Abstract: In a method and apparatus for measuring the optical absorption of samples having a light source (1), a photoelectric converter (8), a measurement beam path extending between the light source (1) and the converter (8), in which path the sample to be examined is arranged, a reference beam path extending between the light source (1) and the converter (8), in which path a reference sample is arranged, and a motor-driven chopper disc (10), the chopper disc (10) is configured with a first number of first openings (15) unblocking only the measurement beam path and a second number of second openings (16) unblocking only the path for the reference beam.

Abstract: A system for monitoring infrared absorption of each of a plurality of materials contained in an array has an infrared transparent substrate for the array of materials. An infrared radiation source irradiates the materials in the array with infrared radiation. An infrared detection system monitors material absorption of the infrared radiation by the materials. A method of monitoring the infrared absorption spectrum of a library of materials includes synthesizing an array of material on a substrate. The materials are irradiated with infrared radiation and the absorption of the infrared radiation by the materials is monitored for each material.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical sensor for measuring blood gas, used to measure gas concentration in a liquid, comprising: an indicator solution; a first conduit for filling with the indicator solution wherein the first conduit passes through the liquid and the gas in the liquid can diffuse into the first conduit to react with the indicator solution so as to change the color of the indicator solution; a second conduit for receiving the reacted indicator solution in the first conduit; and a light emitter and a photodetector provided in opposition to each other at the two sides of the second conduit wherein the light emitter emits light towards the second conduit and the photodetector receives the light passing through the second conduit and the reacted indicator solution and thereby outputs a sensing signal depending on the received light intensity.

Abstract: A fluidic structure includes a channel and along the channel is a series of sensing components to obtain information about objects traveling within the channel, such as droplets or other objects carried by fluid. At least one sensing component includes a set of cells of a photosensor array. The set of cells photosense a range of photon energies that emanate from objects, and include a subset of cells that photosense within subranges. A processor can receive information about objects from the sensing components and use it to obtain spectral information. The processor can perform an initial analysis using information from one set of sensing components and, based on the results, control a fluidic device in the channel, such as a gate, to retain objects, such as for concentration and more detailed analysis by other sensing components, or to purge objects from the channel.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring and evaluating optical signals for detecting an analyte in an analysis liquid.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for detecting biomolecular interactions. The use of labels is not required and the methods can be performed in a high-throughput manner. The invention also provides optical devices useful as narrow band filters.

Abstract: A microchip analysis device in which the effect of changes in the quantity of light of a discharge lamp of the short arc type can be reduced and measurement results with high reliability can be obtained is achieved in microchip measurement device which has a light source lamp and a lamp operating device, in which the light from the lamp is transmitted by a fill part for the liquid of the microchip to be tested, and in which the quantity of this transmitted light and based on the data obtained the decadic extinction of the liquid to be tested are measured, a device determines the fluctuation of the quantity of light from the light source lamp. Based on data from this device, a control interrupts or stops the detection of the quantity of the light transmitted by the microchip when the fluctuation is outside a preset range.

Abstract: There is provided a photothermal conversion measuring instrument which can measure change in property caused by thermal effect in a sample with high sensitivity and high accuracy by a simple structure. The instrument includes a current control circuit for sequentially switching output light of a plurality of excitation light sources each outputting excitation light having a different wavelength band so that one of the output light is irradiated to the sample, a light detector for interfering measurement light transmitted through the sample with reference light and detecting the intensity of the interference light, and a signal processor for extracting the same cycle components as the switching cycle of the output light switched by the current control circuit from a signal of the interference light intensity obtained from the light detector and for obtaining a difference of signal values corresponding to each of the excitation light based on the extracted signals.

Abstract: A device includes an element (7) for illuminating the sample (1), alternately emitting first and second radiation beams; device (9) for receiving and analyzing radiation derived from the sample (1) which converts the output radiation into control signal (S0); monitoring and controlling device (31) emitting first (S1) and second (S2) signals controlling the illuminating means (7), and a measuring signal (Sm); and device for calculating absorption characteristics of the sample (1), on the basis of the measuring signal (Sm). The monitoring and control elements (31) are adapted so that, after at least one period (Tp) of variation of the radiation beams, the amplitude of the control signal (S0), sensed on emitting phases, is equal to the amplitude of the control signal (S0), sensed on emission phases of the other radiation, and the measuring signal (Sm) represents at least one of the control signals (S1, S2).

Abstract: A device and process monitors particulate accumulation proximate a surface of a filter. A radiation source generates a signal that optically couples to a detector that detects the signal. An optical window is disposed before the detector and accumulates particulate matter. A controller processes the detected signal to monitor changes in particulate accumulation on the optical window by comparing an initial measurement of the detected signal to a subsequent measurement of the detected signal. At least one output device indicates particulate accumulation. A housing assembly mounts the radiation source, the detector and the processor to an upstream surface of the filter.

Abstract: A fluidic structure includes a channel and along the channel is a series of sensing components to obtain information about objects traveling within the channel, such as droplets or other objects carried by fluid. At least one sensing component includes a set of cells of a photosensor array. The set of cells photosense a range of photon energies that emanate from objects, and include a subset of cells that photosense within subranges. A processor can receive information about objects from the sensing components and use it to obtain spectral information. The processor can perform an initial analysis using information from one set of sensing components and, based on the results, control a fluidic device in the channel, such as a gate, to retain objects, such as for concentration and more detailed analysis by other sensing components, or to purge objects from the channel.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) includes a photosensor array, some cells of which are reference cells that photosense throughout an application's energy range, while other cells of which are subrange cells that photosense within respective subranges. For example, the subrange cells can receive photons in their respective subranges from a transmission structure that has laterally varying properties, such as due to varying optical thickness. The reference cells may be uncoated or may also receive photons through a transmission structure such as a gray filter. Subrange cells and reference cells may be paired in adjacent lines across the array, such as rows. Where photon emanation can vary along a path, quantities of incident photons photosensed by subrange cells along the path can be adjusted based on quantities photosensed by their paired reference cells, such as with normalization.

Abstract: A portable system and method for measuring the concentration of multiple chemical or biological substances where an onsite analysis of such substances is needed. The new and original handheld sensor system uses a disposable optical test element and a spectroscopic detector that measures the test element response to specific analytes through a change in light absorbance, luminescence, and other forms of light-based response. In this way, reflection light intensities indicative of the test element response can be used to measure the concentration of the target analytes. The sensor system is also capable of being interfaced to an information processing unit or computer so that analytical data can be manipulated or stored electronically.

Abstract: A method of measuring properties of particles immersed in a body (B), comprising the performing of a series of instantaneous acquisitions by illumination of the body with a temporally coherent light beam (152) of predetermined width D and predetermined wavelength ? such as to generate scattered radiation (155) by scattering interaction of the light beam with the particles, and the detection of a plurality of values of the intensity of the total radiation (155, 156 155?,156?) coming from the body at a plurality of points simultaneously, the points being at a distance z from the body such that the points can receive the scattered radiation (155, 155?) which comes from substantially all of the directions in which the particles are capable of scattering, and that each of the points receives the scattered radiation (155, 155?) of a large number of particles, and processing (100) of the series of acquisitions in a manner such as to determine the properties of the particles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for medical diagnosis or risk assessment for a patient are provided. These systems and methods are designed to be employed at the point of care, such as in emergency rooms and operating rooms, or in any situation in which a rapid and accurate result is desired. The systems and methods process patient data, particularly data from point of care diagnostic tests or assays, including immunoassays, electrocardiograms, X-rays and other such tests, and provide an indication of a medical condition or risk or absence thereof. The systems include an instrument for reading or evaluating the test data and software for converting the data into diagnostic or risk assessment information.

Abstract: An optical system for determining an optical constant by measuring the absolute reflectance and the absolute transmittance of a substance by using an incoming side beam switching mirror for selectively switching the direction of a light from a light source to first or second converged light reflecting units. The first and second converged light reflecting units project the light from the beam switching mirror so as to be converged in an intersecting manner at the position of a sample holder that can be positioned to present a sample fitting hole or a through hole for measuring the reflectance/transmittance by providing the light to an exit side beam switching mirror and detector.

Abstract: A measuring light of specific wavelength, which is selectively absorbed by fuel, is transmitted through a measuring passage in a combustion chamber of an engine, to be received by a light receiving element, and intensity of the measuring light of specific wavelength received by the light receiving element is detected.

Abstract: A ceramic biomolecule imaging chip includes a ceramic body having a planar imaging surface. The planar imaging surface is highly polished within tolerances of plus or minus 1 microinch. This ceramic chip is compatible with fluorescence laser scanning devices. It is preferred that the ceramic body be 99.6% alumina oxide in order to also be compatible with non-fluorescent detection systems.

Abstract: A biomedical optical measurement apparatus comprising a light source unit for generating an inspection light containing multiple lights modulated at different frequencies, a light-receiving unit for receiving the light generated at said light source unit and passing through an object to be examined and for outputting the electric signals with the intensity corresponding to the received inspection light, and a detection means for detecting a signal with the same frequency of the reference signal in the output from said light-receiving unit.

Abstract: An analyzer apparatus includes a receptacle for an ampoule, an analysis system, an incubator, and a master control. The analysis system includes a light source and a photodetector positioned such that the light from the light source passes through the receptacle. The master control includes a display, a timer, and a memory provided with a look-up table. During operation, an ampoule containing a sample and an indicator which changes color when a certain level of biological activity is present in the sample is placed within the receptacles. The analysis system is operated to transmit light at the predetermined wavelength through the ampoule to the detector, and a maximum amount of light passing through the ampoule is logged. The incubator is operated to heat the receptacle and the ampoule therein to a desired test temperature and the timer is started. The analysis system periodically transmits light through the ampoule.

Abstract: An extremely convenient apparatus for evaluating the inner quality of vegetables and fruits which is small and inexpensive, can be introduced easily even by small-scaled enterprisers, in which an installation place can be changed easily, and safety and promptness of the replacing work of light sources are fully taking into consideration is provided.

Abstract: A method of improving spatial resolution of a pump-probe terahertz (THz) imaging system for producing an image of an object. The method provides a chopped optical gating beam focused on a semiconductive layer that is either part of the object or a discrete layer placed over the object. The gating beam is focused on a gating pulse focal spot having a diameter effective to cause measurable modulation in transmission of a THz beam through the semiconductive layer when the gating pulse is on as compared to when the gating pulse is off, creating alternating modulated THz beams for detection and processing. Systems for performing the method in transmission and reflection modes are also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detection of a particular material, such as photoresist material, on a sample surface. 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: Pulsed light of predetermined wavelengths or modulated light of predetermined frequencies from a light source 5 is injected into a scattering medium 1 as a measured object and output light therefrom is detected by a photodetector 7. Further, measuring methods and apparatus are configured so as to process and compute internal information by a signal processing unit 8 and an computation processing unit 9, and the internal information of the scattering medium 1 is obtained by calculating the difference between absorption coefficients by use of the time integrated spectroscopy (TIS method) and the phase modulation spectroscopy (PMS method) based on the MBL law in accordance with a spectroscopy method (MVS method) making use of a mean pathlength and a variance, or physical quantities equivalent thereto. This enables the internal information of the scattering medium to be measured accurately and quickly.

Abstract: An optical imaging system for detecting light from an excitation light source through a scattering medium. The system includes a photo detector for receiving light from the scattering medium, an amplification circuit coupled from the photo-detector, an electro-optical source coupled from the amplification circuit for providing a secondary light signal, and a streak camera receiving the secondary light signal and providing an image of the scattering medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mixtures prepared from (A) at least one linear, branched, or cyclic monomeric organosilane having at least two silicon atoms with hydrolyzable and/or condensation-crosslinking groups in which the silicon atoms are bonded to one another through at least one carbon atom in a linking unit, and (B) at least one boron- and/or aluminum-containing compound having the formula (I) RxM(OR′)3-x  (I)  wherein M is Al or B, x is 0, 1, or 2, R is C1-C6-alkyl, C6-C12-aryl, or (O)1/2, with the proviso that if R is (O)1/2, then the compound of the formula (I) is a chain when x is 1 and a cyclic or cage-form compound when x is 2, and each R′ is independently H, C1-C10-alkyl, or C6-C12-aryl. The invention further relates to hybrid materials prepared from such mixtures and to coatings produced therefrom.

Abstract: An apparatus and method determines light transmission through a window. The window may be a single-pane or a double-pane window, and may or may not have coatings on its interior/exterior surfaces. Light transmission through the window can be measured based on power levels of light incident on the window and light reflected from the window. Such measurements can be performed for a wireless optical telecommunication system, in situations where it may be difficult or impossible to access both sides of a window to place or retrieve measurement equipment.

Abstract: A device and a method for automatically adapting a light sensor to the light transmission properties of a windshield include determining the light transmission properties of the windshield for light having at least two different wavelengths. Light intensities of each of at least two different wavelengths of a light beam transmitted by a transmitter along a path through the windshield are measured by a light receiver. The measured light intensities are compared with reference light intensity values associated with clear glass. Transmission properties of the windshield are then calculated based on the comparison between the measured light intensities and the reference light intensity values. The light sensor is then adapted as a function of the calculated transmission properties of the windshield.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an exemplary method of detecting a process end point during etching in the fabrication of an integrated circuit. This method can include receiving a reference signal indicative of an intensity of a light source, collecting a reflection signal reflected off a surface of an integrated circuit wafer, and comparing the reference signal and the reflection signal to locate absorption bands, the absorption band being indicative of a process end point.

Abstract: A criterion for recognizing the presence of paper money is determined from the output of the photosensor (12) in its standby state when paper money is inserted. The criterion is stored in memory (15) for use to detect the existence of paper money.

Abstract: Time-divisionally-multiplexed light receiving signals are sampled at a predetermined time interval as they are, and then converted into digital data. Then, address is determined based on an index signal as a standard of the time-divisional multiplexing, and the data are sequentially stored in a data memory. When the data are sequentially read out, change of quantity of the data is obtained to determine a period having the smallest change in quantity as an effective period. Then, the data included in the effective period are selected and separated to a sample side beam, reference side beam and cutoff period. Thus, the multiplexed light receiving signals are accurately separated by the digital data.

Abstract: It is prevented that a malfunction occurs because of a noise. A smoke detection section samples as a smoke detection signal a signal digitized after being output from a light reception section when a light emission section glows, and updates a previous smoke detection signal. A noise detection section samples as a noise detection signal a signal output from the light reception section when the light emission section is not driven to glow. When the noise detection signal exceeds a predetermined noise level, a noise de-influence unit disables updating of the previous smoke detection signal with the newly sampled smoke detection signal so as to process a noise.

Abstract: To nondestructively diagnose a weight reduction ratio of an insulating material or a lubricating oil without stopping operation of the equipment, a nondestructive diagnostic method uses an optical fiber probe type sensor in which a light transmission loss or a reflective absorbance difference is used as a parameter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing an indication of a type of note passing through the apparatus includes a note transport (12) which moves the note past transversely spaced spot sensing assemblies (18). Each spot sensing assembly includes four emitters (32). Each of the emitters produces radiation at a different wavelength. The spot sensing assemblies include a reflectance detector (20) and a transmission detector (22) which are disposed on opposed sides of the passing note. The emitters direct radiation onto test spots (34) on the passing note. The emitters in each assembly are activated individually and repeatedly in a sequence. Radiation reflected from each type of emitter to the reflectance detector at each test spot causes a control circuit (24) to generate reflectance values. Radiation transmitted from each emitter through each test spot to the transmission detector causes the control circuit to generate transmission values.

Abstract: In an analysis system including as light sources an incandescent lamp and a blue light emitting diode, the light of the two sources is combined and directed through filters and a test tube with material to be examined to a photodiode array spectrometer. The filters are so selected that they counteract the intensity drop of the incandescent lamp and the sensitivity decrease of the photodiode array of the spectrometer at short wave lengths.

Abstract: A gas detection and measurement system includes a light source, a light sensor, a test cell body having a first fluid port and a second fluid port, and first and second optical paths from the light source to the light sensor through the test cell. The first and second optical paths have different lengths. As fluid flows through the test cell body, light intensity measurements are taken along the first and second optical paths so that the concentration of a target gas within the fluid can be calculated.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting patient sample quality, and/or analytes, in the tip used to aspirate the patient sample liquid and then dispense it onto a slide test element. Spectrophotometric analysis is done on the liquid while still in the tip, by scanning the tip for transmittance in a light-tight enclosure, using NIR and adjacent visible radiation, and detecting the absorbence spectra of the liquid. Much smaller liquid volumes, and no through-the-label detection, are required, compared to doing the scanning of the liquid in a primary patient collection container.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for instantaneously measuring the level of carbon dioxide (and other gases) in automotive combustion exhaust analysis is provided in the form of a portable battery driven roadside diagnostic instrument in which the CO.sub.2 level is measured by a calorimetric technique utilizing light as the energy source and a piezoelectric bimorph to vibrate a single fiber-optic element to multiplex between two fiber-optic receptors delivering the light to a measurement cell and a reference cell. The measurement cell comprises a salt of an acid-base indicator dye which provides proportional color change on contact with CO.sub.2. The dye is supported on a polymetric film in the cell.

Abstract: A gas-correlation filter spectroscopy-based method and apparatus for determining the concentration of gas species having significant average broadband absorption incorporates a compensating filter having an absorption spectrum that varies with wavelength similarly to the spectrum of the gas species. The compensating filter eliminates interference due to differential absorption. The invention is especially suited to detecting nitrogen dioxide.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the types and amounts of impurities contained in a fluid medium wherein light is projected into a fluid medium and light which is not absorbed by impurities contained in the fluid medium is transmitted to a spectrometer or photomultiplier. The relationship between the light injected into the fluid medium and the light transmitted out of the fluid medium is analyzed to determine the amounts and types of impurities contained in the fluid medium based on the percentage of light of certain wavelengths transmitted out of the fluid. The apparatus comprises a probe which preferably is slip-stream fit to a pipeline through which the fluid medium flows. The probe is coupled to a light source, such as a tunable laser, by a first fiber and to a spectrometer or photomultiplier by a second fiber. Light is transmitted along the first fiber to the probe from the light source and from the probe to a spectrometer or photomultiplier along the second fiber.

Abstract: A gas detection and measurement system includes a light source, a light sensor, a test cell body having a first fluid port and a second fluid port, and first and second optical paths from the light source to the light sensor through the test cell. The first and second optical paths have different lengths. As fluid flows through the test cell body, light intensity measurements are taken along the first and second optical paths so that the concentration of a target gas within the fluid can be calculated.

Abstract: A device and method for quantitative determination of an analyte in a biological sample utilizes a non-transparent support medium for retaining a chromatogenic reaction product with the medium being exposed to a source of light for transmitting therethrough a scattered, uniform response light signal which is collected at a photosensitive device whereby the amount of the analyte is correlated to the intensity of the response light signal. The response light signal may be converted to a time-duration signal proportional to light intensity to facilitate the quantitative determination.

Abstract: A brewed beverage maker, such as a coffee maker, is provided having an automatic concentration control system. An optical feedback system is employed for controlling the concentration of brewed beverages such as coffee and tea. In preferred embodiments, this invention employs a light beam that is passed through the beverage as the beverage is being made to determine the concentration of the beverage. A control system compares the measured concentration to a desired concentration and controls the flow of water through a filter basket containing coffee, tea or the like.

Abstract: A remote laser sensor incorporating a single integrated detector. The laser sensor comprises a laser for transmitting laser energy that is applied to a target, and a beamsplitter for sampling of the transmitted laser energy. A telescope is provided for collecting laser energy reflected from the target. The integrated detector comprises an integrating sphere for receiving the sampled transmitted laser energy and for receiving the laser energy reflected from the target, and a detector coupled to the integrating sphere for selectively detecting the sampled transmitted laser energy and the laser energy reflected from the target. A scatter plate may be disposed inside the integrating sphere for preventing photons from entering the detector that result directly from a first scattering event within the sphere. In operation, the laser provides a transmit beam that is directed at the target and reflected energy from the target is collected by the telescope and focused onto the detector.

Abstract: A method of photometric in vitro determination of at least one blood gas parameter in a sample of whole blood. The whole blood sample is obtained by connecting an at least partially transparent sample container to an in vivo locality and transferring whole blood into the sample container, then breaking the connection. The sample container is arranged in an optical system which has a radiation source and a means for detecting radiation to locate the sample container between the radiation source and the radiation detection means. Radiation is transmitted to the sample from the radiation source and radiation emitted from the sample is transmitted to the radiation detection means. The detected radiation is used to determine the blood gas parameter of the sample. A system for use in this method has a radiation source, a radiation detection means, an at least partially transparent sample container, and a sample container station.

Abstract: An optical transmission measurement apparatus has a pair of a transmitter/receiver units, beam splitters, and a reflection mirror block on both sides of an object of an atmosphere whose optical transmission factor is to be measured. Each of the transmitter/receiver units comprises a light source which can adjust the optical energy of its emitted light beam. A first beam splitter which the light beam enters after the emission, diverges the light beam into two components with different polarizations. After the divergence, during optical transmission measurement, one of the two diverged components enters the opposite photo-detector, while the other of the components returns to the photo-detector in the same unit as the light source which emitted the light beam, by being reflected thereto with the second beam splitter.

Abstract: An automatic calibration system is disclosed for an apparatus that measures the presence of s selected component in a test liquid sample. The system includes a transparent test liquid holder having an inlet and outlet for conducting a test liquid into and out of the holder. There is a transparent calibration element immersed in a test liquid in the holder and including a first sealed compartment that contains a full scale calibration standard and a second sealed compartment that contains a zero calibration standard. A pulsed flow of the test liquid is directed through the holder from the inlet to the outlet to reciprocate the calibration element within the holder. A light source is directed at the holder for establishing an incident beam of light that sequentially strikes the full scale standard, the zero standard, and a test liquid sample as the calibration element reciprocates through the holder.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a new optical photometry system for on-line analysis of industrial fluid streams. The invention is a general purpose optical photometer, capable of absorption, fluorescence and reflectance measurements at single wavelengths in the ultraviolet, visible and near infrared spectral ranges. Light signals generated by the light source are carried between a central photometric console and remote analysis sites by fiber optic cables. The return light signals are compared with a standard to make the desired analysis.

Abstract: A method of determining a concentration CM of a component in a sample by measuring a light transmissivity TM of the sample. First, light transmissivities T.sub.C1 and T.sub.C2 of a first standard and a second standard respectively having known concentrations C1 and C2 of the component is measured. Then a correction factor K3 is calculated according to the following three equations:L.sub.C1 =log((T.sub.C1 -K3)/(1-K3) (1)L.sub.C2 =log((T.sub.C2 -K3)/(1-K3) (2)L.sub.C1 /L.sub.2 =C1/C2 (3)The concentration CM of the sample is calculated according to either of the following equations:CM=((log((TM-K3)/(1-K3))/L.sub.C1).multidot.C1 (4)CM=((log((TM-K3)/(1-K3))/L.sub.C2).multidot.

Abstract: Particle pattern judging method in which a particle pattern formed on the bottom surface of a reaction vessel by an immunological agglutinated reaction is measured in an optical manner; a variation ratio of light intensity of the border of the particle pattern is obtained and the particle pattern is judged whether it is agglutinated or not on the basis of the variation ratio: or a two-dimensional image of the particle pattern is picked up; the two-dimensional image of the particle pattern is differentiated to obtain differentiated values concerning pixel compositions consisting of the particle pattern; and the particle pattern is judged whether it is agglutinated or not on the basis of a distribution of the thus obtained differentiated values.