The present invention relates to an optical device for imaging and measuring characteristics of object: surface shape, surface spectral reflectance and structure of sub-surface layers. In particular, the invention relates to imaging of topography of human skin and skin sub-surface layers and determination of concentration of skin constituents. The present invention has applications in areas such as skin care, dermatology, cosmetics, wound management and tricology. The imaging device of the invention significantly improves photometric stereo measurements by suppressing specular reflection and allows accurate determination of the surface shape. Consequently it allows elimination of the influence of the shape and illumination conditions on spectral measurements and allows accurate measurement of skin constituents.

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A tunnel magnetoresistance (TMR) device (1) is provided. Illustrated only are the ancillary layers of such a device which comprises a film laminate having two electrode layers (2, 3) separated by a thin dielectric layer (4) for reception of an electric current directed substantially orthogonal to one of the major exposed surfaces (5, 6) of the device (1). At least one of the electrode layers (2, 3) is of a magnetic material and in contra distinction to the prior art, the dielectric layer is one of a magnetic material, a laminate of a ferromagnetic and an anti-ferromagnetic or may be a laminate of a non-magnetic dielectric material on a magnetic material. The device does not depend on change in magnetisation direction of one electrode (2) with respect to the other electrode (3). Indeed, these two electrodes (2, 3) can have substantially the same direction of magnetisation, but it is not essential that they do so.

A magnetoresistive medium (1) comprises a substrate (2) which has been treated to provide a miscut vicinal surface (3) in the form of terraces (4) and steps (5) of atomic scale. There are discrete separated spacer nanowires (7) provided by an intermediate partial film on each terrace (4) against each step (5). A further film (11) provides upper nanowires (10(a), 10(b)). A thin protective layer (15) covers the upper nanowires (10(a), 10(b)) which form two separate subsets of nanowires with different exchange interaction with the substrate and thus a different response to an external magnetic field. In use, an external magnetic field (H) applied the response of the nanowires (10(a), 10(b)) changes as the exchange coupling with the substrate varies and the magnetisation on the areas change, for example, as shown by the arrows while prior to the application of the external magnetic field, they might, for example, be aligned. Many different constructions of magnetoresistive media are described.

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A liquid outlet link assembly (10) is provided for liquid delivery output rates below 10 [micro]l per minute so as to smooth out the flow from a positivee displacement pump (1) which has an immediate step pumping rate which is relatively substantially larger than the delivery rate required through liquid outlet means (20). Essentially larger than the delivery rate required through liquid outlet means (20). Essentially, this liquid link assembly has a bubble of air (15) or some other pressure stabilizing means which initially contracts on the pump (1) such as a syringe pump operating to raise the liquid pressure in the liquid outlet link assembly (10). The expansion increases the available volume in the liquid outlet link assembly (10) and then gradually expands over time, allowing a steady output rate through the link assembly.

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Biological assays using various constructions of biochips are disclosed to mirror in vivo situations. The biochip 50 comprises a microchannel 51 having a liquid outlet port 1, bubble release port 2 and a liquid outlet port 3 with an associated bubble release port 4. A multiplicity of tests can be performed often by coating the bore of the microchannel 50 which various adhesion mediating proteins or the use of chemoattractants. The assay assembly 60 comprises a syringe pump feeding the biochip 50. An inverted microscope 65, digital camera 66 and recorder 67 are provided. A sample liquid containing cells in suspension is injected slowly through the biochip and the effect of the assay recorded over a long period.

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A structuring device (SD) for processing a surface of a substrate (SB), comprising a substrate chamber (VC) for mounting the substrate (SB) and a reaction chamber (GC) enabling a gas reaction at a given operating pressure. The reaction chamber (GC) has at least one gas inlet (GL) for a reaction gas and at least one injection outlet (JL) leading into the substrate chamber, while the substrate chamber (VC) is provided with a pumping system (PP) for maintaining a vacuum within the substrate chamber at a pressure not above the operating pressure of the gas reaction in the reaction chamber (GC).

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