Abstract: A test system for determining a surface characteristic of a chip facet comprises a chip, which has a facet and includes a waveguide, a detector, and a processor. The on-chip waveguide is configured to direct test light towards the facet, where a portion of the test light is reflected and a portion of the test light is transmitted. The detector is configured to measure an amount of the reflected portion or the transmitted portion, and the processor is configured to determine a surface characteristic of the facet, such as a facet angle, a facet curvature, and/or a facet roughness, on the basis of the measured amount.

Abstract: A method acquires reflectance image content from patient anatomy that is within a volume of an imaging apparatus defined between a radiation source and a detector and generates a surface contour image from the acquired reflectance image content. The generated surface contour image is compared with surface contour image metrics stored for the imaging apparatus and a recommended adjustment to the position of the patient anatomy is reported according to the comparison.

Abstract: A system, including a processor and a memory, the memory including instructions to be executed by the processor to determine a best-fit snow boundary in an image including a reference object, determine a snow level based on comparing the best-fit snow boundary to the image of the reference object, and operate a vehicle by actuating vehicle components based on the determined snow level.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) detection system. This system utilizes a detection light path to form a detection image containing incident angle information and wavelength information. During testing, full-spectrum scan is performed first to obtain a resonance wavelength of a sample. Then, partial-spectrum scanning is performed by continuously tracking the resonance wavelength, and the number of scanning points in each scanning cycle is controlled according to specific situation to shorten the scanning time, thereby obtaining the resonance wavelength of the sample in real time. When the refractive index of the sample changes, the corresponding resonance wavelength changes as well; by obtaining the change of the resonance wavelength, variation of the reflective index of the sample is calculated, which is rapid SPR detection of wavelength modulation.

Abstract: A retroreflectivity measurement system comprises a light source arranged to project light across a traffic lane during a measurement run, the light being limited to a particular portion of the visible light spectrum. A camera is selectively sensitive to this light to provide first filtered images and separately selectively sensitive to light at a portion of the spectrum not including the particular portion to provide second filtered images. A controller obtains sequences of first and second filtered images during the measurement run, and identifies within the sequences of images an illuminated road marking; determines a first intensity of the marking from a first filtered image, and a further intensity of the marking from the second filtered images; estimates an ambient intensity of the marking, by applying a scaling factor to the further intensity; and determines a retroreflectivity of the marking as a function of the first and estimated ambient intensities.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus includes: a first acquiring unit configured to acquire shape information indicating a shape of a surface of an object, and reflection characteristic information indicating a reflection characteristic of the object; a second acquiring unit configured to acquire viewpoint information about a viewpoint of viewing the object, and light source information about a light source applying light to the object; an emphasizing unit configured to emphasize a light reflection intensity of the object so as to increase a degree of emphasis as a degree of flatness of the shape increases in image data representing the object, based on the reflection characteristic information, the viewpoint information, the light source information, and the shape information; and an output unit configured to output the image data representing the object having the light reflection intensity is emphasized by the emphasizing unit.

Abstract: Example implementations may relate to use of a light-control feature to control extent of light encountered by an image capture device of a self-driving vehicle. In particular, a computing system of the vehicle may make a determination that quality of image data generated by an image capture device is or is expected to be lower than a threshold quality due to external light encountered or expected to be encountered by the image capture device. In response to the determination, the computing system may make an adjustment to the light-control feature to control the extent of external light encountered or expected to be encountered by the image capture device. This adjustment may ultimately help improve quality of image data generated by the image capture device. As such, the computing system may operate the vehicle based at least on image data generated by the image capture device.

Abstract: An optical device including a first substrate, a light source, a second substrate, an image capturing device, a microstructure layer, and an infrared pass layer is provided. The light source is disposed on the first substrate. The second substrate is disposed above the first substrate. The second substrate includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The image capturing device is disposed on the first substrate to receive a light beam, which is originated from scattered light beams scattered by an object touching the first surface of the second substrate. The microstructure layer is disposed on the first surface of the second substrate. The microstructure layer is adapted to increase a light beam, which is scattered by the object and transmitted to the image capturing device. The infrared pass layer is adapted to pass the infrared light.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a diffractive structure with varying diffractive element depth includes providing a shadow mask having a first region with a first aperture dimension to aperture periodicity ratio and a second region with a second aperture dimension to aperture periodicity ratio less than the first aperture dimension to aperture periodicity ratio. The method also includes positioning the shadow mask adjacent a substrate. The substrate comprises an etch mask corresponding to the diffractive structure. The method further includes exposing the substrate to an etchant, etching the substrate to form diffractive elements adjacent the first region having a first depth, and etching the substrate to form diffractive elements adjacent the second region having a second depth less than the first depth.

Abstract: A display device including a touch window including an active area and an unactive area around the unactive area; a display unit disposed under the touch window; a bezel frame configured to support the display unit; and a light sensor unit disposed on a side of the bezel frame and at an angle to a top surface of the touch window under the unactive area of the touch window and including at least one light output unit configured to output light and at least one light receiving unit configured to receive light reflected from an input tool.

Abstract: Automatic determination of Fourier harmonic order for computation of spectral information for diffraction structures described. An embodiment of a method includes automatically determining a Fourier harmonic order for computation of spectral information for periodic structures, wherein the determination of the Fourier harmonic order is based at least in part on the pitches in each of multiple directions of the periodic structures, material properties of the periodic structures, and characteristics of the periodic structures in which the materials are contained; and computing the spectral information for the periodic structures based at least in part on the determined Fourier harmonic order.

Abstract: A purge system includes a purge gas distribution manifold that includes at least one port through which light beam from an optical metrology or inspection head is transmitted. The purge gas distribution manifold includes a bottom surface having one or more apertures through which purge gas is expelled. The bottom surface is held in close proximity to the top surface of the substrate and the apertures may be distributed over the bottom surface of the purge gas distribution manifold so that purge gas is uniformly distributed over the entirety of the top surface of the substrate at all measurement positions of the substrate with respect to the optical metrology or inspection head.

Abstract: A device for detecting the color of leather hides, which is installable on machines and/or in plants for processing and/or managing leather hides, includes a surface for supporting a leather hide of which the color is to be detected, a light source emitting a light radiation of known spectral composition onto the leather hide, an optical sensor capturing the light radiation emitted from the light source and reflected from the leather hide, a member positioned at the optical sensor and keeping the distance constant between the optical sensor and the leather hide, an optical filter associated to the optical sensor to extract the values of the chromatic components of the light radiation captured by the optical sensor, and a processing unit receiving the values of the chromatic components and comparing those values with preset reference values and/or calculating and identifying the corresponding color.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for monitoring, detecting, and/or characterizing a biological particle that may be present in a sample whereby the method may be accomplished non-invasively by utilizing a time-dependent spectroscopic technique to obtain at least two measurements of a growth composition comprising a sample and correlating said measurements for the detection and/or characterization of a biological particle, that may be present in the sample.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the reflectance of an object, the method including a step of solving an equation having several unknowns, the equation being obtained from formed images, the reflectance of the object and the illumination of the external light source being two unknowns of the equation. The step of solving the equation includes: calculating solution points of the equation, interpolating the calculated points by way of an interpolation function, and using at least one of the following approximations to solve the equation: a first approximation according to which each image is derived from the emission of a separate light flash, a second approximation according to which the interpolation function determines the stability points of the equation.

Abstract: A surface plasmon resonance fluorescence analysis device has a chip holder for holding an analysis chip, a light source for irradiating excitation light, an angle adjustment unit for adjusting the angle of incidence of the excitation light in relation to the interface of a prism and metal film of the analysis chip, an excitation light reflection filter, a first optical sensor for detecting the fluorescence emitted from the analysis chip and transmitted through the excitation light reflection filter, a second optical sensor for detecting the plasmon scattered light emitted from the analysis chip and reflected by the excitation light reflection filter, and a control unit for controlling the angle adjustment unit. The control unit determines an enhancement angle on the basis of the plasmon scattered light detection results of the second optical sensor.

Abstract: A first data acquisition processing unit acquires light intensity distribution data on the basis of an image of measurement light that has entered a camera. A second data acquisition processing unit acquires light intensity distribution data on the basis of the detected intensity of measurement light detected by a detector. A refractive index measurement processing unit measures the refractive index of a sample on the basis of the light intensity distribution data acquired by the second data acquisition processing unit. A determination processing unit determines whether the refractive index of the sample measured by the refractive index measurement processing unit is acceptable on the basis of the peaks of the light intensity distribution data acquired by the first data acquisition processing unit and second data acquisition processing unit.

Abstract: In an example, a system includes a grating coupled laser and a photonic integrated circuit. The grating coupled laser includes a first waveguide and a transmit grating coupler optically coupled to the first waveguide. The photonic integrated circuit includes a second waveguide and a receive grating coupler optically coupled to the second waveguide. The second grating coupler may include a negative angle grating coupler.

Abstract: A plasmonic sensor includes at least a substrate and a thin film metallic glass formed on the substrate. The dielectric constant (?r) of the thin film metallic glass is negative. Since the thin film metallic glass with negative ?r is used in the plasmonic sensor, the material cost can be significantly reduced, the mechanical property can be improved, and the optoelectronic property can be increased. Since the thin film metallic glass is a kind of supercooled alloy with amorphous structure, it can be applied for imprinting deformation and amorphous without grain boundary scattering.

Abstract: To provide a plant sensor device capable of obtaining a parameter to determine a growth status other than a spectroscopy vegetation index without increasing its configuration. The plant sensor device includes a light emission part for emitting a measurement light to irradiate a target plant, a light receiving part for receiving a reflected light from the target plant, and a control section for controlling the light emission part and light receiving part. The control section determines a spectroscopy vegetation index of the target plant by obtaining a reflection rate of the target plant based on the measurement light and reflected light. The control section calculates a distance from the target plant to the light emission part in accordance with the measurement light and reflected light, and determines a plant height of the target plant based on the distance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) detection system and method. This system utilizes a detection light path to form a detection image containing incident angle information and wavelength information. During testing, full-spectrum scan is performed first to obtain a resonance wavelength of a sample. Then, partial-spectrum scanning is performed by continuously tracking the resonance wavelength, and the number of scanning points in each scanning cycle is controlled according to specific situation to shorten the scanning time, thereby obtaining the resonance wavelength of the sample in real time. When the refractive index of the sample changes, the corresponding resonance wavelength changes as well; by obtaining the change of the resonance wavelength, variation of the reflective index of the sample is calculated, which is rapid SPR detection of wavelength modulation.

Abstract: An analysis chip contains a test reagent retention member and a sensing member. The test reagent retention member has a housing part for housing the sensing member, and an engaging part for engaging the sensing member within the housing part. The sensing member is secured in the housing part by the engaging part, in such a way as to have a certain area of mobility in relation to the housing part.

Abstract: The invention provides the use of instrumentation and methods for the rapid separation, detection, and identification of chemical compounds by coupling a well-established chromatographic separation science technique, TLC, with mid-infrared (MIR) QCLS for the analysis of explosives, pollutants, and other threat chemicals. The stationary phases were silica gel adhered to metallic aluminum supports. The mobile phases consisted of organic solvents and their mixes. The position and spot diameter of the TNT samples on the plate containing the adsorbent silica film were measured and compared before and after the chromatographic runs. The MIR vibrational identification of TNT was performed through reflectance measurements using a widely tunable three-diode source. The symmetric stretching vibration of the nitro group [?s(NO2)] centered at approximately 1350 cm?1 and the asymmetric stretching vibration of the nitro group [?as(NO2)] at approximately 1530 cm?1 were clearly observed.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a Raman topography system, which includes a container with at least one Raman probe positioned within. Also described are methods of imaging which include the Raman topography system.

Abstract: A sensor system (100) utilizes temperature control systems (262) and methods to achieve and maintain a sample in a sample chamber (110) at a sampling temperature. Such sensor systems and methods may employ a dual mode temperature controller including a spike mode (SMC) controller (274) and a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) mode controller (272). Based on a temperature of the sample, the temperature controller of the sensor system can initially enter the spike mode or the PID mode.

Abstract: Aspects of Raman spectrum plane imaging device(s), belonging to the technical field of Raman spectra, are disclosed. In one example, a Raman spectrum plane imaging device may comprise a laser generation apparatus capable of adjusting an output wavelength, a light filtering apparatus, and a planar array detector. Laser light beams emitted by such laser generation apparatus may irradiate on a surface of a sample in a planar illuminating manner. According to systems herein, Raman scattered light generated by the sample under the excitation of the laser light beams is incident on the light filtering apparatus and is imaged on the planar array detector after selectively passing through the light filtering apparatus, to be received by the planar array detector. In some implementations, the light filtering apparatus may comprise an F-P interference device and a band-pass light filter.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus includes a light source for emitting an illumination light, a micromirror array having a plurality of micromirror actuators, and an illumination optical unit and an optical sensor unit. The illumination light emitted by the light source is guided onto the micromirror actuators and reflected at the latter and, with the reflection integrated over time, an on beam is reflected to a lighting application by the micromirror actuators in a respective on tilt position via the illumination optical unit, and an off beam is reflected next to the illumination optical unit by the micromirror actuators in a respective off tilt position. Part of the illumination light contained in the off beam is guided, at least in part, onto the optical sensor unit.

Abstract: There are provided a terahertz wave spectral dispersing unit 13 for spectrally dispersing a terahertz wave to be generated from a terahertz wave generating semiconductor 12 into two waves, a terahertz wave focusing unit 14 for focusing a terahertz wave transmitted through a sample liquid film 101 and a terahertz wave transmitted through a reference liquid film 102, and a terahertz wave detecting semiconductor 15 for detecting the focused terahertz wave, and it is possible to detect the terahertz wave transmitted through the sample liquid film 101 and the terahertz wave transmitted through the reference liquid film 102 in an interference state, thereby offsetting a noise made by a stripe-shaped wave generated on the sample liquid film 101 and a noise made by a stripe-shaped wave generated on the reference liquid film 102.

Abstract: Embodiments includes an apparatus and method that intentionally illuminate a device with RF energy having specific characteristics (e.g., frequency, power, waveform, directionality, duration, etc.) to make a conductor of the device a transmitter. A method can include identifying data to be transmitted by the one or more conductors and providing a signal to the electrical or electronic circuitry to cause the electrical or electronic circuitry to change state and produce a first signal on the one or more conductors. The one or more conductors can produce a forced non-linear emission (FNLE) that is a mixture of the first signal and an electromagnetic wave incident thereon that, when decoded by an external device, corresponds to the data.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method is provided. The method comprises transmitting a first laser pump signal to an optical resonator; adjusting a frequency of the first laser pump signal; generating a first order Stokes signal from the first laser pump signal in an optical resonator; measuring a first beat signal frequency; ceasing transmission of the first laser pump signal to the optical resonator; transmitting a second laser pump signal to the optical resonator; adjusting a frequency of the second laser pump signal; generating a first order Stokes signal from the second laser pump signal in the optical resonator; and measuring a second beat signal frequency; ceasing transmission of the second laser pump signal to the optical resonator.

Abstract: The image processing apparatus of the present invention is an image processing apparatus that generates gloss intensity distribution image data indicating a gloss intensity distribution based on captured image data obtained by capturing an image of a subject having concavity/convexity irradiated by a surface light source. The image processing apparatus sets an area, in which specularly reflected light from the surface light source enters a planar mirror and which is the same size as or smaller than that of an area captured by an image capturing apparatus in a case where the planar mirror is arranged at substantially the same position as that of the subject, as a measurement area of the gloss intensity distribution based on surface light source position information indicating the position of the surface light source and image capturing position information indicating the position of the image capturing apparatus that captures an image of the subject.

Abstract: A color measurement device includes a measurement array (MA) which includes: a plurality of illumination arrays (20, 30, 40) for exposing a measurement spot (MS) on a measurement object (MO) to illumination light in an actual illumination direction (2, 3, 4) in each case, and a pick-up array (50) for detecting the measurement light reflected by the measurement spot (MS) in an actual observation direction (5) and for converting it into preferably spectral reflection factors; and a controller for the illumination arrays and the pick-up array and for processing the electrical signals produced by the pick-up array. The controller is embodied to process the measured reflection factors on the basis of a correction model, such that distortions in the measurement values as compared to nominal illumination and/or observation directions, caused by angular errors in the illumination arrays and/or the pick-up array, are corrected.

Abstract: A toner coverage sensing system is provided for sensing toner particles printed onto a surface of a process element using an electrophotographic printing system. The printed toner particles include porous color toner particles. An infrared radiation source directs infrared radiation onto the printed toner particles on the surface of the process element A diffused radiation detector senses infrared radiation scattered from the printed toner particles, wherein the diffused radiation detector is oriented such that that the sensed infrared radiation does not include specular reflections from the surface of the process element. A data processing system determines a sensed toner coverage for the porous color toner particles on the surface of the process element responsive to the sensed scattered infrared radiation.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to processing SPR signals, in particular signals obtained by illuminating a conductive surface with light at two wavelengths. Embodiments—involve processing a first and second signal indicative of an intensity of light, received from a conductive layer at which SPR has occurred, as a function of angle of incidence, reflection or diffraction at the layer (depending on whether the incident light beam is received by a detector recording it in reflection or transmission from the conductive layer). The first and second signals each have two dips corresponding to a respective wavelength of the light at a respective angle at which surface plasmon resonance occurs for the respective wavelength and a peak between the two dips. The processing includes deriving a first and second value of a quantity indicative of signal magnitudes in the region of the peak.

Abstract: A method determines the carrier lifetime in a point of a surface of a sample, and includes in absence of illumination, measuring, at the point, a parameter P via atomic force microscopy technique (AFM) to obtain a value Pdark. The point is illuminated with a continuous light beam and the parameter P is measured, at the point, via AFM to obtain a value Psat. The point is successively illuminated with continuous modulated light beams each having a different frequency ft that varies between a minimum frequency fmin and a maximum frequency fmax, with the modulated light beams having a duty cycle D. For each modulated light beam, the parameter P is measured, at the point, via AFM in such a way as to obtain a value Ptransi for each frequency fi. The carrier lifetime is calculated on point with the values of Psat, Pdark, the duty cycle D, and fmax.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes writing information on substrate displays. In an example, a display on a substrate is interfaced. The interfacing includes constraining a first longitudinal side of the substrate via a first actuable slot. Further, a second longitudinal side of the substrate opposite to the first longitudinal side is constrained via a second actuable slot. Thereby the substrate is constrained between the first and second slot with the display positioned therebetween. Further, the display is operated to write information thereon via an imager while the substrate is constrained between the first and second slot.

Abstract: A chemical sensor, methods of forming the same, and methods of performing chemical detection include a carbon nanotube test surface. A detector is configured to receive a signal from the carbon nanotube test surface responsive to illumination on the nanotube test surface. A matching module is configured to determine whether a chemical is present at the carbon nanotube test surface based on a comparison between the signal and a spectral profile of the chemical.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring porosity of a rock according to the present invention including: (a) capturing a first image by using SEM with respect to a rock sample; (b) determining a first area of a portion determined to be a heavy mineral in the first image; (c) immersing the rock sample in an aqueous solution in which a gadolinium compound is dissolved in that the aqueous solution flows into pores and the gadolinium compound is deposited in pores inside the rock sample; (d) capturing a second image by using SEM with respect to the rock sample; and (e) determining a second area of a portion determined as a heavy mineral and a pore in the second image, and then subtracting the first area from the second area to determine an area of pores in the rock sample.

Abstract: Dynamic, color-changing surfaces have many applications including but not limited to displays, wearables, and active camouflage. Plasmonic nanostructures can fill this role with the advantages of ultra-small pixels, high reflectivity, and post-fabrication tuning through control of the surrounding media. However, while post-fabrication tuning have yet to cover a full red-green-blue (RGB) color basis set with a single nanostructure of singular dimensions, the present invention contemplates a novel LC-based apparatus and methods that enable such tuning and demonstrates a liquid crystal-plasmonic system that covers the full red/green/blue (RGB) color basis set, as a function only of voltage. This is accomplished through a surface morphology-induced, polarization dependent, plasmonic resonance and a combination of bulk and surface liquid crystal effects that manifest at different voltages.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optical imaging are disclosed. An optical sensor for imaging a biometric input object on a sensing region includes a transparent layer having a first side and a second side opposite the first side; a set of apertures disposed above the first side of the transparent layer; a first set of reflective surfaces disposed below the second side of the transparent layer configured to receive light transmitted through the first set of apertures and to reflect the received light; a second set of reflective surfaces disposed above the first side of the transparent layer configured to receive the light reflected from the first set of reflective surfaces and to further reflect the light; and a plurality of detector elements positioned to receive the further reflected light from the second set of reflective surfaces.

Abstract: An authentication structure and an authenticating method using the same are provided. The authentication structure includes a plurality of input couplers that generate surface plasmons by being selectively coupled to lights because the plurality of input couplers are different in terms of at least one of a geometric structure and an arrangement, and an output coupler that outputs a speckle pattern based on the surface plasmons.

Abstract: A method for cutting off an edge portion of a workpiece includes applying a laser to the workpiece to form multiple individual severing cuts in the edge portion such that the edge portion is cut off from the workpiece, the multiple individual severing cuts being arranged together along the edge portion. Applying the laser to the workpiece to form the multiple individual severing cuts includes, for each individual severing cut, translating a laser cutting head and/or the workpiece relative to one another, and detecting, at an end of each severing cut, an edge of the workpiece, in which the translation of the laser cutting head or the workpiece continues at least until the edge is detected.

Abstract: A method for representing the quality change process of beef fat during repeated freezing and thawing through a Raman spectrum. The method comprises the steps of (1) setting operating parameters of a laser Raman spectrometer, wherein the operating parameters include the wavelength of exciting light, the laser power and the scanning time; (2) repeatedly freezing and thawing beef, extracting fat in the thawed beef, and then conducting Raman spectrum scanning on the extracted fat; (3) analyzing and processing an obtained original Raman spectrum, so that the quality change process of beef fat during repeated freezing and thawing is represented. The Raman spectrum is used for monitoring the quality change process of beef fat during repeated freezing and thawing, the method is flexible and simple, the analysis speed is high, and the fat quality of beef which is repeatedly frozen and thawed can be represented efficiently and accurately; in addition, analysis solvent consumption is low, and the detection cost is low.

Abstract: A probe for an optical measurement system includes a probe body arranged to be adjustably mounted in a measuring machine for optically measuring a test object. A single mode fiber optically coupled within the probe body transmits a source beam having an instantaneous or sequentially established bandwidth spanning a range of wavelengths to the probe body and also transmits a measurement beam from the probe body toward a detector. An adjustable beam manipulator within the probe body spatially excludes portions of the reference beam over a progression of different size portions from being focused within the acceptance cone of the single mode fiber to more closely balance the intensities of the reflected object beam and the reflected reference beam within the measurement beam.

Abstract: An Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) tests an optical fiber by generating, transmitting, and receiving light signals from an optical fiber. The OTDR generates light signals having different characteristics and stitches these light signals into an OTDR trace. Backscatter and properties such as dynamic range effect the quality of the OTDR trace.

Abstract: An image acquisition apparatus, a terminal device, a liquid crystal terminal device, and an image acquisition method are provided. The image acquisition apparatus (8) includes a light guide plate (1) and an image scanner (16) disposed to be spaced apart from the light guide plate (1), a light source (2) being disposed at a side of the light guide plate (1). The image acquisition apparatus (8) is integrated into the terminal device (7). The liquid crystal terminal device includes a LCD panel (11), a backlight element (12) and the image acquisition apparatus (8), an image scanner (16) of the image acquisition apparatus (8) being disposed in the backlight element (12). The image acquisition method includes: making at least part of light emitted by the light source (2) enter and propagate inside the light guide plate (1) through TIR, and acquiring an image of an object on the other side of the light guide plate (1) by an image scanner (16).

Abstract: An electric field enhancement element includes a metal microstructure and a modifying molecule disposed on the surface of the metal microstructure, wherein the modifying molecule is derived from a compound represented by the following formula (1). In the formula (1), X is —NH2, —SH, —Cl, —CHO, —COOH, —SO3H, —CN, or —NO2.

Abstract: A device and method for determining antimicrobial resistance status of a microorganism from a positive sample bottle is provided. The device may include a housing having a chamber for receiving a vial containing a sample; a light source positioned to direct light through a side of the chamber; and a photodetector positioned such that light transmitted or scattered by the sample is sensed by the photodetector. The device may also include a heat source and/or an agitation device. The method includes providing the device, loading a sample from an automated sample culture system into the vial; interrogating the vial using the light source and the photodetector; and determining the antimicrobial resistance status of the microorganism in the sample based on the interrogating step. The method may also include heating and/or agitating the sample.

Abstract: A surface roughness measurement device that in one embodiment includes main and auxiliary emitting fibers, multiple collecting fibers, an optical housing, main and auxiliary reflective mirrors, and an external circuit. The optical housing includes the fibers and defines an aperture for optically contacting a surface of an object. The main reflective mirror is arranged in the optical housing, for reflecting light emitted from the main emitting fiber to a detecting point of the aperture and reflected light by the object to the collecting fibers. The auxiliary reflective mirror is arranged in the optical housing, for reflecting light emitted from the auxiliary emitting fiber to the detecting point. The external circuit is for generating a laser beam to the main and auxiliary emitting fibers, collecting the reflected light from the collecting fibers, and calculating the surface roughness of the object based on the collected reflected light.

Abstract: The invention is a SPR sensor that comprises a multi-layered plasmonic structure on a substrate for sensing. The SPR sensor has an enhanced figure of merit and lower limit of detection (system noise divided by the sensitivity) by at least two orders of magnitude than prior art SPR sensors. The plasmonic structure of the invention comprises a Nanostructured Porous Metal Layer (NPML) and at least one of: (a) buried dielectric layer under the nano-porous metal layer; (b) a nano-dimensional high index layer on top of the metal layer; and (c) a molecular layer for bio-functionalization adjacent to an analyte layer. The invention also encompasses many embodiments of measuring systems that comprise the SPR sensors of the invention with improved signal to noise ratio.