Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for semi-automated, portable, ultrasound guided cannulation. The systems and methods provide for image analysis to provide for identification of anatomical landmarks from image data. The image analysis provides for guidance for insertion of a cannulation system into an airway of a subject which may be accomplished by a non-expert based upon the guidance provided. The system further enables a single person to perform the cannulation rather than the typical 2 or more people. The guidance may include an indicator or a mechanical guide to guide a user for inserting the cannulation system into a subject to penetrate the airway of interest.

Abstract: Provided are methods of forming an optical device. The methods involve: (a) applying over a first substrate a dry-film including: a carrier substrate and a first polymeric layer over the carrier substrate; (b) forming a second polymeric layer over the first substrate by a method that includes coating over the first substrate a liquid composition; and (c) patterning the first polymeric layer and/or the second polymeric layer. Also provided are methods of forming printed wiring boards having optical functionality. The invention finds particular applicability in the optoelectronics industry.

Abstract: Provided is a dry-film suitable for use in forming an optical component. The dry-film includes a carrier substrate having a front surface and a back surface. A negative-working photoimageable polymeric layer is disposed over the front surface of the carrier substrate, and includes a photoactive component and units of the formula (RSiO1.5), wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted organic group. In each of the units, R is free of hydroxy groups. The units include units of the formula (R1SiO1.5) and (R2SiO1.5), wherein R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted aliphatic group and R2 is a substituted or unsubstituted aromatic group. A protective cover layer is disposed over the front surface or back surface of the carrier substrate. Also provided are methods of forming optical devices with dry-films. The invention finds particular applicability in the optoelectronics industry.

Abstract: Provided is a dry-film suitable for use in forming an optical component. The dry-film includes a carrier substrate having a front surface and a back surface. A non-photoimageable, thermally curable polymeric layer is provided over the front surface of the carrier substrate. The polymeric layer includes a thermally active component and units of the formula (RSiO1.5), wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted organic group. A protective cover layer is disposed over the front or back surface of the carrier substrate. Also provided are methods of forming optical devices with dry-films. The invention finds particular applicability in the optoelectronics industry.

Abstract: Provided are methods of forming a printed circuit board having optical functionality. The methods involve: (a) providing a first, printed circuit board substrate; (b) forming an optical waveguide structure comprising a clad and a core structure on a second substrate separate from the printed circuit board substrate, wherein the optical waveguide structure comprises a silicon-containing material; (c) separating the optical waveguide structure from the second substrate; and (d) affixing the optical waveguide structure to the printed circuit board substrate. The invention has particular applicability in the electronics and optoelectronics industries for the formation of hybrid printed circuit boards.

Abstract: Provided is a method of forming a device having optical functionality. The method includes forming an optical waveguide over a substrate by providing a clad layer and a core over the substrate. The clad layer includes a polymer having units of the formula (RSiO1.5), wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted organic group, and a photoactive component. A portion of the clad layer is photolithographically patterned. Also provided is a method of forming a printed wiring board having optical functionality. The invention has particular applicability in the electronics industry for forming optoelectronic devices.

Abstract: Provided are compositions which include a polymer, having units of the formula (RSiO1.5), wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted organic group, and a plurality of functional end groups. A first component is provided for altering the solubility of the composition in a dried state upon activation. A second component contains a plurality of functional groups chosen from epoxides, oxetanes, vinyl ethers and combinations thereof. The second component is present in an effective amount to improve flexibility of the composition in a dried state before and after activation. Also provided are flexible optical waveguides, methods of forming flexible optical waveguides and electronic devices that include a flexible optical waveguide.

Abstract: Provided are photodefinable compositions suitable for use in forming an optical waveguide. The compositions include a silsesquioxane polymer having polymerized units of the formula (R1SiO1.5) and (R2SiO1.5), wherein R1 and R2 are different and are substituted or unsubstituted organic side chain groups and are free of hydroxy groups, and two or more functional end groups, and a photoactive component. The solubility of the silsesquioxane polymer is altered upon exposure to actinic radiation such that the composition is developable in an aqueous developer solution. Also provided are methods of forming an optical waveguide with the inventive compositions, optical waveguides, and electronic devices including one or more optical waveguide.

Abstract: Provided are methods of forming an electronic and/or optical component. The methods involve: (a) providing an electronic substrate having a polymeric layer, wherein the polymeric layer includes a polymer with units of the formula (R1SiO1.5), wherein R1 is a substituted or unsubstituted organic group; and (b) removing selected portions of the polymeric layer by laser ablation. The invention has particular applicability in the electronics and optoelectronics industries.

Abstract: Optical interface assemblies are provided. The optical interface assemblies include a first portion having a plurality of optical waveguides. The first portion is configured for mating engagement with an optical fiber connector. A second portion is mated to the first portion. The second portion is configured for mating engagement with an electronic substrate that includes an embedded waveguide assembly. The first and second portions are further configured so as to align the plurality of optical waveguides, at a first end of the first portion, with a plurality of corresponding waveguide cores of the embedded waveguide assembly. The first and second portions are further configured so as to align the plurality of optical waveguides, at a second end of the first portion, with a plurality of corresponding optical fibers in the optical fiber connector. Also provided are electronic assemblies and methods for coupling optical fibers with electronic substrate embedded waveguides.

Abstract: Provided are compositions suitable for use in forming a flexible optical waveguide. The compositions include a polymer, having units of the formula (RSiO1.5), wherein R is a substituted or unsubstituted organic group, and a plurality of functional end groups. A first component is provided for altering the solubility of the composition in a dried state upon activation. A second component contains a plurality of functional groups chosen from hydroxy, amino, thiol, sulphonate ester, carboxylate ester, silyl ester, anhydride, aziridine, methylolmethyl, silyl ether, and combinations thereof. The second component is present in an effective amount to improve flexibility of the composition in a dried state before and after activation. Also provided are flexible optical waveguides, methods of forming flexible optical waveguides and electronic devices that include a flexible optical waveguide.

Abstract: Provided are compositions suitable for use in forming a flexible optical waveguide. The compositions include a polymer that has units of the formula (R1SiO1.5) and (R22SiO), wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different, and are substituted and/or unsubstituted organic groups, and wherein the (R22SiO) units are present in an amount of 14 wt % or more based on the polymer; and a plurality of functional end and/or internal groups. Also included is a component for altering the solubility of the composition upon activation. The solubility of the composition in a dried state is alterable upon activation of the component such that the composition is developable in an aqueous developer solution. Also provided are flexible optical waveguides, methods of forming flexible optical waveguides and electronic devices that include a flexible optical waveguide.