Abstract: The invention relates to a wafer scale process for the manufacture of optical waveguide devices, and particularly for the manufacture of ridge waveguide devices, and the improved waveguides made thereby. The present invention has found a process for achieving sub-micron control of an optical waveguiding layer thickness by providing a dimensionally stable wafer assembly into which adhesive can be introduced without altering the planar relationship between a carrier wafer and an optically transmissive wafer in wafer scale manufacture. This process permits wafer scale manufacture of optical waveguide devices including thin optically transmissive layers. A pattern of spacer pedestals is created by a deposition and etch back, or by a surface etch process to precisely reference surface information from a master surface to a carrier wafer to a thin optically transmissive wafer. The tolerance achievable in accordance with this process provides consistent yield across the wafer.

Abstract: An automated verification system for authenticating an object having an optical security feature includes an optical system, a transport staging apparatus, and an analyzing device. The optical system includes one or more light sources that are capable of generating either narrowband or broadband light beams. The transport staging apparatus cooperates with the light sources and is configured to position the object such that one or more of the light beams strike a portion of the object where the security feature should be located. The analyzing device receives the light beams reflected or transmitted from the object and is adapted to analyze the optical characteristics of the light beams at varying angles and/or wavelengths to verify the authenticity of the object.

Abstract: An automated verification system for authenticating an object having an optical security feature includes an optical system, a transport staging apparatus, and an analyzing device. The optical system includes one or more light sources that are capable of generating either narrowband or broadband light beams. The transport staging apparatus cooperates with the light sources and is configured to position the object such that one or more of the light beams strike a portion of the object where the security feature should be located. The analyzing device receives the light beams reflected or transmitted from the object and is adapted to analyze the optical characteristics of the light beams at varying angles and/or wavelengths to verify the authenticity of the object.

Abstract: An electrostatic comb drive suitable for micro-electro-mechanical systems (“MEMS”) application uses shaped fingers to achieve bi-directional actuation from a unipolar actuation pulse. The finger shape also provides auto-braking of the movable member of the drive using a simple actuating pulse. In a further embodiment, an end stop inhibits overshoot and a back spring pushes the movable portion of the device back toward an operating position. In yet a further embodiment, a Vernier scale is provided on the movable portion of the drive relative to the fixed portion of the drive to indicate relative shift of these portions after the device is fabricated.

Abstract: An automated verification system for authenticating an object having an optical security feature includes an optical system, a transport staging apparatus, and an analyzing device. The optical system includes one or more light sources that are capable of generating either narrowband or broadband light beams. The transport staging apparatus cooperates with the light sources and is configured to position the object such that one or more of the light beams strike a portion of the object where the security feature should be located. The analyzing device receives the light beams reflected or transmitted from the object and is adapted to analyze the optical characteristics of the light beams at varying angles and/or wavelengths to verify the authenticity of the object.

Abstract: An automated verification system for authenticating an object having an optical security feature includes an optical system, a transport staging apparatus, and an analyzing device. The optical system includes one or more light sources that are capable of generating either narrowband or broadband light beams. The transport staging apparatus cooperates with the light sources and is configured to position the object such that one or more of the light beams strike a portion of the object where the security feature should be located. The analyzing device receives the light beams reflected or transmitted from the object and is adapted to analyze the optical characteristics of the light beams at varying angles and/or wavelengths to verify the authenticity of the object.

Abstract: An electrostatic comb drive suitable for micro-electro-mechanical systems (“MEMS”) application uses shaped fingers to achieve bi-directional actuation from a uni-polar actuation pulse. The finger shape also provides auto-braking of the movable member of the drive using a simple actuating pulse. In a further embodiment, an end stop inhibits overshoot and a back spring pushes the movable portion of the device back toward an operating position. In yet a further embodiment, a Vernier scale is provided on the movable portion of the drive relative to the fixed portion of the drive to indicate relative shift of these portions after the device is fabricated.

Abstract: A switching signal having multiple sequential pulses is applied to a MEMS switch. A first pulse moves the switch from a first switch position toward a second switch position. After a selected dwell period, a second pulse is applied to dampen ringing or overshoot of the movable portions of the switch. In a further embodiment, non-symmetrical switching signals are used to cycle the switch from the first state to the second state, and back to the first.