Abstract: A method of fabricating a multichannel plate is provided. The method includes providing a N layers, each layer having an array of wells formed therein. The N layers are aligned and stacked. The stack of N layers are sliced along a first and second line of the array of wells. The first line of the array of wells provides a first surface corresponding to a first array of channel openings of the MCP, and the second line of said array of wells provides a second surface corresponding to a second array of channel openings of the MCP. This method provides several functional benefits compared to conventional methods. These include, but are not limited to: the ability to produce well known and well characterized channels; the ability to produce well known and well characterized periods between channels; the ability to produce channels having any desired secondary electron emission enabling material therein; the ability to fabricate the substrate and/or final MCP of silicon.

Abstract: A lithography device includes one or more conductive strips monolithically embedded within an insulative structure. A method of manufacturing a lithography device includes monolithically forming a conductive strip through an insulative structure. Monolithically forming such a device includes forming the conductive strip on an mixed conductive-insulative layer, and embedding the conductive-insulative layer layer within the insulative structure. Such a device may readily be manufactured, is reliable, and is capable of various lithography applications and other applications requiring sub-micron and nano-scale electrode devices and electrode arrays.

Abstract: Methods of the present invention are provided for forming a plurality of electrochemical cell layers, each cell layer generally including a pair of electrodes and a separator electrically insulating the pair of electrodes. Cells of a desired size are formed by slicing the laminar sheet through both opposing major surfaces. In certain embodiments, individual cells are defined by fill regions, filled with removable substances. Thus, when the cells are sliced, individual cells and in certain embodiments current collectors or conductors are exposed with minimal or no further processing. In other embodiments, fluid access channels or porous layers are filled with removable substances. Thus, when the cells are sliced, structural support is provided for the intended void regions.

Abstract: Electrode structures including transparent electrode structures, in particular self supporting electrode structures, are described herein. Further, applications of the herein novel electrode structures are provided, including electronic writing tablets, electronic paper and fabrication methods for electronic writing tablets and electronic paper. The electrode structure may be transparent and self-supporting, thereby providing a novel electrode structure as compared to conventional transparent electrodes.

Abstract: Herein provided is a liquid crystal cell manufacturing process and assembly system. Mechanical steps are performed under substantially atmospheric conditions (as opposed to in a vacuum environment) thereby simplifying liquid crystal cell assembly. Under such conditions, it is economically feasible to produce large panel, bubble-free liquid crystal cells.

Abstract: An optical transistor is disclosed. The optical transistor consists of a high speed photodetector region incident to a light intensity modulating region which separates a drain and source region. The disclosed optical transistor is able to exhibit high speed performance with good signal isolation and high amplification gain.

Abstract: An image display system includes a polarized image projection device, a polarization preserving transmissive diffusiver, and a polarizing reflector element as a non-blocking mirror (referred to as a “combiner”). The combination of a polarization preserving transmissive diffuser or rear projection screen and a polarizing reflector results in a high brightness HUD for applications including automotive, aerospace, or other applications where HUD systems are used. The system also maintains the low haze and high transmittance of the windshield that will meet the requirement of standards of windshields for motor vehicles and similar applications.

Abstract: Practical applications of a class of nematic elastomer which has light avoidance characteristics are disclosed. Such practical applications include a switching device, a load carrying device and programmable mask. The use of different light sources, including the use of an autonomous device are further disclosed.

Abstract: A network of modules is provided that maximizes agricultural land usage. Each module includes a water collection structure supported above agricultural land. The water collection structure may include a mechanism for distributing photonic energy to plants growing on the agricultural land; and a water distribution system for distributing collected water from said water collection structure to plants growing on the agricultural land and/or the soil in which said plants are planted. Plural modules are networked together with plumbing that serves to both provide water transport to and from the modules and structural support to the network of modules. Such a configuration is particularly useful to increase land usage efficiencies on sloped land.

Abstract: The polymer matrix material includes a polymerization product of one or more monomers selected from the group of water-soluble, ethylenically-unsaturated acids and acid derivatives, and a crosslinking agent. A quantity of water is used for polymerization, such that the polymer material is swelled to a defined volume upon curing. Optionally, a water-soluble or water-swellable polymer and/or a chemical polymerization initiator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and production methods thereof, and more particularly to vertically integrated MEMS systems. Manufacturing of MEMS and vertically integrated MEMS is facilitated by forming, preferably on a wafer level, plural MEMS on a MEMS layer selectively bonded to a substrate, and removing the MEMS layer intact.

Abstract: A layered structure generally includes a first layer suitable for having a useful element formed therein or thereon selectively attached or bonded to a second layer. A method to form a layered structure generally comprises selectively adhering a first substrate to a second substrate.

Abstract: A method for fabricating multi layer microelectromechanical and microfluidic devices is disclosed. Multi layer microelectromechanical and microfluidic devices are fabricated on a substrate with layers of predetermined weak and strong bond regions where deconstructed layers of devices at or on the weak bond regions. The layers are then peeled and subsequently bonded to produce a multi layer microelectromechanical and microfluidic devices. An arbitrary number of layers can be bonded and stacked to create either microelectromechanical or microfluidic device or a hyrbid type of device. Also disclosed are methods of creating edge interconnects and vias through the substrate to form interconnections between layers and devices thereon.

Abstract: A 1XN (or NX1) optical connector for steering light is provided, which may be formed into an optical cross connecter. The optical connector generally includes a plurality of N stages, each stage including a liquid crystal cell and a polarizing beam splitter. The liquid crystal cell, in certain embodiments in the form of an array of LC cells, has a first state for transmitting a first polarization component of the light and a second state for transmitting a second polarization component of the light. The polarizing beam splitter structure reflects one of the polarization states and transmits the other polarization state into one of 2N outputs. Of course, the direction of light can be reversed, forming an NX1 cell. A key advantage of the present invention is the integration of components to form a monolithic structure.

Abstract: Electrochemical cell systems are disclosed herein that are capable of selective ionic isolation, oxidant isolation, oxidant removal, moisture control, and combinations thereof. Selective ionic isolation is generally effectuated by selectively eliminating or minimizing ionic communication between an anode and a cathode of the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A system and method for converting an analog voltage signal to a digital representation at high speeds, known as an analog to digital converter (A/D converter), is provided in the form of an N-bit A/D converter, made by N superconducting, preferably HTC, transmission lines. The N lines are arranged adjacently and in parallel with each other. On each line 2N?1 Josephson Junctions (JJs) are embedded in series. The JJs form a matrix over the configuration of the N superconducting transmission lines. A scanning electron beam is made to impinge on this arrangement across the lines at a high frequency, while it is deflected by the applied voltage signal along the direction of the lines. A voltage step is generated upon hitting any one of the JJs. In this manner upon each cross-scanning of the beam, an N-bit step voltage pattern is generated on the lines.

Abstract: Variable optical attenuators (VOAs) are provided, based on electrically switchable CLC reflective polarizers. The reflectivity of the described reflective VOAs can theoretically be electrically adjusted between 0% to 100%, and the reflective bandwidth can be easily adjusted. In general, the VOA includes a pair of switchable CLC polarizers and a driver for driving the polarizers. When the electric fields on both polarizers are off, the polarizers serve as two reflective mirrors. When the fields are turned on, the two polarizers are switched into two transparent sheets allowing light to transmit therethrough. Continuously changing the voltages on the two polarizers electrically adjusts the attenuation.

Abstract: The controllable electroporation system and method described herein allows control over the size, the number, the location, and the distribution of aqueous pores, thus increasing flexibility of use. The herein described system and method for controllable electroporation generally employs at least two actuating sub-systems and sub-processes. One sub-system and sub-process employs a relatively broad effect in order to weaken the membrane, a broad effect sub-system. Another sub-system and sub-process employs a relatively narrow effect in order to localize the position of the pore in the membrane, a narrow effect sub-system.

Abstract: Variable optical delay (VOD) systems are provided that include optical switching techniques, and optical manifold techniques, and/or index switching techniques. In certain embodiments, liquid crystal cells are used to impart fine delay in a VOD system. Medium delay may be provided with index switching systems. Course delay may be provided with total-internal-reflection or polarization based optical manifold systems, or micro-fluidic based optical manifold systems. These fine, medium and course delays may be integrated in a single VOD system to provide a wide range and high resolution delay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and production methods thereof, and more particularly to vertically integrated MEMS systems. Manufacturing of MEMS and vertically integrated MEMS is facilitated by forming, preferably on a wafer level, plural MEMS on a MEMS layer selectively bonded to a substrate, and removing the MEMS layer intact.