A scale composition determination device (10) determines that Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 has been generated in the outermost layer of a scale (SC) in the case where at least one of spectral emissivities at one wavelength and the other wavelength that are measured by radiometers for spectral emissivity measurement (21a, 21b) is not within a predetermined range including spectral emissivities of FeO at one wavelength and the other wavelength, and determines that Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 has not been generated in the outermost layer of the scale (SC) in the case where all of the spectral emissivities at one wavelength and the other wavelength that are measured by the radiometers for spectral emissivity measurement (21a, 21b) is within the predetermined range including the spectral emissivities of FeO at one wavelength and the other wavelength.

A scale composition determination device (10) determines that Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 has been generated in the outermost layer of a scale (SC) in the case where at least one of spectral emissivities at one wavelength and the other wavelength that are measured by radiometers for spectral emissivity measurement (21a, 21b) is not within a predetermined range including spectral emissivities of FeO at one wavelength and the other wavelength, and determines that Fe.sub.2O.sub.3 has not been generated in the outermost layer of the scale (SC) in the case where all of the spectral emissivities at one wavelength and the other wavelength that are measured by the radiometers for spectral emissivity measurement (21a, 21b) is within the predetermined range including the spectral emissivities of FeO at one wavelength and the other wavelength.

Method for quantifying the micronutrient profile of Moringa oleifera tree leaves (MOLs) using calibration free laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS).

A fluorescence detection system, including apparatus and methods, suitable for qPCR and other fluorescence-based analyses. The system may comprise various components, including a stage, an illumination module, a detection module, and an optical relay structure. The stage may be configured to support a sample holder. The illumination module may include one or more discrete light sources configured to produce excitation light. The detection module may be configured to detect fluorescence emission light produced, in response to the excitation light, by a fluorescent sample positioned in the sample holder. The optical relay structure may include a beamsplitter assembly configured to direct the excitation light from the illumination module along an illumination path to the sample holder and to direct the fluorescence emission light from the sample holder along a response path to the imaging module. The system may enhance the quality of excitation light hitting samples in the sample holder.

A fluorescence detection system, including apparatus and methods, suitable for qPCR and other fluorescence-based analyses. The system may comprise various components, including a stage, an illumination module, a detection module, and an optical relay structure. The stage may be configured to support a sample holder. The illumination module may include one or more discrete light sources configured to produce excitation light. The detection module may be configured to detect fluorescence emission light produced, in response to the excitation light, by a fluorescent sample positioned in the sample holder. The optical relay structure may include a beamsplitter assembly configured to direct the excitation light from the illumination module along an illumination path to the sample holder and to direct the fluorescence emission light from the sample holder along a response path to the imaging module. The system may enhance the quality of excitation light hitting samples in the sample holder.

An actively Q-switched laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) probe, utilizing an optical fiber, a pump beam transmitted through the optical fiber, a coupler, and a lens for collimating the pump beam. The actively Q-switched laser, coupled to a sensor which provides information to a computer that controls a high voltage pulser providing a pulse to a Pockels cell located within the laser which can selectively cause the laser to pulse, resulting in high energy pulses and a second lens for focusing the output pulse such that it creates a plasma or spark. The light from the spark is captured and directed back through an optical system to remote equipment for elemental and/or molecular analysis.

Disclosed is a composite particle for use in a marking that is suitable for identification/authentication purposes. The particle comprises at least one superparamagnetic portion and at least one thermoluminescent portion coated with an thermoisolating portion. Optionally also a thermoconductive portion between the superparamagnetic and thermoluminscent portions.

Disclosed is a composite particle for use in a marking that is suitable for identification/authentication purposes. The particle comprises at least one superparamagnetic portion and at least one thermoluminescent portion coated with an thermoisolating portion. Optionally also a thermoconductive portion between the superparamagnetic and thermoluminscent portions.

A method for preparing a sample of organic material for laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) may include obtaining granular organic material, forming a portion of the granular organic material into a sample pellet, and searing the organic material. The searing may include searing only an exposed end surface of the sample pellet on which LIBS analysis is to be performed. The method may include pressing the seared sample pellet to consolidate the material comprising the seared end surface.

A particle sensor is described. The particle sensor includes a laser module having a laser, and a detector configured to detect thermal radiation. The particle sensor has an optical apparatus that is configured to focus laser light proceeding from the laser module into a first spot and is configured to focus thermal radiation proceeding from the first spot into a second spot, a radiation-sensitive surface of the detector being located in the second spot, or behind the second spot in the beam path of the thermal radiation focused onto the second spot.