Abstract: An optical sorter includes a light source configured to irradiate a sorting target in transit on a conveyance route with light, an optical sensor configured to detect light emitted from the light source and associated with the sorting target, a determination portion configured to determine whether the sorting target is a foreign object and/or a defective product based on a signal acquired by the optical sensor with respect to the light associated with the sorting target, and at least one intermediate member disposed at a position located between the light source and the conveyance route in a direction in which the sorting target is irradiated with the light from the light source and located in such a manner that the intermediate member does not affect the detection of the light associated with the sorting target. The at least one intermediate member includes a reflection region on which the light emitted from the light source is reflected.

Abstract: A device for creating a patterned field on a diopter includes: an objective lens within whose image focal plane the surface of the diopter lies; a light injection element emitting a collimated light beam; and an optical assembly between the element and the objective lens by which the object plane of the objective lens is optically conjugate with the image plane of the element. The assembly is configured so a collimated light beam from the element is emitted towards the objective lens to be reflected towards the surface of the diopter with an angle of incidence?the critical angle of the diopter, an optical device for forming patterns is in the object plane of the element, so the pattern formed by the optical device for forming patterns in transmitted light on the light beam in the object plane of the element is on the surface of the diopter.

Abstract: The optical interrogation technique can use an optical prism having two opposite sides including a sample side and a refraction side, the sample side having a plurality of interrogation areas; a source assembly generating a collimated field of illumination directed towards the refraction side; a screen disposed in a screen plane intersecting the field of illumination and shielding the refraction side from the field of illumination, the screen having an aperture allowing a portion of the field of illumination to reach and be refracted by the refraction side, be totally internally reflected at one of said interrogation areas of the sample side, thereby generating a signal, the signal refracted back through the aperture, the screen being movable within the screen plane to shift the aperture and expose different portions of the field of illumination to corresponding ones of the interrogation areas.

Abstract: A crankshaft simulation device includes: a fixed shaft in which a through hole extending in the axial direction of the fixed shaft is provided; a wedge-shaped rod which is movable in the through hole under an external force, and the first end of the wedge-shaped rod is extendable from the first axial end of the fixed shaft, the second end of the wedge-shaped rod is extendable from the second axial end of the fixed shaft, and the first end of the wedge-shaped rod is provided with an inclined surface so that the first end of the wedge-shaped rod is wedge-shaped; a support rod extending from the first axial end of the fixed shaft in the axial direction of the fixed shaft; a movable shaft in which a flat through hole is provided, and the support rod is inserted into the flat through hole, and the size of the flat through hole in the radial direction of the movable shaft is configured to allow the movable shaft to be shifted in the radial direction of the movable shaft, and the flat through hole is configured to a

Abstract: An inspection system, an inspection method, and non-transitory recording medium. The inspection system acquires an image, captured by an image sensor, of the object to be inspected placed on a placement surface, the object having a printed image printed thereon, displays by a projector, print image data of the print image and attribute information of the object to be inspected, on the placement surface, compares a captured image of the object to be inspected with the print image data to determine whether there is a defect, and based on a determination that there is a defect, output defect information for specifying the defect.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a core-gap-shell nanoparticle having an average height of 0.1 nm to 10 nm, in which a Raman-active material is disposed between a core and a shell, and more specifically, to a method for preparing a core-gap-shell nanoparticle, which comprises introducing a shell made of an alloy of a second metal and a third metal, on the core particles of the first metal, the surface of which is modified with a Raman-active material; selectively removing the second metal by treating with a second metal etchant, followed by dealloying; the core-gap-shell nanoparticle prepared by the above method comprising a Raman-active material disposed in the gap, and uses of the core-gap-shell nanoparticle for biosensing and/or bioimaging.

Abstract: A system including an image acquisition unit in optical communication with a flow pathway. The system may include at least one illumination source directable toward a shale shaker. The illumination source may emit a light output. A band-stop filter may be affixed to the image acquisition unit to filter out infrared light. The band-stop filter may also allow electromagnetic radiation of the light output to reach the image acquisition unit. An analysis device may be used to determine a volume of downhole particles on the shale shaker using deflections of the light output observed by the image acquisition unit.

Abstract: A hand-held or portable SPR device focuses light at two or more positions on a noble metal sensor surface, functionalized to enable detection of different SPR curves and their respective minima. The detection is accomplished substantially simultaneously by obtaining SPR signals contemporaneously from the different locations on the sensor surface, on the same sensor. The SPR device may incorporate multiple light sources or a single light source with a beam that is shifted by deflectors in seriatim to focus on different positions on along the functionalized sensor surface. To control wettability of the sensor surface (to augment multiplexing), the sensor surface may include i) the addition of surface assembled monolayers (SAMs) and ii) surface bombardment by gaseous plasmas, most notably O2.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a direct magnetic gradiometer having intrinsic subtraction of rotation signals from two oppositely polarized atomic ensembles within a single multi-pass cell is disclosed. The gradiometer includes three convex spherical mirrors aligned in a V-shape geometry. The three convex spherical mirrors include a front mirror and two back mirrors. The gradiometer further includes a probe laser beam. The laser beam is configured to be initially focused at a near-zero angle into a hole at a center of the front mirror such that the laser beam expands at the back mirrors and nearly overlaps with itself while undergoing multiple reflections between the front and back mirrors. The laser beam is further configured to be refocused to the front mirror at different spots in a number equal to half of total beam passes before exiting.

Abstract: Composite materials with adjustable spectral properties comprised of IR-reflecting micro-domains overlaying an IR-transparent elastomeric matrix, and capable of dynamically controlling IR radiation transmission are described, as well as methods of fabrication thereof. Systems with capabilities to regulate IR radiation (including heat) transmission based thereon, and methods of regulating IR radiation transmission (including thermal regulation) using the same are also provided.

Abstract: A vehicle control device includes a driving controller configured to control one or both of steering and acceleration or deceleration of a vehicle; and a mode determiner configured to determine a driving mode of the vehicle to be one of a plurality of driving modes including a first driving mode and a second driving mod, in which the second driving mode is a driving mode in which a task imposed on a driver of the vehicle is lighter than that of the first driving mode and one or both of the steering and the acceleration or deceleration are controlled by the driving controller, and to change the driving mode to the first driving mode on the basis of an operating state of a wiper mounted in the vehicle when the driving controller controls the vehicle in the second driving mode.

Abstract: An electronic device comprising circuity configured to capture an image of a pattern of light emitting photoluminescence particles embedded in an object, and reconstruct the shape of the object based on the captured image of the pattern of light emitting photoluminescence particles embedded in the object.

Abstract: A system for limiting plugging within an agricultural implement. The system includes a ground engaging tool configured to be supported by the agricultural implement. An actuator is coupled to the ground engaging tool. The actuator is operable to apply a down pressure on the ground engaging tool. A soil moisture sensor is positioned forward of the ground engaging tool. The soil moisture sensor is configured to measure a soil moisture forward of the ground engaging tool. A controller is communicatively coupled to the soil moisture sensor. The controller is configured to receive, from the soil moisture sensor, a signal that corresponds to the soil moisture forward of the ground engaging tool. The controller is further configured to adjust the down pressure on the ground engaging tool applied by the actuator based at least in part on the signal from the soil moisture sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a metamaterial absorber integrated long-wave infrared focal plane array (LWIRFPA), including: a resonator layer, a dielectric layer, and a metal layer. The resonator layer is of a sub-wavelength periodic resonator array structure, generates surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and is made of a metal or metalloid material. The SPR refers to propagating surface plasmon resonance (PSPR) or localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). By using corresponding shape and structural size of a resonator, the present disclosure achieves broadband absorption, narrow-band absorption, multi-wavelength absorption, polarization-selective absorption, etc. By integrating the metamaterial absorber on the IRFPA, not only can the absorptivity be improved, but also more functions can be achieved by the IRFPA.

Abstract: A spectroscopic analysis device includes a detector and a processor. The detector detects measurement light obtained by irradiating, with irradiation light, a sample that contains a contained substance disposed on a film on which surface plasmons are generated. The measurement light includes information on an optical spectrum of the sample, and the information includes a resonance spectrum of the surface plasmons and an absorption spectrum of the sample. The processor calculates: a peak wavelength in a wavelength band in which the resonance spectrum and the absorption spectrum are generated; a peak absorbance of the contained substance based on an absorption band of the contained substance; and a ratio of the contained substance to the sample based on the peak wavelength and the peak absorbance.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed subject matter provide a device having a print head that includes a micronozzle array of depositors to deposit a material on a substrate. A reflective optical device may reflect a signal output by at least one optical sensor, and to reflect the signal from a surface of the substrate to the optical sensor. A processor may determine a distance between the optical sensor and the target surface of the substrate. The device may include one or more actuators coupled to the at least one print head to move the print head relative to an internal reference frame and adjust a position of the print head to the substrate. The sensor may be fixedly coupled with a mount to the internal reference frame. The print head may be configured to move independently of the optical sensor in at least one axis of linear or rotational motion.

Abstract: An input/output, a wavelength multiplexer/demultiplexer, and a spatial light modulator are provided. The input/output is configured by an optical waveguide into which multiplex light with multiple wavelengths enters. The wavelength multiplexer/demultiplexer performs demultiplexing for forming a plurality of signal lights by spatially demultiplexing the multiplex light emitted from the input/output, by one diffraction, into light of each wavelength, and multiplexing for multiplexing the spatially demultiplexed plurality of signal lights that are different in wavelength. The wavelength multiplexer/demultiplexer is configured by a metasurface. The spatial light modulator reflects each of the plurality of signal lights in a set direction.

Abstract: A machine-learned (ML) model for detecting that depth data (e.g., lidar data, radar data) comprises a false positive attributable to particulate matter, such as dust, steam, smoke, rain, etc. The ML model may be trained based at least in part on simulated depth data generated by a fluid dynamics model and/or by collecting depth data during operation of a device (e.g., an autonomous vehicle. In some examples, an autonomous vehicle may identify depth data that may be associated with particulate matter based at least in part on an outlier region in a thermal image. For example, the outlier region may be associated with steam.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a solid-state light detection and ranging (LiDAR) transmitter includes a tunable optical metasurface to selectively steer incident optical radiation long an azimuth axis. In some embodiments, different subsets of lasers in an array of lasers are activated to generate optical radiation for incidence on the metasurface at different angles of incidence on an elevation axis for unsteered deflection by the metasurface at corresponding angles of elevation. In some embodiments, a prism is positioned relative to the tunable optical metasurface to deflect the optical radiation from the optical assembly by the optical radiation source for incidence on the metasurface at an angle of incidence that is between the first steering angle and the second steering angle, such that the optical radiation incident on the metasurface and the steered output optical radiation from the metasurface spatially overlap within the prism.

Abstract: A combined radar and lighting unit includes a laser radar apparatus, a lighting device, and a controller. The laser radar apparatus is mounted to a vehicle, emits laser light toward an outside of the vehicle, and detects reflected light. The lighting device is mounted to the vehicle and emits visible light toward the outside of the vehicle. The controller controls the lighting device to cause the lighting device to alternately operate in a first emission mode to perform emission of the visible light, and in a second emission mode to stop emission of the visible light or reduce a quantity of the visible light. The controller controls the laser radar apparatus to interrupt the measurement of the distance while the lighting device is operating in the first emission mode, and executes the measurement of the distance while the lighting device is operating in the second emission mode.

Abstract: Biosensor including a device base having a sensor array of light sensors and a guide array of light guides. The light guides have input regions that are configured to receive excitation light and light emissions generated by biological or chemical substances. The light guides extend into the device base toward corresponding light sensors and have a filter material. The device base includes device circuitry electrically coupled to the light sensors and configured to transmit data signals. A passivation layer extends over the device base and forms an array of reaction recesses above the light guides. The biosensor also includes peripheral crosstalk shields that at least partially surround corresponding light guides of the guide array to reduce optical crosstalk between adjacent light sensors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides for improved imaging of objects underwater. The method and apparatus are particularly useful in a degraded underwater visual environment. The method and apparatus are also useful in undersea operations in which enhanced visualization at close range is desirable. Exemplary operations include diver assist, ship hull inspections, underwater robotic operations (e.g. sample collection, mine neutralization), etc.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a display device includes a first substrate and a second substrate. The first substrate includes a first area including a display portion, a second area adjacent to the first area, and an organic film. The second substrate has a substrate end along a boundary between the first area and the second area, and overlaps the first area. The first substrate includes an alignment film located in the display portion, terminals located in the second area and connected to a signal source, and a first groove formed in the organic film and located between the substrate end of the second substrate and the terminals in the second area. The terminals are arranged in a first direction. The first groove extends in the first direction along the terminals.

Abstract: An system and method is disclosed for determining a concentration of at least one gas in a container. The system and method includes detecting light reflected by a surface inside or behind the container, or light refracted or scattered by the container, with a detector, wherein the detector provides a first signal related to an intensity of the reflected light, and a second signal related to a position of reflected light being detected. The first and second signals are used for estimating a concentration of the at least one gas inside the container.

Abstract: The semiconductor device comprises an emitter of electromagnetic radiation, a photodetector enabling a detection of electromagnetic radiation of a specific wavelength, a filter having a passband including the specific wavelength, the filter being arranged on the photodetector, the emitter and/or the filter being electrically tunable to the specific wavelength, and a circuit configured to determine a time elapsed between emission and reception of a signal that is emitted by the emitter and then received by the photodetector.

Abstract: Provided is a grain gloss measurement apparatus capable of accurately measuring gloss of grain. A grain gloss measurement apparatus includes a light source to emit light to a measurement region for grain in an oblique direction, a light receiver to receive the light reflected from the measurement region, and a gloss value calculation device to calculate a gloss value of the grain based on the reflected light received by the light receiver. The light source includes a first light source to emit light to the measurement region from one side and a second light source to emit light from another side that is opposite to the first light source across the measurement region. The light emitted from the first light source and the light emitted from the second light source have different wavelengths.

Abstract: A self-heating biosensor based on lossy mode resonance (LMR) includes a waveguide unit and a lossy mode resonance layer. The waveguide unit is a flat plate, including two planes and at least two sets of opposite sides. One set of the opposite sides of the waveguide unit has a light input end and a light output end. The lossy mode resonance layer is disposed on one of the planes of the waveguide unit. Two heating electrodes are formed at two positions of the lossy mode resonance layer, and the two positions are relevant to one set of the opposite sides of the waveguide unit. A biomaterial sensing region having bioprobes are formed between the two heating electrodes. The present disclosure further includes a using method relevant to the self-heating biosensor based on lossy mode resonance.

Abstract: A simple optical layout for a grazing angle probe mount that allows coupling to a mid-infrared (MIR), laser-based spectrometer is provided. The assembly enables doing reflectance measurements at high incident angles. In the case of optically thin films and deposits on MIR reflective substrates, a double pass effect, accompanied by absorption by the chemicals or biological samples deposited in an Infrared Reflection-Absorption Infrared Spectroscopy (IRRAS) modality is achieved. The optical system includes a probe that allows the passage of MIR light through the same sampling area twice. Initially, the infrared beam produces a spot on the surface, and then the light is returned in back reflection to the sample surface producing a new little slightly larger spot onto the selfsame position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to optical systems, specifically light detection and ranging (LIDAR) systems. An example optical system includes a laser light source operable to emit laser light along a first axis and a mirror element with a plurality of reflective surfaces. The mirror element is configured to rotate about a second axis. The plurality of reflective surfaces is disposed about the second axis. The mirror element and the laser light source are coupled to a base structure, which is configured to rotate about a third axis. While the rotational angle of the mirror element is within an angular range, the emitted laser light interacts with both a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface of the plurality of reflective surfaces and is reflected into the environment by the first and second reflective surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus for, and method of, measuring a parameter of an alignment mark on a substrate in which an optical system is arranged to receive at least one diffraction order from the alignment mark and the diffraction order is modulated at a pupil or a wafer conjugate plane of the optical system, a solid state optical device is arranged to receive the modulated diffraction order, and a spectrometer is arranged to receive the modulated diffraction order from the solid state optical device and to determine an intensity of one or more spectral components in the modulated diffraction order.

Abstract: A method of performing metrology analysis of a thin film includes coupling a radiation into an optical element disposed adjacent to a surface of the thin film. The radiation is coupled such that the radiation is totally internally reflected at an interface between the optical element and the thin film. An evanescent radiation generated at the interface penetrates the thin film. The method furthers include analyzing the evanescent radiation scattered by the thin film to obtain properties of the thin film.

Abstract: Detection system for detecting at least one extracellular vesicle in a microfluid, including a broadband light source, collimating and focusing optics, a spectrophotometer, a microfluid apparatus and an active sensing element positioned inside the microfluid apparatus, the active sensing element including a substrate, a thin metal layer deposited on the substrate and a dielectric waveguide layer deposited on the metal layer, the light source generating at least one incident beam of light in the near infrared region, the metal layer and the waveguide layer each include a plurality of waveguides, the collimating optics collimates the incident beam of light on the substrate via the coupler, the focusing optics receives at least one reflection of the incident beam of light and provides the reflection to the spectrophotometer, the active sensing element causes surface plasmon waves in the microfluid when the microfluid is injected into the microfluid apparatus and the spectrophotometer detects resonance wavelength

Abstract: A device for simply determining maximum permissible exposure time (MPE) of retina is disclosed, which principally comprises a light receiving unit and a core processor that is provided with a color temperature determining unit, a luminous flux determining unit and a calculating unit therein. The color temperature determining unit and the luminous flux determining unit are configured for completing a color temperature determination and a luminous flux determination of a light provided by a light source, respectively. The calculating unit is configured for calculating a maximum permissible exposure time (MPE) of retina of the light source based on a use distance and a color temperature and a luminous flux of the light. By using this device, generic users are facilitated to achieve the calculation of any one kind of light's MPE by themselves, without needing to using any spectrometer.

Abstract: An object is to automatically detect a failure of an optical transmission line. A light source outputs a monitoring light. An optical detection unit detects a return light from an optical transmission line and outputs a detection signal indicating an intensity of the return light. An optical multiplexer/demultiplexer outputs the monitoring light input from the light source to the optical transmission line, and outputs the return light input from the optical transmission line to the optical detection unit. A comparator compares the detection signal with a threshold voltage and outputs a comparison signal indicating the comparison result. A processing unit detects a first timing at which the comparison signal changes, and detects a failure of the optical transmission line when the first timing is earlier than a reference timing.

Abstract: An acousto-optic modulator (AOM) laser frequency shifter system includes a laser configured to generate an incident beam, a first optical splitter optically coupled to the laser and configured to split the incident beam into at least one portion of the incident beam, at least one phase-shift channel optically coupled to the first optical splitter and configured to generate at least one frequency-shifted beam with an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) from the at least one portion of the incident beam received from the first optical splitter, and a second optical splitter configured to receive the at least one frequency-shifted beam from the at least one phase-shift channel and configured to direct the at least one frequency-shifted beam to an interferometer configured to acquire an interferogram of a sample with the at least one frequency-shifted beam.

Abstract: An electrical polarity adjustable biosensor based on lossy mode resonance includes a first polarity module, a second polarity module, and a plurality of spacers disposed between the first polarity module and the second polarity module. A biomaterial sensing region for injecting an object to be tested is formed between a bioprobe layer of the first polarity module and a second electrode layer of the second polarity module. An electric field is formed between a lossy mode resonance layer of the first polarity module and the second electrode layer, and the electric field acts on a plurality of bioprobes of the bioprobe layer and the object to be tested. The present disclosure further includes a method of using the electrical polarity adjustable biosensor based on lossy mode resonance.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sample inspection apparatus includes a photodetection circuitry, an image sensor, processing circuitry, and an output interface. The photodetection circuitry has light incident on an optical waveguide in an inspection container and detects the light having propagated within the optical waveguide and coming out of the optical waveguide. The image sensor acquires an image signal for the optical waveguide, using scattered light originated from the light propagating within the optical waveguide. The processing circuitry acquires one or more inspection index values based on at least one of an output of the photodetection circuitry or an output of the image sensor. The output interface outputs a result of processing by the processing circuitry.

Abstract: A distance measuring device comprises a measuring head, the measuring head having an optical measuring system for carrying out an optical measurement process on a measurement object by means of at least one measuring light beam formed from a broad-band measuring light. The measuring head further has a liquid guide with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet for producing a jet of liquid directed at the measurement object, the liquid guide being designed such that in certain sections at least the measuring light beam runs essentially along the jet of liquid. The measuring head further has a flow element with a laminar flow channel, the flow element being designed such that the at least one measuring light beam is able to reach the measurement object by passing through the laminar flow channel.

Abstract: Described herein are devices incorporating plasmon Casimir cavities, which modify the distribution of allowable plasmon modes within the cavities. The plasmon Casimir cavities can drive charge carriers from or to an electronic device adjoining the plasmon Casimir cavity by modifying the distribution of zero-point energy-driven plasmons on one side of the electronic device to be different from the distribution of zero-point energy-driven plasmons on the other side of the electronic device. The electronic device can exhibit a structure that permits transport or capture of carriers in very short time intervals, such as in 1 picosecond or less.

Abstract: An endoscope apparatus includes: an insertion portion having a distal end portion; an optical path switching unit configured to switch an optical path so that only one of a first subject image and a second subject image is imaged on an image forming area, the second subject image being an image of a subject formed by light emitted from a second objective optical system disposed at the distal end portion and having an optical magnification higher than that of the first objective optical system; an imaging element configured to generate an image acquired by picking up the first subject image and the second subject image formed in the image forming area; and an endoscope processing unit configured to control switching of the optical path based on an input zoom magnification and apply image processing to the image generated by the imaging element.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus (1) for imaging a sample (7) comprising an array of electronically addressable pixels (6) wherein each pixel is arranged to support a surface plasmon resonance thereinto generate an evanescent electromagnetic field (8) which extends transversely from the pixel so as to be salient from plane of the array for illuminating the sample (7). An optical detector (12) is arranged for detecting optical radiation (9, 10, 11) scattered from the evanescent electromagnetic field (8) by the sample (7). A processing unit (4) arranged to associate the detected optical radiation (9, 10, 11) with the address of the pixel or pixels within the array at which the surface plasmon resonance was generated.

Abstract: An image forming system includes: an image forming apparatus; and a recording material information detecting apparatus provided outside the image forming apparatus, wherein the recording material information detecting apparatus includes a recording material information detector that detects recording material information about a recording material, and the image forming apparatus includes: an image former; an operation detector; and a hardware processor.

Abstract: A supplementary device configured to be releasably attached to a drug delivery device. The supplementary device comprises a housing having a channel configured to slidably receive the drug delivery device; a first alignment feature to ensure a specific alignment of the supplementary device relative to the drug delivery device and restrict rotational movement of the supplementary device around a drug delivery device; and a second alignment feature to prevent sliding movement of the supplementary device relative to the delivery device once attached thereto. The second alignment feature comprises a moveable securing member biased towards the drug delivery device, and a release member operable to move the securing member out of engagement with the drug delivery device.

Abstract: An optical fiber sensing system with reduced spatial resolution and noise for multiple applications and method of operating same that employs a coherent receiver configured to detect and digitize both I and Q signals in two polarizations and performs signal beating in a digital signal processor (DSP) using the polarization-diverse signals to obtain beating results for multiple polarization state pairs that effectively reduces polarization induced fading effect(s) while providing faster sensing speed(s) and more efficient filtering. Since Rayleigh signals are captured in two orthogonal polarizations, four beating products are determined at once in the DSP and all are used for fiber strain determination thereby avoiding polarization fading.

Abstract: Flow cells and corresponding methods are provided. The flow cells may include a support frame with top and back sides, and at least one cavity extending from the top side. The flow cells may include at least one light detection device with an active area disposed within the at least one cavity. The flow cells may include a support material disposed within the at least one cavity between the support frame and the periphery of the at least one light detection device coupling them together. The flow cells may include a lid extending over the at least one light detection device and coupled to the support frame about the periphery of the at least one light detection device. The lid and at least a top surface of the at least one light detection device form a flow channel therebetween.

Abstract: A method for monitoring mobile communication and generating alerts associated with targeted content. A monitored user's mobile communication device forwards an incoming or outgoing communication to a monitoring user's mobile communication device. The monitored user's or monitoring user's mobile communication device generates an alert if it is determined that the incoming or outgoing communication contains targeted content, and an alert is provided on the monitoring user's mobile communication device.

Abstract: A specular variable angle absolute reflectometer includes a light source and a mirror system in a light path of the light source. The mirror system is configured to reflect a light beam from the light source towards a sample that is optically reflective. The device also includes an elliptical roof mirror disposed in the light path after the sample having an ellipsoidal reflector surface configured to reflect the light beam back towards the sample. The device also includes a mechanism connected to the elliptical roof mirror. The mechanism is configured to rotate the elliptical roof mirror about an axis of the sample. The device also includes a detector in the light path after the elliptical roof mirror such that the detector receives light that has been reflected from the elliptical roof mirror, thence back to the sample, thence back to the mirror system, and thence to the detector.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing vibrational absorption induced photothermal effect via a visible light source. A Mid-infrared photothermal probe (MI-PTP, or MIP) approach achieves 10 mM detection sensitivity and sub-micron lateral spatial resolution. Such performance exceeds the diffraction limit of infrared microscopy and allows label-free three-dimensional chemical imaging of live cells and organisms. Distributions of endogenous lipid and exogenous drug inside single cells can be visualized. MIP imaging technology may enable applications from monitoring metabolic activities to high-resolution mapping of drug molecules in living systems, which are beyond the reach of current infrared microscopy.

Abstract: A device for detecting a defect on a surface including an optical device (14) suitable for acquiring an image of the surface in a given optical direction, a lighting device (15) comprising a plurality of light sources (16), the light sources (16) being arranged in a hemisphere (20), each light source (16) having an off and an on state, an electronic calculation device (18). The electronic calculation device (18) is able to control the optical device (14) and the lighting device (15) so that the optical device (14) acquires a plurality of images of the surface, different light sources (16) or different combinations of light sources (16) being switched on for each image, the hemisphere (20) having a diameter D smaller than or equal to 50 mm.

Abstract: Supplying a liquid to a detection chip including a housing having an opening portion and internally housing the liquid and including an elastic sheet covering the opening portion and having a penetrating portion providing communicating between the inside and the outside of the housing, specifically by inserting a liquid delivery nozzle to the housing via the penetrating portion and supplying the liquid into the housing in a state where the nozzle is in contact with the elastic sheet so as to close the penetrating portion. The penetrating portion is one of a hole and a notch. One of the maximum length of the opening of the hole and the maximum length of the notch is smaller than the outer diameter of the nozzle at a portion coming in contact with the elastic sheet when the nozzle is inserted to close the penetrating portion when a liquid is supplied into the housing.