Abstract: A sample analysis device is provided, the device comprising a frame adapted to accept at least one analysis apparatus, with each analysis apparatus having an analysis distance associated therewith. A eucentric goniometer is operably engaged with the frame and is adapted to eucentrically support a sample at a eucentric point within a reference system defined by the eucentric goniometer. The reference system of the eucentric goniometer is independent of the analysis distance. An axial adjustment device is operably engaged with at least one of the frame and the eucentric goniometer and is configured to coincidentally position the eucentric point and the analysis distance for the respective analysis apparatus. An associated device and method are also provided.

Abstract: A three terminal tunneling device that has a smaller voltage transition between off-current and on-current states and which also has less dependence on the lateral dimensions of the device. The device is a hybrid between a MOS transistor, a gated diode and a tunneling diode. The semiconductor device includes a lightly doped substrate of a first conductivity type. The lightly doped substrate will include a first heavily doped region of a first conductivity type formed in the substrate and a lightly doped layer of a first conductivity type disposed on the substrate and the first heavily doped region. The device also including a gate insulator layer disposed on the lightly doped layer and underlying a portion of the first heavily doped region and a gate electrode that is disposed on the gate insulator layer.

Abstract: An electromagnetic emission source identification apparatus is provided, the identification apparatus comprising a sensor device, a data transmitter, and a computer device. The sensor device is configured to sense an electromagnetic emission from a source, wherein the electromagnetic emission is sensed by the sensor device as corresponding sensed emission data. The data transmitter is in communication with the sensor device and is configured to transmit the sensed emission data from the sensor device. The computer device is configured to be in communication with the data transmitter. The computer device is further configured to process digital emission data, the digital emission data corresponding to the sensed emission data, so as to determine an identification indicator, an operational characteristic indicator, and/or an accessory characteristic indicator corresponding to the source.

Abstract: A method for providing a cost quote for a complex model data analysis is provided, wherein the analysis is performed on a computer device remotely disposed with respect to a computer terminal adapted to be used by a user. First, the user at the remote computer terminal is prompted to select an input data and an analysis parameter for an analysis of the data input according to a complex model. An automated cost calculator function is then executed in response to the selected input data and analysis parameter, wherein the cost calculator function is particularly configured with respect to the complex model so as to provide a cost quote for execution of the corresponding analysis by the computer device. The cost quote is thereafter provided to the user at the remote computer terminal.

Abstract: A passive microwave component with constant impedance and electrically adjustable phase length utilizes a microstrip or stripline transmission line geometry incorporating a composite dielectric having both ferroelectric (FE) and ferromagnetic (FM) properties. These properties can be varied with externally applied electric and magnetic fields such that the phase length (or electrical length) of the line can be varied without varying the characteristic impedance of the transmission line. Thus, the component can be electrically tuned without adversely affecting the impedance match. The component can be used in microwave devices such as phase shifters, frequency filters, directional couplers, power dividers and combiners, and impedance-matching networks.

Abstract: A MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical System) valve device driven by electrostatic forces is provided. This valve device can provide for fast actuation, large valve force and large displacements while utilizing minimal power. The MEMS valve device includes a substrate having an aperture formed therein, a substrate electrode, a moveable membrane that overlies the aperture and has an electrode element and a biasing element. Additionally, at least one resiliently compressible dielectric layer is provided to insure electrical isolation between the substrate electrode and electrode element of the moveable membrane. In operation, a voltage differential is established between the substrate electrode and the electrode element of the moveable membrane to move the membrane relative to the aperture to thereby controllably adjust the portion of the aperture that is covered by the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved electromagnetic radiation detector having a micromachined electrostatic chopping device. The MEMS flexible film chopping 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 device comprises a detector material element, first and second electrodes in electrical contact with the detector material element and electrically isolated from one another. Additionally, the chopper device will incorporate a 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.

Abstract: An electromechanical device includes a first frame having a first aperture therein, a second frame suspended in the first frame wherein the second frame has a second aperture therein, and a plate suspended in the second aperture. A first pair of beams support the second frame along a first axis relative to the first frame so that the second frame rotates about the first axis. A second pair of beams supports the plate along a second axis relative to the second frame so that the plate rotates about the second axis relative to the frame. The first and second axes preferably intersect at a 90° angle. A first actuator provides mechanical force for rotating the second frame relative to the first frame about the first axis. A second actuator provides mechanical force for rotating the plate relative to the second frame about the second axis. Accordingly, the plate can be independently rotated relative to the first axis and the second axis. Related methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved polarized-light detector device. The device comprises a photodiode having a first contact disposed on the backside of a light-sensing medium and a second contact disposed on the frontside of the light-sensing medium. A spin filter medium is disposed between the backside of the light-sensing medium and the first contact. The application of a magnetic field aligns the magnetic moments in the spin-filter medium to cause the device to discriminate between different polarizations of an optical signal. The polarization discrimination is affected by introducing a net magnetization into the spin filter medium, thereby allowing selected spin-polarized electrons to either be transmitted through the spin filter medium to the point of detection or deflected from further transmission. Additionally, the invention is embodied in a polarization-selective-light detector array and methods for discriminating a polarized optical signal and selective optical wavelength detection.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved polarized-light detector device. The device comprises a photodiode having a first contact disposed on the backside of a light-sensing medium and a second contact disposed on the frontside of the light-sensing medium. A spin filter medium is disposed between the backside of the light-sensing medium and the first contact. The application of a magnetic field aligns the magnetic moments in the spin-filter medium to cause the device to discriminate between different polarizations of an optical signal. The polarization discrimination is affected by introducing a net magnetization into the spin filter medium, thereby allowing selected spin-polarized electrons to either be transmitted through the spin filter medium to the point of detection or deflected from further transmission. Additionally, the invention is embodied in a polarization-selective-light detector array and methods for discriminating a polarized optical signal and selective optical wavelength detection.

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: An image projection device adapted to project an image on a remotely disposed display is provided. The image projection device comprises a plurality of image elements, each image element being configured to emit an image portion therefrom. The image portions are directed through a projection lens, configured to cooperate with the image elements, and projected onto the remote display. A plurality of fiber-optic elements, corresponding to the plurality of image elements, is disposed between the image elements and the projection lens. Each fiber-optic element is configured to have a light-emitting end, toward the projection lens, tapering to a light-receiving end toward the corresponding image element. The fiber-optic element is thereby configured to receive the image portion from the image element at the light-receiving end and to expand the image portion before emitting the expanded image portion from the light-emitting end.

Abstract: An intrusion tolerant communication network and related methods is provided that places emphasis on continuity of operation and provides for an attack-survivable communication network whose network devices collectively accomplish the specified networking intent even under attack and despite active intrusions. The present invention defines methods for network intrusion tolerance in terms of the various state transitions that maximize the overall effectiveness of an intrusion tolerant communication network.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reconfigurable scalable intrusion-tolerant network that is interposed between a service requesting client and a protected server to minimize the impact of intrusive events. The apparatus may include a proxy server for receiving the requests from a client and forwarding them to a protected server. Acceptance monitors receive the response from a protected server and apply one or more acceptance tests. A ballot monitor receives the result of the acceptance tests and determines a response to the client. The network may also include an intrusion sensor to detect threats to the network and a reconfigurer to alter the network forwarding scheme. Reconfiguration may include isolating network elements, creating parallel paths, implementing redundant operations, or assessing the validity of responses.

Abstract: A current regulator controls the electron emission from a cold cathode using closed-loop feedback from a current sensor in the cathode connection. The regulator circuit includes a cold cathode, a current-sensing element, a current-limiting element, and current-control element. Additionally, the closed-loop current regulator may comprise a reference element for generating the reference level, a circuit power supply and a cathode bias supply. The regulator and cathode may be assembled from separate components, or the entire circuit may be integrated onto a single substrate. In one embodiment, the current level is set by adjusting the reference element directly. In a second embodiment, the current level is set by adjusting the circuit power supply, so that the current level can be set remotely without the need to adjust the reference element directly. The second embodiment is preferably suited for the regulation of beam current in analytical instrumentation.

Abstract: A MEMS pumping device driven by electrostatic forces comprises a substrate having at least one substrate electrode disposed thereon. Affixed to the substrate is a moveable membrane that generally overlies the at least one substrate electrode. The moveable membrane comprises at least one electrode element and a biasing element. The moveable membrane includes a fixed portion attached to the substrate and a distal portion extending from the fixed portion and being moveable with respect to the substrate electrode. A dielectric element is disposed between the at least one substrate electrode and the at least one electrode element of the moveable membrane to provide for electrical isolation. In operation, a voltage differential is established between the at least one substrate electrode and the at least one electrode element which displaces the moveable membrane relative to the substrate to thereby controllably distribute matter residing between the substrate and the distal portion of the moveable membrane.

Abstract: A passive microwave component with constant impedance and electrically adjustable phase length utilizes a microstrip or stripline transmission line geometry incorporating a composite dielectric having both ferroelectric (FE) and ferromagnetic (FM) properties. These properties can be varied with externally applied electric and magnetic fields such that the phase length (or electrical length) of the line can be varied without varying the characteristic impedance of the transmission line. Thus, the component can be electrically tuned without adversely affecting the impedance match. The component can be used in microwave devices such as phase shifters, frequency filters, directional couplers, power dividers and combiners, and impedance-matching networks.

Abstract: The present invention provides for an improved electromagnetic radiation detector having a micromachined electrostatic chopping device. The MEMS flexible film chopping 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 device comprises a detector material element, first and second electrodes in electrical contact with the detector material element and electrically isolated from one another. Additionally, the chopper device will incorporate a 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.

Abstract: A MEMS apparatus is provided that includes a microelectronic substrate and an elevating structure having a fixed portion attached to the substrate and a distal portion raised from the surface of the substrate. The distal portion of the elevating structure defines at least one zone of attachment. Additionally, the MEMS apparatus comprises a MEMS device attached to the distal portion of the elevating structure at one of the zones of attachment. The attached MEMS device may comprise an electrostatic actuator having a first and second electrode film that are attached to the elevating structure at one of the zones of attachment. In those embodiments in which the MEMS devices comprise an electrostatic actuator the force and movement provided by the actuator may be used to incorporate switches, pumps, valves or other similar MEMS devices.

Abstract: A current regulator controls the electron emission from a cold cathode using closed-loop feedback from a current sensor in the cathode connection. The regulator circuit includes a cold cathode, a current-sensing element, a current-limiting element, and current-control element. Additionally, the closed-loop current regulator may comprise a reference element for generating the reference level, a circuit power supply and a cathode bias supply. The regulator and cathode may be assembled from separate components, or the entire circuit may be integrated onto a single substrate. In one embodiment, the current level is set by adjusting the reference element directly. In a second embodiment, the current level is set by adjusting the circuit power supply, so that the current level can be set remotely without the need to adjust the reference element directly. The second embodiment is preferably suited for the regulation of beam current in analytical instrumentation.