Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) receiver comprises a passive impedance transforming voltage amplifier and a resonant, latching micromechanical switch having a deflectable bridge, an RF actuation electrode receivingly connected to the amplifier, and a DC bias electrode positioned to latch the switch in a closed position by electrostatic attraction when energized by a suitable voltage. The bridge is configured with a mechanical mode of vibration that periodically urges the switch toward the closed position.

Abstract: The present application relates to vertically integrated assemblies including a MEMS-based optomechanical architecture. In some embodiments, the assembly includes a MEMS/optoelectronic module, an emitter module, and a detector module, where these modules are vertically integrated. Methods of fabricating such assemblies are also described herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to biomimetic membranes and methods of manufacturing such membranes that include structural features that mimic the structures of cellular membrane channels and produce membrane designs capable of high selectivity and high permeability or absorptivity. The membrane structure, material and chemistry can be selected to perform liquid separations, gas separation and capture, ion transport and adsorption for a variety of applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to magnetoelastic resonators, sensors, and tunable devices, as well as methods for making such components. The resonators can be used as tags and/or sensors. In general, the resonators include one or more micron-sized resonator portions affixed on a substrate. For use as a tag, each tag includes a plurality of resonator portions that allow for multiplexed coding, and methods for making tags and arrays of such tags include use of electrodeposition processes. In particular embodiments, these components include an electrodeposited material that exhibits magnetostrictive properties.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and compositions for assembling biological constructs (e.g., plasmids, transformed cells, etc.). In certain embodiments the methods involve encapsulating separate components of the biological construct each in a fluid droplet confined in a fluid channel; optionally mixing droplets from different fluid channels to form a sequenced order of droplets carrying different components of the biological construct in a channel or chamber; and optionally combining two or more droplets each containing different components of the biological construct to permit the components to react with each other in one or more reactions contributing to the assembly of the biological construct.

Abstract: Hydrodynamic focusing of two fluid steams provides a novel micro printing technology for printed electronics and other high performance applications.

Abstract: Systems and methods described herein are directed to rotary heat exchangers configured to transfer heat to a heat transfer medium flowing in substantially axial direction within the heat exchangers. Exemplary heat exchangers include a heat conducting structure which is configured to be in thermal contact with a thermal load or a thermal sink, and a heat transfer structure rotatably coupled to the heat conducting structure to form a gap region between the heat conducting structure and the heat transfer structure, the heat transfer structure being configured to rotate during operation of the device and flow a heat transfer medium in a substantially axial direction through the heat transfer structure. In example devices heat may be transferred across the gap region from a heated axial flow of the heat transfer medium to a cool stationary heat conducting structure, or from a heated stationary conducting structure to a cool axial flow of the heat transfer medium.

Abstract: The present invention, in part, relates to methods and apparatuses for on-chip amplification and/or detection of various targets, including biological targets and any amplifiable targets. In some examples, the microculture apparatus includes a single-use, normally-closed fluidic valve that is initially maintained in the closed position by a valve element bonded to an adhesive coating. The valve is opened using a magnetic force. The valve element includes a magnetic material or metal. Such apparatuses and methods are useful for in-field or real-time detection of targets, especially in limited resource settings.

Abstract: An array of dielectric resonators is formed on the substrate of an optoelectronic device. Each resonator includes an active medium having an optical transition that is operative in a process of photodetection or photoemission. The dielectric resonators in the array are each dimensioned to provide a resonance that lies substantially at the frequency of the optical transition.

Abstract: Technologies pertaining to a multi-aperture optical imaging system are described herein. The multi-aperture optical system comprises an afocal optical telescope and a plurality of sub-apertures that receive light from the telescope. Each sub-aperture comprises a focusing optic that creates a full-field image onto an individual image sensor that outputs data indicative of an intensity of light received at the sensor. Image processing techniques can be used to combine the sensor outputs for spectral discrimination, to improve dynamic range or to enhance resolution of a scene.

Abstract: Ultralow density pure metal foams, with density approaching 0.1% of the bulk density, and synthesis methods using interconnected metallic nanowires are provided. Nanowires of various sizes and metals are synthesized by electrodeposition into nanoporous templates such as anodized aluminum oxide or polycarbonate. The templates are etched away and the nanowires are dispersed into water through a suitable fluid exchange. Surface treatments ensure that nanowires remain sufficiently metallic and physically separated. Wire-water solutions can be dropped directly into liquid nitrogen in the form of droplets or placed into molds of various shapes. A freeze drying technique is employed to turn the resulting ice-wire mixture into a freestanding, low-density foam composed of interlocked nanowires. Finally, sintering or oxidation and reduction treatment of the foam material at elevated temperatures is used to connect the nanowires into an interconnected metallic foam, greatly improving the strength of the structure.

Abstract: Methods of converting lignocellulosic derivatives form 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF) in ionic liquids are provided herein. Glucose is enzymatically converted to fructose by isomerization with glucose isomerase and a borate salt. Conversion of fructose to HMF includes dehydration of fructose using ionic liquids or ionic liquids with an acid catalyst to achieve high yield of HMF.

Abstract: Various technologies described herein pertain to interconnect systems for electrical cables. An interconnect system can include a connector, an adapter ring, and a backshell. The connector includes a threaded distal coupling portion. The adapter ring includes a threaded proximal coupling portion and a non-threaded distal coupling portion. The backshell includes a proximal coupling portion and a port. The threaded proximal coupling portion of the adapter ring and the threaded distal coupling portion of the connector can be mechanically attached. Additionally, the proximal coupling portion of the backshell and the non-threaded distal coupling portion of the adapter ring can be mechanically attached. A wire bundle can enter the backshell through the port, pass through the adapter ring, and terminate at the connector. A shield that encloses the wire bundle can terminate at the backshell such that an end of the shield is positioned around an outer surface of the port.

Abstract: Proppant compositions for use in hydraulic fracturing and methods of using same are disclosed herein. The proppant compositions include a plurality of proppant particulates and at least one particulate of the plurality of proppant particulates containing at least one tracer, wherein the at least one tracer separates from the at least one particulate located inside a fracture of a subterranean formation after a period of time.

Abstract: A solar power system and materials capable of storing heat energy by thermochemical energy storage are disclosed. Thermal energy is stored as chemical potential in these materials through a reversible reduction-oxidation reaction. Thermal energy from concentrated sunlight drives a highly endothermic reduction reaction that liberates lattice oxygen from the oxide to form O2 gas, leaving energy-rich, oxygen-depleted particles. When desired, the heat is recovered as the particles are re-oxidized in an exothermic reaction upon exposure to air. The system may be integrated with a power generation system to generate power.

Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) based physically unclonable function (PUF) that comprises a common source amplifier for generating PUF output voltages, a unity gain, negative feedback operational amplifier for generating bias voltages, a voltage regulator and a bit exclusion circuit that excludes unstable PUF bits. Compensation circuitry built into the IC-PUF provides a high power supply rejection ratio and enables highly reliable operation of the IC-PUF across varying input voltages and operating temperatures. The IC-PUF generates a uniformly random output bit stream by taking advantage of process variations that are inherent to the fabrication of (metal-oxide semiconductor) MOS transistors.

Abstract: A modular motor is disclosed that includes a piston/harmonic drive assembly that is axially cycled. The piston/harmonic drive assembly is coupled to a ball transfer arrangement that converts the axial motion into rotary motion to rotate a rotor that can be used to rotate a drill bit.

Abstract: Various technologies presented herein relate to forming one or more heat dissipating structures (e.g., heat spreaders and/or heat sinks) on a substrate, wherein the substrate forms part of an electronic component. The heat dissipating structures are formed from graphene, with advantage being taken of the high thermal conductivity of graphene. The graphene (e.g., in flake form) is attached to a diazonium molecule, and further, the diazonium molecule is utilized to attach the graphene to material forming the substrate. A surface of the substrate is treated to comprise oxide-containing regions and also oxide-free regions having underlying silicon exposed. The diazonium molecule attaches to the oxide-free regions, wherein the diazonium molecule bonds (e.g., covalently) to the exposed silicon. Attachment of the diazonium plus graphene molecule is optionally repeated to enable formation of a heat dissipating structure of a required height.

Abstract: A visualization method for screening electronic devices is provided. In accordance with the disclosed method, a probe is applied to a grid of multiple points on the circuit, and an output produced by the circuit in response to the stimulus waveform is monitored for each of multiple grid points where the probe is applied. A power spectrum analysis (PSA) produces a power spectrum amplitude, in each of one or more frequency bins, on the monitored output for each of the multiple grid points. The PSA provides a respective pixel value for each of the multiple grid points. An image is displayed, in which image portions representing the multiple grid points are displayed with the respective pixel values.

Abstract: A system on chip (SoC) module is described herein, wherein the SoC modules comprise a processor subsystem and a hardware logic subsystem. The processor subsystem and hardware logic subsystem are in communication with one another, and transmit event messages between one another. The processor subsystem executes software actors, while the hardware logic subsystem includes hardware actors, the software actors and hardware actors conform to an event-driven architecture, such that the software actors receive and generate event messages and the hardware actors receive and generate event messages.