Abstract: In one embodiment of the spectroscopy method, the method comprises the steps of modulating the wavelength of a monochromatic radiation at a modulation amplitude and a modulation frequency; determining a first variable representative of an absorbance of an analyte in a sample; and demodulating by phase-sensitive detection the first variable at a harmonic of the modulation frequency to produce a harmonic spectrum of the analyte. In one embodiment of the spectroscopy apparatus, the apparatus comprises a laser diode integrated with a first photodetector configured to detect an intensity of a backward emission from the laser diode and act as a reference detector; a second photodetector configured to detect an intensity of laser radiation exiting a sample; and electronic circuitry coupled to the laser diode and the photodetectors, configured to acquire and process spectra of the sample.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are related to nanowire-based devices that can be configured and operated as modulators, chemical sensors, and light-detection devices. In one aspect, a nanowire-based device includes a reflective member, a resonant cavity surrounded by at least a portion of the reflective member, and at least one nanowire disposed within the resonant cavity. The nanowire includes at least one active segment selectively disposed along the length of the nanowire to substantially coincide with at least one antinode of light resonating within the cavity. The active segment can be configured to interact with the light resonating within the cavity.

Abstract: The non-contact measurement probe is capable of dimensional measurement of a workpiece while it is being machined, and reporting dynamic error for real-time compensation by the machining tool. Measurement includes diameter and roundness of the workpiece. The measurements are automatically fed back to a machine controller for intelligent error compensation. Based on known laser Doppler techniques and real time data acquisition, the probe delivers dimensional accuracy at few microns over a range of 100 mm. The measurement probe employs a differential laser-Doppler arrangement, allowing acquisition of information from the workpiece surface. Moreover, the measurements are traceable to standards of frequency allowing higher precision.

Abstract: A spectrophotometer (2) comprising a source of radiation (6), preferably optical radiation, disposed to emit radiation at a plurality of wavelengths towards a sample in a sample holder (4) and a detection arrangement 8 for detecting the radiation after its interaction with the sample. The sample holder (4) is adapted to present a plurality of different path lengths for the emitted radiation through the sample.

Abstract: A multi-color cavity ringdown based spectrometer is housed in a light tight enclosure to detect the presence of trace quantities of gas phase molecules emanating from explosives, drugs, or hazardous materials being transported through the enclosure or compounds contained in a patient's breath. A method is also disclosed for detecting gas phase molecules emanating from explosives, drugs, hazardous materials, or a patient's breath.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for analyzing a dry-chemical test element, in particular an immunological test element, wherein, in the method, a dry-chemical test element is analyzed by optical scanning, whereby measurement light beams leaving assay regions of the test element, which are loaded with one or more immobilized optically active substances, with a respective measurement light intensity are detected by a detector device.

Abstract: An optical sensor device (10) is able to be coupled to a window (14), in particular to a windscreen of a motor vehicle. The optical sensor device (10) comprises a sensor unit (12), which includes a emitter (26), a receiver (28) and a light conductor unit (30). By the light conductor unit (30), a light beam (34) emitted by the emitter (26) is coupled into the window (14), coupled out of the window (14) and directed onto the receiver (28). The light conductor unit (30) includes Fresnel lens regions and associated reflecting regions.

Abstract: A transmission optical system includes a plurality of imaging optical systems arranged apart from each other, forming successively the image of an object to be projected so a real image of either a two-dimensional or a three-dimensional object can be observed at the opposite end, with its convexity features either identical to or reversed from the projected object, depending on whether the total number of the imaging optical systems is even or odd.

Abstract: A fault detection and classification method is disclosed that uses raw back-focal-plane image data of radiation from a substrate surface, detected by a scatterometer detector, to determine a variation in the raw data and correlate the variation in the raw data with a possible fault in a lithographic apparatus or a process that patterned the substrate surface. The correlation is carried out by comparing the variation in the raw data with known metrology data. Once a fault has been determined, a user may be notified of the fault.

Abstract: A humidity measurement system for use in, for example, a lithographic apparatus. The humidity measurement system includes a tunable laser diode configured to emit a measurement radiation beam having a wavelength in a wavelength range. The wavelength range includes a first wavelength associated with an absorption peak of water molecules. A signal processing unit is connected to a radiation detector. The signal processing unit is configured to measure an intensity of the measurement radiation beam of the tunable laser diode subjected to absorption. The signal processing unit is also connected to the tunable laser diode for obtaining wavelength information. The signal processing unit is arranged to detect an extreme value in a measured intensity as function of the wavelength and to calculate a humidity value from the detected extreme value.

Abstract: A target substance-detecting apparatus comprises a target substance-detecting element comprising metal structures, a light irradiation section for irradiating the target substance-detecting element with a light, a light-polarizing section which polarizes the irradiating light and separates an output light emitted from the target substance-detecting element into a first polarized light and a second polarized light, first and second light-receiving sections for outputting first and second signals according to intensity of the first and second polarized lights, respectively; and a control section which determines peaks of absorbances of the first and second polarized lights by measuring the absorbances from the first and second signals respectively, and controls the target substance-detecting element so that the peak values of the first and second absorbances can be maximized and minimized respectively by controlling a incidence angle of formed by a vibration direction of the incident light and a main axis of th

Abstract: A cavity ring-down spectrometer having a light-conveying structure, a mirror and an isolator. The structure may form a resonator cavity, and the resonator cavity may include a sample sub-cavity and a mirror sub-cavity. A preconcentrator medium may be within a sample sub-cavity, and the medium may adsorb a sample substance entering the sample sub-cavity. A heater may heat the medium to desorb the sample through which a light can propagate. The mirror may be within the mirror sub-cavity, and the mirror may direct light through the mirror sub-cavity and the sample sub-cavity. The isolator may reduce, inhibit or prevent the sample substance in the sample sub-cavity from entering the mirror sub-cavity and affecting the mirror in the mirror sub-cavity.

Abstract: A trench photosensor for use in a CMOS imager having an improved charge capacity. The trench photosensor may be either a photogate or photodiode structure. The trench shape of the photosensor provides the photosensitive element with an increased surface area compared to a flat photosensor occupying a comparable area on a substrate. The trench photosensor also exhibits a higher charge capacity, improved dynamic range, and a better signal-to-noise ratio. Also disclosed are processes for forming the trench photosensor.

Abstract: The method for analyzing the structure of cultured hedges, equally applicable by day or by night, for a mobile, continuously-moving machine in tied or staked plantations such as vineyards, includes a system using an artificial vision system, working by transmission, which permits a detection of the shadowing of the light between one or more transmitters and one or more detectors to one side and the other of the hedge. The information generated by said shadows of light are processed by an electronic analysis system, programmed or embodied to examine the elements of the structure of the hedge.

Abstract: An image analysis method to quantify visual showthrough of printed images on the reverse face of planar objects, such as paper. An illumination level is set using a white reference object. A white reference image is stored in a computer memory. An image of a planar object having a printed image on the reverse face is stored in a computer memory. A pixel by pixel ratio of the two images is calculated and a mean value of the ratios is calculated to characterize the visual showthrough. The measurements are substantially independent of both the illumination level and image shading.

Abstract: Systems and methods for in-line inspection of plastic blow molded containers. The inspection system may comprise a plurality of emitter assemblies arranged in a vertical array. Each emitter assembly may cyclically emit light energy in at least two different narrow wavelength bands at a container as the container passes through an inspection area. The system may also comprise a plurality of broadband photodetectors arranged in a vertical array, each photodetector facing at least one of the emitter assemblies with the inspection area therebetween such that the photodetectors are capable of sensing light energy that passes through the container when it is in the inspection area. The system may also comprise a processor in communication with the photodetectors for determining a characteristic of the container based on signals from the photodetectors.

Abstract: A dual sided sheet surface property sensor has the capability to simultaneously measure both sides of a moving sheet at the same location of the sheet on the top and bottom surfaces of the sheet. The energy directed to each side of the sheet may include UV, visible light, infrared, radio frequency, microwave, broadband, or X-ray. The sensor has a source and associated detector on each side of the moving sheet and each source provides energy at a different modulation frequency and the associated detector is responsive only to that frequency.

Abstract: A smoke detector that includes at least one image-forming reflective surface, at least one light source and at least one light sensor. In operation, at least one light source emits light from a first area thereon and the reflective surface focuses the light onto a second area that includes at least one light sensor, wherein the first area is smaller than the second area.

Abstract: A conversion control system is described that includes a database to store data defining a set of rules and an interface to receive local anomaly information from a plurality of different analysis machines associated with a plurality of manufacturing process lines that perform a plurality of operations on a web of material, and each of the manufacturing process lines includes position data for a set of regions on the web containing anomalies. The system also includes a computer that registers the position data of the local anomaly information for the plurality of manufacturing process lines to produce aggregate anomaly information. The system further includes a conversion control engine that applies the rules to the aggregate anomaly information to determine which anomalies represent actual defects in the web for a plurality of different products.

Abstract: A low cost calorimeter wherein a linear taper potentiometer proportions the current through sample and reference solid state light sources in a near logarithmic fashion. The position of the potentiometer slider is proportional to the absorbance of the solution in the sample path when the light intensity of the two paths is balanced. The light intensity may be balanced visually or with a simple electronic comparator.

Abstract: A polarization fluorometer and a method for calibrating such a fluorometer. The fluorometer includes an excitation channel with an excitation polarizer for generating light polarized in a first plane or in a second plane to be conducted as a excitation light to a sample, an emission channel for conducting emission light from the sample, in which emission channel there is an emission polarization filter, an excitation detector, to which light polarized by the excitation polarizer can be conducted from the excitation channel, and a reference detector, to which light polarized by the excitation polarizer can be conducted from the excitation channel before being conducted to the sample or to the excitation detector. The reference detector can be calibrated by the excitation detector so that correction measurements can be carried out in real time during sample measurement. The fluorometer can be used especially for fluorescence spectra measurements.

Abstract: A method of measuring density includes detecting movement of a moving member in a light path of light emitted from a light emitting member, measuring an output of a light receiving member for a case where the moving member is moved in the light path, as a first output, detecting that the moving member is not in the light path, measuring an output of the light receiving member for a case where the moving member is not in the light path, as a second output, and calculating density based on the first output and the second output.

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 device for conducting a transmission measurement includes a system for generating a light wave consisting of a first and a second wavelength fraction, in addition to an optical channel guiding the light wave to a sample tube with a sample, wherein the light wave permeates the sample tube with a sample. The device also has a motion unit for producing a relative movement of the light wave along the sample tube. A receiver for receiving and separating the first and second wavelength fragments after the light wave has permeated the sample tube with a sample is also provided. A converter converts the first wavelength fraction into a first digital measuring value describing the degree of transmission in the first wavelength and converts the second wavelength fraction into a second digital measuring value describing the degree of transmission in the second wavelength.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of imaging an interior of a turbid medium (45) comprising the following steps: accommodation of the turbid medium (45) inside a receiving volume (20); coupling transmission input light (65) from a transmission light source into the receiving volume (12), with said transmission input light (65) being chosen such that it is capable of propagating through the turbid medium (45) and with at least a part of said transmission input light (65) passing through a matching medium (50) in the receiving volume (12), said matching medium (50) being chosen to reduce optical boundary effects at an interface between the turbid medium (45) and its surroundings; detection of transmission output light emanating from the receiving volume as a result of coupling transmission input light (65) from the transmission light source into the receiving volume (12) through use of a transmission photodetector unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of imaging an interior of a turbid medium (45) comprising the following steps: accommodation of the turbid medium (45) inside a receiving volume; coupling transmission input light (65) from a transmission light source into the receiving volume, with said transmission input light (65) being chosen such that it is capable of propagating through the turbid medium (45); detection of transmission output light emanating from the receiving volume as a result of coupling transmission input light from the light source into the receiving volume through use of a transmission photodetector unit. The invention also relates to a system for imaging an interior of a turbid medium (45) and to a medical image acquisition system both using the method. The method, system, and medical image acquisition system are adapted such that an improved way of obtaining data relating to the exterior of the turbid medium (45) is realized.

Abstract: The invention concerns high sensitivity light scattering detection and its application to evaporative light scattering detection in liquid chromatography. The exemplary embodiment includes a detection cell to accept particles suspended in a gas stream and permit a polarized light beam to pass through a trajectory of the particles and gas stream. A sample light detector is disposed to detect light scattered in the detection cell. A light trap accepts the polarized beam after it passes through the detection cell. The light trap includes an elongated housing through which the polarized beam passes, and light absorptive material within the elongated housing. An absorptive filter is aligned such that the angle of incidence of the light beam upon the filter approximates Brewster's angle and the electric field vector of the beam is aligned with the plane of incidence between the beam and the filter. Other embodiments of the invention provide increased light collection.

Abstract: A light scattering sensor is provided with a cylindrical lens focusing received light along substantially parallel lines, or bands, that correspond to a range of scattering angles and a linear detector that detects the light intensity along the substantially parallel lines. By using a cylindrical lens, the lens serves as an auto-collimator, whereby light scattered at a specific angle from the collimated light beam strikes the linear detector at a corresponding specific location regardless of the location from where the light was scattered. Embodiments of the cylindrical lens-based light sensor can be applied to a number of different applications and industries that analyze light scattering intensity as a function of scattering angle. For example, embodiments of the cylindrical lens-based light scattering sensor can be used for monitoring a target fluid for contaminants.

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 advanced gas purged optical densitometer that significantly decreases the likelihood of optical component contamination and unstable optical path reduction includes an optical emitter, an optical receiver, and an optical path purge device. The optical emitter emits a light beam along an optical axis, through the optical purge path device and a test fluid. The optical receiver receives the light beam after it traverses the optical path purge device and the test fluid, and supplies a signal representative of intensity of the received light beam. The optical path purge device is configured to prevent contamination of the optical emitter and optical receiver, and to maintain a substantially optical path length of the test fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides a control device for the separate collection of blood components in output from a blood centrifugation cell. The control device comprises: a support which comprises a recess for containing a duct; a visible-light emitter with a corresponding receiver, which are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the recess for containing the duct; an infrared-light emitter with a corresponding receiver, which are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the recess for containing the duct; and a processor to detect signals acquired by the two receivers, to calculate a ratio between the values of the signals, and to send signals to the means suitable to selectively send the fluid conveyed by the duct into separate collection bags, the means being able to change the bag in which the fluid is collected.

Abstract: A spatial filter includes a number of photodetectors that generate individual signals in the time domain. The individual signals are subsequently divided and grouped to create the I and Q channels output from the spatial filter. Prior to the formation of the I and Q channels, a window function is used to shape the spatial response of the spatial filter.

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: An apparatus for quantifying irradiance has a first sensor having an output for providing a reference signal of irradiance within a first band, such as the visible light band. A filter and a second sensor are in optical series so that irradiance sensed at the second sensor is filtered. The second sensor outputs a filtered signal of irradiance within the first band. The filter particularly filters irradiance in the first band as a function of irradiance in the second band, such as the UV light band. In an exemplary embodiment, the filter is made from a material that darkens with increasing UV irradiance. A processor has inputs coupled to the outputs of the first and second sensors for determining irradiance in the second band from the reference signal and the filtered signal. Mathematical formulations for the processor are provided, as are methods and a computer program embodied on a medium. A single sensor embodiment is also described.

Abstract: The invention concerns high sensitivity light scattering detection and its application to evaporative light scattering detection in liquid chromatography. The exemplary embodiment includes a detection cell to accept particles suspended in a gas stream and permit a polarized light beam to pass through a trajectory of the particles and gas stream. A sample light detector is disposed to detect light scattered in the detection cell. A light trap accepts the polarized beam after it passes through the detection cell. The light trap includes an elongated housing through which the polarized beam passes, and light absorptive material within the elongated housing. An absorptive filter is aligned such that the angle of incidence of the light beam upon the filter approximates Brewster's angle and the electric field vector of the beam is aligned with the plane of incidence between the beam and the filter. Other embodiments of the invention provide increased light collection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for analyzing liquid samples employs first and second bidirectional ports that permit liquids to be introduced to first and second liquid waveguide capillary cells at the same time. The direction of liquid flow through the apparatus and roles of components may be reversed to prevent or overcome obstruction by particulates and other debris. The apparatus and method can detect and map colored dissolved organic matter and can detect, discriminate and map algal species or algal blooms including red tide in an automated, unattended manner within large aquatic systems.

Abstract: A method is described for characterizing defects on a test surface of a semiconductor wafer using a confocal-microscope-based automatic defect characterization (ADC) system. The surface to be tested and a reference surface are scanned using a confocal microscope to obtain three-dimensional images of the test and reference surfaces. The test and reference images are converted into sets of geometric constructs, or “primitives,” that are used to approximate features of the images. Next, the sets of test and reference primitives are compared to determine whether the set of test primitives is different from the set of reference primitives. If such a difference exists, then the difference data is used to generate defect parameters, which are then compared to a knowledge base of defect reference data. Based on this comparison, the ADC system characterizes the defect and estimates a degree of confidence in the characterization.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method comprising passing a first variable intensity light beam across a first test-tube (3) wherein the substance (1) to be controlled is circulating. Subsequently, a second fixed-intensity light beam is passed across a second test-tube (4) with a reference sample. The intensities of both beams are compared once they have crossed over the test tubes and the intensity of the first beam is varied so that said intensities are equal. The parameter of interest in the first test tube is calculated by means of signal processing which causes the first beam to vary.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying an unknown DNA sample. The apparatus includes a plurality of detection nodes, each of which is operable for allowing an interaction between a known DNA sample and an unknown DNA sample, and for generating an output signal if hybridization occurs between the known DNA sample and the unknown DNA sample. The apparatus further includes a decoder operative for receiving an input signal indicative of which of the plurality of detection nodes should be selected for processing and for outputting control signals which operate to activate the selected detection node. Further, each of the detection nodes includes a light source and a photodetection circuit. The photodetection circuit has a conductance value which varies if hybridization occurs between the known DNA sample and the unknown DNA sample deposited in the detection node. This change in conductance value is utilized to generate the output signal which indicates that hybridization has occurred.

Abstract: A method of determining the Volume Scattering Function of Ocean Waters in the backward direction using a Satellite Ocean Color Sensor the said method made to exploit the geometry of the sun-ocean-satellite detector to function as a backscatter system comprising of the sun [1] as a source of radiation, the ocean as the sampling volume [2], and the satellite ocean color sensor [3] as the detector of the backscattered flux from the ocean emanating from separate ocean pixels arranged on a scan line across the track of the satellite payload and arriving at corresponding pixels on the CCD array detector of the satellite sensor [3]; the output signals from each electronic pixel of the detector is shown to be related to the Volume Scattering Function at a fixed scattering angles (?) which bears a direct relation to the cosines of the solar incident angle (?s) and the angle (?p) of the upwelled flux at the ocean surface, the Remotely Sensed Reflectance (Rrs), and the diffuse attenuation coefficient (Kd) thereby result

Abstract: A wavelength detector includes a beam splitter block that taps off two spatially separated beams and a linear filter in an optical path of one of the two beams. The linear filter may be provided on the beam splitter block. The linear filter may be a notch anti-reflective filter in the optical path of the application beam. One or both of the beams may be focused on to their respective detectors.

Abstract: A system for sensing a characteristic of a sample may include a tunable source configured to emit optical radiation that varies over a wavelength range at a first frequency and a reference source configured to emit optical radiation that varies in amplitude at a second frequency. A science detector may be configured to detect the optical radiation from the tunable source and the reference source after interaction with the sample and generate a science signal. A number of lock-in amplifiers may be respectively configured to generate components of the science signal that are present at the first and second frequencies. A processor may be configured to determine a characteristic of the sample based on the components of the science signal that are present at the first and second frequencies.

Abstract: A laser absorption spectrometer for making measurements of absorption spectra which includes a wavelength sensor that can measure the average wavelength of pulses from a laser on a pulse-by-pulse basis and that can measure the internal wavelength variation of laser pulses. The laser absorption spectrometer can be used with pulsed lasers like the quantum cascade laser to perform sensitive measurements of the absorption spectra even when there is pulse-to-pulse variation of average wavelength and when there are internal changes in the wavelength of the pulses.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with the problem of providing an automatic inspection device, with which it is possible to determine, with little effort and without contact, whether packages, particularly sealed blister packages consisting of a blister container and a cover film, are free of defects. This problem is solved by the use of at least two light sources, which are arranged at a certain distance from one another and each emit a light bundle at a predetermined wavelength range, whereby the emission maxima of the two light sources are offset in relation to one another. The light sources are arranged such that the packages are vertically illuminated. The light reflected by the packages is recorded by a CCD camera and the digital images are stored in a computer, so that they are available in a computer-supported image-processing and documentation system.

Abstract: Spontaneous absorption of liquids by porous substrates and capillaries is measured by an optical electronic measuring system providing millisecond resolution of millimeter size droplets. A syringe forms a drop over a porous material or capillary. The absorption time is measured from the instant the lower extreme of the drop formed contacts the porous material or capillary until there is no curvature remaining above the porous material or capillary surface at the location of the drop first contact. The time measurement is also a measurement of the absorption velocity. The absorption velocity characterizes the absorption ability of tested substrates with respect to the testing liquid. The apparatus can be used in microfabrication applications for quantitative analysis of the wettability, permeability, and sorption capacity of structured substrates, including various porous/fibrous materials, chips for microfluidic devices, nano and microelectromechanical systems and chips for protein recognition.

Abstract: A measuring system for in-situ measurements down a well (1) by a spectrometer (4) is provided. The spectrometer (4) includes a radiation source (5) and a detector (6). A probe (15) optically connected to the spectrometer (4) and includes an optical pathway (7) for transmission of a radiation from the radiation source (5) and at least a second optical pathway for transmission of a characteristic radiation from a sample to the detector (6). A positioner is provided to position the probe (15) near a side surface (11) of the borehole (3) and to optically couple the optical pathways (7) to the side surface (11), wherein the probe (15) is traversable up and down the well (1) by way of a guide operatively connected to the probe (15) and to a fixed location at the wellhead. By use of the apparatus and method a concentration of methane or other substance of interest is obtained, and thereby, a potential production of a coal bed methane formation is obtained.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the photometric analysis of test elements with a detection zone which is stable towards positioning tolerances of the detection zone comprising the following steps: activating the first light source to irradiate a first region of the detection zone and detecting the light reflected from the detection zone or transmitted through the detection zone in order to generate a first detection signal (50), activating the second light source to irradiate a second region of the detection zone which is displaced relative to the first region in the direction of the positioning tolerance and detecting the light reflected from the detection zone or transmitted through the detection zone in order to generate a second detection signal (60), comparing the first and the second detection signal and determining whether the first and/or the second detection signal has been obtained by illuminating an area situated completely on the detection zone.

Abstract: A method for collecting data for use in image reconstruction of an object being scanned, comprises providing a plurality of detectors disposed in an arc around the object being scanned to detect light passing through the object; impinging a laser beam at a point on the object; integrating the output of each detector at a number of successive time intervals, each time interval being longer than the previous time interval; digitizing the integrated output from each time interval; successively digitizing multiple times the integrated output from the longest time interval and averaging the results; orbiting the detectors and laser beam to another point on a circle; and repeating the above steps until a complete circle has been traversed.

Abstract: A measuring system for in-situ measurements down a well (1) by a spectrometer (4) is provided. The spectrometer (4) includes a radiation source (5) and a detector (6). A probe (15) optically connected to the spectrometer (4) and includes an optical pathway (7) for transmission of a radiation from the radiation source (5) and at least a second optical pathway for transmission of a characteristic radiation from a sample to the detector (6). A positioner is provided to position the probe (15) near a side surface (11) of the borehole (3) and to optically couple the optical pathways (7) to the side surface (11), wherein the probe (15) is traversable up and down the well (1) by way of a guide operatively connected to the probe (15) and to a fixed location at the wellhead. By use of the apparatus and method a concentration of methane or other substance of interest is obtained, and thereby, a potential production of a coal bed methane formation is obtained.

Abstract: Techniques for integrating optoelectronic system and microfluidic system. An apparatus for optical analysis includes a detector system and a microfluidic system on the detector system. The apparatus is free from any lens system between the microfluidic system and the detector system. Methods of making such an apparatus and using such an apparatus are also disclosed.