Abstract: A wireless MMIC chip packaging scheme where the MMIC chip (38) is maintained right side up. The MMIC chip (38) is positioned within a cavity (40) of a fixture (42), where a backside metal layer (44) of the chip (38) is mounted to the fixture (42) by a conductive epoxy layer (48). RF and DC via feedthroughs (62, 64) are strategically provided through the chip (38), and are electrically connected to isolated islands (70) in the backside metal layer (44). Substrates (52, 56) are provided that carry microstrips (54) and electrical traces (56), and that extend below the chip (38) so that ends of the microstrips (54) and traces (56) make an electrical connection with the isolated islands (70). In an alternate design, the substrate (80) extends completely across the backside of the chip (38), and ground vias (84) extend through the substrate (80) to connect the backside metal layer (44) to the fixture (42).

Abstract: A fully optical converter for converting an analog signal into a digital signal includes an amplitude to optical wavelength converter for converting the analog signal into an optical signal which varies in wavelength in accordance with an amplitude of the analog signal, a splitter for applying the optical signal over a desired number of light paths, an interferometer connected to each of the light paths, unequal path lengths in each leg of the interferometers to allow optical interference to deliver a complementary sinusoidal transfer function to the optical signal to generate two complimentary output signals and a dual detector connected to each of the interferometers for generating a digital bit in response to the two complimentary output signals, wherein each of the digital bits together form a parallel digital word. The fully optically based converter is automatic and independent of interactive techniques, thus providing for an expedited conversion rate.

Abstract: A lanthanum aluminate (LaAlO.sub.3) substrate on which thin films of layered perovskite copper oxide superconductors are formed. Lanthanum aluminate, with a pseudo-cubic perovskite crystal structure, has a crystal structure and lattice constant that closely match the crystal structures and lattice constants of the layered perovskite superconductors. Therefore, it promotes epitaxial film growth of the superconductors, with the crystals being oriented in the proper direction for good superconductive electrical properties, such as a high critical current density. In addition, LaAlO.sub.3 has good high frequency properties, such as a low loss tangent and low dielectric constant at superconductive temperatures. Finally, lanthanum aluminate does not significantly interact with the superconductors. Lanthanum aluminate can also used to form thin insulating films between the superconductor layers, which allows for the fabrication of a wide variety of superconductor circuit elements.

Abstract: A transmitter-receiver includes a transmitting circuit for providing an output by converting the frequency of a transmission signal input thereto, a receiving circuit for providing an output by converting the frequency of a received signal input thereto, and a local oscillator which generates an oscillation signal having a local oscillating frequency based on a reference signal. A local oscillator signal splitter is connected to the local oscillator and splits the oscillation signal into substantially similar transmit and receive oscillation signals each at the local oscillating frequency. The local oscillator signal splitter supplies the transmit oscillation signal to the transmitting circuit and supplies the receive oscillation signal to the receiving circuit. The transmitting circuit converts the frequency of the transmission signal in accordance with said transmit oscillation signal, and the receiving circuit converts the frequency of the received signal in accordance with the receive oscillation signal.

Abstract: A system for and a method of controlling the temperature of an object (22). Temperature sensors (30) are placed on the object (22) in abutting zones (24) substantially covering a surface of the object (22), so as to detect a temperature in each of the respective zones (24). Temperature adjusting elements (28) are spaced from and thermally coupled to the object (22), to adjust the temperatures of corresponding ones of the respective zones (24). Temperature control circuits (32, 34, 36), responsive to temperatures detected by respective ones of the temperature sensors (30), control the corresponding ones of the temperature adjusting elements (28) to maintain the temperatures of the respective zones (24) within a preset temperature range. When the object (22) is in a cold environment and is to be maintained at a warmer temperature, the temperature adjusting elements (28) are heating elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical integrated alignment device for accurately aligning optical fiber and waveguides to efficiently couple energy between optical devices. This is accomplished by using the anisotropic etch characteristics of III-V semiconductor materials. One orthogonal etch direction serves to provide a channel for precise fiber-positioning; the other direction, which is also orthogonal provides a reflecting surface for directing the optical energy between optical devices; and finally, a non-selective etch to form a micro-optical lens to focus optical energy to an optical device.

Abstract: The invention is a process for reducing roughness of a surface of a superconductor material (23) having an undesirable surface roughness (30 and 32) and a trilayer superconductor integrated circuit (100). The process for reducing roughness of a surface of superconductor material having an undesirable surface roughness includes coating the surface with an oxide layer (40) to fill the undesirable surface roughness and to produce an exposed oxide surface (42) with a roughness less than the surface roughness; and etching the exposed oxide surface to remove a thickness of the oxide layer followed by removing at least a portion of the oxide layer filling the undesirable surface roughness and a portion of the surface of the superconductor material to produce an exposed etched surface (44) comprised of at least the superconductor material which has a surface roughness less than the undesirable surface roughness.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a hyperspectral imaging spectrometer. A PTFE panel (26) having substantially 100% reflectance across a spectrum of interest is mechanically inserted into the spectrometer's field-of-view. The panel (26) is illuminated by a lamp (22, 24), such as a quartz Tungsten Halogen lamp, so that reflected radiation from the panel (26) floods the spectrometer's FOV. The image generated by the spectrometer is electronically stored. Next, the reflectance panel (26) is removed and replaced with a PTFE panel (40) that is doped with a rare earth element, such as holmium oxide, dysprosium oxide, erbium oxide or other dopants. The dopant serves the purpose of producing many distinct absorption features in the reflected spectra whose wavelengths spacings and absorption line widths are precisely known. The image obtained form the doped PTFE panel (40) is then electronically stored.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspection of a substrate and a cover glass covering the substrate provides consistent detection of defects in the substrate such as cracks and cracks in the cover glass free of visual inspection of the substrate and the cover glass. An electromagnetic radiating source produces infrared radiation which illuminates the substrate and cover glass at a predetermined azimuth angle. The azimuth angle is varied such that the substrate and cover glass are illuminated at a plurality of azimuth angles. The substrate and the cover glass reflect portions of the incident electromagnetic radiation. A radiation detector collects portions of the reflected radiation and creates a plurality of images therefrom which include indicia representative of the defect in the substrate and the crack in the cover glass.

Abstract: Disclosed are a packaging component for packaging a microelectronic (e.g., III-V semiconductor) device, the packaged microelectronic device formed using such component, and method for forming the package component and packaged microelectronic device. The component (which can be, e.g., a lid or container 21 of the package) has sequentially deposited layers of metal layers (37, 50), to be located within the package, attached to a housing member, to act as a hydrogen getter in the package. The sequentially deposited layers of metal layers includes at least a first layer (3) of Ni adjacent the housing member surface, to improve adherence of the sequentially deposited layers and interstitially trap hydrogen; an outermost layer (11) of palladium to convert molecular hydrogen to hydrogen atoms and as the primary absorber of the hydrogen; and a layer (9) of Ti or Zr adjacent this outermost layer and acting as a secondary absorber of the hydrogen.

Abstract: A crossed skirt antiradar screen structure for a space vehicle, such as an orbiting satellite vehicle, having members projecting laterally from the main vehicle body. The screen structure includes multiple primary and auxiliary radar screens having electrically conductive skirts at least partially enclosing the vehicle body and the projecting members in a manner such that the screens cooperate to control the radar cross-section and signature of the entire vehicle. According to an important feature of the invention, the several radar screens are so shaped and arranged that all interior corners defined by the screen skirts have oblique angles which preclude retroreflection of an illuminating radar beam from a ground based radar detection system.

Abstract: A deployable reflector having an umbrella-like structure in which a plurality of tubular parabolically curved ribs are connected end-wise to a central hub by associated strain energy hinges, which are flexible and spring-like in characteristic, creating a spring force when stressed. A thin pliant metal coated film material is shaped for expansion into a parabolic shape serves as the reflective surface. Rib anchors, suitably radially extending pockets, attached to the backside of the material receive the ribs that radially extend from the hub. When stowed and restrained, such as by a cable, the curved ribs are all held down, collapsing the parabolic shape of the material, and stressing the hinges, which produce a counter-biasing force. When the restraining force is released to deploy the reflector, the biasing force created in the spring-like flexible hinges automatically pivots the ribs outwardly, pulling the material into its parabolic shape.

Abstract: A transparent electrical conductor which provides relatively high electrical conductivity and transmittance in the visible/near-infrared (VNIR), relative to known transparent electrical conductors, such as tin-doped indium oxide (ITO). In one embodiment of the invention, the transparent electrical conductor is formed from a plurality of quantum wells formed between the interfaces of three layers of lattice-matched, wide band gap materials, such as AlGaN and GaN. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a material with a band gap much larger than known materials used for such transparent electrical conductors, such as ITO, is selected. Both embodiments of the invention may be formed on a transparent substrate and provide relatively better transmittance in the VNIR at sheet electrical resistances of four or less ohms/square than known materials, such as tin-doped indium oxide (ITO).

Abstract: A compact spacecraft (10, 22) having a potentially long life in orbit as a result of its use of non-moving and solid-state components entirely or wherever possible. Amorphous silicon arrays (14, 24, 44) are used for solar energy collection. Because the arrays are not limited to a flat panel configuration, no movement is needed except for possible initial deployment. Phased arrays (12, 26) are used wherever possible for antenna arrays, in combination with torque rods (18, 3) for coarse attitude control of the spacecraft. Avionics modules (30, 50) are fabricated using large wafer-scale techniques and energy storage using long life battery or a solid-state capattery (52) technology. Propulsion is also effected with no moving parts, using waffle propulsion modules (20, 28, 54), which use elemental containers of propellant that is selectively ignited to supply propulsive force.

Abstract: Apparatus, and a corresponding method for its use, for gaining access to and operating a vehicle, such as a car (10), by means of at least one fingerprint sensor (16) installed inside the vehicle at a convenient location and, optionally, outside the vehicle (at 14), in or near a door handle (12). Once an authorized user's identify has been verified in a fingerprint matching device (30), various vehicle subsystems are automatically adjusted to the identified user's preferred settings, which are stored in a memory (98). In addition, starting the vehicle engine is enabled if an interior fingerprint sensor has been used, or the vehicle is unlocked if an exterior fingerprint sensor has been used. Vehicle subsystems that are automatically adjusted to the user preferences include seats (38), mirrors (40), steering wheel (42), climate control (44), airbag (52), telephone (46), radio (50) and onboard computer (54), as well as performance control features (48) such as suspension and transmission adjustment.

Abstract: A transparent electrical conductor which provides relatively high electrical conductivity and transmittance in the visible/near-infrared (VNIR), relative to known transparent electrical conductors, such as tin-doped indium oxide (ITO). In one embodiment of the invention, the transparent electrical conductor is formed from a plurality of quantum wells formed between the interfaces of three layers of lattice-matched, wide band gap materials, such as AlGaN and GaN. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a material with a band gap much larger than known materials used for such transparent electrical conductors, such as ITO, is selected. Both embodiments of the invention may be formed on a transparent substrate and provide relatively better transmittance in the VNIR at sheet electrical resistances of four or less ohms/square than known materials, such as tin-doped indium oxide (ITO).

Abstract: A singlet-delta oxygen generator suitable for use in a COIL-type chemical laser system is provided wherein the generator has a gaseous reactant distributor which includes (a) side, top and bottom walls to form a distribution chamber; (b) a thin distribution plate disposed vertically within one of the side walls adjacent to the falling droplet zone, the distribution plate having a plurality of holes to allow the passage of gaseous first reactant therethrough; (c) a plurality of gaseous first reactant inlet openings for allowing the influx of gaseous first reactant into the distribution chamber; and (d) a liquid drain disposed in the bottom wall. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the gaseous reactant inlet openings are conduits which direct the influx of gaseous first reactant away from the distribution plate.

Abstract: A latching joint for telescoping tubes incorporates two telescoping cylindrical members, referred to as rings, one (3) being positioned at least partially within the other (1). The inner ring carries a peripheral skirt of radially outwardly biased spring fingers (5) which, prior to tube extension, are restrained from outward expansion by a coaxially mounted O-ring (7). When the inner ring is pushed or pulled out from the outer ring to the extended position the O-ring is forced off the spring fingers, allowing the fingers to expand and latch the two rings in the extended position. With the arm extended the O-ring then serves as a gasket providing an axial force that is transmitted through the inner tube to the spring fingers to hold the spring fingers firmly latched.

Abstract: An antenna system structurally integrated into a load-bearing structural member of an aircraft, such as a wing (30), horizontal tail section (36), or vertical tail fin (20) in such a way as to cause practically no added aerodynamic drag and to add minimal weight to the aircraft. The antenna system includes a flared notch (22, 32, 34 or 38) of non-conductive material and an antenna feed (12) that excites conductive portions of the structural member on opposite sides of the notch at a selected feed point (40). The conductive portions of the structural member and other conductive portions of the entire aircraft are excited by signals applied to the antenna feed. As a result, the antenna performance provides high gain omnidirectionally, and supports both vertically and horizontally polarized communication functions over a wide range of VHF and UHF bands.

Abstract: A waveguide structure (10) that provides a transition from a polymeric waveguide (26) to a coaxial connection (48). The coaxial connection (48) includes an outer conductor (50) electrically connected to a top ground plate (36) of the waveguide (26) and an inner conductor (52) that extends into the polymeric material within the waveguide (26). The inner conductor (52) is electrically connected to a capacitive plate (56), and the capacitive plate (56) is electrically connected to an elongated conductive probe (58). The conductive probe (58) is electrically connected to a conductive post (60), which is electrically connected to a bottom ground plate (38) opposite to the top ground plate (36). The conductive probe (58) extends in a direction transverse to the propagation direction of electromagnetic waves, and acts to pick up the energy in the electromagnetic radiation.