Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring particle content in a stream, comprising routing the stream, via a plurality of tubes, from a plurality of sampling points where particle content concentrations are to be measured. The concentration of particle content in the stream may be measured. The measurement may be based on determination, via a sensor for example, of an electrostatic charge of the particles as the particles, and/or based on counting of a number of particles in the stream, such as using a counter tracking light emitted from a light source. The measured concentration of particle content may be analyzed to determine if it is indicative of an appropriate concentration of measured particles in the stream. The particles may comprise extinguishing and/or suppression agent particles.

Abstract: A portable, tabletop fluid sampling device simplifies spectral analysis to produce an accurate but inexpensive chromatic fingerprint for fluid samples. In one embodiment, the sampling device uses an array of variable wavelength LED emitters and photodiode detectors to measure Rayleigh scattering of electromagnetic energy from the fluid sample contained in a cuvette. Either the fluid itself, or particles suspended in the fluid can then be identified by performing spectral pattern matching to compare results of a spectral scan against a library of known spectra. A wide range of applications include substance identification, security screening, authentication, quality control, and medical diagnostics.

Abstract: A temperature-adjusted spectrometer can include a light source and a temperature sensor.

Abstract: Devices for detecting particle sizes and distributions using focused light scattering techniques, by passing a sample through a focused beam of light, are disclosed. In one embodiment, the devices include one or more lasers, whose light is focused into a narrow beam and into a flow cell, and dispersions are passed through the flow cell using hydrodynamic sample injection. In another embodiment, a plurality of lasers is used, optionally with hydrodynamic sample injection. Particles pass through and scatter the light. The scattered light is then detected using scatter and extinction detectors, and, optionally, fluorescence detectors, and the number and size of the particles is determined. Particles in the size range of 0.1 to 10 ?m can be measured. Using the device, significantly smaller particles can be detected than if techniques such as EQELS, flow cytometry, and other conventional devices for measuring biological particles.

Abstract: A 4-in-1 antique identification method combines visual inspection, a colorimetric method, microscopic observation, and a density comparison method to form conclusions as to the date of an antique object. Among them the density comparison is to detect the identified object's unit weight, and compare it to known data of historical unit weights of objects, to determine the age of the object being measured. This combines the antique's inherent physical constant to confirm its age. This is repeated for each step, to provide a number of estimated age results for the object. If the results are in agreement, the result can be considered reliable and the object can be deemed authentic. This method especially applies to the identification of porcelain, jade and bronze with less equipment and easier operation.

Abstract: An optical spectral sensing device for determining at least one property of a fluid. The device has an elongated porous body, a first end and a second end, a solid-state optical emitter at the first end of the body oriented to emit radiation toward the second end of the body, and a solid-state optical detector at the second end of the body oriented to detect radiation emitted by the optical emitter. A package for detecting properties of a fluid includes a body defining a cavity, with a movable and biased carrier for an optical detector or emitter mounted in the cavity for increased reliability. A system for determining relative concentrations of fluids in a sample includes emitter/detector pairs operating at reference wavelength and wavelengths corresponding to absorption peaks of at least two fluids, and a processor for determining concentration based on measured data and calibration data.

Abstract: An apparatus for, and a method of, characterizing a plurality of particles carried by a fluid that can be urged to move through a channel in a microfluidic cassette by combining data analysis of a first signal that is optically-based, and data analysis of a second signal that is electrically-based. Optically-based information is typically obtained by a digital image sensor. Electrically-based information can be obtained by direct measurement of impedance; sometimes in an arrangement operating under the Coulter principle. Data provided by exemplary characterization includes at least one of: volumetric cell count; viability percentage or ratio; particle type; and a particle size histogram.

Abstract: A first thread feature is measured by detecting with an optical sensor 2 light that reaches from a light source 21 located on the opposite side of a pipe axis and runs substantially in parallel to thread grooves A4. A contact probe 31 of a contact sensor 3 is contacted with a thread flank surface A8 to detect the space coordinates of the contact probe 31 at the time of contact, so that a second thread feature is measured. The first and second thread features thus detected are combined with each other by a processor 4, and thread features of the thread provided as a measurement object are thereby calculated.

Abstract: Detection system comprising an examination region, a one-piece optical element including a focusing portion to concentrate light received from the examination region and a guiding portion to homogenize light received from the focusing portion, and a detector configured to detect homogenized light received from the guiding portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to map the body habitus, without the use of ionizing radiation, and to simultaneously track the position of an ionizing radiation imaging detector with respect to the body habitus map so that the radiotracer distribution of the patient can be fused with the body habitus map and thus provide an anatomical reference for the radiotracer distribution within the patient. A depth camera, capable of imaging a 3-dimensional surface, is attached to an ionizing radiation imaging detector where the relative position between the two is known.

Abstract: Sampling device geometry reduces specular reflectance, using lenses to focus electromagnetic energy to predominately return scattered rather than reflected electromagnetic energy to detector(s), reducing effect of non-matte surfaces and/or window. Sampling device includes inherent automatic optical calibration, and optionally thermal calibration. Calibration detectors are optically isolated with respective emitters.

Abstract: System for optical seismic surveying of an area of interest including at least one seismic source, at least one laser source, at least one optical sensing system and a processor, the processor being coupled with the seismic source, the laser source and the optical sensing system, the seismic source for generating at least one seismic wave in the area of interest, the laser source for generating a matrix of laser spots over the area of interest, the optical sensing system for detecting reflections of the laser spots as a speckle pattern, wherein the seismic source modifies the speckle pattern and wherein the processor determines at least one property of the seismic wave according to the modified speckle pattern thereby generating a seismic map of the area of interest.

Abstract: Methods and systems for performing pressure-volume-temperature testing on fluids include: a portable environmental control chamber 14, a first pressure vessel 12A disposed inside the portable environmental control chamber, a second pressure vessel 12B disposed inside the portable environmental control chamber, the second pressure vessel in hydraulic communication with the first pressure vessel, a viscometer 18 configured to measure the viscosity of fluids flowing between the first pressure vessel and the second pressure vessel, and an optics system 22 configured to measure optical properties of fluids flowing between the first pressure vessel and the second pressure vessel.

Abstract: A method of characterizing and correcting effective radius variations in a surface nanoscale axial photonic (SNAP) device that comprises a plurality of separate optical microdevices includes the steps of characterizing an as-fabricated SNAP device to determine local effective radius values of the plurality of separate optical microdevices, calibrating the as-fabricated SNAP device to determine a correction factor defined as a change in effective radius associated with a predetermined corrective treatment and then correcting individual microdevices by the application of a number of refractive index-changing treatments, the number of treatments applied to individual microdevices determined by the amount of correction required and the correction factor determined in the calibrating step. A number of iterations of the characterizing and correcting operations can be performed, achieving less than an Angstrom variation in effective radius variation. An apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a guidance system determines a location parameter of an object, and includes: at least one oscillating element located at the object for emitting modulated optical radiation; at least two mutually distinct signal-modifying electro-optical sensors, each of the electro-optical sensors having a detector and a demodulator for generating a demodulated electrical signal in response to detection of at least a portion of the modulated optical radiation; and a processor for determining the location parameter from the demodulated electrical signals. In another embodiment, a guidance system has aberration-corrected imaging and includes: a plurality of electro-optical sensors sharing a field of view and mutually distinctly providing a respective plurality of altered images therefrom; and an image generator module for linearly and non-linearly processing spatial frequency properties of the plurality of altered images to synthesize an aberration-corrected image for the imaging system.

Abstract: A recording device includes: a detection unit converting scattering light generated by intersection between light emitted from a light-emitting unit and an ink droplet discharged from each nozzle of a nozzle array, into an electric signal in a light-receiving unit; a first signal generation unit amplifying the electric signal to generate a first electric signal; a determination unit determining presence or absence of an ink droplet based on a second electric signal representing change of the first electric signal; a relation information generation unit generating relation information in which an amplification value corresponding to the first electric signal generated when an arbitrary nozzle of the nozzle array discharges an ink droplet and the arbitrary nozzle are associated with each other; and a control unit performing control to amplify the electric signal at an amplification value according to a corresponding nozzle based on the relation information.

Abstract: A method and device for remotely monitoring an area using a low peak power optical pump comprising one or more pumping sources, one or more lasers; and an optical response analyzer. Each pumping source creates a pumping energy. The lasers each comprise a high reflectivity mirror, a laser media, an output coupler, and an output lens. Each laser media is made of a material that emits a lasing power when exposed to pumping energy. Each laser media is optically connected to and positioned between a corresponding high reflectivity mirror and output coupler along a pumping axis. Each output coupler is optically connected to a corresponding output lens along the pumping axis. The high reflectivity mirror of each laser is optically connected to an optical pumping source from the one or more optical pumping sources via an optical connection comprising one or more first optical fibers.

Abstract: A technique for determining the temperature of a sample including a semiconductor film 20 having a measurable optical absorption edge deposited on a transparent substrate 22 of material having no measurable optical absorption edge, such as a GaN film 20 deposited on an Al2O3 substrate 22 for blue and white LEDs. The temperature is determined in realtime as the film 20 grows and increases in thickness. A spectra based on the diffusely scattered light from the film 20 is produced at each incremental thickness. A reference division is performed on each spectra to correct for equipment artifacts. The thickness of the film 20 and an optical absorption edge wavelength value are determined from the spectra. The temperature of the film 20 is determined as a function of the optical absorption edge wavelength and the thickness of the film 20 using the spectra, a thickness calibration table, and a temperature calibration table.

Abstract: According to a defect pattern evaluation method of an embodiment, defects are detected by performing optical defect inspection on a pattern on a substrate. Then, the defects are classified according to a type of a pattern layout using a pattern layout corresponding to coordinates of the defects. Further, a computer calculates a defect occurrence rate by dividing the number of defects of each pattern layout by an arrangement number of the pattern layouts in an inspection region. Then, the defect occurrence rate of each pattern layout is output as an evaluation result.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring the isotope ratio of one or more trace gases and/or components of gas mixtures such as different gas species present in a gas mixture. The system includes a resonant optical cavity having two or more mirrors and containing a gas, the cavity having a free spectral range that equals the difference between frequencies of two measured absorption lines of different gas species in the gas, or of two different isotopes, divided onto an integer number. The system also includes a continuous-wave tunable laser optically coupled with the resonant optical cavity, and a detector system for measuring an absorption of laser light by the gas in the cavity. The detector system includes one of a photo-detector configured to measure an intensity of the intra-cavity light or both a photo-acoustic sensor configured to measure photo-acoustic waves generated in the cavity and a photo-detector configured to measure an intensity of the intra-cavity light.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for characterizing a replica tape which has been embossed, compressed or cast on a surface of a material to be measured to replicate that surface. The replica tape is secured between first and second holding components such that a compressible surface of the replica tape is secured against the first holding component. A light source transmits light through the second holding component, the replica tape and the first holding component. An image sensor measures intensity of the light respectively transmitted through at least two measurement points of the compressible surface of the replica tape. A processing unit converts the measured light intensity transmitted through the at least two measurement points into at least two data values each respectively relating to a measurement statistic of the replica tape at a corresponding one of the at least two measurement points, respectively.

Abstract: A film thickness measurement apparatus includes: an ECT sensor for measuring a film thickness of a thermal barrier coating formed on a turbine blade; a storage unit for storing a measurement point on the turbine blade which is a point where the film thickness of the thermal barrier coating is measured; a laser displacement meter for measuring a shape of the turbine blade; a measurement position calculation unit for calculating an actual measurement point suitable for actual film thickness measurement using the ECT sensor, based on the shape of the turbine blade measured by the laser displacement meter and the measurement point on the turbine blade stored in the storage unit; and an arm drive unit for driving the ECT sensor to adjust a measurement position of the ECT sensor based on the actual measurement point calculated by the measurement position calculation unit.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments include a sphere bar probe apparatus, including a holder, a retroreflector disposed in the holder, a member having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is attached to the holder and an end plate attached to the second end of the member.

Abstract: In some embodiments, aspects of the disclosure relate to methods of evaluating cell culture materials, for example, nutrient materials, or other materials that can be used in cell culture media.

Abstract: Methods are provided to use data obtained from a single wavelength ellipsometer to determine the refractive index of materials as a function of wavelength for thin conductive films. The methods may be used to calculate the refractive index spectrum as a function of wavelength for thin films of metals, and conductive materials such as conductive metal nitrides or conductive metal oxides.

Abstract: A method for measuring a position of an element of a structure includes the steps of: attaching a receiving device to the element at a measurement position; attaching a first reference device to the receiving device; determining a first measurement point with a first measurement device adapted to measure a position of the first reference device; removing the first reference device; attaching a second reference device to the receiving device; and determining a second measurement point with a second measurement device adapted to measure a position of the second reference device.

Abstract: System and method are disclosed for measuring properties (e.g., shrinkage) of a photosensitive material (e.g., photoresist) while undergoing a defined photolithography process. The system includes a photolithography processing system adapted to perform a defined photolithography process of the photosensitive material, and a coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy system adapted to perform measurement of the properties of the photosensitive material. In another aspect, the CARS microscopy system is adapted to measure properties of the photosensitive material simultaneous with the defined photolithography process being performed on the photosensitive material by the photolithography processing system. In still another aspect, the CARS microscopy system is adapted to measure properties of the photosensitive material while the defined photolithography process on the photosensitive material is paused.

Abstract: A device is provided for carrying out optical measurements such as fluorescence and absorbance measurements on samples distributed at measurement sites on a support, including first and second illumination apparatus, an optical detector, first and second optical fibres with an end facing the measurement sites at first and second faces of the support, respectively, which device further includes optical configuration apparatus configurable so as to allow the following configurations: (i) optical coupling of the first illumination apparatus with the first optical fibres and of the optical detector with the second optical fibres, (ii) optical coupling of the second illumination apparatus and the optical detector with the second optical fibres, and/or (iii) optical coupling of the second illumination apparatus and the optical detector with the first optical fibres. A corresponding method implemented in this device is also provided.

Abstract: Estimating reflectance of a surface adjacent a handheld electronic device having a orientation sensor and a light sensor, including estimating a location of the handheld electronic device relative to the surface in dependence on information from the orientation sensor; measuring light from the surface with the light sensor; and estimating a reflectance of the surface in dependence on the estimated location and measured light.

Abstract: A position-referenced mobile system includes: a mobile apparatus including: a transport mechanism for moving the mobile apparatus along or substantially along a plane of motion; a rotatable position detection assembly including: a laser; a first photo detector; and a second photo detector; and at least one encoder for monitoring an amount of rotation of the position detection assembly; a controller for interpreting signals provided by the first photo detector and the second photo detector; and a position referencing structure including: a reflective linear reference member; a first reflective cylindrical surface disposed at a first end of the linear reference member; and a second reflective cylindrical surface disposed at a second end of the linear reference member.

Abstract: A briquette inspection device and a briquette inspection method are capable of measuring at least a volume and a crush strength of an identical briquette sample. The briquette inspection device 10 is provided with: a volume measuring unit 2 for measuring the volume of the briquette sample B by laser scanning; and a crush strength measuring unit 3 for measuring the crush strength of the briquette sample B by pressing down and crushing the briquette sample B after the volume measuring unit measures the volume of the briquette sample.

Abstract: A method of determining a position of a mobile apparatus includes: firing a laser that is mounted on the mobile apparatus; rotating the laser and a first and second photo detector that are disposed proximate the laser while monitoring an amount of rotation; detecting a first amplitude of light received by the first photo detector and a second amplitude of light received by a second photo detector as a function of the amount of rotation; identifying a first orientation corresponding to perpendicularity of the laser to a position referencing structure; identifying a second orientation corresponding to perpendicularity of the laser to the position referencing structure; identifying a third orientation corresponding to perpendicularity of the laser to the position referencing structure; and calculating the position of the mobile apparatus based on the first orientation, the second orientation, the third orientation, and a predetermined distance associated with the position referencing structure.

Abstract: A system for measuring a characteristic of a solar cell is disclosed and includes a light source irradiating an optical signal having a spectral range from about 100 nm to about 3000 nm, a wavelength selector configured to selectively narrow the spectral range of the optical signal, a beam splitter, a reference detector in optical communication with the beam splitter and configured to measure a characteristic of the optical signal, a specimen irradiated with the optical signal, a reflectance detector in optical communication with the specimen via the beam splitter and configured to measure an optical characteristic of the optical signal reflected by the specimen, a multiplexer in communication with at least one of the reference detector, specimen, and reflectance detector, and a processor in communication with at least one of the reference detector, specimen, and reflectance detector via the multiplexer and configured to calculate at least one characteristic of the specimen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for determining the position of a first shaft (10) and of a second shaft (12) that is joined to the first shaft by means of a coupling (14), with respect to each other, having a first measurement unit being placed on a circumferential surface of the first shaft and a second measurement unit being placed on a circumferential surface of the second shaft, wherein at least one of the two measurement units has means (20) for producing at least one light beam bundle (22) and at least one of the two measurement units has detection means (24, 25, 26) in order to detect the impingement position of the light beam bundle on at least one detection area (24, 25, 26).

Abstract: Method for the quantification of the fugitive gas flow from a dispersed source (A) by monitoring with a remote detection optical instrument mounted on an aircraft (UAV) which moves at a determined height along a plane (S) perpendicular to the direction of the wind field (u), such wind field being known through suitable positioning of meteorological stations within and in areas neighboring the site to be monitored according to known techniques and use of commercially available diagnostic meteorological models.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a sunglass testing station 10 that is useful determining the effectiveness and desirability of a pair of sunglasses in “real world” environments. In one embodiment, the sunglass testing station 10 comprises a base 20, a vertical member 30 and a viewing box 40 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Abstract: Distribution is acquired for a reflectance spectrum and a fluorescence emission spectrum on a sample composed of color-image recorded matter. Then, on the basis of the distribution of the reflectance spectrum and the fluorescence emission spectrum, a single color portion is identified that is generated with one colorant selected from colorants of plural colors used in generating a color image. A control unit stores in advance Raman spectra of colorants of single color for each manufacturer. Laser light is projected onto the single color portion of the sample so that a Raman spectrum is measured. Then, the measured Raman spectrum is compared with the Raman spectra stored in advance so that the manufacturer of the colorant is identified and hence the colorant is identified.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for monitoring a urea solution in a tank of a motor vehicle tank. This device comprises a light source capable of emitting a light beam, a photodetector capable of detecting a portion of a light beam emitted by the light source and a part made of a material allowing the propagation of a light beam emitted by the light source. The part has moreover a surface intended to be in contact with the urea solution. The light source, the photodetector and the part are arranged in such a way that a light beam emitted by the light source is propagated by the surface of the part, by reflection or by refraction, toward the photodetector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for assessment of a sealed package. Light is emitted from a narrow-band laser source towards said package from outside of said package. An absorption signal of said light scattered in said package is measured, wherein said absorption is caused by said at least one gas when said light is scattered and travels in said sealed package. Measuring is made outside of said package, whereby said assessment is non-intrusive with regard to said package. It is determined if a deviation exists from a predetermined, expected gas composition and/or concentration of said at least one gas within said sealed package based on said measured absorption signal. Thus sealing of said package for said gas is detected.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing tomography are disclosed herein. The apparatus includes an emitter for scanning an object with a detection beam, a diffuser for scattering a transmitted portion of the detection beam that passes through the object in order to generate a scattered signal, and at least one detector for detecting a portion of the scattered signal. The diffuser has a diffusive surface area, and the detector has a total detection area that is smaller than the diffusive surface area.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting a coating on a downhole fluid sensor are disclosed. A coating may refer to a solid or liquid film on a sensor interface with the sampled fluid, caused by contaminants. Detecting a coating may be accomplished by determining a sampled fluid type and measuring at least one fluid parameter using one or more downhole fluid sensors. The coating detection further includes determining whether the measured parameters are within ranges corresponding to the determined fluid type. Additionally or alternatively, measured parameter values that remain substantially stable during sampled fluid pumping may also indicate a coated sensor.

Abstract: A system for determining the spatial orientation of a movable apparatus includes at least one optical angle-of-arrival (OAOA) sensor array, each of which comprises multiple OAOA sensors arranged to provide a 360° field-of-view (FOV). At least one sensor array is mounted on and has a known spatial relationship to a movable apparatus, the spatial orientation of which is to be determined. Point sources are located at one or more stationary positions within the FOV of at least one of the mounted arrays. An initial-north-finding/initial-vertical-finding (INF/INV) system determines the spatial orientation of at least one of the point sources. Processing circuitry coupled to the INF/INV system and the sensor arrays derives the spatial orientation of the mounted arrays—and thereby the spatial orientation of the apparatus—based on the angular positions of the stationary point sources detected by the mounted arrays.

Abstract: An auto-aligning system is presented. One embodiment of the auto-aligning system includes a launcher unit configured to direct a first laser beam and a second laser beam through a chamber, wherein the first laser beam is co-linear with the second laser beam. The auto-aligning spectroscopy system further includes a receiver unit configured to receive the first laser beam and the second laser beam passing through the chamber. The receiver unit includes a first detector configured to determine an intensity of the first laser beam. The receiver unit also includes a second detector configured to determine a deviation of the second laser beam from a determined position. Further, the auto-aligning spectroscopy system includes a motorized stage configured to align the launcher unit to a base-line position based on the determined deviation of the second laser beam.

Abstract: An agricultural harvesting machine has a measurement device for investigating a crop flow conveyed through the harvesting machine. The measurement device includes at least one optical detection unit disposed at the crop flow for detecting light reflected by the crop and an evaluation unit for evaluating the spectrum of the detected light in order to derive properties of the crop. The evaluation unit is disposed at a position of the harvesting machine that is decoupled from mechanical loading by the crop flow to the greatest extent possible and is connected to the detection unit by way of at least one optical waveguide.

Abstract: A dual-spectroscopy detection apparatus includes a mass spectrometer, a sample collection system connected to the mass spectrometer and a Raman spectrometer that is operatively coupled with the sample collection system.

Abstract: A liquid sample analyzer includes a flow cell, a light source, and a lamp temperature management system. The flow cell is configured to receive a flow of a liquid sample from a liquid sample source. The light source includes a lamp configured to emit light to illuminate the flow of the liquid sample in the flow cell. The lamp temperature management system includes: an air flow generator operable to generate a turbulent air flow to cool the lamp; a thermally conductive primary housing encapsulating the lamp such that a primary air gap is provided between the primary housing and the lamp; and a thermally conductive secondary housing surrounding the primary housing and configured to deflect the turbulent air flow away from the primary housing.

Abstract: A cell/particle analyzing device includes a light-emitting unit, a light-diverting unit, a first receiving unit and a second receiving unit. The light-emitting unit generates a first light beam. The light-diverting unit is connected to the light-emitting unit and has an input end, a bidirectional transceiving end and an output end. The input end receives the first light beam generated by the light-emitting unit. The bidirectional transceiving end transmits the first light beam generated by the light-emitting unit and receives a second light beam. The output end outputs the second light beam. The first receiving unit is connected to the output end of the light-diverting unit and receives the second light beam. The second receiving unit is aligned with the bidirectional transceiving end.

Abstract: A method of determining energy performance of a film component is disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a state of a traffic signal. In one embodiment, a traffic signal state detector includes a lens, a color sensor, and a processor. The color sensor is configured to identify a plurality of colors of light directed to the color sensor by the lens, and a field of view of the color sensor is restricted based on dimensions of a traffic signal. The processor is coupled to the color sensor. The processor is configured to determine a color of light emitted by the traffic signal based on the colors of light identified by the color sensor.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for exciting particles, and more specifically relates to analyzers or sorters for exciting fluorescently labeled particles with a multimode diode laser and the optics for making high resolution determinations from the multimode diode laser beam excitation.