Abstract: An apparatus for cavity enhanced optical detection having an improved flow cell is provided. Sensitivity of the cavity resonance condition to changes in refractive index of an analyte flowing through the flow cell is reduced. More specifically, the round trip optical path defined by the resonant cavity intersects a curved cavity input mirror at a point. This point has a location on the input mirror that is substantially independent of the refractive index of the analyte. In this manner, changes in sample refractive index do not lead to misalignment of the resonant optical cavity.

Abstract: An elongate object optically determines at least one of its orientation parameters relative to a plane surface. A probe radiation beam is directed from the object at various angles ? to various locations on the plane, where the angle ? is a periodic function of time. Two angularly-selective radiation detectors oriented at fixed angles ?1 and ?2 sense scattered portions of the beam from two locations at two corresponding times. The orientation parameter is computed from a time difference ?t=t2?t1 between the two times.

Abstract: A simple, approximate power optimization in connection with automatic large scale circuit design using a cell library is provided. The cell library of the present invention provides active region information for each cell, and preferably also provides conventional parameters such as cell physical area and cell performance information. Typically, several cells having differing parameters correspond to each cell function provided by the library. A cost function is defined which depends on active region information, and can also depend on physical area and performance. A cell design including cells selected from the library is optimized by substitution of functionally equivalent cells from the library to minimize the cost function. Minimization of active region area provides a simple way to approximately minimize power consumption. Optionally, a second optimization can be performed with a higher fidelity power model using the approximately power-minimized design as a starting point.

Abstract: A method and system for encrypting a first piece of information M to be sent by a sender [100] to a receiver [110] allows both sender and receiver to compute a secret message key using identity-based information and a bilinear map. In a one embodiment, the sender [100] computes an identity-based encryption key from an identifier ID associated with the receiver [110]. The identifier ID may include various types of information such as the receiver's e-mail address, a receiver credential, a message identifier, or a date. The sender uses a bilinear map and the encryption key to compute a secret message key gIDr, which is then used to encrypt a message M, producing ciphertext V to be sent from the sender [100] to the receiver [110] together with an element rP. An identity-based decryption key dID is computed by a private key generator [120] based on the ID associated with the receiver and a secret master key s.

Abstract: In a fuel cell assembly typically with a plurality of cells each including an electrolyte layer (2), a pair of gas diffusion electrode layers (3, 4), and a pair of flow distribution plates (5), the electrolyte layer (2) comprises a frame (21) and electrolyte (22) retained in the frame; and the flow distribution plates and frames are made of materials having similar thermal expansion properties so that the generation of thermal stress between the frames of the electrolyte layers and the corresponding flow distribution plates can be avoided, and the durability of the various components can be ensured. By joining each flow distribution plate with the corresponding frame by anodic bonding or using a bonding agent along a periphery thereof, the need for a sealing arrangement such as a gasket or a clamping arrangement can be eliminated, and this contributes to the compact design of the assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining an inclination angle ? between an axis of an elongate object such as a cane, a pointer or a jotting implement such as a pen, pencil, stylus or the like and a normal to a plane surface at times when a tip of the elongate object is contacting that plane surface. The apparatus has an emitter mounted on the object for illuminating the plane surface with a probe radiation at an angle ? with respect to the axis of the object. The apparatus also has a detector mounted on the elongate object for detecting a radiation characteristic of a scattered portion of the probe radiation returning from the plane surface and a computing unit for deriving the inclination angle ? from the radiation characteristic. A scanning arrangement, such as a uniaxial or biaxial scanner, or a light guiding optic can be used for varying angle ?, and the probe radiation can be emitted in the form of a scan beam.

Abstract: An improved two-step replication process for fabrication of porous metallic membranes is provided. A negative of a porous non-metallic template is made by infiltration of a liquid precursor into the template, curing the precursor to form a solid negative, and removing the template to expose the negative. Metal is deposited to surround the exposed negative. Removal of the negative provides a porous metallic membrane having pores which replicate the pores of the original template membrane. The negative is kept immersed in a liquid at all times between removing the template and depositing the metal. This immersion eliminates damage to the negative that would be incurred in drying the negative out between these processing steps. Another aspect of the invention is metallic membranes prepared according to the preceding method. For example, metallic membranes having pores smaller on one side than on the other side of the membrane are provided.

Abstract: A miniaturized micromachined (MEMS) accelerometer-based sensor suitable for use in biological applications, such as a middle ear implant, is provided. An encapsulation layer is deposited on top of an accelerometer proof mass and flexure prior to release of the proof mass and flexure. The encapsulation layer protects the proof mass and flexure from subsequent processing steps, such as dicing and packaging, which enables fabrication of finished devices having reduced size. Surfaces within the accelerometer may be passivated after releasing the proof mass and flexure. Remote piezoresistive sensing is performed in order to provide low noise and reduced sensor head size.

Abstract: An electronically tuned, wavelength-dependent optical detector is provided. The electronically tuned, wavelength-dependent optical detector is a modified metal-semiconductor-metal photodetector including a comb-like metal electrode at a common voltage and metal electrodes each supplied with a control voltage by a voltage means. The wavelength to be detected in an optical input illuminating the detector is selected based on the set of control voltages applied to the metal electrodes. In another embodiment of the invention, the wavelength to be detected with the electronically tuned, wavelength-dependent optical detector is also selected using a standing wave generator, such as an interferometer, to produce a spatially varying light intensity on the surface of the electronically tuned, wavelength-dependent optical detector. Electronic wavelength demultiplexing is also provided.

Abstract: A cavity ring-down spectrometer includes: a) multiple detectors for monitoring the intensity of the radiation emitted from the cavity and the wavelength of the radiation injected into the cavity; b) controllers which turn off the radiation into the cavity and precisely adjust the temperature of, and current to, the laser gain medium; and c) means for adjusting the beam path length of the optical cavit to bring the cavity into resonance with the injected radiation. Additionally, disclosed is a method for using the spectrometer to detect a target analyte.

Abstract: A volumetric computed tomography method includes translating a discrete element x-ray source and detector relative to the patient or object in a z-direction parallel to the axis of rotation. As the source rotates through the angles of a single rotation, it is simultaneously translated by a distance comparable to the discrete spacing distance between individual source elements in the z-direction. The small translation is designed so that the axial planes passing through discrete source element rows are not distinguished from axial planes passing between the discrete source element rows, thereby eliminating the z-dependence of the system and associated sampling problems.

Abstract: A thermal treatment process for improving the resistance of a flux grown, periodically poled KTiOPO4 crystal to photorefractive or photochromic damage comprising the steps of: i) heating said crystal from ambient temperature up to an annealing temperature in the range of from about 200° C. to about 400° C.; ii) maintaining said crystal at said annealing temperature in an oxygen containing atmosphere; iii) allowing said crystal to slowly cool down from said annealing temperature to ambient temperature.

Abstract: To overcome obstacles faced by current remediation technologies for contaminated sediments, the present invention provides a new strategy based on in situ control of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOC) bioavailability. The strategy employs the addition of activated carbon sorbents to sediments. These activated carbon materials sorb HOC contaminants strongly, reduce release of HOCs into water, and reduce HOC uptake by benthic biota, thereby reducing environmental exposure and human health risk to such contaminants. By in situ sorbing the contaminants, the inventive approach reduces environmental exposure and avoids massive material removal while controlling food web transfer of HOCs including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Abstract: A compact carbon dioxide separation module for a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is provided. The module is a set of plates, typically two plates, sandwiched together and enclosing a membrane permeable to carbon dioxide. The anode output stream of the DMFC stack feeds into one of the plates. The other plate has an exit hole to vent carbon dioxide permeated through the membrane. As such the module does not draw any power; hence the module will improve the overall efficiency of a DMFC system. In addition, the module is small in size and can easily be stacked and integrated with a DMFC stack. From a DMFC system perspective the module could also be nicely integrated and stacked with a mixing device/module, a water management device/module and a methanol source.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible hammock for outdoor use has a body support surface being suspended on a position above and not touching the ground. The hammock also has a support frame comprising a pair of inclined upright arms, between which there is at least one X-scissor linkage connecting the arms. There are two connecting means disposed over the upright arms providing connections to the scissor linkage and a pair of legs. One means is a slidable connector disposed over the upright arms and the other means is fixed at the bottom end of the inclined upright arms. There is a leg/upright arm interface provides a three direction hinged joint for the connectors.

Abstract: A new design and fabrication process of an elastomer spatial light modulator (eSLM). The present invention resolves many known challenges and enables the eSLM to operate as programmable masks for the EUV lithography systems. Bottom electrodes are deposited and patterned on an insulation layer. A sacrificial layer is then deposited, patterned and polished on top of the bottom electrodes. A nitride shell forms a protection layer that prevents out-gassing and degradations of elastomer during operations. The sacrificial layer is removed, forming a cavity. An elastomer is injected at one end of the cavity and pulled into it by capillary forces. In an embodiment, the eSLM comprises a 2-D array of elastomer pillars, each containing a capacitive actuator with an elastomer as the supporting and dielectric structure. A stack of Mo/Si multilayer mirror is deposited on the surface to achieve a high reflectivity about 70% or more in EUV.

Abstract: A cantilever probe has an elbow for bonding to a dual plane fixture plate for a highly stiff and precise angled fixture of the bonded cantilever probe with minimal real estate consumption. The cantilever probe may feature a tip positioning pin and an elbow positioning pin fitting into corresponding holes of the fixture plate and a sacrificial assembly plate. Separate fan-out beams may be attached to the fixture plate and conductively connected to respective elbows once the cantilever probes are fixed. The fan-out beams in turn may be conductively connected with their respective peripheral ends to large pitch apparatus terminals of a circuit board. A probe apparatus may be easily customized by providing varying drill patterns of the positioning holes for fan-out beams and cantilever probes to match pitch requirements of the tested circuit chips.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a pose of an elongate object and an absolute position of its tip while the tip is in contact with a plane surface having invariant features. The surface and features are illuminated with a probe radiation and a scattered portion, e.g., the back-scattered portion, of the probe radiation returning from the plane surface and the feature to the elongate object at an angle ? with respect to an axis of the object is detected. The pose is derived from a response of the scattered portion to the surface and the features and the absolute position of the tip on the surface is obtained from the pose and knowledge about the feature. The probe radiation can be directed from the object to the surface at an angle ? to the axis of the object in the form of a scan beam. The scan beam can be made to follow a scan pattern with the aid of a scanning arrangement with one or more arms and one or more uniaxial or biaxial scanners. Angle ? can also be varied, e.g.

Abstract: Compounds and polymers of such compounds are prepared based on the reaction product of a polysulfide containing diol and a dibasic acid, conveniently using an acid catalyst for the reaction. By appropriate choice of mole ratios, the resulting compound may have a hydroxyl and carboxyl, two hydroxyls or two carboxyls as terminal groups. The compounds can be modified by adding augmenting groups to change the terminal groups or properties of the monomer. The polymers find advantageous use as adhesives, sealants, coatings, paints, elastomers, plastic formulations, fibers, films and molded objects.

Abstract: A method for batch manufacturing of slabs for zig-zag lasers including steps of bonding two non-active media to either side of an active medium to form a sandwich, dicing the sandwich to provide slices, rendering two surfaces of each slice into total-internal-reflection (TIR) surfaces, and then dicing the slices perpendicular to the TIR surfaces to provide a plurality of zig-zag slabs.