Abstract:
A system for detecting a predetermined wavelength of light emitted from an area on the surface of a chemical array is provided. Aspects of the system include: a beam splitter for splitting emitted light into two or more light beams and a detector for detecting photons in each of the two produced light beams. Methods of detecting light using the subject system, programming for performing the subject methods and an array reader containing the subject system are also provided.
Abstract:
An inspection system and method is provided herein for increasing the detection range of the inspection system. According to one embodiment, the inspection system may include a photodetector having a plurality of stages, which are adapted to convert light scattered from a specimen into an output signal, and a voltage divider network coupled for extending the detection range of the photodetector (and thus, the detection range of the inspection system) by saturating at least one of the stages. This forces the photodetector to operate in a non-linear manner. However, measurement inaccuracies are avoided by calibrating the photodetector output to remove any non-linear effects that may be created by intentionally saturating the at least one of the stages. In one example, a table of values may be generated during a calibration phase to convert the photodetector output into an actual amount of scattered light.
Abstract:
Biopolymeric array scanners that are capable of automatically selecting a dye specific scale factor to employ for a plurality of different dyes, as wells as methods for making and using the same, are provided. In many embodiments, the actual dye specific scale factor automatically selected by the scanner is one that is equal to a preset “master” scale factor, so that the scanner reads any supported dye using the same constant scale factor. The dye specific scale factor selection is typically made by reference to a collection of nominal scale factors for each member of the plurality of dyes. In using the subject scanners, a user simply inputs the one or more dyes being used in a given array assay, and the scanner automatically reads the array using an automatically chosen dye specific scale factor for the selected dyes. Also provided are methods of obtaining collections of nominal scale factors and computer readable mediums comprising the same. The subject invention finds use in a variety of different applications, including both genomics and proteomics applications.
Abstract:
A system for detecting a predetermined wavelength of light emitted from an area on the surface of a chemical array is provided. Aspects of the system include: a beam splitter for splitting emitted light into two or more light beams and a detector for detecting photons in each of the two produced light beams. Methods of detecting light using the subject system, programming for performing the subject methods and an array reader containing the subject system are also provided.
Abstract:
The present invention provides instruments for analyzing a multiplicity of fluorescent dyes using a multiplicity of amplifying photodetectors, methods for using the instruments, methods for setting the instrument parameters, and methods for resetting the instrument parameters following a changed in photodetector amplification. The present invention is particularly applicable in the field of flow cytometry.
Abstract:
A method and fluorimeter for flashing a target at several different levels for detection of fluorescence by a PMT without blinding the PMT at the highest level. Two lamps are provided each of which is powered to flash at two different levels that are staged in energy from the lowest of four to the highest of four levels, and a shutter is provided to close off the PMT from exposure when an acceptable, detectable level of fluorescence is detected by the PMT.
Abstract:
An apparatus for attachment to a vehicle for sensing the organic matter content of soil at a soil scene as it is moved through the soil by the vehicle has a probe including a housing, a light source and a light sensor. The light sensor senses the light reflected from the soil scene and produces an output signal which is related to the organic matter content of the soil at the soil scene. The housing is attached to the vehicle so that as it is moved through the soil the soil scene that is observed by the light sensor is beneath the surface of the surrounding soil and the housing shields the soil scene from ambient light. The apparatus also includes a processor which processes the signal from the light sensor using data predetermined from a particular landscape which includes the soil to be sensed.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is an apparatus including a structure containing a multiphase fluid and having a transparent window. A collimated light source emits light through the transparent window structure at a wavelength at which a component of a desired phase of the multiphase fluid is absorptive. A photodetector is positioned such that the emitted light passes through the multiphase fluid in the structure and out through the transparent window structure to impinge upon the photodetector. The photodetector has an actual dynamic range for light detection. Processing circuitry adjusts a power of the collimated light source in a series of steps dependent upon a relationship between an output level of the photodetector and a threshold to cause measurement of the emitted light over an effective dynamic range greater than the actual dynamic range. Properties of the multiphase fluid are determined as a function of the measured emitted light.
Abstract:
A system and method to discriminate between a first preselected gas and at least one other preselected gas use of an absorption spectroscopy analyzer that includes a Herriott cell and a temperature sensitive light source. The light source operates at a temperature that emits a beam at a wavelength that corresponds to high absorption by a first preselected gas. When a predetermined level of this gas is detected in a gas sample, the analyzer changes the operating temperature of the light source to emit a beam at a wavelength that corresponds to high absorption by a second preselected gas. The second preselected gas can be a different isotope of the first preselected gas.
Abstract:
A measuring device (10) and a measurement method measure a concentration of gaseous/aerosol components of a gas mixture. A reaction carrier (14) has a flow channel (42) defining a reaction chamber (46) having a optically detectable reaction material (48), that reacts with a gas mixture component or with a reaction product. The measuring device (12) includes a gas-conveying assembly (2) with a gas-conveying apparatus (28) conveying the gas mixture and a detection assembly (3), which has a lighting apparatus (37) for lighting the reaction chamber (46), an optical sensor (38) for sensing the optically detectable reaction, and an evaluating unit (4) evaluating sensor data and determining a concentration of the component of the gas mixture. The detection assembly (3) senses a speed of a reaction front (6) propagating in the flow direction in the reaction chamber (46) and determines a preliminary concentration from the speed of the reaction front (6).