Abstract:
The invention relates to a method and a system (100) for selectively processing a sample (130) according to one of a plurality of different assays, for example for detecting a certain target component in the sample. The system comprises a plurality of "specific reagent reservoirs" (120) that contain different sets of reagents, wherein each set is required for one of the assays. Moreover, the system (100) comprises a "universal reagent reservoir" in which reagents for several assays are provided, preferably reagents for all assays. The universal reagent reservoir may preferably be a cartridge (110) in which the processing of a sample (130) can take place and which comprises a plurality of binding sites that are selective for different target components. Depending on the assay to be performed with a sample (130) at hand, the appropriate specific reagent reservoir (121b) is chosen and processed in the universal cartridge (110). This can particularly be done by a manipulator (140) in a high-throughput automated laboratory system.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a radiation system for generating electromagnetic radiation. The radiation system includes a pair of electrodes (5) constructed and arranged to generate plasma of a first substance and a pinch (10) in the plasma. The radiation system also includes a plasma recombination surface (13) that is arranged proximate to the pinch, and is configured to neutralize a plurality of plasma particles.
Abstract:
An optical sensor apparatus for use in an extreme ultraviolet lithographic system is disclosed. The apparatus includes an optical sensor comprising a sensor surface and a removal mechanism configured to remove debris from the sensor surface. Accordingly, dose and/or contamination measurements may be carried out conveniently for the lithographic system.
Abstract:
A Gleaning arrangement (250) is provided for use in an EUV lithographic apparatus, for example an EUV lithographic apparatus with a Sn source. The cleaning arrangement includes a gas source (700) for a hydrogen containing gas (100) and a hydrogen radical source (103). The hydrogen radical source is a source of (UV) radiation which induces photo dissociation of the hydrogen. Radicals (96) may reduce Sn oxides (if present) and may form volatile hydrides of Sn deposition (203) and/or carbon deposition (203). In this way the cleaning arrangement can be used to clean optical elements (201) from Sn and/or C deposition. The EUV source may be used as hydrogen radical source (103). An optical filter is used to remove undesired EUV radiation and transmit desired UV radiation.
Abstract:
The invention relates to an optical system that particularly allows an improved detection of signal light propagating from a light source (1) through a flat glass substrate (11). SC-modes of this signal light that would normally be totally internally reflected at the backside (10) of the substrate (11) are coupled out by a first diffractive optical element DOE (21). To map all signal light leaving the substrate (11) onto a single target location (51), a focusing lens (31) and a second DOE (41) are disposed in the optical path behind the substrate (11). The DOEs (21, 41) may for example be a ID sinusoidal grating or a 2D blaze grating. The optical system may particularly be applied in an investigation apparatus for detecting multiple spots of a fluorescent sample material.
Abstract:
A method for the processing of light, comprising the steps of: A. separating a first light current (41) by means of a first processing means (21) in: - a second light current (42) comprising a first signal (11) falling within a first wavelength band with a first direction of polarisation, and; - a third light current (43) comprising a second signal (12) falling within the first wavelength band with a second direction of polarisation, this second direction of polarisation being perpendicular to the first direction of polarisation; B. conversion of the third light (43) current by means of a first polarisation rotating means (31) in a fourth light current (44) whereby the second signal (12) is converted in a third signal (13) falling within the first wavelength band with a direction of polarisation equal to the first direction of polarisation, and; C. separating the fourth light current (44) by means of a second processing means (22) in: - a fifth light current (45) comprising a fourth signal (14) falling within the first wavelength band with a direction of polarisation equal to the first direction of polarisation, and; - a sixth light current (46), whereby at least one of the processing means (21, 22) comprises a resonator, preferably a ring resonator. Furthermore the invention provides a device for the processing of light according to such method.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method and a sensor device(100) for evaluating an assay with a sample. During the assay, optical measurements are made at a sensing surface(112), and at least one "homogeneity-image" of the sensing surface(112) is generated. From this image, an "homogeneity-indicator" is determined for at least one region of interest, and the optical measurements are then evaluated in dependence on said indicator. The homogeneity-indicator may for example be a binary value which indicates if an inhomogeneity was detected or not. If an inhomogeneity was detected, all optical measurements may be rejected, only measurements for the involved region of interest may be rejected, or measurements for a selected sub-area of the involved region of interest(ROI) may be rejected.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a substance determining apparatus (19) for determining a substance within a fluid. A location event determination unit (34) determines location events indicating that a particle, which may have attached the substance, is located in a sensing region and a property of the location events from the sensing signal generated by sensing the sensing region. A location events selection unit (70) selects a part of the location events having a property in a predefined property range, and a substance determination unit (40) determines the substance within the fluid (3) based on the selected part of the location events. This allows tuning the determination of the substance within the fluid to a desired property range, which can relate to a desired kind of bound particles, thereby reducing the influence of unwanted effects on the determination of the substance and, thus, improving the determination accuracy.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a substance determining apparatus for determining a substance within a fluid. Particles attach the substance and bind to a binding surface (30), wherein a sensing signal is generated depending on the bound particles. Binding events indicating a binding of a particle on the binding surface (30) are determined from the generated sensing signal, and the substance within the fluid is determined based on the determined binding events. During a procedure of determining a substance within a fluid, particles may bind to the binding surface and may leave the binding surface. Therefore, during this procedure a number of binding events can be determined being much larger than the number of bound particles. The determination of the substance within the fluid can therefore be based on a very large amount of data, thereby increasing the accuracy of determining the substance within the fluid.
Abstract:
A radiation system (1) for generating a beam of radiation (2) that defines an optical axis (3) is provided. The radiation system (1) includes a plasma produced discharge source (4) for generating EUV radiation. The discharge source (4) includes a pair of electrodes (5) constructed and arranged to be provided with a voltage difference, and a system for producing a plasma between the pair of electrodes (5) so as to provide a discharge (7) in the plasma between the electrodes (5). The radiation system (1) also includes a debris catching shield (11) for catching debris (8) from the electrodes (5). The debris catching shield (11) is constructed and arranged to shield the electrodes (5) from a line of sight provided in a predetermined spherical angle relative the optical axis (3), and to provide an aperture (12) to a central area (10) between the electrodes (5) in the line of sight.