Abstract:
A spectroscopy system for auto-aligning a biopsy collecting device is presented. The spectroscopy system includes an illumination subsystem configured to emit an illumination light towards the biopsy collecting device, whereas the biopsy collecting device includes an activator unit and a needle unit and wherein the needle unit includes a cannula and a stylet having a biopsy specimen. Also, the spectroscopy system includes a fixation subsystem capable of holding the biopsy collecting device and configured to place the needle unit comprising the biopsy specimen across the illumination light. Further, the spectroscopy system includes a detection subsystem configured to receive a light comprising at least one of an attenuated illumination light and a re-emitted light from the needle unit. In addition, the detection subsystem is configured to send a control signal to align the needle unit at a predetermined position in the spectroscopy system based on the received light.
Abstract:
The present invention includes a guided microwave spectroscopy system (1) that eliminates the need for an automatic gain control feature by providing multiple signal processing paths having differing fixed voltage gains. An emitted signal which exits a test chamber (2) containing a material under test is simultaneously amplified by at least a first fixed gain amplifier (4) and a second fixed gain amplifier (7). The output signal of each amplifier is separately digitized and then normalized for further digital signal processing by a computer (13) in order to determine parameters of the material under test which may have variable microwave radiation characteristics that are a function of the frequency of the signal emitted into the test chamber. During the signal processing step a system clock (121) causes the computer to sample only an integral number of complete output signal cycles. A calibration protocol (136-154) is conducted based on laboratory samples of each potential material to be processed by the system (1).
Abstract:
A remote sensor element for spectrographic measurements employs a monolithic assembly of one or two fiber optics to two optical elements separated by a supporting structure to allow the flow of gases or particulates therebetween. In a preferred embodiment, the sensor element components are fused ceramic to resist high temperatures and failure from large temperature changes.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a method and apparatus for non-destructive testing of a seed. In various embodiments, the method may comprise vibrating the seed to orient the seed on an axis, identifying a location of a known feature of the seed, determining a sample location on the seed based on the location of the known feature, and performing a non-destructive testing procedure on the seed proximate the sample location. In one embodiment, the method may comprise removing a sample portion of the seed from the sample location without damaging the embryo of the seed. Accordingly, the viability of the seed may be maintained while allowing for subsequent testing on the sample portion of the seed.
Abstract:
A spectroscopic detector includes a spectroscopic element for dispersing light, a photodetector for detecting the light dispersed by the spectroscopic element and a condensing optical system for condensing the dispersed light to the photodetector and compensating for a deviation in a detected wavelength deriving from nonlinearity of the angle of emergence generated in the spectroscopic element through chromatic aberration of magnification.
Abstract:
A hyperspectral imaging system is tested in the lab to allow a determination of its response to the emission from a simulated target, of certain wavelengths of radiation which the imaging system will be using during target determination. A broadband IR wavelength generator is used to generate a multiplicity of wavelengths representing the target and an emissions simulator is used to generate wavelengths representing target emission of hot gases. An AOTF is used to delete one or more target wavelengths, and to add one or more emission wavelengths, from and to the transmission path to the imaging system.