Abstract: A system for inspecting specimens such as semiconductor wafers is provided. The system provides scanning of dual-sided specimens using a diffraction grating that widens and passes nth order (n>0) wave fronts to the specimen surface and a reflective surface for each channel of the light beam. Two channels and two reflective surfaces are preferably employed, and the wavefronts are combined using a second diffraction grating and passed to a camera system having a desired aspect ratio. The system preferably comprises a damping arrangement which filters unwanted acoustic and seismic vibration, including an optics arrangement which scans a first portion of the specimen and a translation or rotation arrangement for translating or rotating the specimen to a position where the optics arrangement can scan the remaining portion(s) of the specimen. The system further includes-means for stitching scans together, providing for smaller and less expensive optical elements.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical measuring device including: a light applying section configured to apply exciting light to a sample flowing in a channel; and a scattered light detecting section configured to detect scattered light generated from the sample irradiated with the exciting light on the downstream side of the sample in the traveling direction of the exciting light; the scattered light detecting section including a scattered light separating mask for separating the scattered light into a low numerical aperture component having a numerical aperture not greater than a specific value and a high numerical aperture component having a numerical aperture greater than the specific value; a first detector for detecting the low numerical aperture component; and a second detector for detecting the high numerical aperture component.

Abstract: A method in which the wavelength of the light of a tunable light source is varied periodically over an absorption line of interest for the gas component to measure the concentration of a gas component in a measurement gas based on one of two measurement methods of direct absorption spectroscopy and wavelength modulation spectroscopy and, where in the case of wavelength modulation spectroscopy, the wavelength of the light is additionally sinusoidally modulated at a high frequency and with a small amplitude, where the intensity of the light is detected after transradiation of the measurement gas and processed to yield a measurement result, and where in order to increase the accuracy and reliability of the measurement, the two measurement methods are applied simultaneously during each period, or alternately in consecutive periods, and their results are combined by averaging to form the measurement result.

Abstract: The present invention provides a measurement apparatus for measuring a shape of an object to be measured, comprising a measuring head configured to perform measurement in a first measurement mode and perform measurement in a second measurement mode having measurement accuracy higher than that of the first measurement mode, a detection unit configured to detect an occupancy region of the object to be measured, and a control unit configured to control the measuring head, wherein in the first measurement mode, the control unit moves, based on a detection result of the detection unit, the measuring head not to touch the object to be measured, and in the second measurement mode, the control unit moves, based on a measurement result in the first measurement mode, the measuring head to satisfy an allowable condition in the second measurement mode.

Abstract: A calibration apparatus includes an insertion portion into which a measurement probe is inserted and a reference reflection plate that is arranged at a position away from a distal end of the measurement probe by a predetermined distance in a state in which the measurement probe has been inserted in the insertion portion and that has uniform reflectivity of light in a range of a wavelength to be measured in an irradiation plane of an illumination light, wherein a material forming the reference reflection plate has a scattering mean free path that is greater than a spatial coherence length at the predetermined distance.

Abstract: A turbidity sensor for use in a machine for washing articles, e.g., a washing machine (400). The turbidity sensor comprises a light source (210) for emitting light. The emitted light has a radiant intensity which is variable. The sensor further comprises a light-sensitive element (220) for receiving light emitted from the light source (210). The light source (211) and the light-sensitive element (220) are positioned relative to each other so that, when the light source (210) is in operation, light emitted from the light source (210) can propagate through a washing liquid contained in the washing machine (400) on its way to the light sensitive element (220). The light-sensitive element (220) is configured to measure the radiant intensity of light received at the light-sensitive element (221). Furthermore, the sensor comprises a controller (230) which is communicatively coupled to the light source (210) and the light-sensitive element (220).

Abstract: A sensor assembly senses hydrogen and moisture content of insulation liquid of a liquid-filled electrical equipment.

Abstract: A material is illuminated with one or more light sources including at least one light source which emits light of controlled coherence properties. Both of a spectral characteristic and a speckle statistic are derived using light reflected from the illuminated material. The spectral characteristic and the speckle statistic are compared against plural entries in a database. Each entry in the database correlates the identity of a material against a corresponding spectral characteristic and a corresponding speckle statistic for the material. At least one candidate for the identity of the illuminated material is determined based at least in part on the comparison.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and systems for scanning objects and associated substances, where the methods include: (a) using a first electronic device to scan a feature of an object and provide reference information about the object based on the scanned feature, where the feature identifies the object or a substance associated with the object; (b) using a second electronic device to measure electromagnetic radiation emitted from the object and provide sample information about the object based on the measured electromagnetic radiation; and (c) comparing the sample information and the reference information to determine whether the object includes the substance associated with the object.

Abstract: Disclosed is an exemplary optical sensing system including at least one light source for emitting light in a first wavelength range and light in a second wavelength. An image sensor is provided for detecting light emitted from the at least one light source. The optical sensing system also includes a first optical filter disposed in a first optical path extending between the light source and the image sensor, the first optical filter configured to pass light emitted in the first wavelength range, and to substantially block light emitted in the second wavelength range. A second optical filter is disposed in a second optical path extending between the light source and the image sensor, the second optical filter configured to pass light emitted from the at least one light source in the second wavelength range, and to substantially block light emitted in the first wavelength range.

Abstract: A scanning monochromatic spatial low-coherent interferometer (S-LCI) can be used to simultaneously measure geometric thickness and refractive index. The probe beam of the scanning S-LCI can be an off-axis converging single wavelength laser beam, and the decomposed incident angles of the beam on the sample can be accurately defined in the Fourier domain. The angle dependent phase shift of a plane parallel plate or other sample can be obtained in a single system measurement. From the angle dependent phase shift, the geometric thickness and refractive index of the sample can be simultaneously obtained. Additionally or alternatively, the S-LCI system can interrogate the sample to profile the location and refractive index of one or more layers within the sample using the disclosed techniques.

Abstract: An aging apparatus including a pulse laser, a beam expansion assembly, and a platform configured to carry an object is provided. The pulse laser transmits a first beam to the beam expansion assembly. The beam expansion assembly expands the first beam to a second beam and projects the second beam onto the object.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of analysing a sample comprising sub-micron particles, comprising determining first information about the size of particles and number of particles in the sample by nanoparticle tracking analysis; determining second information about average particle size of particles in the sample by dynamic light scattering; determining from the first information third information representing the theoretical effect of the detected particles on results obtainable by dynamic light scattering; and adjusting the second information using the third information to produce fourth information representing adjusted information on average particle size.

Abstract: A determining method includes the steps of setting a first parameter to define the shape of the plurality of pattern elements of the mask, setting a second parameter to define the effective light source distribution; and repeating the process of calculation of the image of the mask pattern and calculation of a value of an evaluation item while varying the value of the first parameter and the second parameter to thereby determine the effective light source distribution and the mask pattern, wherein parameters of pattern elements are set as one parameter by using a value of an index representing the proximity effect.

Abstract: A wafer includes multiple optical devices that each includes one or more optical components. The optical components include light-generating components that each generates a light signal in response to application of electrical energy to the light-generating component from electronics that are external to the wafer. The optical components also include receiver components that each outputs an electrical signal in response to receipt of light. The wafer also includes testing waveguides that each extends from within a boundary of one of the optical devices across the boundary of the optical device and also provides optical communication between a first portion of the optical components and a second portion of the optical components. The first portion of the optical components includes one or more of the light-generating components and the second portion of the optical components include one or more of the receiver components.

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: The invention relates to a method for detecting biological material in an airstream, in which method the airstream is fed with the aid of sampling devices, a light beam is emitted towards the airstream, a fluorescence signal depicting the fluorescence of the particle is created, a scattering signal depicting the scattering of the light of the particle is created, the fluorescence signal and the scattering signal are converted into discrete values, and an alarm value is defined. The discrete values are recorded cumulatively as hit points in an at least 2-dimensional measurement space equipped with selected dimensions, at least one index area is preselected from the measurement space, a cumulative index is calculated at an index frequency from the hit points accumulated on the each preselected index area, and an alarm value, showing the presence of a selected biological material, is defined from the indices by using a preselected criterion.

Abstract: There is disclosed improved apparatus and methods for detection of shape, size and intrinsic fluorescence properties of a fluid borne particle wherein the apparatus comprises a laser, two light sources, two detectors, and optionally a third detector. The apparatus is particularly suitable for detection of airborne biological particles.

Abstract: A wafer includes multiple optical devices that each includes one or more optical components. The optical components include light-generating components that each generates a light signal in response to application of electrical energy to the light-generating component from electronics that are external to the wafer. The optical components also include receiver components that each outputs an electrical signal in response to receipt of light. The wafer also includes testing waveguides that each extends from within a boundary of one of the optical devices across the boundary of the optical device and also provides optical communication between a first portion of the optical components and a second portion of the optical components. The first portion of the optical components includes one or more of the light-generating components and the second portion of the optical components include one or more of the receiver components.

Abstract: An optical probe has optical components of an interferometer and includes an optical axis, at least one optical source for emitting light along an illumination path that is at least partially coaxial with the optical axis, a first beam splitter and a first lens. The first beam splitter intersects the optical axis and splits the light from the at least one optical source into a first beam for traveling along a reference path that is coaxial with the optical axis to a reference surface and a second beam for traveling along a test path that is coaxial with the optical axis to a specimen. The first lens is interposed along the reference path.

Abstract: A method of absorption spectroscopy to determine a rapidly variable gas parameter. The method includes transmitting light from a synchronization light source to a synchronization detector. The transmitted light is periodically interrupted by a moving mechanical part between the synchronization light source and synchronization detector. The output from the synchronization detector is used to generate a repeating time signal having variable phase delay. This signal is used to control the timing of laser spectroscopy wavelength scans. Multiple spectroscopic scans may be repeated at multiple selected time signal phase delay and the results averaged for each phase. Apparatus for implementing the above methods are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: A system and method for the in-line analysis of protein-containing compositions for protein denaturation. The system and method employ providing a protein-containing composition in a container that can be directly used in an analytical method for evaluating the denaturation of a protein. The container can be directly employed in an analytical technique such as UV spectroscopy, circular dichroism, etc.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for determining a concentration of a gas component in a gas mixture contained in a spacing of a glass unit having at least two glass sheets spaced apart from each other and forming the spacing. One or more light beams is applied at an angle to the surface of the glass unit, wherein the wavelength of the emitted light beam is varied around or over the at least one absorption line of the interest gas component. The light beams transmitted through or reflected from at least one surface or interface locating at the opposite side of the spacing are collected by a detector and non-linear variations in the intensity of the transmitted or reflected light beams over an absorption line of the interest gas is then component determined. The concentration of the gas component to be measured is determined based on the non-linear variations in the intensity.

Abstract: A detection device includes an irradiation unit that irradiates a medium with first irradiation light, a first optical system that has a first incident surface and changes the first irradiation light into second irradiation light, a second optical system that has a second incident surface and changes the first irradiation light into third irradiation light, and a light receiving unit that is provided in a traveling direction of reflection light of the second irradiation light and the third irradiation light, which are specularly reflected by the medium, and receives the reflection light of the second irradiation light and the third irradiation light, which are specularly reflected by the medium, so as to detect a positional deviation amount of an image formed on the medium and detect a density deviation amount of the image formed on the medium.

Abstract: A system and method for detection and identification of unknown samples using a combination of Raman and LIBS detection techniques. A first region of a sample and a second region of a sample are illuminated using structured illumination to thereby generate a first plurality of interacted photons and a second plurality of interacted photons. This first plurality and second plurality of interacted photons may be passed through a fiber array spectral translator device. Said first plurality of interacted photons are assessed using Raman spectroscopy to thereby generate a Raman data set. Said second plurality of interacted photons are assessed using LIBS spectroscopy to thereby generate LIBS data set. These data sets may be analyzed to identify the sample. These data sets may also be fused for further analysis.

Abstract: An optical measurement apparatus including a light irradiation portion configured to irradiate light onto a sample flowing through a flow path in a detachable chip; a light detection portion configured to detect optical information emitted from the sample when irradiated with the light by the light irradiation portion; and a judgment portion configured to judge an exchange period of the chip based on the optical information detected by the light detection portion.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed relating to a pipeline for generating a computer model of a target user, including a hand model of the user's hands and fingers, captured by an image sensor in a NUI system. The computer model represents a best estimate of the position and orientation of a user's hand or hands. The generated hand model may be used by a gaming or other application to determine such things as user gestures and control actions.

Abstract: A system for determining the angular visual response of a cosmetic surface includes a sample support member configured to support a sample of material, a light detector arranged to travel along a first arcuate path about the sample of material, a light emitter arranged to travel along a second arcuate path about the sample of material, and an imaging device arranged to travel along a third arcuate path about the sample of material.

Abstract: In order to improve the detection accuracy of a reflection spectrum, a detection device for intermolecular interaction is provided with a detector (10) which has a ligand (16), a white light source (20) which emits white light, a spectroscope (30) which detects the spectral intensity of received light, a light transmission unit (40) which has a first light transmission path (41) for transmitting the white light from the white light source to the detector, a second light transmission path (42) for transmitting reflected light of the white light from the detector to the spectroscope, and a third light transmission path (43) for transmitting the white light from the white light source to the spectroscope, a switching unit (80) which performs switching between a reflected light receiving state in which the transmission of the reflected light of the white light in the detector to the spectroscope via the first and second light transmission paths is enabled and a white light receiving state in which the transmissio

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for inspecting and monitoring an inner surface of a pipeline. One system includes a pig arranged within the pipeline and having first and second ends, one or more optical computing devices arranged on at least one of the first and second ends for monitoring a fluid within the pipeline. The optical computing devices including at least one integrated computational element configured to optically interact with the fluid and thereby generate optically interacted light, and at least one detector arranged to receive the optically interacted light and generate an output signal corresponding to a characteristic of the fluid. The system also includes a signal processor communicably coupled to the at least one detector of each optical computing device for receiving the output signal of each optical computing device and determining the characteristic of the fluid as detected by each optical computing device.

Abstract: A laser tracker system for measuring six degrees of freedom may include a main optics assembly structured to emit a first laser beam, a pattern projector assembly structured to emit a second laser beam shaped into a two-dimensional pattern, and a target. The target may include a retroreflector and a position sensor assembly. A center of symmetry of the retroreflector may be provided on a different plane than a plane of the position sensor assembly. A method of measuring orientation of a target may include illuminating the target with a laser beam comprising a two-dimensional pattern, recording a position of the two-dimensional pattern on a position sensor assembly to create a measured signature value of the two-dimensional pattern, and calculating an orientation of the target based on the measured signature value.

Abstract: An optical absorption gas analyzer is provided for determining the concentration of a target gas in a sample, comprising: a chamber for containing the sample in use; an optopair, comprising a light emitting diode (LED) arranged to emit radiation into the chamber and a photovoltaic radiation detector arranged to detect radiation transmitted through the chamber from the LED and to output a corresponding detection signal SS; a temperature sensor arranged in thermal contact with the LED and the photovoltaic radiation detector, and to output a temperature signal T representing the temperature of the optopair; a memory having stored therein data representative of the baseline detection signal ST output by the optopair in the absence of the target gas as a function of the temperature of the optopair across a range of temperatures; and a processor adapted to generate a differential detection signal SA indicative of the concentration of target gas in the sample by retrieving from the memory the baseline detection sign

Abstract: A material is illuminated with one or more light sources including at least one light source which emits light of controlled coherence properties. Both of a spectral characteristic and a speckle statistic are derived using light reflected from the illuminated material. The spectral characteristic and the speckle statistic are compared against plural entries in a database. Each entry in the database correlates the identity of a material against a corresponding spectral characteristic and a corresponding speckle statistic for the material. At least one candidate for the identity of the illuminated material is determined based at least in part on the comparison.

Abstract: An optical sensor biosignal measurement apparatus including an optical sensor having a luminous element to emit light towards the skin of a user and a photo detector to detect light from the skin of the user; a light quantity adjustment member to adjust an optical transmission area of the photo detector; and a light quantity controller to detect the quantity of light detected by the photo detector, and control the light quantity adjustment member to adjust the optical transmission area of the photo detector according to the quantity of light is provided.

Abstract: A low cost sensing system that can measure both chlorophyll concentration and turbidity is provided. The system is an optical system that utilizes at least three light sensors for measuring side-scattered and forward scattered light, as well as fluorescence. The system is able to take optical density measurements, steady state fluorescence measurements and maximum fluorescence measurements, and can be configured for wireless control and data transmission. The system may also be housed in one or more fluidtight housings so as to make it submersible.

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: Apparatus including a broadband illumination source and a confocal optical system. The confocal optical system is configured and arranged to receive a portion of light projected onto an object by the broadband illumination source. The apparatus can include an illumination source, a confocal optical system, and at least one detector configured and arranged to receive angularly separated light corresponding to a confocal volume. There is also provided a light scattering spectroscopic device including a broadband illumination source, a two-dimensional detector, and a spectral separation device configured and arranged to receive scattered light from an object and to direct at least a portion of the scattered light onto the two-dimensional detector. The method and apparatus can combine confocal microscopy techniques with light scattering spectroscopy techniques to create a confocal light scattering spectroscopy (CLSS) system.

Abstract: A sample carrier suitable for receiving a sample, a first investigation device for investigating the sample and having a first optical beam path for a first measurement light, a second investigation device for investigating the sample and having a second optical beam path for a second measurement light, wherein the first or the second investigation device comprises a probe microscope suitable for investigating the sample and an optical component having a light-permeable section for the first measurement light and an at least partially reflecting section for the second measurement light and disposed in the first and in the second beam path such that the first optical beam path is formed by a material of the optical component in the light-permeable section and that the second optical beam path is formed with a light-reflecting deflection at the at least one partially reflecting section is provided. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: Even in the case of a sample exhibiting low photoresponse, such as a wide bandgap semiconductor, a measurement method which enables highly accurate CPM measurement is provided. When CPM measurement is performed, photoexcited carriers which are generated by light irradiation of a sample exhibiting low photoresponse such as a wide bandgap semiconductor are instantly removed by application of positive bias voltage to a third electrode which is provided in the sample in addition to two electrodes used for measurement. When the photoexcited carriers are removed, even in the case of the sample exhibiting low photoresponse, the controllability of a photocurrent value is improved and CPM measurement can be performed accurately.

Abstract: In an apparatus and system for focusing optics an objective lens is configured to collect light from a region of an object to be imaged, said region having a feature with a known geometric characteristic, wherein the geometric characteristic is known before the feature is imaged by the optical device. A focusing sensor is configured to observe a shape of the feature and a splitter is configured to split the collected light into a first portion and a second portion, and directing said first portion through a weak cylindrical lens to the focusing sensor. A processor is configured to analyze the observed shape and determine whether the observed shape of the feature has a predetermined relationship to the known geometric characteristic and a mechanism is configured to autofocus the optical device by moving at least one of the objective lens and the object to be imaged in response to the analysis and determination of the processor. In some embodiments, the feature can be a fluorescent bead.

Abstract: A system and method for isolating and analyzing a water sample in a water processing facility are disclosed. The system uses a chamber for receiving and isolating the water sample from the main water treatment process. An optical detector views and characterizes the particles in a region of the chamber. An analyzer coupled to the optical detector compares the characterized suspended particles at a first time and at with the characterized suspended particles at a second time to produce a report showing suspended particle size as a function of time.

Abstract: A method of authenticating a polymer film comprises measuring the thickness of a layer therein by white light interferometry and/or measuring the birefringence of a layer therein. The method, and devices to carry out the method, may be used in security applications, for example to test for counterfeit bank notes.

Abstract: A sensor used for determining area coverages of each colorant in a printed image is provided. The sensor includes a plurality of sensing elements for determining area coverages of each colorant in a printed image that includes a plurality of colorants including a black colorant. One of the sensing elements is an infrared sensing element configured to measure infrared reflection, and the others of the sensing elements are each configured to detect a visible color.

Abstract: A handheld wavelength meter that includes a housing that encloses a non-stable reference signal source, an interferometer with rotating retroreflectors, optical-electrical converters, a frequency multiplier, and a controller.

Abstract: A system and method for the detection and identification of explosives and explosive residues using a combination of SWIR, Raman, and LIBS spectroscopy techniques, including imaging. A region of interest may be surveyed to identify a target area, wherein the target area comprises at least one unknown material. This surveying may be accomplished using visible imagery or SWIR imagery. The target area may be interrogated using Raman spectroscopy and LIBS spectroscopy to identify the unknown material. SWIR techniques may also be used to interrogate the target area. Fusion algorithms may also be applied to visible images, SWIR data sets, Raman data sets, and/or LIBS data sets.

Abstract: A monitoring system (2) for monitoring the number and/or concentration of particles and/or micro organisms (12, 22) in a fluid (10). The monitoring system (2) generates an alarm if a predefined criterion is met. The monitoring system (2) includes a micro processer (6) which executes programmed instructions in order to identify and classify particles (12), a storage member (8), and an optical sensor member (40) having a 2-D optical sensor (4) and a light source (36). The optical sensor member (40) records an image of a part of the fluid (10) and the monitoring system (2) determines the number and/or concentration of particles (12) in the fluid (10) on the basis of the optical response of single particles (12) in a sample zone (38) in the fluid (10). The fluid (10) in the sample zone (38) is kept stationary relative to the optical sensor member (40) during the image recording.

Abstract: A sensor is provided that combines monolithically-integrated pixelated aluminum nanowires with vertically stacked photodetectors. The aluminum nanowires are arranged as a collection of 2-by-2 pixels, or super-pixels. Each super-pixel includes nanowires at four different orientations, offset by 45°. Thus, the optical field is sampled with 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° linear polarization filters. Due to the spatial subsampling, interpolation may be applied to reconstruct the full 0°, 45°, 90°, and 135° arrays.

Abstract: Apparatus for processing substrates according to a predetermined photolithography process includes a loading station in which the substrates are loaded, a coating station in which the substrates are coated with a photoresist material, an exposing station in which the photoresist coating is exposed to light through a mask having a predetermined pattern to produce a latent image of the mask on the photoresist coating, a developing station in which the latent image is developed, an unloading station in which the substrates are unloaded and a monitoring station for monitoring the substrates with respect to predetermined parameters of said photolithography process before reaching the unloading station.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an instrument for measuring characteristics of particles suspended in a fluid is disclosed. It includes a closed wall surface defining a fractionation channel having a input opening, an output opening, and a flow axis that spans downstream from the input opening for the channel to the output opening. A force application subsystem has a force application output oriented perpendicular to at least part of the flow axis of the fractionation channel. A particle characteristic measurement subsystem is located hydraulically downstream from at least a portion of the closed wall surface defining the fractionation channel, and includes a sensor positioned to sense a property of the suspended particles in the potential measurement subsystem as well as a signal output responsive to the sensor.