Devices and methods for detecting particulate matter are described herein. One device includes a laser, a reflector, an ellipsoidal reflector, and a detector, wherein the laser is configured to emit a beam, the reflector is configured to reflect the beam toward the ellipsoidal reflector, and the ellipsoidal reflector has a first focal region located on a path of the reflected beam, and a second focal region located at a surface of the detector.

An example image sensor structure includes an image layer. The image layer includes an array of light detectors disposed therein. A device stack is disposed over the image layer. An array of light guides is disposed in the device stack. Each light guide is associated with at least one light detector of the array of light detectors. A passivation stack is disposed over the device stack. The passivation stack includes a bottom surface in direct contact with a top surface of the light guides. An array of nanowells is disposed in a top layer of the passivation stack. Each nanowell is associated with a light guide of the array of light guides. A crosstalk blocking metal structure is disposed in the passivation stack. The crosstalk blocking metal structure reduces crosstalk within the passivation stack.

An optical module (100) for reading a test region of an assay. The optical module comprises: a first light source (101) for illuminating the test region of the assay; an optical detector (103), comprising an optical input for receiving light emitted from the test region and an electrical output; a substrate (104) for mounting the first light source (101) and the optical detector (103); and a housing (105) comprising: a first opening (106) for providing a first optical path from the first light source (101) to the test region (103); wherein the housing (105) and the substrate (104) enclose and positionally align the first source (101) and the optical detector (103) relative to the first opening (106). The housing (105) may comprise one or more legs (108), such as a flexible hook portion which secures the housing (105) to the substrate (104) with a snap-fit engagement, extending from a first and/or second outer surface of the housing (105) in a vertical direction. Beneficially, the snap-fit engagement provided by the flexible hook portion allows the housing to be aligned and secured without the need to use glue or for example a screw and thread that can be difficult to control and/or risks misalignment of the housing.

An example image sensor structure includes an image layer. The image layer includes an array of light detectors disposed therein. A device stack is disposed over the image layer. An array of light guides is disposed in the device stack. Each light guide is associated with at least one light detector of the array of light detectors. A passivation stack is disposed over the device stack. The passivation stack includes a bottom surface in direct contact with a top surface of the light guides. An array of nanowells is disposed in a top layer of the passivation stack. Each nanowell is associated with a light guide of the array of light guides. A crosstalk blocking metal structure is disposed in the passivation stack. The crosstalk blocking metal structure reduces crosstalk within the passivation stack.

Apparatus comprising: a sensor configured to generate sensor output dependent on an intensity of light incident on the sensor and having a field of view directed at an external surface in use; an illumination source configured to emit light onto the external surface in use; a window located such as to allow light to pass from the illumination source to the external surface and to allow light to pass to the sensor from the external surface in use; a shield coupled to or integral with the window, the shield being substantially opaque to substantially all wavelengths of light detectable by the sensor and defining an aperture which limits the field of view of the sensor; and a processor configured to use the sensor output to determine information associated with reflection characteristics of the external surface.

An optical measuring device for the spectral measurement of a sample is disclosed. The optical measure device includes an integrating cavity that has a diffusely reflective interior in order to render the light in the integrating cavity diffuse, a light source that is configured to emit light of a predetermined wavelength range into the integrating cavity, and a sensor that is configured to receive light from the integrating cavity, wherein the integrating cavity comprises an optical opening, and wherein the optical measuring device is provided and configured to measure a sample located outside of the integrating cavity directly in front of the optical opening.

Reflected light detecting device and method with surface reflected light components collectively be extracted/removed when detecting reflected light arising in casting light onto target-object range having non-planar surface. The device includes: a first illuminating device causing first-measurement light in predetermined polarization direction to enter target-object first region from first direction; polarization optical system position part of first-surface reflected light enters the polarization optical system, the first-surface reflected light being the first-measurement in the first region surface; a second illuminating device causing second-measurement light in the same first-measurement light polarization direction to enter second region from second direction, the second region being on the target-object surface, different from the first region; adjusting direction of the second-measurement light optical axis so part of second-surface reflected light enters the polarization optical system, the second-surface reflected light being the second-measurement in second region surface; and detecting light having passed through the polarization optical system.

A microplate reader includes a plurality of sets of: a light emitting portion disposed on one side of a microplate and corresponding to one well of the microplate; a light receiving portion disposed on an opposite side to the light emitting portion across the microplate and corresponding to one well of the microplate; and a light receiving light guide path disposed between the light receiving portion and the microplate and guiding light emitted from the light emitting portion and passing through a sample contained in the well to the light receiving portion. The microplate reader further includes a light guiding section configured to enclose a plurality of the light receiving light guide paths by an enclosure member made of a pigment-containing resin containing a pigment having a light-absorbing property. Light emitted from one light emitting portion passing through one light receiving light guide path and reaching one light receiving portion.

Embodiments of the present invention include a device for removing energy from a beam of electromagnetic radiation. Typically, the device can be operatively coupled to a turbidity measuring device to remove energy generated by the turbidity measuring device. The device can include a block of material having one of a plurality of different shapes coated in an energy absorbing material. Generally, the device can include an angled or rounded energy absorbing surface where the beam of electromagnetic radiation can be directed. The angled or rounded energy absorbing surface can configured to deflect a portion of the beam of electromagnetic radiation to a second energy absorbing surface.

An optical sensing module is configured to detect a characteristic of a sample. The optical sensing module includes a light source, a light guide plate, a first cladding layer, a light converging layer, a filter layer, and a plurality of sensors. The light source is configured to provide an exciting beam. Positions of the sensors correspond to positions of the holes. After the exciting beam enters the light guide plate, at least one portion of the exciting beam is transmitted to the sample through a portion of the surface of the light guide plate exposed by the holes, the sample is excited by the exciting beam to emit a signal beam, and the signal beam passes through the light converging layer and the filter layer in an order and travels to the sensors. Another optical sensing module is also provided.