Abstract: A system for aligning the optical components of a chemical analysis system in which capillaries or optical fibers are supported by a substrate. The system provides for alignment of elements of an electrophoresis system in an efficient high sampling rate capability. The system provides multiple sources, such as lasers or LEDs that are optically coupled to each capillary or channel. Multi-analyte capability, a variety of analysis modes and DNA sequencing operations are applications of systems using a plurality of lasers per channel.

Abstract: Oxide thin films having a perovskite-like structure and undergoing a ferromagnetic phase transition with large temperature coefficients of resistance (TCRs) are disclosed. These can be useful materials for making thermistors, bolometers, infrared detectors and the like. These can be fabricated with a number of methods, preferably including metal oxide chemical vapor deposition, laser ablation and sputtering. In one embodiment, the oxides are based on a LaMnO3 with substitutions of Ca, Sr, Ba, Mn, and Pb for some of the La. The amounts can be varied to maximize the TCR or shift the temperature at which the maximum occurs. Methods of making such thin films are disclosed. In one embodiment, the high sensitivity films can be used in an array of micro-bolometers in an infrared camera.

Abstract: An optical modulator is provided to control the intensity of a transmitted or reflected light. In a transmission mode, a separator splits arbitrarily polarized light into two polarization rays and one is made to travel a separate path from the other. A recombiner causes the two rays to recombine at an output unless an electro-optic phase retarder changes the polarization of the two rays, in which case, both of them miss the output by an amount which is a function of the voltage on the retarder. A normally-off version with low polarization mode dispersion is obtained by changing the orientation of the recombiner. A normally-on version with low polarization mode dispersion is obtained with a passive polarization direction rotator. Similar results can be obtained in a reflection mode where the input and output are on the same side of the modulator. Versions using a GRIN lens are particularly suited to modulation of light out of and back into fiber-optic cables.

Abstract: A single crystal thin film of the compound ZnSiXGe1-XN2 (where x can range from 0 to 1). This thin film single crystal can be disposed on a single crystal substrate made of, for example, sapphire, silicon carbide, lithium gallate or silicon with or without an additional GaN buffer layer grown on them. Alternately, a GaN single crystal thin film grown on any substrate can be used. In the case of sapphire, it can be R-plane so that the thin film has its c-axis lying within the thin film or A- or C-plane so that the thin film has its c-axis perpendicular to the substrate. The substrate could also be any substrate with a GaN single crystal thin film deposited on it. ZnSiXGe1-XN2 single crystal thin films can be made by the MOCVD method using suitable precursors, molar injection ratios, and substrate temperatures. It is possible to make various optical, electro-optical or electronic devices with the material, for example, a second harmonic generator emitting blue light.