Abstract: A method and apparatus for containing heat generated by a battery to reduce the amplitude of a temperature excursion to enhance safety in temperature critical applications, such as in implantable medical devices. The apparatus employs a heat absorber (38) closely thermally coupled to the battery (30). The heat absorber includes heat-absorbing material preferably exhibiting an endothermic phase change at a temperature below that produced by the battery.

Abstract: An optical device includes a ridge waveguide defined by a ridge extending from a slab of a light transmitting medium. The optical device also includes trenches extending into the slab of light transmitting medium on opposing sides of the ridge. At least one of the trenches is associated with a trench displacement that tapers from a first displacement to a second displacement. The trench displacement is the distance between the ridge and the side of a trench closest to the ridge. The optical device also includes at least one electrical contact positioned in at least one of the trenches.