Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a process for forming small diameter vias at low temperatures. In preferred embodiments, through-substrate vias are fabricated by forming a through-substrate via; and depositing conductive material into the via by means of a flowing solution plating technique, wherein the conductive material releases a gas that pushes the conductive material through the via to facilitate plating the via with the conductive material. In preferred embodiments, the fabrication of the substrate is conducted at low temperatures.

Abstract: A switchable apochromatic polarization rotator is provided. A first fixed waveplate has a first principal axis fixed in a first orientation. A second fixed waveplate has a second principal axis fixed in a second orientation. First and second switchable waveplates have principal axes oriented such that broad spectral range electromagnetic radiation transmitted through all of the waveplates has a first rotated polarization, wherein, in response to one or more control signals applied to the switchable waveplates, the principal axes of the switchable waveplates rotate such that the electromagnetic radiation transmitted through all of the waveplates has a second rotated polarization. The switchable waveplates utilize ferroelectric liquid crystal material, nematic liquid crystal material, or be mechanically rotated to adjust for orientation of their principal axes. Utilizing waveplates as described may be used to tune for a desired spectral range and/or compensate for temperature dependencies.

Abstract: An anisotropic cross-linked PVA alignment layer for aligning nematic polymeric liquid crystal compensator films, which also provides an out-of-plane retardation. The cross-linked PVA alignment layer, when applied in sufficient thickness functions as both a negative uniaxial C-plate and causes alignment of the nematic liquid crystal molecules. The combination of the retardation provided by the alignment layer and the compensator film deposited on it provides a significant improvement in the contrast and color stability of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) at large viewing angles in which they are used.

Abstract: A cost-effective FPA includes a plurality of detectors per pixel, wherein radiation is directed by a microlens array into respective focal regions that are covered by the union of the detectors' collections regions within each pixel and any defective detectors are de-selected in the ROIC. The operability of each pixel is evaluated, and a map generated specifying detector de-selection for each pixel. This map is read into memory in the ROIC to de-select bad detectors. Bad detectors are preferably allowed to float to a photovoltage and re-emit some of their accumulated photo charge to neighboring detectors to improve collection efficiency. The radiation levels are preferably read out on a pixel-by-pixel basis. Accordingly, the signals from the selected detectors are combined within each pixel.

Abstract: A micro-structured optics apparatus includes a concave microlens to expand a beam of light, a reflector to provide a first reflection of at least a portion of the beam of light and a micro-Fresnel lens to collimate the at least a portion of the beam of light after the expansion.