Abstract: The mass spectrometer according to the present invention includes a light source for emitting pulse light including a plurality of wavelengths; an ionizer for ionizing molecules of a sample by irradiating the light from the light source to the sample; and a mass analyzer for separating ions ionized in the ionizer according to their mass to charge ratios. For the light source, one including a plurality of ultrashort pulse laser sources each emitting a wavelength different from others, and one emitting ultrashort pulse light including plural wavelengths ranging from the visible region to the infrared region generated by dispersing an ultrashort pulse light with continuous (white) spectrum can be used. Pulse lights having plural wavelengths ranging from near infrared to the ultraviolet region respectively share the role; i.e., one of them vaporizes the sample without fragmenting it, and another ionizes the vaporized sample with the single-photon process or two-photon (or multi-photon) process.

Abstract: A series of optical spectral sensors is based on a combination of solid-state sources (illumination) and detectors housed within an integrated package that includes the interfacing optics and acquisition and processing electronics. The focus is on low cost and the fabrication of the sensor is based on techniques that favor mass production. Materials and components are selected to support low-cost, high volume manufacturing of the sensors. Spectral selectivity is provided by the solid-state source(s) thereby eliminating the need for expensive spectral selection components. The spectral response covers the range from the visible (400 nm) to the mid-infrared (25,000 nm/25.0 ?m), as defined by the availability of suitable low-cost solid-state source devices. A refractive optical system is employed, primarily in an internal reflection mode, allowing a selection of sample handling tools, including, but not restricted to internal reflectance and transmittance.

Abstract: Noise in a fluorescence image acquired during fluoroscopy is eliminated to present a clear fluorescence image, and the relative positional relationship between the fluoroscopy unit and the specimen can be recognized even while fluoroscopy is in progress. A dark box apparatus for fluoroscopy includes: a dark-box main body enclosing a specimen and a fluoroscopy unit for illuminating the specimen with excitation light with a first spectral band and for detecting fluorescence with a second spectral band generated by the specimen; an illumination light source disposed in the dark-box main body to emit light with a third spectral band different from the first spectral band and the second spectral band; and an observation window disposed in the dark-box main body, the observation window being capable of transmitting light with a fourth spectral band which includes at least part of the third spectral band and does not include the first spectral band and the second spectral band.

Abstract: There is provided a fluorescence spectroscopic apparatus includes an exciting optical unit configured to irradiate the same sample area with a plurality of excitation lights of different wavelength bands, an optical unit configured to repeatedly guide fluorescences emitted by the sample in response to the respective excitation lights, to a detection unit, and a calculation unit configured to perform analysis on the basis of a comparison of output signals corresponding to the fluorescences from the detection unit, wherein the exciting optical unit includes an excitation light varying unit configured to intermittently vary the intensity of at least one excitation light.

Abstract: The present method uses a spectrophotometric and/or ionisation detection device in which the gas to be analyzed and illuminated by a light source emitting in a range of wavelengths distinct from the one used for spectrophotometry so as to carry out a nephelometric and/or turbidimetric detection, the results of this detection being used to carry out an adjustment of the device for counting the particles and/or for determining the composition of these particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring the production of macromolecule crystals containing at least one fluorescence emitter, comprising the following steps: a) a solution volume with dissolved macromolecules of a molecule species containing at least one fluorescence emitter is subjected to conditions, which cause the macromolecules to crystallize to macromolecule crystals or which are expected to cause the macromolecules to crystallize to macromolecule crystals, b) the solution volume of step a is irradiated with coherent light, and the light scattered by the macromolecule crystals is detected in at least one defined spatial angle range by means for the detection scattered light, c) before, simultaneously with or after step b, the solution volume is irradiated with a light source, the light emission of which is suitable for exciting the fluorescence emitter, and the fluorescence light is detected by means for the detection of fluorescence light, and to a device for carrying-out the method.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a miniaturized spectroscopy system comprising a light source fabricated from porous silicon. Porous silicon light emitting devices can provide tunable, narrow, and directional luminescence. Advantageously, a porous silicon light source can be integrated into a silicon wafer based device thus simplifying the manufacture of a miniaturized spectros copy system and lab-on-a-chip type devices employing spectroscopic detection.

Abstract: An ultra small fluorescence detector capable of detecting in real time reaction undergoing in a micro chamber having a predetermined volume and disposed on a microfluid chip is provided. The fluorescence detector for detecting in real time PCR amplification undergoing in the microfluid chip having a micro chamber with a predetermined volume includes a light source generating an excitation beam, a first optical system capable of irradiating the excitation beam having a predetermined spot size to the micro chamber, a first detector, and a second optical system reflecting a fluorescent beam derived from the excitation beam having the predetermined spot size in the micro chamber to the first detector. Accordingly, the fluorescence detector is designed such that light emitted by a light source is focused between a first mirror and an objective lens.

Abstract: Laser Scanning Microscope with an illumination beam path for illumination of a sample and a detection beam path for wavelength-dependent recording of the light from the sample, whereby filters for selection of the detection wavelengths are provided, characterized in that at least one graduated filter spatially variable in regard to the threshold wavelength between the transmission and reflection is provided in several partial beam paths for the selection of the wavelengths.

Abstract: A fluorescence photometric apparatus which includes a light source, a light irradiating unit configured to condense light from the light source on a sample by means of an objective lens and irradiating the sample with the condensed light, and a photodetector which detects fluorescence emitted from the sample, includes an illuminating unit configured to obtaining a sample image, a position adjusting unit configured to adjusting a relative position of the sample and a position of a light spot condensed by the light irradiating unit, and an imaging unit configured to simultaneously two-dimensionally or three-dimensionally imaging both the sample image and an image of the light spot from the light irradiating unit configured to condensing the light on the sample.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of determining the position of fluorescent markers in a sample (4), with a high spatial resolution. To this end, the sample (4) is illuminated with an exciting light beam (11), while the sample (4) is simultaneously scanned by a particle beam (3). During scanning, markers will be impinged upon by the particle beam (3) and will be damaged, in such a manner that the marker impinged upon will no longer emit fluorescence radiation. This leads to a reduction of the flux of fluorescence radiation. This reduction is detected. Seeing as the position of the particle beam (3) w.r.t. the sample is known at the moment that the marker is damaged, the position of the marker in the sample is, accordingly, also known.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for exciting and detecting fluorescence in samples are disclosed. In one embodiment, a sample holder for holding a plurality of samples is provided together with an optical manifold having an excitation source, a photo receiver, or both, for each of the plurality of samples. In another embodiment, the optical manifold contains only the excitation source or a photo receiver, and the other is associated with the sample holder. This system permits for rapid excitation and measurement of fluorescence without the use of moving parts and without any opto-mechanical or electronic disturbance. It exhibits an exceptional signal to noise ratio, which permits it to differentiate between very low level differences in fluorescence.

Abstract: A robotic apparatus of the kind having a sample manipulation head with associated positioning system mounted above the main bed of the apparatus, as used for picking of cells, in particular animal cells, or for other biological or chemical applications. An imaging station is arranged on the main bed where a sample container containing a sample can be placed in an object position. According to the invention, both excitation and collection optical sub-systems are mounted under the main bed of the apparatus for performing spectroscopic analysis on a sample at the imaging station. The integration is based on a reflection mode optical solution, which allows all the optical components to be mounted under the main bed of the apparatus. Consequently, ancillary software driven or manual processes can be carried on with whether or not spectroscopic measurements are being made.

Abstract: A modular, micro-scale, optical array and biodetection device for quantifying fluorescence intensities of a plurality of substantially separated, and dimensionally uniform elements of a bioarray that are located at known positions on a plain support includes a light guide that directs bioarray illumination light from a respective light source to opposing sides of the plain support. An optical module collecting light individually from the bioarray elements includes an optical member, a filter, and a sensor, such as a CCD chip. The optical member collects and transfers emitted light from the bioarray elements via the filter to the sensor. The filter transfers light from the elements having a predefined wavelength spectrum and blocks light outside the predefined wavelength spectrum. The sensor receives transferred light from the elements and produces a signal corresponding to respective elements of the bioarray.

Abstract: Highly portable, handheld instrument which can be pointed at the produce to be checked. Light from a source within the instrument is directed onto the produce to induce fluorescent emission from the produce, and fluorescent emissions from the produce are monitored with a detector within the instrument to detect the presence of pesticide residue on the produce. The light from the source is filtered to selectively pass light of a wavelength which induces maximum fluorescent emission from the pesticide to be detected, and the emissions from the produce are filtered to selectively pass emissions having a spectral content characteristic of the pesticide to be detected.

Abstract: A method and a device for image producing measurement of fluorescent light, according to which a sample containing fluorophores of different species is irradiated with excitation light of at least one excitation channel defined by its spectral properties. The fluorescent light emitted by the sample is received by at least one detection channel defined by its spectral detection characteristic, and is converted into a digital signal, which is stored for further processing The properties of a number of measuring channels, respectively defined as specific combinations consisting of an excitation channel and a detection channel, are automatically set before conducting the measurement according to the result of a mathematical optimization process, which takes into account the fluorescence characteristics of at least some of the fluorophores presumed by the user to be in the sampler.

Abstract: Described is a dark-field imaging device for the spatially resolved dark-field imaging of a sample (60), especially a fluorescent sample, comprising, for the illumination of the sample with excitation light, an illumination assembly (20) comprising a grid (22) of individually addressable light sources (24), wherein the lines connecting the light sources and the sample define a region (64) with the optical path of the direct excitation light and a region (66) with the optical path of the specular reflected excitation light, and a detection assembly (30) for the detection, with radiation-receiving elements (34), of the radiation emitted by the sample (60) as an optical response to the illumination, wherein the radiation-receiving elements (34) of the detection assembly (30) are disposed outside the region (64) with the optical path of the direct excitation light and the region (66) with the optical path of the specular reflected excitation light.

Abstract: A device for different applications of measuring properties of samples on e.g. microtitration plates and corresponding sample supports. It achieves more efficient illumination for activating a sample in measuring e.g. fluorescence. This is achieved by providing an illumination arrangement in an optical measurement instrumentation which includes at least one cavity which has walls with reflective inner surfaces. The light beams for the excitation of samples are guided through the cavity. With such a cavity it is possible to collect the radiation of the light source efficiently and guide the light into the sample with very small attenuation. The reflections from the cavity walls significantly improve the evenness of the radiation. This effect can be further increased by providing an uneven inner surface of the walls. It is also possible to collimate the light by using a cavity which has an increasing width/cross-section in the advancing direction of the light.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a fluorescence microscope and method of observing samples using the microscope and, more particularly, to a fluorescence microscope and method of observing samples using the microscope, which can reduce optical noise and obtain images with higher sensitivity, thus obtaining precise information about the density, quantity, location, etc. of a fluorophore, and which can simultaneously process separate images even when a plurality of fluorophores having different excitation and fluorescent wavelength ranges is distributed, thus easily obtaining information about the fluorophores. The fluorescence microscope of the present invention includes an objective lens, and first and third medium units. The first medium unit has a refractive index of n1 to accommodate one or more micro-objects including fluorophores and provide a path of excitation light to excite the fluorophores.

Abstract: The bio-sample (e.g., a live cell) is labeled with a proper number of nanoparticles. Each nanoparticle is pre-co-doped with a controlled ratio of fluorophore donors and acceptors. Two laser pulses are applied to the bio-sample. The first laser pulse has a center wavelength near the peak of absorption spectrum of acceptors. The intensity of first laser pulse is adjusted such that FRET saturation occurs near the center of the focal spot. The focal spot of the first laser pulse is a diffraction-limited Airy disk that has the highest laser intensity in the center of the focal spot. The second laser has a center wavelength in the emission spectrum of acceptors and with a uniform intensity distribution throughout the focal spot. The fluorescence emission from acceptors after two laser pulses is from an area that is smaller than the diffraction-limited focal spot. Hence, a higher than diffraction-limit resolution is achieved.

Abstract: A fluorometry device and method adapted to determine concentration of spectrally distinguishable species in a biological sample with a plurality of movable optical devices.

Abstract: A fluorometry device and method adapted to determine concentration of spectrally distinguishable species in a biological sample with a plurality of movable optical devices.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel multi-spectral exogenous fluorescence polarization imaging technique that enables rapid imaging of large tissue fields. The imaging device includes a tunable monochromatic light source and a CCD camera. Linear polarizers are placed into both the incident and collected light pathways in order to obtain fluorescence polarization or/and anisotropy image. To acquire exogenous fluorescence image, fluorescent contrast agents are delivered to a target tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus images a surface. An imager stage linearly translates the surface in a first direction. A light path has a first end defining an input aperture perpendicular to the first direction and parallel to the surface, and a second end defining an output aperture. A plurality of radiation beams linearly scan and interact in time-multiplexed alternating turns with the surface below the input aperture to produce a time-multiplexed light signal that is collected by the input aperture and transmitted by the light path to the output aperture. A photodetector arrangement detects the light signal at the output aperture. A processor processes the detected time-multiplexed light.

Abstract: An optical system is disclosed that can be used for fluorescence filtering for molecular imaging. In one preferred embodiment, a source subsystem is disclosed comprising a light source and a first set of filters designed to pass wavelengths of light in an absorption band of a fluorescent material. A detector subsystem is also disclosed comprising a light detector, imaging optics, a second set of filters designed to pass wavelengths of light in an emission band of the fluorescent material, and an aperture located at a front focal plane of the imaging optics. A telecentric space is created between the light detector and the imaging optics, such that axial rays from a plurality of field points emerge from the imaging optics parallel to each other and perpendicular to the second set of filters.

Abstract: A small object identifying device and its identifying method according to which a large number of small objects can be identified. In one embodiment, the device includes a dispersion region section which disperses a large quantity of several kinds of small objects which are labeled by a combination of the presence/absence or measure of label elements of several kinds. A measuring device distributes and associates kinds of said label elements to two or more measurement points and measures the presence/absence or the measure of said label elements of the kinds which have been associated with respective measurement points. An identifying section associates the measurement results measured at each measurement point to thereby identify said small objects.

Abstract: The disclosure generally relates to a multimode imaging apparatus for simultaneously obtaining multiple wavelength-discriminative spectral images of a sample.

Abstract: A microplate reader includes a light emitting portion for irradiating each of a plurality of test samples with excitation light, a light receiving portion for receiving return light from each of the test samples, and an XY stage for moving the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion to traverse and scan the test samples. The light emitting portion and the light receiving portion are defined at the same location on a reflection surface, which is formed on a distal end of a glass light guide rod. The light emitting portion irradiates each test sample with a sufficient amount of excitation light so that a sufficient amount of return light enters the light receiving portion.

Abstract: In an ingredient analysis method and an ingredient analysis apparatus in accordance with the present invention, high-frequency power is supplied from a power source 4 while helium gas is supplied to an atmospheric pressure plasma source 2 disposed near a substance to be analyzed, whereby plasma 5 is generated, and the substance to be analyzed is exposed to the plasma 5 and emits light. The light is guided to a filter 7 and a photodiode 8 via an optical fiber 6 and subjected to photoelectrical conversion. The signal obtained by the photoelectrical conversion is sent to a controller 9. The controller 9 judges whether a specific element is present or not in the substance to be analyzed.

Abstract: Provided are an optical detection apparatus which can measure multi-channel samples at high speed and various wavelengths using an optical detector and a multi-channel sample analyzer employing the same. The optical detection apparatus includes an optical detector; a filter wheel having at least two color filters connected to each other in the shape of a disk; a plurality of optical channels through which a plurality of beams of light enter the filter wheel; and a mirror unit including a plurality of mirrors for sequentially reflecting the plurality of beams of light transmitted through the filter wheel to the optical detector, wherein the mirror unit rotates together with the filter wheel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable fluorescence correlation spectroscopy instrument that includes an excitation source, at least one of a light focusing element positioned to receive light emitted by the excitation source, a detector for detecting light, the detector positioned to receive light emitted by a sample excited by the excitation source, and a correlator coupled to the detector, the correlator for processing data received at the detector and providing data including autocorrelation data, crosscorrelation data, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for a compact birefringent interference imaging spectrometer. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a portable system for obtaining a spectrum of a sample. The portable system may include a first photon emission source for illuminating the sample with a first plurality of photons to thereby produce photons scattered by the sample; an optical lens for collecting the scattered photons; a filter for receiving the collected scattered photons and providing therefrom filtered photons; a first photon detector for receiving the filtered photons and obtaining therefrom a spectrum of the sample; and a rejection filter for blocking the photons from said first photon emission source from entering said first photon detector. The disclosure additionally relates to methods of using such portable systems.

Abstract: A measuring instrument that comprises a light source unit 1 capable of emitting light having different wavelengths, a light receiving unit 2 that outputs an electrical signal corresponding to an intensity of transmitted light or radiated light from a sample 6 mixed with a plurality of coloring matters, and a calculation section 3, is used. The calculation section 3 uses a previously calculated correction coefficient to calculate the fluorescence intensity of transmitted light or radiated light for each coloring matter. The correction coefficient is calculated based on an electrical signal output by the light receiving unit 2 when a plurality of correction samples are irradiated with light having different wavelengths, each correction sample being mixed with any one of the coloring matters and the respective mixed coloring matters being different from one another.

Abstract: Sensor constructs for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample comprise a molecular scaffold, a pair of labels which interact via Förster resonance energy transfer, and at least one molecular recognition domain. When the analyte is bound by the molecular recognition domain, the Förster resonance energy interaction between the pair of labels is disrupted, resulting in a changed optical signal.

Abstract: A laser diffraction particle size analyzer irradiates a laser beam on particles in a scattered state, and measures a spatial intensity distribution of diffracted and scattered light from the particles. A particle size distribution of the particles is calculated from a result of the measurement. The laser diffraction particle size analyzer includes a laser device for generating an ultraviolet laser beam as a light source for generating a laser beam, and a fluorescent member closely attached to or disposed adjacent to a detecting surface of a photodiode array that measures the spatial intensity distribution of the diffracted and scattered light upon incidence thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring properties of physical matters by means of Raman spectroscopy including a laser element, a wavelength dispersion element, an array or single element detector, and a control and data processing unit. The laser element, which is used to excite Raman scattering, is spectrum narrowed and stabilized by attachment of a Bragg grating device. The grating can be either a volume Bragg grating (VBG) written inside a glass substrate or a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) written inside an optical fiber. A laser element can be provided with a wavelength modulation capability for fluorescence background suppression.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a biochip detection system for detecting a biochip labeled with multiple fluorophores. The biochip detection system comprises a broadband light source for generating a light beam, a stand for supporting the biochip, a light integrator positioned between the broadband light source and the biochip, a lens set for adjusting the cross-sectional area of the light beam, a first filter module positioned on the optical path of the light beam, a detector, e.g., CCD camera, photodiode array, for detecting a fluorescence beam emitted from the biochip, and a second filter module positioned on the optical path of the fluorescence beam. The light integrator can be a light tunnel, a lens array or a holographic diffuser for uniforming the intensity distribution of the light beam and changing the cross-sectional shape of the light beam into a rectangle.

Abstract: A system and method for characterizing contributions to signal noise associated with charge-coupled devices adapted for use in biological analysis. Dark current contribution, readout offset contribution, photo response non-uniformity, and spurious charge contribution can be determined by the methods of the present teachings and used for signal correction by systems of the present teachings.

Abstract: A spectral imaging device with a narrow band spectrally tunable light source. The light source includes an optical parametric oscillator that can be tuned across a wide range of wavelengths while illuminating a target. In a preferred embodiment, a Q-switched YAG laser pumps the OPO. Two-dimensional images of the target may be detected at various wavelengths by a imaging sensor with a many pixel focal plane array to generate data arrays known as hyper-spectral image cubes. These images detecting variations is optical parameters including transmission, reflectivity, and fluorescence of the target can be obtained in various spectral ranges from ultraviolet to infrared for a variety of applications in metrology, agriculture, life sciences, and in the pharmaceutical industry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a functionally integrated microanalytical system for performing fluorescence spectroscopy. A source of fluorescence-exciting radiation, typically a LED, is integrated onto a substrate along with a photodetector and, in some embodiments, an optical filter. A pixel-to-point laser lift-off process is used to effect this component integration. For those cases in which a filter is required, a thin film bandgap filter is typically used, such as CdS or CdSxSe1-x (0<x<1). A disposable microchannel containing the sample and its fluorescent tag is mounted onto the integrated assembly of LED, photodetector and (optionally) filter. This configuration of components allows the microchannel and sample to be readily removed and replaced, facilitating rapid analysis of multiple samples. Multiple LEDS, detectors and filters (if present) can also be integrated onto the same substrate, permitting multiple wavelength analysis of the sample to be performed concurrently.

Abstract: Noise in a fluorescence image acquired during fluoroscopy is eliminated to present a clear fluorescence image, and the relative positional relationship between the fluoroscopy unit and the specimen can be recognized even while fluoroscopy is in progress. A dark box apparatus for fluoroscopy includes: a dark-box main body enclosing a specimen and a fluoroscopy unit for illuminating the specimen with excitation light with a first spectral band and for detecting fluorescence with a second spectral band generated by the specimen; an illumination light source disposed in the dark-box main body to emit light with a third spectral band different from the first spectral band and the second spectral band; and an observation window disposed in the dark-box main body, the observation window being capable of transmitting light with a fourth spectral band which includes at least part of the third spectral band and does not include the first spectral band and the second spectral band.

Abstract: A biochip reader has a microlens plate having a plurality of microlenses, a light source which applies coherent light to the microlens plate as excitation light, a dichroic mirror which transmits or reflects outgoing light from the microlens plate, and reflects or transmits fluorescence occurring on a biochip, a photographing section, a lens which collects the light reflected or transmitted on the dichroic mirror into the photographing section, a barrier filter provided between the dichroic mirror and the photographing section, and a driving section which drives the microlens plate, wherein while the driving section drives the microlens plate, excitation light diverged or collected by the plurality of microlenses scans a surface of the biochip. Each of the microlenses having arbitrary size are provided on the microlens plate at arbitrary positions, An outgoing angle at each microlens of divergence light or collection light is limited to a narrow angle.

Abstract: Provided are an optical system for analyzing multi-channel samples which uses a mirror rotating at high speeds and an aspherical mirror, and a multi-channel sample analyzer employing the optical system. The optical system for analyzing multi-channel samples, includes a light source unit which emits light traveling along an optical axis; a semi-spheroid aspherical mirror disposed in rotational symmetry about the optical axis; and an inclined mirror which reflects the light exiting the light source unit to the semi-spheroid aspherical mirror, while rotating about the optical axis, wherein an opening is formed in the center of the semi-spheroid aspherical mirror such that the light exiting the light source unit enters the inclined mirror through the semi-spheroid aspherical mirror.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of biochemical laboratory instrumentation for different applications of measuring properties of samples on e.g. microtitration plates and corresponding sample supports. The object of the invention is achieved by providing an optical measurement instrument for photoluminescence, chemiluminescence and/or AlphaScreen measurements wherein different optical modules are used for alternative measurements. The excitation pulses for the alternative measurements are guided via two different routes to optical modules, the routes reaching the module in different angles. This way it is possible to use alternative radiation sources without optical switches and without changing the optical system. The object of the invention is further achieved by providing an additional lens in the optical module when a thermo plate is used. This way it is possible to achieve a correct optical focus in different measurement modes not depending on the use of the thermo plate.

Abstract: Real time biofilm monitoring systems are provided. Said systems comprise single or multiple fiber-optic probes detecting wavelength-specific fluorescence from biomarkers of fouling organisms; a compact optoelectronic interface and data acquisition system interfaced with said probes, wherein said probe or probes are bifurcated and contain at least one excitation and at least one emission filter permitting the simultaneous resolution of multiple biomarkers.

Abstract: The present invention provides core technologies necessary for a portable, low cost, thermal-regulating LED-based handheld fluorometer. The regulated fluorometer is based on a low thermal mass infrared heater, and an orthogonal geometry LED based filter fluorometer. Power is supplied through an external power supply and data is collected in real-time through standard serial interfaces of personal computers or personal digital assistants. Thermal regulation is automatically maintained using temperature sensor feedback control. Optical excitation relies on LED light source(s) and optical detection is through an adjustable integrating photodetector. Such a handheld system can allow applications requiring temperature sensitive photometric measurements for real time analyte detection to be performed in the field.

Abstract: A light waveguide includes: a light introducing portion for introducing light coming from a light source into a waveguide main body; a light radiating surface for radiating the light introduced through the light introducing portion to the hydrogel side; a light transmitting surface which is disposed opposite to and in parallel to the light radiating surface and through which external light incident from the light radiating surface is transmitted to the exterior; a light separation portion, which provided on a surface in a region ranging from the light introducing portion to the light radiating surface and the light transmitting surface, reflecting only totally reflected components of the light introduced through the light introducing portion; an irregular reflection portion provided on the light transmitting surface to change the reflection angle on the light transmitting surface of the light reflected by the light separation portion; and a mirror portion provided at a position opposite to the light introduci

Abstract: A macroscopic fluorescence illumination assembly is provided for use with an a imaging apparatus with a light-tight imaging compartment. The imaging apparatus includes an interior wall defining a view port extending into the imaging compartment to enable viewing of a specimen contained therein. The illumination assembly includes a specimen support surface sized and dimensioned for receipt in the imaging compartment, and oriented to face toward the view port of the imaging apparatus. The support surface is substantially opaque and defines a window portion that enables the passage of light there through. The window portion is selectively sized and dimensioned such that the specimen, when supported atop the support surface, can be positioned and seated over the window portion in a manner forming a light-tight seal substantially there between.

Abstract: A CCD-based biochip reader includes a light source for emitting light beams, a collimating lens for converting the light beams into wide parallel rays of light, passing said wide parallel rays of light through a biochip and exciting fluorescence from fluorescent targets on the biochip, a focusing lens for focusing the fluorescence, a filter for filtering out said parallel rays of light, and a charge-coupled device camera for generating images from said fluorescence. For recording intensity of the fluorescence from the fluorescent targets, images of the charge-coupled device camera is converted into digital data through an image converting device. Wide parallel laser beams are produced by the laser and through the collimating lens, and excite all samples on the biochip with high efficiency at the same time. In addition, time for analysis is saved when fluorescent images of a large area on biochips are collected and analyzed through the charge-coupled device camera.

Abstract: A chemical imaging system is provided which uses a near infrared radiation microscope. The system includes an illumination source which illuminates an area of a sample using light in the near infrared radiation wavelength and light in the visible wavelength. A multitude of spatially resolved spectra of transmitted, reflected, or emitted or scattered near infrared wavelength radiation light from the illuminated area of the sample is collected and a collimated beam is produced therefrom. A near infrared imaging spectrometer is provided for selecting a near infrared radiation images of the collimated beam. The spectrometer comprises a liquid crystal tunable filter. The filtered selected images are collected by a detector for further processing. The visible wavelength light from the illuminated area of the sample is simultaneously detected providing for the simultaneous visible and near infrared chemical imaging analysis of the sample.