Abstract: A method for identifying the presence of at least one adulterant substance in a sample. The method comprises receiving sets of sample spectral data, reference spectral data, validation spectral data each set for a respective validation example, and adulterant substance spectral data for said at least one adulterant substance. From these residue data which is representative of a residue which would remain after performing a least squares fitting process between the sample spectral data and the reference spectral data is determined and modified sample residue data which is representative of a residue which would remain after performing a least squares fitting process between the sample spectral data, the reference spectral data and the adulterant substance spectral data is determined. The corresponding two residue data sets are also determined for each validation example.

Abstract: A glucose biosensor includes a plurality of optical fibers configured for placement within the ear canal. A first optical fiber emits light into the ear canal. A plurality of other optical fibers capture and transmit the reflected light back to the glucose biosensor. A plurality of photodetectors are configured in the glucose biosensor to detect the reflected light from the plurality of optical fibers. The glucose biosensor processes the detected light from each photodetector to determine a glucose level measurement. In an embodiment, the glucose biosensor also includes a wireless interface to transmit the glucose level measurements to a glucose meter and/or a gateway.

Abstract: A vibration measurement device includes: a vibration-inducing section; a laser source; a scanning section for illuminating a partial area of a measurement area on an object with laser light and moving the illumination area; an illumination control section for sequentially illuminating each point within the measurement area with an illuminating duration equal to or shorter than one third of the vibration period; a displacement measurement section for measuring, for each point within the measurement area, an interfering light obtained by splitting an object light from the object into two bundles of light to measure a relative displacement in a back-and-forth direction between two closely-located points within the measurement area; and a vibration state determination section for determining the state of vibration of the entire measurement area, based on the relative displacement in the back-and-forth direction between two closely-located points at each point within the measurement area.

Abstract: A light emitting device (1) comprising a first light source (21) and a second light source (22), a luminescent element (4) comprising a first light input surface (41), a second light input surface (42), a light exit surface (43), a first further surface (44) and a second further surface (45), a first cooling assembly (5) and a second cooling assembly (6), the first cooling assembly (5) comprising a first cooling element (52) and a first light source board (51) on which one of the light sources is mounted, and the second cooling assembly (6) comprising a second cooling element (62) and a second light source board (61), on which the other one of the light sources is mounted, and the second cooling assembly (6) being arranged with a surface (621) in mechanical and thermal contact with the first further surface (44) of the luminescent element thereby forming a first interface and the first cooling assembly (5) being arranged with a surface (521) in mechanical and thermal contact with the second further surface (4

Abstract: A photoacoustic microscope includes a light source, an objective lens, a light scanner, a photoacoustic wave detector, and a calculation unit. The light source emits excitation light. The objective lens focuses the excitation light within a specimen. The light scanner scans the specimen with the excitation light. The photoacoustic wave detector detects photoacoustic waves. The calculation unit uses a correlation coefficient to calculate a shift in waveform due to a change over time in photoacoustic waves between a standard position and a calculation position. The calculation unit calculates the depth from the standard position at the calculation position based on the shift.

Abstract: An optical analysis tool includes an integrated computational element (ICE). The ICE includes a first hollow-core fiber. The first hollow-core fiber has a structure configured such that a spectrum of light guided by the first hollow-core fiber is related, over a wavelength range, to a characteristic of the sample.

Abstract: An optical measurement apparatus includes an irradiation optical system which linearly irradiates a measurement target with measurement light having a certain wavelength range, a measurement optical system which receives linear measurement interference light which is transmitted light or reflected light originating from the measurement target as a result of irradiation with the measurement light, and a processing device. The processing device includes a first calculation module that calculates a modification factor depending on with an angle of incidence on the measurement optical system from each measurement point in association with a region in the two-dimensional image corresponding to each measurement point in the measurement target irradiated with the measurement light and a second calculation module that calculates optical characteristics of the measurement target by applying the corresponding modification factor to a value for each pixel included in the two-dimensional image.

Abstract: A gas detecting device configured to be attached to a surface includes a substrate, a semiconductor layer, a light-emitting component, a first electrode and a second electrode. The substrate includes a plurality of stacking layers stacked onto one another, and a material of the substrate includes cellulose nanofibrils (CNF). The substrate is formed by 3-D printing, such that a contact surface of the substrate is tightly attached to the surface. The semiconductor layer is formed on the substrate by 3-D printing. The light-emitting component is disposed on the substrate. The first electrode is coupled to the semiconductor layer and the light-emitting component. The second electrode is coupled to the semiconductor layer and a ground electrode. The first electrode and the second electrode are both disposed on the semiconductor layer and maintain a gap therebetween. A resistance of the semiconductor layer is changed according to a concentration of a designated gas.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to predicting precursor to coating spallation. Heat is provided to a first surface of a member. A time sequence of thermal images is captured of the first surface and/or a second surface of the member. Each of the images includes a two-dimensional array of image data. Each of the image data of the two-dimensional array of image data corresponds to an xy-coordinate pair. A two-dimensional array of thermal diffusivities is calculated based on the captured time sequence of thermal images. Each of the thermal diffusivities of the two-dimensional array of thermal diffusivities corresponds to the xy-coordinate pair. Each of the calculated thermal diffusivities of the two dimensional array of thermal diffusivities are compared with a predetermined threshold. If the calculated thermal diffusivity is greater than the predetermined threshold, then precursor to coating spallation of the thermal barrier coating at the corresponding xy-coordinate pair is predicted.

Abstract: A defect detection apparatus is provided that can inspect a measurement region of a target object at one time and without inconsistencies arising within the measurement region. A defect detection apparatus 10 includes: a generation unit (signal generator 11 and vibrator 12) for generating an elastic wave in a target object S; an illumination unit (pulsed laser light source 13 and illumination light lens 14) for performing stroboscopic illumination onto a measurement region of a surface of the target object S; and a displacement measurement unit (speckle shearing interferometer 15) for collectively measuring displacements in a normal direction at each point of the measurement region with respect to at least three mutually-different phases of the elastic wave by controlling a phase of the elastic wave and a timing of the stroboscopic illumination.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for forming a test key system for characterizing wafer processing states, the method comprising forming a plurality of shallow trench isolation structures (STIs) on a substrate of a wafer and in a scribe line of the wafer and forming a test key on the substrate of a wafer and in the scribe line of the wafer. Forming the test key comprises forming at least one test key group having a plurality of test key series, each of the plurality of test key series having a plurality of test pads, each one of the plurality of test key series having a first physical characteristic different from the first physical characteristic of other test key series the at least one first test key group.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for analyzing a material comprising an excitation emission device for generating at least one electromagnetic excitation beam, in particular an exciting light beam, having at least one excitation wavelength, further comprising a detection device for detecting a reaction signal, and a device for analyzing the material on the basis of the detected reaction signal.

Abstract: A bioreactor arrangement has a bioreactor and an illuminating body for illuminating a medium in a reactor interior. The illuminating body has at least one emission surface via which light, reflected by at least one end surface into the reactor interior, is emitted. The bioreactor is formed as a container having a transparent wall. The illuminating body is outside the reactor interior, next to at least one subregion of the transparent wall. The illuminating body forms a support surface for the bioreactor with its emission surface. A shaking device has a reactor holder that can be in oscillated, for a bioreactor with a transparent wall. The reactor holder has a two-dimensional illuminating body, the emission surface of which forms a support surface for the bioreactor, via which light can be reflected into the reactor interior of the bioreactor.

Abstract: Certain exemplary embodiments relate to entertainment systems and, more particularly, certain exemplary embodiments relate to jukebox systems that incorporate digital downloading jukebox features along with karaoke jukebox and/or photo booth features. A combined karaoke/photo booth/jukebox may enable more integrated performance-like experiences in an in-home or out-of-home location or venue. By leveraging vast audio media libraries, trusted rights-respecting network infrastructure, and on-site image/video capturing from integrated recorders and/or remote portable devices, a more sociable experience may be created for karaoke jukebox patrons, e.g., where custom content can be generated and shared in a safe and legally appropriate manner.

Abstract: Optoelectronic modules include an optoelectronic device and a transparent cover. A non-transparent material is provided on the sidewalls of the transparent cover, which can help reduce light leakage from the sides of the transparent cover or can help reduce stray light from entering the module. The modules can be fabricated, for example, in wafer-level processes. In some implementations, openings such as trenches are formed in a transparent wafer. The trenches then can be filled with a non-transparent material using, for example, a vacuum injection tool. When a wafer-stack including the trench-filled transparent wafer subsequently is separated into individual modules, the result is that each module can include a transparent cover having sidewalls that are covered by the non-transparent material.

Abstract: Under one aspect, a method of processing a material includes heating a region of the material with a first energy source; exciting an acoustic wave in the material; and transmitting the acoustic wave through the heated region, the heated region changing at least one property of the acoustic wave. The method also can include detecting the change in at least one property of the acoustic wave; characterizing a temperature of the material in the heated region based on the detected change in at least one property of the acoustic wave; and comparing the characterized temperature of the material in the heated region to a threshold. The method further can include, based on the characterized temperature of the material in the heated region being less than the threshold or being above the threshold for an insufficient amount of time, modifying a property of the heated region with a second energy source.

Abstract: Method for measuring a physical parameter in soft tissues of a mammal, in which a mechanical shear wave is propagated through the soft tissues and observation of the propagation leads to determine values of a shear wave propagation parameter. The physical parameter is computed on the basis of these values.

Abstract: An improved cell culture monitoring system and method that detects cell growth and concentration in a dynamic environment of incubator/shaker. In order to reduce power consumption and make a wireless cell culture monitoring system practical, several methods of temperature compensation are used to replace a method of controlling the temperature of sensing module. Furthermore its power consumption can be significantly reduced by using an adaptive and synchronized light pulse detection technique.

Abstract: An automated luminaire includes a light engine having a multi-color LED array light source, a light guide which incompletely homogenizes such that colored light beams visibly retain separation and individual color, and a zoom lens system that projects the incompletely homogenized light beams in a spreading pattern that opens and closes as lenses are moved toward and away from the light guide.

Abstract: A method for obtaining transient Bragg gratings in optical waveguides and several different applications of the transient Bragg gratings obtained using this method are presented. The basic mechanisms for obtaining the transient gratings in the waveguides are refractive index change due to Kerr nonlinearity, free carrier generation, and gratings formed by linear or non-linear absorption of thermal energy. The exemplary applications include an ultra-fast fiber laser source at any central wavelength, a fast spectral switch/modulator, transient pulse stretchers based on transient chirped gratings, Q-switching based on transient gratings, and time reversal of ultra-short pulses and low power sub-nanosecond pulse generations.

Abstract: A multi-modality sensor for physiological characterization of cells can include an array of sensing pixel groups, each sensing pixel group comprising an array of sensing pixels; a plurality of signal conditioning blocks, each signal conditioning block coupled to a corresponding one sensing pixel group of the array of sensing pixel groups to process outputs of that sensing pixel group; and a controller providing signals for independent configuration of sensing modalities for each pixel of each sensing pixel group. The pixels of the multi-modality sensor support at least two sensing modalities by including an op amp that can be shared by at least two sensing circuits and including a photodiode. A cellular culture can be applied to the multi-modality sensor and a biological measurement can be performed on the cellular culture using at least two sensing modalities of the multi-modality sensor.

Abstract: A light conversion member having excellent reliability and white balance characteristics, and a backlight unit and a display device including the same are provided. The light conversion member according to the present disclosure includes at least one light conversion layer including quantum dots and at least one band-pass filter which reduces transmittance of light having a wavelength band of 480 nm or more.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining the concentration of a gas component comprising the steps: generating and guiding a light beam having a wavelength variable in a wavelength range through a measurement volume in which the gas component having an absorption in the wavelength range is present; tuning the wavelength range; detecting the intensity of the light beam after passage through the measurement volume; storage of measurement points during the tuning that respectively consist of a point in time and an associated intensity value, to obtain a direct absorption line; generating an artificial measurement curve from the stored measurement points by shifting the measurement points on the time axis; wherein the shift takes place so that an artificial modulation results in the wavelength time extent; and evaluating the artificial measurement curve in accordance with the method of the wavelength modulation spectroscopy and determining a first concentration value therefrom.

Abstract: A photoacoustic remote sensing system (PARS) for imaging a subsurface structure in a sample has an excitation beam configured to generate ultrasonic signals in the sample at an excitation location; an interrogation beam incident on the sample at the excitation location, a portion of the interrogation beam returning from the sample that is indicative of the generated ultrasonic signals; an optical system that focuses at least one of the excitation beam and the interrogation beam with a focal point that is below the surface of the sample; and a detector that detects the returning portion of the interrogation beam.

Abstract: A processing apparatus obtains a contour of a region of interest of a target object and a reference point on the contour from an image of the target object, calculates a distance and an azimuth at an arbitrary position on the contour from the reference point, and generates normalization transformation information for transforming a shape of the region of interest of the target object to a predetermined reference shape based on the distance and the azimuth.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a microscope. The microscope includes: a lens system receiving light emitted from a light source and containing image information of an observation object; turbid media interposed between the observation object and the lens system; and an image acquisition device acquiring the image information, wherein the image acquisition device comprises: an image sensor acquiring information of light passing through the lens system; a transmission matrix storage unit previously storing a transmission matrix indicating a transmission state of various light components entering the light entrance portion; and an image recovery unit recovering the image information from the information of light acquired by the image sensor through compressed sensing using a sparse representation based on the transmission matrix. The microscope can provide improved image quality and can acquire an image through simple operation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an endoscope. The endoscope includes a light source; an optical fiber having a light entrance portion and a light exit portion such that light containing image information on a site irradiated with light from the light source enters through the light entrance portion and light passing through the optical fiber exits through the light exit portion; and an image acquisition device acquiring the image information, wherein the image acquisition device includes: an image sensor acquiring information of light passing through the optical fiber; a transmission matrix storage unit previously storing a transmission matrix indicating a transmission state of various light components entering the light entrance portion; and an image recovery unit recovering the image information from the information of light acquired by the image sensor through compressed sensing using a sparse representation based on the transmission matrix.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to enhance three-dimensional photoacoustic imaging behind, through, or inside a scattering material. Some embodiments can increase the optical fluence in an ultrasound transducer focus and/or enhance the optical intensity using wavefront shaping before the scatterer. The photoacoustic signal induced by an object placed behind the scattering medium can serve as feedback to optimize the wavefront, enabling one order of magnitude enhancement of the photoacoustic amplitude. Using the enhanced optical intensity, the object can be scanned in two dimensions and/or a spot can be scanned by re-optimizing the wavefront before post-processing of the data to reconstruct the image. The temporal photoacoustic signal provides information to reconstruct the third-dimensional information.

Abstract: A method of using a spectrometer to produce corrected diamond Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) spectral data includes acquiring, using the spectrometer, an initial set of ATR spectral data for a sample pressed into contact with a diamond ATR crystals; numerically matching, using the spectrometer, a pressure dependent diamond artifact reference spectrum to a corresponding pressure dependent diamond artifact in the initial set of ATR spectral data; and numerically subtracting out the numerically matched pressure dependent diamond artifact reference spectrum from the initial set of ATR spectral data to yield a corrected set of ATR spectral data for the sample for output by the spectrometer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering biological samples to an ICP source of a mass cytometer are disclosed. Biological material is disposed on a plurality of discrete sites on a carrier. The plurality of discrete sites are configured to retain biological material and to release the biological material upon application of energy. The carrier is positioned in proximity to a gas conduit and upon release from the discrete sites, the biological material becomes entrained in a gas flow, which delivers discrete portions of biological material through the conduit to the ICP source for analysis by mass cytometry. The apparatus and methods can provide a continuous stream of discrete portions of biological material to a mass cytometer or mass spectrometer.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus (100) for imaging an object (1) under investigation, in particular a biological object, comprises a light source device (10) arranged for an illumination of the object (1), a light detector device (20) arranged for detection of light emitted by the object (1) in response to the illumination of the object (1), an acoustic detector device (30) arranged for collecting acoustic signals generated in the object (1) in response to the illumination of the object (1), an image reconstruction device (40) arranged for reconstructing an optical image and an opto-acoustic image of the object (1), and a resolution adaptation device (50) being capable of adjusting imaging properties of the opto-acoustic image, said imaging properties including at least one of the spatial resolution and the imaging depth of the opto-acoustic image. Furthermore, an imaging method for imaging an object (1) under investigation, in particular a biological object, is described.

Abstract: Improved thermoacoustic imaging is provided by ensuring directional uniformity of the microwave excitation provided to the target being imaged. This directional uniformity can be quantified in terms of the eccentricity e of the polarization ellipse of the microwave excitation. We have e?0.87, preferably e?0.71, and more preferably e?0.32. Optical excitation can be provided in addition to the microwave excitation. Excitation can be performed at multiple optical wavelengths and/or microwave frequencies to improve depth uniformity. In addition, the employment of excitation cells with optimized spacing and geometry provides the uniformity in another two degrees of freedom. One potential application is to detect blood vessel in user's finger for biometric authentication.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first pedestal surface coupled to i) a swing arm and to ii) a light source. The apparatus further includes a magnet, a base plate, a mechanical stop coupled to the base plate, and a second pedestal surface mechanically coupled to said base plate and configured to receive a liquid sample, said second pedestal surface being coupled to a spectrometer. The apparatus further includes a magnetic flux sensor located between north and south magnetic flux fields of the magnet such that the magnetic flux reaching the sensor while the mechanical stop is in physical contact with the swing arm provides a linear range of output of the magnetic flux sensor, and a processor adapted to calibrate the point for minimum optical path length using a threshold magnetic flux field emitted from the magnet and detected by the magnetic flux sensor.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for measuring target structures formed by a lithographic process on a substrate. A grating structure within the target is smaller than an illumination spot and field of view of a measurement optical system. The optical system has a first branch leading to a pupil plane imaging sensor and a second branch leading to a substrate plane imaging sensor. A spatial light modulator is arranged in an intermediate pupil plane of the second branch of the optical system. The SLM imparts a programmable pattern of attenuation that may be used to correct for asymmetries between the first and second modes of illumination or imaging. By use of specific target designs and machine-learning processes, the attenuation patterns may also be programmed to act as filter functions, enhancing sensitivity to specific parameters of interest, such as focus.

Abstract: Increasing the precision of process monitoring may be improved if the sensors take the form of travelling probes riding along with the flowing materials in the manufacturing process rather than sample only when the process moves passed the sensors fixed location. The probe includes an outer housing hermetically sealed from the flowing materials, and a light source for transmitting light through a window in the housing onto the flowing materials. A spatially variable optical filter (SVF) captures light returning from the flowing materials, and separates the captured light into a spectrum of constituent wavelength signals for transmission to a detector array, which provides a power reading for each constituent wavelength signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a highly pure neurotoxic component of a botulinum toxin by cultivating clostridium botulinum under conditions that allow production of a botulinum toxin, and isolating the neurotoxic component from the botulinum toxin. In addition, the present invention relates to a highly pure neurotoxic component of a botulinum toxin obtainable by the process of the present invention and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to frequency domain thermoreflectance (FDTR) imaging of a thermophysical property or a set of thermophysical properties of a sample. A method comprises measuring the amplitude and/or phase of a beam of radiation reflected from a sample surface, while a heat source applied to the sample is modulated at at least two modulation frequencies simultaneously. Such measurement can be reiterated as a probe beam is scanned across the sample surface or a portion thereof. A 2D image or map of a thermophysical property or a set of thermophysical properties can be generated from data processing. Also provided herein is an apparatus for performing FDTR imaging.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a backlight module and a display device. The backlight module includes a back plate and a light guide plate on the back plate. The light guide plate includes a light incidence side. An edge of the light guide plate that is adjacent to the light incidence side has an inclined first portion. An angle defined between the inclined first portion and the light incidence side is an obtuse angle. At least one first column is on the back plate at a position corresponding to the first portion of the edge adjacent to the light incidence side of the light guide plate. Each first column is in contact with the first portion of the light guide plate.

Abstract: A system for acquiring a hyperspectral image, including: a grey level image sensor; and a diffuser and dispersive element placed on the optical path between the sensor and a scene, this element including an array of individually-controllable liquid crystal cells, where each cell can receive a control voltage selected from among a series of at least three different control voltages.

Abstract: A time reversal optical tomography (TROT) method for near-infrared (NM) diffuse optical imaging of targets embedded in a highly scattering turbid medium is presented. TROT combines the basic symmetry of time reversal invariance and subspace-based signal processing for retrieval of target location. The efficacy of TROT is tested using simulated data and data obtained from NIR imaging experiments on absorptive, scattering and fluorescent targets embedded in Intralipid-20% suspension in water, as turbid medium, as well as, a realistic cancerous model breast assembled using ex vivo human breast tissues with two embedded tumors. The results demonstrate the potential of TROT for detecting and locating small targets in a turbid medium, such as, breast tumors in early stages of growth.

Abstract: A method of measuring the concentration of an analyte in a turbid solution containing the analyte and a solvent is disclosed. The method includes determining a turbidity value for the turbid solution based on a Raman line intensity calibration data set for the solvent. The method further includes determining turbidity correction factor based on the turbidity value and a Raman line calibration data set for the analyte and applying the turbidity correction factor to the Raman line intensity of the analyte in the turbid solution and calculating a turbidity-corrected Raman line intensity for the analyte in the turbid solution. The turbidity-corrected Raman line intensity of the analyte in the turbid solution is then used to determine the concentration of the analyte in the turbid solution utilizing previously developed calibration data sets relating Raman line intensity to analyte concentration in solutions of negligible turbidity.

Abstract: A non-destructive method for chemical imaging with ˜1 nm to 10 ?m spatial resolution (depending on the type of heat source) without sample preparation and in a non-contact manner. In one embodiment, a sample undergoes photo-thermal heating using an IR laser and the resulting increase in thermal emissions is measured with either an IR detector or a laser probe having a visible laser reflected from the sample. In another embodiment, the infrared laser is replaced with a focused electron or ion source while the thermal emission is collected in the same manner as with the infrared heating. The achievable spatial resolution of this embodiment is in the 1-50 nm range.

Abstract: Electromagnetic energy is deposited into a volume, an acoustic return signal from energy deposited in the volume is measured, and a parametric map that estimates values of at least one parameter as spatially represented in the volume is computed. A reference level of a region of interest is determined, and upper and lower color map limits are specified, with at least one of them being determined in relation to the reference level. The parametric map is then rendered in the palette of a color map by mapping the estimated values of the parametric map onto the color map according to the color map limits. Two wavelengths of energy can be applied to the volume, and the parametric map computation can be adapted by applying an implicit or explicit model of, or theoretical basis for, distribution of electromagnetic energy fluence within the volume pertaining to the two wavelengths.

Abstract: Systems and methods for photoacoustic imaging are provided. Photoacoustic signals are excited from a body and the excited photoacoustic signals are detected with a low coherence interferometer system serving as a photoacoustic detector. Cross-sectional images of the body are then reconstructed by the system from the detected photoacoustic signals.

Abstract: A method for measuring the distribution of the thickness of glass in glass containers at a high temperature comprises: selecting at least one inspection area of the containers, so that the thickness relationship of the glass as a function of the infrared radiation intensity is homogeneous over the whole inspection area, measuring, for each inspection area the glass thickness of the container in at least one movement point belonging to the inspection area, by means of a contactless point-like thickness measurement system, measuring by means of a sensor sensitive to infrared radiation, which is emitted by the container, determining, for each inspection area, a relationship between the measurement of the thickness taken at the measurement point and the infrared radiation, and from the relationship and the relevant infrared radiation of each inspection area, determining the glass distribution of the container over each inspection area.

Abstract: A follow-up fixed focus system includes a fixed focus device, and the second end of the fixed focus device is in contact with a sample plate; when the sample plate has a small protrusion, the second end of the fixed focus device is pushed by the protrusion of the sample plate. When the sample plate has a small depression, the second end of the fixed focus device is in contact with the sample plate all the time under the action of self gravity of an observation device, so that the imaging distance between an object lens and the sample plate is kept unchanged.

Abstract: A measuring device for non-mechanical-contact measurement of a layer, the measuring device including a light source operative to generate a pulse adapted to interact with the layer so as to generate a thermal wave in a gas medium present adjacent the layer. The thermal wave causes an acoustic signal to be generated. The measuring device further includes a detector adapted to detect a first signal responsive to the acoustic signal, the detector not being in mechanical contact with the layer. The first signal is representative of the measured layer.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide systems and methods for detecting defects in components of a fuel cell. Embodiment methods and systems for detecting a defect in an interconnect for a fuel cell system include thermally exciting the interconnect using optical radiation and/or inductive stimulation, detecting a thermal response of the interconnect, and based on the thermal response, determining the presence or absence of a defect in the interconnect, such as a lateral or through crack in the interconnect.

Abstract: A scatterometer is used in a dark-field imaging mode to measure asymmetry-related parameters such as overlay. Measurements of small grating targets are made using identical optical paths, with the target in two orientations to obtain separate measurements of +1 and ?1 diffraction orders. In this way, intensity scaling differences (tool asymmetry) are avoided. However, additive intensity defects due to stray radiation (ghosts) in the optical system cannot be avoided. Additive intensity issues strongly depend on the ratio between 0th and 1st order diffraction and are therefore strongly substrate (process) dependent. Calibration measurements are made on a few representative target gratings having biases. The calibration measurements are made, using not only different substrate rotations but also complementary apertures. Corrections are calculated and applied to correct asymmetry, to reduce error caused by stray radiation.

Abstract: A method for measuring an implant dosage distribution of a semiconductor sample is provided. The method includes generating a photomodulation effect in a three-dimensional structure of the semiconductor sample and measuring a reflection information of the three-dimensional structure. A geometry information of the three-dimensional structure of the semiconductor sample is obtained. The geometry information of the three-dimensional structure is converted into an estimated reflective data. The reflection information is compared with the estimated reflective data to determine the implant dosage distribution of the three-dimensional structure of the semiconductor sample.