Abstract: A microelectromechanical photonic switching array comprises a plurality of first waveguides and a plurality of second waveguides. Insulative cladding is situated between the first and second waveguides. Each of the first waveguides is positioned with predetermined first waveguide portions on one side of at least one opening, and each of the second waveguides is positioned with predetermined second waveguide portions substantially parallel to respective ones of the predetermined first waveguide portions on an opposing side of said opening. A selected one of the predetermined second waveguide portions is capable of being moved closer and coupling light to a respective one of the predetermined first waveguide portions in response to either an electrostatic or piezoelectric signal. Alternatively, the first and second waveguides are co-planar and light is coupled from a predetermined first waveguide to a predetermined second waveguide by using a movable waveguide coupler.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for auto-self testing of a power converter and motor system wherein the power converter has three parallel legs, each including two series connected gate-turn-off thyristors (GTO) connected between a pair of DC power source buses. A microprocessor controls the test sequence in which each GTO is individually turned on in a predetermined order so as to create a transient snubber current through the motor and through each GTO when it is turned on. The snubber current and a voltage in each leg is measured and compared to a respective reference to detect wiring errors, and defects in the motor, the GTOs, and other system components. Error messages are generated in response to detection of abnormalities or defects.

Abstract: An instrument for characterizing tumor tissue includes a broad-band light source, a monochromator for filtering collimated light from the broad-band light source, a scanner for scanning the monochromator through a range of predetermined wavelengths, and a hollow needle including a shaft with a tip on one end and a base on the other end. An optical fiber is positioned within the hollow needle for delivering light from the monochromator through the tip to a desired tissue region, A photodiode is mounted in the shaft and has a light sensitive surface facing outward from the shaft for detecting back-scattered light from the tissue region. The back-scattered light detected by the photodiode is monitored by a computer which records the optical absorption spectrum of light back-scattered from the tissue region at discrete locations in the tissue as the needle is inserted or withdrawn through the mammographically abnormal tissue.

Abstract: A method for measuring capacitance in a power conversion system by measuring the time rate of discharge of the capacitance means and computing the value of capacitance corresponding to the measured discharge rate and a method for verifying that a filter in the power conversion system is effective for suppressing preselected frequencies corresponding to signalling frequencies used in a transit system. In this latter form, the system periodically initiates a self-test function in which the preselected frequency is injected into the system for verifying that the system will detect signals at the preselected frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting presence of a measurand includes a measurand sensitive layer overlying a fiber field access block. The fiber field access block has a clad fiber positioned such that a portion of the fiber is exposed to the measurand sensitive layer and any cladding on that portion of the fiber is thinner than required to prevent an evanescent wave from escaping the fiber. An optical source and an optical detection component are coupled to the fiber. Changes in the measurand sensitive layer, which are caused by interaction with the measurand, alter the phase velocity matching conditions of the fiber and measurand sensitive layer and can be measured by evaluating shifts in the output signals resulting from presence of the measurand.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a measurand includes a fiber field access block having a clad fiber positioned in the fiber field access block such that a portion of the fiber is exposed to an outer surface and any cladding on that portion of the clad fiber is thinner than required to prevent an evanescent wave from escaping the clad fiber. A measurand sensitive layer is provided over the outer surface. A grating is present in either the measurand sensitive layer or the fiber. An optical source and an optical detection component are coupled to the clad fiber. The optical detection component measures shifts in output signals resulting from presence of the measurand in the environment of the fiber field access block caused by changing Bragg conditions which result from swelling of the measurand sensitive layer. The concentration of the measurand can be determined from the detected shifts.

Abstract: A process and configuration are described which enable the I/O metal fingers of any high density interconnect (HDI) module to be extended over the edge of a substrate at the end of circuit fabrication, thus enabling fabrication of circuits for arrangement in three-dimensional stacks. The module includes a first dielectric layer covering one or more electrical conductors on a substrate. The first dielectric layer is ablated to expose a portion of at least one electrical conductor and a second dielectric layer is then applied over the first dielectric layer and the exposed portion of the electrical conductor except for an extremity of the conductor. A second electrical conductor is subsequently applied and patterned to cover a portion of the second dielectric layer, the extremity of the conductor, and at least a portion of one edge of the substrate.