Abstract: Systems for cooling heat-generating components are provided. A representative embodiment of such a system includes a heat-generating component supported by a substrate. A microcompressor supported by the substrate compresses a cooling fluid. A heat exchanger supported by the substrate receives cooling fluid from the microcompressor and removes heat from the cooling fluid. A microexpander is thermally coupled to the heat-generating component and receives and expands the cooling fluid to remove heat from the heat-generating component. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: A gasket for sealing interfaces between a micro-machined device and a macroscopic connection to the device. The gasket can include an o-ring, a frame, a tool post and a notch. Alignment of the tool post with a dimple formed in or through a surface of a component adjacent to the gasket facilitates alignment of the gasket. The notch and frame can also facilitate alignment of the gasket.

Abstract: This disclosure provides an image screen having anti-reflective qualities, such as might be used in projection television. In particular, an opaque black layer is formed on a front, viewer-side of the screen using the transmissive properties of the projection screen itself, e.g., as defined by a bubble lens array on the back side of the screen. In one embodiment, light is transmitted through a Fresnel lens, through a bubble lens array, and onto a photoresist to expose transmissive “pinholes” in the photoresist. Photoresist is then removed in unexposed areas, and an anti-reflective material is deposited over the entire viewer-side of the screen. Remaining photoresist is then removed from transmissive areas to leave the anti-reflective material in all areas not receptive to projection light. The material is developed and cured and the front side is optionally protected with a sealant layer.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for scanning a surface. An optical system generates a light beam to illuminate a surface. A carrier supports the surface for reciprocating motion with respect to the light beam to form one axis of a raster. A propulsion system moves the carrier at a substantially constant speed and a position sensor provides an output signal representing the surface position with respect to the light beam. A control system responsive to the output signal modulates a sample period reciprocally to carrier speed to achieve substantially constant scan length per sample and to control data acquisition timing.

Abstract: A photoelement for an image sensor is described which does not require a charge-to-voltage conversion, but instead outputs a voltage directly related to the intensity of the light impinging on the photoelement. In one embodiment, only parasitic capacitance is used for the integrating function. A transistor connected in a source follower configuration couples the parasitic capacitance to a read transistor. The source follower shields the integrating capacitance from any other parasitic capacitances not intended to be part of the integrating capacitance, thus making the output of the photoelement highly accurate with high gain.

Abstract: A voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) and method for generating voltage controlled oscillating signals utilizes a plurality of timing blocks that form a circular signal path to provide delays to control the frequencies of the signals. The VCO is suitable for applications at frequencies of 3 GHz and higher, and has low voltage and power requirements. The delays provided by the timing blocks are determined by the operating properties of differential transistors, timing capacitors and current sources, which are included in the timing blocks.

Abstract: In a multi-stage amplifier comprising an output stage, the driving of complex loads, such as laser diodes, results in the generation of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) by current flowing through the complex load. Regulation of this EMI can be difficult. Protection from Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) is also required. A prior technique to protect against ESD employs ESD diodes. However, this solution does not provide EMI regulation and the use of ESD diodes is not an effective measure to protect against ESD when ESD events are too fast for the ESD diodes. The present invention provides ESD protection and EMI regulation by regulating edges of drive signals prior the output stage (300) of the multi-stage amplifier (200).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modulated light source, in particular for use as part of an opto-electronic communication network. The modulated light source has a laser and an external electro-optic modulator for modulating the intensity of light produced by the laser. A temperature sensor senses the temperature of the laser and the modulator. A control circuit connected to the temperature sensor adjusts the bias on the modulator so that the band edge of the modulator follows the changes in wavelength of the laser as the laser warms up during operation. This avoids the need for a cooling element to keep the temperature of the laser constant.

Abstract: The system includes a confocal optical system to illuminate an object at an intended detection plane and to focus light from the object onto a pinhole. An opaque obstacle is disposed within the confocal optical system, the obstacle selected to suppress light originating outside the intended detection plane from passing through the pinhole. It is preferred that the obstacle size and location be selected to achieve a desired level of suppression. A design goal is a 100-fold reduction in background with a 10% or less loss of signal.

Abstract: A method and system for extracting data signals from a scanned image resulting from optical, radiometric, or other types of analysis of a molecular array. The positions of corner features are first located. Then, an initial feature coordinate grid is determined from the positions of the corner features. A refined feature coordinate grid is then calculated based on the positions of strong features, and is used to identify the positions of weak features and the positions of the local background regions surrounding all features. Finally, signal intensity values are extracted from the features and their respective local background regions in the scanned image, and background-subtracted signal intensity values, background-subtracted and normalized signal intensity ratios, and variability information and confidence intervals are determined based on the extracted values.

Abstract: Heterodyne-based optical spectrum analysis involves measuring the sweep rate of a swept local oscillator signal and then generating an output signal that accounts for non-uniformities in the sweep rate of the swept local oscillator signal. In an embodiment, an input signal is combined with a swept local oscillator signal in an optical coupler and the sweep rate of the swept local oscillator signal is measured in a relative frequency measurement system. The combined optical signal is output from the optical coupler to a receiver and a heterodyne beat signal is generated. The heterodyne beat signal and measured local oscillator frequency sweep rate information are utilized by a signal processor to generate an output signal that is indicative of an optical parameter of the input signal and that accounts for non-uniformities in the sweep rate of the local oscillator signal.

Abstract: A memory tester has a feature including a method and an apparatus, to programmably insert a latency between address and data channels. Address information is stored in a FIFO memory during a first program instruction cycle. After a desired number of program instruction cycles, the address information is retrieved during a second program instruction cycle. The retrieved address information is used to address a location in a tester memory for storage of data information received from a DUT. In this way, the data information is correlated to a latent address according to DUT specifications.

Abstract: Optical systems for producing modulated light are provided. A representative optical system incorporates an electron emitter and a electrical-to-optical converter. The electron emitter is operative to produce electrons. The electrical-to-optical converter is operative to receive electrons and convert the electrons into light. The optical system modulates the light so that modulated light is emitted. Methods and other optical systems also are provided.

Abstract: A channel plan and a corresponding test plan are implemented in connection with a plurality of nodes that communicate signals. The channel plan enables a monitoring system to conduct automatic periodic test plans, comprising tests, on the nodes, based upon data specified in the channel plan. Each test plan prescribes measurement of at least one signal parameter, pertaining to one or more nodes and/or to one or more channels contained within the nodes. The monitoring system includes a spectrum analyzer, a switch enabling the spectrum analyzer to interface with the nodes, and a controller. Navigation interface logic is configured to generate a universal interface component on the display device, one or more group level interface components on the display device, one or more node level interface components on the display device, and one or more channel level interface components on the display device.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a biopolymer array, and an apparatus which can execute the method, droplets of fluid carrying the biopolymer or a biomonomer are deposited onto a front side of a transparent substrate. Light is directed through the substrate from the front side, back through a substrate back side and a first set of deposited droplets on the first side to an image sensor. The substrate may be mounted by means of a chuck with parallel channels, and a scanning operation of a droplet dispensing head, light source, and sensor conducted in unison in the direction of the channels.

Abstract: A method and circuit for measuring a charge distribution for readout from FeRAM cells is fast enough for an on-chip defect detection and parameter adjustment. A comparator-type sense amplifier and a reference voltage generator measure a bit line charge or voltage using one readout of charge from an FeRAM cell and comparisons of the resulting bit line voltage to a series of reference voltages. A series of result signals from the sense amplifier indicates when the bit line voltage is approximately equal to the reference voltage. The results signals can be output for analysis and/or used internally for defect detection or setting of operating parameters such as a reference used during read operations.

Abstract: In an optical communications system employing a Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) scheme, a laser device can be used to transmit electromagnetic radiation at different wavelengths, each different wavelength being known as a channel. In addition, a demultiplexer such as an Arrayed Waveguide Grating (AWG) can be used to separate out a multiplexed signal into its component channels. It is known that laser devices and AWGs are susceptible to wavelength drift as their temperatures change or aging occurs, in the case of the AWGs causing channels to overlap which results in cross-talk between adjacent channels. Consequently, the present invention provides an apparatus for detecting cross-talk and method therefor. To this end, a first and a second output signal from a wavelength selective device (9) are directed to be coincident upon a photodetector (11). A homodyne beat signal results from the coincidence of the first and the second output signal and the homodyne beat signal is used to measure wavelength drift.

Abstract: In an optical communications network employing a wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) system, different wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation are used to transmit different signals. Because the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation that a laser device emits can drift as the temperature of the laser device changes, channels can overlap causing cross-talk. Consequently, the present invention provides a laser wavelength locking control loop apparatus (5) comprising a wavelength selective device (9) and a photodector (11), coupled to a feedback controller circuit (13). Electromagnetic radiation emitted by the laser device (7) is provided to the wavelength selective device (9) which provides a first output signal at a first wavelength and a second output signal at a second wavelength. The first and second output signals are directed to the photodetector (11) so as to coincide when incident thereupon.

Abstract: To provide a stabilized current to a current modulator or the like in a limited voltage headroom environment, the a current mirror having first and second mirror transistors is provided. Bases of the transistors are coupled together through a resistive element, with base leakage current to the first transistor generating a voltage drop across the resistive element. The voltage drop acts to boost a voltage through an emitter resistor of an output stage of the current mirror, the output stage realized by at least the second mirror transistor. With boosting of the voltage through the emitter resistor there is a corresponding boost in output current defined by the voltage across emitter resistor. As such, the circuit effectively increases the operating voltage and hence the voltage headroom derived from a supply voltage provided to the bases of the first and second mirror transistors.

Abstract: An optical switching node and method for operating same is disclosed. If a signal received over an optical fiber is destined for the switching node at which the signal is received, the signal is processed conventionally. If there is a signal on the fiber that is destined for a different optical switching node, then a node controller will determine whether that signal requires equalization and/or regeneration. A network manager instructs the node controller whether the signal requires wavelength conversion. In accordance with the invention, if the optical signal on the fiber is destined for a different optical switching node and requires none of equalization, regeneration and wavelength conversion, the optical signal remains in the optical domain and is switched directly to an appropriate output fiber.