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: This invention is directed to extract the scattering characteristic of a measurement target together when measuring the surface shape in a measurement system, which measures the surface shape of a measurement target, by the pattern projection method. To accomplish this, the measurement system includes an illumination unit which irradiates a measurement target with dot pattern light, a reflected light measurement unit which receives the reflected light at a reflection angle almost equal to a incident angle, and a reflected light extraction unit which extracts the inclination of the surface of the measurement target, based on the shift amount between the light receiving position of the received reflected light and a predetermined reference position, and extracts the luminance value of the reflected light and the dot diameter of the dot pattern light as information about the scattering characteristic.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for increasing measurement accuracy in imaging cytometry. The system may include a light detector configured to measure light emitted by a first particle and light emitted by a second particle, where the measured light from the second particle at least partially overlaps the measured light from the first particle in an overlap region. Additionally, the system may include a processor coupled to the light detector, where the processor is configured to determine a contribution of light from the first particle in the overlap region and determine a contribution of light from the second particle in the overlap region. The processor may also be configured to subtract the contribution of light from the second particle from the contribution of light from the first particle and determine the intensity of light emitted by the first particle.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for detecting the position and depth of a Device Under Test (DUT) having a surface and a method thereof. The apparatus comprises an electrically-controlled swing element whose swing angle is controlled by an electrically-driven actuator, a light source whose light beam is redirected to the surface by the electrically-controlled swing element to form a light point, an optical system configured to receive the projection information of the light point, a storage unit configured to store the default information of the light point projected onto a default plane (DP) and a computation unit for calculating the depth information of the DUT according to the projection information and the default information.

Abstract: A process for the optical detection of objects moved at a conveying speed. The process comprises illuminating the object in a temporally consecutive manner with a sequence of at least two light pulses of different colors and taking images of the object during each light pulse with a monochromatic optical area sensor comprising many sensor lines. The process comprises reading out and temporarily storing at least as many lines of each image as there are different colors of the light pulses. The read-out lines have a line pitch relative to each other. Sequentially combining lines from images taken under illumination by different colors to form color lines, with the lines combined with each other having the aforesaid line pitch or a multiple thereof relative to each other when they are being read out, and assembling the color lines into an overall color picture.

Abstract: [PROBLEMS] A separation unit can confirms a separation state, a detection unit enhances a lighting efficiency and a light reception sensitivity, and a dispensing unit ensures the normal state of a specimen. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] A specimen separation device characterized by comprising a container for storing a specimen, a nozzle for sucking and ejecting the specimen from the container, a nozzle operating means for moving the nozzle vertically and laterally, and a nozzle controlling means for controlling the suction force and ejection force of the nozzle. A specimen identification device comprising a nozzle for sucking a specimen from a container storing the specimen, a flow path for allowing the specimen to flow therethrough, and a measuring unit having a monitoring light lighting unit and a light receiving unit for observing (monitoring) the specimen that are installed in a flow path, characterized in that the above nozzle, the flow path and the measuring unit are formed in an integrated structure.

Abstract: Method for measuring particle size distributions, in particular for the optical measurement of wide particle size distributions of bulk materials such as cereals, cereal milling products, cereal products and the like, which is intended to enable the measurement of particle size distributions which vary by orders of magnitude. To address this problem, a sample of isolated particles is optically detected in an arrangement by means of at least two measurement methods, wherein preferably detection of the contours of the particles and laser diffraction take place at the same time.

Abstract: This absorption spectrometric apparatus for semiconductor production process includes a flow passageway switching mechanism connected to a discharging flow passageway of a processing chamber for a semiconductor production process and a multiple reflection type moisture concentration measuring absorption spectrometric analyzer that allows a laser beam from a laser light source to undergo multiple reflection within a cell, detects a light absorbancy change by a gas within the cell, and measures a moisture concentration within the gas. The flow passageway switching mechanism connects the discharging flow passageway by switching between a measuring flow passageway through which the gas is discharged by passing through the cell and a bypass flow passageway through which the gas is discharged without passing through the cell.

Abstract: We disclose apparatus that includes: (a) an enclosure including an aperture; (b) a prism mounted in the enclosure so that a surface of the prism is exposed through the aperture; (c) an optical assembly contained within the enclosure, the optical assembly including a radiation source and a radiation detector, the source being configured to direct radiation towards the prism and the detector being configured to detect radiation from the source reflected from the exposed surface of the prism; and (d) an electronic processor contained within the enclosure, the electronic processor being in communication with the detector. The apparatus can be configured so that, during operation, the electronic processor determines information about a sample placed in contact with the exposed surface of the prism based on radiation reflected from the exposed prism surface while it is in contact with the sample.

Abstract: A method for designing a two-dimensional array overlay target set comprises the steps of: selecting a plurality of two-dimensional array overlay target sets having different overlay errors; calculating a deviation of a simulated diffraction spectra for each two-dimensional array overlay target set; selecting a sensitive overlay target set by taking the deviations of the simulated diffraction spectra into consideration; and designing a two-dimensional array overlay target set based on the structural parameters of the sensitive overlay target set.

Abstract: Described herein are devices and methods for making extremely accurate measurements in a medium by continuously measuring the index of refraction of the medium such as water or biological tissue. Also described herein is a device for constantly measuring the index of refraction, and using the index of refraction data to constantly calibrate the optical measurement device. In addition, a primary measurement device (a ladar) that is optimized for data collection in a volume backscattering medium such as water or biological tissue is described, along with data results from the lab.

Abstract: A multivariate optical element (MOE) calculation device is used in an apparatus for determining a property of petroleum in real time flowing in a pipe in petroleum field stream pipes or pipe line. Multiple apparatuses are provided for determining the amount of each of a plurality of properties. An internal reflectance element (IRE) can be used to determine the property of the petroleum from a surface of the petroleum flowing in a pipe. A cleaning apparatus can be provided to clean the surface of the IRE in the pipe and a turbulence generator can be provided in the pipe to insure homogeneity of the petroleum being analyzed prior to analysis. A bellows may be provided in the apparatus housing to compensate for pressure differentials between the housing and the flowing petroleum in the pipe. Various embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a device which detects matter suspended in air, represented by, for example, ice crystals, volcanic ash, in the forward direction of the flight of an aircraft. A method of detecting matter suspended in air of this invention is characterized in that, in airborne Doppler LIDAR using laser light, components of matter subjected to laser light reflection and scattering are remotely measured on a basis of an angular difference in planes of polarization of transmitted light which is laser light radiated into the atmosphere, and received light scattered by matter suspended in air in a remote region.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for measurement of various transmission and reflection values of transparent measurement objects having transparent layers in an inline coating system, and particularly the turbidity of the measurement object during a relative movement between the measurement object and measuring device. Transmission fractions are measured in two different radiation directions of a lighting source emitting diffuse light by two photodetectors, by which a fraction of diffuse light of the lighting source is suppressed in one direction.

Abstract: A method and a device for simultaneous and quantitative measurement of a carrier composition and a solids volume fraction in a gas/solid, liquid/solid, liquid/liquid, liquid/gas or gas/liquid/solid multiphase systems are presented. A first measurement identifies the phase of the sample and/or the solids fraction of the sample. A second measurement provides a liquid or gaseous chemical composition of the sample. The device comprises a generator of light that propagates through a sample of the multiphase system. A detector obtains a spectrum of absorbance of the light. The spectrum of absorbance is representative of measurements.

Abstract: Optical systems and methods are described that provide greater solving power for thin-film measurements in general, and provide a unique model-free solution for single-layer films in particular.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for checking the degree of soiling of bank notes. To this end, the bank notes are conveyed along a transport path and illuminated by at least one light source with visible light of the blue spectral range. The light reflected and/or emitted by the bank notes, and/or the light having penetrated the bank notes due to transmission, is detected by means of at least one sensor and evaluated.

Abstract: A method for assessing an interaction of a sample with light beams having different wavelengths, the method comprising: generating a light beam having a wavelength and being intensity modulated according to a modulation function to create an intensity modulation in the light beam; irradiating the sample with the light beam; detecting a response light from the sample, the response light being released by the sample when the sample is irradiated with the light beam, the response light having intensity fluctuations caused by the intensity modulation; using the intensity fluctuations in the response light to identify the modulation function and associate the wavelength and the response light to each other; assessing the interaction of the sample with the light beam using the response light; stopping irradiating the sample with the light beam and performing the previous step with at least one other light beam having a different wavelength.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method that includes receiving infrared adsorption absorption information for a sample, processing the infrared adsorption absorption information for the sample to determine an identity of the sample, generating a reference signature for the identified sample, and distributing the reference signature for the identified sample to a plurality of handheld measurement devices via cellular connections with the handheld measurement devices.

Abstract: A device for combining tomographic images with human vision using a half-silvered mirror to merge the visual outer surface of an object (or a robotic mock effector) with a simultaneous reflection of a tomographic image from the interior of the object. The device maybe used with various types of image modalities including ultrasound, CT, and MRI. The image capture device and the display may be enclosed in a sterile container (e.g., a probe bag) and a mirror and mirror housing may be separately attachable to the image capture device and display. In these embodiments, the mirror may be disposable and the sterility of the overall imaging device is maintained.

Abstract: The invention describes a light sensor (1) comprising a filter arrangement (11), which filter arrangement (11) comprises a number of spectral filters (F1, F2, . . . , Fn) for filtering incident light (L), wherein a spectral filter (F1, F2, . . . , Fn) is realized to pass a distinct component of the incident light (L), an aperture arrangement (12) for admitting a fraction of the incident light (L), and a sensor arrangement (13) realized to collect the admitted filtered light (L?), which sensor arrangement (13) comprises an array of sensor elements (130) for generating image-related signals (S, S1, S2, . . . , Sn) and which sensor array is sub-divided into a number of regions (R1, R2, . . . , Rn), wherein a region (R1, R2, . . . , Rn) of the sensor array is allocated to a corresponding spectral filter (Fi, F2, . . . , Fn) such that an image-related signal (S) generated by a sensor element (130) of a particular region (R1, R2, . . .

Abstract: A thickness measurement apparatus includes a beam splitter for reflecting or transmitting a ray irradiated from an optical source or a ray reflected by a measurement object; a first lens part which condenses a ray to the measurement object and generates a reference ray; a second lens part for condensing a ray to the object to be measured; an interference light detector for detecting an interference signal generated by the reflected ray and reference ray; a spectroscopic detector corresponding to the second lens part to form a light path different from the path formed by the interference light detector and splits the ray reflected by the measurement object to detect an intensity and wavelength of each split ray; and a light path converter for selectively transmitting a ray to the interference light detector or spectroscopic detector, wherein position exchanging is performed between the first second lens parts.

Abstract: A new method is presented for characterizing the associative properties of a solution of macromolecules at high concentration. Sample aliquots spanning a range of concentrations are injected sequentially into a light scattering photometer. Equilibrium association constants and association stoichiometry are derived from an analysis of the angular and concentration dependence of the scattering signals. Thermodynamic nonideality, which becomes important at high concentrations, is dealt with in the analysis in a simplified manner which is applicable to multiple associated species.

Abstract: A method measures the positions of centres of curvature of optical surfaces of a multi-lens optical system. The spacings between the surfaces are measured along a reference axis using an interferometer. Subsequently the centres of curvature of the surfaces are measured using an optical angle-measuring device. In the course of the measurement of the position of the centre of curvature of a surface situated within the optical system, the measured positions of the centres of curvature of the surfaces situated between this surface and the angle-measuring device and the previously measured spacings between the surfaces are taken into consideration computationally. In this way, a particularly high accuracy of measurement is achieved, because desired spacings do not have to be fallen back upon.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for collecting hyperspectral and polarimetric data that are spatially and temporally coincident include a dispersive element configured to receive incident electromagnetic radiation. The dispersive element is configured to disperse a non-zero order of the electromagnetic radiation into its constituent spectra, which is directed to a first focal plane array, and may be read out as hyperspectral data. The dispersive element is also configured to reflect a zero order of the electromagnetic radiation, which is directed through a polarity discriminating element to a second focal plane array, which may be read out as polarimetric data. By synchronously reading out the first and second focal plane arrays, the hyperspectral and polarimetric data may be both spatially and temporally coincident.

Abstract: A multi-function optical measurement device having an optical wavelength and power measurement function, a ferrule/fiber scoping function, and a ferrule/fiber cleaning function includes a path select unit separating an optical signal for transmission and an optical signal for scoping from a ferrule/fiber; a wavelength and power measurement unit measuring a wavelength and a power of the optical signal for transmission from the path select unit; and a ferrule/fiber scoping unit converting an optical signal for scoping from the path select unit into an electrical signal. It is possible to perform a wavelength and power measurement and a ferrule/fiber scoping by one connection. Since a ferrule/fiber cleaning may be additionally included in one measurement device, it is easy to handle and carry an optical measurement device. A time required to perform a work using an optical measurement device may be reduced.

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: An optical system for performing scattering and absorbance assays in clinical diagnostics comprises a light source for emitting collimated light parallel to an optical axis in an optical path, a sample holding unit comprising at least one sample holding position located in the optical path and an optical detector for measuring light transmitted through a sample located in a sample holding position. The optical system further comprises an adjustable light angle selector adjusted to prevent light transmitted through the sample and diverging from the optical axis with an angle greater than a certain value from reaching the detector when a scattering assay is performed, and wherein the light angle selector is adjusted to allow light transmitted through the sample and diverging from the optical axis with an angle smaller than a certain value to reach the detector when an absorbance assay is performed.

Abstract: A system for calibrating a spectrometer includes wide field-of-view (WFOV) optics providing a first light path to a WFOV spectrometer, and narrow field-of-view (NFOV) optics providing a second light path to a NFOV spectrometer. A de-focusing optic is selectively positioned in the first or second light paths. A scan controller selectively controls the WFOV or NFOV optics to scan a celestial body. A processor is configured to calibrate the de-focusing optic, while the WFOV optics scan the celestial body. First, the WFOV optics scan the celestial body without the de-focusing optic positioned in the first light path. Second, the WFOV optics scan the celestial body with the de-focusing optic positioned in the first light path. Next, the processor calibrates the NFOV spectrometer, while the NFOV optics and the de-focusing optic scan the celestial body. After the NFOV spectrometer is calibrated, the NFOV spectrometer may be used to measure the albedo of the earth.

Abstract: A mirror drive mechanism for a tilting mirror is controlled using feedback from one or more interferometric angular sensors. The wavelength of an optical beam is varied as it is fed into an interferometric angular sensor. The wavelength at which the resulting interference pattern is measured to be at a minimum intensity is determined. This wavelength is used to determine a distance quantity representative of the angular position of the mirror.

Abstract: An optical device for assessing optical depth in a sample illuminated by polarized radiation from a source include two radiation guides having their end portions arranged for capturing reflected radiation from the sample. A detector measures two polarizations of the reflected radiation, and two intensities of the reflected radiation in the two radiation guides, respectively. A processor is configured to calculate two pectral functions, which are indicative of single scattering events in the sample. The processor is further configured to calculate a measure of the correlation between the two spectral functions so as to assess whether the single scattering events originate from substantially the same optical depth within the sample. Thus, the causal relation between the two spectral functions can be used for assessing whether the single scattering events giving rise to the two spectral functions come from substantially the same optical depth within the sample.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an apparatus for ellipsometric measurements performed on an arbitrarily large or continuously moving sample, using a visible sample reference frame, and one or more laser sources in order to calibrate the ellipsometer for variations in the distance between the ellipsometer apparatus and the sample of interest. Included are techniques for projecting a first laser beam spot from an incident laser source onto a sample, then analyzing the position of the first laser beam spot relative to the center of the sample reference frame using human-aided measurements and confirmations and/or computer vision techniques. Then adjusting pivot points and/or apparatus-to-sample distance to achieve a first beam spot being located about the center of the sample reference frame, and concurrently intersecting the plane of the sample. Other techniques include changing the incidence and reflectance angle using a semi-circular track arc design with a stepping motor activating each goniometer arm.

Abstract: A miniaturized spectrometer/spectrophotometer system and methods are disclosed. A probe tip including one or more light sources and a plurality of light receivers is provided. A first spectrometer system receives light from a first set of the plurality of light receivers. A second spectrometer system receives light from a second set of the plurality of light receivers. A processor, wherein the processor receives data generated by the first spectrometer system and the second spectrometer system, wherein an optical measurement of a sample under test is produced based on the data generated by the first and second spectrometer systems.

Abstract: Apparatus, sensor chips and techniques for optical sensing of substances by using optical sensors on sensor chips.

Abstract: To enable both observations of coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering light and multiphoton fluorescence in a same apparatus so as to observe a specimen by various observation methods. There is provided a laser microscope apparatus comprising: two optical paths for guiding pulsed laser beams having two different frequencies whose frequency difference is approximately equal to a specific molecular vibration frequency in a specimen; a multiplexer for combining the pulsed laser beams guided through these two optical paths; and a frequency dispersion adjuster which is provided on at least one of these two optical paths, and is capable of adjustment to approximately equalize frequency dispersion quantities of the pulsed laser beams guided through the two optical paths.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a system for the automated analysis of samples, comprising: a first optical device including at least one receptacle for receiving at least one of said samples and a receptacle-associated optical unit including at least one receptacle-associated light source for emitting light adapted for determining a color of said sample and generating a light beam for irradiating said sample contained in said receptacle and at least one receptacle-associated light detector for detecting light transmitted through said sample and generating a receptacle-associated detection signal; a second optical device including at least one test element provided with at least one test zone for applying said sample, said test zone being subject to an optically detectable change in response to at least one characteristic of said sample being different from said color and a test element-associated optical unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing bacteria is described that includes an analytic sample preparation section for preparing an analytic sample by treating a specimen so as to generate a morphological difference between Gram-negative bacteria and Gram-positive bacteria, a detector for detecting optical information from each particle contained in the analytic sample and an analyzing section for detecting Gram-positive bacteria contained on the basis of the detected optical information. A method for analyzing bacteria is also described.

Abstract: In a device for measuring elevations and/or depressions of a flexible surface which is at least partially transmissive to light, for measurement purposes, the surface is illuminated by a fiber-optical means (3) by way of a light source (7) and the brightness of the reflected light is measured by the same fiber-optical means using a photosensor (1).

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 method for determining information about a test object includes combining two or more scanning interference signals to form a synthetic interference signal; analyzing the synthetic interference signal to determine information about the test object; and outputting the information about the test object. Each of the two or more scanning interference signals correspond to interference between test light and reference light as an optical path length difference between the test and reference light is scanned, wherein the test and reference light are derived from a common source. The test light scatters from the test object over a range of angles and each of the two or more scanning interferometry signals corresponds to a different scattering angle or polarization state of the test light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for real-time monitoring chemical reaction between various biomaterials. More particularly, the present invention directed to a real-time monitoring apparatus for biochemical reaction, which comprises parabolic mirror and/or an optical waveguide tube for effective irradiation of light over the whole plate with uniform intensity.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically detecting the presence of a perforation, tear, or a transparent window security feature in a bank note. The system includes an optical detection device, and an ultrasonic detection device, and a conveyance device for transporting the bank note along a defined path proximate the detection devices. Each detection device comprises a plurality of optical transmitters and corresponding optical receivers that bracket the note path. A computing device is also provided to determine from the output of the optical detection device the presence of an optical abnormality in the bank note; to determine from the output of the ultrasonic detection device the presence of an ultrasonic abnormality in the bank note; and to determine the presence of a perforation, tear, or transparent window feature based upon the results of the optical abnormality determination or the ultrasonic abnormality determination.

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: Systems comprising an optical fiber switch connected to a light source and an optical fiber probe, the optical fiber probe comprising a first optical fiber connected to the optical fiber switch and a second optical fiber connected to a spectrophotometer. Methods for determining one or more tissue parameters comprising: emitting light from a first optical fiber into a tissue; collecting the light reemitted from the tissue with a second optical fiber; generating a spectra of the light reemitted from the tissue with a spectrophotometer; and utilizing a look-up table based algorithm to determine one or more tissue parameters, wherein the lookup-table based algorithm comprises the steps of: generating a look-up table by measuring the functional form of a reflectance measured by the spectrophotometer using one or more calibration standards with known optical properties; and implementing an iterative fitting routine based on the lookup-table.

Abstract: Provided is an optical characteristic measuring probe which can detect the position and the direction of the leading end of the probe without affecting a monitoring image. The bendable optical characteristic measuring probe is provided with a light guide body (71), which transmits light emitted from a light source and irradiates a subject to be measured with light, and a guide tube (70), which holds the light guide body (71) such that the light guide body freely rotates about the axis and is freely displaced in the axis direction. The light guide body (71) guides at least two types of light, i.e., measuring light for measuring the optical characteristics of the subject to be measured, and position determining light for measuring the position of the light guide body. On the side surface of the guide tube (70), a mark (M) having the characteristics of transmitting the measuring light and returning only the position determining light to the light guide body is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for utilizing light, including ultraviolet, optical and/or infrared, for detecting a body in an object, such as biomaterial or tissue, animal and/or human tissue. The body or object may be made fluorescent by the use of dyes or agent. Light is used to illuminate the body and object and the scattered light, fluorescent and/or emitted light, reflected light and transmitted light are detected and used to reconstruct the body and/or object using an iterative analysis. Further, the method and apparatus may be extended to endoscopic applications to make subcutaneous images of internal tissue above, on, in or beyond endoscopic pathways such as esophagus, stomach, colon, bronchial tubes and/or other openings, cavities and spaces animate or inanimate, and in man-made or industrial materials as carbon/resin structures.

Abstract: An additive {hacek over (S)}olc filter (ASF) includes i) a first polarizer for receiving an input light, such as from a monochromatic light source, and transmitting a first polarized output, ii) at least one birefringent plate positioned to receive the first polarizer output and transmit an output with wavelength-dependent polarization state, and iii) a second polarizer for receiving the plate output and transmitting a second polarized, filtered output. An ASF spectroscopy system includes the ASF; a monochromatic light source input, e.g. a laser; a sample chamber for exposing a sample to the second polarized, tuned output and generating a signal characteristic of the sample that is filtered by the ASF; and a detector for acquiring the characteristic signal.

Abstract: A spectroscopy system including first and second lasers. The first laser is triggered to induce a plasma, such as on a surface of a target at a stand-off distance from the target. The second laser stimulates amplified emissions from the plasma detected by one or more spectroscopes. The gain induced by the second laser detects traces of explosives and other substances on surfaces at stand-off distances. The spectroscopy systems use the same telescopic optics to collect emissions from the detection surface and activated at or just before the peak emission intensity useful for detecting element signatures and intensity ratios from the trace elements in the plasma.

Abstract: Systems and methods for regarding a cytometry system are disclosed. The system can include a plurality lasers which are spatially separated from each other. Each laser can be assigned to a single detector. The single detector can process multiple events from each laser by digital switching of signal processing circuitry. Additional detectors can be assigned to receive light in a similar manner.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a method and apparatus for position judgment, which can include a plurality of light sources and a photo-detector. The plurality of light sources can be configured to emit a plurality of pulsed lights towards an object from different directions, and a photo-detector can be configured to serially detect the light reflected from the object. A determination of whether the object is moving further away or coming closer to the apparatus can be judged by calculating at least one of a position, an area and a brightness of the object from the reflected light and comparing the data with the previous data for the same value(s). Thus, because the method of the disclosed subject matter does not require a measurement of time as in the conventional methods, the method can result in providing a similar apparatus with a simple configuration and at a low cost, and can be used as a sensor for detecting an obstacle and the like in a vehicle, alarm system, etc.