Abstract: A three dimensional photonic crystal and layer-by-layer processes of fabricating the photonic crystal. A substrate is exposed to a plurality of first microspheres made of a first material, the first material being of a type that will bond to the templated substrate and form a self-passivated layer of first microspheres to produce a first layer. The first layer is exposed to a plurality of second microspheres made of a second material, the second material being of a type that will bond to the first layer and form a self-passivated layer of second microspheres. This layering of alternating first and second microspheres can be repeated as desired to build a three dimensional photonic crystal of desired geometry. Charged polymers such as polyelectrolyte coatings can be used to create the bonds.

Abstract: Three dimensional electronic and optical coupling devices that are capable of providing high speed coupling over a large frequency range while limiting the amount of space consumption in the communications network. An optical or electrical coupling device comprises a first substrate and a second substrate adjacent to the first substrate having one or more optical waveguides or microstrips formed thereon. The substrates will have disposed thereon conductive microstrips and/or dielectric elements. The one or more optical waveguides or microstrips formed on the first substrate correspond to at least one optical waveguides or microstrips formed on the second substrate so as to facilitate optical coupling between the corresponding waveguides. Precise spacing between the substrates and precise spacing between the optical waveguides or microstrips facilitate the requisite optical/RF coupling.

Abstract: Impedance control elements that are implemented in conjunction with the transition region of an electromagnetic waveguide to diminish the effect of reflective pulses on the signal transmission and to create linear impedance transition in the transition region are provided for. The device of the present invention provides the stated benefits in electromagnetic waveguides that are capable of high bandwidth signal transmission.

Abstract: Three dimensional electronic and optical coupling devices that are capable of providing high speed coupling over a large frequency range while limiting the amount of space consumption in the communications network. An optical or electrical coupling device comprises a first substrate and a second substrate adjacent to the first substrate having one or more optical waveguides or microstrips formed thereon. The substrates will have disposed thereon conductive microstrips and/or dielectric elements. The one or more optical waveguides or microstrips formed on the first substrate correspond to at least one optical waveguides or microstrips formed on the second substrate so as to facilitate optical coupling between the corresponding waveguides. Precise spacing between the substrates and precise spacing between the optical waveguides or microstrips facilitate the requisite optical/RF coupling.

Abstract: This invention provides a continuous display with non-uniform pixel density, forming a foveated display. A single, continuous display has a higher pixel density at the center of the display than at the periphery of the display. Where two continuous displays are used in accordance with the present invention, the central forward gaze of the viewer's image will be displayed in high resolution while the leftmost portion of the left eye display will be in low resolution and the rightmost portion of the right eye display will be in low resolution. The pixel resolution of the visual display may correspond to the visual acuity of the human eye. A foveated image display system using a continuous display with non-uniform pixel density increases the field of view while reducing the image bandwidth.

Abstract: Adaptive methods and systems for applying a channel correction factor to received signals to correct errors caused by channel distortion. The channel correction factor is dynamically calculated and updated based on the received signal or signals. A receiver continuously calculates an error factor representing a deviation of the received signal from the signal being transmitted, and generates the channel correction factor based on the error factor. Since the error factor includes information related to channel distortions, the channel correction factor so calculated adapts to the change of channel characteristics. If preferred, an advanced algorithm can be used to predict the channel response for the next incoming signal such that the receiver can correct channel errors on a substantially real-time basis.

Abstract: An improved through-via vertical interconnect, through-via heat sinks and associated fabrication techniques are provided for. The devices benefit from an organic dielectric layer that allows for low-temperature deposition processing. The low-temperature processing used to form the through-via interconnects and heat sinks allows for the formation of the interconnects and heat sinks at any point in the fabrication of the semiconductor device, including post-formation of active devices and associated circuitry. The through-via vertical interconnects of the present invention are fabricated so as to insure conformal thickness of the various layers that form the interconnect constructs. As such, the interconnects can be formed with a high aspect ratio, in the range of about 4:1 to about 10:1, substrate thickness to interconnect diameter.

Abstract: A flexible optoelectronic circuit is assembled on and released from a substrate, and therefore independent of a substrate. The substrate includes semiconductor substrates having a release layer. The release layer is etched to release the optoelectronic circuit such that the resulting circuit is flexible. Both optical elements, such as waveguides, and conductive elements are formed in layers, generally between insulating layers. The elements may be formed and patterned using standard semiconductor manufacturing techniques.

Abstract: Three dimensional electronic and optical coupling devices that are capable of providing high speed coupling over a large frequency range while limiting the amount of space consumption in the communications network. An optical or electrical coupling device comprises a first substrate and a second substrate adjacent to the first substrate having one or more optical waveguides or microstrips formed thereon. The substrates will have disposed thereon conductive microstrips and/or dielectric elements. The one or more optical waveguides or microstrips formed on the first substrate correspond to at least one optical waveguides or microstrips formed on the second substrate so as to facilitate optical coupling between the corresponding waveguides. Precise spacing between the substrates and precise spacing between the optical waveguides or microstrips facilitate the requisite optical/RF coupling.

Abstract: A three dimensional photonic crystal and layer-by-layer processes of fabricating the photonic crystal. A templated substrate is exposed to a plurality of first microspheres made of a first material, the first material being of a type that will bond to the templated substrate and form a self-passivated layer of first microspheres to produce a first layer. The first layer is exposed to a plurality of second microspheres made of a second material, the second material being of a type that will bond to the first layer and form a self-passivated layer of second microspheres. This layering of alternating first and second microspheres can be repeated as desired to build a three dimensional photonic crystal of desired geometry.

Abstract: Impedance control elements that are implemented in conjunction with the transition region of an electromagnetic waveguide to diminish the effect of reflective pulses on the signal transmission and to create linear impedance transition in the transition region are provided for. The device of the present invention provides the stated benefits in electromagnetic waveguides that are capable of high bandwidth signal transmission.

Abstract: A wireless communication base station consistent with certain embodiments of the present invention collects user transmissions and creates and maintains a database storing data that relates communication parameters to a geographic location. A base station receiver receives data packets containing data describing a geographic location of a mobile communication node. The base station predicts a future geographic location of the mobile communication node, and transmits communication parameters to the mobile communication node associated with the predicted future geographic location. The mobile communication node consistent with certain embodiments of the invention has a GPS positioning device that determines a geographic location of the communication node. A transceiver transmits data representing the geographic location and receives data representing communication parameters determined as a function of the data representing the geographic location.

Abstract: A MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) electrostatically operated high voltage switch or relay device is provided. These devices can switch high voltages while using relatively low electrostatic operating voltages. The MEMS device comprises a substrate, a substrate electrode, and one or more substrate contacts. The MEMS device also includes a flexible composite overlying the substrate, one or more composite contacts, and at least one insulator. The switch or relay device is provided overdrive potential through protrusions on the contact surface of the switch or relay contacts. In one embodiment the substrate contacts define protrusions on the contact surface that extend toward the flexible composite contacts. In another embodiment the flexible composite contacts define protrusions on the contact surface that extend toward the substrate contacts.

Abstract: An optical-inclusive, dWDM local area network and the accompanying signaling protocol necessary to facilitate communication between nodes in a network. This network architecture provides for a packet-oriented network, independent of the number of nodes and the number of supported wavelengths, and provides for scheduled access to the medium, which guarantees higher utilization.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved electromagnetic radiation detector having a micromachined electrostatic chopper/shutter device. The MEMS flexible film chopper/shutter device provides reliability, efficiency, noise reduction and temperature fluctuation compensation capabilities to the associated electromagnetic radiation detector. An electromagnetic radiation detector having an electrostatic chopper/shutter device includes a detector material element and flexible film actuator overlying the detector material layer and moveable relative thereto. The flexible film actuator will typically include an electrode element and a biasing element such that the actuator remains in a fully curled, open state absent electrostatic voltage and moves to a fully uncurled, closed state upon the application of electrostatic voltage. Arrays that incorporate a plurality of electromagnetic radiation detectors and/or electrostatic shuttering devices are additionally provided for.

Abstract: A miniature electrical relay including a piezoelectric actuating element where the piezoelectric actuating element includes a piezoelectric thin-film material sandwiched in between two metal electrode layers that function as piezoelectric electrodes. The metal electrode layers are connected to a positive and negative terminal, respectively, of a power source, which results in actuation of the piezoelectric actuating element. The piezoelectric actuating element is affixed to a deformable metal contact through an insulating layer, such that when actuated, the piezoelectric actuating element selectively deforms the deformable metal contact to cause the contact to move into or out of electrical and mechanical connection with a fixed metal contact.

Abstract: A MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) electrostatically operated high voltage switch or relay device is provided. These devices can switch high voltages while using relatively low electrostatic operating voltages. The MEMS device comprises a substrate, a substrate electrode, and one or more substrate contacts. The MEMS device also includes a flexible composite overlying the substrate, one or more composite contacts, and at least one insulator. The switch or relay device is provided overdrive potential through protrusions on the contact surface of the switch or relay contacts. In one embodiment the substrate contacts define protrusions on the contact surface that extend toward the flexible composite contacts. In another embodiment the flexible composite contacts define protrusions on the contact surface that extend toward the substrate contacts.

Abstract: A scanning apparatus adapted to track or other wise communicate with a remote object is provided, comprising a plurality of individually actuatable laser devices, each laser device emitting a laser beam. The scanning apparatus further comprises a moveable lens member disposed adjacent to the output ports such that the laser beams are directed therethrough, the lens member being moveable and cooperable with the laser devices such that each laser beam is directed in a different direction after passing through the lens member. The scanning apparatus is further configured to provide laser beam agility by selectively actuating individual laser devices so as to coarsely track the remote object and to provide laser beam steerability by moving the lens member with respect to an actuated laser device so as to finely track the remote object. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A simplified MEMS optical display device driven by electrostatic forces and associated arrays are provided for. The optical display device includes an optically transparent substrate, an optically transparent fixed electrode disposed on the substrate and a pigmented translucent film disposed on the substrate. A moveable optical shutter is affixed to the substrate and is generally aligned with the fixed electrode and the pigmented translucent film. The moveable optical shutter comprises an electrode element and a biasing element. In addition, a fixed portion attached to the substrate and a distal portion adjacent to the fixed portion defines the optical shutter. When an electrostatic voltage differential is established between the fixed electrode and the optical shutter electrode element the distal portion of the optical shutter will move to controllably regulate the pigmentation of an optical signal.

Abstract: A flexible optoelectronic circuit is assembled on and released from a substrate, and therefore independent of a substrate. The substrate includes semiconductor substrates having a release layer. The release layer is etched to release the optoelectronic circuit such that the resulting circuit is flexible. Both optical elements, such as waveguides, and conductive elements are formed in layers, generally between insulating layers. The elements may be formed and patterned using standard semiconductor manufacturing techniques.