Information processing apparatus and method and system for particle simulation

Technique includes acquiring first contact data of first time, associated with first particle in first region; calculating first position data on particles in the first region at second time, and receiving second position data on particles in second region at the second time; detecting second particle being in contact with the first particle and in the first region at the first time and being in the first region at the second time; copying, when the first and second particles are in contact at the second time, displacement of the second particle from the first contact data to second contact data of the second time; detecting third particle being in the first or second region at the second time and in contact with the first particle; and copying, when the third particle is listed in the first contact data, displacement of the third particle to the second contact data therefrom.

METHOD FOR DETECTING AND MONITORING THE FORMATION OF BIOFILMS

The present invention relates to a method for detecting and/or tracking and/or characterizing the formation of a biofilm. The present invention also relates to a device for detecting and/or characterizing the formation of a biofilm suitable for implementing the method. The present invention can be used in particular in the analytical fields, in biological and enzymological research, in the pharmaceutical field and/or in the medical field. 1. A method for detecting and/or tracking and/or characterizing the formation of a biofilm comprising the following steps:a) carrying out a temporal succession of observations of a solution comprising at least one microorganism and a plurality of particles while the solution is maintained under conditions allowing the development of a biofilm by said at least one microorganism,b) detecting the presence of the biofilm and/or characterizing the kinetics of biofilm formation on the basis of a comparative statistical analysis of the displacements of the particles observed during the various observations.2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein each observation comprises claim 1 , for each particle of a set of particles observed during said observation claim 1 , a determination of a trajectory corresponding to successive displacements made by said particle during said observation.3. The method according to comprising an overall statistical analysis of the displacements made by the particles observed during each observation and a calculation of characteristic times of the formation of the biofilm on the basis of the results of the overall statistical analysis.4. The method according to claim 3 , wherein the overall statistical analysis includes a calculation for each observation of a value of at least one statistical parameter of a displacement distribution carried out respectively by the particles of the plurality of particles and an analysis of the variations as a function of time of the values of said at least one statistical ...

METHODS AND APPARATI FOR NONDESTRUCTIVE DETECTION OF UNDISSOLVED PARTICLES IN A FLUID

The apparati, methods, and computer program products disclosed herein can be used to nondestructively detect undissolved particles, such as glass flakes and/or protein aggregates, in a fluid in a vessel, such as, but not limited to, a fluid that contains a drug. 1. An apparatus for nondestructive detection of an undissolved particle in a vessel that is at least partially filled with a fluid , the apparatus comprising:an imager configured to acquire one or more images of the particle in the fluid, the imager comprising at least one imaging optical element positioned to image the particle onto the imager, and the imager being configured to acquire time-series data representing a trajectory of the particle in the fluid;a memory operably coupled to the imager and configured to store the time-series data; and (i) reversing a time ordering of the time-series data to form reversed time-series data;', '(ii) estimating the trajectory of the particle from the reversed time-series data; and', '(iii) determining a presence or type of the particle based on the trajectory., 'a processor operably coupled to the memory and configured to detect the particle by2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the imager comprises:a first sensor configured to detect a first image of at least part of the fluid at a first resolution and a first imaging speed; anda second sensor configured to detect a first image of at least part of the fluid at a second resolution finer than the first resolution and a second imaging speed slower than the first imaging speed.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the imager comprises:a first sensor configured to detect a first image of at least part of the fluid at a first magnification; anda second sensor configured to detect a second image of at least part of the fluid at a second magnification greater than the first magnification.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to subtract static features from the time-series data or the ...

Method and system to evaluate embryos

A system to evaluate an embryo is provided. The system includes a measurement chamber having a bottom end. The measurement chamber is configured to receive an embryo such that the embryo descends towards the bottom end, and a culture medium is disposed within the measurement chamber. At least one sensor is configured to assess the embryo descending towards the bottom end and output a data signal representative of at least one characteristic of the embryo descending through at least a portion of the measurement chamber. A processor receives the data signal from the at least one sensor and determines one or more embryo properties based on the at least one characteristic.

METHOD AND DEVICE FOR DETECTION AND/OR MORPHOLOGIC ANALYSIS OF INDIVIDUAL FLUID-BORNE PARTICLES

Measurement device for the detection and/or analysis of fluid-borne particles, the measurement device comprising means (′) for producing a flow of fluid along a fluid flow path, a laser () positioned for emitting a beam () of laser light in a measurement volume of the fluid flow path; a lens set () for collecting laser light () scattered in the measurement volume by fluid-borne particles () contained in the flow of fluid, a photo-detector () positioned for the detection of scattered laser light () collected by the lens set (), wherein the lens set () is configured for focusing the scattered light () in a line at a focal distance (f) of the lens set (), said line being perpendicular to a flow direction (y) of the flow of fluid in said measurement volume; and wherein the photo-detector () is a linear multipixel detector for capturing the laser light focused by the lens set (), wherein said linear multipixel detector () is positioned at a distance from the focal distance (f) of the lens set () and oriented with its longitudinal axis parallel to said line. Measurement method for the detection and/or analysis of fluid-borne particles, comprising the steps of producing a flow of fluid along a fluid flow path, said flow of fluid potentially containing fluid-borne particles () to be detected; emitting a beam () of laser light in a measurement volume of the fluid flow path; collecting laser light () scattered in the measurement volume by fluid-borne particles () contained in the flow of fluid and focusing said scattered light in a line at a focal distance (f), said line being perpendicular to a flow direction (y) of the flow of fluid in said measurement volume; capturing the collected and focused scattered laser light () with a linear multipixel photo-detector () positioned at a distance from the focal distance (f) and oriented with its longitudinal axis parallel to said line; repeating the steps of emitting, collecting and capturing a plurality of times during the time of ...

Multiple Working Distance Height Sensor Using Multiple Wavelengths

A system is disclosed. The system includes a stage assembly configured to receive a specimen and maintain a height of the specimen at a first working distance height during a first characterization mode and an additional working distance height during an additional characterization mode. The system further includes an illumination source configured to generate an illumination beam. The system further includes an illumination arm including a set of optical elements configured to direct a portion of the illumination beam including illumination of a first wavelength to the specimen during the first characterization mode, and direct a portion of the illumination beam including illumination of an additional wavelength to the specimen during the additional characterization mode. The system further includes a detector assembly configured to receive illumination emanated from the specimen, and a controller configured to determine a specimen height value based on the illumination received by the detector assembly. 1. A system , comprising:a stage assembly configured to receive a specimen, the stage assembly configured to maintain a height of the specimen at a first working distance height during a first characterization mode and an additional working distance height during an additional characterization mode;one or more illumination sources configured to generate an illumination beam;an illumination arm including a first set of one or more optical elements configured to direct a portion of the illumination beam including illumination of a first wavelength to the specimen during the first characterization mode, and direct a portion of the illumination beam including illumination of an additional wavelength to the specimen during the additional characterization mode;a detector assembly configured to receive illumination emanated from the specimen; anda controller communicatively coupled to the detector assembly, the controller configured to determine a specimen height value ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THREE-DIMENSIONAL MICRO PARTICLE TRACKING

The present invention provides system and method for three-dimensionally tracking micro particle motion wherein a dark-field condenser is configured to receive light field emitted from a light source and project the light field on a fluid sample having at least one particle thereby generating a scattered light field associated with the at least one particle, an objective lens is configured to receive the scattered light field, an image capturing unit coupled to the objective lens receives the scattered light field thereby generating at least one image of the fluid sample, and a controller is configured to couple to the image capturing unit for analyzing interference ring pattern corresponding to a specific particle in the at least one image and determining a tracking information associated with the specific particle along three-dimensional direction according to the size and center of the interference ring pattern. 1. A particle tracking system , comprising:a light source, configured to generate a light field;a dark-field condenser, configured to receive the light field and project an off-axis light field on a fluid sample having at least one particle thereby generating a scattered light field associated with the at least one particle;an objective lens, configured to receive the scattered light field;an image capturing unit, configured to couple to the objective lens for receiving the scattered light field thereby generating at least one image corresponding to the scattered light field, wherein the scattered light field having an interference ring pattern corresponding to a specific particle having a distance far away from a reference plane that is a plane where the specific particle forms a non-interfered image on an image plane of the image capturing unit; anda controller, configured to couple to the image capturing unit for analyzing the interference ring pattern corresponding to the specific particle in the at least one image and determining a tracking ...

OCCUPANCY GRID OBJECT DETERMINING DEVICES

An occupancy grid object determining device is provided, which may include a grid generator configured to generate an occupancy grid of a predetermined region, the occupancy grid including a plurality of grid cells and at least some of the grid cells having been assigned an information about the occupancy of the region represented by the respective grid cell, a determiner configured to determine at least one object in the occupancy grid wherein the at least one object includes a plurality of grid cells, and a remover configured to remove occupancy information from at least one grid cell of the plurality of grid cells of the determined object. 1. An occupancy grid object determining device , comprisinga grid generator configured to generate an occupancy grid of a predetermined region, the occupancy grid comprising a plurality of grid cells and at least some of the grid cells having been assigned an information about the occupancy of the region represented by the respective grid cell;a determiner configured to determine at least one object in the occupancy grid wherein the at least one object comprises a plurality of grid cells; anda remover configured to remove occupancy information from at least one grid cell of the plurality of grid cells of the determined object.2. The occupancy grid object determining device of claim 1 ,wherein the grid generator is further configured to assign to each grid cell of the at least one object a probability of presence of the at least one object in the area represented by the grid cell.3. The occupancy grid object determining device of claim 2 ,wherein the grid generator is further configured to determine the number of particles that are assigned to a respective grid cell dependent on the probability assigned to the respective grid.4. The occupancy grid object determining device of claim 1 ,wherein the grid generator is further configured to determine at least some of the grid cells associated with a respective velocity value.5. The ...

Light-trapping Cancer Cell Stage Testing Method

A light-trapping cancer cell stage testing method includes: measuring a first average escape velocity or range of first cancer cells and a second average escape velocity or range of second cancer cells whose stage is known and differ from that of the first cancer cells and whose types are known; utilizing the first average escape velocity and the second average escape velocity to calculate a reference ratio to build a database; selecting stage-unknown cancer cells and measuring an escape velocity of the stage-unknown cancer cells (type-known); utilizing the escape velocity of the stage-unknown cancer cells and an escape velocity of reference-stage cancer cells to calculate a ratio; and determining a stage of the stage-unknown cancer cells with a result comparing the ratio of the escape velocities for the stage-unknown cancer cells with the reference ratios stored in the database. 1. A light-trapping cancer cell stage testing method comprising:utilizing an optical fiber tweezer to measure escape velocities of first cancer cells and second cancer cells whose types are the same, with selecting the first cancer cells and the second cancer cells from different stages;calculating average escape velocities of the first cancer cells and the second cancer cells;measuring at least one escape velocity of stage-unknown, type-known cancer cells by the optical fiber tweezer;comparing the at least one escape velocity of the stage-unknown, type-known cancer cells with the average escape velocities of the first cancer cells and the second cancer cells to obtain a result; andidentifying a stage of the stage-unknown, type-known cancer cells according to the result.2. The method as defined in claim 1 , wherein the escape velocities of the first cancer cells and the second cancer cells include maximum escape velocities and minimum escape velocities.3. The method as defined in claim 1 , wherein the average escape velocities of the first cancer cells and the second cancer cells are ...

Magnetophorisis measuring system for determining motion status of object and quantifying amount of magnetic particles contained therein

The present invention provides a magnetophorisis measuring system, comprising a microscope device, a magnetic field generator, an image capturing unit, and a processing unit. The microscope device is utilized to magnify a sample liquid having a plurality of objects respectively having a plurality of magnetic particles. The magnetic field generator is utilized to provide an external magnetic field on the sample liquid such that the objects are moved by the external magnetic field. The image capturing unit is utilized to capture a dynamic image with respect to the fluid sample in a view field of the microscope device. The processing unit receives the dynamic image, automatically detects and locks moving objects, determines a motion status corresponding to each object, and quantifies the magnetic particles according to motion status of each object.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ASYMMETRIC OSCILLATIONS

Disclosed is an apparatus and method for providing asymmetric oscillations to a container. The container may include a fluid, a particle, and/or a gas. A vibration driver attached to the container provides asymmetric oscillations. A controller connected to the vibration driver controls an amplitude, frequency, and shape of the asymmetric oscillations. An amplifier amplifies the asymmetric oscillations in response to the controller. A sensor disposed on the vibration driver provides feedback to the controller. 1. A method of testing a test object for nonlinear response , cavitation dangers , or levitation effects , the method comprising:vibrating the test object according to a first waveform as part of a first test; andvibrating the test object according to a second waveform after vibrating the test object according to the first waveform as part of a second test.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second waveform comprises a sum of a first sinusoid and a second sinusoid claim 1 , and further comprising varying the phase of the second sinusoid.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the test object is disposed within a fluid claim 1 , and further comprising detecting cavitation in the fluid using a sensor.4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the sensor is an acoustic transducer operable to detect acoustic waves caused by cavitation.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the test object is disposed within a fluid claim 1 , and further comprising decreasing a temperature of the fluid to allow gas bubbles to form or to promote cavitation.6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising raising the temperature of the fluid back to a starting temperature.7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first waveform and the second waveform are the same.8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the first waveform is selected from the group consisting of a sinusoid wave and a non-sinusoidal wave.9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the second waveform is selected form the group consisting of a sinusoid ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ASYMMETRIC OSCILLATIONS

Disclosed is an apparatus and method for providing asymmetric oscillations to a container. The container may include a fluid, a particle, and/or a gas. A vibration driver attached to the container provides asymmetric oscillations. A controller connected to the vibration driver controls an amplitude, frequency, and shape of the asymmetric oscillations. An amplifier amplifies the asymmetric oscillations in response to the controller. A sensor disposed on the vibration driver provides feedback to the controller. 1. An apparatus for providing vibrations , the apparatus comprising:a battery; anda vibration mechanism that increases the flow of electrolytes and ions between the battery electrodes.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the vibration mechanism is operable to levitate a plurality of particles within the fluid.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the vibration mechanism generates vibrations having a non-sinusoidal waveform that is capable of increasing or decreasing the flow in a direction.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the battery comprises a plurality of individual cells disposed within an outer case.5. The apparatus of claim 4 , further comprising one or more feedback mechanisms coupled with one or more of the plurality of individual cells within the battery.6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the one or more feedback mechanism includes an accelerometer.7. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a feedback mechanism coupled with the battery.8. The apparatus of claim 7 , further comprising a second feedback mechanism coupled with the battery.9. The apparatus of claim 8 , wherein the feedback mechanism and the second feedback mechanism are selected from the group comprising an accelerometer claim 8 , an acoustic sensor claim 8 , an optic sensor claim 8 , an electromagnetic sensor claim 8 , a physical sensor claim 8 , and a chemical sensor.10. The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising a vent coupled with the battery and operable to adjust ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ASYMMETRIC OSCILLATIONS

Disclosed is an apparatus and method for providing asymmetric oscillations to a container. The container may include a fluid, a particle, and/or a gas. A vibration driver attached to the container provides asymmetric oscillations. A controller connected to the vibration driver controls an amplitude, frequency, and shape of the asymmetric oscillations. An amplifier amplifies the asymmetric oscillations in response to the controller. A sensor disposed on the vibration driver provides feedback to the controller. 1. An apparatus for providing ultrasound , the apparatus comprising;an ultrasonic frequency emitting mechanism that emits two or more simultaneous ultrasonic frequencies, each with respective frequencies and phases, wherein the respective frequencies and phases increases or decreases cavitation or streaming.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the respective frequencies can be controlled to adjust the amount of cavitation.3. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the ultrasonic frequencies are non-sinusoidal vibrations.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , adjusting the respective frequencies based on a predetermined phase and amplitude relationship.5. The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the predetermined phase and amplitude relationship is determined by approximation of one or more waveforms.6. The apparatus of claim 5 , wherein the one or more waveforms are selected from the group consisting of a pressure wave claim 5 , a sawtooth wave claim 5 , and combinations thereof. The present patent application is a divisional and claims the priority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/489,507 filed Apr. 17, 2017, which is a continuation and claims the priority benefit of U.S patent application Ser. No. 14/177,844 filed Feb. 11, 2014, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/763,029 filed Feb. 11, 2013, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.The present invention is generally related to levitating, suspending ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ASYMMETRIC OSCILLATIONS

Disclosed is an apparatus and method for providing asymmetric oscillations to a container. The container may include a fluid, a particle, and/or a gas. A vibration driver attached to the container provides asymmetric oscillations. A controller connected to the vibration driver controls an amplitude, frequency, and shape of the asymmetric oscillations. An amplifier amplifies the asymmetric oscillations in response to the controller. A sensor disposed on the vibration driver provides feedback to the controller. 1. A method for estimating the level of safety of ultrasound equipment , the method comprising:measuring an amplitude of a second or higher order harmonics in a reflected wave from the ultrasound equipment.2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining if the amplitude fits with a predetermined phase and amplitude relationship.3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising adjusting the amplitude of the second or higher order harmonics if it does not fit with the predetermined phase and amplitude relationship.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:adjusting a frequency of the reflected wave, andcausing an increase or decrease in cavitation based on the frequency of the reflected wave.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the shape of the reflected wave can be varied to control the amount of cavitation. The present patent application is a divisional and claims the priority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/489,507 filed Apr. 17, 2017, which is a continuation and claims the priority benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/177,844 filed Feb. 11, 2014, which claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 61/763,029 filed Feb. 11, 2013, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.The present invention is generally related to levitating, suspending, moving, fluidizing, or mixing solid particles or fluid bubbles in a fluidic environment. More specifically, the present invention is related to ...

TRIPLE LASER SHEET VELOCIMETRY WITH ONE CAMERA

A method and a system to characterize the velocity of a fluid flow through a flow channel using particle image velocimetry with one camera is provided. The method includes introducing a fluid flow into the fluid channel. The fluid includes fluid particles and tracer particles. At least two planar cross sections of the fluid flow are illuminated by a light source of a different color and spaced apart by a fixed distance. Successive images are captured with a single image receiver such as a camera such that each illuminated planar cross section is captured separately with the image receiver. From the captured images, a velocity of the fluid flow through the channel is determined by a processor. 1. A method to characterize the velocity of a fluid flow through a flow channel using particle image velocimetry , comprising:introducing a fluid flow into the fluid channel, the fluid flow including a plurality of fluid particles and a plurality of tracer particles;illuminating at least two planar cross sections of the fluid flow, the planar cross sections spaced apart by a distance, wherein each planar cross section, is illuminated with a light source of a different color;recording successive images such that each illuminated planar cross section, of the fluid flow is captured separately with a single image receiver having a field of view; anddetermining the velocity of a fluid flow through the flow channel using the captured images.2. The method as claimed in claim 1 ,wherein the at least two planar cross sections are illuminated by different colors, andwherein the different colors are selected from the group consisting of red, green, and blue.3. The method as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising positioning the image receiver such that the successive images are captured having the same field of view.4. The method as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the image receiver is positioned within the flow channel downstream from the illuminated planar cross sections so that the field ...

METHODS AND APPARATI FOR NONDESTRUCTIVE DETECTION OF UNDISSOLVED PARTICLES IN A FLUID

The apparati, methods, and computer program products disclosed herein can be used to nondestructively detect undissolved particles, such as glass flakes and/or protein aggregates, in a fluid in a vessel, such as, but not limited to, a fluid that contains a drug. 1. An apparatus for nondestructive detection of an undissolved particle in a vessel that is at least partially filled with a fluid , comprising:a sensor;an imager configured to acquire one or more images of the particle in the fluid, the imager comprising at least one imaging optical element positioned to image the particle onto the sensor; andan illumination source positioned to substantially eliminate a presence of light rays emitted from the illumination source that reflect or refract from a surface of the vessel and are imaged by the at least one optical element onto the sensor.2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the illumination source is located in a region that is substantially free of back-propagating rays extending from the sensor claim 1 , through the at least one imaging optical element claim 1 , and subsequently through the vessel.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the at least one optical element comprises a telecentric lens.4. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein an optical axis of the imager is positioned to extend through the vessel substantially orthogonal to and intersecting with a longitudinal axis of the vessel claim 1 , the longitudinal axis corresponding to an axis of symmetry of the vessel.5. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the imager is configured to acquire time-series data representing a trajectory of the particle in the fluid claim 1 , the apparatus further comprising:(a) a memory operably coupled to the imager and configured to store the time-series data; and (i) reversing a time ordering of the time-series data to form reversed time-series data;', '(ii) estimating the trajectory of the particle from the reversed time-series data;', '(iii) determining a presence or type of ...

FLOW CYTOMETERY SYSTEM WITH FLUIDICS CONTROL SYSTEM

A system, method, and apparatus are provided for flow cytometry. In one example, the flow cytometry system includes dual laser devices and dual scatter channels to measure velocity of particles in a core stream of sample fluid. The total flow rate of the sample fluid and the sheath fluid around the sample fluid is controlled, and thus held constant, by a feedback control system controlling a vacuum pump based on differential pressure across ends of a flow channel in the flow cell. 1. A flow cytometry system , comprising:a first scatter channel to detect a first light scatter generated by a particle passing through a first laser beam, wherein the particle flows in a flow channel of a sample fluid; anda second scatter channel to detect a second light scatter generated by the particle flowing in the flow channel of the fluid sample and passing through a second laser beam, wherein the first laser beam and the second laser beam are separated by a first predetermined distance.2. The flow cytometry system of claim 1 , further comprising:a first laser device at a first position in a flow channel to generate the first laser beam; anda second laser device at a second position in the flow channel to generate the second laser beam;wherein the first laser device and the second laser device are serially separated along a center axis of the flow channel by a second predetermined distance.3. The flow cytometry system of claim 1 , further comprising:a flow cell to receive a flow of the sample fluid and a flow of a sheath fluid, wherein the flow of the sample fluid is surrounded by the flow of the sheath fluid.4. The flow cytometry system of claim 3 , further comprising:a flow control valve to control a volumetric ratio of the sheath fluid to the sample fluid.5. The flow cytometry system of claim 4 , wherein:a velocity of the flow of the sample fluid is proportional to the volumetric ratio of the sheath fluid to the sample fluid.6. The flow cytometry system of claim 4 , wherein:the ...

PARTICLE PHOTOGRAPHING DEVICE AND FLOW VELOCITY MEASUREMENT DEVICE

A particle photographing device includes: an illumination optical system that illuminates particles with sheet-like illumination light based on laser light from an end of an optical fiber an imaging portion 6 that images the illuminated particles; and a regulation portion that changes the distance between the end of the optical fiber and the illumination optical system 1. A particle photographing device comprising:a probe portion placed in a fluid in which particles are dispersed;an optical fiber that emits laser light from an end portion thereof; andan imaging portion that images the particles illuminated based on the laser light emitted from the end portion of the optical fiber,wherein the probe portion includes:an illumination optical system that illuminates the particles with sheet-like illumination light based on the laser light emitted from the end portion of the optical fiber; anda regulation portion that regulates a focusing position of the laser light by the illumination optical system, by changing a distance between the end portion of the optical fiber and the illumination optical system.2. The particle photographing device according to claim 1 , comprisinga laser device that supplies the laser light introduced into the probe portion, to the optical fiber,wherein the regulation portion regulates the focusing position of the laser light by setting a position of the end portion of the optical fiber to become farther from the illumination optical system when an output set value of the laser light in the laser device is increased and to become closer to the illumination optical system when the output set value is decreased, to enable the illumination optical system to accurately illuminate an imaging range of the imaging portion regardless of a change of the output set value.3. The particle photographing device according to claim 2 , wherein the regulation portion includes:a motor that changes the distance between the end portion of the optical fiber and the ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CAPTURING IMAGES OF A LIQUID SAMPLE

A method and system for capturing images of a liquid sample during flow is disclosed. One approach to obtaining images of the sample which are in focus is to carry out a focusing algorithm in order to focus an imaging device on the sample once the sample has started flowing. However, this typically takes dozens of seconds or even minutes. There is provided a method of capturing images of a liquid sample flowing through a field of view of an imaging device that comprises stepping a focus mechanism of the imaging device through a plurality of focus values and capturing a plurality of images of the sample at each of the plurality of focus values as the sample flows through the field of view of the imaging device. In this way, image capture can proceed before a focus value has been determined and capture images that are in focus can be used for further processing subsequently. 112-. (canceled)13. A system for analysing a liquid sample flowing through a field of view of an imaging device , the system comprising:an imaging device for imaging a liquid sample flowing through a field of view of the imaging device, wherein the imaging device has a focus mechanism for positioning at least a portion of the imaging device in accordance with a focus value; and step a focus mechanism of the imaging device through a first plurality of focus values; and', 'capture a plurality of images of the sample at each of the first plurality of focus values as the sample flows through a field of view of the imaging device., 'a processor configured to14. The system of wherein stepping the focus mechanism through the plurality of focus values comprises repeatedly varying the focus value between a minimum value and a maximum value.15. The system of claim 13 , wherein the processor is configured to determine a focus measure for each of the captured images.16. The system of claim 15 , wherein the processor is configured to identify for further processing a subset of the captured images based on the ...

HIGH THROUGHPUT LENS-FREE THREE-DIMENSIONAL TRACKING OF SPERM

A system for three dimensional imaging of motile objects includes an image sensor and a sample holder disposed adjacent to the image sensor. A first illumination source is provided and has a first wavelength and positioned relative to the sample holder at a first location to illuminate the sample. A second illumination source is also provided having a second wavelength, different from the first wavelength, and positioned relative to the sample holder at a second location, different from the first location, to illuminate the sample. The first and second illumination sources are configured to simultaneously, or alternatively, sequentially illuminate the sample contained within the sample holder. Three dimensional positions of the motile objects in each frame are obtained based on digitally reconstructed projection images of the mobile objects obtained from the first and second illumination sources. This positional data is connected for each frame to obtain 3D trajectories of motile objects. 1. A system for three dimensional imaging of motile objects contained within a sample comprising:an image sensor;a sample holder configured to hold the sample, the sample holder disposed adjacent to the image sensor;a first illumination source having a first wavelength and positioned relative to the sample holder at a first location to illuminate the sample;a second illumination source having a second wavelength, different from the first wavelength, and positioned relative to the sample holder at a second location, different from the first location, to illuminate the sample; andwherein the first illumination source and the second illumination source are configured to simultaneously illuminate the sample contained within the sample holder.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the motile objects comprise sperms.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first illumination source and the second illumination source comprise claim 1 , respectively claim 1 , a first LED and a second LED.4. The ...

MULTIPLEXED DROPLET ACTUATION AND SENSING IN DIGITAL MICROFLUIDICS

The present disclosure discloses a multi-droplet sensing and actuation system, for use in a digital microfluidic chip operation wherein a linearly independent alternating current signal is applied to each discrete actuation electrode thus encoding the electrode's identity. The combined measured impedance signal from multiple channels is then processed to decode an impedance measurement for the volume between each discrete actuation electrode and its corresponding conductive counter electrode region, where the sensed impedance is inversely proportional to an amount of liquid within the volume. 1. A digital microfluidic chip device , comprising: i) a first substrate having mounted on a surface thereof a first array of discrete actuation electrodes;', 'ii) a dielectric layer coating said first array of discrete actuation electrodes, said dielectric layer having a hydrophobic surface;', 'iii) a second substrate having a hydrophobic surface on a conductive counter electrode, wherein the second substrate is in a spaced relationship to the first substrate thus defining a region between the first and second substrates; and, 'A) a digital microfluidic chip including'} ["i) a controller programmed for selectively actuating and de-actuating said discrete actuation electrodes, said controller being configured to apply a linearly independent alternating current electrical signal to each discrete actuation electrode such that said linearly independent alternating current electrical signal encodes the electrode's identity;", 'ii) an impedance sensor for sensing, in parallel, an impedance in a volume between each discrete actuation electrode and a corresponding conductive counter electrode region spaced from said discrete actuation electrode, said impedance sensor being configured to process a combined measured impedance signal in order to decode from said combined measured impedance signal a distinct impedance measurement for the volume between each discrete actuation electrode ...

LASER SENSOR FOR PARTICAL DENSITY DETECTION

The invention describes a laser sensor module () for particle density detection. The laser sensor module () comprising at least one first laser (), at least one first detector () and at least one electrical driver (). The first laser () is adapted to emit first laser light in reaction to signals provided by the at least one electrical driver (). The at least one first detector () is adapted to detect a first self-mixing interference signal of an optical wave within a first laser cavity of the first laser (). The first self-mixing interference signal is caused by first reflected laser light reentering the first laser cavity, the first reflected laser light being reflected by a particle receiving at least a part of the first laser light. The laser sensor module () is adapted to reduce multiple counts of the particle. The invention further describes a related method and computer program product. 1. A laser sensor apparatus comprising:at least one first laser;at least one first detector circuit;at least one electrical driver,wherein the first laser is arranged to emit a first laser light in reaction to signals provided by the at least one electrical driver,wherein the at least one first detector circuit is arranged to detect a first self-mixing interference signal of an optical wave within a first laser cavity of the first laser,wherein the first self-mixing interference signal is caused by first reflected laser light reentering the first laser cavity,wherein the first reflected laser light is reflected by a particle receiving at least a part of the first laser light,wherein the laser sensor-apparatus is arranged to reduce multiple counts of the particle,wherein the laser sensor-apparatus is arranged to interrupt detection of particles for a predetermined time period,wherein the predetermined time period is selected such that multiple detection of the particle is reduced; anda controller circuit,wherein the controller circuit is arranged to evaluate the first self- ...

Optical Interferometry Proximity Sensor with Temperature Variation Compensation

An optical proximity sensor includes a first vertical cavity surface-emitting laser configured for self-mixing interferometry to determine distance to and/or velocity of an object. The optical proximity sensor also includes a second vertical cavity surface-emitting laser configured for self-mixing interferometry to determine whether any variation in a fixed distance has occurred. The optical proximity sensor leverages output from the second vertical cavity surface-emitting laser to calibrate output from the second vertical cavity surface-emitting laser to eliminate and/or mitigate environmental effects, such as temperature changes. 1. An optical proximity sensor comprising:an enclosure defining an aperture;a primary VCSEL within the enclosure and oriented to emit a first beam of light through the aperture;an auxiliary VCSEL within the enclosure and oriented to emit a second beam of light toward an internal surface of the enclosure; and monitor a power output of the primary VCSEL light source and the auxiliary VCSEL light source;', 'determine a distance to an object based, at least in part, on the power output of the primary VCSEL; and', 'modify the determined distance to the object based, at least in part, on the power output of the auxiliary VCSEL., 'a power controller configured to2. The optical proximity sensor of claim 1 , wherein the power controller is configured to monitor the power output of the primary VCSEL for self-mixing interference effects.3. The optical proximity sensor of claim 1 , wherein the power controller is configured to drive each of the first VCSEL light source and the auxiliary VCSEL light source.4. The optical proximity sensor of claim 1 , wherein the power controller is configured to drive each of the first VCSEL light source and the auxiliary VCSEL light source with a triangular current waveform.5. The optical proximity sensor of claim 1 , wherein the power controller is configured to determine a velocity of the object based claim 1 , at ...

PARTICLE DETECTION METHOD, PARTICLE DETECTION DEVICE AND PARTICLE DETECTION SYSTEM

A particle detection method in which particles in a sample are detected includes: a mounting step of mounting, on a stage portion, a fluid device including a channel through which the particles can move; an irradiation step of irradiating the channel with illumination light; and a detection step of detecting scattered light generated from the particles by irradiation with the illumination light. In the irradiation step, the illumination light is converged such as to enter the channel by passing through, among side surfaces of the channel, only the first side surface that faces an illumination light incident direction. 1. A particle detection method in which particles in a sample are detected , comprising:a mounting step of mounting, on a stage portion, a fluid device comprising a channel through which the particles can move;an irradiation step of irradiating the channel with illumination light; anda detection step of detecting scattered light generated from the particles by irradiation with the illumination light,wherein in the irradiation step, the illumination light is converged such as to enter the channel by passing through, among side surfaces of the channel, only the first side surface that faces an illumination light incident direction.2. The particle detection method according to claim 1 , whereinin the irradiation step, the illumination light is irradiated at a convergence angle such as to be focused within the first side surface.3. The particle detection method according to claim 1 , whereinin the irradiation step, the illumination light is converged such that a width in a direction orthogonal to the optical axis of the illumination light is minimized inside the channel.4. The particle detection method according to claim 1 , whereinin the irradiation step, the illumination light is converged such as to exit the channel by passing through, among side surfaces of the channel, only the second side surface opposite to the first side surface.5. The particle ...

DEVICES AND METHODS FOR FRACTIONATED PHOTOACOUSTIC FLOW CYTOMETRY

A fractionated photoacoustic flow cytometry (PAFC) system and methods for the in vivo detection of target objects in biofluidic systems (e.g., blood, lymph, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid) of a living organism is described. The fractionated system includes a fractionated laser system, a fractionated optical system, a fractionated acoustic system, and combinations thereof. The fractionated laser system includes at least one laser or laser array for pulsing a target object within the circulatory vessel with fractionated focused laser beams. The fractionated optical system separates one or several laser beams into multiple beams in a spatial configuration on the skin above the circulatory vessel of the living organism. The fractionated acoustic system includes multiple focused ultrasound transducers for receiving photoacoustic signals emitted by the target object in response to the fractionated laser beams. 1. A fractionated photoacoustic flow cytometry and theranostics system for in vivo detection , therapy , and monitoring of responses to the therapy for at least one target object in a biofluid system of a living organism , comprising:a laser system comprising more than one picosecond pulsed laser operable to provide more than one time-color encoded pulse of laser energy;a fractionated optical system configured to separate each laser beam into a plurality of laser beam fragments having a spatial configuration on the skin above the biofluid system of the living organism;at least one focused ultrasound transducer;a recording system operable for recording a combination of photoacoustic signals received by the at least one focused ultrasound transducer and emitted by the at least one target object in response to the more than one pulse of laser energy; anda triggering system operable to control the more than one pulsed lasers, synchronization of laser pulses from the more than one pulsed lasers with at least one time delay, and the recording system.2. The system of claim ...

LASER SENSOR FOR MULTI PARAMETER DETECTION

The invention describes a laser sensor module () which is adapted to detect or determine at least two different physical parameters by means of self-mixing interference by focusing a laser beam to different positions. Such a laser sensor module () may be used as an integrated sensor module, for example, in mobile devices (). The laser sensor module () may be used as an input device and in addition as a sensor for detecting physical parameters in an environment of the mobile communication device (). One physical parameter in the environment of the mobile communication device () may, for example, be the concentration of particles in the air (air pollution, smog . . . ). The invention further describes a related method and computer program product. 1. A laser sensor module comprising:at least one first laser;at least one first detector;at least one electrical driver; andat least one first optical device;wherein the first laser is arranged to emit a first laser light based on signals provided by the at least one electrical driver,wherein the first optical device is arranged to focus the first laser light on a focus region,wherein the laser sensor module is arranged to control a distance between the laser sensor module and the focus region such that there are at least a first mode and a second mode of the laser sensor module,wherein in the first mode the focus region is at a first distance and in the second mode the focus region is at a second distance,wherein the second distance is different than the first distance,wherein the at least one first detector is arranged to detect a first self-mixing interference signal of an optical wave within a first laser cavity of the first laser,wherein the first self-mixing interference signal is caused by a first reflected laser light reentering the first laser cavity,wherein the first reflected laser light is received in the first mode,wherein the first self-mixing interference signal is used to determine a first physical parameter, ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CAPTURING IMAGES OF A LIQUID SAMPLE

A method and system for capturing images of a liquid sample flowing through a field of view of an imaging device that can include stepping a focus mechanism of the imaging device through a plurality of focus values and capturing a plurality of images of the sample at each of the plurality of focus values as the sample flows through the field of view of the imaging device. In this way, image capture can proceed before a focus value has been determined and capture images that are in focus can be used for further processing subsequently. 1. A method of capturing images of a liquid sample flowing through a field of view of an imaging device , the method comprising:stepping a focus mechanism of the imaging device through a first plurality of focus values; andcapturing a plurality of images of the sample at each of the first plurality of focus values as the sample flows through a field of view of the imaging device.2. The method of wherein stepping the focus mechanism through the first plurality of focus values comprises repeatedly varying the focus value between a minimum value and a maximum value.3. The method of claim 1 , comprising determining a focus measure for each of the captured images.4. The method of claim 3 , comprising identifying for further processing a subset of the captured images based on the determined focus measures.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein identifying a subset of the captured images comprises evaluating a criterion on the focus measure for each captured image and identifying for further processing images with a focus measure which meets the criterion.6. The method of claim 3 , comprising:identifying a first focus value based on the focus measures;setting the focusing mechanism of the imaging device to the first focus value; andcapturing further images at the first focus value.7. The method of claim 6 , comprising identifying for further processing images captured when the focusing mechanism was set to the first focus value.8. The method of ...

System and Method For Dispense Characterization

A system and method for dispense characterization is disclosed. According to particular embodiments of the dispense characterization system and method, volumes of dispensed liquids can be determined. In more particular embodiments, additional characteristics and combinations of characteristics of a liquid dispensing event can be determined. Examples of additional characteristics that can be determined include the shape of the dispensing event, the velocity of the dispensing event, and the trajectory of the dispensing event. The dispense characterization system and method can be employed in automated biological sample analysis systems, and are particularly suited for monitoring liquid reagent dispensing events that deliver liquid reagents to a surface of a microscope slide holding a biological sample. 1. A system for treating a biological sample , comprising:a. at least one dispenser for dispensing a liquid reagent;b. at least one dispense detector locatable between an outlet of the at least one dispenser and the biological sample, the dispense detector comprising at least one array of emitters and corresponding receivers, the space between the emitters and corresponding receivers of the at least one array forming a first detection region of the at least one dispense detector; and,c. a dispense detection unit configured to receive a signal from the at least one dispense detector during a dispensing event and output a detected dispense volume of the liquid reagent.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the dispense detector comprises at least two arrays of emitters and corresponding receivers and wherein the at least two arrays of emitters and corresponding receivers form the first detection region and a second claim 1 , different detection region of the dispense detector.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the dispense detection unit is further configured to output one or more of a shape claim 1 , shape over time claim 1 , a velocity claim 1 , and a trajectory claim 1 , ...

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PARTICLES MEASUREMENT

An optical system for particle size and concentration analysis, includes: at least one laser that produces an illuminating beam; a focusing lens that focuses the illuminating beam on particles that move relative to the illuminating beam at known or pre-defined angles to the illuminating beam through the focal region of the focusing lens; and at least two forward-looking detectors, that detect interactions of particles with the illuminating beam in the focal region of the focusing lens. The focusing lens is a cylindrical lens that forms a focal region that is: (i) narrow in the direction of relative motion between the particles and the illuminating beam, and (ii) wide in a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by an optical axis of the system and the direction of relative motion between the particles and the illuminating beam. Each of the two forward-looking detectors is comprised of two segmented linear arrays of detectors. 1. An optical system for particle size and concentration analysis , the optical system comprising:(a) at least one laser that produces an illuminating beam;(b) a focusing lens that focuses said illuminating beam on particles that move relative to the illuminating beam at known angles to the illuminating beam through the focal region of the focusing lens; wherein the focusing lens is a cylindrical lens that forms a focal region that is: (i) narrow in the direction of relative motion between the particles and the illuminating beam, and (ii) wide in a direction perpendicular to a plane defined by an optical axis of the system and the direction of relative motion between the particles and the illuminating beam;', 'wherein each of the two forward-looking detectors is comprised of two segmented linear arrays of detectors., '(c) at least two forward-looking detectors, that detect interactions of particles with the illuminating beam in the focal region of the focusing lens;'}2. The system of claim 1 ,wherein the system is configured to operate on ...

UNIT FOR MEASURING THE SETTLING VELOCITY OF PARTICLES IN SUSPENSION IN UNIT FOR MEASURING THE SETTLING VELOCITY OF PARTICLES IN SUSPENSION IN A FLUID AND DEVICE COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE MEASURING UNIT AND ONE AUTOMATIC SAMPLER

A unit for measuring the falling speed of particles in suspension in a fluid comprises a sealed container having an open compartment containing fluid, and a sealed compartment, and, in the sealed compartment, at least three electromagnetic radiation emitters distributed along a longitudinal axis of the open compartment and oriented according to a radiation axis crossing the open compartment at different heights along the longitudinal axis, an equal number of receivers distributed along the longitudinal axis, each receiver placed in the radiation axis of a corresponding emitter, and a system for acquiring data connected to the receivers which is used to obtain the falling speed of the particles and the change of same as a function of the height in the open compartment and as a function of time, said change quantifying the flocculation of the particles. 2. The measuring unit according to claim 1 , in which the data acquired by the measuring means are a measure of the absorbance of the radiation emitted by the emitters and received by each receiver.3. The measuring unit according to claim 1 , in which the emitters are of the light-emitting diode type.4. The measuring unit according to claim 1 , in which the radiation has a wavelength comprised in the infrared.5. The measuring unit according to claim 1 , in which the longitudinal distance between the radiation axis of two successive and adjacent emitters is at most 5 cm.6. The measuring unit according to claim 1 , in which the longitudinal distance between the radiation axis of two successive and adjacent emitters is 1 cm.7. The measuring unit according to claim 1 , in which the open compartment is formed by a reservoir introduced into the container claim 1 , the sealing means being placed between the reservoir and the container.8. The measuring unit according to claim 1 , in which the bottom of the container is detachable.9. The measuring unit according to claim 1 , comprising means for emptying the open compartment of ...

OCT Sensing of Particulates in Oil

A fluid sample is analysed in-line by OCT techniques. The density, size, velocity and other attributes of particles present in a fluid, oil, for example, that is flowing through a conduit. 1. A method for analyzing a fluid sample , the method comprising:flowing a sample through a conduit; andobtaining OCT images of the sample in the conduit to determine at least one of: a density of particles present in the fluid sample; a particle flow velocity; a size of a particle in the sample; an index of refraction of the fluid; an index of refraction of an immiscible droplet in the fluid; and an image of an immiscible bubble in the fluid.2. A system for analyzing a fluid sample , the system comprising:a flow cell through with a sample flows; andan optical coherence tomography system for obtaining images of the sample in the flow cell to determine at least one of: a density of particles present in the fluid sample; a particle flow velocity; a size of a particle in the sample; an index of refraction of the fluid; an index of refraction of an immiscible droplet in the fluid; and an image of an immiscible bubble in the fluid. This application claims the benefit under 35 USC 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/468,180, filed on Mar. 7, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging technique that uses coherent light to capture micrometer-resolution, two- and three-dimensional images from within optical scattering media, biological tissues, for example.Generally, OCT techniques involve an interferometry arrangement that sends light into both a sample and a reference arm of an interferometer (e.g., Michelson or Mach-Zehnder). The signal is received by a detector or line-scan camera, and the digitized signal is processed. An image of the target is created by the interference pattern.The invention generally relates to OCT techniques and systems for obtaining information on particulates (solid, immiscible ...

Method for detecting circulating cells in superficial body fluids

The present invention relates to a method for measuring circulating cells in superficial body fluids by means of high-frequency-based device. The method can be used for detecting circulating cells in the fluids of an individual without the necessity of extracting a sample of the individual, being useful as a diagnostic tool and for monitoring the effectiveness of a treatment administered to an individual suffering from a viral, protozoal, fungal and/or bacterial disease.

Monitor for particle injector

Approaches for determining the delivery success of a particle, such as a drug particle, are disclosed. A system for monitoring delivery of particles to biological tissue includes a volume, an optical component, a detector, and an analyzer. The volume comprises a space through which a particle can pass in a desired direction. The optical component is configured to provide a measurement light. The detector is positioned to detect light emanating from the particle in response to the measurement light. The detected light is modulated as the particle moves along a detection axis. The detector is configured to generate a time-varying signal in response to the detected light. The analyzer is configured to receive the time-varying signal and determine a delivery success of the particle into a biological tissue based upon characteristics of the time-varying signal.

Simple Sperm Test Kit, System, and Method for Performing Simple Test on Sperm

A simple sperm test kit for performing a simple sperm test has a substrate capable of being placed over a camera of an information terminal a recess for containing semen A provided in the surface of the substrate a cover that covers the recess for allowing external light to enter the recess and a lens provided within the substrate on the lower side of the recess for magnifying the semen A in the recess and projecting an image on the back side of the substrate 1. A simple sperm test kit for performing a simple sperm test , comprising:a single substrate capable of being placed over a camera of an information terminal,a recess for containing semen provided in the surface of the substrate,a cover that covers the recess for allowing external light to enter the recess, anda lens immobilized within the substrate on the lower side of the recess for magnifying the semen in the recess and projecting an image on the back side of the substrate.2. The simple sperm test kit according to claim 1 , wherein the cover is integrated with the substrate claim 1 , anda notch is formed in a portion of the cover.3. The simple sperm test kit according to or claim 1 , wherein the back side of the cover has been subjected to hydrophilic treatment.4. The simple sperm test kit according to or claim 1 , wherein spacers are provided in the recess for maintaining a fixed distance between the bottom of the recess and the back side of the cover claim 1 , andthe spacers are provided at locations overlapping with the lens when viewed from overhead.5. The simple sperm test kit according to claim 4 , wherein the height of the spacers is 10 μm to 20 μm.6. The simple sperm test kit according to or claim 4 , wherein depressions are formed in the surface of the substrate on both the left and right sides of the recess claim 4 , andthe cover is supported by the depressions.7. A system for performing a simple sperm test claim 4 , comprising:an information terminal equipped with a camera having a video filming ...

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TIME-OF-FLIGHT AFFINITY CYTOMETRY

A device for determining the identity and concentration of target particles within a biocompatible ferrofluid medium is described. The system includes a fluidic channel that a sample of particles flow through; at least one magnetic field source configured to react repulsively with the particles; a channel wall with at least one receptor regions placed serially along the flow direction; and at least one thin electrode placed between the receptor regions to track changes in local impedance every time a target particle passes through the fluidic channel in close proximity. 1. A system for identifying at least one target particle in a flow comprising:at least one microfluidic channel having a wall, the channel configured to flow a plurality of particles in a first direction;at least one receptor region provided on the wall, wherein the at least one receptor region is functionalized with at least one first molecule for interacting with at least a first target particle contained in a flow of the plurality of particles; anda plurality of electrodes arranged before and after the receptor region, each electrode configured to signal a change in impedance proximate thereto upon the at least first target particle passing in proximity thereto.2. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a processor configured to receive data corresponding to the changes in impedance as a result of particles passing in proximity to an electrode claim 1 , and including computer instructions operating thereon configured to:receive or otherwise obtain data corresponding to changes in impedance produced as a result of at least one first particle passing in proximity to one or more electrodes;at least track the at least one first target particle as it flows through the channel in the first direction based on the changes in impedance, andbased on at least the tracking, determine an identity of the at least one first target particle.3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the tracking comprises tracking at ...

OPTICAL PARTICLE SENSOR MODULE

A laser sensor module for detecting a particle density of small particles with a particle size between 0.05 μm and 10 μm includes a first laser configured to emit a first measurement beam, a second laser configured to emit a second measurement beam, and an optical arrangement configured to focus the first measurement beam to a first measurement volume and to focus the second measurement beam to a second measurement volume. The optical arrangement includes a first numerical aperture and a second numerical aperture arranged to detect a predetermined minimum particle size. The laser sensor module further includes a first detector configured to determine a first self-mixing interference signal of a first optical wave, a second detector configured to determine a second self-mixing interference signal of a second optical wave, and an evaluator. 1. A laser sensor module for detecting a particle density of small particles with a particle size between 0.05 μm and 10 μm , the laser sensor module comprising:a first laser configured to emit a first measurement beam;a second laser configured to emit a second measurement beam;an optical arrangement configured to focus the first measurement beam to a first measurement volume and to focus the second measurement beam to a second measurement volume, the optical arrangement including a first numerical aperture corresponding to the first measurement beam and a second numerical aperture corresponding to the second measurement beam, wherein the first numerical aperture and the second numerical aperture are arranged to detect a predetermined minimum particle size at a reference velocity, wherein the reference velocity is chosen within a predetermined velocity range between 0.01 m/s and 7 m/s comprising the reference velocity, and wherein the first measurement beam and the second measurement beam mutually enclose an angle ϕ between 10° and 160°;a first detector configured to determine a first self-mixing interference signal of a first ...

ONLINE MEASURING METHOD OF PARTICLE VELOCITY IN MULTIPHASE SYSTEM

The present invention provides an online measuring method of particle (such as bubbles, droplets and solid particles) velocity in multiphase reactor. The method based on an online multiphase measuring instrument includes the following steps: (1) the online multiphase measuring instrument is placed into the multiphase reactor, and then a particle image produced by two or more exposures are obtained; (2) the actual size of individual pixel in the particle image is determined; (3) valid particles are determined in the depth of field; (4) then the centroid coordinates are conversed to the actual length of the coordinates (x, y) and (x, y) using the actual size of individual pixel. Thus, the instantaneous velocity of particles can be calculated by 2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein in Step (1) claim 1 , the exposure time of the image sensor is 2.7-3.0 times of the pulse period of the signal generator.3. The method according to claim 1 , wherein in Step (2) claim 1 , a graduated ruler with an accuracy of at least 0.1 mm is used to determine the actual size of individual pixel.4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the double-exposure image of the same valid particle is identified by a particle matching algorithm in Step (4);a particle correlation algorithm is used to conduct time-matching of the particles in the particle matching algorithm.5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the distribution of the average flow field of the particle velocity in the multiphase system is obtained by means of averaging of the instantaneous velocity based on a particle image containing at least 4000 particles for a period of time.6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the particle image in Step (1) is an image of anyone selected from the group consisting of bubbles claim 1 , droplets or solid particles in a multiphase system claim 1 , or a combination of at least two selected therefrom.7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the work distance of the ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SORTING PARTICLES

A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises actuators and chambers for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate. 1. A particle sorting system , comprising:a duct configured to convey particles in a stream comprising an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet;a sensor for sensing a predetermined characteristic of a particle flowing in the duct;a first chamber having a movable wall fluidically couplable to the duct;a second chamber having a movable wall fluidically couplable to the duct, the second chamber opposing the first chamber on an opposite side of the duct;an actuator operatively coupled to at least one of the first chamber or the second chamber.2. The particle sorting system of wherein the actuator operates to compress fluid in at least one of the first chamber or the second chamber to deflect one of the particles in the stream into one of the first outlet or the second outlet.3. The particle sorting system of claim 2 , wherein the actuator operates to compress fluid upon sensing of the predetermined characteristic by the sensor.4. The particle sorting system of claim 1 , further comprising a first side channel connecting the duct with the first chamber.5. The particle sorting system of claim 4 , further comprising a second side channel connecting the duct with the second chamber.6. The particle sorting chip of claim 5 , wherein the first side channel and the second side channel are positioned upstream of the first outlet and ...

CELL CHEMOTAXIS ASSAYS

A device includes an input chamber, an attractant chamber, a migration channel arranged in fluid communication between an outlet of the input chamber and inlet of the attractant chamber, a baffle arranged in fluid communication between the outlet of the input chamber and the migration channel or within the migration channel, and an exit channel in fluid communication with the migration channel at a point beyond the baffle and before the migration channel enters the inlet of the attractant chamber. The baffle is configured to inhibit movement of a first type of cell through the baffle to a greater extent than the baffle inhibits movement of a second type of cell through the baffle.

PARTICLE ANALYSIS APPARATUS, OBSERVATION APPARATUS, PARTICLE ANALYSIS PROGRAM AND PARTICLE ANALYSIS METHOD

A particle analysis apparatus includes: an acquisition unit that acquires a plurality of images each captured at a different time in each of which a particle moving in a predetermined direction in a medium is imaged; and a determination unit that determines, based on a movement amount of a particle due to Brownian motion in the medium, whether or not an image of a first particle included in an image captured at a first time of the plurality of images acquired by the acquisition unit and an image of a second particle included in an image captured at a second time which is different from the first time of the plurality of images acquired by the acquisition unit are images indicating the same particle. 1. A particle analysis apparatus , comprising:an acquisition unit configured to acquire a plurality of images each captured at a different time in each of which a particle moving in a predetermined direction in a medium is imaged; anda determination unit configured to determine, based on a movement amount of a particle due to Brownian motion in the medium, whether or not an image of a first particle included in an image captured at a first time of the plurality of images acquired by the acquisition unit and an image of a second particle included in an image captured at a second time which is different from the first time of the plurality of images acquired by the acquisition unit are images indicating the same particle.2. The particle analysis apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising:an estimation unit configured to estimate a coordinate of the first particle at the second time based on a coordinate at the first time of the first particle indicated by the image of the first particle and a movement speed in the predetermined direction of the first particle, whereinthe determination unit further determines, based on a coordinate at the second time of the second particle indicated by the image of the second particle and the coordinate of the first particle ...

APPARATUS FOR GENERATING TWO-DIMENSIONAL ILLUMINATION PATTERNS

Apparatus for generating a two-dimensional illumination pattern of light beams, including: controller; a micromirror array; illuminator; collector; and a microlens array; wherein the controller is configured for tilting the micromirrors such that in the Fourier plane of the collector, intensity maxima of light collected by the collector can be generated, wherein the intensity maxima are each allocated to one of the microlenses, wherein from the respectively generated intensity maximum one of the light beams is generated by the respectively allocated microlens. 1. Apparatus for generating a two-dimensional illumination pattern of light beams , comprising:a controller for controlling a sequence for generating the illumination pattern;a micromirror array for diffracting planarly incident coherent light comprising a plurality of micromirrors, which are each tiltable around at least one axis by the controller;an illuminator for generating the planarly incident coherent light, which is controllable by the controller;a collector for collecting light diffracted at the micromirror array; anda microlens array comprising a plurality of microlenses, wherein the microlenses comprise a common Fourier plane, which is disposed congruently with a Fourier plane of the collector;wherein the controller is configured for tilting the micromirrors such that in the Fourier plane of the collector, intensity maxima of light collected by the collector can be generated, wherein the intensity maxima are each allocated to one of the microlenses, wherein from the respectively generated intensity maximum one of the light beams is generated by the respectively allocated microlens.2. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein in the Fourier plane of the collector an aperture diaphragm array comprising a plurality of aperture openings is disposed claim 1 , wherein the aperture openings are each allocated to one of the microlenses.3. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured ...

Handling Obstructions and Transmission Element Contamination for Self-Mixing Particulate Matter Sensors

A portable electronic device is operable in a particulate matter concentration mode where the portable electronic device uses a self-mixing interferometry sensor to emit a beam of coherent light from an optical resonant cavity, receive a reflection or backscatter of the beam into the optical resonant cavity, produce a self-mixing signal resulting from a reflection or backscatter of the beam of coherent light, and determine a particle velocity and/or particulate matter concentration using the self-mixing signal. The portable electronic device is also operable in an absolute distance mode where the portable electronic device determines whether or not an absolute distance determined using the self-mixing signal is outside or within a particulate sensing volume associated with the beam of coherent light. If not, the portable electronic device may determine a contamination and/or obstruction is present that may result in inaccurate particle velocity and/or particulate matter concentration determination. 1. A portable electronic device that senses particulate matter , comprising:at least one optically transparent material;at least one optical element;a self-mixing interferometry sensor configured to emit a beam of coherent light from an optical resonant cavity through the at least one optically transparent material via the at least one optical element to illuminate an object, receive a reflection or backscatter of the beam into the optical resonant cavity, and produce a self-mixing signal resulting from self-mixing of the coherent light within the optical resonant cavity; anda processor configured to:determine a particle velocity using the self-mixing signal;determine a particulate matter concentration using the particle velocity and a particle count;determine an absolute distance to the object using the self-mixing signal; anddetermine whether the particulate matter concentration is accurate by determining if the absolute distance corresponds to an outside of a sensing ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SORTING PARTICLES

A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate. 1. A particle sorting chip comprising:a duct configured to convey particles in a stream, the duct including an inlet and a plurality of flow-through outlet channels, wherein the particles normally flow from the inlet into a first outlet channel of the plurality of flow-through outlet channels; anda first chamber in fluid communication with the duct via a first side opening, the first side opening positioned upstream of the plurality of flow-through outlet channels,wherein the first chamber is an actuator chamber configured to selectively discharge a transient pressure pulse during a switching operation via the first side opening to a selected particle having a predetermined characteristic,wherein the transient pressure pulse separates the selected particle from the stream of particles continuing to flow into the first outlet channel and deflects the selected particle into a second outlet channel of the plurality of flow-through outlet channels, andwherein, in the absence of the switching operation, fluid does not flow through the first side opening.2. The particle sorting chip of claim 1 , wherein claim 1 , when the transient pressure pulse deflects a selected particle claim 1 , none of the flow-through outlet channels are flow restricted.3. The particle sorting chip of claim 1 , wherein the application of the transient pressure ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SORTING PARTICLES

A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate. 1. A particle sorting system , comprising:a duct for conveying a stream of particles, comprising an inlet, and a plurality of outlets including a first outlet and a second outlet, wherein the particles normally flow from the inlet into the first outlet;an actuator for selectively applying a pressure pulse to deflect a selected particle in the stream of particles into the second outlet when a predetermined characteristic is detected; anda buffer configured to fluidically co-operate with the actuator for absorbing or dampening the pressure pulse to allow other particles in the stream of particles to normally flow into the first outlet while the deflected particle flows into the second outlet.2. The particle sorting system of claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises one of a piezoelectric actuator claim 1 , a stepper motor claim 1 , an electromagnetic actuator claim 1 , a thermopneumatic actuator and a heat pulse generator for generating vapour bubbles in the flowing liquid.3. The particle sorting system of claim 1 , wherein the actuator comprises a side channel in communication with the duct claim 1 , a sealed chamber positioned adjacent to the side channel claim 1 , wherein the carrier liquid forms a meniscus in the side channel to separate the sealed chamber from the carrier liquid claim 1 , and an actuator for modifying the pressure ...

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DIAGNOSING A FLUIDICS SYSTEM AND DETERMINING DATA PROCESSING SETTINGS FOR A FLOW CYTOMETER

The present set of embodiments relates to systems and methods for diagnosing a fluidics system and determining data processing settings for a flow cytometer. Systems and methods for diagnosing a fluidics system require accurate measurement and interpretation of fluctuations within the fluid delivery system. Systems and methods for determining data processing settings require an accurate measurement of peak times among various channels and being able to adjust time delay settings wherein peak time is the measurement of time elapsed from the beginning of the data collection time window to the highest peak in the window. 131.-. (canceled)32. A fluidic diagnostic system for a flow cytometer comprising:a flow cell configured to flow calibration particles;at least two light sources each configured to emit a light beam, wherein each light beam is associated with a channel, and wherein the light beams pass through the flow cell;a detector associated with each channel, wherein each detector is configured to collect light emitted from each of the set of calibration beads;a memory buffer configured to record data from each of the detectors;a trigger channel configured to initiate a transfer of data from a first data collection time window associated with the trigger channel when a data signal threshold for the trigger channel is exceeded;a second channel configured to transfer data from a second data collection time window associated with the second channel when the data signal threshold for the trigger channel is exceeded; transfer the data from the first data collection time window to a data storage each time the data signal intensity threshold is exceeded; and', 'transfer the data from the second data collection time window to the data storage each time the data signal intensity threshold is exceeded; and, 'a trigger processor configured toa computer processor configured to compare a distribution of data intensity peak times within the second data collection time window to ...

MULTIPLE FLOW CHANNEL PARTICLE ANALYSIS SYSTEM

A microfluidic multiple channel particle analysis system which allows particles from a plurality of particle sources to be independently simultaneously entrained in a corresponding plurality of fluid streams for analysis and sorting into particle subpopulations based upon one or more particle characteristics. 1a microfluidic chip including one or more flow channels, wherein each flow channel includes a detection region aligned to admit a beam of light into the detection region of the flow channel to detect a particle;at least one optical aperture optically associated with the detection region, the optical aperture having a leading edge and a trailing edge relative to the direction of flow;a first detector optically coupled to the detection region to receive at least one of light passing through or light emitted from the detection region, wherein the first detector generates a signal for the particle; andan analyzer configured to analyze the signal generated by the first detector to determine one or more ingress or egress event thresholds associated with the particle crossing the leading or trailing edges, respectively, of the optical aperture, andwherein the analyzer is configured to determine if the ingress or egress event thresholds satisfy a gate criteria.. A particle analysis system comprising: This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/739,812, filed Jun. 15, 2015, entitled “Multiple Flow Channel Particle Analysis System,” which is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/577,216 filed Aug. 3, 2012, entitled “Multiple Flow Channel Particle Analysis System”, which, in turn, is a 35 U.S.C. §371 United States National Stage application of International Patent Corporation Treaty Patent Application No. PCT/US2011/000211, filed Feb. 4, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/337,581, filed Feb. 5, 2010, the contents of each identified application are hereby expressly incorporated by ...

DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETECTING AND/OR CHARACTERIZING FLUID-BORNE PARTICLES

Measurement device for the detection and/or characterization of fluid-borne particles (), the measurement device comprising means () for producing a flow of fluid along a fluid flow path, a laser () positioned for emitting pulses of laser light polarized in a first direction of polarization, in a measurement volume of the fluid flow path, each pulse having a pulse duration, means () for directing pulses of laser light polarized in a second direction of polarization in the measurement volume, wherein the second direction of polarization is different from the first direction of polarization, a first optical spectrometer for capturing fluorescent light emitted by individual fluid-borne particles () in the measurement volume and measuring intensity of the captured fluorescent light at at least one determined wavelength at a sampling rate of at least three samples per pulse duration, wherein the means () for directing are configured such that they direct a pulse of laser light polarized in the second direction of polarization in the measurement volume each time a pulse of laser light emitted by the laser () and polarized in the first direction has crossed the measurement volume, the time delay between the moment of crossing the measurement volume by the pulse emitted by the laser and the moment of crossing the measurement volume by the pulse directed by the means () for directing is longer than the pulse duration and shorter than a travel time of the fluid in the measurement volume. Measurement method for the detection and/or characterization of fluid-borne particles () using the measurement device of the invention.

Multichannel Excitation and Emission for Miniaturized, Planar Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting

A system for fluorescence activated cell sorting includes at least two excitation lasers having different orientations relative to an objective such that light from the at least two lasers passes through the objective and intersects a fluidic channel at different positions within an interrogation region. The fluidic channel directs a flow of a plurality of fluorescently labeled particles through the interrogation region. The system further includes at least one detector and at least one optical element that directs light emitted from the plurality of fluorescently labeled particles and transmitted through the objective to the at least one detector. The system may further include optics for generating and detecting side and forward scattered light. Methods for operating example systems to collect fluorescent, side scattered and forward scattered light from a plurality of particles are also described herein. 1. A system comprising:at least two excitation lasers;an objective, wherein the at least two excitation lasers have different orientations relative to the objective such that light from the at least two lasers passes through the objective and intersects a fluidic channel at different positions within an interrogation region, and wherein the fluidic channel directs a flow of a plurality of fluorescently labeled particles through the interrogation region;at least one detector; andat least one optical element optically coupled to the objective and the at least one detector to direct light emitted from the plurality of fluorescently labeled particles and transmitted through the objective to the at least one detector.2. The system of claim 2 , wherein the fluidic channel is defined in a planar microfluidic chip.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one detector comprises a multi-element detector.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one detector comprises four multi-element detectors.5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the at least one detector ...

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SORTING PARTICLES

A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises actuators and chambers for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate. 1. A particle sorting system , comprising:a duct configured to convey particles in a stream comprising an inlet, a first outlet and a second outlet;a sensor for sensing a predetermined characteristic of a particle flowing in the duct;a first chamber fluidically couplable to the duct;a second chamber fluidically couplable to the duct, the second chamber opposing the first chamber on an opposite side of the duct; andan actuator operatively coupled to at least one of the first chamber or the second chamber to increase pressure on fluid in at least one of the first chamber or the second chamber to deflect one of the particles in the stream into one of the first outlet or the second outlet,wherein actuation of the actuator causes the first chamber or the second chamber to transiently apply a pressure pulse to the duct such that the transient pressure pulse does not halt or disrupt flow volume through the first outlet or the second outlet.2. The particle sorting system of claim 1 , wherein the actuator operates to apply force to fluid upon sensing of the predetermined characteristic by the sensor.3. The particle sorting system of claim 1 , further comprising a first side channel connecting the duct with the first chamber.4. The particle sorting system of claim 3 , further comprising a second side channel connecting the duct with ...

DEVICE FOR REAL TIME ANALYSIS OF PARTICLES SUSPENDED IN A FLUID AND METHOD FOR THE ANALYSIS OF SAID PARTICLES

The present invention refers to a device for the analysis of a particle comprising an analysis chamber adapted to contain a positioning fluid. A parameter of the particle suspended in the positioning fluid is detected by means of a detection and control unit. A positioning unit, during a particle analysis operation, is activated and deactivated on the basis of the detected parameter of the particle. The detection and control unit can activate the at least one positioning unit so as to generate a temporary positioning flow in the positioning fluid, such that said temporary positioning flow acts directly on the particle and drives the position of the particle so as to move it into a predefined position in the analysis chamber. The detection and control unit can also deactivate the at least one positioning unit when the particle to be analyzed is in the predefined position, such that the positioning fluid is at rest. 1. A device adapted to be used for cell analysis , said device comprising:an analysis chamber adapted to contain a positioning fluid;a detection and control unit adapted to detect at least one parameter of a particle suspended in the positioning fluid in the analysis chamber; andat least one positioning unit adapted, during an analysis of the particle, to be activated and deactivated on the basis of the detected parameter of the particle,wherein the detection and control unit is adapted to activate the at least one positioning unit so as to generate a temporary positioning flow in any spatial direction in the three-dimensional space in the positioning fluid, wherein said temporary positioning flow acts directly on the particle and drives the particle into a predefined position in the analysis chamber; andwherein the detection and control unit is adapted to deactivate the at least one positioning unit when the particle is in the predefined position such that the fluid in the analysis chamber is at rest.2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein flows ...

Flow Cytometer With Multiple Intensity Peak Design

A sensing system comprises at least one fluidic channel () for providing at least one analyte () into at least one region of interest; at least one radiation transport system (), for providing excitation radiation () for exciting analytes traversing the at least one region of interest; and a radiation collection system () for collecting any radiation signal emitted from the at least one region of interest. The at least one radiation transport system is adapted for providing excitation radiation comprising a plurality of excitation radiation intensity peaks (), whereby the distance between the excitation radiation intensity peaks is known. The sensing system comprises means () for measurement of the speed of the at least one analyte within the fluidic channel (), the means for measurement of speed comprising timing means () for obtaining the time between maxima in radiation signals emitted by the at least one analyte. 1. A sensing system comprisingAt least one fluidic channel for providing at least one analyte into at least one region of interest;at least one radiation transport system, for providing visible, IR, or UV, excitation radiation for exciting analytes traversing the at least one region of interest, so that the analytes emit or scatter a radiation signal upon receiving such excitation radiation; anda radiation collection system for collecting radiation signals emitted from the at least one region of interest,wherein the at least one radiation transport system is adapted to provide excitation radiation comprising a plurality of excitation radiation intensity peaks; andmeans for measurement of the speed of the at least one analyte within the fluidic channel, based on the collected radiation signals emitted from the at least one region of interest, the means for measurement of speed comprising timing means for obtaining the time between maxima in radiation signals emitted by the at least one analyte,wherein the plurality of excitation radiation intensity peaks ...

Method for determining at least one charge characteristic of electrical charges of particles in a fluid flow and fluid flow charge measuring device

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Bestimmen zumindest eines Ladungskennwerts (K) von elektrischen Ladungen von Partikeln (16) in einem Fluidstrom, mit den Schritten (a) Leiten des Fluidstroms, der Partikel (16) enthält, durch eine Fluidleitung (20), (b) ortsaufgelöstes Bestimmen einer Messfeldlos-Partikelgeschwindigkeit, in einem Messbereich ohne elektrisches Messfeld, (c) Anlegen eines elektrischen Messfelds quer zur Strömungsrichtung (S) im Messbereich, (d) ortsaufgelöstes Bestimmen einer Mitfeld-Partikelgeschwindigkeit (vE) im Messbereich und (e) Bestimmen des zumindest einen Ladungskennwerts (K), der eine elektrostatische Aufladung der Partikel (16) beschreibt, aus den ortsaufgelösten Partikelgeschwindigkeiten. The invention relates to a method for determining at least one charge characteristic value (K) of electrical charges of particles (16) in a fluid flow, with the steps (a) conducting the fluid flow containing particles (16) through a fluid line (20), ( b) spatially resolved determination of a particle velocity without a measuring field in a measuring area without an electrical measuring field, (c) application of an electrical measuring field perpendicular to the direction of flow (S) in the measuring area, (d) spatially resolved determination of an associated field particle velocity (vE) in the measuring area and (e) Determining the at least one charge characteristic value (K), which describes an electrostatic charge on the particles (16), from the spatially resolved particle velocities.

Method for determining at least one charge characteristic value of electric charges of particles in a fluid stream, and fluid stream charge measuring device

The invention relates to a method for determining at least one charge characteristic value (K) of electrical charges of particles (16) in a fluid stream, having the steps of: (a) conducting the fluid stream containing particles (16) through a fluid line (20), (b) determining a measuring-fieldless particle speed (v) in a spatially resolved manner in a measuring region without an electric measuring field, (c) applying an electric measuring field transversely to the flow direction (S) in the measuring region, (d) determining a with-field particle speed (vE) in a spatially resolved manner in the measuring region, and (e) determining the at least one charge characteristic value (K), which describes an electrostatic charge of the particles (16), from the spatially resolved particle speeds.

Apparatus and method for providing asymmetric oscillations

Disclosed is an apparatus and method for providing asymmetric oscillations to a container. The container may include a fluid, a particle, and/or a gas. A vibration driver attached to the container provides asymmetric oscillations. A controller connected to the vibration driver controls an amplitude, frequency, and shape of the asymmetric oscillations. An amplifier amplifies the asymmetric oscillations in response to the controller. A sensor disposed on the vibration driver provides feedback to the controller.

Microfluidic particle-analysis systems

The invention provides systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for the microfluidic manipulation and/or detection of particles, such as cells and/or beads. The invention provides systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for the microfluidic manipulation and/or analysis of particles, such as cells, viruses, organelles, beads, and/or vesicles. The invention also provides microfluidic mechanisms for carrying out these manipulations and analyses. These mechanisms may enable controlled input, movement/positioning, retention/localization, treatment, measurement, release, and/or output of particles. Furthermore, these mechanisms may be combined in any suitable order and/or employed for any suitable number of times within a system. Accordingly, these combinations may allow particles to be sorted, cultured, mixed, treated, and/or assayed, among others, as single particles, mixed groups of particles, arrays of particles, heterogeneous particle sets, and/or homogeneous particle sets, among others, in series and/or in parallel. In addition, these combinations may enable microfluidic systems to be reused. Furthermore, these combinations may allow the response of particles to treatment to be measured on a shorter time scale than was previously possible. Therefore, systems of the invention may allow a broad range of cell and particle assays, such as drug screens, cell characterizations, research studies, and/or clinical analyses, among others, to be scaled down to microfluidic size. Such scaled-down assays may use less sample and reagent, may be less labor intensive, and/or may be more informative than comparable macrofluidic assays.

Systems, apparatus, and methods for sorting particles

Provided here are cell detection systems, fluidic devices, structures and techniques related to particle and cell sorting and detection in fluid, for example sorting specific subpopulations of cell types. A method for verification of sorting of particles includes receiving a first detection signal that is associated with optical characteristics of a particle in a first channel. A sorting channel of a plurality of second channels is determined based on the first detection signal, thereby determining the sorting of the particle into the sorting channel based on the optical characteristics of the particle. A sorting signal for sorting the particle from the first channel into the sorting channel is transmitted. A second detection signal is received that is associated with the presence of the particle in the sorting channel. The sorting of the particle from the first channel into the sorting channel is verified based on the second detection signal.

Particle processing systems and methods for normalization/calibration of same

Systems, methods and non-transitory storage medium are disclosed herein for adjusting an output of a particle inspection system representative of a particle characteristic for a particle flowing in a flow-path of a particle processing system. More particularly, the output may be processed and a calibrated output of the particle characteristic generated. In other embodiments, one or more calibration particles are used. Thus, an output of a particle inspection system representative of a particle characteristic for one or more calibration particles flowing in a flow-path of a particle processing system may be compared relative to a standard and an action may be taken based on a result of the comparing the output to the standard.

Particle processing systems and methods for normalization/calibration of same

Systems, methods and non-transitory storage medium are disclosed herein for adjusting an output of a particle inspection system representative of a particle characteristic for a particle flowing in a flow-path of a particle processing system. More particularly, the output may be processed and a calibrated output of the particle characteristic generated. In other embodiments, one or more calibration particles are used. Thus, an output of a particle inspection system representative of a particle characteristic for one or more calibration particles flowing in a flow-path of a particle processing system may be compared relative to a standard and an action may be taken based on a result of the comparing the output to the standard.

Microfluidic particle-analysis systems

The invention provides systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for the microfluidic manipulation and/or detection of particles, such as cells and/or beads. The invention provides systems, including apparatus, methods, and kits, for the microfluidic manipulation and/or analysis of particles, such as cells, viruses, organelles, beads, and/or vesicles. The invention also provides microfluidic mechanisms for carrying out these manipulations and analyses. These mechanisms may enable controlled input, movement/positioning, retention/localization, treatment, measurement, release, and/or output of particles. Furthermore, these mechanisms may be combined in any suitable order and/or employed for any suitable number of times within a system. Accordingly, these combinations may allow particles to be sorted, cultured, mixed, treated, and/or assayed, among others, as single particles, mixed groups of particles, arrays of particles, heterogeneous particle sets, and/or homogeneous particle sets, among others, in series and/or in parallel. In addition, these combinations may enable microfluidic systems to be reused. Furthermore, these combinations may allow the response of particles to treatment to be measured on a shorter time scale than was previously possible. Therefore, systems of the invention may allow a broad range of cell and particle assays, such as drug screens, cell characterizations, research studies, and/or clinical analyses, among others, to be scaled down to microfluidic size. Such scaled-down assays may use less sample and reagent, may be less labor intensive, and/or may be more informative than comparable macrofluidic assays.

Chip-based microfluidic particle detector with three dimensional focusing mechanisms

The present invention relates to a chip-based device for three-dimensional microfluidic particle focusing and detection, characterized in which through the actions of fluidic driving force and dielectrophoretic forces, microparticles flow in the center of microchannels which enhances the accuracy of subsequent detection. The chip of the present invention is fabricated by first creating microchannels on a substrate for fluid flow, including specimen channels and sheath fluid channels, carrying out two-dimensional fluid focusing on particles in the sample flow, and fabricating microelectrodes in the microchannels to provide dielectrophoretic forces for three-dimensional focusing of particles. The present invention is applicable to the counting, determination, speed measuring and sorting of all kinds of microparticles, such as cells and blood cells.

Particle sensor device

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Partikelsensorvorrichtung mit einer optischen Emittiereinrichtung (50a), welche zur Emission einer optischen Strahlung (52) so ausgelegt ist, dass ein Volumen (54) mit mindestens einem möglicherweise darin vorliegenden Partikel (56) zumindest teilweise beleuchtbar ist, einer optischen Detektoreinrichtung (50b) mit mindestens einer Detektierfläche (64), auf welcher zumindest ein Teil der an dem mindestens einem Partikel (56) gestreuten optischen Strahlung (60) auftrifft, wobei mindestens ein Informationssignal (68) bezüglich einer Intensität und/oder einer Intensitätsverteilung der auf der mindestens einen Detektierfläche (64) auftreffenden optischen Strahlung (60) ausgebbar ist; und einer Auswerteeinrichtung (70), mittels welcher eine Information (72) bezüglich eines Vorliegens von Partikeln (56), einer Partikelanzahl, einer Partikeldichte und/oder mindestens einer Eigenschaft von Partikeln (56) festlegbar und ausgebbar ist, wobei die Partikelsensorvorrichtung auch mindestens ein Linsenelement (58) umfasst, welches so angeordnet ist, dass die emittierte optische Strahlung (52) auf einen Fokusbereich (60) innerhalb des Volumens (54) fokussierbar ist. The invention relates to a particle sensor device having an optical emitter device (50a), which is designed to emit optical radiation (52) such that a volume (54) with at least one particles (56) possibly present therein is at least partially illuminable, an optical detector device (50b) having at least one detection surface (64) on which at least a portion of the at least one particle (56) scattered optical radiation (60), wherein at least one information signal (68) with respect to an intensity and / or an intensity distribution of the at least one detection surface (64) incident optical radiation (60) can be output; and an evaluation device (70) by means of which an information (72) regarding the presence of particles (56), a particle number, a particle density and / or at least one ...

Enhanced detection through parsing records into signal components

Methods and apparatuses to detect particles in dense particle fields are described. A time varying signal is partitioned into a plurality of segments. Parameters are determined from the segments. The time varying signal is parsed into a plurality of individual particle signal components based on the plurality of parameters.

Device and process for detecting particles in a flowing liquid

A device for detecting electrically conductive particles in a liquid flowing in a pipe section, with a transmitter coil surrounding the pipe section for inducing eddy currents in the particles, at least one first inductive receiver coil surrounding the pipe section and a second inductive receiver coil which is spaced axially to the first receiver coil and which surrounds the pipe section, the first and the second receiver coils being located in the region of the transmitter coil and being subtractively connected, in order to output a difference signal according to the eddy currents induced by the transmitter coil, and the transmitter coil forming the primary side and the receiver coils forming the secondary side of a transformer arrangement. An evaluation unit evaluates the difference signal in order to detect passage of electrically conductive particles in the pipe section.

Method and device for measuring particles in a fluid stream

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Vorrichtung zum Erfassen von elektrisch leitenden Partikeln (20) in einer in einem Rohrstück (10) strömenden Flüssigkeit (16), mit einer das Rohrstück (10) umgebenden Senderspule (18) zum Induzieren von Wirbelströmen in den Partikeln (20), mindestens einer ersten das Rohrstück (10) umgebenden induktiven Empfängerspule (12) und einer zweiten das Rohrstück (10) umgebenden, axial zur ersten Empfängerspule (12) beabstandeten, induktiven Empfängerspule (14), wobei die erste (12) und die zweite Empfängerspule (14) im Bereich der Senderspule (18) angeordnet sind und subtraktiv geschaltet sind, um ein Differenzsignal entsprechend den von der Senderspule (18) induzierten Wirbelströmen auszugeben, und wobei die Senderspule (18) die Primärseite und die Empfängerspulen (12, 14) die Sekundärseite einer transformatorischen Anordnung bilden, sowie einer Auswerteeinheit (38) zum Auswerten des Differenzsignals, um den Durchgang von elektrisch leitenden Partikeln (20) in dem Rohrstück (10) zu erfassen. The invention relates to a device for detecting electrically conductive particles (20) in a liquid (16) flowing in a pipe section (10) with a transmitter coil (18) surrounding the pipe section (10) for inducing eddy currents in the particles (20). at least a first inductive receiver coil (12) surrounding the tubular member (10) and a second inductive receiver coil (14) surrounding the tubular member (10) axially spaced from the first receiver coil (12), the first (12) and second receiver coils (14) are arranged in the region of the transmitter coil (18) and are switched subtractive in order to output a difference signal corresponding to the eddy currents induced by the transmitter coil (18), and wherein the transmitter coil (18) the primary side and the receiver coils (12, 14) Form secondary side of a transformer arrangement, and an evaluation unit (38) for evaluating the difference signal to the passage of electrically conductive particles ln (20) in the ...

Magnetic induction particle detection device and concentration detection method

Provided in the invention are a magnetic induction particle detection device and a concentration detection method. The detection device comprises a signal detection system, a detection pipeline, an excitation coil and a positive even number of induction coils, wherein the excitation coil is connected with a signal processing system and wound on the detection pipeline; and the induction coils are connected with the signal processing system and are sequentially and reversely wound on the excitation coil. The device can facilitate preparation and installation and can improve the detection precision. The method comprises the following steps: S1: obtaining an output signal of the signal detection system to obtain a voltage amplitude change condition; S2: detecting the metal particle concentration according to the obtained voltage amplitude change condition. By means of the method, the accuracy of calculation can be improved.

Method of particle tracking analysis using scattered light (PTA) and a device for the detection and characterization of particles in liquids of all kinds in the order of nanometers

Verfahren und Vorrichtung zur optischen Erfassung von Partikeln (23) mit den folgenden Merkmalen: a) eine Zellwandung (9) rechteckigen Querschnitts aus schwarzem Glas ist auf einer Längsfläche und einer angrenzenden Querfläche mit einem L-förmigen Heiz- und Kühlelement (1) belegt, b) die Zellwandung (9) wird auf der Querfläche, die der Querfläche die das Auflager der Zellwandung (9) bildet, gegenüber liegt, in der Mitte von einer Bestrahlungseinrichtung bestrahlt und im rechten Winkel zur optischen Achse der Bestrahlungseinrichtung von einer Beobachtungseinrichtung beobachtet, c) der Fokus der Bestrahlungseinrichtung und der Fokus der Beobachtungseinrichtung sind motorisch über den räumlichen Innenbereich der Zellwandung (9) in einen beliebigen Punkt durch eine Steuerungsvorrichtung verfahrbar, d) die Fläche der Zellwandung (9) die dem optischen Glasfenster (11) durch das die Bestrahlungseinrichtung einstrahlt, gegenüber liegt, weist in der Mitte ein weiteres optisches Glasfenster (11) auf, e) die Fläche der Zellwandung (9) wird von zwei Thermistoren (8) hinsichtlich ihrer Temperatur überwacht. Method and device for optical detection of particles (23) having the following features: a) a cell wall (9) of rectangular cross-section made of black glass is coated on a longitudinal surface and an adjoining transverse surface with an L-shaped heating and cooling element (1), b) the cell wall (9) is irradiated on the transverse surface facing the transverse surface forming the support of the cell wall (9) in the middle by an irradiation device and observed at right angles to the optical axis of the irradiation device by an observer, c ) the focus of the irradiation device and the focus of the observation device are motorally movable over the spatial interior of the cell wall (9) to an arbitrary point by a control device, d) the surface of the cell wall (9) that the optical glass window (11) through which the irradiation device radiates, lies opposite, has in the middle of ...

How to detect the operating conditions of a laser-based particle detector

본 발명은 유체에서 20㎛ 미만, 바람직하게 10㎛ 미만의 크기를 갖는 입자의 입자 밀도를 검출하기 위한 입자 검출기(200)의 동작 조건을 결정하는 방법을 설명하고, 입자 검출기(200)는 레이저(111)를 포함하고, 레이저는 다중모드 수직 공동 표면 방출 레이저이고, 방법은: 레이저 빔(112)이 레이저에 의해 방출되도록 레이저(111)에 전기 구동 전류를 제공하는 단계, 미리 정의된 범위의 구동 전류 내에서 구동 전류를 변화시키는 단계, 레이저(111)의 레이저 공동 내의 광파의 세기 신호를 구동 전류의 함수로서 결정하는 단계, 세기 신호의 잡음 측정치를 구동 전류의 함수로서 결정하는 단계, 잡음 측정치가 미리 정의된 임계값 미만인 구동 전류의 범위를 결정하는 단계, 결정된 범위의 구동 전류 중에서 입자 검출을 위한 구동 전류를 선택함으로써 입자 검출기(200)의 동작 조건의 적어도 일부를 결정하는 단계를 포함한다. 본 발명은 또한, 입자 검출기(200) 및 이러한 입자 검출기(200)를 포함하는 모바일 디바이스(190)에 관한 것이다. 본 발명은 최종적으로, 관련 컴퓨터 프로그램 제품에 관한 것이다. The present invention describes a method of determining the operating conditions of a particle detector 200 for detecting a particle density of particles having a size of less than 20 μm, preferably less than 10 μm in a fluid, and the particle detector 200 comprises a laser ( 111), wherein the laser is a multimode vertical cavity surface emitting laser, the method comprising: providing an electric drive current to the laser 111 such that the laser beam 112 is emitted by the laser, driving a predefined range. Changing the driving current within the current, determining the intensity signal of the light wave in the laser cavity of the laser 111 as a function of the driving current, determining the noise measurement value of the intensity signal as a function of the driving current, the noise measurement value Determining a range of the driving current that is less than a predefined threshold value, and determining at least a portion of the operating conditions of the particle detector 200 by selecting a driving current for particle detection from among the determined range of driving currents. The invention also relates to a particle detector 200 and a mobile device 190 comprising such a particle detector 200. The present invention finally relates to a related computer program product.

Male fertility assay method and device

A method and device for assaying sperm motility in a forward direction and density of active sperm in a semen sample are disclosed. The device includes a microfluidics structure having a sample reservoir, a downstream collection region and a microchannel extending therebetween. The microchannel is dimensioned to confine sample sperm to single-direction movement within the channel, such that sperm in a semen sample placed in the sample reservoir enter and migrate along the microchannel toward and into the collection region. Also included is a detector for detecting the presence of labeled sperm in the microchannel or collection region, and an electronics unit operatively connected to the detector for (i) receiving detector signals, (ii) based on the detector signals received, determining sperm motility and density in the sperm sample, and (iii) displaying information related to sperm motility and density.

Electrochemical detection of magnetic particle mobility

본 발명의 예시적 실시양태는 외부에서 가해진 장의 영향하에 이동할 수 있는 입자를 포함하는 유체의 전기화학 전지 내에서의 전기적 특성을 모니터링하는 단계; 외부장에 의해 유도된 입자 운동에 의한 전기적 특성의 변화를 관찰하는 단계; 및 관찰된 전기적 특성의 크기 변화로부터 유체의 물리적 상태 변화를 추측하는 단계를 포함하는, 외부장에 응하는 유체 내 입자의 이동성을 전기화학적으로 모니터링하는 방법을 포함할 수 있다. Exemplary embodiments of the invention include monitoring electrical characteristics in an electrochemical cell of a fluid comprising particles capable of moving under the influence of an externally applied field; Observing changes in electrical properties due to particle motion induced by the outer field; And estimating a change in the physical state of the fluid from a change in magnitude of the observed electrical characteristic. 전기화학적 검출, 자성 입자 이동성, 전기화학 전지, 응고 Electrochemical detection, magnetic particle mobility, electrochemical cell, solidification

Laser sensor for detecting particle density

FIELD: physics. SUBSTANCE: laser sensor module for detecting particle density, as well as a corresponding method and a computer program product. Module comprises at least one first laser, at least one first detector and at least one electric driver. First laser is configured to emit the first laser radiation in response to signals generated by the electric driver. First detector is configured to detect the first interference signal of self-mixing of the optical wave inside the first laser resonator of the first laser. Interference signal of self-mixing is caused by reflected laser radiation re-entering the first laser resonator, wherein the first reflected laser radiation is reflected by a particle which receives at least part of the first laser radiation. Laser sensor module is configured to reduce multiple counts of the particle. EFFECT: technical result is higher accuracy and speed of module operation. 14 cl, 10 dwg РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ (19) RU (11) (13) 2 716 878 C2 (51) МПК G01N 15/14 (2006.01) G01B 9/02 (2006.01) ФЕДЕРАЛЬНАЯ СЛУЖБА ПО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЙ СОБСТВЕННОСТИ (12) ОПИСАНИЕ ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЯ К ПАТЕНТУ (52) СПК G01N 2015/03 (2019.05); G01B 9/02092 (2019.05) (21)(22) Заявка: 2018107140, 14.07.2016 (24) Дата начала отсчета срока действия патента: Дата регистрации: 17.03.2020 (73) Патентообладатель(и): КОНИНКЛЕЙКЕ ФИЛИПС Н.В. (NL) 30.07.2015 EP 15179046.6 (43) Дата публикации заявки: 29.08.2019 Бюл. № 25 (45) Опубликовано: 17.03.2020 Бюл. № 8 (85) Дата начала рассмотрения заявки PCT на национальной фазе: 28.02.2018 (56) Список документов, цитированных в отчете о поиске: US 2012242976 A1, 27.09.2012. US 2015077735 A1, 19.03.2015. JP 2011007299 A, 13.01.2011. RU 2013125462 A, 10.12.2014. 2 7 1 6 8 7 8 Приоритет(ы): (30) Конвенционный приоритет: R U 14.07.2016 (72) Автор(ы): ВАН ДЕР ЛИ Александер Марк (NL), ХЕЛЛЬМИГ Йоахим Вильхельм (NL), СПРЕЙТ Йоханнес Хендрикус Мария (NL), МЁЕНХ Хольгер (NL), РОНДА Корнелис Рейндер (NL), КАРАКАЯ Корай (NL) EP 2016/066754 (14.07. ...

Laser sensor for particle size detection

本発明は、粒子サイズ検出のためのレーザセンサモジュールを説明している。レーザセンサモジュール１００は、少なくとも１つの第１のレーザ１１０と、少なくとも１つの第１の検出器１２０と、少なくとも１つの電気駆動部１３０と、少なくとも１つの評価器１４０と、を有する。第１のレーザ１１０は、少なくとも１つの電気駆動部１３０によって供給される信号に応答して第１のレーザ光を放射するように構成される。少なくとも１つの第１の検出器１２０は、第１のレーザ１１０の第１のレーザキャビティ内の光波の第１の自己混合干渉信号３０を決定するように構成される。第１の自己混合干渉信号３０は、第１のレーザ光の少なくとも一部を受ける粒子によって反射される第１のレーザキャビティに再入射する第１の反射レーザ光によって引き起こされる。評価器１４０は、第１の自己混合干渉信号３０により粒子と第１のレーザ１１０との間の第１の相対距離を決定するとともに、第１の自己混合干渉信号３０により第１の振幅情報を決定することによって、粒子のサイズを決定するように構成される。また、本発明は、粒子サイズを決定するための対応する方法にも関する。 The present invention describes a laser sensor module for particle size detection. The laser sensor module 100 includes at least one first laser 110, at least one first detector 120, at least one electric drive unit 130, and at least one evaluator 140. The first laser 110 is configured to emit a first laser beam in response to a signal supplied by at least one electric driver 130. The at least one first detector 120 is configured to determine the first self-mixing interference signal 30 of the light wave in the first laser cavity of the first laser 110. The first self-mixing interference signal 30 is caused by the first reflected laser light re-entering the first laser cavity that is reflected by particles that receive at least a portion of the first laser light. The evaluator 140 determines a first relative distance between the particle and the first laser 110 from the first self-mixing interference signal 30, and obtains first amplitude information from the first self-mixing interference signal 30. By determining, the particle size is configured to be determined. The invention also relates to a corresponding method for determining the particle size.

Laser-guided incandescent particle sensor with confocal placement of laser spot and thermal radiation spot

본 발명은 레이저를 갖는 레이저 모듈(18), 및 열 방사선(14)을 검출하도록 설계된 검출기(26)를 포함하는 입자 센서(16)에 관한 것이다. 입자 센서(16)는 레이저 모듈(18)로부터 방출되는 레이저 광을 제 1 스폿(22)에 포커싱하도록 설계되며 제 1 스폿(22)으로부터 방출되는 열 방사선(14)을 제 2 스폿에 포커싱하도록 설계된 광학 장치(36)를 포함하고, 검출기(26)의 방사선 감지면은 제 2 스폿에서 또는 상기 제 2 스폿에 포커싱된 열 방사선(14)의 빔 경로에서 상기 제 2 스폿 뒤에 있는 것을 특징으로 한다.

Laser sensor for detecting several parameters

FIELD: optics. SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the field of optoelectronic instrument making and concerns the laser sensor module. Module comprises a laser, a detector, an electric drive and an optical device. Laser sensor module is configured to control the distance between the laser sensor module and the focusing area and to provide two modes of the laser sensor module. In the first and second modes, the focusing area is at different distances. Detector is configured to detect an interference signal of optical wave self-mixing in the laser resonator. Interference signal of self-mixing in the first mode is used to detect object movement for control by means of gestures for a device with a human-machine interface. Signal of interference of self-mixing in second mode is used to determine density or size of particles. EFFECT: technical result consists in possibility of simultaneous determination of two different physical parameters by means of interference of self-mixing. 17 cl, 11 dwg РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ (19) RU (11) (13) 2 717 751 C2 (51) МПК G01N 15/14 (2006.01) G06F 3/042 (2006.01) ФЕДЕРАЛЬНАЯ СЛУЖБА ПО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЙ СОБСТВЕННОСТИ (12) ОПИСАНИЕ ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЯ К ПАТЕНТУ (52) СПК G01N 15/1434 (2019.08); G06F 3/0421 (2019.08) (21)(22) Заявка: 2018107215, 15.07.2016 (24) Дата начала отсчета срока действия патента: Дата регистрации: 25.03.2020 30.07.2015 EP 15179027.6 (43) Дата публикации заявки: 29.08.2019 Бюл. № 25 (45) Опубликовано: 25.03.2020 Бюл. № 9 (86) Заявка PCT: EP 2016/066873 (15.07.2016) (87) Публикация заявки PCT: R U 2 7 1 7 7 5 1 WO 2017/016901 (02.02.2017) Адрес для переписки: 129090, Москва, ул. Б. Спасская, 25, стр. 3, ООО "Юридическая фирма Городисский и Партнеры" (54) ЛАЗЕРНЫЙ ДАТЧИК ДЛЯ ОБНАРУЖЕНИЯ НЕСКОЛЬКИХ ПАРАМЕТРОВ (57) Реферат: Изобретение относится к области оптикоинтерференции самосмешения оптической волны электронного приборостроения и касается модуля в лазерном резонаторе. Сигнал интерференции лазерного датчика. Модуль содержит лазер, ...

Laser sensor for determining particle size

FIELD: measuring equipment.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to measurement equipment and concerns a laser sensor module for determining particle size for determination of air quality. Module comprises laser, detector, electric exciter and evaluation unit. Laser emits light in response to signals given by exciter. Detector is configured to determine the first interference signal of optical wave self-mixing in the laser laser resonator, wherein the interference self-mixing signal arises from the laser light reflected from the particle re-entering the laser resonator. Evaluation unit is configured to determine particle size by determining relative distance between particle and laser and determining information on amplitude using first interference self-mixing signal. Laser sensor module further comprises a focusing area, wherein the relative distance relates to the distance between the focusing region and the particle, and the evaluation unit is configured to determine the relative distance based on at least one characteristic of the first interference self-mixing signal associated with the distance between the first focusing area and the particle.EFFECT: technical result consists in the device design simplification.15 cl, 11 dwg РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ (19) RU (11) (13) 2 690 083 C1 (51) МПК G01N 15/02 (2006.01) G01N 15/14 (2006.01) ФЕДЕРАЛЬНАЯ СЛУЖБА ПО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЙ СОБСТВЕННОСТИ (12) ОПИСАНИЕ ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЯ К ПАТЕНТУ (52) СПК G01N 15/0205 (2018.08); G01N 15/1434 (2018.08) (21)(22) Заявка: 2018107072, 01.08.2016 (24) Дата начала отсчета срока действия патента: Дата регистрации: (73) Патентообладатель(и): КОНИНКЛЕЙКЕ ФИЛИПС Н.В. (NL) 30.05.2019 (56) Список документов, цитированных в отчете о поиске: Seiichi Sudo и др. "Quick and easy 30.07.2015 EP 15179036.7 measurement of particle size of Brownian particles and plankton in water using a selfmixing laser", OPTICS EXPRESS, т. 14, No. 3, 2006 г., стр. 1044-1054. WO 2002037410 A1, 10.05.2002. US 2010134803 A1, 03.06.2010. US ...

Method and apparatus for pseudo-projection formation for optical tomography

A system for optical imaging of a thick specimen that permits rapid acquisition of data necessary for tomographic reconstruction of the three-dimensional (3D) image. One method involves the scanning of the focal plane of an imaging system and integrating the range of focal planes onto a detector. The focal plane of an optical imaging system is scanned along the axis perpendicular to said plane through the thickness of a specimen during a single detector exposure. Secondly, methods for reducing light scatter when using illumination point sources are presented. Both approaches yield shadowgrams. This process is repeated from multiple perspectives, either in series using a single illumination/detection subsystem, or in parallel using several illumination/detection subsystems. A set of pseudo-projections is generated, which are input to a three dimensional tomographic image reconstruction algorithm.

Patent RU2018107140A3

РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ (19) RU (11) (13) 2018 107 140 A (51) МПК G01N 15/14 (2006.01) ФЕДЕРАЛЬНАЯ СЛУЖБА ПО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЙ СОБСТВЕННОСТИ (12) ЗАЯВКА НА ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЕ (21)(22) Заявка: 2018107140, 14.07.2016 (71) Заявитель(и): КОНИНКЛЕЙКЕ ФИЛИПС Н.В. (NL) Приоритет(ы): (30) Конвенционный приоритет: 30.07.2015 EP 15179046.6 (85) Дата начала рассмотрения заявки PCT на национальной фазе: 28.02.2018 (86) Заявка PCT: (87) Публикация заявки PCT: WO 2017/016888 (02.02.2017) A Адрес для переписки: 129090, Москва, ул. Б. Спасская, 25, стр. 3, ООО "Юридическая фирма Городисский и Партнеры" R U (57) Формула изобретения 1. Модуль (100) лазерного датчика для обнаружения плотности частиц, содержащий по меньшей мере один первый лазер (110), по меньшей мере один первый детектор (120) и по меньшей мере один электрический драйвер (130), причем первый лазер (110) выполнен с возможностью испускания первого лазерного излучения в ответ на сигналы, выдаваемые упомянутым по меньшей мере одним электрическим драйвером (130), причем упомянутый по меньшей мере один первый детектор (120) выполнен с возможностью обнаружения первого интерференционного сигнала самосмешения оптической волны внутри первого лазерного резонатора первого лазера (110), причем первый интерференционный сигнал самосмешения вызван первым отраженным лазерным излучением, повторно входящим в первый лазерный резонатор, причем первое отраженное лазерное излучение отражается частицей, принимающей по меньшей мере часть первого лазерного излучения, отличающийся тем, что модуль (100) лазерного датчика дополнительно содержит контроллер (140), причем контроллер (140) выполнен с возможностью оценки первого интерференционного сигнала самосмешения, выдаваемого датчиком (120), с целью подсчета частицы, и причем контроллер (140) выполнен с возможностью прерывания обнаружения частиц, причем контроллер (140) выполнен с возможностью прерывания оценки первого интерференционного сигнала самосмешения, выдаваемого датчиком (120), на заданный период ...

Synchronous high speed photographing method and device for microparticle rotation in liquid cyclone field

A synchronous high speed photographing device for microparticle rotation in a liquid cyclone field, the device comprising: a cyclone separation experimental device (1), two high speed digital cameras (2), a high power LED cold light source (3), a synchronous trigger for the high speed digital cameras (4) and a computer (5). Also provided is a synchronous high speed photographing method for the microparticle rotation in the liquid cyclone field, the method comprising: centrally symmetrically arranging transparent microparticles of two cores having the same diameter as the microparticles for an autorotation test; utilizing two orthogonally arranged high speed cameras (2-1, 2-2) for synchronously obtaining two sets of two dimensional image sequences of the movement of the microparticles in the liquid cyclone field; reconstructing a three dimensional microparticle movement locus according to the two sets of synchronous two dimensional image sequences, while obtaining the rotation speed of the microparticles in the liquid cyclone field.

Low cost optical high speed discrete measurement system

Systems and methods are provided for determining a velocity or an inflation rate of a droplet in a microfluidic channel. The droplet is exposed to two or more temporally separated flashes of light, each flash including light of one wavelength band, and imaged using a detector configured to distinguish light in the wavelength bands. Two or more images of the droplet are acquired, each corresponding to one of the flashes, and all within a single video frame or photographic exposure. The images can be processed separately and the position or size of the droplet in each image is calculated. A velocity or inflation rate is then determined by dividing the change in position or size by the amount of time allowed to pass between the flashes.

Method and apparatus for sorting particles

A method and apparatus for sorting particles moving through a closed channel system of capillary size comprises a bubble valve for selectively generating a pressure pulse to separate a particle having a predetermined characteristic from a stream of particles. The particle sorting system may further include a buffer for absorbing the pressure pulse. The particle sorting system may include a plurality of closely coupled sorting modules which are combined to further increase the sorting rate. The particle sorting system may comprise a multi-stage sorting device for serially sorting streams of particles, in order to decrease the error rate.

Low cost optical high speed discrete measurement system

Systems and methods are provided for determining a velocity or an inflation rate of a droplet in a microfluidic channel. The droplet is exposed to two or more temporally separated flashes of light, each flash including light of one wavelength band, and imaged using a detector configured to distinguish light in the wavelength bands. Two or more images of the droplet are acquired, each corresponding to one of the flashes, and all within a single video frame or photographic exposure. The images can be processed separately and the position or size of the droplet in each image is calculated. A velocity or inflation rate is then determined by dividing the change in position or size by the amount of time allowed to pass between the flashes.

Patent RU2017103913A3

РОССИЙСКАЯ ФЕДЕРАЦИЯ (19) RU (11) (13) 2017 103 913 A (51) МПК G01P 3/38 (2006.01) ФЕДЕРАЛЬНАЯ СЛУЖБА ПО ИНТЕЛЛЕКТУАЛЬНОЙ СОБСТВЕННОСТИ (12) ЗАЯВКА НА ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЕ (21)(22) Заявка: 2017103913, 15.06.2015 (71) Заявитель(и): ИСТ ЧАЙНА ЮНИВЕРСИТИ ОФ САЙЕНС ЭНД ТЕКНОЛОДЖИ (CN) Приоритет(ы): (30) Конвенционный приоритет: 08.07.2014 CN 201410323142.1; 08.07.2014 CN 201410323160.X (85) Дата начала рассмотрения заявки PCT на национальной фазе: 08.02.2017 CN 2015/081425 (15.06.2015) (87) Публикация заявки PCT: WO 2016/004810 (14.01.2016) A Адрес для переписки: 129090, Москва, ул. Б. Спасская, 25, стр. 3, ООО "Юридическая фирма Городисский и Партнеры" R U (57) Формула изобретения 1. Способ синхронной высокоскоростной фотосъемки вращения микрочастицы в поле гидроциклона, содержащий: (1) использование прозрачной микрочастицы, содержащей два внутренних ядра, обладающих одинаковым диаметром и расположенных центросимметрично, в качестве частицы для испытания на вращение; (2) синхронный прием двух групп из серий двумерных изображений движения микрочастицы в поле гидроциклона с использованием двух перпендикулярно расположенных высокоскоростных цифровых фотокамер; и (3) реконструкцию трехмерной траектории движения микрочастицы из двух групп серий синхронных изображений и одновременно определение скорости вращения микрочастицы в поле циклона. 2. Способ по п. 1, в котором частица для испытания на вращение представляет собой сферическую частицу, обладающую прозрачной или полупрозрачной оболочкой и содержащую две центросимметрично расположенные частицы внутреннего ядра, которые обладают насыщенным цветом и одинаковым диаметром, причем частица для испытания обладает диаметром менее 500 микрон и высокой микродисперсностью (коэффициент вариации <5%). 3. Способ по п. 1, в котором две высокоскоростные цифровые фотокамеры Стр.: 1 A 2 0 1 7 1 0 3 9 1 3 (54) СПОСОБ И УСТРОЙСТВО СИНХРОННОЙ ВЫСОКОСКОРОСТНОЙ ФОТОСЪЕМКИ ВРАЩЕНИЯ МИКРОЧАСТИЦЫ В ПОЛЕ ГИДРОЦИКЛОНА 2 0 1 7 1 0 3 9 1 3 (86) Заявка PCT: R ...

Sample analyzer and sample analysis method

System and method for detecting fine dust using low-power laser

The present invention relates to a system and a method for detecting fine dust using low-power laser, and especially relates to a system and a method for detecting fine dust using low-power laser, wherein the system horizontally irradiates three low-power laser beams from a laser generation unit on one end side of a body with an open top and a translucent cell-based bottom, and receives the laser beams at a light receiving unit on the opposite other end side, in order to receive a detection signal from the light receiving unit, separate fine dust particles which are stacked on an upper part of the translucent cell according to the sizes thereof, and receive an absorption intensity signal which changes according to the distribution of the fine dust particles, so that the movement speeds, shapes, distribution, sizes, and amounts of the fine dust particles are analyzed based on the same.

Apparatus and method for measuring parameters of structural members in samples of textile materials (versions)

FIELD: equipment and method for measuring parameters of textile material samples. SUBSTANCE: apparatus has device for holding elongate samples of textile material 36 and automatic feeding mechanism positioned adjacent to holding device and adapted for selective engagement and removal of samples 36 from holding device and transportation of removed samples to processing device 80, where sample 36 is processed to obtain structural members in individualized state. Method involves transporting sample 36 to sensor 82 generating signals indicative of parameters of structural members. Control device detects presence or absence of sample in automatic feeding mechanism and performs controlling in adequate way. Analogue and digital components analyze parameter signals to identify segments of parameter signals indicative of neps, contaminants and fibers. EFFECT: increased precision and quick action, wider range of lengths of materials under measurement process and provision for automatic measurement process. 13 cl, 14 dwg ЭДС ПЧ Го РОССИЙСКОЕ АГЕНТСТВО ПО ПАТЕНТАМ И ТОВАРНЫМ ЗНАКАМ (19) ВИ” 2117 276. (51) МПК 13) Сл С 01 М 21/00 12) ОПИСАНИЕ ИЗОБРЕТЕНИЯ К ПАТЕНТУ РОССИЙСКОЙ ФЕДЕРАЦИИ (21), (22) Заявка: 94040371/25, 08.10.1993 (30) Приоритет: 16.10.1992 Ш$ 07/962,898 (46) Дата публикации: 10.08.1998 (56) Ссылки: 4$ 4512060 А, 1985. 4$ 4982477 А, 1991. 4$ 4631781 А, 1986. 1$ 46861744 А, 1987. ЗЧ 526688 А, 1976. Иванов В. и др. Фотоэлектрические методы контроля в трикотажной промышленности. - М.: Легкопромбытиздат, 1385, с. 92-95. (86) Заявка РСТ: 0$ 9З0971ЛЛ (08.10.93) (71) Заявитель: Цельвегер Устер, Инк. (1$) (72) Изобретатель: Фредерик М.Шофнер (ЦЭ), Йоу-Т.Чу (4$), Джозеф К.Болдвин (ЦЗ), Майкл Э.Гэлион (4$), Бенджамин М.Кейсенас (0$), Гордон Ф.Уильямс (ЦЗ) (73) Патентообладатель: Цельвегер Устер, Инк. (1$) (54) УСТРОЙСТВО ДЛЯ ИЗМЕРЕНИЯ ПАРАМЕТРОВ СТРУКТУРНЫХ ЭЛЕМЕНТОВ В ОБРАЗЦАХ ТЕКСТИЛЬНОГО МАТЕРИАЛА (ВАРИАНТЫ), СПОСОБ ИЗМЕРЕНИЯ ПАРАМЕТРОВ СТРУКТУРНЫХ ЭЛЕМЕНТОВ В ОБРАЗЦАХ ...

Method and apparatus for monitoring debris in a gas turbine engine

A method of controlling gas turbine engine debris monitoring sensors includes detecting debris carried by air moving through an engine (10) using at least first and second debris sensors (50,54), and processing signals from both the first and second debris sensors using a common signal conditioning unit (66).

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING FLOW RATE VALUE

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CHARACTERIZING THE SPEED OF DISPLACEMENT OF PARTICLES CONTAINED IN A LIQUID, SUCH AS BLOOD PARTICULATES

Ce procédé est propre à caractériser une variation de la vitesse de particules ou d'une agglomération de particules, les particules, telles que des particules sanguines, étant contenues dans un liquide (12). Le procédé de caractérisation comporte les étapes suivantes : - l'introduction du liquide (12) dans une chambre fluidique (14); - l'éclairage de la chambre fluidique (14) via un faisceau lumineux d'excitation (18) émis par une source de lumière (16), le faisceau lumineux (18) s'étendant à travers la chambre fluidique (14) selon une direction longitudinale (X); - l'acquisition d'au moins une image par un photodétecteur matriciel (20), l'image étant formée par un rayonnement transmis par la chambre fluidique (14) éclairée ; et - le calcul, à partir d'au moins une image acquise, d'au moins un indicateur caractérisant la variation de la vitesse ou l'agglomération des particules. Lors de l'étape d'acquisition, le photodétecteur (20) est disposé à une distance (D2) inférieure à 1 cm de la chambre fluidique (14) selon la direction longitudinale (X). This method is capable of characterizing a variation in the particle velocity or agglomeration of particles, the particles, such as blood particles, being contained in a liquid (12). The characterization process comprises the following steps: introducing the liquid (12) into a fluidic chamber (14); the illumination of the fluidic chamber (14) via an excitation light beam (18) emitted by a light source (16), the light beam (18) extending through the fluidic chamber (14) according to a longitudinal direction (X); the acquisition of at least one image by a matrix photodetector (20), the image being formed by a radiation transmitted by the illuminated fluidic chamber (14); and calculating, from at least one acquired image, at least one indicator characterizing the variation of the speed or the agglomeration of the particles. During the acquisition step, the photodetector (20) ...

METHOD AND SYSTEM OF MONO-PARTICLE ANEMOMETRY BY LIDAR

DEVICE FOR MEASURING THE SUSPENSION PARTICLE FALL SPEED IN A FLUID AND MEASURING METHOD USING SUCH A DEVICE

Dispositif (1) de mesure de la vitesse de chute de particules en suspension dans un fluide, le dispositif (1) présentant au moins une unité de mesure comprenant : - une colonne (3) transparente apte à contenir un échantillon de fluide et de particules, la colonne s'étendant selon un axe (L) longitudinal ; - des moyens pour mesurer l'absorbance de l'échantillon placés dans la colonne (3) sur au moins trois hauteurs différentes de la colonne (3) selon l'axe (L) longitudinal, lesdits moyens, pour déterminer l'absorbance par l'échantillon dans la colonne (3), de manière à obtenir la vitesse de chute des particules et son évolution en fonction de la hauteur de la colonne (3) et en fonction du temps, ladite évolution quantifiant une floculation des particules. Device (1) for measuring the falling speed of particles suspended in a fluid, the device (1) having at least one measuring unit comprising: a transparent column (3) capable of containing a sample of fluid and particles the column extending along a longitudinal axis (L); means for measuring the absorbance of the sample placed in the column (3) on at least three different heights of the column (3) along the longitudinal axis (L), said means for determining the absorbance by the sample in the column (3), so as to obtain the falling speed of the particles and its evolution as a function of the height of the column (3) and as a function of time, said evolution quantifying a flocculation of the particles.

Support for microscopic analysis of a liquid-based biological substance and system comprising such a support and a microscope

Le support comporte une lame porte-objet (11) et une lamelle couvre-objet (12) assujetties par des lignes de colle (13) délimitant périphériquement des compartiments individuels (14) de réception d’un échantillon de ladite substance biologique ; caractérisé en ce que la face supérieure (17) de la lame porte-objet est à nu et à découvert sur au-moins une région marginale avant (41) et au-moins une région marginale arrière (42), ayant chacune une extension suivant la direction avant-arrière au-moins égale à 2,5 mm et une extension suivant la direction gauche-droite au moins égale à l’écart entre les axes respectifs des deux compartiments individuels les plus éloignés l’un de l’autre. Le système comporte le support (40) et un microscope configuré pour enserrer le support entre une platine et une plaque d’appui pourvue de doigts dont les extrémités distales sont au contact des régions marginales (41, 42) exclusivement. (Figure 2) The support comprises a slide (11) and a cover slip (12) secured by lines of glue (13) peripherally delimiting individual compartments (14) for receiving a sample of said biological substance; characterized in that the upper face (17) of the microscope slide is bare and uncovered over at least one front marginal region (41) and at least one rear marginal region (42), each having an extension along the front-rear direction at least equal to 2.5 mm and an extension along the left-right direction at least equal to the difference between the respective axes of the two individual compartments farthest from each other. The system comprises the support (40) and a microscope configured to enclose the support between a stage and a support plate provided with fingers whose distal ends are in contact with the marginal regions (41, 42) exclusively. (Figure 2)

Device and method for measuring kinematic characteristics of the free fall of a glass parison in a glass article molding installation, and method for controlling such an installation

Titre : Dispositif et procédé de mesure de caractéristiques cinématiques de la chute libre d’une paraison de verre dans une installation de moulage d’articles en verre, et procédé de commande d’une telle installation Abrégé : L’invention concerne un dispositif et un procédé de mesure de caractéristiques cinématiques de chute libre d’une paraison de verre avec quatre caméras linéaires distinctes ayant chacune un champ observé linéaire interceptant la trajectoire théorique de chute libre, respectivement en un premier point d’interception haut et en un premier point d’interception bas, décalés l’un de l’autre selon la trajectoire théorique de chute libre, et respectivement en un deuxième point d’interception haut et en un deuxième point d’interception bas, décalés l’un de l’autre selon la direction de la trajectoire théorique de chute libre, les axes optiques haut, respectivement bas, étant distincts entre eux en projection sur un plan perpendiculaire à la direction de la trajectoire théorique de chute libre. L’invention comprend aussi un procédé de commande d’une installation de moulage d’articles en verre. Figure pour l’abrégé : Fig. 2. Title: Device and method for measuring kinematic characteristics of the free fall of a glass gob in a glass article molding installation, and method for controlling such an installation Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for measuring the kinematic characteristics of free fall of a glass parison with four distinct linear cameras each having a linear observed field intercepting the theoretical free fall trajectory, respectively at a first high point of interception and at a first point of low intercept point, offset from each other along the theoretical free fall trajectory, and respectively at a second high intercept point and at a second low intercept point, offset from each other along the direction of the theoretical free-fall trajectory, the high and respectively low optical axes being distinct from one ...

Particle counting apparatus, systems and methods

In one embodiment a first light plane is generated across the passageway by a first LED emitter array. A corresponding photodiode receiver array detects particles passing through a first number of light channels comprising the first light plane. In a second embodiment a second light plane is generated across the passageway at 90 degrees from the first light plane and longitudinally offset from the first light plane by a second LED emitter array. A corresponding photodiode receiver array detects particles passing through a second number of light channels comprising the second light plane. The second light plane is capable of identifying particles in a third dimension that may go undetected when passing through the first light plane. The raw output signals generated by respective photodiodes is normalized, analyzed and characterized to differentiate between particles passing through light planes as individual particles or groups of overlapping particles to be separately counted.

Device and method for measuring kinematic characteristics of the free fall of a glass parison in a glass article molding installation, and method for controlling such an installation

Titre : Dispositif et procédé de mesure de caractéristiques cinématiques de la chute libre d’une paraison de verre dans une installation de moulage d’articles en verre, et procédé de commande d’une telle installation Abrégé : L’invention concerne un dispositif et un procédé de mesure de caractéristiques cinématiques de chute libre d’une paraison de verre avec quatre caméras linéaires distinctes ayant chacune un champ observé linéaire interceptant la trajectoire théorique de chute libre, respectivement en un premier point d’interception haut et en un premier point d’interception bas, décalés l’un de l’autre selon la trajectoire théorique de chute libre, et respectivement en un deuxième point d’interception haut et en un deuxième point d’interception bas, décalés l’un de l’autre selon la direction de la trajectoire théorique de chute libre, les axes optiques haut, respectivement bas, étant distincts entre eux en projection sur un plan perpendiculaire à la direction de la trajectoire théorique de chute libre. L’invention comprend aussi un procédé de commande d’une installation de moulage d’articles en verre. Figure pour l’abrégé : Fig. 2. Title: Device and method for measuring kinematic characteristics of the free fall of a glass gob in a glass article molding installation, and method for controlling such an installation Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for measuring the kinematic characteristics of free fall of a glass parison with four distinct linear cameras each having a linear observed field intercepting the theoretical free fall trajectory, respectively at a first high point of interception and at a first point of low intercept point, offset from each other along the theoretical free fall trajectory, and respectively at a second high intercept point and at a second low intercept point, offset from each other along the direction of the theoretical free-fall trajectory, the high and respectively low optical axes being distinct from one ...

METHOD FOR DETECTING DISPERSED ELEMENTS CIRCULATING THROUGH A CAPILLARY TUBE, AND ASSOCIATED APPARATUS

Method and system for estimating empirical snow depth

According to the present invention, a system for snowfall amount conversion comprises: an optical raindrop meter to acquire diameter and particle water concentration information of snowfall particles; a laser snowfall meter to use a sensor using a laser beam to measure a height of accumulated snow to provide an observation snowfall amount; an empirical snowfall amount relation calculation device to determine an optical index in accordance with diameters of snowfall particles provided from the optical raindrop meter, substitute the optimal index into a snowfall calculation formula of Equation 1 below to calculate a calculation snowfall amount, obtain a correlation between the observation snowfall amount and the calculation snowfall amount, and calculate a regression equation between the observation snowfall amount and the calculation snowfall amount by an empirical snowfall amount relation; and a snowfall amount estimation unit to predict a snowfall amount based on the empirical snowfall amount relation. [Equation 1] (In Equation 1, Mn represents the calculation snowfall amount, Dmax represents a maximum snowfall particle diameter size, Dmin represents a minimum snowfall particle diameter size, D represents a diameter per volume, n represents a moment for a diameter, and N(D) represents a particle water concentration for each diameter size)

Verfahren und einrichtung zur bestimmung einer durchflussmessgrösse eines fluides

According of the invention, the method comprises feeding a fluid into a flow member (6) in the form of a series of plugs (20) separated by segments (22) of a carrier phase, measuring the movement rate of the plugs in the flow member, and deriving therefrom the flow rate of the fluid (20, 22).

Contact area measurement device and method for measuring contact area

A novel contact area measuring apparatus is provided. The contact area measuring apparatus includes a light transmissive substrate 6 in contact with a specimen 7 , illumination means for illuminating the light transmissive substrate 6 with white light from the opposite side of the light transmissive substrate 6 to the specimen 7 , interference image acquisition means 11 for acquiring an interference image produced by the light reflected off the specimen 7 and the light reflected off the light transmissive substrate 6 , intensity histogram creation means for creating an intensity histogram from information on the intensity of the interference image, and contact area computation means for calculating a contact area from the intensity histogram. The interference image acquisition means 11 acquires an interference image and information on the intensity of the interference image. The intensity histogram creation means forms separate RGB intensity information from the information on the intensity of the interference image and creates a G-intensity histogram. The contact area computation means separates the intensity histogram into a plurality of normal distributions by using optimized approximation of complex normal distribution and calculates the contact area from the lowest-intensity normal distribution.

Sensor arrangement for characterizing particles

본 발명은, 다음의 것을 포함하는, 입자(P)를 특성 묘사하기 위한, 특히 입자 위치(P X , P Y ), 입자 속도(v X , v Y ), 입자 가속도(a X , a Y ) 및/또는 입자 사이즈(D)를 결정하기 위한 센서 배열체(1)에 관한 것이다: 방출기(2) - 방출기(2)는: 레이저 빔(3)을 생성하기 위한 레이저 소스(5), 각각의 위치(X, Y)에서 레이저 빔(3)의 국소적 강도(I(X, Y)) 및 국소적 편광 방향(R(X, Y))의 상이한 조합을 갖는 레이저 빔(3)의 필드 분포를 생성하기 위한 모드 변환 디바이스(7), 레이저 빔(3)의 필드 분포(11)를, 초점 평면(9)에서 입자(P)가 통과하는 적어도 하나의 측정 영역(10) 상으로 포커싱하기 위한 포커싱 광학기기(8)를 구비함 - , 수신기(4) - 수신기(4)는: 적어도 하나의 측정 영역(10)에서 레이저 빔(3)의 필드 분포의 편광 종속 강도 신호(I 1 , I 2 , I 3 , I 4 )를 결정하기 위한 분석기 광학기기(14), 및 입자(P)를 특성 묘사하기 위한, 특히, 편광 종속 강도 신호(I 1 , I 2 , I 3 , I 4 )의 도움으로 입자 위치(P X , P Y ), 입자 속도(v X , v Y ), 입자 가속도(a X , a Y ) 및/또는 입자 사이즈(D)를 결정하기 위한 평가 디바이스(20)를 구비함 - . 본 발명은 또한, 그러한 센서 배열체(1)를 구비하는, 특히 EUV 방사선 생성 장치에 대한 광학 배열체에 관한 것이다.

Multimodal dust sensor

The present invention relates to dust concentration measurement and to dust composition and particle size determination. Multimodal dust sensor is able to simultaneously determine the concentration, size and origin of dust particles in real time. Method of operation of a single measurement channel of the multimodal dust sensor comprises: collimating laser radiation; splitting the laser radiation into two beams: a first beam and a second beam; and focusing the first beam to form a probe volume, wherein a dust particle entering the probe volume: a) scatters the first beam, thereby providing a homodyne mode of operation, in which the second beam and the scattered first beam are combined; the combined radiation falls on the photodetector that registers the Doppler effect; and/or b) fluoresces, thereby providing a fluorescent mode of operation, in which the fluorescent light falls on the photodetector that registers the fluorescent light.

Sample analyzer and sample analysis method