Abstract:
An apparatus (1) for the calibration of optical measuring instruments (10) with a carrier (2). According to the invention the calibration body (4) has a glass body (4) which has at least one scattering element (42), wherein this scattering element (42) is completely surrounded by the glass body (4), wherein a degree of transmission of the scattering element (42) and of the glass body differ from each other.
Abstract:
Radiation scattering is one of the main contributors to the uncertainty of near infrared (NIR) measurements. Enhanced absorption-measurement accuracy for NIR sensors is achieved by using a combination of NIR spectroscopy and time-of-flight techniques to select photons that are the result of a given mean free path within a moving sample target. By measuring absorption as a function of path length or by windowing signals that are attributable to excessive scattering of NIR radiation within the sample, this technique affords the calculation of more accurate and more universal calibrations. The NIR sensor employs short or ultra-short laser pulses to create NIR that is directed to the moving sample and emerging radiation is detected over time. Windowing effectively truncates non-contributing measurements.
Abstract:
Accurate quantitative determination of signals produced on film by biological molecules of interest, such as DNA and RNA, identified by hybridization with radioactively-labeled probes comprising homologous sequences (DNA or RNA) is assured by means of preimaging of a density gradient reference series on the film to calibrate the linear range of the film's response. The reference may include a gradient of incremented density levels or it may include multiple steps produced by differing amounts of a standard radiant material. The film may be preimaged with a step-wedge density gradient by means of a film holder with arrangements to optically isolate a substantial portion of the film. Densitometric tracings of the signals generated by the radioactively-identified molecules can be adjusted to lie within the linear range of response of the film defined by the tracing of the step-wedge image by adjustment of the film exposure or sample concentrations.Accurate quantitation can be assured if the heights of the peaks on the densitometric tracings of bands on the film produced by hybridization of probes containing sequences from test and reference chromosomes lie within the linear range of response of the film. Computation of the ratios of areas of test and reference sequences on each sample can then be compared to those of samples of known genetic constitution under similar conditions.The method described can be used to detect alterations (changes from normal) in DNA content of cells within individual samples by single tracings. It can thus be used to diagnose, prenatally or postnatally, any genetic conditions, (including those such as Down Syndrome and Alzheimer's Disease), whose basis involves an abnormal quantity of DNA in cells.
Abstract:
The calibration standard is attached to a sensing head of an infrared absorption gauge for the purpose of calibrating the gauge. The calibration standard includes spectrally selective absorption means having a spectrum closely resembling that of a substance to be measured, such as water sorbed onto a paper sample. The calibration standard also includes optical means for returning infrared radiation, which has passed through the absorption means, to the absorption gauge substantially along the same path as would normally be followed by the radiation reflected from the sample in the absence of the standard. The spectrally selective absorption means is preferably made of anhydrous material, such as glass containing a rare earth substance, or polypropylene, which is stable. The optical means may include diffusing means and a reflective plane. According to one arrangement, the calibration standard comprises a housing with a window at one end, a plurality of diffusing elements attached to a central portion of the window and a reflective plane spaced from the diffusing elements. The window and/or the diffusing elements and/or the reflective plane may comprise or include the spectrally selective absorption means. Various arrangements are described.