Abstract: A plasma detector system may include a high frequency generator arranged to send incident electromagnetic radiation through a plasma chamber of a plasma system; and a high frequency detection system arranged to detect signal intensity of high frequency radiation sent from the high frequency generator and transmitted through the plasma chamber.

Abstract: A system for verification of dispensed pharmaceuticals includes: a housing; a bar code scanning station mounted on the housing; a vision station mounted on the housing; a spectroscopy station mounted on the housing; an offloading station mounted on the housing; one or more conveyors mounted on the housing to convey pharmaceutical vials between the bar code scanning, vision, spectroscopy and offloading stations, and a controller associated with the bar code scanning, vision, spectroscopy and offloading stations and the conveyors to control their operations. A system of this configuration can use both vision and spectroscopy to verify the identity of the pharmaceutical in the container.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a biosensor system for the detection of particles comprising: a biosensor cartridge comprising a sensor surface, a biosensor magnet assembly on one side of the cartridge for generating a magnetic field effective at the cartridge and the sensor surface, the first biosensor magnet assembly comprising at least two magnetic sub-units separated by a gap, a first optical detection system for detecting the particles arranged at the same side of the cartridge as the magnet assembly, whereas the magnet assembly is designed in a way that the optical detection is accomplished through the gap of the magnet assembly.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed wherein the structural health of a civil structure, pressure vessel, or the like is measured by electronic distance measurement (EDM) from a plurality of stable locations to a plurality of cardinal points on the structure in a methodical manner. By measuring the coordinates of the cardinal points, the dynamic and long-term static behavior of the structure provide an indication of the health of the structure. Analyses includes: comparison to a Finite Element Model (FEM); comparison to historical data; and modeling based on linearity, hysteresis, symmetry, creep, damping coefficient, and harmonic analysis.

Abstract: An optical detection system includes a detector configured to detect a signal emitted from a sample carrier and generate an output indicative of the signal detected by the detector. The sample carrier emits the signal in response to the sample carrier being scanned by an excitation source, the emitted signal is indicative of a structural characteristic of the sample carrier, and the sample carrier includes bulk material, at least one material free chamber and a bulk material/chamber interface for each chamber. The optical detection system further includes a data evaluator that identifies the structural characteristic of the sample carrier based on the output of the detector and generates data indicative of the identified structural characteristic.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for acoustically and optically characterizing an immersed object of interest by generating a serial plurality of acoustic and optical illumination pulses through a liquid. In addition to the spectral analyses/imaging of objects/environment made possible by the white-light illumination, a target material can be ablated, generating an ionized plume to spectrally identify the target's constituent atoms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in-situ metrology of a workpiece disposed in a vacuum processing chamber. The apparatus may include an optical assembly external to the processing chamber configured to focus a relatively large optical spot over a relatively large working distance to acquire a TE and TM spectra from a periodic array on the workpiece. The workpiece may be disposed in the processing chamber with an arbitrary orientation which is first determined via a reflectance measurement. TE and/or TM spectra may then be acquired by initiating a periodic triggering of a flash lamp based on the determined workpiece orientation to account for variation in placement of the workpiece within the processing chamber. The periodic array from which spectra are collected may be a memory array being fabricated in a semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for aligning a collimator tube with an alignment ring used to hold a film or sensor aligned with the collimator tube. The disclosed alignment system includes a light source, a light detector, and a reflective surface, where, when the collimator and alignment ring are aligned, light emitted from the light source reflects off the reflective surface and is received by the light detector.

Abstract: Methods and computing systems are disclosed to enhance imaging of acquired data. In one embodiment, a method is performed that includes receiving acquired data that corresponds to the medium; computing a first wavefield by injecting a noise; and computing the cumulative illumination by auto-correlating the first wavefield.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a sound sensor, an image sensor, an acceleration sensor, and a gyroscope sensor. The sound sensor includes a substrate defining a first cavity, a diaphragm positioned on the substrate and covering the first cavity, a back plate covering the diaphragm and positioned on the substrate, and a capacitance. A first electrode layer is coated on the diaphragm and faces the first cavity. A second cavity is defined between the diaphragm and the back plate. A second electrode layer is coated on the back plate and faces the second cavity. The capacitance is electrically connected between the first and second electrode layers. The image sensor, the acceleration sensor, and the gyroscope sensor are positioned on the substrate.

Abstract: Herein provided are methods for determining deposition of contaminants significantly influencing machine runnability or product quality in manufacturing processes of pulp and paper, especially determining the degree of deposition and the morphology of deposits of sticky contaminants or pitch and for evaluating the effect of chemicals for reducing deposition. In a manufacturing process of pulp and paper is used a method comprising: determining the degree of deposition of a contaminant from a liquid or slurry on a quartz crystal oscillator; and quantifying the morphology of deposits on the surface of the quartz crystal oscillator by image analysis. Further, a method comprising adding a chemical for reducing deposition to the liquid or slurry and then quantifying the degree of deposition and the morphology of deposits is used to evaluate the effect of the chemical.

Abstract: A target includes a contact element having a region of spherical curvature, a retroreflector rigidly connected to the contact element, a transmitter configured to emit an electromagnetic signal, a temperature sensor disposed on the target, configured to measure an air temperature, and configured to send the measured air temperature to the transmitter.

Abstract: In a method of spatially detecting the chemical composition of nonmetallic components on a surface which is subsequently to be coated with a metallic and/or ceramic and/or organic layer, a laser optical device is provided. The turbine part is irradiated with monochromatic irradiation at a first wavelength (?in) with the laser optical device. Radiation is detected which is emitted by the surface at a second wavelength (?out) which is longer than the first wavelength (?in).

Abstract: GPC (gel permeation chromatography) and size exclusion chromatography with detection by multi-angle light-scattering photometry (SEC-MALS) can be used to accurately measure molecular size and molar mass, respectively, of saccharide conjugates. The invention provides (a) a process for measuring the molecular size of a conjugated saccharide antigen within a sample, comprising a step of analysing the sample by GPC, and (b) a process for measuring the molar mass of a conjugated saccharide antigen within a sample, comprising a step of analysing the sample by SEC-MALS.

Abstract: A method and system for inspecting biological tissue that has no applied coatings or treatments to improve reflectivity comprises an optical detection system with an exposed surface for inspection by an optical detection system; and a laser for exciting an ultrasonic wave within the tissue, which wave propagates within the tissue at least near the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for electronically determining the shooting position on a shooting target. Said shooting position is determined in a first impact area (Z) on the shooting target exclusively in an opto-electronic manner and in a second impact area on the shooting target exclusively in an acousto-electronic manner. Said method enables the shooting position to be determined by means of relatively economical electronic systems and with only low running costs for user material, in which the shooting position is determined by means of an optical measurement system only in the relatively small central impact area (Z), which normally has a high impact frequency and which requires high precision for determining the shooting position, whereas the shooting position in the relatively large edge area surrounding said central area is determined by means of an economical acoustic system.

Abstract: The Field Testing Instrument (FTI) is designed for use in the regular maintenance and installation of airport Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI). The FTI is a self-contained and portable instrument that accurately measures the most important PAPI parameters, such as vertical aiming angle, transition angle, and light intensity. In addition to working with the current incandescent PAPIs, the FTI also measures parameters specific to the next generation LED PAPI. The FTI uses modern, efficient technology to reduce the life-cycle cost of approach lighting systems. The FTI improves on traditional PAPI testing methods by directly measuring the PAPI light beam focused to a target plate, as if seen from the pilot perspective. Due to significantly improvements in measurement accuracy and reliability, the FTI may supplement and even replace costly flight checks for PAPI maintenance with ground based operation.

Abstract: The material strength of extensive objects can be determined efficiently by using two distance measurers, wherein a first distance measurer determines the distance to a first main surface of the object and a second distance measurer determines the distance to a second main surface object opposing the first main surface. If potential measurement errors due to the extensive geometry are avoided by determining a reference distance between the first distance measurer and the second distance measurer by a reference unit via X-radiation, the thickness of the object between the first main surface and the second main surface can be determined with high accuracy and velocity.

Abstract: A method for making a sample for evaluation of laser irradiation position and evaluating the sample, and an apparatus which is switchable between a first mode of modification of semiconductor and a second mode of making and evaluating the sample. Specifically, a sample is made by irradiating a semiconductor substrate for evaluation with a pulse laser beam while the semiconductor substrate is moved for evaluation at an evaluation speed higher than a modifying treatment speed, each relative positional information between pulse-irradiated regions in the sample is extracted, and stability of the each relative positional information between pulse-irradiated regions is evaluated. The evaluation speed is such a speed that separates the pulse-irradiated regions on the sample from each other in a moving direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates an inspection instrument adapted to increase testing throughput in a manufacturing process. In one embodiment, the inspection instrument includes a base plate and a vertical frame, where the base plate and the vertical frame are configured to provide structural support of the inspection instrument, a first mounting mechanism coupled to the base plate, where the first mounting mechanism is configured to hold a sample for inspection, and a second mounting mechanism coupled to the vertical frame, where the second mounting mechanism is configured to hold a set of sensors and an optical system for inspecting the sample. The first mounting mechanism and the second mounting mechanism are decoupled from each other to reduce impact of movements of the sample to the set of sensors and the optical system.

Abstract: Imaging and visualization systems, instruments, and methods using optical coherence tomography (OCT) are disclosed. A method for OCT image capture includes determining a location of a feature of interest within an operative field. The method also includes determining a relative positioning between the feature of interest and an OCT scan location. Further, the method includes controlling capture of an OCT image at a set position relative to the feature of interest based on the relative positioning.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of quantitatively analyzing uranium in an aqueous solution, the method comprising measuring Raman scattering intensity of water and luminescence intensity of uranium standard solutions having various concentrations (Operation 1); calculating a ratio of the uranium luminescence intensity to the Raman scattering intensity of water for each uranium concentration and plotting a calibration curve therethrough (Operation 2); and measuring Raman scattering intensity of water and uranium luminescence intensity of an unknown sample, calculating a ratio of the measured intensities and determining a uranium concentration thereof by using the calibration curve (Operation 3). When the quantitative analysis method of uranium in an aqueous solution according to the present invention is used, inconvenience of a typical analysis method, in which repetitive measurements of calibration curves are required according to various measurement conditions, may be removed.

Abstract: A reflectivity absorption system for identifying a target precious or semi-precious material can include a primary emitter, a detector and an output display. The primary emitter can emit an incident electromagnetic radiation at a primary wavelength which corresponds to an upper reflectivity of the target material. The detector is capable of detecting a reflected electromagnetic radiation at the primary wavelength. The reflected electromagnetic radiation derives from reflection of the incident electromagnetic radiation from a sample surface. The output display registers the reflected electromagnetic radiation in a viewable format. The sample surface can be identified as a target material by comparing the reflectivity response of the reflected radiation with a standard.

Abstract: A hair removal device utilizes a system for sensing the presence and color of skin. The system includes a skin color sensor assembly and a capacitive sensor assembly disposed in a housing. The skin color sensor assembly includes a light pipe communicating with a color sensor aperture of the housing and having one or more notches defining receiving and emitting light propagation regions, a color sensor and one or more light emitting diodes, and a holder having at least one standoff mated to the notches thereby directing light emitted by the light emitting diodes through the light pipe for reflection of an external surface and receipt by the sensor for detection of surface color. The capacitive sensor assembly includes a plurality of copper elements in proximity to a device aperture and contacting an interior surface of the housing and for detection of an object in contact with the copper elements.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for a system and method for detecting explosives and other materials in a sample scene. First interacted photons are produced from a target area wherein the first interacted photons are generated via solar radiation. The first interacted photons are assessed to thereby generate a SWIR hyperspectral image. The SWIR hyperspectral image is analyzed to identify an area of interest likely of comprising an explosive material. The area of interest is illuminated using laser light illumination to generate second interacted photons from the area of interest. These second interacted photons are assessed to determine whether it not an explosive material is present in the area of interest. The system and method may be configured in standoff, OTM, static and UGV configurations.

Abstract: Provided is a laser ablation spectroscopy apparatus and method. A pulse laser is focused on the sample site to generate a plasma plume during a laser ablation process. The plasma plume is detected with a spectrometer and an intensified charge coupled device. A sample of material is coupled to a stage movable in the x, y and z directions using an array of x-y-z motors. A change in the height of the sample is detected using a triangulation sensor. The apparatus includes a system computer for synchronizing the movement of the stage in the x, y and z direction during the laser ablation process. The method includes a protocol of generating one or more laser ablations per sample site. The spectral data of the total number of laser ablations for each sample site are averaged together. The protocol includes laser ablating additional sample sites and averaging the spectral data of the total number of sample sites.

Abstract: The fluidic system of the preferred embodiment includes a sheath pump to pump sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone and a waste pump to pump waste fluid from the interrogation zone into a waste container. The sheath pump and/or the waste pump draw sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone. The fluidic system also includes a controller to adjust the flow rate of the sample fluid from the sample container into the interrogation zone. The fluidic system is preferably incorporated into a flow cytometer with a flow cell that includes the interrogation zone.

Abstract: A device such as a filter or reflector includes a conductive layer including a periodic pattern of elements. The elements have shapes and sizes configured such that a transmittance or reflectance spectrum of the conductive layer has a drop at a long-wavelength end. The elements have a period configured such that the spectrum has a dip at a Plasmon mode resonant wavelength. The spectrum further includes a peal- between the dip and the drop.

Abstract: A radiometer is provided. The radiometer includes a sensor and a radiation transparent dome. The radiation transparent dome surrounds the sensor. The radiometer also includes one or more fluid nozzles. The one or more fluid nozzles are adapted to apply a fluid on the radiation transparent dome in order to clean the surface of the radiation transparent dome.

Abstract: A measuring instrument (100) for measuring the properties of a sample (10) with a multitude of particles (11), including a spectroscopy device (20) to measure spectroscopic properties of the sample, and a weighing device (30) to measure the mass of the sample. Also described is a method for measuring the properties of a sample (10) with a multitude of particles (11).

Abstract: A workpiece characterization system for obtaining simultaneous measurement of layer and photoluminescence properties of a workpiece. The workpiece characterization system includes an excitation light and an illumination light each impinging upon a surface of a workpiece whereby the workpiece emits photoluminescent light and encodes light from said illumination source with layer information. The excitation light and the illumination light are generated from a single light source. The light from the single light source is filtered to remove wavelengths of light that correlate to light wavelengths emitted from the workpiece as a result of excitation. Wavelengths that correlate to light reflected from the workpiece that may contain encoded information are not filtered.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting pathogens and particles in a fluid in which particle size and intrinsic fluorescence of a simple particle is determined.

Abstract: A device for performing solar shade analysis combines a spherical reflective dome and a ball compass mounted on a platform, with a compass alignment mark and four dots in the corners of the platform. A user may place the device on a surface of a roof, or in another location where solar shading analysis is required. A user, while standing above the device can take a photo of the device. The photographs can then be used in order to evaluate solar capacity and perform shade analysis for potential sites for solar photovoltaic systems. By using the device in conjunction with a mobile device having a camera, photographs may be taken and uploaded, to be analyzed and processed to determine a shading percentage. For example, the solar shade analysis system may calculate the percentage of time that the solar photovoltaic system might be shaded for each month of the year. These measurements and data, or similar measurements and data, may be valuable when applying for solar rebates or solar installation permits.

Abstract: In a modular measuring head system comprising a central module having the shape of a parallelepiped block with six sides, the central module encloses an interior space and is provided on at least five sides with attachment sites, each having at least one opening leading to the interior space. Together with additional modules, the central module forms a modular building structure based on a highly diverse optical measuring head including at least several of an illumination module, a lens module, a mirror module and a camera module. Each of these optional modules can be at least indirectly attached to at least one of the attachment sites.

Abstract: A double-pass fiber-optic based spectroscopic gas sensor delivers Raman excitation light and infrared light to a hollow structure, such as a hollow fiber waveguide, that contains a gas sample of interest. A retro-reflector is placed at the end of this hollow structure to send the light back through the waveguide where the light is detected at the same end as the light source. This double pass retro reflector design increases the interaction path length of the light and the gas sample, and also reduces the form factor of the hollow structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatuses for in situ chemical analysis of liquid samples.

Abstract: A method of mapping concentrations of airborne matter from an emission source of interest in an emission plume is provided. The method involves measuring airborne matter at one or more than one identified locations using an optical sensing instrument (OSI) operatively connected with one or more than one matter samplers and mounted on a vehicle. The one or more than one airborne matter samplers are passed through an airspace to be sampled, and one or more concentration measurements are obtained. Geographic positions and altitude values for each of the one or more identified locations are established, and a point concentration measurement for the airborne matter for each identified location determined. The concentration measurements are mapped relative to the geographic position and altitude values for each of the one or more identified locations to obtain an airborne matter concentration distribution map in one or more measurement surfaces through a cross-section or profile of the emission plume.

Abstract: An apparatus is used for determining at least one parameter relating to an elongate member disposed within a vessel. The apparatus includes at least one measurement unit having a light emitting component and a corresponding light receiving component. The light receiving component is positioned apart from the light emitting component such that the elongate member is positionable between the light emitting component and the light receiving component. Additionally, the light emitting component is adapted to emit light towards the light receiving component, and the light receiving component is adapted to generate a signal corresponding to the light received from the light emitting component. A method for determining at least one parameter relating to the elongate member disposed within the vessel is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to position determining system (201) for determining a position of an object (2). A first position detection unit (205) detects a first position of the object (2) based on radiation transferred between the object (2) and transfer positions being known relative to a reference position by a sending and receiving unit (203, 214, 216, 217). A second position detection unit (35) detects a second position based on an acceleration of the object (2) and the determined first position, wherein an output unit (12) outputs at least one of the first position and the second position. If the transfer of radiation is interrupted, the second position can be output by the output unit. Moreover, the first position can be used as an initial value for determining the second position or to update the second position. This improves the quality of determining the position of the object.

Abstract: Gas analyzer systems and methods for measuring concentrations of gasses and in particular dry mole fraction of components of a gas. The systems and method allow for rapid measurement of the gas density and/or dry mole fraction of gases for a number of environmental monitoring applications, including high speed flux measurements. A novel coupling design allows for tool-free removal of a cell enclosing a flow path to enable in field cleaning of optical components.

Abstract: A portable spectroscopic device for acquiring single-frame spatial, spectral, and polarization information of an object. The device includes a modular dispersion element assembly that is coupled to a mobile computing device and disperses light into a plurality of different wavelengths. The mobile computing device includes a sensor and is configured to receive and analyze the plurality of wavelengths. The mobile computing device is also configured to perform automatic calibrations to determine the absolute wavelength axis and make stray-light corrections with minimal user intervention, thus making it amenable for untrained users not familiar with the state of the art. The mobile computing device is also configured to extend dynamic range.

Abstract: Fiber-optic probes are provided comprising an illumination fiber and a plurality of collection beveled fibers. In some embodiments, the fiber-optic probes may further comprise a collection flat-tip fiber. A system comprising a fiber-optic probe operably connected to a spectrometer, wherein the fiber-optic probe comprises an illumination fiber and a plurality of collection beveled fibers is provided. Associated methods are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for determining a diagnosis of a test biological sample. A system comprising a first illumination source to illuminate a sample, a first detector for generating a fluorescence data set of said sample, a means for determining a region of interest, a second illumination source to illuminate said region of interest, a second detector to generate a Raman data set of said region of interest, and a means for determining a diagnosis of said sample. A method comprising illuminating a sample, generating a fluorescence data set of said sample, and assessing the fluorescence data set to identify a region of interest, illuminating a region of interest, and generating Raman data set. This Raman data set may be assessed to determine a diagnosis of the sample. A diagnosis may include a metabolic state, a clinical outcome, a disease progression, a disease state, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: An outer shape determination device includes: a mounting base having a rectangular mounting surface for placing an object to be subjected to determination thereon; a longitudinal light-emitting optical waveguide, a longitudinal light-receiving optical waveguide, a transverse light-emitting optical waveguide, and a transverse light-receiving optical waveguide which are provided along the periphery of the mounting surface; a heightwise light-emitting optical waveguide and a heightwise light-receiving optical waveguide which are erected upwardly from the mounting surface; a light source connected to light-emitting cores of the longitudinal, transverse and heightwise light-emitting optical waveguides; a photoelectric conversion element connected to light-receiving cores of the longitudinal, transverse and heightwise light-receiving optical waveguides; and an outer shape calculating means for receiving a light interception signal from the photoelectric conversion element to perform a computation process, thereby c

Abstract: A system and method to provide a diagnosis of the breast disease state of a test breast sample. A database containing a plurality of reference SWIR data sets is provided where each reference SWIR data set has an associated known breast sample and an associated known breast disease state. A test breast sample is irradiated with substantially monochromatic light to generate scattered photons resulting in a test SWIR data set. The test SWIR data set is compared to the plurality of reference SWIR data sets using a chemometric technique. Based on the comparison, a diagnosis of a breast disease state of the test breast sample is provided. The breast disease state includes invasive ductal carcinoma or invasive lobular carcinoma disease state.

Abstract: A mesh sensor system for measuring the performance of directed energy weapons at a target has been developed. The mesh sensor system measures the laser irradiance and the thermal response on the target. The system includes a plurality of sensors arranged on the target surface and a plurality connecting lines that connect with the sensors to provide power and retrieve data from the sensors.

Abstract: A microplate reader and method has at least one measuring device and a holding device for accommodating at least one microplate and for positioning samples-containing wells of microplates in relation to the measuring device. The at least one measuring device is used for detecting light emitted by samples in wells of a microplate and/or which is influenced by samples transilluminated by light in the wells. The microplate reader has a control unit for controlling the composition of a gas atmosphere surrounding the wells containing the samples. A respective use is characterized particularly in that living cells are measured in a controlled gas atmosphere, wherein the living cells are chosen from microaerophilic, optionally anaerobic and obligatorily anaerobic microorganisms as well as fungi and eukaryotic cells.

Abstract: A system and method for locating and identifying unknown samples. A targeting mode may be utilized to scan regions of interest for potential unknown materials. This targeting mode may interrogate regions of interest using SWIR and/or fluorescence spectroscopic and imaging techniques. Unknown samples detected in regions of interest may be further interrogated using a combination of Raman and LIBS techniques to identify the unknown samples. Structured illumination may be used to interrogate an unknown sample. Data sets generated during interrogation may be compared to a reference database comprising a plurality of reference data sets, each associated with a known material. The system and method may be used to identify a variety of materials including: biological, chemical, explosive, hazardous, concealment, and non-hazardous materials.

Abstract: An optical signal analysis apparatus includes a photodetector and an analyzer. The photodetector is to detect light emitted from measurement points in a sample. The analyzer is to analyze a molecular interaction between two of the measurement points by using fluctuation signals corresponding to fluctuations of the light from the measurement points that are detected by the photodetector.

Abstract: A system for defect detection and photoluminescence measurement of a sample may include a radiation source configured to target radiation to the sample. The system may also include an optics assembly positioned above the sample to receive a sample radiation. The system may also include a filter module configured to receive the sample radiation collected by the optics assembly. The filter module may separate the sample radiation collected by the optics assembly into a first radiation portion and a second radiation portion. The system may also include a defect detection module configured to receive the first radiation portion from the filter module. The system may further include a photoluminescence measurement module configured to receive the second radiation portion from the filter module. The defect detection module and the photoluminescence measurement module may be configured to receive the respective first radiation portion and the second radiation portion substantially simultaneously.