Abstract: A light beam measurement device includes: a polarization measurement unit including a first measurement beam splitter provided on an optical path of a laser beam and configured to measure a polarization state of the laser beam having been partially reflected by the first measurement beam splitter; a beam profile measurement unit including a second measurement beam splitter provided on the optical path of the laser beam and configured to measure a beam profile of the laser beam having been partially reflected by the second measurement beam splitter; and a laser beam-directional stability measurement unit configured to measure a stability in a traveling direction of the laser beam, while the first measurement beam splitter and the second measurement beam splitter are made of a material containing CaF2.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a process in a semiconductor processing facility and a monitor system are provided. A plurality of wafers are processed according to a process. Data on the processing is collected, and the collecting includes, for each wafer of the plurality of wafers, determining that a processing event has occurred, and recording a time associated with the processing event. An amount of time between the recorded times is calculated for consecutively processed wafers. A set of control limits for the process is determined based on the calculated amounts of time. The set of control limits define a range of acceptable values for the amount of time. Second wafers are processed according to the process. A problem in the processing of the second wafers is identified based on the set of control limits. The problem is identified as the second wafers are being processed.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to lens-free imaging. One example embodiment may include a lens-free imaging device for imaging a moving sample. The lens-free imaging device may include a radiation source configured to emit a set of at least two different wavelengths towards the moving sample. The lens-free imaging device is configured to image samples for which a spectral response does not substantially vary for a set of at least two different wavelengths. The lens-free imaging device may also include a line scanner configured to obtain a line scan per wavelength emitted by the radiation source and reflected by, scattered by, or transmitted through the moving sample. The line scanner is configured to regularly obtain a line scan per wavelength. Either the radiation source or the line scanner is configured to isolate data of the at least two different wavelengths.

Abstract: Among other things, an imaging device has a photosensitive array of pixels, and a surface associated with the array is configured to receive a specimen with at least a part of the specimen at a distance from the surface equivalent to less than about half of an average width of the pixels.

Abstract: This disclosure provides automatic compensation methods, corresponding devices and a corresponding flow cytometer. The automatic compensation method includes: determining a base cell population and a reference cell population in the cell populations according to positions of the cell populations in a dot plot that needs to be compensated, where the base cell population is a double negative cell population and the reference cell population is a single positive cell population adjacent to the base cell population in a compensating direction (S10); calculating automatically a compensation value through a progressive approximation algorithm according to a position of the base cell population, and updating the dot plot with the compensation value, so that the position difference between the reference cell population and the base cell population both in the dot plot in the compensating direction is within a predetermined range (S16).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for measuring the scattering of a sample. Said device includes at least one first and one second scattering receiver for capturing scattered rays from the sample; and at least one imaging element via which rays can reach the sample and from the sample to the scattering receiver. According to the invention, the first and second scattering receivers are arranged in a common flat or approximately spherically curved surface, which is oriented perpendicular to an optical axis of the imaging element. The first scattering receiver is designed and arranged to capture saturated scattered rays from the sample and the second scattering receiver is designed and arranged to capture linearly scattered rays from the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring speed, the length and elongation of a molten glass gob travelling along a defined path includes at least two optical detectors. A mask having at least two openings through which light passes to each of the optical detectors is disposed adjacent the optical detectors. A lens receives light from the moving glass gob and focuses such light through the openings of the mask. Electronics are coupled to each of the optical detectors for determining the speed of the molten glass gob as a function of timing of light sensed at the optical detectors. In exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, the optical detectors is disposed within the image plane of the lens and comprise different portions of a single light sensing device.

Abstract: Various embodiments are drawn to systems and methods for detecting an analyte of interest in a sample including an optical sensor, a capture probe attached to a surface of the optical sensor wherein the capture probe is capable of binding to the analyte to form a duplex or complex, and an antibody capable of binding to the analyte, duplex, or complex. In several embodiments, systems and methods further include a particle attached to the antibody or capable of binding to the antibody. In several embodiments, systems and methods for analyte detection feature one or more of the following: high detection sensitivity and specificity, scalability and multiplex capacity, ability to analyze large analytes, and ability to detect or measure multiple individual binding events in real-time.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for capturing image information. The apparatus includes a waveguide having opposed planar input and output faces. A diffractive optical element (DOE) is formed across the waveguide. The DOE is configured to couple a portion of the light passing through the waveguide into the waveguide. The light coupled into the waveguide is directed via total internal reflection to an exit location on the waveguide. The apparatus further includes a light sensor having an input positioned adjacent the exit location of the waveguide to capture light exiting therefrom and generate output signals corresponding thereto. A processor determines the angle and position of the coupled light with respect to the input face of the waveguide based on the output signals.

Abstract: An optical sensor arrangement for measuring an observable, the arrangement including an optical resonance circuit including at least a first and a second optical resonator, each of the optical resonators including an entry port for coupling light into the optical resonator and a drop port for decoupling light from the optical resonator. The first and second resonator are configured such that only a portion of the first and second resonator detects the presence of the observable, a size of the portion of the first resonator being different from a size of the portion of the second resonator. The optical resonance circuit further configured to be coupled to a light generation circuit and to a detector unit for detecting light.

Abstract: A multi-spectral scan camera and methods are presented. Light beams are emitted from a plurality of light sources comprising a plurality of spectral wavelengths respectively. The light beams from the light sources are scanned across a field of view at a plurality of respective angles using a scan mirror, and each of the spectral wavelengths are received at respective detectors.

Abstract: Systems for collecting light (e.g., in a flow stream) are described. Light collection systems according to embodiments include: a mount having an orifice for receiving light, an adapter configured for attaching a camera to the mount and a fastener for attaching a lens to the distal end of the mount and a releasably attachable connecter that is configured for coupling to an orifice plate and an aligner that is configured to couple with an aligner on the mount and maintain optical alignment between the mount and connector. Methods for coupling a connector and a mount are also described. Systems and methods for measuring light emitted by a sample (e.g., in a flow stream) are also provided.

Abstract: A sensor and analyzer for measuring an analyte in a liquid sample are disclosed. The sensor includes a substrate with a reservoir disposed therein. The reservoir may include a top surface and a bottom surface, at least one transparent portion forming at least a part of the bottom surface of the reservoir, and a reflector disposed on the upper surface of the reservoir at a location opposite the at least one transparent portion. The analyzer may include a support surface, an aperture extending through the support surface, a light source disposed below the support surface and oriented so that at least a portion of the light emitted from the light source passes through the aperture, and a detector configured to measure an intensity of light received at the detector.

Abstract: Technologies are described for monitoring characteristics of layers of integrated computational elements (ICEs) during fabrication using an in-situ spectrometer operated in step-scan mode in combination with lock-in or time-gated detection. As part of the step-scan mode, a wavelength selecting element of the spectrometer is discretely scanned to provide spectrally different instances of probe-light, such that each of the spectrally different instances of the probe-light is provided for a finite time interval. Additionally, an instance of the probe-light interacted during the finite time interval with the ICE layers includes a modulation that is being detected by the lock-in or time-gated detection over the finite time interval.

Abstract: The present invention relates to active and intelligent additives having hybrid characteristics, that are compatible with polymers, are thermally and mechanically stable, are capable of releasing electrons and/or photons in the presence of chemical compounds, specifically amino compounds, amide compounds, oxygen reducing compounds, water or vapors thereof. The active and intelligent additives incorporate themselves into polymer matrices allowing the obtainment of active and intelligent polymeric articles. These active and intelligent polymeric articles may act as inhibitors of growth of microorganisms and fungi, as well as indicators of the presence of gasses, either in the atmosphere or caused by the decomposition of foodstuffs, for example.

Abstract: A vessel is for storing and monitoring a suspension of microscopic objects, which comprises a cap suitable for closing off the vessel. The cap includes a fluidics system, which includes an inlet and an outlet. The inlet and the outlet are arranged to be in an interior volume of the vessel when the cap is closing off the vessel. The cap also includes a measurement region for optical microscopy, which includes a sample region suitable for the suspension. The sample region is in fluid connection with the fluidics system. The cap also includes a pump suitable for inducing a flow in the fluidics system. A particular monitoring system and setup is for monitoring cells in a cell culture liquid.

Abstract: A sample cell filling device for filling a sample cell to be used remotely from a polarimeter is provided. The filling device includes a liquid-sealed housing, light source and a diffuser viewing screen. The housing has a recess for receiving the sample cell, the sample cell having first and second optical windows at the respective ends. A light source transmits light from one optical window to the other optical window. A diffuser viewing screen receives light exiting from the sample cell such that light from the viewing screen can be observed by a user to determine the quality of the sample fill.

Abstract: Embodiments include optofluidic apparatus that may be used to detect and manipulate nanoparticles or biomolecules within a fluid. To achieve that result, the embodiments use a fluidic channel located over a substrate. Particular embodiments also use: (1) an optical waveguide located over the substrate and particularly within the fluidic channel along with an optical resonator that may or may not be located within fluidic channel; and also (2) a phase shifter component coupled to either the waveguide or the optical resonator. Additional embodiments use an MZI or an MZI with an optical resonator to further provide the phase shifter component coupled to one arm of the MZI or the optical resonator.

Abstract: A coupled-cavity ring-down spectrometer utilizes an optical resonator to increase the reflectivity of ring-down cavity mirrors by adding external optical cavities that recycle light to the main cavity. These input and output cavities are made up of at least one coupling mirror and at least one movable recycling mirror. The movable recycling mirrors are coupled to at least one piezoelectric transducer, which generates movement of the recycling mirrors. The coupled-cavity ring-down configuration achieves higher spectrometer finesse, sensitivity and dynamic range.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling the optical path length between a feedback enabled laser and a cavity, and hence the optical feedback phase. A phasor element, positioned along an optical path between the laser and the cavity coupling mirror, includes a gas medium within a volume defined by the phasor element. The phasor element is configured to adjust or control an optical path length of the laser light between the laser and the cavity coupling mirror by adjusting or controlling a density of the gas medium within the phasor volume.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for fixing a solid immersion lens (SIL) in an optical system. The apparatus includes a first adapter; a second adapter screw-coupled to the inner surface of the first adapter and screw-coupled to the outer surface of a third adapter to pressurize a first O-ring; the third adapter screw-coupled to the inner surfaces of the second adapter and a fourth adapter; the fourth adapter screw-coupled to the outer surface of the third adapter to pressurize a second O-ring; the first and second O-rings elastically fixing an outer surface of a barrel of an infrared ray (IR) objective lens; and an SIL holder mounting the SIL onto the first adapter.

Abstract: The present invention extends on-chip lensless microscope systems (10), including optofluidic microscope (OFMs) and holographic imaging microscopes to incorporate computational photography principles. A LF-OFM system 10 includes at least one plasmonic lens (50) with apertures (38), at least one microfluidic channel (28), and an image sensor array (24). The system (10) is capable of generating an image through computational photography.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting at least one chemical species including obtaining a first image from a first electromagnetic radiation detector and obtaining a second image from a second electromagnetic radiation detector. The first image includes a first plurality of pixels and the second image includes a second plurality of pixels, each pixel having an associated intensity value. A first resultant image is generated. The first resultant image includes a plurality of resultant pixels, each pixel having an associated intensity value. One or more regions of interest are determined. The correlation between the first image, the second image, and the first resultant image is determined for the one or more regions of interest using a correlation coefficient algorithm to calculate a first correlation coefficient and a second correlation coefficient. The presence of the chemical species is determined based, at least in part, on the first correlation coefficient and the second correlation coefficient.

Abstract: Methods for calibrating multiple electromagnetic radiation detectors within a detection system and methods of using such calibrated systems which include generating a calibration electromagnetic radiation beam at a first temperature. At least a portion of the calibration electromagnetic radiation beam is detected with a first electromagnetic radiation detector. An average intensity value of a plurality of pixels from the first electromagnetic radiation detector is obtained. One or more pixels of the first electromagnetic radiation detector are adjusted to decrease the difference between the intensity of an individual pixel and the average intensity value of the first electromagnetic radiation detector. Detecting at least a portion of the calibration electromagnetic radiation beam with a second electromagnetic radiation detector.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and systems for use at the point of care. The methods devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device are modular to allow for flexibility and robustness of use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining quantity of water and dissolved gases in a fluid system during operation. The method and apparatus uses a sensor on the fluid system to determine the properties during operation by applying NIR (near infrared) Spectroscopy. The detection of water (including discrimination of form of water) is determined using NIR spectroscopy. In one implementation this is done by guiding a laser LED tuned to 5000-5500/cm wavenumbers and beaming the laser through a transparent window into a reservoir of fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus and method to measure optical absorption spectra with spatial resolution on the micron scale. An exemplary setup combines a continuous white light excitation beam in transmission geometry with a confocal microscope. Spatial resolution better than 1.4 ?m in the lateral and 3.6 ?m in the axial, directions was obtained. The detection and measurement of the absorption spectrum of hemoglobin in a single red blood cell under physiological conditions on the timescale of seconds was realized. The apparatus and method enables the investigation of spatial variations in the optical density of small samples on the micron scale and the study of biological assemblies at the single cell level, leading to applications in optical diagnostics, microfluidics, and other areas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting synthetic mud filtrate in a downhole fluid including placing a downhole tool into a wellbore, introducing a downhole fluid sample into the downhole tool, analyzing the downhole fluid sample in the downhole tool, producing at least two filtrate markers from the analyzing of the downhole fluid sample and converting the at least two filtrate markers by vector rotation to a sufficiently orthogonal signal. The first pumped fluid sample giving initial plateau readings can be a proxy for 100% drilling fluid having an initial orthogonal signal and subsequent samples can be converted to orthogonal signals that are referenced to the first pumped fluid signal to give a calculation of percent contamination of the formation fluid.

Abstract: An optical blood monitoring system and corresponding method avoid the need to obtain a precise intensity value of the light impinging upon the measured blood layer during the analysis. The system is operated to determine at least two optical measurements through blood layers of different thickness but otherwise substantially identical systems. Due to the equivalence of the systems, the two measurements can be compared so that the bulk extinction coefficient of the blood can be calculated based only on the known blood layer thicknesses and the two measurements. Reliable measurements of various blood parameters can thereby be determined without certain calibration steps.

Abstract: A combined sterilization indicator incubator and reader system, including a sterilization indicator vial containing one of a variety of selected biological indicators and a liquid, at least two incubator blocks, each incubator block independently operable to incubate the sterilization indicator vial at a plurality of independently selectable temperatures, each of the incubator blocks including at least one heating element operable to heat the incubator block to any one of the plurality of independently selectable temperatures; a light source, a photodetector and a control system configured to operate the combined system to determine the efficacy of a variety of sterilization processes. The system calculates and compares a slope to a predetermined threshold slope for the biological indicator, and provides output based only on the comparison of the calculated slope to the predetermined threshold slope without first determining either a baseline or a minimum value of the output from the photodetector.

Abstract: A fluid characterization measuring instrument comprises a sample vessel (14) for a bulk complex sample fluid having a capacity that is substantially larger than a domain size of the complex sample fluid and that is sufficiently large to cause bulk scattering effects to substantially exceed surface effects for the complex fluid sample, a coherent light source (12) positioned to illuminate the bulk complex sample fluid in the sample vessel and a first fibre (16) having a first end positioned to receive backscattered light from the sample after it has interacted with the sample. The first fibre is positioned close enough to an optical axis of the coherent light source and to the sample vessel to substantially decrease a contribution of multiply scattered light in the backscattered light.

Abstract: Inline optical sensor which includes a modular flowcell block with a flow passageway of predetermined diameter, interchangeable adapters for connecting flow lines with different internal diameters to the block, and an optical pathlength that can be adjusted both in fixed increments with window spacers and continuously with vernier adjusters, and a light source and an optical detector in modular housings which can be aligned both radially and axially. Thermal isolation is provided between the housings and the flowcell body, and air circulation further reduces temperature and condensation within the housings.

Abstract: A multiple layer cytometric test card includes a waste channel to receive biological waste from an area of the test card utilized for testing biological samples, a first waste storage compartment in a waste layer of the card having a top and a bottom in relation to an operating vertical orientation of the test card, and a capillary positioned along a vertical length of the first waste storage compartment, the capillary being open to the waste compartment along the vertical length of the waste compartment, wherein the waste channel is coupled to the capillary channel proximate the top of the waste storage compartment.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved optical detection methods comprising multiplexed interferometric detection systems and methods for determining a characteristic property of a sample, together with various applications of the disclosed techniques.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for the authentication of an optically variable entity exhibiting a color shift with changing viewing-angle, the device comprising a plate of light-refractive material, said plate having two surfaces and an array of light-refracting protrusions or recesses on at least one of said surfaces, and being disposed in said device such as to provide, aside each other, a direct view and a view through said plate onto at least parts of said optically variable entity, said view through said plate being an angularly deflected view, resulting from light refraction at said protrusions or recesses. Further disclosed is a method for authenticating an optically variable entity, as well as the use of a plate having two parallel surfaces and an array of positive or negative light-refracting protrusions or recesses on at least one of said surfaces for authenticating an optically variable entity.

Abstract: A device is proposed for detecting at least one analyte in a bodily fluid. The device comprises at least one test element with at least one two-dimensional evaluation region. The device furthermore comprises at least one spatially resolving optical detector having a plurality of pixels. The detector is designed to image at least part of the test element onto an image region. In the process, at least part of the evaluation region is imaged onto an evaluation image region. The detector is matched to the test element such that a predetermined minimum number of pixels is provided for each dimension within the evaluation image region. The pixels are arranged in a two-dimensional matrix arrangement. The matrix arrangement has pixel rows and pixel columns, wherein the pixel rows are arranged substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction of the evaluation region and/or of the evaluation image region.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and systems for use at the point of care. The methods devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device are modular to allow for flexibility and robustness of use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical applications.

Abstract: An optical probe for measuring physical and chemical characteristics of a transparent fluid medium during flow comprises two fingers parallel to one another and to the flow. Each finger consists of a solid bar of transparent material, in which a light beam propagates and is reflected on an end face of the bar, said face being situated upstream in the flow. Such an optical probe may be reduced in size, and provides results which are less sensitive to disturbances of the flow that are caused by the probe itself.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement including a light source, a first optical element, a second optical element, a first photo detector, and a second photo detector. The light source is optically coupled to the first optical element that is optically coupled to the second optical element. The first photo detector is optically coupled to the first optical element for detecting a first component of the part of the light which is not transmitted by the second optical element, and the second photo detector is optically coupled to the second optical element for detecting a second component of the part of the light which is transmitted by the second optical element. One of the first and the second optical elements is an optical filter and the other is a sensor element, where the sensor element or the filter is tunable.

Abstract: Optical computing devices are disclosed. One exemplary optical computing device includes an electromagnetic radiation source configured to optically interact with a sample and at least two integrated computational elements. The at least two integrated computational elements may be configured to produce optically interacted light, and at least one of the at least two integrated computational elements may be configured to be disassociated with a characteristic of the sample. The optical computing device further includes a first detector arranged to receive the optically interacted light from the at least two integrated computational elements and thereby generate a first signal corresponding to the characteristic of the sample.

Abstract: A fluid analyzer of a downhole tool is provided. The downhole tool is positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The wellbore has a downhole fluid thereabout. The downhole tool has a housing with a flowline therethrough for receiving the downhole fluid. The fluid analyzer includes at least one optical source to pass a light through an optical window and through the downhole fluid in the flowline, at least one photodetector to measure the light passed through the downhole fluid in the flowline, and at least one optical mirror. An optical path of the light extends from the optical source to the photodetector. An optical path length is defined as a length of a portion of the optical path within the flowline. The optical mirror is positionable about the flowline, and has an optical layer selectively passing the light from the optical mirror to the photodetector whereby the optical path length may be varied.

Abstract: A system for characterizing crude oil fractions includes a maltenes sample reservoir, a first solvent reservoir, a second solvent reservoir, and a third solvent reservoir. The system further includes a valve in fluid communication with the first solvent reservoir, the second solvent reservoir, and the third solvent reservoir and a pump in fluid communication with the valve. The system further includes a packed bed in fluid communication with the maltenes sample reservoir and the pump, a flowthrough cell in fluid communication with the packed bed, a spectrometer operably associated with the flowthrough cell, and a computer operably associated with the spectrometer. A method for characterizing crude oil fractions includes providing a maltene sample, eluting saturates, aromatics, and resins of the maltene sample, determining an optical density of each, and determining a concentration of each of the saturates, aromatics, and resins based upon optical densities over time for each.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting analytes using a conformal filter. A conformal filter, which may comprise a tunable filter, is configured to filter interacted photons conforming to a spectral shape correlated with an analyte of interest. Conformal filter configurations may be selected by consulting a modified look-up table associated with an analyte. An iterative methodology may be used to calibrate a conformal design for an analyte of interest, refine a previous conformal filter design for an analyte of interest, and/or generate a new conformal filter design for an analyte of interest.

Abstract: An imaging-based measurement apparatus includes a light source, and at least one optical element for positioning in a flow conduit, the at least one optical element being part of a light path for light emitted by the light source, where light along the light path passes through a portion of fluid flowing in the flow conduit. An image sensor detects the light and measures content of the portion of the fluid.

Abstract: An optical liquid sensor utilizing a light source, fiber optic cables, a light detector and an irregular transparent surface is provided to detect the presence of liquid in mist and continuous form. The sensor may be integrated into a probe designed for insertion into a pressurized fluid process.

Abstract: The attenuation and other optical properties of a medium are exploited to measure a thickness of the medium between a sensor and a target surface. Disclosed herein are various mediums, arrangements of hardware, and processing techniques that can be used to capture these thickness measurements and obtain dynamic three-dimensional images of the target surface in a variety of imaging contexts. This includes general techniques for imaging interior/concave surfaces as well as exterior/convex surfaces, as well as specific adaptations of these techniques to imaging ear canals, human dentition, and so forth.

Abstract: A system and method of photon trapping spectroscopy to vary the path length of light for use in spectroscopy. The systems and method include a rotating reflector with slits for selectively permitting light to enter and exit into a reflection cavity containing a sample to be analyzed. After entering the cavity, but before exiting, the light is trapped and repeatedly reflects back and forth through a sample, effectively increasing the path length of light through a sample. The effective path length is quickly adjustable by altering the rotation speed of the rotating reflector to alter the time in which the light is trapped within the cavity. The systems and methods provide a spectroscope with a wide dynamic range, low detection limits, and usable with broadband and monochromatic light sources throughout the optical region (ultraviolet to infrared).

Abstract: A fiber laser gas detection system with a double wavelength combination using reference cavity compensation is provided. The system comprises an optical fiber laser respectively emitting beams having a first and second wavelengths, which consists of a laser diode pump source, a first wavelength division multiplexer, an active optical fiber, a first fiber bragg grating and a second fiber bragg grating connected successively; an optical isolator; a coupler for dividing the beams according to power ratio, the divided beams is introduced into a reference gas chamber and a detecting gas chamber respectively; a second wavelength division multiplexer connecting the reference room and a third wavelength division multiplexer connecting the detecting gas chamber; a first, a second, a third and a fourth photoelectric detector; a feedback control unit, receiving the first to fourth light intensity signals and adjusting the fiber laser using the comparison results as a feedback signal.

Abstract: An optical system for acquiring fast spectra from spatially channel arrays includes a light source for producing a light beam that passes through the microfluidic chip or the channel to be monitored, one or more lenses or optical fibers for capturing the light from the light source after interaction with the particles or chemicals in the microfluidic channels, and one or more detectors. The detectors, which may include light amplifying elements, detect each light signal and transducer the light signal into an electronic signal. The electronic signals, each representing the intensity of an optical signal, pass from each detector to an electronic data acquisition system for analysis. The light amplifying element or elements may comprise an array of phototubes, a multianode phototube, or a multichannel plate based image intensifier coupled to an array of photodiode detectors.

Abstract: A photometer has a light source, a sensor, a liquid-core light guide which defines an optical path between the light source and the sensor and through which a liquid to be analyzed can be guided, and at least one port for the liquid. The port for the liquid to be analyzed runs through the light source.