An object classification system for classifying objects is described. The system comprises an imaging region adapted for irradiating an object of interest, an arrayed detector, and a mixing unit configured for mixing the irradiation stemming from the object of interest by reflecting or scattering on average at least three times the irradiation after its interaction with the object of interest and prior to said detection.

The present invention relates to a biological sample quality apparatus for determining the quality of a biological sample. The apparatus includes a sample receiver for receiving the biological sample. One or more light sources are provided for supplying light to the sample. An image sensor is provided for capturing an image of the lit sample. The apparatus also includes an image processor for image processing the captured image to determine the quality of the sample. Advantageously, image processing may be used to determine the quality of a sample for use in collection sites and screening laboratories so that acceptability can be determined prior to analyzing the sample. Determination that the sample is of sufficient quality (e.g. sufficient biomaterial) prior to analyzing saves wastage of laboratory time and expense of materials and chemicals. The apparatus may be in the form of desktop or hand-held portable variations.

A process quantifies a concentration of a targeted molecule in a liquid sample by pulsing signal and reference beams from their own sources, then spatially combining the pulsed beams into a single radiation beam which passes into the liquid sample and then detecting pulsed output beams after the single radiation beam passes out of the liquid sample. The pulsed outputs of the signal and reference beams are processed to obtain a value over a preselected period of time and, if an interference beam is used, it is processed with the reference beam to obtain a calibration curve adjustment representative of optical interference represented by at least one interfering molecule concentration which is used to calculate the concentration level of the targeted particle in the liquid sample. Two detectors, which may have an optical co-axial configuration, can be used for detection of pulsed beams.

Embodiments described herein related to devices and methods for the collection and/or determination of analytes, such as illicit substances including military explosives, explosives, and precursors thereof. In some cases, the device may be a disposable device that incorporates highly efficient sample collection in combination with microfluidic-based chemical analysis resulting in the rapid detection and identification of unknown materials. In some cases, multiple colorimetric detection chemistries may be employed, and the resulting “barcode” of color changes can be used to positively identify the presence and/or identity of the analyte.

A defect inspection apparatus includes an illumination unit configured to irradiate a surface of a sample with a linear illumination spot; a condensing detection unit configured to condense reflected light of the illumination spot and to control a polarization state of the incident light to form an optical image; and a sensor unit configured to output the optical image and including an array-shaped light receiving portion and an antireflection film at a position conjugate with the illumination spot, in which the condensing detection unit includes a polarization control unit configured to increase light incident efficiency to the sensor unit. The normal line of the light receiving surface of the sensor unit is inclined from the optical axis of the condensing detection unit by 10 degrees or more and less than 80 degrees. The light condensing detection unit increases the optical magnification in the lateral direction of the illumination spot.

According to the present invention, a light source and one pixel unit formed of at least one light reception element among a light reception element array (photodiode array) are provided in a one-to-one correspondence, and a light beam is detected from at least one light reception element (one pixel unit) corresponding to the light source, only when the light source emits light. Therefore, only one collimated or further substantially condensed light beam is incident into “a foreign substance/defect” in an object to be inspected, and only scattered light can be separated by the light reception element and be detected. Accordingly, even when an object to be inspected has a light scattering property and is thick, “a foreign substance/defect” can be detected with a good signal to noise ratio (crosstalk is extremely low).

In one aspect, a system for performing flow cytometry is disclosed, which comprises a laser for generating laser radiation for illuminating a sample, at least one detector for detecting at least a portion of a radiation emanating from the sample in response to said illumination so as to generate a temporal signal corresponding to said detected radiation, and an analysis module for receiving said temporal signal and performing a statistical analysis of said signal based on a forward model to reconstruct an image of said sample.

A method of performing imaging includes operating a light sheet projection module in a first state during a first measurement process and using a first primary objective for illumination of a specimen using a light sheet and detection of a first fluorescent emission. The method also includes operating the light sheet projection module in a second state during a second measurement process and using a second primary objective for illumination of the specimen using the light sheet and detection of a second fluorescent emission.

An apparatus for analyzing optical properties of a sample includes a housing to receive a light source and a detector; a sample locus defined relative to the housing and positioned such that when a light source and a detector are in predetermined positions, the sample locus is subject to illumination by the light source and the detector is positioned to receive and detect light from the sample; a cover on the housing, the cover being movable in a hinged manner between an open position and a closed position; and a sample-receiving surface for receiving a free-standing sample in liquid or semi-solid form. When the cover is moved to the closed position it encloses the sample locus, with the sample-receiving surface being tilted away from horizontal during the closing movement and the sample being retained thereon by surface tension or adhesion and brought to the sample locus in an enclosed environment.

Disclosed is a method, system, and apparatus for optical emission measurement. The apparatus includes a collection system for collecting a plasma optical emission spectra through an optical window disposed at a wall of a plasma processing chamber. The optical system includes a mirror configured to scan a plurality of non-coincident rays across the plasma processing chamber; and a telecentric coupler for collecting an optical signal from a plasma and directing the optical signal to a spectrometer for measuring the plasma optical emission spectra.