Abstract: A Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) filter comprising one or more passive compensation structures are described. The passive compensation structures yield MZI filters that are intrinsically tolerant to perturbations in waveguide dimensions and/or other ambient conditions. The use of n+1 waveguide widths can mitigate n different sources of perturbation to the filter. The use of at least three different waveguide widths for each Mach-Zehnder waveguide can alleviate sensitivity of filter performance to random width or temperature variations. A tolerance compensation portion is positioned between a first coupler section and a second coupler section, wherein the tolerance compensation portion includes a first compensation section having a second width, a second compensation section having a third width and a third compensation section having a fourth width, wherein the fourth width is greater than the third width and the third width is greater than the second width.

Abstract: A metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) optical modulator including a doped semiconductor layer having a waveguide structure, a dielectric layer disposed over the waveguide structure of the doped semiconductor layer, a gate region disposed over the dielectric layer, wherein the gate region comprises a transparent electrically conductive material having a refractive index lower than that of silicon, and a metal contact disposed over the gate region. The metal contact, the gate region, and the waveguide structure of the doped semiconductor layer may be vertically aligned with each other.

Abstract: A perineal massage assembly facilitates heating and stimulation of a perneal area to promote health and healing. The assembly includes an elongated pad having a top layer and a bottom layer. The pad is positioned adjacent to a perineum and anus of a person. The top layer of the pad is coupled to the bottom layer of the pad around a perimeter edge of the pad defining an interior space within the pad. A first vibratory motor is coupled to the pad and positioned in the interior space of the pad. A heating element is coupled to the pad and positioned in the interior space of the pad. A control unit is operationally coupled to the first vibratory motor and the heating element for selectively activating the first vibratory motor and the heating element.

Abstract: A metal-oxide semiconductor (MOS) optical modulator including a doped semiconductor layer having a waveguide structure, a dielectric layer disposed over the waveguide structure of the doped semiconductor layer, a gate region disposed over the dielectric layer, wherein the gate region comprises a transparent electrically conductive material having a refractive index lower than that of silicon, and a metal contact disposed over the gate region. The metal contact, the gate region, and the waveguide structure of the doped semiconductor layer may be vertically aligned with each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating a document includes an optical element formed of a light-transmissive material of a predetermined refractory index that defines a curved entry surface and an exit surface opposite the entry surface in which light enters the optical element via the entry surface and light exits the optical element via exit surface. A first substantially parabolic surface is defined between a first edge of the entry surface and first edge of the exit surface and a second substantially parabolic surface is defined between a second edge of the entry surface and a second edge of the exit surface such that the first and second substantially parabolic surface are spaced apart more at the exit surface than at the entry surface.

Abstract: A system for detecting reflectance from an image bearing surface in a printer or electronic copier includes an illuminator array, positioned adjacent to the image bearing surface, comprising a plurality of discrete illuminator elements that are spaced in a linear arrangement; a light diffuser positioned between the illuminator array and the image bearing surface, the light diffuser being positioned with respect to the illuminator array to receive the light beams emitted by the illuminator elements and to diffuse the light beams for transmission to the image bearing surface at an incidence angle; and a linear sensor array positioned adjacent to the image bearing surface such that specular and diffuse portions of the light beams reflecting off the image bearing surface at a reflectance angle bearing are received by the sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for scanning a document comprises a platen for supporting at least a portion of the document; a light source; and an optical element for directing light from the light source to the platen. The optical element defines a plurality of small planar surfaces, the small planar surfaces being arranged in a linear array. Light emanating from a source is reflected from one of the small planar surfaces and emerges substantially perpendicular to an exit surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for illuminating a document comprises an optical element defining an entry surface and an exit surface opposite the entry surface. A first substantially parabolic surface and a second substantially parabolic surface are defined between the entry surface and the exit surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for scanning a document comprises a platen for supporting at least a portion of the document; a light source; and an optical element for directing light from the light source to the platen. The optical element defines a plurality of small planar surfaces, the small planar surfaces being arranged in a linear array. Light emanating from a source is reflected from one of the small planar surfaces and emerges substantially perpendicular to an exit surface.

Abstract: A device to focus to a point parallel electro-magnetic or sound waves, eg a solar power station, that consists of a reflector curved in one direction to a parabola, that reflects incoming waves onto a second reflector which is also curved in one diection to a parabola. The two reflectors are so placed so as to concentrate the incoming parallel waves to a point focus. The second reflector, unlike similar devices, is so mounted that its focal line makes an acute angle to the plane of symmetry of the first reflector. The device may be mounted on a mechanism to allow the device to track the source of energy, eg in the case of a solar power station the sun. The device can be mounted so that as it tracks the source of energy the focal point remains stationary. The operation of the device can be reversed to create outgoing parallel waves of energy from a point source.