Abstract: The present invention provides ionic liquids (ILs) comprising a carbohydrate anionic moiety and a cationic counter-ion moiety (Q+) and methods for producing and using the same. In one particular embodiment, the carbohydrate anionic moiety portion of ILs of the present invention is of the formula: [G-L]???I wherein G is selected from the group consisting of a monosaccharide, a disaccharide, a trisaccharide, and a derivative thereof; and L is a moiety selected from the group consisting of: wherein each of Ra, Rb, and Rc is independently hydrogen, C1-18 alkyl, or C2-20 mono- or di-unsaturated alkenyl; A? is —CO2?, —PO3H?, or —SO3?; and each of * marked carbon atom is independently a chiral center when said carbon atom has four different groups attached thereto.

Abstract: A solid-state laser system includes a gain medium having an optical resonator defined therein. The gain medium is co-doped with first and second active elements. The first active element is Er3+ and the second active element is Ho3+ or Dy3+. The solid-state laser system also includes a pump source coupled to the gain medium for pumping the gain medium with pump light.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of determining a treatment course of action. In particular, the present disclosure relates to compositions and methods for determining responsiveness to estrogen and estrogen blocking therapies for cancer.

Abstract: A design and implementation of a new optical architecture: space, time, and angular division multiplexed image transfer by Digital Micromirror Device. The method, like various multiplexing methods employed in communication engineering, enables image transfer via an angular band-limited data channel such as an optical image guide by dynamically redistributing a signal into multiple domains such as space, time, angle, wavelength, and polarization.

Abstract: A heliostat includes a reflector that has at least one segment arranged in a segment assembly and that defines a reflecting surface; a rigid spaceframe structure that includes a plurality of struts joined at nodes, the plurality of struts supporting the segment assembly so as to hold the reflecting surface in a concave toroidal shape; a dual-axis mount constructed and arranged to support and orient the rigid spaceframe structure and the segment assembly so as to reflect sunlight incident on the reflecting surface toward a distant receiving surface, the dual-axis mount including at least two drives; at least one mechanical linkage coupled to at least one drive of the dual-axis mount and configured to change a relative position of at least two nodes of the rigid spaceframe structure in synchronization with motion of the at least one drive, and thereby changing a shape of the rigid spaceframe structure and the reflector.

Abstract: A system for providing a contour map of the surface of a heliostat from reflected sunlight using a fly's eye camera. The system includes an entrance screen configured to receive sunlight reflected by said heliostat; an array of imaging apertures extending across the entrance screen, each aperture forming an image of said heliostat from a different viewpoint to provide a plurality of heliostat images; one or more digital cameras configured to view all of said plurality of heliostat images; an image processor configured to map out from the plurality of heliostat images a location of sunlight delivered to the entrance screen to obtain a plurality of maps, and to provide, based on centroids of said maps a tip and tilt of each said subsection The reflecting surface profile of the heliostat is obtained by integration of the subsection tilts across all the subsections.

Abstract: Snapshot phase-shifting diffraction modules and associated systems and methods are described that enable high spatial and temporal resolution phase imaging with high immunity to environmental factors such as vibrations and temperature changes. One example optical diffraction phase module includes a polarization grating to produce two circularly polarized light beams with opposite polarizations, a first lens to receive the two circularly polarized beams, and a spatial filter positioned at a focal plane of the first lens. The spatial filter includes two openings, one to spatially filter one of the two circularly polarized light beams, and another opening to allow another circularly polarized light beam to pass. The module also includes a second lens to focus the received light onto an image plane and to enable a phase measurement based a plurality of interferograms. The phase module can be incorporated into a microscope system that operates a reflection or a transmission mode.

Abstract: A diffractive multifocal lens is disclosed, comprising an optical element having at least one diffractive surface, the surface profile comprising a plurality of annular concentric zones. The optical thickness of the surface profile changes monotonically with radius within each zone, while a distinct step in optical thickness at the junction between adjacent zones defines a step height. The step heights for respective zones may differ from one zone to another periodically so as to tailor diffraction order efficiencies of the optical element. In one example of a trifocal lens, step heights alternate between two values, the even-numbered step heights being lower than the odd-numbered step heights. By plotting a topographical representation of the diffraction efficiencies resulting from such a surface profile, step heights may be optimized to direct a desired level of light power into the diffraction orders corresponding to near, intermediate, and distance vision, thereby optimizing the lens performance.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described that enable manufacturing of holograms with high spatial frequencies and allow composite master holograms to be formed in reflection configurations. An example system for replicating transmission-type holographic elements includes one or more prisms positioned to receive an illumination beam on a first face. A composite master holographic element is positioned in contact with a second face of the one or more prisms to receive the illumination beam after propagation through he one or more prisms. The composite master hologram includes a reference beam component and an object beam component. The replication hologram is positioned in contact with a third face of the one or more prisms to receive, upon illumination of the master HOE by the illumination beam, a holographic exposure comprising first order diffracted illumination from both the reference beam component and object beam component at an exposure region of the copy HOE.

Abstract: A life-assisting system to enhance the quality of life for people with visual impairment. The system integrates state-of-the-art sensing and sensory stimulation with light detection and ranging (LiDAR), machine learning, and advanced haptic navigation to provide the visually impaired population with a real-time haptic map of the three-dimensional environment and auditory descriptions of objects within that environment. By allowing the visually impaired population to sense objects in the surrounding environment through haptic and auditory feedback, the disclosed system has the potential to promote individual independence, reduce anxiety and stress, facilitate access to educational and employment opportunities, and reduce social and economic gaps. To provide those benefits, the system uses multi-modal learning to convert higher dimensional (e.g., four-dimensional) scene data into lower dimensional (e.g., one-dimensional) auditory data and (e.g., two- or three-dimensional) haptic data.

Abstract: The disclosure provides mutant Brassica plants that have increased locules and seed production relative to native wild-type plants. Such plants include a point mutation in the clavata 1 gene (CLV1), such as a G?A substitution at position 1745 of the Brassica rapa coding sequence, which leads to an S582N substitution in the protein sequence. Equivalent substitutions can be made in any Brassicaceae coding/protein sequence. Also provided are methods of using such plants in breeding programs, as well as parts of such plants (such as seeds), and methods of making commodity products from such plants (e.g., oil). Also provided are mutant CLV1 sequences. Brassica plants harboring the disclosed CLV1 mutation can include other desirable traits, such as herbicide tolerance.

Abstract: Methods, system and devices for multiplexed x-ray detection systems are described. The x-ray detection systems are designed using a multiplexed array of x-ray sources that are turned on simultaneously in groups of two or more x-ray sources to form multiple exposures that are detected by a plurality of detectors. The number of exposures, as well as x-ray source characteristics and parameters, such as the number and output energy level associated with each x-ray source are determined to optimize the quality of reconstrued images or maximize the detection/classification accuracy of object(s) and/or material(s) based on a total photon energy budget. The disclosed detection methods and devices improve both the quality and acquisition speed of x-ray images and x-ray measurement data for detection/classification of object(s) and/or material(s).

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are disclosed to detect and compensate wavefront errors associated with light that spans a large range of wavelengths and different polarization states. One example system includes an optical wavefront sensor that is positioned to receive input light after propagation through a turbulent medium, such as air or water or other liquids, and to detect a wavefront error associated with at least one spectral component of the received light that has a plurality of spectral components. The system further includes a wavefront compensator that is positioned to receive the input light and to simultaneously effectuate wavefront corrections for the plurality of spectral components of the input light based on the detected wavefront error.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems describe compact and simple deflectometry configurations that can measure complex shapes of freeform surfaces. One deflectometry system includes a first panel and a second panel positioned at an offset position from each other to provide illumination for an object. The second panel, positioned closer to the object, is operable as a substantially transparent panel, and as a pixelated panel to provide structured light patterns. The system also includes two or more cameras positioned on the second panel an is operable in a first mode where the first panel provides a first structured illumination and the second panel is configured as a substantially transparent panel that allows the first structured illumination from the first panel to transmit toward the object. The system is also operable in a second mode where the second panel is configured to provide a second structured illumination for illuminating the object.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems are described that relate to in-situ and in-process assembly of segmented optical component with high accuracy. One example method for assembling an optical component with multiple segments includes positioning the multiple segments to an initial state conforming to an alignment or positioning requirement, measuring positions of the multiple segments at the initial state, initiating a fusing process to fuse the multiple segments of the optical element together, measuring the positions of the multiple segments after commencement of the fusing process, and determining whether a change in the positions of the multiple segments has occurred that causes a deviation from the initial state. Upon a determination that the deviation is not within a tolerance value, the method includes adjusting a position of at least one of the multiple segments to maintain the deviation within the tolerance value.

Abstract: A device for removing infected tissue from a patient is provided. The device includes a handle body attached to a curette. The handle body comprises first and second channels extending therethrough. The curette comprises third and fourth channels extending therethrough. The first and third channels are disposed in fluid communication. The second and fourth channels are disposed in fluid communication. The curette comprises a generally cup-shaped curette head having a scraping edge at one end. The third and fourth channels comprise openings disposed proximate or within the curette head. Methods of using the device to remove infected tissue from a patient are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems that relate to a portable chromatic light microscope are described. One example chromatic light microscope includes a light source including light producing elements that produce non-monochromatic output light that can be modulated. The chromatic light microscope further includes an illumination subsection to receive light that is output from the light source. The illumination subsection includes one or more lenses to spatially disperse spectral contents of the light that is received by the illumination subsection and to deliver light having chromatic aberration to a target object. The chromatic light microscope also includes an imaging subsection that includes one or more lenses to receive scattered light from the target object and to deliver the same to a sensor, and a linear variable filter to selectively pass a portion of the light having a particular spectral range of wavelengths to the sensor.

Abstract: Superconducting Meissner effect transistors, methods of modulating, and systems are disclosed. In one aspect a disclosed transistor includes a superconducting bridge between a first and a second current probe, the first and second current probe being electrically connected to a source and a drain electrical connection, respectively and a control line configured to emit a magnetic field signal having signal strength Hsig at the superconducting bridge. In one aspect the emitted magnetic field is configured to break Cooper pairs in the superconducting bridge.

Abstract: An optical microtoroid resonator including one or more nanoparticles attached to a surface of the resonator and capable of receiving an input signal from afar-field source (via free-space transmission) and outputting light propagating within the optical apparatus. A method for coupling light into and out of an optical resonator using a nanoparticle or nanoparticles to interface with spatially separated far-field optical elements.

Abstract: A method for establishing optical coupling between spatially separated first and second planar waveguides includes arranging an optical interconnect on the first planar waveguide. The optical interconnect has first and second end portions and an intermediate portion. Each of the end portions has an inverse taper. The second planar waveguide is arranged on the optical interconnect so that the second planar waveguide overlaps with one of the inverse tapered end portions but not the other inverse tapered end portion to thereby enable an adiabatic transition of an optical signal from the first planar waveguide to the second planar waveguide via the optical interconnect. The first and second planar waveguides have different refractive indices at an operating wavelength and the optical interconnect have a higher refractive index at the operating wavelength than the refractive indices of a core of the first planar waveguide and a core of the second planar waveguide.