Abstract: Systems and methods include directing limited frequencies of microwave signals toward target molecules, driving a motion of the target molecules to impact molecular recognition. In one implementation, a microwave spectra associated with the rotational modes of a target molecule is obtained. From peaks in the spectra, a mode of molecular movement is identified and a microwave signal profile is generated for driving a motion of binding portions of the molecule associated with the identified mode. Microwave signals are generated based on the signal profile for output by antennas. For example, the microwave signals can be can be used to impede the binding of quorum sensing molecules by receptors of P. aeruginosa. In one implementation, the antennas can be placed in a catheter for placement in a patient. In another implementation, the antennas can be placed in a sleeve or other device for use adjacent to the skin of a patient.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for the delivery of carbon to photoautotrophs. The invention utilizes low energy regeneration of adsorbent for CO2 capture and provides for effective CO2 loading into liquids useful for photoautotroph growth and/or production of photosynthetic products, such as biofuels, via photoautotrophic culture media. The inventive system comprises a fluid/membrane/fluid contactor that provides selective transfer of molecular CO2 via a dense (non-porous) membrane from a carbonate-based CO2 snipping solution to a culture medium where the CO2 is consumed by a photoautotroph for the production of biofuels, biofuel precursors or other commercial products.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for the delivery of carbon to photoautotrophs. The invention utilizes low energy regeneration of adsorbent for CO2 capture and provides for effective CO2 loading into liquids useful for photoautotroph growth and/or production of photosynthetic products, such as biofuels, via photoautotrophic culture media. The inventive system comprises a fluid/membrane/fluid contactor that provides selective transfer of molecular CO2 via a dense (non-porous) membrane from a carbonate-based CO2 snipping solution to a culture medium where the CO2 is consumed by a photoautotroph for the production of biofuels, biofuel precursors or other commercial products.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are tunable shape memory polymers (SMP's) and methods for manufacturing the disclosed SMP's.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring the integrity of an overhead power connector are disclosed. The systems and methods may include applying a temperature sensitive material to at least a portion of an overhead power connector and/or an overhead power conductor. The integrity of the overhead connector may be monitored or diagnosed by monitoring the properties of the temperature sensitive material to determine if the overhead connector experienced any high temperature excursions.

Abstract: A microphone having an optical component for converting the sound-induced motion of the diaphragm into an electronic signal using a diffraction grating. The microphone with inter-digitated fingers is fabricated on a silicon substrate using a combination of surface and bulk micromachining techniques. A 1 mm×2 mm microphone diaphragm, made of polysilicon, has stiffeners and hinge supports to ensure that it responds like a rigid body on flexible hinges. The diaphragm is designed to respond to pressure gradients, giving it a first order directional response to incident sound. This mechanical structure is integrated with a compact optoelectronic readout system that displays results based on optical interferometry.

Abstract: A device for use in the total cavopulmonary connection (TCPC) in order to optimize its hemodynamics. Although the current procedure of choice for single ventricle heart repairs, the TCPC has reduced the post-operative mortality to the level of simpler types of congenital heart disease repairs, Fontan patients are still subjected to serious long-term complications. The TCPC procedure, which restores the vital separation between oxygenated and deoxygenated blood, also leads to an increased workload for the remaining single ventricle, as it is now responsible for pumping the blood through both the systemic and pulmonary circulation. The present device reduces this workload by altering the surgically created design of the TCPC. Improved fluid mechanics and reduced energy dissipation at the connection site translates into less work for the single ventricle and improved transport of deoxygenated blood to the lungs, which may in turn contribute to improved post-operative results and quality of life.

Abstract: One embodiment of a system includes a volume hologram for dispersing a general diffuse beam of light provided as input; a detector for receiving and detecting light dispersed by the volume hologram; and a Fourier transforming lens for forming the Fourier transform of the light dispersed from the volume hologram onto the detector. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A sophisticated volume hologram for dispersing an incident optical signal with uniform spectrum over an input plane to an output pattern with non-uniform spatial-spectral information, where the sophisticated volume hologram includes a plurality of holograms that map different input wavelengths into different locations on an output plane. The system further includes a detector for receiving and detecting light dispersed by the sophisticated volume hologram.

Abstract: Capacitive bulk acoustic wave x, y and z-axes gyroscopes implemented on (100) and (111) silicon substrates are disclosed. Exemplary gyroscopes comprise a handle substrate, a bulk acoustic wave resonator element supported by the handle substrate, and a plurality of electrodes surrounding and separated from the resonator element by very small capacitive gaps. The electrodes can excite and detect at least two degenerate bulk acoustic wave resonant modes in the resonator. Advantages include reduced size; higher Q, which improves noise and bias stability; larger bandwidth, and improved shock resistance. In addition, the high Q is maintained in atmospheric or near-atmospheric pressure which reduces the cost and complexity of the wafer-scale packaging of the gyroscope.

Abstract: Disclosed are micromechanical tapered I-shaped bulk acoustic resonators. An exemplary resonator is formed on a substrate, which is preferably silicon. The resonator has a central rod (or extensional member) coupled to two tapered lateral flanges (or flexural members). The central extensional member and tapered flexural members are separated from the substrate. One or more electrodes are disposed adjacent to the tapered flexural members, are separated therefrom by small gaps, and are separated from the substrate. One or more anchors are coupled to the substrate, are laterally separated from the central rod by small gaps, and are coupled to the central rod by supports. The one or more anchors support and suspend the central rod and flexural members from the substrate. Process compensation is achieved using the tapered flexural members.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus that implement blind selected mapping techniques that provide for crest factor reduction of forward link CDMA signals. Communication signals are processed using a mathematical algorithm that selectively maps a summed communication signal in a frame to another summed communication signal which has a smaller peak-to-average power ratio. The reduced dynamic range communication signal is amplified and transmitted to a receiver. At the receiver, the reduced power communication signal is processed using a mathematical algorithm that detects the selected mapping index used in the transmitter and converts the received signals into the original communication signals.

Abstract: Micron-scale displacement measurement devices having enhanced performance characteristics are disclosed. One embodiment of a micron-scale displacement measurement device includes a phase-sensitive reflective diffraction grating for reflecting a first portion of an incident light and transmitting a second portion of the incident light such that the second portion of the incident light is diffracted. The device can further include a mechanical structure having a first region and a second region, the mechanical structure positioned a distance d above the diffraction grating and forming a wall of a cavity, the second portion of the incident light is reflected off of the first region of the structure such that an interference pattern is formed by the reflected first portion and the reflected second portion of the incident light. The device can further include an orifice formed in the cavity to provide for the passage of air between the inside and outside of the cavity.

Abstract: A lens-less system for analyzing an optical spectrum includes a sophisticated volume hologram for separating an incident diffuse optical signal into wavelength channels without aid of an external collector lens and a detector for receiving and detecting light dispersed by the sophisticated volume hologram. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are capacitive micromechanical resonators optimized for high Q, low motional impedance, and large tuning range. Exemplary resonators were fabricated using a HARPSS-on-SOI process, and demonstrated quality factors up to 119000 in vacuum. For resonators operating between 3 MHz and 30 MHz, the lowest extracted impedance is 218 k? and the largest electrostatic tuning coefficient is ?240 ppm/V2. The disclosed designs are applicable up to at least 200 MHz operation. An oscillator interface circuit comprising of a trans-impedance amplifier and an automatic bias generator providing a temperature-compensating bias voltage is also disclosed. Experiments show temperature drift reduction from 2800 ppm to 39 ppm over a 100° C. range. Process compensation (DFM) of micromechanical resonators, resonators having mass loading elements that allow generation of closely spaced frequencies, and coupled systems comprising of the resonators are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gain boosting technique for use with millimeter-wave cascode amplifiers. The exemplary technique may be implemented using a 0.18 ?m SiGe process (FT=140 GHz). It has also been shown that the technique is effective for CMOS processes with comparable FT. An exemplary gain-enhanced cascode stage was measured to have higher than 9 dB gain with a 1-dB bandwidth above 6 GHz with a DC power consumption of 13 mW. In addition, one cascode stage without gain boosting may be cascaded with two gain-boosted cascode amplifier stages to implement a three-stage LNA. The measured stable gain is higher than 24 dB at 60 GHz with a 3-dB bandwidth of 3.1 GHz for 25 mW of DC power consumption. It is believed that this is the first 60 GHz LNA with a higher than 20 dB gain using a 0.18 ?m SiGe process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention may provide for digital wavelet generators utilized in providing flexible spectrum-sensing resolutions for a Multi-Resolution Spectrum Sensing (MRSS) technique. Embodiments of the invention may provide for either multi-point or multi-rate digital wavelet generators. These digital wavelet generators may utilizing the same hardware resource optimally, and the various wavelet bases may be generated by changing the memory addressing schemes or clock speeds.

Abstract: A microvalve which utilizes a low temperature (<300° C.) fabrication process on a single substrate. The valve uses buckling and an electromagnetic actuator to provide a relatively large closing force and lower power consumption. A buckling technique of the membrane is used to provide two stable positions for the membrane, and to reduce the power consumption and the overall size of the microvalve. The use of a permanent magnet is an alternative to the buckled membrane, or it can be used in combination with the buckled membrane, or two sets of micro-coils can be used in order to open and close the valve, providing the capability for the valve to operate under normally opened or normally closed conditions. Magnetic analysis using ANSYS 5.7 shows that the addition of Orthonol between the coils increases the electromagnetic force by more than 1.5 times. At a flow rate of 1 mL/m, the pressure drop is <100 Pa.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes are disclosed that provide a microfabricated microtool having a mechanically actuated manipulating mechanism. The microtool comprises a tweezer having flexible arms, and an actuating mechanism. A biological, electrical, or mechanical component is grasped, cut, sensed, or measured by the flexible arms. The actuating mechanism requires no electric power and is achieved by the reciprocating motion of a smooth, rigid microstructure applied against the flexible arms of the microtool. In certain implementations, actuator motion is controlled distally by a tethered cable. A process is also disclosed for producing a microtool, and in particular, by micropatterning. Photolithography may be used to form micro-molds that pattern the microtool or components of the microtool. In certain implementations, the tweezer and actuating mechanism are produced fully assembled. In other implementations, the tweezer and actuating mechanism are produced separately and assembled together.

Abstract: Briefly described, embodiments of this disclosure, among others, include scanning ion probe systems, methods of use thereof, scanning ion source systems, methods of use thereof, scanning ion probe mass spectrometry systems, methods of use thereof, methods of simultaneous ion analysis and imaging, and methods of simultaneous mass spectrometry and imaging.