Abstract: A field emitter device consistent with certain embodiments has a substantially planar conductor forming a gate electrode. A conductive stripe forms a cathode on the insulating layer. An insulating layer covers at least a portion of the surface between the cathode and the gate. An anode is positioned above the cathode. An emitter structure, for example of carbon nanotubes is disposed on a surface of the cathodes closest to the anode. When an electric field is generated across the insulating layer, the cathode/emitter structure has a combination of work function and aspect ratio that causes electron emission from the emitter structure toward the anode at a field strength that is lower than that which causes emissions from other regions of the cathode. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: An optical device for switching an optical signal between a first optical path and a second optical path, including a substrate, a first guide forming at least a portion of the first optical path, formed on the substrate, and having a movable portion separated from the substrate, a second guide forming at least a portion of the second optical path and disposed adjacent to the first guide, and means for electro statically bending the movable portion so as to optically couple the first guide to the second guide.

Abstract: An imaging device consistent with one of numerous embodiments has an opaque planar sheet with a plurality of pinholes defining a photon sieve in the sheet, wherein, the photon sieve comprises at least first and second regions. The first region exhibits a first focal length, a first field of view, a first transmissivity, a first resolution and a first wavelength, and the second region exhibiting a second focal length, a second field of view, a second transmissivity, a second resolution and a second wavelength. At least one of the first focal length, the first wavelength, the first transmissivity, the first resolution and the first field of view is different from the second focal length, the second wavelength, the second transmissivity, the second resolution and the second field of view. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: This invention provides a continuous display with non-uniform pixel density, forming a foveated display. A single, continuous display has a higher pixel density at the center of the display than at the periphery of the display. Where two continuous displays are used in accordance with the present invention, the central forward gaze of the viewer's image will be displayed in high resolution while the leftmost portion of the left eye display will be in low resolution and the rightmost portion of the right eye display will be in low resolution. The pixel resolution of the visual display may correspond to the visual acuity of the human eye. A foveated image display system using a continuous display with non-uniform pixel density increases the field of view while reducing the image bandwidth.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments consistent with the present invention, diamond nanoparticles are mixed with polymers. This mixture is expected to provide improved properties in interlayer dielectrics used in integrated circuit applications. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: An imaging device (30) can include a plurality of lenses (51, 52, 53, 54) mounted on a multi-dimensional support structure (32), a plurality of optical detectors (40) corresponding to the plurality of lenses for capturing an optical signal from at least two lenses among the plurality of lenses, and a processor (34) for combining the optical signal from at least two lenses to form an image and electronically controlling the field of view and a resolution of the image. The plurality of lenses each can include an array of sub-wavelength apertures or a plurality of photon sieve lenses (36).

Abstract: A thin film electroluminescent (TFEL) phototherapy device based on high field electroluminescence (HFEL) or from organic light emitting devices (OLED), consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention has a battery and a charging circuit coupled to the battery, so that when connected to a source of current acts to charge the battery. A TFEL panel produces light when voltage from the power source (battery or AC source) is applied. A processor such as a microprocessor is used to control the application of voltage from the power source to the TFEL panel under control of a control program. A housing is used to contain the battery, the charging circuit and the processor and carry the TFEL panel on an outer surface thereof. In one embodiment, the housing incorporates a removable cover that uncovers a household electrical plug useful for supplying charging current to the charger.

Abstract: This invention provides a continuous display with non-uniform pixel density, forming a foveated display. A single, continuous display has a higher pixel density at the center of the display than at the periphery of the display. Where two continuous displays are used in accordance with the present invention, the central forward gaze of the viewer's image will be displayed in high resolution while the leftmost portion of the left eye display will be in low resolution and the rightmost portion of the right eye display will be in low resolution. The pixel resolution of the visual display may correspond to the visual acuity of the human eye. A foveated image display system using a continuous display with non-uniform pixel density increases the field of view while reducing the image bandwidth.

Abstract: A thin film electroluminescent (TFEL) phototherapy device based on high field electroluminescence (HFEL) or from organic light emitting devices (OLED), consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention has a battery and a charging circuit coupled to the battery, so that when connected to a source of current acts to charge the battery. A TFEL panel produces light when voltage from the power source (battery or AC source) is applied. A processor such as a microprocessor is used to control the application of voltage from the power source to the TFEL panel under control of a control program. A housing is used to contain the battery, the charging circuit and the processor and carry the TFEL panel on an outer surface thereof. In one embodiment, the housing incorporates a removable cover that uncovers a household electrical plug useful for supplying charging current to the charger.

Abstract: A miniature electrical relay including a piezoelectric actuating element where the piezoelectric actuating element includes a piezoelectric thin-film material sandwiched in between two metal electrode layers that function as piezoelectric electrodes. The metal electrode layers are connected to a positive and negative terminal, respectively, of a power source, which results in actuation of the piezoelectric actuating element. The piezoelectric actuating element is affixed to a deformable metal contact through an insulating layer, such that when actuated, the piezoelectric actuating element selectively deforms the deformable metal contact to cause the contact to move into or out of electrical and mechanical connection with a fixed metal contact.

Abstract: A sample analysis device is provided, the device comprising a frame adapted to accept at least one analysis apparatus, with each analysis apparatus having an analysis distance associated therewith. A eucentric goniometer is operably engaged with the frame and is adapted to eucentrically support a sample at a eucentric point within a reference system defined by the eucentric goniometer. The reference system of the eucentric goniometer is independent of the analysis distance. An axial adjustment device is operably engaged with at least one of the frame and the eucentric goniometer and is configured to coincidentally position the eucentric point and the analysis distance for the respective analysis apparatus. An associated device and method are also provided.

Abstract: A MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) valve device driven by electrostatic forces is provided. This valve device can provide for fast actuation, large valve force and large displacements while utilizing minimal power. The MEMS valve device includes a substrate having an aperture formed therein, a substrate electrode, a moveable membrane that overlies the aperture and has an electrode element and a biasing element. Additionally, at least one resiliently compressible dielectric layer is provided to insure electrical isolation between the substrate electrode and electrode element of the moveable membrane. In operation, a voltage differential is established between the substrate electrode and the electrode element of the moveable membrane to move the membrane relative to the aperture to thereby controllably adjust the portion of the aperture that is covered by the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved electromagnetic radiation detector having a micromachined electrostatic chopping device. The MEMS flexible film chopping device provides reliability, efficiency, noise reduction and temperature fluctuation compensation capabilities to the associated electromagnetic radiation detector. An electromagnetic radiation detector having an electrostatic chopper device comprises a detector material element, first and second electrodes in electrical contact with the detector material element and electrically isolated from one another. Additionally, the chopper device will incorporate a flexible film actuator overlying the detector material layer and moveable relative thereto. The flexible film actuator will typically include an electrode element and a biasing element such that the actuator remains in a fully curled, open state absent electrostatic voltage and moves to a fully uncurled, closed state upon the application of electrostatic voltage.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved electromagnetic radiation detector having a micromachined electrostatic chopping device. The MEMS flexible film chopping device provides reliability, efficiency, noise reduction and temperature fluctuation compensation capabilities to the associated electromagnetic radiation detector. An electromagnetic radiation detector having an electrostatic chopper device comprises a detector material element, first and second electrodes in electrical contact with the detector material element and electrically isolated from one another. Additionally, the chopper device will incorporate a flexible film actuator overlying the detector material layer and moveable relative thereto. The flexible film actuator will typically include an electrode element and a biasing element such that the actuator remains in a fully curled, open state absent electrostatic voltage and moves to a fully uncurled, closed state upon the application of electrostatic voltage.

Abstract: A miniature electrical relay including a piezoelectric actuating element where the piezoelectric actuating element includes a piezoelectric thin-film material sandwiched in between two metal electrode layers that function as piezoelectric electrodes. The metal electrode layers are connected to a positive and negative terminal, respectively, of a power source, which results in actuation of the piezoelectric actuating element. The piezoelectric actuating element is affixed to a deformable metal contact through an insulating layer, such that when actuated, the piezoelectric actuating element selectively deforms the deformable metal contact to cause the contact to move into or out of electrical and mechanical connection with a fixed metal contact.

Abstract: A miniature electrical relay including a piezoelectric actuating element where the piezoelectric actuating element includes a piezoelectric thin-film material sandwiched in between two metal electrode layers that function as piezoelectric electrodes. The metal electrode layers are connected to a positive and negative terminal, respectively, of a power source, which results in actuation of the piezoelectric actuating element. The piezoelectric actuating element is affixed to a deformable metal contact through an insulating layer, such that when actuated, the piezoelectric actuating element selectively deforms the deformable metal contact to cause the contact to move into or out of electrical and mechanical connection with a fixed metal contact.

Abstract: A method and system for manufacturing a field emission cathode having enhanced electron emission properties. The field emission cathode is prepared by providing a field emission substrate, an alkali metal alloy is formed at and below the exposed surface of the substrate, and a surface layer of alkali metal atoms are formed on the exposed surface by Gibbsian diffusion segregation action. If the monolayer, or surface layer, is desorbed, the diffusion action reestablishes the alkali metal surface layer thereby providing a stable alkali metal layer and enhanced electron emission characteristics.

Abstract: A deposition process provides selective areal deposition on a substrate surface having separate areas of different materials comprises forming a plasma over the substrate, injecting coating species into the plasma by either of sputtering or gaseous injection, adding a reactive gas for altering surface binding energy at the coating surface, and biasing the substrate during deposition to bombard the substrate with ionic species from the plasma. Surface binding energy is altered, in the general case, differently for the separate areas, enhancing selectivity. Bias power is managed to exploit the alteration in surface binding energy. In the case of gaseous injection of the coating species, and in some cases of sputtering provision of the coating material, the temperature of the substrate surface is managed as well. In an alternative embodiment, selectivity is to phase of the coating material rather than to specific areas on the substrate, and a selected phase may be preferentially deposited on the substrate.

Abstract: A flat panel display includes a ferroelectric thin film between first and second spaced apart electrodes. The ferroelectric thin film emits electrons upon application of a predetermined voltage between the first and second spaced apart electrodes. The electrons are emitted in an electron emission path and impinge upon a luminescent layer such as a phosphor layer, which produces luminescence upon impingement upon the emitter electrodes. The ferroelectric thin film is preferably about 2 .mu.m or less in thickness and is preferably a polycrystalline ferroelectric thin film. More preferably, the thin ferroelectric film is a highly oriented, polycrystalline thin ferroelectric film. Most preferably, highly oriented ferroelectric thin film has a preferred (001) crystal orientation and is about 2 .mu.m or less in thickness. A flat panel display may be formed of arrays of such display elements. Top and bottom electrodes or side electrodes may be used.

Abstract: A method of forming a metal-disilicide (MSi.sub.2) film from a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrate having an insulating underlayer and a silicon outerlayer includes the formation of a first capping layer on a portion of the silicon outerlayer. The first capping layer preferably includes titanium and a preselected metal (M) such as cobalt. A step is then performed to convert a first portion of the silicon outerlayer to metal-disilicide. This step is preferably accomplished by a rapid thermal annealing step. Thereafter, a second capping layer is formed on the metal-disilicide layer. The second capping layer preferably includes titanium and metal-monosilicide (MSi). Next, a step is performed to convert a second portion of the silicon outerlayer, beneath the first portion, to metal-disilicide while preventing phase-reversal of the already formed metal-disilicide layer to metal-monosilicide. This step is preferably accomplished by a rapid thermal annealing step as well.