Abstract: The illustrative embodiment of the present invention is a system and a method for the detection and identification of biological agents. The system incorporates elements that enable it to obtain an air sample, extract particulates from the air sample onto a stationary-phase collection media, expose the particulates to electromagnetic radiation, and monitor for fluorescent emissions. In some embodiments, particulates are exposed to electromagnetic radiation using a plurality of LEDs, wherein some of the LEDs emit electromagnetic radiation at relatively shorter wavelengths and some other of the LEDs emit electromagnetic radiation at relatively longer wavelengths.

Abstract: An active sensor a method for optical illumination and detection provides low cost and high-speed optical scanning of bio-arrays, DNA samples/chips, semiconductors, micro-electromechanical systems and other samples requiring inspection or measurement. A plurality of illumination sources forming a parallel multi-pixel array is used to illuminate one or more samples via an imaging system or by placement in close proximity to the samples. The array may be a line array or a two-dimensional array. A plurality of detectors is integrated within the multi-pixel illumination array or provided in a separate array, each detector for detecting optical properties of the sample that results from illumination by one or more associated illumination sources. One detector may be associated with multiple illuminators or one illuminator may be associated with multiple detectors.

Abstract: An optical system and method of exciting and measuring fluorescence on or in samples treated using fluorescent pigments using such an optical system having at least one first laser (1); a mirror (4); a deflection element (7); an optic (8); and a unit (10), which includes mirror (4) and optic (8) mounted fixed in relation to one another. The unit (10) is positioned so it is linearly movable back and forth along the optical axis (5) and is mechanically connected to an oscillating linear drive (11). The optic (8) additionally acts as a collimator and the mirror (4) additionally acts to deflect the collimated light (12) parallel to the optical axis (5).

Abstract: A method for measuring fluorescence correlations in the presence of slow signal fluctuations using a scanning microscope is disclosed. An illuminating light beam is positioned, with the scanning module, for a specific time period on a location of the specimen. Either a direct filtering is performed on the acquired data, or a Fourier analysis is performed. A suitable filter is then used to perform a filtering of the data subjected to the Fourier analysis. Lastly, a correlation function is calculated exclusively on the filtered data.

Abstract: Described and claimed is an interchangeable tip-open cell fluorometer comprising a housing and a fluorometric probe tip interchangeably connected to the housing, the probe tip including a probe tip housing defining an open cell and enclosing a probe optical arrangement, the probe optical arrangement including an excitation source and a fluorescence detector wherein the excitation source is aimed directly into the fluorescence detector such that a sample can be fluorometrically detected. Also claimed is a method of using this interchangeable tip-open cell fluorometer for detecting fluorescent signals emitted by one or more fluorophores from samples from a natural or industrial water system. The fluorometer, when coupled with a controller, is capable of monitoring and optionally controlling an industrial process or system.

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

Abstract: A system and method of providing illumination for a cell imaging system delivering modulated light for illumination of a sample. Modulation of illumination intensity may be effectuated by pulsing the output of a light source, for example, or by selectively interrupting light provided by the source. Such modulated illumination may have particular utility in applications where reducing the number of electrons in a super-excited state may minimize the rate of photobleaching and photodamage in the molecules being studied.

Abstract: A micro-discharge optical source apparatus and a method and system which utilizes the apparatus to analyze a sample are provided. The apparatus includes a substrate and an anode electrode and a cathode electrode supported on the substrate. One of the electrodes, such as the cathode, is preferably a liquid electrode. The electrodes are spaced apart to define an inter-electrode gap therebetween. The apparatus further includes a voltage source for applying a voltage between the electrodes sufficient to generate a glow micro-discharge in the gap to cause a first emission having a first desired excitation spectrum. An optical element is integrated with the substrate to direct the first emission to travel along an optical path including an axis. In one embodiment, the system detects the direct fluorescence of a sample such as tryptophan and other amino acids. In another embodiment, the system detects fluorescence of dye-labeled biochemicals.

Abstract: In a process for the quantitative optical analysis of biological cells labelled with a fluorescent dye, the sensitivity of analytical detection can be considerably improved if a masking dye, which absorbs the excitation light for the fluorescent dye and/or its emission light is added to the solution surrounding the biological cells and/or if a separating layer permeable to the solution and absorbing and/or reflecting the excitation light or the emission light is applied to a layer of the biological cells at the bottom of a reaction vessel. This process can also be used for improving the sensitivity in the quantitative optical analysis of a luminescent biological cell layer. Analogously, these process principles can also be used in receptor studies for the masking of the interfering background radiation in the quantitative optical analysis of fluorescently or luminescently labelled reaction components.

Abstract: Optical characteristic measuring systems and methods such as for determining the color or other optical characteristics of teeth are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics are spaced apart from a source fiber optic and receive light from the surface of the object/tooth being measured. Light from the perimeter fiber optics pass to a variety of filters. The system utilizes the perimeter receiver fiber optics to determine information regarding the height and angle of the probe with respect to the object/tooth being measured. Under processor control, the optical characteristics measurement may be made at a predetermined height and angle. Various color spectral photometer arrangements are disclosed. Translucency, fluorescence, gloss and/or surface texture data also may be obtained. Audio feedback may be provided to guide operator use of the system. The probe may have a removable or shielded tip for contamination prevention. A method of producing dental prostheses based on measured data also is disclosed.

Abstract: A component analyzing apparatus includes a microchip having a fine separating flow path for separating components when a sample solution labeled with fluorescence passes therethrough. A light irradiation device is arranged to irradiate light to a predetermined area of the microchip at a predetermined angle so that the proximity field light irradiates at least a portion of the separating flow path of the microchip. A light detecting device is disposed above the microchip to receive the fluorescence discharged from the sample solution labeled with fluorescence present in the separating flow path with the proximity field light generated from light irradiated by the light irradiating device as excitation light.

Abstract: An apparatus for imaging an array of a plurality of features associated with a sample tile. The apparatus can comprise a stage that supports the sample tile in an illumination region, and an illumination source having a plurality of LEDs adapted to emit light. At least a portion of the light can illuminate the illumination region. Additionally, the apparatus can comprise an image collecting device adapted to selectively collect images of either a first signal when the illumination source is illuminating the illumination region, or a second signal absent illumination of the illumination region. The first signal can have wavelengths effectively different from the wavelengths of the portion of the light emitted by the LEDs that illuminates the illumination region.

Abstract: Optical characteristic measuring systems and methods such as for determining the color or other optical characteristics of an object are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics are spaced apart from a source fiber optic and receive light from the surface of the object being measured. Light from the perimeter fiber optics pass to a variety of filters. The system utilizes the perimeter receiver fiber optics to determine information regarding the height and angle of the probe with respect to the object being measured. Under processor control, the optical characteristics measurement may be made at a predetermined height and angle. Various color spectral photometer arrangements are disclosed. Translucency, fluorescence, gloss and/or surface texture data also may be obtained. Audio feedback may be provided to guide operator use of the system. The probe may have a removable or shielded tip for contamination prevention. A method of producing prostheses based on measured data also is disclosed.

Abstract: Color/optical characteristics measuring systems and methods are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics/elements are spaced apart from a central source fiber optic/element and received light reflected from the surface of the object is measured. Light from the perimeter fiber optics pass to a variety of filters. The system utilizes the perimeter receiver fiber optics to determine information regarding the height and angle of the probe with respect to the object being measured. Under processor control, the color measurement may be made at a predetermined height and angle. Various color spectral photometer arrangements are disclosed. Translucency, fluorescence and/or surface texture data also may be obtained. Audio feedback may be provided to guide operator use of the system. The probe may have a removable or shielded tip for contamination prevention.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detection of a particular material, such as photo-resist material, on a sample surface are disclosed. A narrow beam of light is projected onto the sample surface and the fluoresced and/or reflected light intensity at a particular wavelength band is measured by a light detector. The light intensity is converted to a numerical value and transmitted electronically to a logic circuit, which determines the proper disposition of the sample. The logic circuit controls a sample-handling robotic device which sequentially transfers samples to and from a stage for testing and subsequent disposition. The method is particularly useful for detecting photo-resist material on the surface of a semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A device for photometric measurement of several samples (12) that are exposed to radiation from a light source (14) associated therewith. The light modified by the samples (12) is intercepted by an optical device (19) and is guided as a sum of all the light radiated from all samples (12) to at least one sensor (27) for measuring the intensity and evaluation thereof in an evaluation device (32) arranged downstream. The light sources (14) are controlled individually by a control device (31) and the evaluation device (32) and the control device (31) are controlled such that the evaluation device (32) separates the light from each sample (12) from the light of the other samples. The control device (31) modulates the light source (14) with various signals, which are pre-assigned to the evaluation device (32) and used to determine the light signals of the individual samples (12) from the sum signal received by the sensor (27).

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide an improved spectrometer that measures light emissions and/or reflection from a non-solid material that flows through a system of pipes. This spectrometer is designed to fit into a standard pipe system. The material flows past a distal end of the spectrometer that is inserted in the pipe system. The spectrometer has the ability to project light onto the material and collect a resulting light from the material through the distal end as the material flows past this end.

Abstract: Described and claimed is an interchangeable tip-open cell fluorometer comprising a housing and a fluorometric probe tip interchangeably connected to the housing, the probe tip including a probe tip housing defining an open cell and enclosing a probe optical arrangement, the probe optical arrangement including an excitation source and a fluorescence detector wherein the excitation source is aimed directly into the fluorescence detector such that a sample can be fluorometrically detected. Also claimed is a method of using this interchangeable tip-open cell fluorometer for detecting fluorescent signals emitted by one or more fluorophores from samples from a natural or industrial water system. The fluorometer, when coupled with a controller, is capable of monitoring and optionally controlling an industrial process or system.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a coating material comprising: a functional coating component; and a fluorescent additive component whose fluorescence is substantially unquenched by the coating component, the fluorescent additive component having a peak fluorescence emission under excitation by visible or infrared light, the wavelength of that peak fluorescence emission being greater than 500 nm and lying outside the principal fluorescence absorption and emission wavelengths of the coating component.

Abstract: A screening device for performing an immunoassay test to detect the presence of a compound in a body fluid. The device includes a holder for removably receiving a membrane to which the fluid has been applied. A light is directed to the membrane. A photodetector measures the concentration of the light reflected back from the membrane. Specifically, the concentrations of reflected light from a control zone and a test zone are measured. Signals representative of the measured light concentrations are applied to a processor. If a specified concentration of predetermined light from a control zone on the membrane is detected, the processor considers the test to be successful. In the test is successful, the processor, based upon the measured concentration of reflected light from the test zone, generates data representative of the presence of the compound.

Abstract: In a process for the quantitative optical analysis of fluorescently labelled biological cells 5, a cell layer on a transparent support at the bottom 2 of a reaction vessel 1 is in contact with a solution 3 containing the fluorescent dye 4. The sensitivity of analytical detection can be considerably improved if to the fluorescent dye 4 already present in addition a masking dye 9, which absorbs the excitation light 6 for the fluorescent dye 4 and/or its emission light 7, is added to the solution 3 and/or if a separating layer 10 permeable to the solution and absorbing and/or reflecting the excitation light 6 or the emission light 7 is applied to the cell layer at the bottom 2. This process can also be used for improving the sensitivity in the quantitative optical analysis of a luminescent biological cell layer. The separating layer 10 must in this case be composed such that it has a high power of reflection for the luminescent light 11.

Abstract: A fiber optic epi-fluorescence imaging system in which the optical fibers are rearranged so that the system can be used for measuring luminescence samples. The system comprises at least two optical fibers (32, 46) or bundles of fibers which lead to a CCD camera (74), the fibers or bundles of fibers from all samples being arranged in two sets, a first set which are formed from a non-fluorescing material and a second set which are formed from a material which may fluoresce but enables the fibers formed therefrom to have a higher numerical aperature than those of the first set.

Abstract: A fluorescence observing apparatus has an excitation filter unit for transmitting only exciting light with particular wavelengths, of illuminating light, and an absorption filter unit for transmitting only fluorescent light produced from a specimen by irradiating the specimen with the exciting light to block the exciting light. In this case, the space between the half-value wavelength on the long-wavelength side of the excitation filter unit and the half-value wavelength on the short-wavelength side of the absorption filter unit is in the range of 6–12 nm, and variations in the half-value wavelengths of the excitation filter unit and the absorption filter unit where humidity is changed from 10% to 95% are within 0.5 nm. Whereby, faint fluorescent light is efficiently taken out and the observation can be made.

Abstract: An imaging system including: a lens; a dichroic filter positioned in front of the lens; and a high pass filter positioned between the lens and the dichroic filter. An appropriate design coordinating the components of such an imaging system diminishes imaging artifacts related to wide-angle imaging of fluorescent objects.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of biochemical laboratory. More particularly the invention relates to more reliable, intelligent instrumental features of equipment used as e.g. fluorometers, photometers and luminometers. The object of the invention is achieved by providing an optical measurement instrument where a selectable optical component is identified by the measurement instrument. The instrument therefore has means for identifying an optical component by e.g. reading a code from the component. The object is also achieved by a changeable/selectable optical component such as optical module or filter for a measurement instrument, the component comprising a readable identification means. The identification comprises information on the type/properties of the optical component so that the components suitability for a selected measurement can be verified.

Abstract: A diagnostics apparatus for detecting fluorescence events related to the presence of an analyte in a sample is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing, a source of excitation light and a photodetector, and a unitary multi-surface optical module. The optical module is integrally formed and composed of an upstream portion having a focusing optical surface for directing excitation light from the light source to a focal region within an analyte-detection zone in the apparatus, and a downstream portion having a second focusing powered optical surface and at least one reflecting surface for directing fluorescence-emission light produced by fluorescence events within the detection zone, in a direction substantially normal to the path of the excitation light onto the photodetector. The optical module is adaptable to a variety of assay formats, including multiple-sample, sample-array, and disposable-cartridge formats.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the concentration of molecules or atoms by measuring the ratio of two fluorescence signals. A sample having fluorescent molecules is exposed to radiation or excitation energy from a first source, which can be a broadband light source. The fluorescence of the sample is detected at two different wavelengths. The concentration of specific molecules or atoms within the sample is determined using the ratio of the two fluorescence signals. Fluorescent molecules can be bound to a human serum or plasma sample to allow determination of the concentration of unbound free fatty acids in the sample.

Abstract: A system for the optical analysis of a sample. An illumination source illuminates the sample, exciting fluorescence. The fluorescence is collected by an objective lens, which transmits the collected illumination light onto an imaging lens, which focuses the collected light onto an area array detector. Collected light rays between the objective lens and the imaging lens are parallel and pass through an emission filter. Both the objective lens and the imaging lens are positioned on a mount that allows an alternative objective or imaging lens to be positioned to collect or image the emitted light. Any objective lens/imaging lens pair is optically symmetrical, greatly reducing the optically degrading effects.

Abstract: A fluorescence detecting device is configured so that a semiconductor integrated circuit substrate includes a photodiode and a signal detecting circuit for detecting charges obtained as a result of photoelectric conversion by the photodiode, and a fluorescence reaction vessel where a fluorescence reaction occurs is arranged above the foregoing photodiode. Furthermore, in the device, an excitation-light-entry preventing layer is provided at one or more of a surface portion of the photodiode and a position between the photodiode and the fluorescence reaction vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a technology called Pulse-Multiline Excitation or PME. This technology provides a novel approach to fluorescence detection with application for high-throughput identification of informative SNPs, which could lead to more accurate diagnosis of inherited disease, better prognosis of risk susceptibilities, or identification of sporadic mutations. The PME technology has two main advantages that significantly increase fluorescence sensitivity: (1) optimal excitation of all fluorophores in the genomic assay and (2) “color-blind” detection, which collects considerably more light than standard wavelength resolved detection. Successful implementation of the PME technology will have broad application for routine usage in clinical diagnostics, forensics, and general sequencing methodologies and will have the capability, flexibility, and portability of targeted sequence variation assays for a large majority of the population.

Abstract: Broad-range light-detection systems, including components and methods of use thereof. These systems may include apparatus and methods for detecting light with increased speed and/or detection efficiency, particularly in applications involving repeated analysis of the same sample and/or successive analysis of different samples, and particularly when the sample or samples have a wide range of light intensities. These systems also may include apparatus and methods for detecting light with increased accuracy over a broad range of intensities. These systems also may include vapparatus and methods for automatically scaling detection range to improve detection based on the intensity of the detected light.

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: Methods and instrumentation for performing charge coupled device (CCD)-based confocal spectroscopy with a laser spot array are provided. The methods and instruments of the invention are useful in any spectroscopic application, including, but not limited to, microscopy and microvolume laser scanning cytometry (MLSC).

Abstract: Light from an object such as a cell moving through an imaging system is collected and dispersed so that it is imaged onto a plurality of separate detectors. The light is spectrally dispersed by a plurality of spaced-apart dichroic reflectors, each detector receiving light from a different one of the dichroic reflectors. Each dichroic filter reflects light of a different predefined color, passing light of other colors. The output signal from each detector is indicative of a different characteristic of the object. In one configuration, each detector is provided with a separate imaging lens. In another configuration, the detectors are spaced at varying distances from the corresponding dichroic reflectors, so that separate imaging lenses are not required.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for detecting the fluorescence of a sample, wherein the apparatus comprises excitation light source located on the same side of the sample as the detecting means. The apparatus may be constructed as a single-sided as well as a double-sided system, wherein the double-sided system comprises double-sided excitation system and/or double-sided detecting system. The double-sided system may also be a combination of fluorescence system and conventional microscopy. The apparatus may be used for analysis of various types of biological material, liquid as well as solid material, and various other types of material suitable being analysed through fluorescence studies.

Abstract: A system for detecting fluorescence emitted from a plurality of samples in a sample tray is provided. The system generally includes a plurality of lenses positioned in a linear arrangement, a linear actuator configured to translate the plurality of lenses, an excitation light source for generating an excitation light, an excitation light direction mechanism for directing the excitation light to a single lens of the plurality of lenses at a time so that a single sample holder aligned with the lens is illuminated at a time, and an optical detection system for analyzing light from the sample holders. In certain embodiments, the optical detection system includes a light dispersing element configured to spectrally disperse the light from the sample holder being illuminated, and a lens element configured to receive light from the light dispersing element and direct the light onto a light detection device.

Abstract: A fiber optic epi-fluorescence imaging system in which the optical fibers are rearranged so that the system can be used for measuring luminescence samples. The system comprises at least two optical fibers (32, 46) or bundles of fibers which lead to a CCD camera (74), the fibers or bundles of fibers from all samples being arranged in two sets, a first set which are formed from a non-fluorescing material and a second set which are formed from a material which may fluoresce but enables the fibers formed therefrom to have a higher numerical aperture than those of the first set.

Abstract: A method for examining a specimen (27) that exhibits at least two optical transition lines and is optically excitable at least with light of a first and light of a second wavelength is characterized by the step of illuminating the specimen (27) with illuminating light (15) that generates at least a multiple of the first wavelength and a multiple of the second wavelength; and by the step of detecting the detected light (29) proceeding from the specimen (27). Also disclosed is a scanning microscope system (1) having at least one light source (3) that emits illuminating light (15) for illumination of a specimen (27), the specimen (27) exhibiting at least two optical transition lines and being optically excitable at least with light of a first and light of a second wavelength, having at least one detector (41, 43, 65, 77, 79) for detection of the detected light (29) proceeding from the specimen (27) and an objective (25) for focusing the illuminating light (15) onto a subregion of the specimen (27).

Abstract: Optical characteristic measuring systems and methods such as for determining the color or other optical characteristics of teeth are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics are spaced apart from a source fiber optic and receive light from the surface of the object/tooth being measured. Light from the perimeter fiber optics pass to a variety of filters. The system utilizes the perimeter receiver fiber optics to determine information regarding the height and angle of the probe with respect to the object/tooth being measured. Under processor control, the optical characteristics measurement may be made at a predetermined height and angle. Various color spectral photometer arrangements are disclosed. Translucency, fluorescence, gloss and/or surface texture data also may be obtained. Audio feedback may be provided to guide operator use of the system. The probe may have a removable or shielded tip for contamination prevention. A method of producing dental prostheses based on measured data also is disclosed.

Abstract: The light detection system includes at least two light detection elements. Each element is responsive to a selected light color in a first mode, and each element has a different sensitivity and is responsive to a single color in a second mode for enhanced dynamic range. A preferred embodiment includes four light detectors for responding to four separate colors or for responding with enhanced dynamic range to two colors. Embodiments are disclosed using a mirror/beam splitter arrangement to switch between modes and an embodiment including dichroic filters serving as fractional beam splitters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for visualizing GFP expression in callus, various tissue and organ of the transgenic plants as image and system using the same. The said method needs no other additional genetic product, substrate or cofactor and can detect very simply and quickly GFP expression by using the said system of the present invention consisting of a CCD camera, a light source, band-pass filter and data processing computer, so it provides many advantages for selection of transgenic seeds, for studying of gene expression in the tissue or organ of plants, or for studying of specificity of each development step.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermally controlling and optically interrogating a reaction mixture includes a vessel [2] having a chamber [10] for holding the mixture. The apparatus also includes a heat-exchanging module [37] having a pair of opposing thermal plates [34A, 34B] for receiving the vessel [2] between them and for heating/and or cooling the mixture contained in the vessel. The module [37] also includes optical excitation and detection assemblies [46,48] positioned to optically interrogate the mixture. The excitation assembly [46] includes multiple light sources [100] and a set of filters for sequentially illuminating labeled analytes in the mixture with excitation beams in multiple excitation wavelength ranges. The detection assembly [48] includes multiple detectors [102] and a second set of filters for detecting light emitted from the chamber [10] in multiple emission wavelength ranges.

Abstract: An interferometric measuring device for measuring the shape of a surface of an object having a radiation source which emits a short-coherent radiation, a beam splitter for forming an object beam which is directed via an object light path to the object, and a reference beam which is directed via a reference light path to a reflective reference plane, and having an image converter which picks up the radiation reflected back by the surface and the reference plane and brought to interference, and sends it to an analyzing device for determining a measuring result pertaining to the surface, the optical length of the object light path being changed relative to the optical length of the reference light path for analyzing the interference peak.

Abstract: An optical system for analyzing light from a plurality of samples is provided. The optical system includes a plurality of holders adapted to have samples located therein, a collection lens, a transmission grating, and a reimaging lens. The collection lens is configured to receive and substantially collimate light from the samples. The transmission grating is configured to spectrally disperse the substantially collimated light from the collection lens. The reimaging lens is configured to receive the light from the light dispersing element and direct the light onto a light detection device. A method of optically analyzing at least one sample is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for tuning a pulsed-flame photometric detector including providing a carrier gas within a predetermined gas flow range to the pulsed-flame photometric detector, providing at least one combustible fuel to the pulsed-flame photometric detector, applying voltage to an igniter coil associated with the pulsed-flame photometric detector, verifying that the pulsed-flame photometric detector is pulsing above a lower predetermined frequency and above a higher predetermined frequency, adjusting the gas flow of the at least one combustible fuel to the pulsed-flame photometric detector so that at least one cycle of ignition, propagation and then termination is present, heating a container to a predetermined temperature, allowing the at least one carrier gas to flow within the container, housing a tuning compound, and monitoring a width of a sulfur emission resulting from the combustion of the tuning compound to evaluate the width of sulfur emission signal all through a controller.

Abstract: A macroscopic fluorescence illumination assembly is provided for use with an 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 colorimeter or color measuring device measures color of a sample or an object, and displays measurement value or values according to user defined index or indices, calculated by a user-defined formula. Data of the user-defined formula is read in from outside of the colorimeter and converted into a coded form which can be executed by a controller of the calorimeter. The data of the user-defined formula or the coded data is stored in the colorimeter. Accordingly, the colorimeter has good portability and convenience despite its capability of expressing the colors of various samples or objects by user-defined original index or indices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for optically measuring the concentrations of a substance contained in a fluid medium. With the solution according to the invention the accuracy of measurement is to be increased in accordance with the object over a greater period without any additional calibration measurements, and ageing of a fluorescent substance within a layer is to be taken into consideration, in particular, and the long-time drift of such a measurement system is to be reduced. To achieve this, a layer containing such a known fluorescent substance or layer system are employed in which fluorescence is excited. The fluorescence changes depending on a substance concentration or a pH-value, and the intensity varying correspondingly in time or phase shift of the fluorescent light is allowed to be measured with at least one optical detector with the known intensity or phase of the fluorescence exciting light.

Abstract: A system for material excitation in microfluidic devices is described. Aspects of the invention resemble a submerged periscope when in use. They allow for light to be redirected along a more advantageous trajectory as does the maritime device. A prism with a reflecting surface may be used to direct a laser beam along one or more microfluidic trenches or channels. Alternatively, a reflecting surface may be provided in connection with a simple support. Directing a beam along multiple paths is preferably accomplished by scanning a single laser across or around the reflecting surface provided. Provision may be made for at least a portion of the submersible used to function as an electrode to assist in electrokinetically driving fluids and/or ions within the microfluidic device.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of biochemical laboratory. More particularly the invention relates to the improved and more accurate instrumental features of equipment used as e.g. fluorometers, photometers and luminometers. The object of the invention is achieved by providing an optical measurement instrument where there is an interface (218, 223, 233a, 233b, 238) for a changeable optical module (240), and excitation and/or emission beam is guided through an aperture of the optical module. This allows performing various types of measurements by changing an optical module without a problem lenses becoming unclean due to manual handling of the optical modules. The invention also makes possible to achieve an accurate measurement location and area within a sample.