Abstract:
An imaging spectrometric instrument is disclosed. This instrument can include an imaging detector and one or more calibration standards having different optical properties. Portions of one or more actuators can move the calibration standards between the imaging detector and a sample. This instrument can use the actuator(s) to acquire an image of a sample and measure light and dark reference calibration values in quick succession at a given wavelength, before the instrument is tuned to another wavelength.
Abstract:
In one general aspect, a spectroscopic apparatus is disclosed for investigating heterogeneity of a sample area. The apparatus includes an image acquisition system operative to acquire images of a plurality of sub-areas in the sample area and a sub-area selection interface operative to receive a selection designating one of the sub-areas for which an image has been obtained. A spectrometer has a field of view and is operative to acquire a spectrum of at least part of one of the sub-areas in its field of view, and a positioning mechanism is responsive to the sub-area selection interface and operative to position the field of view of the spectrometer relative to the sample area based on a received selection.
Abstract:
A spectrometer includes an infrared source, a spectrally selective element, and a cell array. The cell array includes walls that define a number of cavities. The spectrometer also includes an infrared spatial detector responsive to infrared radiation travelling from the infrared source through contents of at least two of the cavities as well as through the spectrally selective element.
Abstract:
An imaging optical instrument for acquiring images of a sample area is disclosed. The instrument includes a spatial detector with aligned detector elements and a variable filter having filter characteristics that vary in at least one direction and are located in an optical path between the sample area and the spatial detector. An actuator is operatively connected between the variable filter and the spatial detector and is operative to move the variable filter along the direction in which the filter characteristics vary.
Abstract:
The invention relates to methods and apparatus for detecting properties of suspended particles. Embodiments disclosed include an optical instrument (200) for detecting properties of a sample, comprising: a sample cell (103) for holding a sample of a particulate dispersion; a coherent light source (101) configured to illuminate the sample in the sample cell (103); a light intensity detector (104, 106) positioned to receive and measure an intensity of light from the coherent light source (101) elastically scattered by the sample in the sample cell (103); and a spectral light detector (212) positioned and configured to receive and measure a range of wavelengths of light from the coherent radiation source (101) inelastically scattered by the sample in the sample cell (103).
Abstract:
In one general aspect, a spectroscopic apparatus is disclosed for investigating heterogeneity of a sample area. The apparatus includes an image acquisition system operative to acquire images of a plurality of sub-areas in the sample area and a sub-area selection interface operative to receive a selection designating one of the sub-areas for which an image has been obtained. A spectrometer has a field of view and is operative to acquire a spectrum of at least part of one of the sub-areas in its field of view, and a positioning mechanism is responsive to the sub-area selection interface and operative to position the field of view of the spectrometer relative to the sample area based on a received selection.
Abstract:
A method of obtaining information about a heterogeneous pharmaceutical mixture is disclosed. This method involves applying an image enhancement agent, such as a stain, to the mixture. An image of the mixture can then be obtained, and information about a distribution of components of the mixture in the image can also be obtained based on spatial information derived from the application of the image enhancement agent.
Abstract:
Spectrometers and spectrometric measurement methods are disclosed. These employ narrow-band sources positioned in a circular array to perform spectrometric measurements that can employ Hadamard sequences.
Abstract:
Disclosed are pharmaceutical dosage unit manufacturing process control apparatus and methods. These can include acquiring a plurality of multi-pixel images of a flow of pharmaceutical dosage units at different wavelengths along an axis that is perpendicular to a direction of the flow of pharmaceutical dosage units, processing the images acquired in the step of acquiring, and providing an indication about the flow of pharmaceutical dosage units based on the step of processing.
Abstract:
Disclosed are pharmaceutical dosage unit manufacturing process control apparatus and methods. These can include acquiring a plurality of multi-pixel images of a flow of pharmaceutical dosage units at different wavelengths along an axis that is perpendicular to a direction of the flow of pharmaceutical dosage units, processing the images acquired in the step of acquiring, and providing an indication about the flow of pharmaceutical dosage units based on the step of processing.