Abstract: A capillary electrophoresis analysis apparatus is provided for analyzing samples by a capillary electrophoresis method that allows for rapid and highly accurate separation and detection.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a handheld optical measuring device and method of measuring an optical property of a liquid sample. In some embodiments the optical measuring device includes a handheld controller module having an immersible sensor head and a sampling member including a sample cup and an attachment member that couples the sample cup to the handheld controller module. In some embodiments the attachment member is an elongated rigid member that is hingedly coupled to the controller module, thus providing a folding configuration for enclosing the sensor head with the sample cup during measurements, transportation, and/or storage. In some embodiments the attached sample cup provides a protective shell for the immersible sensor head during use and/or when not in use.

Abstract: Provided are sensors and methods of measuring the oxygen concentration of a fluid. An excitation light source is in optical communication with a transducer for transmitting an excitation light that is at least partially absorbed by the transducer. The transducer has a property of photoluminescence, and enters a higher energy state by at least partially absorbing the excitation light and enters a lower energy state through radiation of emitted light, thus producing spectral indicia. A light detection system, which is also in optical communication with the transducer, processes the spectral indicia to determine the concentration of oxygen in the fluid.

Abstract: An optical fluid tester device for testing a fluid sample in an ampoule includes an ampoule cradle, a radiation source, a radiation detector and an analyzer. The ampoule cradle supports the ampoule. The ampoule with the fluid sample serves as a lens whose focal properties are dependent on the index of refraction of the fluid sample. The radiation source irradiates the ampoule. The radiation detector is located opposite the radiation source so that the ampoule, when supported by the ampoule cradle, lies between the radiation source and the radiation detector. The detector serves to detect the intensity of the incident radiation. The analyzer verifies the composition of the fluid sample based on the detected intensity, which is dependent on the focal properties of the ampoule and is, therefore, indicative of the composition of the fluid sample.

Abstract: A system for determining an analyte concentration in a fluid sample (e.g., glucose) comprises a light source, a detector, and a central processing unit. The detector is adapted to receive spectral information corresponding to light returned from the fluid sample being analyzed and to convert the received spectral information into an electrical signal indicative of the received spectral information. The central processing unit is adapted to compare the electrical signal to an algorithm built upon correlation with the analyte in body fluid. The algorithm is adapted to convert the received spectral information into the analyte concentration in body fluid. Spectral information is delivered from the central processing unit to the light source and used to vary the intensity and timing of the light to improve the accuracy of conversion into analyte concentration.

Abstract: A process analysis unit includes a base module and an exchangeable cartridge module. The base module comprises at least one independent pump drive, and an analyte sensor without a fluidic measuring section. The cartridge module comprises a liquid reservoir tank, a sample taking device, at least one drive-less pump mechanism configured as a peristaltic membrane pump, a fluidic measuring section for the analyte sensor, and a plastic material plate with groove-like microfluidic channels configured to connect the liquid reservoir tank, the at least one drive-less pump mechanism, and a measuring section. The drive-less pump mechanism is driven pneumatically and pumps a liquid from the liquid reservoir tank. When the cartridge module is connected to the base module, the at least one drive-less pump mechanism is connected to and is driven by the at least one independent pump drive, and the fluidic measuring section is connected to the analyte sensor.

Abstract: A fluid stream imaging apparatus having either optics for manipulating the aspect ratio or sensing elements configured for manipulating the aspect ratio of an image of the fluid stream. This application may also relate to a system for acquiring images of a portion of a fluid stream at high speeds for image processing to measure and predict droplet delays for individual forming particles.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to the analysis of the components of one or more gases, for example a gas mixture sampled from a semiconductor manufacturing process such as plasma etching or plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). Particular embodiments provide sufficient power to a plasma of the sample, to dissociate a large number of the molecules and molecular fragments into individual atoms. With sufficient power (typically a power density of between 3-40 W/cm3) delivered into the plasma, most of the emission peaks result from emission of individual atoms, thereby creating spectra conducive to simplifying the identification of the chemical composition of the gases under investigation. Such accurate identification of components of the gas may allow for the precise determination of the stage of the process being performed, and in particular for detection of process endpoint.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical measurement probe for process monitoring, having a distal end, arranged in the region of a process apparatus, with a light entrance opening, and a proximal end coupled to a spectrometer, wherein a shaft comprising a light-guiding connection between the distal and proximal ends of the measurement probe is arranged between the two ends. The measurement probe is characterized in that the measurement probe has, in its distal region relative to the shaft and/or the proximal end, a reduced external diameter (FIG. 1).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to analyze downhole fluids are described herein. A disclosed example method involves obtaining a sample of a downhole fluid. Additionally the example method involves ionizing at least a portion of the sample to decompose molecules having a relatively high molar mass into molecules having a relatively lower molar mass. Further, the example method involves analyzing the ionized portion of the sample to determine a parameter of the downhole fluid sample.

Abstract: A sample sensor (200) for detecting a concentration of a sample in a sample mixture, the sample sensor (200) comprising a light source (101), a detector element, a processing section (106) and parameter measuring means. The light source (101) produces a light beam (113) for exciting molecules of the sample. The detector element detects an 5 amount of excited molecules of the sample and provides a detector current indicating the amount. The processing section (106) is coupled to the detector element (103) for processing the detector current to generate an output signal (109) representing the concentration. The processing section (106) comprises a temperature compensation module (112) being arranged for compensating for a temperature dependent wavelength shift of the light source (101) 10 based on at least one measured value of a temperature dependent parameter of the light source (101), other than an output wavelength. The parameter measuring means obtain the at least one measured value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermally compensated optical sensing system for identifying various types of liquid fuels and/or the ratio in liquid fuel mixtures on real time. In this system, an optical fiber is used as a light guide and a sensor device for determining the refractive index of liquid fuels through the principle of reflectivity. Starting from a light source, light is transmitted interiorly of the optical fiber to the test probe which is in contact with the fuel. The optical signal resulting from the interaction between light and fuel is a function of refractive indexes of the optical fiber and the fuel, the wavelength of light used, and the fuel temperature. The system proposed herein relates to the use of this optical system in liquid fuels by using optical fibers having suitable refractive indexes as a function of the fuel type and/or fuel mixture being analyzed, allowing the sensitivity of the optical system to be optimized according to application requirements.

Abstract: A device for measuring flow is provided. Tubing having a polymer therein is activated, followed by downstream detection of agents released by the polymer. The downstream detection of the agents provides for a calculation of the flow to be performed.

Abstract: A system for detecting engine fluid constituents includes an engine having a sample channel having a conduit for a working engine fluid. The system includes an electromagnetic (EM) source that emits EM radiation through a first metal tube, where the EM radiation is EM energy at a wavelength of interest. The system further includes an EM detector that receives a remainder radiation through a second metal tube, the remainder radiation including the remaining EM radiation after passing through the sample channel. The system includes a controller that determines a composition indicator signal representative of an amount of a constituent in the working engine fluid in response to a strength of the remainder radiation, and determines a concentration of a component of interest according to the composition indicator signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensing system for sensing a substance in a fluid. The sensing system comprises a sensing site (132) at which the substance is to be sensed and a reference site (131). A signal generation unit generates a sensing signal by sensing the sensing site (132) and a reference signal by sensing the reference site (131). The reference signal is used for normalizing the sensing signal, wherein the sensing site (132) and the reference site (131) are arranged such that a drift variation of the normalized sensing signal is within a noise variation of the normalized sensing signal. This improves the accuracy of the normalized sensing signal.

Abstract: The light measurement apparatus of the invention, in which the light is irradiated to the sample dispersed in the liquid flowing through the flow passage, is used for measuring optical information of the sample. The apparatus includes a light source portion 20 for irradiating the irradiating light L to the liquid 11, a light receiving portion 31 to receive the optical information of the sample S including the irradiating light transmitted through the liquid to generate a receiving light signal SG1, under a condition in which the liquid is irradiated by the irradiating light of the light source portion 20 in a state that a relative position of the sample S to the irradiating light varies at constant speed, a measurement portion 120 for measuring variation of the receiving light signal according to the sample.

Abstract: An integrated flow cell, the flow cell comprising a semiconductor substrate, and a fluidic conduit having an at least partially transparent semiconductor oxide tubing, wherein the semiconductor oxide tubing is formed with the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor for determining a concentration of a substance contained in a fluid-containing matrix, with a measurement chamber (5), a sender (3) for the emission of optical radiation (6) into the measurement chamber, and a receiver (4) for receiving optical radiation which has traversed the measurement chamber, wherein the measurement chamber is designed for bringing into the matrix and is filled with a specific fluid, and the wall (12, 13) is at least sectionally permeable to the diffusion of the substance. A control and evaluation circuit (7) is connected to the sender (3) and controls the sender (3), and is connected to the receiver (4) for selecting the receiver signals and determines, from the receiver signal, a measurement for the concentration of the substance in the matrix.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable digital reader for reading an analysis target chip including a plurality of test areas. The reader comprises: a light emitting section having light emitting elements for radiating light; an integral optical splitter for uniformly distributing the light from the light emitting section to each test area of the analysis target chip; a light receiving section for receiving light reflected from each test area so as to convert the same into electric signals; and a measuring section for measuring concentration according to the electric signals obtained from the light receiving section. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the generation of errors in signal measurement due to optical distribution failure by assembling branch sections of the optical splitter under the control of the number of the branch sections according to the number of test items in a test strip.

Abstract: A light transmitting optical fiber shines light at a side edge portion of a hemispherical lens. The light is transmitted along the periphery of the lens to a second side edge portion located opposite the first side edge portion. A light sensitive component detects light at the second edge portion which light resulted from the light transmitted at the first side edge portion. The intensity of light detected at the second side edge portion is indicative of the fluid to which the lens is exposed, and can be evaluated and signaled by a microprocessor.

Abstract: An uncoated polymer optical fibre (POF) that is sensitive to a chemical (e.g. water) and is used to generate a detectable change in its optical properties for the purpose of detecting that chemical when it is dissolved in liquid fuel. The presence of the chemical directly affects the optical properties of the optical fibre. The POF may be made of water-permeable plastic material and may have a grating section comprising a periodic refractive index modulation that exhibits a characteristic reflection or transmission profile to be monitored by a detector. The water-permeability of the constituent material of the POF permits diffusion of water into the fibre, thereby affecting its refractive index or geometry and hence altering the characteristic reflection or transmission profile of the grating section.

Abstract: An optical sensor to measure the turbidity of wash water in a household washing machine or dishwasher, includes a housing having a housing interior containing a measurement module having a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element, the measurement module defining a measurement light path which extends from the light-emitting element to the light-receiving element and passes outside the housing over a part of its path length. The light-emitting element and the light-receiving element are arranged together in a first subspace of the housing interior, and the measurement light path extends over a part of its path length through at least one second subspace of the housing interior, which is sealed from the first subspace. All the electrical/electronic components of the measurement module are fitted in the first subspace, so that any ingress of wash water into the second subspace does not compromise the electrical functionality of the sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus for analysing a liquid sample (194) comprises beam generating means (1) for generating electromagnetic radiation, detector means (8) for detecting electromagnetic radiation from the beam generating means after the radiation has interacted with the sample, and sample retaining means (10) for releasably retaining sample in the path of the beam. The sample retaining means comprises a hydrophobic surface (for example, a coating on a plate 118) on which the sample is, in use, supported. There is also disclosed a method of performing photometric or spectrophotometric analysis of a liquid sample by sandwiching samples between two opposed hydrophobic support surfaces, passing a beam of electromagnetic radiation through one of the surfaces and then through the sample, and analysing the beam after it has passed through the sample.

Abstract: Devices, configurations and methods for improving absorbance detection are provided. For example, methods and devices are provided for determining the absorbance of a droplet, e.g., a droplet on a droplet actuator, by providing an elongated light path through the droplet.

Abstract: A particle detector including a chamber, a first aspirator, a sensor(s), a controller and clean air supply. The controller, when in a detecting mode, receives an indicative signal from the sensor and applies logic to the indicative signal to generate a further signal, and when in the purge mode controls substantial purging of the chamber of sample fluid with clean fluid from the clean fluid supply. The controller receives the indicative signal when the chamber is so purged and if necessary adjusts the logic in response thereto.

Abstract: Provided herein is a device for quantitative analysis of a micro-volume solution. The device comprises a base portion provided with a light-emitting fiber, a movable arm provided with a light-receiving fiber, and at least one positioning block disposed between the movable arm and the base portion so that an optical path with a constant length is formed between the light-emitting fiber and the light-receiving fiber when the positioning block is clamped by the movable arm and the base portion. The solution concentration related to the absorbance with respect to the standard optical path length may be evaluated based on the built-in database and the optical intensity of light having passed through the solution as detected by a light sensor.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a clinical specimen for a presence of one or more interferents, such as those that might be found within clinical analytical blood specimens by subjecting the specimen to centrifugation to separate the specimen into a red blood cell portion and a blood serum or plasma portion is provided. Subsequent to the centrifuging procedure, the serum or plasma portion of the clinical analytical specimen may be tested for the presence of one or more interferents such as hemolysis, icterus, lipemia, or liquid nonuniformities therein. Additionally, physical dimensional characteristics of the sample container and/or specimen may be determined. Apparatus for carrying out the method are described, as are other aspects.

Abstract: An apparatus for analysis of a sample and in particular of a biological sample. The apparatus contains a microfluidic chip with dies, adapted to be selectively activated or deactivated by presence of target molecules in the biological sample. The apparatus further contains a light source to emit light for illumination of the microfluidic chip and an optical filter to allow passage of the light from the dies once activated or deactivated by the presence of the target molecules. A method for pressurizing a microfluidic chip is also disclosed, where a chamber is provided, the chamber is connected with the microfluidic chip and pressure is applied to the chamber.

Abstract: In a liquid chromatograph, a flow cell, in which a direction of detecting light and a flow direction of a sample fluid are parallel to each other, and in which the flow direction of the sample fluid changes at the moment of the sample fluid flowing out of a detecting portion into an outflow channel and at the moment of the sample fluid flowing into the detecting portion from an inflow channel, is capable of suppressing a peak broadening of a chromatogram. A plurality of outflow channels are provided, which shorten a distance between a flow outlet and a flow bend in the sample flow. A plurality of inflow channels are also provided, some of which collide jets flowing into the detecting portion from the inflow channels and others of which produce a swirl of jets flowing into the detecting portion from the inflow channels.

Abstract: A method for detecting the formation of at least one phase in a mixture, particularly a hydrocarbon mixture. The method may include using a probe to expose a portion of the mixture to electromagnetic radiation to determine the value of a parameter of interest indicative of the formation of a phase. The method may also include using the value of the parameter of interest with a correlation between a known property of the mixture and the value of a parameter of interest to detect the formation of a phase.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement of measuring acidity or other chemical or physical property of a gas. The invention comprises a membrane having optical indicator molecules bound to a microporous matrix arranged to be placed into contact with the gas to be measured, the optical indicator molecules changing their colour in response to the acidity or other chemical or physical property of the gas, a light source, and a detector. The light source is arranged to emit and direct light to the membrane, the light being transmitted through the membrane, whereby a part of the light is absorbed into the optical indicator molecules, and the rest of the light emitted is guided to the detector, where it is measured.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to multivariate optical analysis systems employ multivariate optical elements and utilize multivariate optical computing methods to determine information about a product carried by light reflected from or transmitted through the product. An exemplary method of processing and monitoring the product includes introducing the product at an inspection point; illuminating the product with a spectral-specific light though an optic lens; directing the light that has passed through at least a section of the product through at least one multivariate optical element to produce a first signal, the directed light carrying information about the product; detecting the signal at a detector; and determining at least one property of the product based upon the detector output.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a tunable Fabry-Perot cavity comprises etching a substrate to form two reflectors separated by an air gap and an electrostatic mechanism. One of the two reflectors is mobile and connected to the electrostatic mechanism. Therefore, operation of the electrostatic mechanism moves the mobile reflector to change the thickness of the air gap and thereby tune the Fabry-Perot cavity. A tunable Fabry-Perot cavity fabricated with the above method comprises: a substrate; two reflectors formed in the substrate and separated by an air gap having a thickness, wherein one of the two reflectors is mobile; and an electrostatic mechanism formed in the substrate and connected to the mobile reflector. The mobile reflector connected to the electrostatic mechanism is moved upon operation of the electrostatic mechanism to change the thickness of the air gap and thereby tune the Fabry-Perot cavity.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of one or more fluids in a rotating component of a gas turbine engine. A first reflector structure includes a first face that receives light from the light source. The first reflector structure reflects at least a substantial portion of the received light from the light source if a second face thereof is in the presence of a first fluid and does not reflect a substantial portion of the received light from the light source if the second face is in the presence of a second fluid. A reflection receiver structure receives light reflected by the first reflector structure. If the reflection receiver structure receives a first predetermined amount of light reflected by the first reflector structure it can be determined that the second face of the first reflector structure is not in the presence of the second fluid.

Abstract: A measurement system for a dry powder agent includes a sensor system which includes at least one sensor head at least partially within a powder calibration column and a control system in communication with the sensor system.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a system for the automated analysis of samples, comprising: a first optical device including at least one receptacle for receiving at least one of said samples and a receptacle-associated optical unit including at least one receptacle-associated light source for emitting light adapted for determining a color of said sample and generating a light beam for irradiating said sample contained in said receptacle and at least one receptacle-associated light detector for detecting light transmitted through said sample and generating a receptacle-associated detection signal; a second optical device including at least one test element provided with at least one test zone for applying said sample, said test zone being subject to an optically detectable change in response to at least one characteristic of said sample being different from said color and a test element-associated optical unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are an oil state monitoring method and an oil state monitoring device which monitor the state of degradation of oil used in machinery or equipment. In monitoring the oil state by the oil state monitoring method and by the oil state monitoring device, oil used in machinery or equipment is filtered when the degradation state of the aforementioned oil is to be monitored. By means of filtration, the oil content is removed from the filter which captured contaminants that were present in oil prior to filtration. Light is projected onto the filter from which oil was removed. The projected light detects the color components of the transmitted light which penetrated the aforementioned filter.

Abstract: After a liquid sample between a sample-holding platform 11 and a window plate 22 is measured, a window plate holder 23 is raised, and a head 14 is moved from a standby position into the gap between the window plate 22 and the sample-holding platform 11. Then, the window plate holder 23 is lowered so as to press the window plate 22 onto the head 14 until the head 14 touches the sample-holding platform 11 below. Then the head 14 is swung back to the original position, whereby a wipe material 40 fitted on the head 14 simultaneously wipes off the liquid sample from both the lower surface of the window plate 22 and the upper surface of the sample-holding platform 11. Pressing the arch springs 35 enables the wipe material 40 to be easily attached to or detached from the head 14.

Abstract: Laser light is confined in a hollow waveguide between two highly reflective mirrors. This waveguide cavity is used to conduct Cavity Ringdown Absorption Spectroscopy of loss mechanisms in the cavity including absorption or scattering by gases, liquid, solids, and/or optical elements.

Abstract: A photometric device for investigating a sample, comprises an array of radiation sources that are spaced apart from one another, and which are operable to generate radiation that differs from that generated by the other radiation sources in the array. The device includes a lens arrangement for focusing the radiation at a region of space where a sample may be located for example by means of a sample holder, and at least one detector for receiving radiation from the region of space. Preferably, a number of detectors are employed that are spaced apart from one another, and especially about an axis of the device, so that one radiation detector can detect radiation transmitted by the sample and the other detectors can detect radiation scattered by it. The radiation sources may be time division multiplexed so that in each time slot the detectors receive radiation originating from each radiation source.

Abstract: A high speed fluid switch is used to separate desired particles from a source stream containing particles, such as cells. A droplet generator creates and regulates a stream of droplets, which intersects with a source stream containing the particles to be sorted. The stream of droplets can be regulated such that portions of the source stream containing desired particles are deflected into a collection vessel, or such that portions of the source stream containing desired particles are permitted to pass uninterrupted. The high speed fluid switch may be implemented on a microfluidic chip.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring a physical property of a fluid in which light having wavelengths in the near-infrared is directed into a test cell containing the fluid and portions of the light not absorbed by the fluid and passing out of the cell are spatially dispersed by wavelength, forming a light spectrum that is projected onto a detector. The light spectrum is digitized and inputted into a data processing unit in which it is compared to the actual spectrum of the light source stored in the system to determine the absorbance spectrum of the fluid. The system is spectrally calibrated by identifying known spectral features of the fluid absorbance spectrum. To correct for deviations in the original light source spectrum, a calibration method in which the pressure of the fluid in the test cell is alternated between a first positive pressure and a second positive pressure is employed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement device (10), to a measurement method, to a monitoring apparatus (1) and a monitoring method for monitoring a state of wear of a component of a reciprocating piston internal combustion engine (2) including a cylinder (3) having a cylinder cover (4) and a running surface (51) provided at a cylinder wall (5) of the cylinder (3), in which cylinder (3) a piston (6) is arranged moveable to and fro in an axial direction (A) along the running surface (51) between a bottom dead center and a top dead center such that the piston (6), the cylinder cover (4) and the cylinder wall (5) form a combustion space (7) in the cylinder (3) for the combustion of a mixture of a fuel and air, wherein an oil collection device (8) is provided for the collection of lubrication oil (9) from the cylinder (3) so that a predetermined measured quantity (91) of lubrication oil (9) is suppliable from the cylinder (3) to a measurement device (10).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods which utilize a cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) technique implemented for the measurements of vapor transmission rate. In one embodiment, the vapor content to be measured is contained within an optical cavity. Light is then injected into the cavity up to a threshold level and the delay time of the injected light is measured. When the wavelength of the injected light is resonant with an absorption feature of the vapor the decay time increases linearly as a function of vapor content. In this manner, vapor content causes a longer delay time and thus the amount of vapor passing through the film (film permeation rate) can be determined in real-time.

Abstract: A particulate detector system is provided that can sense particulates (such as smoke in the air). The system employs a reflected light system that generally avoids making measurements of light intensity. Instead, coded signals are compared with one another to determine error rates between emitted light and detected light (across a chamber). Based on the error rate, processing circuitry can determine particulate concentration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the assessment of quantity and quality parameters of biological particles in a liquid analyte material. The method comprises applying a volume of a liquid sample to an exposing domain from which exposing domain electromagnetic signals from the sample in the domain can pass to the exterior, and exposing, onto an array of active detection elements such as CCD-elements, a spatial representation of electromagnetic signals having passed from the domain, the representation being detectable as an intensity by individual active detection elements, under conditions permitting processing of the intensities detected by the array of detection elements during the exposure in such a manner that representations of electromagnetic signals from the biological particles are identified as distinct from representations of electromagnetic signals from background signals.

Abstract: A sensor device for determining a physical value using a laser, whose emission behavior can be affected by the physical value is described. The laser is arranged to emit at least two concurrent modes lying above a laser threshold and the physical value is determined using a comparison of changes of the at least two modes occurring under the influence of the physical value.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analyzing a sample using at least one detector are disclosed.

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 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: An optical cell for spectral analysis is disclosed generally comprising a monolithic cell body that transmits light, the cell body having an outer surface and a fluid channel for receiving a sample that defines an inner surface. The inner surface of said cell body includes a planar section, and the outer surface of said cell body likewise includes a planar section, which is adjacent and substantially parallel to the planar section of the inner surface. In certain embodiments, the ends of the channel are frustoconical, and ferrules are employed to secure sample inlet/outlet tubes to the cell.