Abstract: A method for reducing noise in a multi-aperture imaging system is provided. Each sub-collector of the system, at least one of which has an adjustable optical path length, collects a portion of a wavefront. The adjustable optical path length is varied to each of a set of predetermined lengths to generate interference patterns. Each interference pattern is recorded at an image plane of the system to generate a recorded interference pattern made up of pixels. Pixel intensity data sets are generated, each of which includes a pixel intensity level from a corresponding one of the pixels from each recorded interference pattern. Each pixel intensity data set is Fourier transformed, and in each Fourier transformed data set, spatial frequencies having power values above a predetermined level are identified.

Abstract: Fourier domain a/LCI (faLCI) system and method which enables in vivo data acquisition at rapid rates using a single scan. Angle-resolved and depth-resolved spectra information is obtained with one scan. The reference arm can remain fixed with respect to the sample due to only one scan required. A reference signal and a reflected sample signal are cross-correlated and dispersed at a multitude of reflected angles off of the sample, thereby representing reflections from a multitude of points on the sample at the same time in parallel. Information about all depths of the sample at each of the multitude of different points on the sample can be obtained with one scan on the order of approximately 40 milliseconds. From the spatial, cross-correlated reference signal, structural (size) information can also be obtained using techniques that allow size information of scatterers to be obtained from angle-resolved data.

Abstract: An optical measuring apparatus includes a light transmission unit, a light reception unit, a measurement value calculation unit, and a correction unit. The light transmission unit forms a beam of light that focuses in a measurement area where a measurement target object is placed and scans the measurement area with the beam of light. The light reception unit receives the beam of light that has passed through the measurement area and outputs a received-light signal on the basis of the received beam of light. The measurement value calculation unit calculates a measurement value that represents the dimension of the measurement target object on the basis of the received-light signal. The correction unit corrects the measurement value on the basis of the amount of change in the strength of the received-light signal per unit of time of scanning the beam of light.

Abstract: Systems and methods for using common-path interferometric imaging for defect detection and classification are described. An illumination source generates and directs coherent light toward the sample. An optical imaging system collects light reflected or transmitted from the sample including a scattered component and a specular component that is predominantly undiffracted by the sample. A variable phase controlling system is used to adjust the relative phase of the scattered component and the specular component so as to change the way they interfere at the image plane. The resultant signal is compared to a reference signal for the same location on the sample and a difference above threshold is considered to be a defect. The process is repeated multiple times each with a different relative phase shift and each defect location and the difference signals are stored in memory. This data is then used to calculate an amplitude and phase for each defect, which can be used for defect detection and classification.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for increasing the sensitivity in the detection of optical coherence tomography and low coherence interferometry (“LCI”) signals by detecting a parallel set of spectral bands, each band being a unique combination of optical frequencies. The LCI broad bandwidth source is split into N spectral bands. The N spectral bands are individually detected and processed to provide an increase in the signal-to-noise ratio by a factor of N. Each spectral band is detected by a separate photo detector and amplified. For each spectral band the signal is band pass filtered around the signal band by analog electronics and digitized, or, alternatively, the signal may be digitized and band pass filtered in software. As a consequence, the shot noise contribution to the signal is reduced by a factor equal to the number of spectral bands. The signal remains the same. The reduction of the shot noise increases the dynamic range and sensitivity of the system.

Abstract: Fourier domain a/LCI (faLCI) system and method which enables in vivo data acquisition at rapid rates using a single scan. Angle-resolved and depth-resolved spectra information is obtained with one scan. The reference arm can remain fixed with respect to the sample due to only one scan required. A reference signal and a reflected sample signal are cross-correlated and dispersed at a multitude of reflected angles off of the sample, thereby representing reflections from a multitude of points on the sample at the same time in parallel. Information about all depths of the sample at each of the multitude of different points on the sample can be obtained with one scan on the order of approximately 40 milliseconds. From the spatial, cross-correlated reference signal, structural (size) information can also be obtained using techniques that allow size information of scatterers to be obtained from angle-resolved data.

Abstract: A laser interferometer, such as a dual path Michelson interferometer, is used to generate fringe patterns resulting from one of a plurality of optical paths passing through a sample gas. An artificial neural network, such as, for example, a KASER neural network, is used to recognize patterns in the fringe interference patterns corresponding to known target gases.

Abstract: An optical tomographic imaging apparatus is provided which includes a low-resolution mode for rough imaging and a high-resolution mode for obtaining detailed images. In particular, an optical tomographic imaging apparatus is provided which enables tomographic imaging during a high-resolution mode to be performed at higher speeds. An imaging apparatus according to the present invention captures an optical interference tomographic image based on a combined beam that combines a return beam from an object irradiated by a measuring beam and a reference beam corresponding to the measuring beam. The imaging apparatus according to the present invention further includes a beam diameter changing unit for changing a beam diameter of the measuring beam. Furthermore, the imaging apparatus according to the present invention includes a detection unit configured to detect the combined beam at a resolution according to the beam diameter.

Abstract: An interferometric confocal method and assembly for terabyte volume optical data memories couples two-beam spectral interferometry to chromatic confocal technology and permits a longitudinal splitting of foci in the memory volume, with the foci having limited diffraction. A spectrometer is located downstream of the interferometer with confocal discrimination in the beam path. A diffractive optical zone lens (DOZE) with a usage of the first diffraction order is introduced into the interferometric beam path to achieve longitudinal chromatic splitting. The interferometer can be a fiber-coupled interferometer with a retroreflector in the fiber-coupled reference arm and with wavelength-dependent optical path difference modification by dispersion or diffraction. The optical path difference in the interferometer is set so that easily detectable wavelets are formed from detectable interferograms by spectral analysis.

Abstract: A gas measuring apparatus includes: an infrared detecting section that receives an infrared ray from a measurement area and outputs infrared spectrum data relating to the infrared ray; a variation detecting section that detects, by using the infrared spectrum data, a variation in intensity of the infrared ray, which is caused in the infrared ray that radiates from the measurement area and which is caused by a measuring object gas in the measurement area; a converting section that converts the infrared spectrum data to radiance temperature spectrum data which represent wavelengths in an infrared region and radiance temperatures at each wavelength; a background temperature detecting section that detects, as background temperature of the measuring object gas, a maximum radiance temperature from among radiance temperatures represented by the radiance temperature spectrum data; a gas temperature detecting section that detects the temperature of the measuring object gas by using a radiance temperature in a waveleng

Abstract: Apparatus and method for increasing the sensitivity in the detection of optical coherence tomography and low coherence interferometry (“LCI”) signals by detecting a parallel set of spectral bands, each band being a unique combination of optical frequencies. The LCI broad bandwidth source is split into N spectral bands. The N spectral bands are individually detected and processed to provide an increase in the signal-to-noise ratio by a factor of N. Each spectral band is detected by a separate photo detector and amplified. For each spectral band the signal is band pass filtered around the signal band by analog electronics and digitized, or, alternatively, the signal may be digitized and band pass filtered in software. As a consequence, the shot noise contribution to the signal is reduced by a factor equal to the number of spectral bands. The signal remains the same. The reduction of the shot noise increases the dynamic range and sensitivity of the system.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for coherent imaging. The system of the present invention includes a light source adapted to provide coherent light to illuminate a sample resulting in optically mixed coherent signals and a detector adapted to receive the optically mixed coherent signals and produce an output signal in response thereto. The optically mixed coherent signals will be a set of sum and difference frequency combinations of the frequencies in the coherent light. A processor is connected to the detector and adapted to ratio a selected two of the optically mixed coherent signals in response to the output signal received by the detector and to generate an image in response to the ratioed optically mixed coherent signals, which can be displayed for a user.

Abstract: Sinusoidal in-phase and in-quadrature signals at a given spatial frequency are combined with the irradiance signals generating a correlogram of interest and integrated over the length of the correlogram data-acquisition scan. The integration outputs are then used to calculate the amplitude and the phase of the correlogram signal at the selected spatial frequency, thereby producing targeted spectral information. The signal generator used to generate the in-phase and in-quadrature sinusoidal signals may be scanned advantageously through any desired range of spatial frequencies, thereby producing corresponding amplitude and phase spectral information for the correlogram. Because the procedure produces spectral information independently of the number of data frames acquired during the interferometric scan, it is materially more rapid than conventional FFT analysis.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, computer-implemented methods, and tangible computer-readable storage media for wide field imaging interferometry. The method includes for each point in a two dimensional detector array over a field of view of an image: gathering a first interferogram from a first detector and a second interferogram from a second detector, modulating a path-length for a signal from an image associated with the first interferogram in the first detector, overlaying first data from the modulated first detector and second data from the second detector, and tracking the modulating at every point in a two dimensional detector array comprising the first detector and the second detector over a field of view for the image. The method then generates a widefield data cube based on the overlaid first data and second data for each point. The method can generate an image from the widefield data cube.

Abstract: An optical device includes a photodetector, a Fabry-Perot interferometer and an analyzer.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus comprises a dye amount distribution obtaining section configured to obtain a distribution of dye amounts from a sample colored with a dye. The apparatus further comprises a classification section configured to classify a point on the sample in accordance with a dye amount at a corresponding position on the distribution obtained by the dye amount distribution obtaining section.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and methods for determining electric field characteristics of pulses. In one example, a method is provided in which an unknown pulse is propagated through a first optical fiber. A reference pulse is propagated through a second optical fiber. The unknown pulse and the reference pulse are directed out of the first and second optical fibers into a spectrometer. The unknown pulse and the reference pulse propagate along a pair of crossing trajectories through the spectrometer to form an interferogram. The electric field of the unknown pulse is determined by processing this interferogram.

Abstract: Described are dental implements useful for inspecting tooth surfaces for abnormalities such as caries or plaque. Preferred implements of the invention include light emitting diodes mounted on an implement body having a mirror for insertion into a user's mouth. Such implements also have on-board batteries mounted in chambers in the implement handle, and a switch for energizing and de-energizing the LED with the battery. Also described are methods for examining tooth surfaces for abnormal conditions indicative of plaque involving illuminating surfaces with radiation at a wavelength in the range of 390-450 nm wherein the radiation is effective to cause detectable fluorescence emissions from bacterial metabolites known to be associated with plaque-containing surfaces, and detecting the emissions.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring display quality by using a hyperspectral imager are disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a hyperspectral imager configured to determine an intensity of light for a plurality of locations in a first area on a display for a plurality of spectral channels, and a processor configured to determine a measure of display quality based on the determined intensities.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for multimodal functional imaging based upon photoacoustic and laser optical scanning microscopy. In particular, at least one embodiment of the present invention utilizes a contact lens in combination with an ultrasound transducer for purposes of acquiring photoacoustic microscopy data. Traditionally divergent imaging modalities such as confocal scanning laser opthalmoscopy and photoacoustic microscopy are combined within a single laser system. Functional imaging of biological samples can be utilized for various medical and biological purposes.

Abstract: Methods, fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FDOCT) interferometers and computer program products are provided for removing undesired artifacts in FDOCT systems using continuous phase modulation. A variable phase delay is introduced between a reference arm and a sample arm of an FDOCT interferometer using continuous phase modulation. Two or more spectral interferograms having different phase delay integration times are generated. The spectral interferograms are combined using signal processing to remove the undesired artifacts. Systems and methods for switching between stepped and continuous phase shifting Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FDOCT) and polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PSOCT) are also provided herein.

Abstract: Exemplary systems and methods for generating data associated with at least one portion of a sample can be provided. For example, according to one exemplary embodiment of such systems and methods, it is possible to provide a particular radiation using at least one first arrangement. The particular radiation can include at least one first electro-magnetic radiation directed to at least one sample and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation directed to a reference arrangement. The first radiation and/or the second radiation can comprise a plurality of wavelengths. The first electro-magnetic radiation can be spectrally dispersed along at least one portion of the sample. The second electro-magnetic radiation measured at two or more different lengths of the reference arrangement with respect to the first arrangement.

Abstract: An optical coherence tomography method according to the present invention comprising the steps of dividing an object to be measured into a plurality of measurement regions adjacent to one another in a direction of irradiation of a measurement light, and acquiring a measurement image for every measurement region based on a wavelength spectrum of a coherent light and acquiring a tomographic image for every measurement region by removing a mirror image of a tomographic image of an adjacent region being adjacent to the measurement region of the measurement image from the measurement image.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to determine a property of a substrate by measuring, in the pupil plane of a high numerical aperture lens, an angle-resolved spectrum as a result of radiation being reflected off the substrate. The property may be angle and wavelength dependent and may include the intensity of TM- and TE-polarized radiation and their relative phase difference.

Abstract: A segmented array, perfectly aligned except for piston wraps, will have perfect imaging at wavelength ? but will have degraded imaging at other wavelengths. The present method detects and corrects piston wraps by making image-based measurements at a wavelength ? and a second wavelength ?1. These measurements will produce an image of the piston-wrapped segments and the intensities of these segments in the image at wavelength ?1 are linearly related to the sizes of the piston wraps at wavelength ?. The method needs no additional equipment like inter-segment apertures, lenslets, and detectors. It needs only a narrowband filter to change the measurement wavelength from ? to ?1.

Abstract: A system and method for spatial imaging and imaging spectroscopy system includes a sample holder for holding samples, an illumination system arranged to illuminate the samples, a wavelength isolation module configured to selectively isolate received illumination from the samples to a plurality wavelengths, a single matrix imaging device arranged to receive the isolated wavelengths from the wavelength isolation module through a single lens system, and a computing device configured to perform a spatial imaging and imaging spectroscopy process. The spatial imaging and imaging spectroscopy process includes acquiring image data corresponding to each of the isolated wavelengths, performing spatial imaging analysis based on the acquired image data, and performing imaging spectroscopy on the acquired image data.

Abstract: Colored foreign particles contained in quartz powder material are detected in a high precision with the specified detection apparatus even when the colored foreign particles are pale colored foreign particles such as iron-based refuse, organic refuse and carbon-based refuse.

Abstract: Methods, fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FDOCT) interferometers and computer program products are provided for removing undesired artifacts in FDOCT systems using continuous phase modulation. A variable phase delay is introduced between a reference arm and a sample arm of an FDOCT interferometer using continuous phase modulation. Two or more spectral interferograms having different phase delay integration times are generated. The spectral interferograms are combined using signal processing to remove the undesired artifacts. Systems and methods for switching between stepped and continuous phase shifting Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (FDOCT) and polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PSOCT) are also provided herein.

Abstract: A method is provided to calibrate a detection array used for acquiring an image of an interferogram at an instrument. A first interferogram and at least two shifted interferograms are elaborated at the instrument by creating a number of optical path differences, so at least three samples are on a sine wave portion for each optical path difference. A function coinciding with the sine wave portion is determined by interpolation. A calibration coefficient is determined from the function for each optical path difference.

Abstract: Light from a tissue sample undergoes self-interference on a detector. A low coherence light source may illuminate the sample, and an interferometer receives light from the sample, divides and directs the received light along two paths, phase-delaying one and recombining the beams on a detector to form a signal. A processor coordinated with the phase delay and optionally with spatial scanning or detector array addresses, converts the signal to a tomographic image. Using self-interfering radiation from the sample, rather than interference of a reference source and a return signal, permits imaging with light naturally emitted by the sample, or with wavelength-shifted, delayed or induced light signals, allowing new diagnostic imaging modalities. The processor may create images in registry from different (for example, close but separable) wavelengths. Systems may also operate without an illumination source or may apply other stimuli to evoke emission from the sample.

Abstract: A method of estimating an amount of a substance in a bodily fluid from the color of a tissue surface of a subject includes capturing an image including at least a portion-of-interest of the subject and at least a reference portion of a color reference, the image being a digital image of pixels of at least one color, the image including a component value for each pixel for each of the at least one color, obtaining a first value associated with at least one component value corresponding to the portion-of-interest of the subject, obtaining a second value associated with at least one component value corresponding to the reference portion, and calculating an estimated amount of the substance using the first and second values.

Abstract: A spectrometry device comprising at least one wavefront-dividing interferometer comprising at least two unbalanced arms and at least one air wedge, a device for imaging interference fringes, an imaging sensor of the fringes and a processor that processes a signal derived from the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for optical coherence tomography having an interferometer (20), a detector (30) with a first number of detector elements for collecting light, and an optical fibre (29) with a second number of individual fibres for transmitting light from the interferometer (20) to the detector (30). In order to increase the compactness of the system with at the same time high image quality provision is made such that the detector elements have a first centre-centre distance and the individual fibres have a second centre-centre distance, the first centre-centre distance between the detector elements being greater than the second centre-centre distance between the individual fibres.

Abstract: Fourier domain a/LCI (faLCI) system and method which enables in vivo data acquisition at rapid rates using a single scan. Angle-resolved and depth-resolved spectra information is obtained with one scan. The reference arm can remain fixed with respect to the sample due to only one scan required. A reference signal and a reflected sample signal are cross-correlated and dispersed at a multitude of reflected angles off of the sample, thereby representing reflections from a multitude of points on the sample at the same time in parallel. Information about all depths of the sample at each of the multitude of different points on the sample can be obtained with one scan on the order of approximately 40 milliseconds. From the spatial, cross-correlated reference signal, structural (size) information can also be obtained using techniques that allow size information of scatterers to be obtained from angle-resolved data.

Abstract: Frequency domain optical coherence imaging systems have an optical source, an optical detector and an optical transmission path between the optical source and the optical detector. The optical transmission path between the optical source and the optical detector reduces an effective linewidth of the imaging system. The optical source may be a broadband source and the optical transmission path may include a periodic optical filter.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for increasing the sensitivity in the detection of optical coherence tomography and low coherence interferometry (“LCI”) signals by detecting a parallel set of spectral bands, each band being a unique combination of optical frequencies. The LCI broad bandwidth source is split into N spectral bands. The N spectral bands are individually detected and processed to provide an increase in the signal-to-noise ratio by a factor of N. Each spectral band is detected by a separate photo detector and amplified. For each spectral band the signal is band pass filtered around the signal band by analog electronics and digitized, or, alternatively, the signal may be digitized and band pass filtered in software. As a consequence, the shot noise contribution to the signal is reduced by a factor equal to the number of spectral bands. The signal remains the same. The reduction of the shot noise increases the dynamic range and sensitivity of the system.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging tissue cells at a predetermined depth in the retina of an eye include components that provide for compensation of refractive errors. Specifically, the system basically includes three subassemblies that operate in concert with each other. There is a first subassembly for directing a first light beam into the eye to measure anterior optical aberrations. There is also a second subassembly for directing a second light beam through retinal tissue to a predetermined depth where the tissue cells are located. This second light beam is used to measure phase aberrations introduced by the retinal tissue. And, there is a third subassembly for directing a third light beam to the tissue cell to produce an image of the tissue cell. In the third light beam, the anterior optical aberrations and the phase aberrations have been substantially removed to provide a clearer image of the tissue cell.

Abstract: Authenticating an authentic article having an authentication mark. Acquiring a set of spectral images of the authentication mark, for forming a set of single-authentication mark spectral fingerprint data (FIG. 1). Identifying at least one spectral shift in the set of single-authentication mark spectral fingerprint data, for forming an intra-authentication mark physicochemical region group including sub-sets of intra-authentication mark spectral fingerprint pattern data, such that data elements in each sub-set are shifted relative to corresponding data elements in remaining sub-sets in the same intra-authentication mark physicochemical region group (FIG. 2). Forming a set of intra-authentication mark physicochemical properties and characteristics data relating to the imaged authentication mark, by performing pattern recognition and classification analysis on the intra-authentication mark physicochemical region group (FIG. 3).

Abstract: Fourier domain a/LCI (faLCI) system and method which enables in vivo data acquisition at rapid rates using a single scan. Angle-resolved and depth-resolved spectra information is obtained with one scan. The reference arm can remain fixed with respect to the sample due to only one scan required. A reference signal and a reflected sample signal are cross-correlated and dispersed at a multitude of reflected angles off of the sample, thereby representing reflections from a multitude of points on the sample at the same time in parallel. Information about all depths of the sample at each of the multitude of different points on the sample can be obtained with one scan on the order of approximately 40 milliseconds. From the spatial, cross-correlated reference signal, structural (size) information can also be obtained using techniques that allow size information of scatterers to be obtained from angle-resolved data.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide optical coherence tomography systems including an OCT engine and a processor. The OCT engine is configured to provide both standard OCT imaging and spectral domain phase microscopy (SDPM) imaging. The processor is coupled to the OCT engine and is configured to use a first signal processing method when the OCT engine is configured to provide standard OCT imaging and a second signal processing method when the OCT engine is configured to provide SDPM imaging. Related methods and computer program products are also provided.

Abstract: A refractive spatial heterodyne spectrometer includes an input aperture for receiving an input light; a collimating lens for collimating the input light into a collimated lightbeam; and a beamsplitter for reflecting one part of the collimated light into a first arm and transmitting another part of the collimated light into a second arm. The first arm includes a first dispersing prism for receiving and refracting the first part of the collimated light, and a first mirror positioned to reflect the refracted first collimated light back through the first dispersing prism and to the beamsplitter as a first light wavefront. The second arm includes a second dispersing prism for receiving and refracting the other part of the collimated light, and a second mirror positioned to reflect this refracted light back through the second dispersing prism and to the beamsplitter as a second light wavefront.

Abstract: A method of examining a sample comprises exposing the sample to a pump pulse of electromagnetic radiation for a first period of time, exposing the sample to a stimulant pulse of electromagnetic radiation for a second period of time which overlaps in time with at least a portion of the first exposing, to produce a signal pulse of electromagnetic radiation for a third period of time, and interfering the signal pulse with a reference pulse of electromagnetic radiation, to determine which portions of the signal pulse were produced during the exposing of the sample to the stimulant pulse. The first and third periods of time are each greater than the second period of time.

Abstract: Exemplary arrangement, apparatus, method and computer accessible can be provided. For example, using the exemplary arrangement, apparatus and method, it is possible to configured to propagate at least one electro-magnetic radiation. Indeed, it is possible to receive, using at least one first arrangement, a first portion of the at least one electro-magnetic radiation directed to a sample and a second portion of the least one electro-magnetic radiation directed to a reference, the first arrangement can be structured to at least partially reflect and at least partially allow to transmit the first and second portions.

Abstract: A light emission section includes light generators which are operated on the basis of drive signals from a controller so as to emit near infrared interferable light beams having different specific wavelengths to a light interference section. The light interference section includes a beam splitter having a low-reflection region. The beam splitter allows a most portion of the near infrared interferable light beams to propagate toward an object to be examined, and reflects a portion of the near infrared interferable light beams to a movable mirror. The beam splitter causes interference between measurement light reflected by the object and reference light reflected by the movable mirror, and the resultant interference light propagates to a light detection section. The light detection section receives the interference light and calculates predetermined information regarding the object by making use of the quantity distribution of the interference light. A display section displays the calculated information.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for capturing spectral images includes a variable spectroscopy device having first and second optical members that face each other and have a space therebetween, the spectral characteristics of the variable spectroscopy device being changed in accordance with changes in the relative positions of these optical members; a frame member that fixes the first optical member in place; a driving section disposed between the frame member and the second optical member, and transferring the second optical member with respect to the frame member in accordance with driving signals input to the driving section; and an optical element that deflects or disperses light beams passing through the variable spectroscopy device or a photoelectric conversion element that conducts photoelectric conversion. The optical element or the photoelectric conversion element is supported by the frame member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing information associated with at least one portion of a sample can be provided. For example, at least one wavelength of electro-magnetic radiation provided on a sample can be encoded to determine at least one transverse location of the portion. A relative phase between at least one first electro-magnetic radiation electro-magnetic radiation being returned from a sample and at least one second electro-magnetic radiation returned from a reference can be obtained to determine at least one relative depth location of the portion. Further, the information of the portion can be provided based on the transverse location and the relative depth location. For example, the information can be depth information and/or three-dimensional information associated with the portion of the sample.

Abstract: Determining relationships between one laser beam and an object onto which such beam is directed including: directing such beam onto the object; collecting radiation from the beam that is reflected back; spectrally discriminating the collected, reflected radiation from other collected radiation; generating an image of the collected beam radiation; and analyzing this image to determine the value of at least one parameter selected from: the diameter of the beam on the object; the position of the beam on the object; and beam quality on the object. The determined value(s) may be used to adjust parameter(s) of the beam. Additional steps include directing a second beam onto the object and collecting, spectrally discriminating, generating an image and analyzing it to determine the value of at least one parameter related to the second beam. The forgoing may also include utilizing the determined second value to adjust parameter(s) of the second beam.

Abstract: A wavelength division image measuring device that can divide a wideband incident light from a measurement object into a plurality of wavelengths with high selectivity to thereby measure these images simultaneously and collectively. Micro periodic irregular lattices are formed on a substrate 302. At this time, a plurality of microscopic element areas 101 with different lattice shapes and lattice periods are repeatedly arranged within a plane of the substrate 302. Next, a high refractive index material and a low refractive index material are alternately laid thereon so as to form a multilayer using a bias spatter method to thereby form a wavelength filter 301 with a photonic crystal structure. Thus, an array of the photonic crystal wavelength filters 031 with a sharp selectivity and different wavelength transmission characteristics can be obtained.

Abstract: An instrument having an illumination source configured to illuminate a field of illumination on a surface of a substrate that is configured to hold a sample. The field of illumination typically has a diameter greater than 1 micron or an area greater than that of at least one pad of an array. The instrument also includes an interferometer, and a detectors. The instrument is configured to perform Fourier transform imaging without single spot scanning or without line scanning. Additionally, the instrument may include an illumination light source, an array detector and spectral processing electronics. A method of collecting Fourier transform (FT) data is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical sensor for determining a distance between a target and a probe head is described. The optical sensor comprises a light source delivering a broadband spectrum; a fiber-optic Michelson interferometer (FOMI) for creating an interferogram; and an analyzer unit for receiving the interferogram from an output of the FOMI and for determining the distance of the target by finding a position corresponding to a maximum in a Fourier transform of the spectral distribution of the interferogram. The FOMI comprises a probing optical fiber terminated by the probe head and a reference optical fiber, the reference optical fiber having a fixed optical path length.