Abstract: A method of detecting an event by: obtaining a first sample data set; determining a frequency domain feature(s) of the first sample data set over a first time period; determining a first threshold for the a frequency domain feature(s) using the first sample data set; determining that the frequency domain feature(s) matches the first threshold; determining the presence of an event during the first time period based on determining that the frequency domain feature(s) matches the first threshold; obtaining a second sample data set; determining a frequency domain feature(s) of the second sample data set over a second time period; determining a second threshold for the frequency domain feature(s) using the second sample data set; determining that the frequency domain feature(s) matches the second threshold; and determining the presence of the event during the second time period based on determining that the frequency domain feature(s) matches the second threshold.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to perform, rapidly and at a low cost, a pretreatment of an analysis sample containing a turbid substance. Provided is an analysis sample pretreatment apparatus in which a clarified liquid is obtained by removing a turbid substance from an analysis sample. The analysis sample pretreatment apparatus includes a cell configured to store the analysis sample, and a cell holder in which at least a part of a housing is opened to mount the cell. The cell holder includes an ultrasonic wave transducer and an ultrasonic wave reflection plate that are disposed on facing plane pairs while sandwiching the cell mounted inside the cell holder. The cell includes a first opening unit from which the analysis sample flows in, a second opening unit from which the clarified liquid flows out, and a third opening unit from which the turbid substance is discharged.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is to provide a particle detection device and a particle detection method that can individually and continuously detect a wide range of particles. The objective is achieved by a particle detection device including: a particle separation channel through which particles are separated according to particle sizes in a perpendicular direction to the flow of fluid; and two or more particle recovery channels that are connected to and branched from the particle separation channel, in which each of the particle recovery channels includes a particle detection unit that includes an aperture and an electric detector.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure describe systems, methods, and structures for acoustic wave-based separation of particulates in a fluidic flow. Illustrative systems, methods, and structures according to aspects of the present disclosure may advantageously provide for the continuous, label-free, non-invasive separation of the particulates that include—among other types—difficult-to-separate biological particulates and in particular those in blood including circulating tumor cells and micro-blood-borne particles and other subgroups of extracellular vesicles including nanoscale exosomes.

Abstract: A microfluidic chip (100), an apparatus, a system, and a control and preparation method therefor. The method comprises: a substrate (101), and an electrode layer (102) and a functional layer (103) sequentially formed on the substrate (101), said electrode layer (102) comprising a plurality of electrode groups (1021) arranged in an array, the electrode groups (1021) being used for converting electrical signals into acoustic signals when an electrode group is activated, and transmitting the acoustic signals to the functional layer (103); and the functional layer (103) being used for carrying a sample to be tested, and for absorbing the acoustic wave signals emitted by the activated electrode group (1021) and converting same into thermal energy for heating the sample to be tested that is carried at the position corresponding to the activated electrode group (1021).

Abstract: A solid-liquid distribution detection apparatus is adapted to detect a solid-liquid distribution state of a content in a solid-liquid separation column of a freeze concentration device and includes a sound source adapted to emit a sound wave to a column surface of the solid-liquid separation column, a measuring device adapted to measure a resonance waveform on the column surface of the solid-liquid separation column, and an analysis device adapted to analyze the resonance waveform measured by the measuring device and determine the solid-liquid distribution state of the content in the solid-liquid separation column based on an analysis result.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the present disclosure are directed to ultrasound-based concentration measurement techniques in which both scatterer count and image volume are measured concurrently to provide absolute concentration measurements. In particular, through the techniques of the present disclosure, the effective thickness of an ultrasound beam can be determined based on the spreading of individual scatterers within ultrasound images. Based on the effective thickness of the ultrasound beam, the volume of the image and, thus, the concentration of particles in the image can be determined directly, without the need for estimation, approximation, or use of a reference sample.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method of separating particles using a combination of acoustophoresis and acoustic fluid relocation. The disclosure also describes a microfluidic device that can be used to separate particles using a combination of acoustophoresis and acoustic fluid relocation. The disclosure describes methods of separating nanoparticles, microparticles, nanoparticles from microparticles, and micron-sized particles from sub-micron-sized particles.

Abstract: A particulate matter measuring device includes a gas transporting actuator, a micro particle sensor and a laser module. The micro particle sensor is disposed corresponding in position to the gas transporting actuator. The laser module is disposed between the gas transporting actuator and the micro particle sensor and emits a laser beam between the gas transporting actuator and the micro particle sensor. The air flowing between the gas transporting actuator and the micro particle sensor is irradiated by the laser beam. The micro particle sensor analyzes sizes of suspended particles in the air and calculates concentrations of the suspended particles. The air is ejected at high speed by the gas transporting actuator to perform a cleaning operation on a surface of the micro particle sensor so as to remove the suspended particles on the surface of the micro particle sensor and maintain accuracy of the micro particle sensor.

Abstract: A high temperature ultrasonic probe and a mounting fixture for attaching and aligning the probe to a steam pipe using blind alignment. The high temperature ultrasonic probe includes a piezoelectric transducer having a high temperature. The probe provides both transmitting and receiving functionality. The mounting fixture allows the high temperature ultrasonic probe to be accurately aligned to the bottom external surface of the steam pipe so that the presence of liquid water in the steam pipe can be monitored. The mounting fixture with a mounted high temperature ultrasonic probe are used to conduct health monitoring of steam pipes and to track the height of condensed water through the wall in real-time.

Abstract: An example method includes providing source light to an optical fiber deployed in a downhole environment, receiving backscattered light from the optical fiber, and producing one or more optical interferometry signals from the backscattered light. The method also includes converting each of the one or more optical interferometry signals to an electrical signal and digitizing each electrical signal to obtain one or more digitized electrical signals. The method also includes deriving acoustic activity values as a function of time and position from the one or more digitized electrical signal. The method also includes applying at least some of the acoustic activity values to a flow prediction model to obtain a predicted fluid flow as a function of time, wherein the flow prediction model includes a proppant compensation value or factor. The method also includes storing or displaying the predicted fluid flow.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a system and method for detection of a transient air bubble in an arterial blood flow path during dialysis (e.g., hemodialysis). The system uses measurements from an optical sensor to remove one or more effects of common factors affecting the absorbance of the light incident on the arterial tubing. These factors include color of medium within the arterial tubing, tubing color, angle of illumination, and temperature of the optical detector. A variance of the measurements from the optical sensor are used to determine whether an air bubble is present.

Abstract: A well system including a drill string having an inlet and extending from a surface location into a wellbore and defining an annulus between the drill string and the wellbore; a fluid circuit that circulates a treatment fluid, the fluid circuit extending from the inlet, through the drill string to a bottom of the wellbore, back to the surface location within the annulus, and back to the inlet; and one or more ultrasound devices arranged at-line, off-line, or in-line with fluid circuit to monitor the treatment fluid and track a real-time particle size distribution (PSD) of one or more particles suspended within the treatment fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for diagnosing and/or grading diastolic dysfunction or at least one structural or functional abnormality associated with diastolic dysfunction. The method involves measuring the level of IGFBP7 (Insulin like growth factor binding protein 7) and, optionally, the level of at least one further marker in a patient suffering from heart failure, and comparing the level to a reference level. Also disclosed is a method of monitoring diastolic function in a patient suffering from heart failure, and kits and devices for performing the method.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer for mounting in an ultrasonic flowmeter for measuring the flow has an electromechanical transducer element for generating ultrasonic signals, a carrier and a housing, the electromechanical transducer element being arranged in the carrier, the housing being formed at least in part of an electroconductive material, the carrier having a carrier material with an acoustic impedance value that lies between the acoustic impedance value of the electromechanical transducer element and the acoustic impedance value of the flowing medium to be measured. To provide an ultrasonic transducer that transmits a high signal portion of the ultrasonic signal into the medium to be measured and simultaneously provides a high operational reliability while being easy to build, the carrier is electroconductive, the carrier and the housing are electroconductively connected to one another and the electromechanical transducer element and the carrier are electroconductively connected to one another.

Abstract: A method for determining a state of a measuring transducer integrated in a process container, wherein in the process container one or more processes are being performed, and the measuring transducer registers at least one physical or chemical process parameter within the process container, includes steps as follows: identifying a process currently being performed in the process container; and ascertaining a deviation value as measure of a deviation of a measured value progression registered by the measuring transducer during the process currently being performed in the process container from a measured value progression expected for the identified process, wherein the state of the measuring transducer and/or of the process is determined utilizing the ascertained deviation value.

Abstract: An external defibrillator system is provided. The system includes: a graphical display; one or more sensors for obtaining data regarding chest compressions performed on a patient; and a controller configured to display on the graphical display numeric values for depth and/or rate of the chest compressions based upon the data from the one or more sensors. A method for using an external defibrillator including the steps of: obtaining data regarding chest compressions performed on a patient; and displaying on a graphical display screen of the defibrillator numeric values for depth and/or rate of the chest compressions based upon the data is also provided.

Abstract: A flowmeter for detecting fluid flow rates in a pipe includes a tube having a channel disposed in the pipe through which fluid in the pipe flows. The flowmeter includes an upstream transducer in contact with the pipe and positioned so plane waves generated by the upstream transducer propagates through the channel. The flowmeter includes a downstream transducer in contact with the pipe and positioned so plane waves generated by the downstream transducer propagate through the channel and are received by the upstream transducer which produces an upstream transducer signal. The downstream transducer receives the plane waves from the upstream transducer and provides a downstream transducer signal. The flowmeter includes a controller in communication with the upstream and downstream transducers which calculate fluid flow rate from the upstream transducer signal and the downstream transducer signal. A method for detecting fluid flow rates in a pipe.

Abstract: Methods of assessing asphaltene inhibitor/dispersant efficiency are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of assessing solvent/dispersant/cleaner efficacy for remediating asphaltene deposition. The methods are useful in facilitating the production, transportation, storage, and separation of crude oil and natural gas, and more particularly, for preventing the undesired deposition of asphaltene from crude oil.

Abstract: An ultrasonic particle measuring system having an ultrasonic transducer with at least one ultrasonic transducer element and at least one coupling element, wherein, during operation, acoustic signals are transmittable and receivable by the ultrasonic transducer element via the coupling element, wherein the coupling element is embodied as an acoustic lens, and the ultrasonic, particle measuring system has an evaluation unit suitable for amplitude analysis of reflection signals of acoustic signals reflected from particles to the ultrasonic transducer, and wherein, with the evaluation unit, amplitudes of reflection signals in a predetermined time interval are countable, which are greater than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A three-dimensional printer includes a laser line scanner and hardware to rotate the scanner relative to an object on a build platform. In this configuration, three-dimensional surface data can be obtained from the object, e.g., for use as an input to subsequent processing steps such as the generation of tool instructions to fabricate a three-dimensional copy of the object, or various surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an improved dewatering tank system that allows for safely controlling a water stream exiting the dewatering tank system. The apparatus can include a sound velocity detector, a control system, and a control element. The sound velocity detector can include a transducer, a detector, and a transmitter. The control system can include a computer and a program product. The apparatus can optionally include a dewatering tank, a drain line, and a controllable valve. The apparatus allows for transmitting sound energy through the water stream flowing in the drain lined that is connected to the dewatering tank, calculating the velocity of the sound energy as the sound energy travels through the water stream, monitoring the velocity of the sound energy for a period of time, and controlling the position of the controllable valve depending on the calculated velocity of the sound energy.

Abstract: At least two sound pressure sensors in parallel with each other are inserted into a liquid to which waves are applied. The sound pressure sensors have a bar-like shape and the same sensitivity. In a first synchronized state waves detected by the sound pressure sensors are synchronized with each other. The sound pressure sensors are moved relative to each other in a longitudinal direction, to break the first synchronized state and then establish a second synchronized state in which the waves detected by the sound pressure sensors are again synchronized with each other. A wavelength of the detected waves is determined according to a quantity of the relative movement of the sound pressure sensors between the first and second synchronized states. The detection of a wavelength of waves applied to the liquid is usable to evaluate and control a total amount of dissolved gases in the liquid.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for determining a property of construction material. According to one aspect, a material property gauge operable to determine a property of construction material is disclosed. The gauge may include an electromagnetic sensor operable to measure a response of construction material to an electromagnetic field. Further, the electromagnetic sensor may be operable to produce a signal representing the measured response by the construction material to the electromagnetic field. An acoustic detector may be operable to detect a response of the construction material to the acoustical energy. Further, the acoustic detector may be operable to produce a signal representing the detected response by the construction material to the acoustical energy. A material property calculation function may be configured to calculate a property value associated with the construction material based upon the signals produced by the electromagnetic sensor and the acoustic detector.

Abstract: Methods and are provided for determining, monitoring or detecting particle size distribution of a medium. An example method includes comparing a measured ultrasound attenuation spectrum of the medium with a calculated attenuation spectrum, where the calculated attenuation spectrum is obtained by accounting for the scattering of ultrasound waves into the receiver. The methods of the present invention can be used to determine particle size distribution in a dense suspension of particles in the intermediate wavelength regime. In other aspects, methods of the present invention may also be used to monitor changes in particle size distribution, infer the shape of particles, provide feedback to a process involving a change in particle size, and determine the completion of a dissolution process.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving measurements of particle or cell characteristics, such as mass, in Suspended Microchannel Resonators (SMR's). Apparatus include in particular designs for trapping particles in SMR's for extended measurement periods. Methods include techniques to provide differential measurements by varying the fluid density for repeated measurements on the same particle or cell.

Abstract: An analytical device such as a flow cytometer is provided in which a fluid sample flowing through a channel is focused into multiple, parallel particle streams by an acoustic wave field extending across the channel. Each stream is then presented to an individual detector to allow for simultaneous interrogation of the multiple streams and thus, high-throughput analysis of the fluid sample.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for the gravimetric detection of particles in a fluid medium, simultaneously providing a high quality factor, easier operating conditions, small size and low production costs. For this purpose, the subject of the invention is a device for the gravimetric detection of particles in a fluid medium, comprising a flat electromechanical oscillator (1), means for supporting the oscillator and means for actuating said oscillator, said means being designed to ensure that the oscillator (1) vibrates in its plane, said device further including a channel (4) for passage of the fluid, said channel being in fluid communication with a through-cavity (1b) made in said oscillator.

Abstract: A method for optimizing particle throughput in a particle analyzer includes determining an optimal concentration of particles in a sample for achieving a user defined coincidence rate; adjusting the concentration of the particles in the sample to the determined optimal concentration to achieve the user defined coincidence rate; acoustically focusing the particles in the particle analyzer; adjusting a flow rate of the particles to achieve a user defined transit time of the particles; and analyzing at least some of the particles with an interrogation source.

Abstract: An ultrasonic generator tank includes an ultrasonic generator contains a first liquid in which ultrasonic waves propagate. A particle extraction vessel contains a high-purity second liquid, such as ultrapure water, and an object to be inspected. A power unit is turned on to oscillate the ultrasonic generator. The particle extraction vessel, which contains the second liquid and the to-be-inspected object, is inserted into the first liquid from above the surface thereof after the lapse of a first time since the start of oscillation of the ultrasonic generator. As the particle extraction vessel is inserted into the first liquid, the ultrasonic generator continues to produce ultrasonic waves. The quantity of particles contained in the second liquid is measured after the lapse of a second time.

Abstract: Techniques for determining a wellbore fluid constituent concentration include depositing a portion of a hydraulic fracturing fluid that includes a base fluid on a quartz crystal microbalance, the base fluid including a constituent; measuring an oscillation frequency of the quartz crystal microbalance based on the constituent of the base fluid; determining, with the quartz crystal microbalance, a mass of the constituent in the deposited portion of the hydraulic fracturing fluid; and based on at least one of the determined mass or the measured frequency, determining a concentration of the constituent of the base fluid.

Abstract: A change in impedance of a electromechanical resonating sensor is utilized to detect and/or measure a change in mass accumulated on the sensor. The impedance is monitored at a fixed frequency. The fixed frequency may be at or near the resonance frequency of the sensor. In various configurations, the sensor comprises a quartz crystal microbalance sensor or a piezoelectric cantilever sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting filled containers for foreign bodies that may be contained therein, where the filled container is mechanically excited by vibration or rotation so as to cause the possibly existing foreign bodies to rotate. The acoustic signals produced by the foreign bodies impacting on the inner wall of the container are detected and analyzed. Any signal detection is separated from mechanical excitation, and mechanical excitation is separated from container transport in that the signal-detecting sensor is applied to the container only after the end of the mechanical excitation. The mechanical excitation is executed by an excitation element that is brought into contact with the container independently of the holding elements used for the purpose of transport.

Abstract: The present invention includes an apparatus and corresponding method for concentrating analytes within a fluid flowing through a tube using acoustic radiation pressure. The apparatus includes a function generator that outputs a radio frequency electrical signal to a transducer that transforms the radio frequency electric signal to an acoustic signal and couples the acoustic signal to the tube. The acoustic signal is converted within the tube to acoustic pressure that concentrates the analytes within the fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for the gravimetric detection of particles in a fluid medium, comprising a flat electromechanical oscillator (1), means for supporting the oscillator, means (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) for actuating said oscillator and, on either side of the plane of the oscillator (1), two cavities (3, 5) enabling the oscillator (1) to vibrate when it is activated by the actuation means (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d), characterized in that at least one of the two cavities (3, 5) forms an integral part of a channel (2, 4) for the passage of a fluid over at least one of the faces (1a, 1b) of the oscillator and in that said actuation means (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) take the form of at least one electrode (15a, 15b, 15c, 15d) lying in the same plane as that of the electromechanical oscillator and at a defined distance (g) from the oscillator, so as to ensure that the oscillator vibrates in its plane.

Abstract: A method and system for determining particle size distribution and/or filterable solids in bitumen-containing fluid is described. A sample of bitumen-containing fluid, such as bitumen-froth feed, bitumen-froth solvent or paraffinic-froth-treated (PFT) bitumen-solvent is obtained. An optimized diluent combination is determined, comprising an aromatic or cycloaliphatic solvent such as toluene, benzene, naphthalene, xylene, anthracene, or cyclohexane together with a C3 to C12 paraffinic solvent. The combination is considered optimized when diluting the sample with the combination maintains substantially the same level of deasphalting in the diluted sample as in the undiluted sample. Upon dilution of the sample with optimized diluent combination, particle size distribution can be accurately determined using optical instrumentation, laser diffraction instrumentation, electrical counting instrumentation, or ultrasonic instrumentation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cell for testing microbeads, used for testing microbeads each formed in a cylindrical shape having an upper surface and a lower surface opposite to and substantially parallel to each other and a side surface continuous with the upper and lower surfaces, at least one of the upper surface and the lower surface being provided with an identification pattern, the cell including: a support substrate; and a cover disposed opposite to the support substrate, wherein a space between the support substrate and the cover forms a containing space in which to dispose the microbeads, and the distance between the support substrate and the cover is greater than the thickness of the microbeads and smaller than twice the thickness of the microbeads.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided featuring an acoustic driver and a transducer. The acoustic driver is configured to provide an acoustic driver signal having a frequency that can be adjusted to yield a given wavelength, which in turn, will selectively capture a particular particle size of particles in a fluid, mixture or process flow. The transducer is configured to respond to the acoustic driver signal and provide an acoustic signal having a standing wave at the frequency in order to yield the given wavelength that will selectively capture the particular particle size of the particles in the fluid, mixture or process flow, in order to determine the mass of the particles having the particular particle size in the fluid, mixture or process flow.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating particles within a fluid sample includes a substrate having a substrate surface. A surface acoustic wave (SAW) generator generates a SAW within a SAW region of the substrate surface. The SAW has an SAW direction aligned with a pressure node. A channel is configured to receive the fluid sample and the fluid sample has a flow direction which is at an oblique angle to the SAW direction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for improving measurements of particle or cell characteristics, such as mass, in Suspended Microchannel Resonators (SMR's). Apparatus include in particular designs for trapping particles in SMR's for extended measurement periods and for changing the fluid properties within the SMR during the extended periods. Methods include techniques to provide for cell growth over time and over time in response to changing fluid properties to aid in determining parameters such as drug resistance and drug susceptibility.

Abstract: A dialysis system that includes a dialysis machine, a tube connected to the dialysis machine, and a sensor system. The sensor system includes a head having a slot configured to receive the tube and a plurality of sensors secured to the head adjacent the slot. At least one of the plurality of sensors includes a light emitting element configured to transmit light through the tube when the tube is disposed in the slot and a light receiving element configured to receive the light emitted by the light emitting element after the light passes trough the tube.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for manipulating objects in a liquid using a pulsed acoustic field that is modulated in amplitude. The amplitude modulated pulsed acoustic field may form the objects into a layer or layers. The objects may be colloidal objects having an average size of about 50 nm to about 5 ?m, or a mixture of colloidal and non-colloidal objects.

Abstract: Examples of the present invention include apparatus and methods for particle focusing, for particles within a fluid sample. An example apparatus, which may be a microfluidic device, comprises a substrate, a channel receiving the fluid sample, and at least one surface acoustic wave (SAW) generator. The SAW generator may comprise electrodes supported by the substrate. In some examples, the channel has a particle focusing region located near a region of the substrate surface in which a SAW is generated. Particles are concentrated within one or more particle focus regions of the sample flow (the particle focus regions being appreciably narrower than the channel dimensions) by the effects of the SAW. As an example, a pair of SAW generators can be used to generate a standing surface acoustic wave (SSAW) that is used for particle focusing.

Abstract: A microbead automatic recognition method includes the steps of: acquiring an image of a circular surface of a cylindrical microbead having a recognition pattern created on the circular surface and a plurality of reference points also created on the circular surface; and acquiring information on the rear/front and/or orientation of the cylindrical microbead from the acquired image on the basis of the positions of the reference points.

Abstract: A flow-through device for use on-line in a conduit and capable of determining real-time characteristics of particles dispersed in a medium is disclosed. The device uses a sensor and a flow-through cell. The sensor has a stationary transducer positioned in a wall of the flow-through conduit to emit sound waves into the medium and a reflector or a second stationary transducer positioned opposite the transducer. The sensor provides a plurality of different acoustic path lengths through the medium between the transducer and reflector, thereby providing a plurality of different acoustic path lengths in the sensor and no moving parts for the transducer and reflectors. A method for determining the characteristics of particles dispersed in a medium in real time for an industrial process using the flow-through device also is disclosed. Further, a method of controlling particle size distribution in real time in a process using the flow-through device is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of operating an acoustic sand detector deployed at a flowline within a flow system, the detector comprising an acoustic sensor and functioning to produce electrical output signals in dependence on acoustic signals detected by the acoustic sensor, the acoustic signals being at least partially produced by the impact of sand particles within the flow on an object is provided. The method comprises estimating the location of particle impacts on the flowline; and weighting the output signals according to the distance between the estimated location and the detector location.

Abstract: One or more of the embodiments of the present invention provide for a method of non-contact particle manipulation and control of particle spacing along an axis which includes axial and radial acoustic standing wave fields. Particles are suspended in an aqueous solution, and this solution then flows into the cylindrical flow channel. While the solution flows through the flow channel, the outer structure of the flow channel is vibrated at a resonant frequency, causing a radial acoustic standing wave field to form inside the flow channel in the solution. These radial acoustic standing waves focus the particles suspended in the solution to the center axis of the cylindrical flow channel. At the same time, a transducer is used to create an axial acoustic standing wave field in the flow channel parallel to the axis of the flow channel.

Abstract: The same phenomenon as the phenomenon that a component of feed water is adsorbed to the surface of the membrane is used to assess water quality. Specifically, a sensor whose surface has a thin layer made of the same material as the material of the surface of the membrane and which includes a measurement unit such as a quartz crystal sensor that measures an adsorption rate on the thin layer is used to assess an effect of the water quality of the feed water on the membrane on the basis of a change in the adsorption rate on the sensor surface.

Abstract: A method of focusing a plurality of discrete particles. The method comprises establishing a flow of a fluid medium carrying a plurality of discrete particles within a capillary having a plurality of separate walls and a longitudinal axis. The method further includes vibrating the plurality of separate walls to apply an acoustic field having a central axis substantially along the longitudinal axis to focus the plurality of discrete particles substantially along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A microchip is provided that includes a flow path through which a liquid containing a micro particle flows, an orifice through which the liquid flowing through the flow path is discharged into a space outside the microchip, and a light-irradiated portion provided at a predetermined location of the flow path and configured to be irradiated with light. A width of the flow path and a depth of the flow path at the orifice are set to be smaller than a width of the flow path and a depth of the flow path at the light-irradiated portion, and the flow path is configured to gradually decrease from upstream of the orifice in a cross-section area perpendicular to a liquid-delivering direction between the light-irradiated portion and the orifice. A cartridge including the microchip is also provided.