Abstract:
A configuration of detecting light from the front face of a light source is the best for confirming the variation of a light quantity, but when a plurality of light sources are present, as many detectors for checking a light quantity as the light sources are necessary and the apparatus configuration becomes complex. In the present invention, a detector for checking a light source light quantity is installed in a reaction container transfer mechanism used commonly for a plurality of detection sections, and the light quantities of light sources are checked with the detector.
Abstract:
The disclosure relates to processing SPR signals, in particular signals obtained by illuminating a conductive surface with light at two wavelengths. Processing SPR signals can involve processing a first and second signal indicative of an intensity of light, received from a conductive layer at which SPR has occurred, as a function of angle of incidence, reflection or diffraction at the layer. The first and second signals each have two dips corresponding to a respective wavelength of the light at a respective angle at which surface plasmon resonance occurs for the respective wavelength and a peak between the two dips. The processing includes deriving a first and second value of a quantity indicative of signal magnitudes in the region of the peak. The first and second values can be compared to detect a change in refractive index at the layer after the first signal and before the second signal was captured.
Abstract:
A system and method are described herein for self-referencing a sensor that is used to detect a biomolecular binding event and/or kinetics which occur in a sample solution flowing along side a reference solution in a micron-sized deep flow channel.
Abstract:
A gas sensor includes a light source, a power source in operative connection with the light source and a control system in operative connection with the light source and the power supply. The control system is adapted to control power input from the power source to the light source such that the time period of the control frequency is shorter than the thermal time constant of at least one of (i) the infrared light source, (ii) the gas within the sensor, or (iii) a detector of the sensor. The time period of the control frequency can, for example, be no greater than ⅓ of the thermal time constant, no greater than 1/10 of the thermal time constant, or even no greater than 1/20 of the thermal time constant. A feedback signal can be provided to the control system assist in achieving control.
Abstract:
In a self-referencing instrument for measuring electromagnetic radiation, a mounting member to which a sample can be coupled moves the sample such that, in a first position, the electromagnetic radiation impinges on the sample, and, in a second position, the electromagnetic radiation does not impinge on the sample. A detection unit receives the electromagnetic radiation from the sample and generates a sample signal when the sample is in the first position, and the detection unit receives the electromagnetic radiation from the source and generates a reference signal when the sample is in the second position. A processor coupled to the detection unit processes the reference signal and the sample signal. This results in a continuous, accurate reference measurement, and permits the instrument to efficiently compensate for error, while offering accurate measurements.
Abstract:
A multi-channel, reconfigurable fiber-coupled Raman instrument uses fiber optic switches for laser and calibration light routing to facilitate automated calibration, diagnosis and operational safety. The system allows wavelength axis calibration on all channels; laser wavelength calibration (including multiple and/or backup laser options); fiber coupling optimization; fault detection/diagnosis; and CCD camera binning setup. In the preferred embodiment, dedicated calibration channels surround data channels on a 2-dimensional CCD dispersed slit image implemented using a unique cabling architecture. This “over/under” calibration interpolation approach facilitates quasi-simultaneous or sequential calibration/data acquisitions. CCD binning between sequential calibration and data acquisitions enables higher density multi-channel operation with tilted images based upon a multiplexed grating configuration. A diamond sample is used as a Raman shift reference for laser calibration, preferably in the form of a small disc sampled with an edge-illuminating probe using two unfiltered fibers.
Abstract:
A non-invasive emitter-photodiode sensor which is able to provide a data-stream corresponding to the actual wavelength of light emitted thereby allowing calibration of the sensor signal processing equipment and resulting in accurate measurements over a wider variation in emitter wavelength ranges.
Abstract:
An apparatus for inspecting a coating formed on a workpiece, comprising a light emitter and a light receiver positioned on respective sides of the workpiece; an amplifier for amplifying a detection signal from the light receiver and for generating an amplified output signal; a comparator for comparing the amplified output signal with a predetermined level thereby to generate a control signal indicative of a difference between the amplified output signal and the predetermined level; a zero adjustment for adjusting the amplified output signal to a zero value; and a tuning circuit for tuning the amplified output signal, which is generated from the amplifier when the workpiece to be inspected has not yet been formed with the coating, to a predetermined tuned value. The tuning circuit is operable to vary the amplification factor of the amplifier and also to the intensity of light emitted by the light emitter. In place of the tuning circuit, an amplification factor setting citcuit may be used for sampling the light transmissivity of the workpiece and for selecting one of amplification factors according to the result of sampling. After the formation of the coating on the workpiece, the amplified output signal may decrease with a decrease of the light transmissivity of the workpiece, and the coating condition is determined depending on whether or not the amplified output signal is lower than the predetermined level.
Abstract:
New and improved method and apparatus for automatic, periodic baseline and standard calibration of analysis results recording means which record the results of sample analyses performed by multichannel sample analysis means in accordance with the output of the latter are provided to compensate for drift in said analysis means output, and comprise the conditioning of said sample analysis means and the adjustment of said output to a desired value for baseline calibration for each of said channels, the conditioning of said sample analysis means and the adjustment of said output to a desired value for standard calibration for each of said channels, the comparison of said output with said desired value thereof for baseline calibration for each of said channels and, if drift has occurred, the generation of information to drive said output to said desired value for baseline calibration, the comparison of said output with said desired value thereof for standard calibration for each of said channels and, if drift has occurred, the generation of information to drive said output to said desired value thereof for standard calibration, the storing of said baseline and standard calibration information for each of said channels for repeated reuse in sequence with channel changes during sample analysis operation of said sample analysis means, and the updating of said standard and baseline calibration information for each of said channels by the standard and baseline calibration information generated during subsequent operation of said calibration apparatus.
Abstract:
A bubble measurement system includes a bubble detector including a vessel having a flow path configured to receive a flow of fluid including air bubbles from a bubble generator and an imaging system. The imaging system includes an imaging device for imaging the fluid and air bubbles in the flow path of the vessel of the bubble detector. The imaging system has an imaging controller coupled to the imaging device and receiving images from the imaging device. The imaging controller processes the images to measure bubble size of each air bubble passing through the bubble detector. The imaging controller includes a pairing module comparing successive images and the air bubbles in successive images to measure all bubbles flowing through the vessel.