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 characteristic measuring apparatus of the invention includes a sequentially-readable charge storage sensor array having a plurality of light receiving elements. Irradiation of first illumination light and second illumination light is controlled in such a manner that a period for irradiating the second illumination light onto a sample containing a fluorescent material is included in an integration period of each of the light receiving elements for receiving a wavelength component of fluoresced light from the sample in measuring an optical characteristic of the sample. The optical characteristic measuring apparatus having the above arrangement enables to accurately measure the optical characteristics of samples containing a fluorescent material in a short time by scanning the samples.

Abstract: A fluorescent imaging device includes an irradiation section that irradiates an object to be examined with excitation light and reference light, an image pickup section that picks up a fluorescence image based on the excitation light and a reflected light image based on the reference light, a comparison section that compares relative intensity between the fluorescent image generated from the fluorescence image and the reflected light image generated from the reflected light image, and a selection section that selectively outputs one of the reflected light image and the fluorescent image based on the comparison result.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring water and other fluid systems is described. The fluid is continually monitored spectrophotometrically by measuring many optical parameters in an in-line, on-line system, which compensates for normal fluid changes while detecting abnormalities.

Abstract: The present invention provides a correlation technique for analysis of changes in bodily fluid and/or tissue in order to identify or monitor appearance, progression or treatment of a disease or condition in a subject. The disclosed method involves measuring spectral properties or changes in bodily fluid and/or tissue of a subject using at least two optical techniques; and correlating the measured properties or changes to a corresponding clinical condition or change in clinical condition, respectively. The measure of spectral changes over time can be used as indicators of changes in the clinical condition, for example, in disease treatment and/or disease regulation. This method is particularly useful for identifying a disease state and for monitoring efficacies of therapies used to treat different diseases or disorders, for example, renal dialysis.

Abstract: An optical inspection system includes a fluorescence channel that detects fluorescent behavior (or lack thereof) of artifacts present on a surface under inspection and at least one other optical channel for determining a characteristic of the surface under inspection in an illuminated spot. The other optical channel may be a height measuring channel, such as an interferometric channel or a deflectometric channel, the other optical channel may be a scatterometric channel, or both height measurement and scatterometry may be employed in combination as a three channel system. The presence of absence of fluorescent behavior may be used to correct assumptions about or determine a type of artifact detected by scatterometry, and may be used to correct the polarity of a height measurement made by a height-measuring channel.

Abstract: Programmable illuminators in exposure tools are employed to increase the degree of freedom in tool matching. A tool matching methodology is provided that utilizes the fine adjustment of the individual source pixel intensity based on a linear programming (LP) problem subjected to user-specific constraints to minimize the difference of the lithographic wafer data between two tools. The lithographic data can be critical dimension differences from multiple targets and multiple process conditions. This LP problem can be modified to include a binary variable for matching sources using multi-scan exposure. The method can be applied to scenarios that the reference tool is a physical tool or a virtual ideal tool. In addition, this method can match different lithography systems, each including a tool and a mask.

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: The invention relates to apparatus and methods for assessing occurrence of a hazardous agent in a sample by performing multipoint spectral analysis of the sample. Methods of employing Raman spectroscopy and other spectrophotometric methods are disclosed. Devices and systems suitable for performing such multipoint methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A virtual mirror device for visualizing virtual objects in angiographic applications, having an interactive virtual mirror, a 3D or 4D medical image of a patient's anatomy co-registered with a calibrated 2D X-ray image of the patient's anatomy, and a displaying device provided such that the 2D X-ray image of the patient's anatomy, the co-registered 3D or 4D medical image of the patient's anatomy and the interactive virtual mirror viewed from the viewpoint of the X-ray source of the X-ray imaging system, are presented in a common coordinate system, providing full integration and combined visualization of the reconstruction of 3D or 4D medical image of the patient's anatomy, the 2D X-ray image of the patient's anatomy and the virtual mirror onto the displaying device.

Abstract: A method for measuring optical properties of an optically variable marking applied on an object, the method including the steps of illuminating the optically variable marking so as to form a first light reflected by the marking at a first view angle and a second light reflected by the marking at a second view angle, the first and second lights having different spectral compositions as a result of the optically variable marking, refracting the second reflected light through a optical unit so as to redirect the second reflected light toward an optical sensor, capturing the first light and the second refracted light with the optical sensor simultaneously; and determining optical properties of the optical variable marking based on the captured first and second lights.

Abstract: We disclose an apparatus comprising: a hand-portable optical analysis unit including an optical interface; and a device configured to receive and releasably engage the hand-portable optical analysis unit. The device comprises: a housing; a sample unit in the housing; and a resilient member configured to bias the sample unit and the hand-portable analysis unit towards each other when the hand-portable optical analysis unit is received in the device to compress a sample disposed between the sample unit and the optical interface of the optical analysis unit. Methods of analyzing samples are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method according to one embodiment includes generating light fringes using a light source; directing a particle through the light fringes; detecting light scattered by the particle as the particle passes through the light fringes using at least one light detector; and determining at least one property of the particle.

Abstract: Apparatus for optically testing LEDs or other light-emitting components in a wide variety of test environments and to the degree necessary pertinent to the type(s) of faults encountered. In one embodiment, the present invention includes one or more fiber optic probes coupled to a multi-mode sensor unit, incorporating a photo-sensor coupled to a processor which may be programmed to provide a variety of test modes including simple on/off testing, color determination, color matching, wavelength and relative intensity among others. An extremely high sensitivity test mode is also provided for testing LEDs which emit very low intensity light in the microcandela range in products such as automobile/aircraft cockpit control panel lighted push-buttons for night-time viewing. The multi-mode sensor unit operates over a wide dynamic range and is capable of accurately testing LEDs that may be very dim to very bright without adjustment.

Abstract: A multi-modal data acquisition system for detecting target material on a biological reaction surface, the system comprising a radiation source for generating an incoming beam that impinges on the biological reaction surface at an oblique incidence angle and produces a reflected beam, an interferometric detector for detecting an interferometric signal from the illuminated surface, the reflected beam being directed to the interferometric detector, a fluorescence detector for detecting a fluorescence signal from the illuminated surface; the fluorescence detector being positioned to substantially minimize the incidence of the reflected beam; and a processing system for receiving the interferometric and fluorescence signals and determining the presence or absence of target material on the biological reaction surface. A reaction surface conditioned for the simultaneous collection of fluorescence, interferometric and other signals.

Abstract: A focused multi-planar image acquisition in real time even while a test object is moving, is achieved with a system and a method for a focused multi-planar image acquisition in a prober. When a surface of a test object is positioned laterally in relation to tips of separated probe needles, a microscope is focused on the surface of the test object at a first time and on a plane of the probe needles at a second time. The objective lens is provided with a microscope objective lens focusing system, which can focus the objective lens, independently of a vertical adjustment drive of the microscope, on the surface of the test object in a first focal plane and in a second focal plane, which is on a level with the probe needle tips.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting Raman and photoluminescence spectra of a substance and identifying said substance by Raman and/or photoluminescence spectral characteristics of said substance are disclosed. An apparatus comprises a replaceable laser source aggregate with a laser source, a collimating system, a socket for receiving said replaceable laser source aggregate, while ensuring the operation of said apparatus with no further adjustment of a positioning of said collimating system or said laser source, a filtering system, a light dispersing system optimized for a spectral resolution and a spectral range sufficient to simultaneously obtain Raman and photoluminescence spectra of said substance, a detector, and at least one controller for processing electrical signals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fibre-optic measuring apparatus (1) and a related method comprising a number of sensors (3, 4, 5) which are integrated in a cable (20) and detect a mechanical load, a temperature and/or corrosive gases, characterised in that the sensors (3, 4, 5) are supplied with light from a source (2) and the sensors (3, 4, 5) form a fibre-optic network (3, 4, 5, 21).

Abstract: An optical element is disclosed which includes transparent superconductor material.

Abstract: A system and method for standoff detection of explosives and explosive residue. A laser light source illuminates a target area having an unknown sample producing luminescence emitted photons, scattered photons and plasma emitted photons. A first optical system directs light to the target area. A video capture device outputs a dynamic image of the target area. A second optical system collects photons, and directs collected photons to a first two-dimensional array of detection elements and/or to a fiber array spectral translator device which device includes a two-dimensional array of optical fibers drawn into a one-dimensional fiber stack. A spectrograph is coupled to the one-dimensional fiber stack of the fiber array spectral translator device, wherein the entrance slit of the spectrograph is coupled to the one dimensional fiber stack.

Abstract: A surgical microscopy system is provided wherein an optical coherence tomography facility is integrated into a microscopy system. A beam of measuring light formed by collimating optics of an OCT system is deflected by a beam scanner, traverses imaging optics, and is reflected by a reflector such that the beam of measuring light traverses an objective lens of microscopy optics and is directed to an object region of the microscopy optics. A position of the beam of measuring light being incident on the reflector is substantially independent on a direction into which the beam of measuring light is deflected by the beam scanner. When traveling through the beam scanner, the beam of measuring light is comprised of a bundle of substantially parallel light rays.

Abstract: A probe needle is successively moved to a plurality of measurement points set in a measurement region on a sample so as to measure a z-displacement amount. An excitation control unit feedback-controls a piezoelectric element so that a vibration amplitude of a cantilever is constant in accordance with the detection output by a displacement detection unit. Moreover, a vertical displacement control unit feedback-controls a vertical position scan unit so as to obtain a constant distance between the probe needle and the sample according to a frequency shift by a frequency detection unit. When changes of outputs of two feedback loops at a certain measurement point are both within a predetermined range, a main control unit issues an instruction to a horizontal position control unit to rapidly move to the next measurement point. As a result, it is possible to adaptively decide such a measurement time that both of the two feedback controls at respective measurement points are established.

Abstract: A system and method for detection of explosive agents using hyperspectral imaging. A system comprising an illumination source, a spectral encoding device, and at least one imaging detector configured for at least one of SWIR and MWIR hyperspectral imaging of a target comprising an unknown material. A method comprising illuminating a target comprising an unknown material, assessing interacted photons using a spectral encoding device, and detecting interacted photons using at least one of SWIR hyperspectral imaging and MWIR hyperspectral imaging. Algorithms and chemometric techniques may be applied to assess the MWIR hyperspectral image to identify the unknown material as comprising an explosive agent or a non-explosive agent. A video imaging device may also be configured to provide a video image of an area of interest, which may be assessed to identify a target for interrogation using SWIR and MWIR hyperspectral imaging.

Abstract: A micromechanical component has a light window; a mirror element adjustable with respect to the light window from a first position into at least one second position about at least one axis of rotation, an optical sensor having a detection surface designed to ascertain a light intensity on the detection surface and to provide a corresponding sensor signal. The light window, the mirror element in the first position and the detection surface are situated in relation to one another in such a way that a portion of a light beam reflected on the light window strikes the detection surface at least partially; and an evaluation unit designed to define, on the basis of the sensor signal, information regarding an instantaneous position of the mirror element and/or an instantaneous intensity of the deflected light beam.

Abstract: Optical characteristic measuring systems and methods such as for determining the color or other optical characteristics of an object are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics are spaced apart from a source fiber optic and receive light from the surface of the object being measured. Light from the perimeter fiber optics pass to a variety of filters. The system utilizes the perimeter receiver fiber optics to determine information regarding the height and angle of the probe with respect to the object being measured. Under processor control, the optical characteristics measurement may be made at a predetermined height and angle. Various color spectral photometer arrangements are disclosed. Translucency, fluorescence, gloss and/or surface texture data also may be obtained. Audio feedback may be provided to guide operator use of the system. The probe may have a removable or shielded tip for contamination prevention. A method of producing prostheses based on measured data also is disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for detecting defects on a sample inspected by different inspection apparatuses. A data processing unit receives position information of a first defects group in a first coordinate system, based on inspection of the sample under a first condition using a first defect inspection apparatus. The data processing unit receives position information of a second defects group in a second coordinate system, after least one processing step has been performed on the sample. Position information of the second defects group is obtained by inspecting the sample under a second condition using a second defect inspection apparatus which is different from the first defect inspection apparatus. A position correction unit corrects error of relative position information on the first defects group and the second defects group, and the first and second defects groups are checked.

Abstract: A sentinel lymph node detecting apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a light source unit 2, illuminating an excitation light 10 and an illumination light 11 onto a biological observation location 20 that includes a sentinel lymph node 21 near a tumor, into which a fluorescent dye that emits fluorescence is injected; an optical filter 3, transmitting a fluorescence image 11 and a normal image 13; an image pickup device 5, disposed integral to the light source unit 2 and picking up the fluorescence image 11 and the normal image 13 transmitted through the optical filter 3; and an image display device 7, displaying the observation images that have been picked up. The wavelength of the illumination light 11 is set to a value close to the wavelength of the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent dye.

Abstract: To provide an improved method and an improved measuring apparatus for determining a particle concentration with which the disadvantages of the transmission measurement principle and of the scattered light measurement principle can be compensated to a certain degree to achieve a higher precision in the particle concentration measurement, a method and a measuring apparatus are proposed in accordance with the invention, wherein measured value pairs are determined at specific times over a time period, with the measured value pairs each comprising a measured extraction value in accordance with the principle of transmitted light measurement and a corresponding measured scattered light measurement in accordance with the principle of scattered light measurement; the measured values are stored; a correction value is determined using the stored measured value pairs in a measured value preparation phase subsequent to the time period; the measured extinction value then currently determined after this is corrected usin

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for analyzing a tissue (70), which comprises: —irradiating the tissue (70) with light focused on a focal region (40); —collecting light coming back from the focal region (40) into a first detection device (100A), the first detection device (100A) being arranged to only collect the light coming back from the focal region (40), on a first detection area (140A), by confocal spectroscopy, in order to generate a first signal, containing information on an optical property of the tissue (70); —collecting light, scattered from the focal region (40) to at least a second region (60), coming back from the second region (60), into a second detection device (100B), the second detection device (100B) being arranged to only collect the light coming back from the second region (60), on a second detection area (140B), in order to generate a second signal, —using the first and second signals in order to get information on the scattering and/or absorption coefficients of the tissue (

Abstract: A system according to one embodiment includes a light source for generating light fringes; a sampling mechanism for directing a particle through the light fringes; and at least one light detector for detecting light scattered by the particle as the particle passes through the light fringes. A method according to one embodiment includes generating light fringes using a light source; directing a particle through the light fringes; and detecting light scattered by the particle as the particle passes through the light fringes using at least one light detector.

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: A system and method are described herein for self-referencing a sensor that is used to detect a biomolecular binding event and/or kinetics which occur in a sample solution flowing along side a reference solution in a micron-sized deep flow channel.

Abstract: A microassembled imaging cytometer includes a sensing location that undergoes relative motion with a cell. Light from a light source is focused by a focusing element to a plurality of focused illumination spots or lines at the sensing location, illuminating the cell as the cell traverses the sensing location. A collection lens collects light emanating from the cell and refocuses the collected light onto an array light sensor. The focusing element may include an array of microlenses having spherical or aspheric surfaces. The system may include a processing unit that constructs a digital image of the cell based at least in part on signals produced by the array light sensor indicating the intensity and distribution of light falling on the array light sensor. The system may characterize cells using light emanating from the cells by fluorescence.

Abstract: A compact optical system for a particle analyzer and particle analyzer using same are provided. The optical system for a particle analyzer of the present invention comprises a light source, an irradiation optical system for irradiating particles passing through a flow cell with light from the light source, a photodetector for receiving the scattered light from the particles, a light shielding member for blocking the direct light from the light source from impinging the photodetector, and a detecting lens for directing the scattered light toward the photodetector, wherein the irradiation optical system forms a first focus that focuses the light from the light source on the particle passing through the flow cell, and forms a second focus that focuses the light from the light source at a position between the detecting lens and photodetector, and disposes the light shielding member at the position of the second focus.

Abstract: Provided is a detection apparatus of Raman scattering and light scattering, and more particularly, a simultaneous detection apparatus of Raman scattering and dynamic light scattering and a detection method using the same. The simultaneous detection apparatus of Raman scattering and light scattering includes: a detection unit for applying incident light to a sample, and detecting Raman scattering in 90° or 180° geometry and light scattering in 90° or 180° geometry in order to simultaneously collect Raman scattering and light scattering; and a computer connected to the detection unit to obtain at least one of the size and distribution of particles from the detected light scattering, and to obtain information of the molecular structure from the detected Raman scattering.

Abstract: A method to diagnosis a disease state of an unknown sample. A test Raman data set for an unknown sample is generated. A reference Raman database is provided where the database contains a plurality of reference Raman data sets and a plurality of reference Raman difference data sets. The reference Raman difference data set is generated by determining a difference between a first reference Raman data set and a second reference Raman data set. A first reference Raman data set is associated with first known sample and associated with one or more of: a first known disease state and a first known clinical outcome. A second reference Raman data set is associated with a second known sample and associated with one or more of: a second known disease state and a second known clinical outcome.

Abstract: A novel apparatus comprising three main systems: air sampling, detection and computerized electric system; and method of using the same in the sampling, detection and identification of bioaerosols, wherein the identification of the said bioaerosol is base on a multiphoton laser diagnostic technique along with the velocity and aerodynamic size of the particular bioaerosol. After exposing the said bioaerosols with near infrared wavelength laser, the obtained fluorescence spectra has been shown to be unique and particular for each bioaerosol, thus allowing the characterization of the said particles.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a spectrophotometer system configured to measure light absorbance by a tear sample, a refractometer system configured to measure refractive index of the tear sample, and an evaluation unit programmed to calculate an osmolarity of the tear sample based on the measured absorbance and refractive index and stored calibration curves. The spectrophotometer and refractometer systems may share a common prism contacted by the tear sample during measurement. The evaluation unit may be programmed to carry out steps of a method for determining osmolarity of the tear sample in accordance with the invention. The osmolarity of the tear sample may be used as an indicator in diagnosing dry eye.

Abstract: An automated analyzer for performing multiple diagnostic assays simultaneously includes multiple stations in which discrete aspects of the assay are performed on fluid samples contained in sample vessels. The analyzer includes stations for automatically preparing a sample, incubating the sample, preforming an analyte isolation procedure, ascertaining the presence of a target analyte, and analyzing the amount of a target analyte. An automated receptacle transporting system moves the sample vessels from one station to the next. A method for performing an automated diagnostic assay includes an automated process for isolating and amplifying a target analyte, and, in one embodiment, a method for real-time monitoring of the amplification process.

Abstract: Computer program products comprising tangible computer-readable media having instructions that are executable by a computer to generate a customized spectral profile, which can be used to generate a corresponding filter. The instructions can comprise: generating a trial source spectrum; determining an uncorrected lamp source spectrum; calculating one or more optical indices using the trial source spectrum or the uncorrected lamp source spectrum; and optimizing one or more of the optical indices by varying the trial source spectrum to generate the customized spectral profile.

Abstract: A high speed, high-resolution flow imaging system is modified to achieve extended depth of field imaging. An optical distortion element is introduced into the flow imaging system. Light from an object, such as a cell, is distorted by the distortion element, such that a point spread function (PSF) of the imaging system is invariant across an extended depth of field. The distorted light is spectrally dispersed, and the dispersed light is used to simultaneously generate a plurality of images. The images are detected, and image processing is used to enhance the detected images by compensating for the distortion, to achieve extended depth of field images of the object. The post image processing preferably involves de-convolution, and requires knowledge of the PSF of the imaging system, as modified by the optical distortion element.

Abstract: Combined spectral and polarimetry imaging and diagnostic techniques are disclosed, including an imaging system that simultaneously records spatially co-registered spectral and polarization information from an image of a target scene such as an ocular structure or material or device in an around the eye. Image acquisition and image calibration by such an imaging system or an imaging spectrometer or polarimeter are also disclosed. Methods of data storage and image display relevant to medical practice in general and ophthalmology practice specifically are further disclosed.

Abstract: A method of obtaining information about a heterogeneous pharmaceutical mixture is disclosed. This method involves applying an image enhancement agent, such as a stain, to the mixture. An image of the mixture can then be obtained, and information about a distribution of components of the mixture in the image can also be obtained based on spatial information derived from the application of the image enhancement agent.

Abstract: Optical characteristic measuring systems and methods such as for determining the color or other optical characteristics of teeth are disclosed. Perimeter receiver fiber optics preferably are spaced apart from a source fiber optic and receive light from the surface of the object/tooth being measured. Light from the perimeter fiber optics pass to a variety of filters. The system utilizes the perimeter receiver fiber optics to determine information regarding the height and angle of the probe with respect to the object/tooth being measured. Under processor control, the optical characteristics measurement may be made at a predetermined height and angle. Various color spectral photometer arrangements are disclosed. Translucency, fluorescence, gloss and/or surface texture data also may be obtained. Audio feedback may be provided to guide operator use of the system. The probe may have a removable or shielded tip for contamination prevention.

Abstract: A specimen optical information recognizing device includes a specimen containing section containing a specimen to be measured, a specimen measuring section having a light source for outputting light for observing the specimen, a photodetecting section for collecting optical information from the specimen, and an optical waveguide for propagating light between the specimen containing and the specimen measuring sections. The optical information on the specimen may be recognized by measuring values under at least two measurement conditions. The specimen optical information recognizing device includes a measurement auxiliary liquid interposed between the end of the optical waveguide and the specimen. A longitudinal cross section of the specimen containing section may be of a recessed shape, and the aperture depth of the recessed portion may be greater than the aperture diameter. A through hole may be provided at least in a part near the bottom of the specimen containing section.

Abstract: Systems and methods that process a plurality of surgical instruments for cleaning and/or packaging. A device identifies a robot-ready insert having a predetermined configuration for accepting at least one type of surgical instrument. The surgical instruments are identified and oriented according to type using an automated apparatus. Specialized tools are also provided for automatically opening and closing surgical instruments, flipping instruments and assisting in the processing and maintenance of surgical instruments. The automated apparatus then places each of the surgical instrument types in one or more predetermined areas of the insert, configured to accept a predetermined set of surgical instrument types.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a method for interrogating a sample by: illuminating a first region of the sample with a first illumination pattern to obtain a plurality of first sample photons; illuminating a second region of the sample with a second illumination pattern to obtain a plurality of second sample photons; processing the plurality of first sample photons to obtain a characteristic atomic emission of the first region and processing the plurality of second sample photons to obtain a Raman spectrum; and identifying the sample through at least one of the characteristic atomic emission of the first region or the Raman spectrum of the second region of the sample.

Abstract: A method of producing an image of an object residing inside a transparent container of a first color includes: illuminating the container and the object with light of a second color, the second color being substantially the inverse of the first color; and producing an image of the object through the container. An image produced by this method can exhibit substantially the same color as the object itself, even when the image is taken through a colored transparent wall.

Abstract: An optical metrology apparatus for measuring periodic structures using multiple incident azimuthal (phi) and polar (theta) incident angles is described. One embodiment provides the enhanced calculation speed for the special case of phi=90 incidence for 1-D (line and space) structures, which has the incident plane parallel to the grating lines, as opposed to the phi=0 classical mounting, which has incident plane perpendicular to the grating lines. The enhancement reduces the computation time of the phi=90 case to the same order as the corresponding phi=0 case, and in some cases the phi=90 case can be significantly faster. One advantageous configuration consists of two measurements for each sample structure, one perpendicular to the grating lines and one parallel. This provides additional information about the structure, equivalent to two simultaneous angles of incidence, without excessive increase in computation time.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the present invention, a flow cytometer includes a plurality of optical sources, each of which illuminates an excitation beam at a predetermined frequency having a wavelength and a phase different from another; and a guide member for guiding the excitation beams into the same incident optical path to focus onto a dyed particle. According to one aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, it is possible, without requiring introduction of the delay time, to detect a plurality of fluorescence excited at the cell particles labeled with a plurality of fluorescent labeling reagents, by a plurality of laser optical sources.