Abstract: A method of synthesizing polynucleotides is disclosed. The method involves contacting a first nucleotide with a selected reactive group in the presence of an ionic liquid. The selected reactive group may be on a second nucleotide, a polynucleotide, or on a moiety on an insoluble substrate, for example in an oligonucleotide synthesizer.

Abstract: An improved gas chromatograph system includes a radiant source, an insert located to receive an output of the radiant source, and an analytic column wound on a concave surface of the insert so that successive coils of the wound analytic column are in direct contact with each other and exert an outward pressure on the concave surface of the insert such that the outward pressure minimizes a gap between the analytic column and the concave surface of the insert so as to minimize thermal gradients and maximize heat transfer to the analytic column.

Abstract: A mass spectrometer comprises an ion detector, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter, a sample adjuster, and an adder. The A/D converter is configured to receive and sample an analog signal from the ion detector thereby providing a plurality of samples. The adder is configured to sum the samples, and the summed samples define a mass spectrum. The sample adjuster is configured to identify a peak defined by the samples and to suppress at least one of the samples of the peak such that a resolution of a peak within the mass spectrum is enhanced.

Abstract: The response of linear and non-linear systems to an arbitrary pulse train is modeled for efficient and accurate circuit simulation. First, a harmonic balance analysis is performed for a system incorporating linear and non-linear components. Then, the even and odd frequency components of the harmonic balance result are separated and interpolated. Finally, the resulting interpolated components are combined to generate the frequency domain positive step response and the frequency domain negative step response of the system. These resulting frequency domain step responses are utilized to generate a low order pole/zero model of the step responses. The pole/zero model can then be used to efficiently and accurately model the response of the system to an arbitrary sequence of positive and negative going pulses.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for identifying and sequencing a biopolymer translocating a nanopore. The apparatus of the present invention provides a first electrode, a second electrode and a potential means for applying a bias ramping potential across the electrodes to produce resonant tunneling of current carriers between the two electrodes. As the bias potential is ramped across the electrodes the increase in tunneling current occurs as the carrier energy sequentially matches the conduction band energies of the translocating biopolymer. This technique allows for real-time identification and sequencing of a biopolymer as the band energy spectra of the individual portions of the bipolymer are recorded, differentiated and identified. A method for identifying the biopolymer is also disclosed.

Abstract: Measurements for an eye diagram of signal of interest are placed in a data structure that is examined to locate an eye opening of interest. The eye opening of interest is normalized into figure of merit units related to the operational voltage and timing requirements of the data receiver for that signal. The locations within the normalized eye opening may be taken as center locations for trial symmetric shapes that start out small and are enlarged until they first include locations not part of the normalized eye opening. The center of a largest such shape is mapped back into the units of the original eye diagram as optimum sampling parameters for data analysis equipment that uses the receiver to sample the signal once per unit interval to discover logical value. An alternative is to repeatedly remove the ‘outer layer’ of the normalized eye opening until only one location remains.

Abstract: An optical time domain reflectometry system is used to determine a power response from a device under test -DUT-. For providing power information data, an optical transmitter launches a probe signal with a first wavelength into a DUT, an optical receiver determines optical power information of a first return signal returning from the DUT at a second wavelength, wherein the second wavelength is not equal to the first wavelength, and an analyzer analyzes the power information determined by the optical receiver, and generating data to be at least one of: visualized, stored, and further processed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, voltages are discharged from a circuit under test by, after pins of a circuit tester have been coupled to nodes of the circuit under test, making a first one of the pins an active pin and executing a current discharge process for the active pin. The current discharge process couples a current discharge circuit to the active pin, and then enables the current discharge circuit. A voltage of the active pin is then measured and, if the measured voltage is within a defined window, the active pin is coupled to ground. However, if the measured voltage is outside of the defined window after the current discharge circuit has been enabled for a predetermined period of time, the active pin is marked as not discharged. The current discharged circuit is then disabled and decoupled from the active pin. Thereafter, a next one of the pins is made the active pin, and the current discharged process is caused to be repeated.

Abstract: Methods for specifying the layout of a MALDI sample plate are provided. In general, the methods involve creating a file containing sample plate layout parameters that describe the layout of a MALDI sample plate, and storing the file on a computer readable medium prior to placement of the MALDI sample plate into a MALDI ion source. In many embodiments, the file includes information about the size or shape of the sample plate, or information about the size, shape or position of a sample on the sample plate. In many embodiments, a MALDI sample plate is placed in a MALDI ion source and a stored layout file for the sample plate is accessed and used to position an area of the sample plate in a laser beam. The subject methods, kits and apparatus find use in a variety of different mass spectrometry applications.

Abstract: Wire bonds connect current-carrying edges of high-frequency planar conductors to other electrical devices. In one embodiment, planar transmission lines are interconnected using two wire bonds. One bond wire extends from an edge of a first center conductor to a corresponding edge of a second center conductor, and a second bond wire extends from the other edge of the first center conductor to the other edge of the second center conductor. Embodiments include center conductors at different heights and having different widths, and different electrical devices, such as semiconductor integrated circuits. In a particular embodiment, ball bonding is used. In some embodiments, a tack bond is included after a ball bond to allow closer attachment of the bond wire to the edge of the conductor.

Abstract: A Direction Finding Method and System Using Probabilistic Mapping is disclosed. Also disclosed is a preferred system that employs a technique for taking in data sets (lines of bearing) from DF receivers and characterizing those signals with their respective probabilities of error. Then using a unique method, the preferred system can display the triangulated position on a map with an overlay of probability fields indicating the emitter location with varying levels of confidence. Even further, the preferred system is able to redraw the probability fields on the map display in real-time as new data is collected and updated. In this way, a far more efficient EL System has been achieved in which the emitter's position can be determined more quickly. It should be noted that with this invention, triangulation can be done with just a single (mobile) DF Set in the EL System. Today's systems for triangulation must use at least three DF Sets.

Abstract: Methods and devices for evaluating audio quality in a network are described. First and second audio samples are compared. The first audio sample includes a reference signal that is transmitted through a path on the network. The second audio sample includes the reference signal after it has traveled the path and is received. In addition, network performance while the reference signal travels the path is monitored. The results of the comparison are correlated with network performance statistics derived from the monitoring.

Abstract: A method for optimizing a pattern generation program used in a signal generator comprising a generator for generating a signal pattern based on a pattern generation program, a memory for storing the signal pattern, and an output for outputting on a predetermined cycle the signal pattern stored by the memory, this optimizing method comprising an evaluation step for evaluating for each command of the pattern generation program whether it is necessary to develop the command in question of the program and a development step for developing the command.

Abstract: Devices having microfluidic features and arrays joined to electronics components are described. In an embodiment, the array includes a flexible array substrate. The electronics components have circuitry that may e.g. detect reactions or control conditions on the device via a feedback loop. Modular architecture provides for different combinations of microfluidic components, array components, and/or electronics components that can be used to create customized processing and analysis tools.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus for FET characteristics comprises a divider connected to a pulse generator for dividing pulses from the pulse generator into first and second pulses; a first SMU; a first switch for selecting pulses from the divider or voltage from the first SMU; a terminal resistor for applying signals from the first switch and supplying the signals to the first terminal of the device under test; a second and a third SMU; a bias-T connected to the third SMU; a second switch for selecting to connect the second terminal of the device under test to the second SMU or to connect the second terminal to signals of the bias-T obtained by multiplexing the voltage from the third SMU; and voltage measurement unit connected to the divider and the bias-T.

Abstract: A substitute reference signal input is incorporated into a state space controller for a scanning probe microscope to improve tracking efficiency.

Abstract: A circuit and method for efficiently configuring an ACAM Select RAM for an ACAM circuit of a tester that tests multiple devices under test (DUTs).

Abstract: A fluidic device is provided which is adapted to subject a fluid to light. It generally comprises a capillary that is adapted for conducting the fluid and which furthermore and comprises at least one bending and at least one waveguide having an end face that is adapted for at least emitting or receiving light. The end face is coupled with the bending for emitting light into the fluid or receiving light from the capillary.

Abstract: An RF assembly of a multiport switch is disclosed. The RF assembly includes an RF cavity housing and a cover. The RF cavity housing includes a common port defined by a cavity in a surface of the RF cavity housing and at least another port defined by a trough in the surface of the RF cavity housing. The trough is connected to the cavity. When covered by the cover, the trough defines a channel connected at one end to the cavity. The distance between opposing surfaces of the RF cavity housing and the cover at a proximal end of the channel is smaller than the corresponding distance of a portion of the channel immediately adjacent the proximal end. A multiport switch having the RF assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and reagents are disclosed which provide for more sensitive, more accurate and higher through-put analyses of target nucleic acid sequences. The methods and reagents of the present invention may be generically applied to generally any target nucleic acid sequence and do not require a priori information about the presence, location or identity of mutations in the target nucleic acid sequence. The reagents of the invention are mixtures of oligonucleotide precursors having a high level of coverage and mass number complexity, and also having tags analyzable by mass spectrometry which are covalently linked to the precursors through cleavable bonds. A method is also disclosed for analyzing a target nucleic acid sequence employing the mixtures of oligonucleotide precursors having tags analyzable by mass spectrometry covalently linked to the oligonucleotide precursors through cleavable bonds, and chemical or enzymatic assays to alter the mass of the oligonucleotide precursors prior to mass spectral analysis.