Abstract: A voltage-controlled resistor is provided. The resistor structure includes first and second resistive elements each including a phase change material that changes resistance in response to a change in temperature of the phase change material. A heating element is arranged in thermal contact with the first and second resistive elements. A control circuit receives a selected input voltage and supplies power based on the selected input voltage to the heating element to heat the first and second resistive elements to a selected temperature. The first and second resistive elements, which are proximate to and electrically isolated from each other, have a selected resistance at the selected temperature. A feedback circuit senses a change in temperature of the first resistive element and adjusts power supplied to the heating element based on the change in temperature of the first resistive element to maintain a resistance of the second resistive element at the selected resistance.

Abstract: A voltage-controlled resistor is provided. The resistor structure includes first and second resistive elements each including a phase change material that changes resistance in response to a change in temperature of the phase change material. A heating element is arranged in thermal contact with the first and second resistive elements. A control circuit receives a selected input voltage and supplies power based on the selected input voltage to the heating element to heat the first and second resistive elements to a selected temperature. The first and second resistive elements, which are proximate to and electrically isolated from each other, have a selected resistance at the selected temperature. A feedback circuit senses a change in temperature of the first resistive element and adjusts power supplied to the heating element based on the change in temperature of the first resistive element to maintain a resistance of the second resistive element at the selected resistance.

Abstract: The invention utilizes the changes in physical properties of materials during a solid-solid phase transition in order to actuate microactuators. The substantial changes in properties during insulator-to-metal transitions (IMTs) of some materials are useful for controlling purposes. Methods of using the microactuators are also explained.

Abstract: The invention utilizes the changes in physical properties of materials during a solid-solid phase transition in order to enhance the sensitivity of cantilever IR detectors. The substantial changes in properties during insulator-to-metal transitions (IMTs) of some materials are useful for controlling purposes according to the invention. A cantilever arrangement is provided with a cantilever being coated with an insulator-to-metal transitions (IMTs) material. Bending of the cantilever is achieved when the temperature of the (IMTs) material is within its phase transition temperature range. A Focal Plane Array (FPA) for detecting Infrared (IR) radiation including the cantilever arrangement of the invention is also proposed.