Abstract: An imaging system consisting of a cell-phone with camera as the detection part of an optical train which includes other components. Optionally, an illumination system to create controlled contrast in the sample. Uses include but are not limited to disease diagnosis, symptom analysis, and post-procedure monitoring, and other applications to humans, animals, and plants.

Abstract: Systems and methods for examining spectral data over the course of a high speed event are described. The systems and methods can enable observation of the spectral evolution of a transient phenomenon into segment intervals on the order of, milliseconds or microseconds. The methods include reflecting light from an event off of a rotating mirror and sequentially delivering light from the mirror to a series of optical waveguides for sequential spectral analysis. The systems and methods can be useful in a wide variety of applications such as, LIBS applications; examination of high energy devices such as explosions or simulations of explosions; examination of deposition processes, e.g., coating formations; examination of chemical reactions; etc.

Abstract: Solid state lasers are disclosed herein. An example laser disclosed herein includes a monolithic body having a first end and a second end. The monolithic body includes a first reflector disposed on the first end, a second reflector disposed on the second end, and a solid state gain medium and a Q-switch disposed between the first reflector and the second reflector. The example laser also includes a pump source to cause a population inversion in the solid state gain medium to cause the monolithic body to output a laser pulse. Various applications of the solid state laser are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Described are devices, methods, and systems that are suitable for rapidly and simultaneously determining the concentration of suspended particles in a sample. The devices, methods, and systems allow for the rapid and simultaneous interrogation of a large number of sample wells in a single vessel, for example, samples contained in a two-dimensional array or micro-titer plate, without the need for moving reading heads or moving the sample vessel. The nephelometry system allows the user to rapidly and simultaneously measure the concentration of the particles in numerous samples, adjust the concentration of the particles in the sample with a sample handling system, and re-measure the concentration of the samples in order to achieve a desired concentration.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus and an image forming system which are hardly affected by noise due to paper dust or the like is provided. An image reading apparatus includes a back side image reading unit and a front side image reading unit which are continuously arranged in a sheet conveying direction. Also, an upstream side conveyance member and an intermediate conveyance member are arranged adjacent to each other in the upstream and downstream sides of the back side image reading unit. The intermediate conveyance member and the downstream side conveyance member are arranged adjacent to each other in the upstream and downstream sides of the front side image reading unit. The colorimetric unit is arranged outside an area from the upstream side conveyance member to the downstream side conveyance member in the sheet conveying direction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of calibrating apparatus for optically characterizing samples of particles of small size. Also disclosed is a method of estimating the concentration of particles in a population of small size particles.

Abstract: A microfluidic cartridge and methods for performing a diagnostic, molecular or biochemical assay thereon, where all dried and/or liquid reagents necessary for the assay are contained in the cartridge and the assay requires only the addition of sample. Pneumohydraulic features, chamber and diaphragm technologies are introduced for overcoming the problems of bubble interference and reagent washout during operation of a microfluidic cartridge. The cartridges are inserted into a host instrument for performance of an assay and the cartridge is supplied as a consumable.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a biochip having improved fluorescent signal sensing properties, and a biochip manufactured by the manufacturing method. A filter layer is provided between a bio-layer and a light sensor layer so as to remove noise generated by stray light during a bio-reaction process. Thereby, the sensitivity of the light sensor layer can be enhanced.

Abstract: A light source device includes: excitation light sources configured to emit a plurality of excitation light including mutually different spectra; wavelength converting members configured to wavelength-convert the excitation light emitted from the excitation light sources into light having mutually different spectra and configured to be disposed in a common application region of the excitation light; and a light source control unit configured to switch a combination of the excitation light sources that are lighted among the excitation light sources based on the observation mode including a normal light observation mode and a special light observation mode to highlight a particular observation target input to an input unit, wherein light emitted from the wavelength converting members is used as illumination light, and the illumination light corresponding to the observation modes is emitted from a same emitting portion.

Abstract: A composition for use on skin and wounds, comprising a photo-catalyst which is capable of preferentially staining biofilms the composition being for use in the diagnosis and treatment of biofilms in wounds.

Abstract: A series combination of a shortwave pass (SWP) filter and a longwave pass (LWP) filter is provided in an arrangement where the filters are separately and independently controlled by voltages applied to the respective filters. The applied voltages modify the response profile of the associated filters, where changes in the voltage applied to the SWP filter changes its cut-off wavelength ?S and changes in the voltage applied to the LWP filter changes its cut-on wavelength ?L (the bandwidth of the combined arrangement between the span between ?L and ?S). The ability to independently tune both the SWP and LWP filters allows for the combined result of their series combination to modify both the center wavelength (CWL) and bandwidth (BW) of the overall filter resulting from their combination.

Abstract: A method for performing multiplexed bead-based immunoassays using a microfluidic cassette capable of detecting a particle passing in substantially single file through an interrogation zone and generating a Coulter effect signal responsive to a characteristic of the particle. A fluid sample may be prepared by associating antibody-coated beads of different sizes to particles of interest. A first multiplexing option may be based on bead size, in which case the intensity of the Coulter signal is used to sort or characterize the particles. A second multiplexing option may be based on detection of Stokes' shift phenomena, or even simply emission intensity, in which case particles may be characterized responsive to intensity of the signal resulting from detection of radiation. The first and second multiplexing options may be employed together to populate an array of particle characteristics.

Abstract: A filter arrangement can transmit and/or reflect light emanating from a moving object so that the emanating light has time variation, and the time variation can include information about the object, such as its type. For example, emanating light from segments of a path can be transmitted/reflected through positions of a filter assembly, and the transmission functions of the positions can be sufficiently different that time variation occurs in the emanating light between segments. Or emanating light from a segment can be transmitted/reflected through a filter component in which simpler transmission functions are superimposed, so that time variation occurs in the emanating light in accordance with superposition of two simpler non-uniform transmission functions. Many filter arrangements could be used, e.g. the filter component could include the filter assembly, which can have one of the simpler non-uniform transmission functions.

Abstract: A real time analysis in accordance with temperature change and highly sensitive detection are permitted. A flow passage device has a flow passage (1) and is able to heat a fluid in the flow passage. A state of the fluid in the flow passage is observable using light. The flow passage device includes a first member (2) including an observation surface (3) and an upper inner wall surface (4), and a second member (5) including a lower inner wall surface that opposes the upper inner wall surface (4) and that is part of inner walls of the flow passage. A heating resistor (6) having a reflective surface that reflects light is provided on the lower inner wall surface. The light reflected by the reflective surface passes through the upper inner wall surface (4) and the observation surface (3).

Abstract: A module for engagement with a conventional microscope to provide selective plane illumination microscopy is disclosed. The module is coupled to the translational base of the microscope and defines a mounting having a mount body in which an excitation objective having a first longitudinal axis is engaged to one portion of the mount body and a detection objective having a second longitudinal axis is engaged to another portion of the mount body such that the first longitudinal axis is in perpendicular geometric relation with the second longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An approach for characterizing an optical near field transducer (NFT) involves providing excitation radiation to the NFT. The NFT emits photoluminescent radiation in response to the excitation radiation. The output radiation from the NFT is filtered so that a portion of the photoluminescent radiation emitted by the NFT passes through the filter and the excitation radiation is substantially blocked. A detector detects the portion of photoluminescent radiation and outputs an electrical signal in response to detection of the portion of photoluminescent radiation.

Abstract: A submersible fluorometer (10), includes: an excitation module (40) for exciting the fluorophore; and a detection module (42) for detecting the light emitted by the excited fluorophore, wherein the excitation module (40) includes a first light source (44) including a first UV LED and having a first wavelength lower than 300 nm, the excitation module (40) includes a second light source (46) including a second UV LED and having a second wavelength lower than 300 nm, the first and second wavelengths being different from each other, and the fluorometer includes an electronic circuit having a plurality of printed circuits positioned one below the other.

Abstract: A color conversion filter contains at least one kind of squarylium dye that radiates fluorescence light, has a wavelength conversion capability, absorbs light in an unneeded wavelength region, radiates fluorescence light in a preferable wavelength region, and does not allow decrease in brightness, and thus is preferable for color conversion light-emitting devices, photoelectric conversion devices and the like. Specifically, the color conversion filter has an absorption having a high intensity in the range of 570 to 600 nm, and thus is preferable for use in a color conversion filter that radiates fluorescence light having a high intensity in the range of 600 to 780 nm.

Abstract: A LIDAR device may transmit light pulses originating from one or more light sources and may receive reflected light pulses that are detected by one or more detectors. The LIDAR device may include a lens that both (i) collimates the light from the one or more light sources to provide collimated light for transmission into an environment of the LIDAR device and (ii) focuses the reflected light onto the one or more detectors. Each light source may include a respective laser diode and cylindrical lens. The laser diode may emit an uncollimated laser beam that diverges more in a first direction than in a second direction. The cylindrical lens may pre-collimate the uncollimated laser beam in the first direction to provide a partially collimated laser that diverges more in the second direction than in the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light engine having four light sources. A combination of collimators, bandpass filters, dichroic mirrors, and other elements is operative to direct light from the light sources onto a main optical axis from where it may be focused into a light guide for transport to an instrument or device. Particular embodiments of the invention provide for computer control, intensity control, color control, and light source modulation. Additional embodiments include particular light sources including light pipes and lasers. The light engine provides white light having a high color rendering index and suitable for applications in microscopy, endoscopy, and/or bioanalytical instrumentation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a system and a method for measuring fluorescence of a sample. The sample may be a polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) array, a loop-mediated-isothermal amplification array, etc. LEDs are used to excite the sample, and a photodiode is used to collect the sample's fluorescence. An electronic offset signal is used to reduce the effects of background fluorescence and the noises from the measurement system. An integrator integrates the difference between the output of the photodiode and the electronic offset signal over a given period of time. The resulting integral is then converted into digital domain for further processing and storage.

Abstract: Technologies are generally described for systems and methods for detecting chiral properties of materials and separating materials based on their chiral properties. A chiral vector is constructed from anisotropy properties of a polarization-dependent output signal from a sample. Different types of molecules from the sample can be differentiated based on a magnitude of the chiral vector. Chiral properties of the sample can be detected based on an angle of the chiral vector. The output signal can be a fluorescent emission from the sample and can be used to detect chiral properties of a substantially opaque sample.

Abstract: An Advanced Laser Fluorometer (ALF) can combine spectrally and temporally resolved measurements of laser-stimulated emission (LSE) for characterization of dissolved and particulate matter, including fluorescence constituents, in liquids. Spectral deconvolution (SDC) analysis of LSE spectral measurements can accurately retrieve information about individual fluorescent bands, such as can be attributed to chlorophyll-a (Chl-a), phycobiliprotein (PBP) pigments, or chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM), among others. Improved physiological assessments of photosynthesizing organisms can use SDC analysis and temporal LSE measurements to assess variable fluorescence corrected for SDC-retrieved background fluorescence. Fluorescence assessments of Chl-a concentration based on LSE spectral measurements can be improved using photo-physiological information from temporal measurements.

Abstract: A filter wheel and a spectrometer including the filter wheel are disclosed. The filter wheel has a first support structure on which a first plurality of filters are mounted and a second support structure on which at least one filter is provided. A radiation source generates a radiation beam, and a beam splitter splits the radiation beam into a first detection path and a second detection path. The first plurality of filters are selectively movable into the first detection path. The at least one filter on the second support structure is arranged to be disposed in the second detection path. The spectrometer includes a first radiation detector that detects radiation that passes through the selected filter in the first detection path, and a second radiation detector that detects radiation passing through the filter in the second detection path.

Abstract: A flame photometric detector assembly can comprise an optics assembly including a focusing mirror adapted to provide a focal region, and a detector block associated with the focusing mirror. The detector block can include a body defining a sampling chamber, a combustion chamber positioned adjacent an outer periphery of the sampling chamber, and a sample column liner adapted to feed sample into the sampling chamber at the focal region.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a sequencing system capable of rapidly imaging samples at multiple wavelengths are provided herein. In one embodiment, the system includes a fast-indexing filter wheel having a plurality of excitation and emission filters capable of being rapidly rotated into and out of communication with an excitation source (e.g., an arc lamp, a laser. For example, the filter wheel can be configured to index in an amount of time falling within a range of about 40 ms to about 60 ms, preferably 50 ms. The system can also be configured to account for vibrations resulting from the quick starts and stops of the fast-indexing filter wheel as well as vibrations resulting from other sources. Various methods of rapidly imaging a sample at multiple wavelengths are also provided herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to microfluidic devices adapted for facilitating cytometry analysis of particles flowing therethrough. In certain embodiments, the microfluidic devices allow light collection from multiple directions. In certain other embodiments, the microfluidic devices use spatial intensity modulation. In certain other embodiments, the microfluidic devices have magnetic field separators. In certain other embodiments, the microfluidic devices have the ability to stack. In certain other embodiments, the microfluidic devices have 3-D hydrodynamic focusing to align sperm cells. In certain other embodiments, the microfluidic devices have acoustic energy couplers. In certain other embodiments, the microfluidic devices have phase variation producing lenses. In certain other embodiments, the microfluidic devices have transmissive and reflective lenses. In certain other embodiments, the microfluidic devices have integrally-formed optics.

Abstract: With the different methods of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, physical and biological transport processes in or between cells in the microscopic range, for example diffusion processes, can be analyzed. For this purpose, correlations of the fluorescence measurement data are determined for different sample regions and mathematical transport models are adapted thereto. Erroneous fluorescence correlation analyses were previously identified on the basis of the properties of the adapted model function parameters and were discarded. The a-priori knowledge necessary for the identification had to be obtained in time-consuming series of tests. With the invention, sample properties can be determined in a simpler, quicker and more exact way from fluorescence correlations.

Abstract: An analyzer for biochemical analysis includes a seat for receiving a recipient. A first light source and a second light source illuminate the recipient with a luminous radiation, respectively, in a first excitation band and in a second excitation band, including a first excitation wavelength and a second excitation wavelength of fluorophores of a first type and of a second type. A first image sensor and a second image sensor are oriented so as to receive light emitted by fluorophores contained in the recipient and are, respectively, provided with a first detection filter and a second detection filter, having, respectively, a first detection passband and a second detection passband, including, respectively, a first emission wavelength and a second emission wavelength of the fluorophores of the first type and of the second type.

Abstract: A fluorescence detecting device receives fluorescence emitted by n kinds of measurement objects within wavelength bands FLk (k is an integer of 1 to n) set so that the fluorescence intensity of fluorescence emitted by a measurement object k becomes higher than that of fluorescence emitted by the other one or more measurement objects, and acquires fluorescent signals corresponding to the wavelength bands FLk (k is an integer of 1 to n). Each of the fluorescent signals is subjected to frequency-down conversion by mixing it with a modulation signal for modulating the intensity of a laser beam Lk (k=1) corresponding to at least one of the wavelength bands FLk to produce fluorescence data including the phase delay and intensity amplitude of the fluorescent signal. The fluorescence data is corrected to calculate the phase delay and a fluorescence relaxation time is calculated using the phase delay.

Abstract: Structures and methods are described for optical detection of physical, chemical and/or biological samples. An optical detection structure may include a LED source, multiple filters and single or multiple sample areas. A detector may be used to record a fluorescence signal. The sample area may allow the introduction of removable cartridges.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for repairing and refurbishing a microplate reader of the Flipr type which has a water cooled argon laser light source. The old laser is removed and replaced with a high power (300 to 500 mW) air cooled solid state laser as a replacement place on its own support and focused and wired to replace the old laser. The new product operates at lower power consumption yet provides accurate measurements.

Abstract: An image reading device includes a first reader member, an optical system, and a second reader member. The first reader member reads an image recorded on a surface of a medium traveling through a predetermined read area by receiving light from the medium. The read area is set on a transport path along which the medium is transported. The optical system guides the light from the medium to the first reader member. The second reader member has a color measurement unit disposed on an optical path of the light guided by the optical system and performing color measurement on the light. The second reader member reads a color of the image recorded on the surface of the medium on the basis of the light. The second reader member reads a color of an image in a predetermined second area included in the read area read by the first reader member.

Abstract: A filter arrangement can transmit and/or reflect light emanating from a moving object so that the emanating light has time variation, and the time variation can include information about the object, such as its type. For example, emanating light from segments of a path can be transmitted/reflected through positions of a filter assembly, and the transmission functions of the positions can be sufficiently different that time variation occurs in the emanating light between segments. Or emanating light from a segment can be transmitted/reflected through a filter component in which simpler transmission functions are superimposed, so that time variation occurs in the emanating light in accordance with superposition of two simpler non-uniform transmission functions. Many filter arrangements could be used, e.g. the filter component could include the filter assembly, which can have one of the simpler non-uniform transmission functions.

Abstract: The distal end of an inserted portion, having a simple structure, is reduced in diameter, loss of light incident from a body cavity is reduced, and light from two different directions is observed simultaneously and in a separated fashion.

Abstract: A method of normalizing an analyzer response value of a fluorescence analyzer is provided. The method includes measuring an excitation spectrum of the analyzer and measuring an emission sensitivity spectrum of the analyzer. Next, a normalization factor based at least in part upon the excitation spectrum of the analyzer and the emission sensitivity spectrum of the analyzer is determined. The sample is then analyzed to obtain an uncorrected analyzer response value. A normalized analyzer response value is calculated based at least in part upon the uncorrected analyzer response value and the normalization factor.

Abstract: Fluorescence detection apparatus detects fluorescence from a fluorescent object. The apparatus includes a light source configured to irradiate the fluorescent object with light, a shutter configured to block the light, from the light source, directed to the fluorescent object, an optical output measuring unit arranged in an optical path between the shutter and the light source, an image pickup element configured to detect the fluorescence from the fluorescent object and to capture a noise image, and a changing unit configured to change at least one of an accumulation time of the image pickup element and an open-close time of the shutter. The changing unit calculates the accumulation time for capturing the noise image using the measurement result of the optical output measuring unit, and corrects a captured fluorescent image generated by detecting the fluorescence, using the noise image captured during the accumulation time calculated by the calculation unit.

Abstract: A cartridge for biochemical analysis includes a support, a structure, which is set on the support and contains wells for receiving a solution, and photodetectors on the support, in positions corresponding to respective wells.

Abstract: A man portable device for detecting the presence of hazardous material includes a pulsed or time-modulated light source and an objective scannable across the surface of a sample for projecting light from the light source onto a succession of spots on the surface of the sample. A spectrometer performs a spectral analysis of the induced fluorescence to create a first dataset defining a first vector as a function of wavelength. A time domain detector for measuring the time decay of the induced fluorescence collected simultaneously creates a second dataset defining a second vector as a function of time. A computer identifies hazardous material by performing independent multivariate analysis on the first and second vectors as the objective is scanned across the sample surface based on fluorescent signal models for hazardous materials in the spectral and time domains.

Abstract: A flame photometric detector (FPD) for use in a gas chromatography (GC) apparatus is described. The FPD has an emission block that is maintained in a first temperature range, and a transfer line that is maintained in a second temperature range that is greater than the first temperature range. The FPD is coupled to a light detector, such as a photomultiplier tube (PMT).

Abstract: Disclosed is a highly reliable optical fiber measurement device and measurement method having a simple and compact structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing cell cytometry mitigate or eliminate the effects of refraction that result from interfaces between materials having different refractive indices. Solid materials, such as the walls of a flow path, which materials are disposed between a nominal focal point and an objective lens, are formed of a material having a refractive index between 1.30 and 1.40 inclusive. The refractive index of a liquid material, such as an immersion fluid or a fluid carrying, suspending, or bathing an analyte, may be adjusted to have a refractive index closer to that of surrounding solid materials and, in particular, within 0.02 of the refractive index of the surrounding solid materials.

Abstract: Fluid analyte sensors include a photoelectrocatalytic element that is configured to be exposed to the fluid, if present, and to respond to photoelectrocatalysis of at least one analyte in the fluid that occurs in response to impingement of optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. A semiconductor light emitting source is also provided that is configured to impinge the optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. Related solid state devices and sensing methods are also described.

Abstract: A filter arrangement can transmit and/or reflect light emanating from a moving object so that the emanating light has time variation, and the time variation can include information about the object, such as its type. For example, emanating light from segments of a path can be transmitted/reflected through positions of a filter assembly, and the transmission functions of the positions can be sufficiently different that time variation occurs in the emanating light between segments. Or emanating light from a segment can be transmitted/reflected through a filter component in which simpler transmission functions are superimposed, so that time variation occurs in the emanating light in accordance with superposition of two simpler non-uniform transmission functions. Many filter arrangements could be used, e.g. the filter component could include the filter assembly, which can have one of the simpler non-uniform transmission functions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light engine having four LED light sources in combination with one or more laser light sources. A combination of collimators, bandpass filters, dichroic mirrors, and other elements is operative to direct light from the light sources onto a main optical axis from where it may be focused into a light guide for transport to a instrument or device. Particular embodiments of the invention provide for computer control, intensity control, color control, and light source modulation. The light engine provides light suitable for applications in microscopy, endoscopy, and/or bioanalytical instrumentation.

Abstract: Statistical analysis techniques based on auto- and cross-correlations/cumulants, of image stacks of fluctuating objects are used to improve resolution beyond the classical diffraction limit and to reduce the background. The time trajectory of every pixel in the image frame is correlated with itself and/or with the time trajectory of an adjacent pixel. The amplitude of these auto- or cross-correlations/cumulants of each pixel, at a given time lag or averaged or integrated over an interval of time lags, is used as the intensity value of that pixel in the generated superresolved optical fluctuation image.

Abstract: This invention provides a novel methods and devices for measurement of particle concentration or changes in particle concentration over a wide linear range. The invention comprises one or more radiation sources and one or more detectors contained in a housing which is interfaced to a medium containing particulate matter. The one or more radiation sources are directed into the medium, scattered or transmitted by the particulate matter, and then some portion of the radiation is detected by the one or more detectors. Methods for confining the measurement to a specific volume within the medium are described. Algorithms are provided for combining the signals generated by multiple source-detector pairs in a manner that results in a wide linear range of response to changes in particle concentration. In one embodiment the sensor provides non-invasive measurements of biomass in a bioreactor. In another embodiment an immersible probe design is described, which may be suited for one-time use.

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 method for calibrating a deflection unit in a TIRF microscope, by means of which an angle of incidence of excitation light onto a specimen is adjusted, wherein a setting of said deflection unit is adjusted such that the pertaining angle of incidence is definitely greater or definitely smaller than an anticipated critical angle for total reflection of the excitation light on a surface of a used specimen, the angle of incidence is scanned by varying the setting of said deflection unit in the direction of an anticipated critical angle, an intensity of an optical response of the used specimen elicited by the excitation light being measured for each setting of the deflection unit, the intensity of the optical response of the specimen used is measured at least for a number of settings of the deflection unit until the intensity of the optical response of the specimen used traverses a flank, and the setting of the deflection unit pertaining to the flank is stored as the setting for the crit

Abstract: A method of accumulating a quantity of seeds having a desired fatty acid characteristic is provided. The method includes removing a sample from each seed in a population of seeds while maintaining the germination viability of the seeds; contacting each sample with a solvent to form a mixture comprising fatty acid methyl esters; analyzing the mixture of fatty acid methyl esters from each sample to determine the fatty acid profile of the corresponding seed; selecting seeds having at least one desired fatty acid characteristic based on the analysis of the samples removed from the seeds; cultivating plants from the selected seeds; recovering seeds from the cultivated plants, wherein the recovered seeds are a subsequent generation of the selected seeds; and repeating the operations for one or more generations of the recovered seeds to thereby accumulate the quantity of seeds having the desired fatty acid characteristic.