liquid sample introducing means, e.g., a pump, for introducing the sample into the mixer manifold. The mixer manifold includes a plurality of ports for receiving a plurality of liquid samples from a plurality of sample points. The dilution apparatus can include a second mixer manifold for continuously producing a second diluted liquid sample, and it can be associated with one or more sensors operable to measure sample properties, e.g., an optical particle counter. The sensors can be operated simultaneously, and the measurements of the sensors can be compared.

Abstract: A method for identifying one or a small number of molecules, especially in a dilution of ≦1 &mgr;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.

Abstract: A method for cutting compounded rubber for reflected light measurement of the disbursement of fillers therein is disclosed. The method includes subjecting a sample of compounded rubber to a dynamic pulling force, and cutting the sample while it is subjected to the dynamic pulling force. The method may further include the step of pressing the sample to remove entrapped air from the sample, and, preferably, the method includes cooling the sample during such a pressing step. Cutting the sample while it is subjected to a dynamic pulling force will reduce, and, preferably, eliminate, the presence of smears on a cut surface of the sample. By reducing the amount of entrapped air within a sample and, further, reducing the occurrence of smearing during cutting of the sample, a subsequent reflected light measurement of the dispersion of fillers within the compounded rubber sample is more accurate.

Abstract: A sampling system for use with an optical particle analyzer is disclosed. The sampling system includes a manifold having multiple ports, with each port receiving a chemical-mechanical polishing slurry. Each of the slurries enter the manifold through a separate slurry line. The optical particle analyzer is in operational association with the manifold in order to selectively measure the slurries after going through the manifold. The system flushes the manifold with a flushing fluid, such as ultra-pure water, to flush the slurry sample out of the manifold, followed by a purging with nitrogen to remove the ultra-pure water from the manifold, overall contributing to optimal slurry measurement. The system permits sampling of multiple slurries with a single particle analyzer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser capture microdissection are disclosed. An inverted microscope includes an illumination/laser beam delivery system that is adapted to both illuminate a sample and provide energy for laser capture microdissection of the sample. The systems and methods provide the advantages of increased speed and much lower rates of contamination.