Abstract:
A method for identification of a material by analysis of a sample of the material is disclosed. The method comprises illuminating the sample with a plurality of excitation wavelengths, measuring a plurality of emission wavelengths for each excitation wavelengths to define a measured three-dimensional intensity contour. The values of maxima are located in the three-dimensional intensity contour and are compared to a library of values of known maxima associated with known species. A model of a three-dimensional intensity contour is generated and compared to the measured three-dimensional contour to determine residual errors. A comparison of errors between the generated and measured three-dimensional contours. Error minimization is used to determine the correct model of the three dimensional intensity contour.
Abstract:
A spectrograph with a first concave spectrographic diffraction grating is positioned to receive light from an input light source. The first concave spectrographic diffraction grating is configured to provide a diffracted light output dispersing the components of the input light source in a first dispersion direction with a first angular orientation with respect to the plane of the grating. The dispersion forms the input light into an intermediate spectrum. The intermediate spectrum is formed in a focal surface by the once diffracted light. A slit is substantially positioned on the focal surface. A second concave diffraction grating is positioned to receive once diffracted light from the slit and configured to provide a twice diffracted light output, the second concave diffraction grating dispersing the components of the input light source in a second diffraction direction with a second angular orientation with respect to the plane of the grating. The second dispersion angular orientation is different from the first dispersion angular orientation. The second dispersion forms the input light into an output spectrum.
Abstract:
A scent collection method comprising putting an item bearing a sample of a scent to be identified in an enclosure and heating the item is disclosed. A quantity of air is introduced into the enclosure. The air from the enclosure is withdrawn after the item has been heated. The withdrawn air is passed through a scent collection member to collect scent on the scent collection member. The scent collection member may be cooled during the scent collection process and the scent collection member is then sealed in an envelope. The scent collection member is removed from the envelope in which the scent collection member has been sealed. The scent collection member is then heated and air passed through the scent collection member. The air passed through the scent collection member is used as a stimulus or other input in a scent identification procedure.
Abstract:
An optical imager, such as a microscope (10) for performing multiple frequency fluorometric measurements comprising a light source (20), such as a laser source (20) is disclosed. The system is used to excite a sample into the fluorescent state. Light from the excited sample is collected by a microscope (10). The microscope utilizes conventional confocal optics optimized to have a very narrow depth of field, thus limiting the information collected to a thin planar region. Measurements are taken over the fluorescence lifetime of the sample simultaneously from the excitation source and from the excited sample. Information is taken in a matrix and comparison of the image matrix and the standard during simultaneous measurements yields output information.
Abstract:
A spectrograph with a first concave spectrographic diffraction grating (16) is positioned to receive light from the input light source (12) is configured to provide a diffracted light output dispersing the components of the input light source in a first direction. The dispersion forms the input light into an intermediate spectrum. The intermediate spectrum is formed in a focal surface by the once diffracted light. A slit (18) is substantially positioned on the focal surface. A second concave diffraction grating (20) is positioned to receive once diffracted light from the slit and configured to provide a twice diffracted light output, the second concave diffraction grating dispersing the components of the input light source in a second direction. The second direction is different from the first direction, the dispersion forming the input light into an output spectrum.
Abstract:
A scent collection method comprising putting an item bearing a sample of a scent to be identified in an enclosure and heating the item is disclosed. A quantity of air is introduced into the enclosure. The air from the enclosure is withdrawn after the item has been heated. The withdrawn air is passed through a scent collection member to collect scent on the scent collection member. The scent collection member may be cooled during the scent collection process and the scent collection member is then sealed in an envelope. The scent collection member is removed from the envelope in which the scent collection member has been sealed. The scent collection member is then heated and air passed through the scent collection member. The air passed through the scent collection member is used as a stimulus or other input in a scent identification procedure.
Abstract:
A Littrow-type spectrometer or monochromator using a folded light path to provide a compact optical instrument is disclosed. Light enters the instrument through an inlet aperture on a planar mirror. The aperture is located at the focus of a parabolic collimetor mirror. Collimated light reflected by the parabolic miror is reflected back to the planar mirror, which is positioned at an angle to the collimated light. The light reflected from the planar mirror is directed at a planar grating that produces diffracted light having all the wavelengths input into the system, including light of a selected wavelength, back towards the planar mirror. Light having the selected wavelength is thus caused to fall on the parabolic mirror. The parabolic mirror then focuses the selected wavelength of light ont a light exit aperture that is juxtaposed to the inlet light aperture. The planar grating can be rotatably mounted to scan the input light spectrum.
Abstract:
A Littrow-type spectrometer or monochromator using a folded light path to provide a compact optical instrument is disclosed. Light enters the instrument through an inlet aperture on a planar mirror. The aperture is located at the focus of a parabolic collimetor mirror. Collimated light reflected by the parabolic miror is reflected back to the planar mirror, which is positioned at an angle to the collimated light. The light reflected from the planar mirror is directed at a planar grating that produces diffracted light having all the wavelengths input into the system, including light of a selected wavelength, back towards the planar mirror. Light having the selected wavelength is thus caused to fall on the parabolic mirror. The parabolic mirror then focuses the selected wavelength of light ont a light exit aperture that is juxtaposed to the inlet light aperture. The planar grating can be rotatably mounted to scan the input light spectrum.
Abstract:
An optical imager, such as a microscope for performing multiple frequency fluorometric measurements comprising a light source, such as a laser source is disclosed. The system is used to excite a sample into the fluorescent state. Light from the excited sample is collected by a microscope. The microscope utilizes conventional confocal optics optimized to have a very narrow depth of field, thus limiting the information collected to a thin planar region. Measurements are taken over the fluorescence lifetime of the sample simultaneously from the excitation source and from the excited sample. Information is taken in a matrix and comparison of the image matrix and the standard during simultaneous measurements yields output information.