Abstract: A tuned optical resonator having a substrate and an input waveguide and an optical resonator waveguide formed on the substrate. The optical resonator waveguide has a resonant frequency, exhibits a first index of refraction, temporarily exhibits a second index of refraction responsive to application of laser energy, and temporarily resonates at the resonant frequency while the laser energy is being applied.

Abstract: A microchannel forming device is provided for making microchannels in a wire. The microchannel forming device includes a plurality of dice for receiving a heated wire spaced along a longitudinal axis. Each die has a circumferential surface forming an opening, and teeth projecting normally from the surface and terminating in the opening. As the heated wire is drawn through the opening of each die, the teeth engage the heated wire to form longitudinal microchannels therein.

Abstract: A photonic crystal comprising a waveguide made of material. The waveguide has a periodic set of holes. The material proximate to at least one of the holes in the periodic set of holes exhibits an index of refraction that has been modified by the application of laser energy relative to the material proximate to other holes in the periodic set of holes. The photonic crystal is tuned to temporarily transmit a specific wavelength of light to create an on-off switch for the specific wavelength. Multiple photonic crystals are used to form a multiplexer and a demultiplexer.

Abstract: A photonic crystal comprising a waveguide made of material. The waveguide has a periodic set of holes. The material proximate to at least one of the holes in the periodic set of holes exhibits an index of refraction that has been modified by the application of laser energy relative to the material proximate to other holes in the periodic set of holes.

Abstract: A tuned optical resonator having a substrate and an input waveguide and an optical resonator waveguide formed on the substrate. The optical resonator waveguide has a resonant frequency, exhibits a first index of refraction, temporarily exhibits a second index of refraction responsive to application of laser energy, and temporarily resonates at the resonant frequency while the laser energy is being applied.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a technique for presenting a bill and associated non-bill information via a network. The technique includes transmitting a bill to a payer. The bill includes a first charge and a second charge. The bill also includes a first link to non-bill information and a second link to non-bill information. Non-bill information is information upon which a charge is based. A request for non-bill information is received from the payer. The non-bill information is transmitted to the payer in response to receipt of the request.