Abstract: Device, systems, and methods are provided that can be used to monitor, examine, and/or analyze hair conditions and make suggestions to improve the hair conditions.

Abstract: A biological material measurement device 80 comprises; a first light source emitting a first light; an ATR prism 20 including a front surface and a back surface and allowing the first light made incident from one end to be transmitted therethrough and emitted from the other end; a hyperbolic metamaterial layer 90 including a front surface and a back surface and arranged on the front surface of the ATR prism 20 such that the back surface of the hyperbolic metamaterial layer is in contact therewith; and a first light detector detecting the first light emitted from the ATR prism 20. An amount of a biological material in a living body is measured from the detected first light.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising one or more pairs of analyzers measures light absorbing particulates, including black, brown, and ultraviolet light absorbing organic aerosols, suspended in gaseous samples, such as air. One analyzer receives an ambient gas sample, while the other analyzer is coupled to a dilution inlet that mixes ambient gas with a proportion of clean gas, whereby the two received samples have different particulate concentrations. Filters with identical filter areas accumulate particulates as the respective samples flow through with equal flow rate and velocity. An optical source and detector for each filter measures a changing property (e.g. attenuation at one or more wavelengths) as particulates accumulate. A computer uses the differential particulate accumulation from the ambient and diluted samples to compensate for filter loading effects upon the measurement to provide an accurate indication of particulate concentration in the ambient sample.

Abstract: A magazine device (14) and method are provided for a measuring device (12) for measuring a concentration of gaseous and/or aerosol components of a gas mixture. The magazine device (14) includes a holding device (16) for a plurality of reaction carriers (18), which have each at least one reaction chamber with a reactant. The reactant is designed to react with a particular component to be measured in the gas mixture or with a reaction product of the component to be measured in an optically detectable manner. A feed device (20) removes a reaction carrier (18) of the plurality of reaction carriers (18) from the holding device (16) and feed the reaction carrier to the measuring device (12) for carrying out a measurement of the particular component to be measured in the gas mixture. A control unit (22) controls the holding device (16) and/or the feed device (20).

Abstract: A method is provided for diagnosing the operation of a photometric particle analyzer. The method may determine when the operation is degraded from normal operating conditions, automatically, and the result displayed locally as well as being transmitted to a remote observer. The present invention may be used by optical photometric particle analyzers, or by analyzers that measure other properties of particles collected on filters.

Abstract: Devices, methods and systems for determining one or more properties of at least one fluid sample. A tube configured to receive the at least one fluid sample wherein the tube is placed in a pressure housing. Further, an excitation source configured to generate vibration of the tube whereby a circulation of an electrical current along a portion of the tube is subjected to at least one magnetic field produced by at least one magnet. Further still, at least one vibration sensor that converts vibrations of the tube into a measurement signal. Finally, a processor that receives the measurement signal determines a resonant frequency from the measurement signal using a frequency measuring device to determine a property of the one or more properties of the at least one sample fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magnetic separation device and is used for separating paramagnetic substances from diamagnetic substances, the paramagnetic substances according to the paramagnetic susceptibility thereof and the diamagnetic substances according to the diamagnetic susceptibility thereof. Said invention can be used for electronics, metallurgy and chemistry, for separating biological objects and for removing heavy metals and organic impurities from water, etc. The inventive device is based on a magnetic system of an open domain structure type and is embodied in the form of two substantially rectangular constant magnets (1, 2) which are mated by the side faces thereof, whose magnetic field polarities are oppositely directed and the magnetic anisotropy is greater than the magnetic induction of the materials thereof.

Abstract: A method of preparation of a 2-D array of particles comprising: mixing the particles and a first liquid, the first liquid having the properties of being soluble in water and reducing surface tension of a water surface; adding the mixture to the water surface; and transferring the 2-D array onto a solid surface. A composition comprising: a 2-D array of particles; and a polymer substantially enveloping the 2-D array of particles.

Abstract: Methods, storage mediums and systems (MS&S) are provided which successively image an imaging region of an assay analysis system (AAS) as particles are loaded into the imaging region, generate a frequency spectrum of each image via a discrete Fourier transform, integrate a same coordinate portion of each frequency spectrum and terminate the loading of particles upon computing an integral which meets preset criterion. In addition, MS&S are provided which send a signal indicative of whether enough particles are in an imaging region for further processes by an AAS based on the magnitude of integral calculated from an image's frequency spectrum. MM&S are also provided such that the steps of generating a frequency spectrum of each image and integrating a portion of each frequency spectrum are replaced by generating a convolved spatial image with a filter kernel and integrating a same coordinate portion of each convolved spatial image.

Abstract: Examples of integrated sensors are disclosed herein. An example of an integrated sensor includes a flexible substrate, and an array of spaced apart sensing members formed on a surface of the flexible substrate. Each of the spaced apart sensing members includes a plurality of polygon assemblies. The polygon assemblies are arranged in a controlled pattern on the surface of the flexible substrate such that each of the plurality of polygon assemblies is a predetermined distance from each other of the plurality of polygon assemblies, and each of the plurality of polygon assemblies including collapsible signal amplifying structures controllably positioned in a predetermined geometric shape.

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: Apparatus and methods are described for determining particulate concentrations in an exhaust gas. One embodiment provides a method of analyzing particles in a gas using an apparatus including a probe and an analyzer. The method includes obtaining a sample of particle laden gas through the probe; obtaining ambient air through the probe; diluting the sample with the ambient air; and providing the diluted sample to the analyzer. Another embodiment provides an apparatus for analyzing particles in a gas. The apparatus includes a probe adapted to accept a gas or ambient air; a volume to dilute the gas with the ambient air; an analyzer responsive to particles in the gas; and electronics to operate the apparatus. The electronics instructs a user to first provide a sample and then provide ambient air into the volume, and then analyzes substantially all of the sample and ambient air for particles.

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: An apparatus and method are presented for the analysis of materials. The apparatus includes two or more similar analyzers, with the output of the analyzers combined to provide improved measurements. The apparatus may be, for example, a differential photometric analyzer, such as the AETHALOMETER®. The apparatus and method includes providing flows to the analyzers such that the rate of accumulation per filter area differs for the two or more analyzers. The output of the apparatus or method may be a concentration, such as the concentration of black carbon particulates. Additionally, the output may be an optical measure of particulates that is useful for characterizing the source or history of the particulates.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously detecting and separating a target analyte such as a protein or other macromolecule that includes providing a porous silicon matrix on the silicon substrate, exposing the porous silicon matrix to an environment suspect of containing the target analyte, observing optical reflectivity of the porous silicon matrix; and correlating the changes in the silicon substrate to the target analyte.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cell for measuring the amount of insoluble particles in a fluid that comprises a duct that passes through the cell, a filter for the particles contained in the fluid, the filter being positioned in the duct, an emitter capable of emitting an electromagnetic beam directed towards the insoluble particles concentrated on the filter, and a receiver capable of receiving the electromagnetic beam emitted by the emitter and reflected by the insoluble particles concentrated on the filter. The disclosure also relates to a device comprising this cell, to a method for measuring the amount of insoluble particles in a fluid and to applications thereof, in particular to the study of the oxidation stability of petroleum distillates, to the antioxidant capacity of additives of petroleum products and to the determination of the asphaltene content of petroleum products.

Abstract: A bio-sensing system comprises a light source, a bio-sensing apparatus, a detecting platform, and a processing unit. A bio-sensing apparatus further comprising a substrate, a sample with at least one analyte, at least one grating bound on the substrate for diffracting a light beam in a reflection mode and outputting at least one output light beam, a plurality of nanoparticles being bound on one side of the grating, a molecular recognition unit bound on said nanoparticle surface, and a cover plate covering the nanoparticle-modified side of the substrate. The detecting platform receives a signal while the at least one output light beam passing through the bio-sensing apparatus. The processing unit couples with the detecting platform for receiving and analyzing the signal.

Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to a method of detecting an emulsion in a turbid brine, the method comprising the steps of disposing an aliquot of the turbid brine into a sample container to produce a test sample; adding one or more drops of a dye solution comprising an oil-soluble dye dissolved in a nonaqueous base fluid to said test sample; and determining the configuration of the dye solution after a period of time on a surface of the test sample, wherein a configuration of the dye solution forming a ring around the perimeter of the sample container at the interface of a wall of the sample container and the turbid brine indicates an emulsion is present in the turbid brine, and wherein a configuration of the dye solution forming a single dot or a plurality of dots on the surface of the turbid brine indicates an emulsion is not present in the turbid brine.

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: 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: 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: This invention can suppress adhesion of dust to the surface of an optical filter and the cover glass surface of a solid-state image sensor without any optically adverse effect. An image capturing apparatus includes an image capturing device which converts the optical image of an object into an electrical signal, and an optical element (11) arranged in front of the image capturing device. Minute particles of a single layer (11a) are arrayed on a surface of the optical element on the object side.

Abstract: The invention includes sensors and sensing methods for determining cell morphology and/or chemical composition of an analyte. A porous substrate exhibiting a first optical signal is exposed to a target analyte and subsequently monitored for changes in the optical signal. More specifically, a photonic or porous substrate having a well-defined and highly tunable reflectivity or transmission spectrum, such as porous silicon (Si), porous alumina, porous Ge, porous GaAs, porous SiO2 and porous polymer, is used for example. A porous or photonic substrate is exposed to an analyte, such as a cell or other macromolecule, and changes in the scattered light are observed over time to determine cell morphology and/or chemical composition of the analyte using the substrate.

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: Described herein is an analyte detection device and method related to a portable instrument suitable for point-of-care analyses. In some embodiments, a portable instrument may include a disposable cartridge, an optical detector, a sample collection device and/or sample reservoir, reagent delivery systems, fluid delivery systems, one or more channels, and/or waste reservoirs. Use of a portable instrument may reduce the hazard to an operator by reducing an operator's contact with a sample for analysis. The device is capable of obtaining diagnostic information using cellular- and/or particle-based analyses and may be used in conjunction with membrane- and/or particle-based analysis cartridges. Analytes, including proteins and cells and/or microbes may be detected using the membrane and/or particle based analysis system.

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: 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: A novel optical sensor is used for monitoring the thickness of deposited thin film in real time. The sensor operates on the basic principle of a Fabry-Perot interferometer. A MEMS based design is used to fabricate the optical fiber sensor. Detail analytical results provide the theoretical model based on the Fabry-Perot interferometer, and show that the optical fiber sensor can successfully monitor and measure the thickness of deposited thin-film in real time. Since thin-film will be deposited simultaneously on both surfaces of sensor head and targeted silicon wafer, the sensor can be used in the fabrication of IC and MEMS devices, as well as in proteomics, nano-sensors, and biosensors.

Abstract: An aerodynamic lens, comprises a cylindrical body having an inlet and an outlet; and a convergence-divergence lens portion inside the cylindrical body, having a lens hole formed at the center of the convergence-divergence lens portion, through which a carrier gas and particles pass, a convergence slant surface at a convergence angle (?) with a central axis of the aerodynamic lens at the front of the lens hole, and a divergence slant surface at a divergence angle (?) with the central axis of the aerodynamic lens at the rear of the lens hole.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of detecting fine surface defects, including: applying nano phosphor paste on a surface of a subject; squeegeeing the surface of the subject such that the nano phosphor paste remains only in defects in the subject; and detecting the fine defects in the subject by placing the subject over a light detection plate, irradiating the subject with a light source, and then determining that light-emitting portions detected using the light detection plate are defects in the subject. The method of detecting fine surface defects is advantageous in that the problems with the conventional methods, such as surface contamination, the difficulty in realizing uniform application of a penetrant on a subject, the limitations on the dwelling time of the penetrant and the testing temperature (surface temperature of the subject: 16˜50° C.

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: A trigger device for detecting particles of interest comprises a sample substrate, a collector, a read head and a processor. The collector is positioned proximate to at least a portion of a first side of a sample substrate and is operated to deposit a sample on the substrate within a sample area. The read head is positioned proximate to the sample area on a second side of the sample substrate generally opposite the collector and comprises a concave reflection surface having a back side positioned proximate to the sample area so as to register the substrate within the sample area with the read head. The processor is operatively configured to analyze a signal from one or more detectors of the read head and to trigger an event if particulates of interest are detected in the sample.

Abstract: Analysis is carried out by the steps of putting a sample of an inflammable material on a support formed of a heat resistant material; heating the sample; depositing a combustion gas containing initial evaporation components evaporated and scattered from the sample in an early stage of a combustion process of the sample to an inspected substrate; and inspecting the deposit on the substrate and detecting and analyzing brominated compounds. According to this analysis method, there is provided a method, for analyzing detrimental brominated compounds contained in an inflammable material such as PBB and PBDE, which does not require pre-treatment for preparing a measurement sample but is capable of executing high precision high sensitivity analysis by using an economical apparatus and a simple analytical technology.

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: 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).

Abstract: A method for improving accuracy of determining polish endpoint of chemical mechanical polish (CMP) process is provided. The method is performed before the CMP process. First, a test wafer with a to-be-polished layer and a material layer under the to-be-polished layer is provided. Then, a test beam with a wavelength is provided to irradiate the test wafer. The CMP process is performed to the test wafer to remove the to-be-polished layer until the material layer is exposed while the reflection of the test beam during the polish process is continuously detected. The reflection tendency is detected when the to-be-polished layer is to be completely removed and when the CMP process reaches the interface between the to-be-polished layer and the material layer. If the reflection tendency is gradually weakened, the test beam with the wavelength is chosen for the subsequent polish process.

Abstract: We disclose methods of sorting or separating mixtures of living cells (e.g., eukaryotic, prokaryotic, mammalian, pathogenic, bacterial, viral, etc.). We perform our methods by activating cell-selective photophoric labels, which photosensitize and chemically reduce a photosensitive metal compound to form metal grains, particles or crystals. The metal adheres to the cells and forms the basis for sorting or separating different cell types. Photophoric labels may include chemiluminescent agents such as peroxidase enzymes activated with peroxidase substrates capable of luminescence. Photosensitive metal compounds may be present in a light-sensitive matrix or emulsion containing photosensitizable metal compounds, which form metal grains, particles or crystals upon exposure to a developer solution. Developer solutions are formulated to substantially allow living cells to remain viable after exposure to the developing solution.

Abstract: The present invention relates to optical confinements, methods of preparing and methods of using them for analyzing molecules and/or monitoring chemical reactions. The apparatus and methods embodied in the present invention are particularly useful for high-throughput and low-cost single-molecular analysis.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provides a method for performing a lateral flow assay. The method includes depositing a sample on a test strip at an application region, detecting a first detection signal arising from the test strip in the first detection zone, and generating a baseline for the first measurement zone by interpolating between values of the detection signal outside of the first measurement zone and inside of the first detection zone. The method may include locating a beginning boundary and an ending boundary for the first measurement zone on the test strip. Additional detection zones having measurement zones may also be incorporated with the embodiment.

Abstract: Analysis is carried out by the steps of putting a sample of an inflammable material on a support formed of a heat resistant material; heating the sample; depositing a combustion gas containing initial evaporation components evaporated and scattered from the sample in an early stage of a combustion process of the sample to an inspected substrate; and inspecting the deposit on the substrate and detecting and analyzing brominated compounds. According to this analysis method, there is provided a method, for analyzing detrimental brominated compounds contained in an inflammable material such as PBB and PBDE, which does not require pre-treatment for preparing a measurement sample but is capable of executing high precision high sensitivity analysis by using an economical apparatus and a simple analytical technology.

Abstract: In order to solve the problem of a prior art biological attribute measuring device, i.e., measurement data is apt to vary because of unstable contact due to difficulty in controlling a thickness of a saliva layer and pain caused during the measurement, is provided a biological attribute measuring device including a contact device having a portion, at least part of which is a curved surface, for abutting against a measuring region to apply light to the measuring region, a light detecting means for detecting at least one selected from the group consisting of transmitted light, reflected light, scattered light and transmitted/reflected light from the measuring region and a measuring means for measuring a specific component in the measuring region based on the detection result.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for noninvasively characterizing embedded micropatterns which are hidden under the surface of a wafer down to 100 ?m. The micropatterns are identified with reference micropatterns from a previously produced reference library with the aid of their specific ellipsometric parameters.

Abstract: For optically measuring black carbon in the atmosphere an aerosol particle collection area of a filter tape is continually illuminated by an illumination source with light of one or more wavelengths. Transmitted and reflected light fractions are measured at several precisely defined angles or angle ranges, such as of 0°, 120 to 140° and 165° to 180° by photodetectors arranged correspondingly relative to the illumination source, achieving maximum symmetry for the angles to be measured. The loading of the filter tape collection area with light absorbing aerosol material is continually determined from the change in the optical properties of the collection area with the aid of known algorithms from transmissivities and reflectivities as detected.

Abstract: A system for the rapid characterization of multi-analyte fluids, in one embodiment, includes a light source, a sensor array, and a detector. The sensor array is formed from a supporting member into which a plurality of cavities may be formed. A series of chemically sensitive particles are, in one embodiment positioned within the cavities. The particles may be configured to produce a signal when a receptor coupled to the particle interacts with the analyte. Using pattern recognition techniques, the analytes within a multi-analyte fluid may be characterized.

Abstract: A pre-diffused high density array of core memory cells is provided in a metal programmable device. The peripheral logic is made up of gate array cells in the metal programmable device. The peripheral logic may be configured to access the core memory cells as various memory types, widths, depths, and other configurations. If the entire memory is not needed, then the unused memory cells can be used as logic gates. The application-specific circuit, including peripheral logic, memory interface logic, and memory configuration is programmed with a metal layer.

Abstract: For optically measuring black carbon in the atmosphere an aerosol particle collection area of a filter tape is continually illuminated by an illumination source with light of one or more wavelengths. Transmitted and reflected light fractions are measured at several precisely defined angles or angle ranges, such as of 0°, 12° to 140° and 165 to 180° by means of photodetectors arranged correspondingly relative to the illumination source, achieving maximum symmetry for the angles to be measured. The loading of the filter tape collection area with light absorbing aerosol material is continually determined from the change in the optical properties of the collection area with the aid of known algorithms from transmissivities and reflectivities as detected.

Abstract: A portable particle detection and removal system (100) that connects to a house vacuum (200). A particle sensor (106) is connected between two hoses: one (102) connected to the house vacuum (200) and one (104) for vacuuming the wafer equipment chamber. A smaller diameter hose (104) may be used for vacuuming the wafer equipment chamber. The particle sensor detects (106) incoming particles and a particle count is displayed for the operator. A modulated cleaning system (112) modulates the vacuum pressure in the second hose (104) between two vacuum pressure states.

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 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.