Abstract: In an embodiment, an integrated heat sink for a microchip includes a substrate having a plurality of interconnected electronic devices formed in a plurality of layers. At least one heat sink element is interposed within the layers and includes a microchannel to provide a fluid flow path for heat transfer. Other embodiments include a method of making an integrated heat sink for a microchip.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to nanowire-based modulators that can be used to encode information in a carrier channel of electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment of the present invention, the modulator includes a waveguide configured to transmit one or more channels of electromagnetic radiation. The modulator includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal and the second terminal are positioned on opposite sides of the waveguide. The modulator also includes a number of nanowires, wherein each nanowire interconnects the first terminal to the second terminal and a portion of each nanowire is operatively coupled to the waveguide. The nanowires modulate the one or more channels when an electrical signal of appreciable magnitude is applied to the first terminal and the second terminal.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a laser optically coupled to a photonic crystal structure configured to provide an evanescent field through a sensed medium region such that the photonic crystal structure functions as a cavity/resonator for the laser.

Abstract: A system for performing cantilever based calorimetric analysis system. A laser device is configured to emit a beam of laser energy along a beam pathway reaching from the laser device to a microcantilever. The microcantilever presents a reflective target area for the laser beam. The microcantilever deflects in response to heat. A material is provided adjacent to the target area. The material receives heat energy from the laser beam. A detector is positioned on a beam return pathway. The detector is configured to sense laser energy from the beam return pathway and provide a data single that represents calorimetric data from the material. Control circuitry is also provided to receive the data signal from the detector and process the data signal according to program logic for providing a differential scanning calorimetric analysis of the calorimetric data. An associated method of use is also provided.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to nanowire-based modulators that can be used to encode information in a carrier channel of electromagnetic radiation. In one embodiment of the present invention, the modulator includes a waveguide configured to transmit one or more channels of electromagnetic radiation. The modulator includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal and the second terminal are positioned on opposite sides of the waveguide. The modulator also includes a number of nanowires, wherein each nanowire interconnects the first terminal to the second terminal and a portion of each nanowire is operatively coupled to the waveguide. The nanowires modulate the one or more channels when an electrical signal of appreciable magnitude is applied to the first terminal and the second terminal.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a photonic crystal structure including a Mach Zehnder interferometer with a reference arm and a sensor arm configured to provide an evanescent field through a sensed medium region adjacent to the sensor arm.

Abstract: A system for performing cantilever based calorimetric analysis system. A laser device is configured to emit a beam of laser energy along a beam pathway reaching from the laser device to a microcantilever. The microcantilever presents a reflective target area for the laser beam. The microcantilever deflects in response to heat. A material is provided adjacent to the target area. The material receives heat energy from the laser beam. A detector is positioned on a beam return pathway. The detector is configured to sense laser energy from the beam return pathway and provide a data single that represents calorimetric data from the material. Control circuitry is also provided to receive the data signal from the detector and process the data signal according to program logic for providing a differential scanning calorimetric analysis of the calorimetric data. An associated method of use is also provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for identifying one or more specific proteins in a heterogeneous test solution with a plurality of micro-cantilevers which have two or more conductive arms coupled to an end area having a higher resistance than the conductive arms. The method includes the operation of heating each end area of the plurality of micro-cantilevers by passing a current through each end area. A further operation includes increasing a temperature of the heterogeneous test solution using each heated end area of each of the plurality of micro-cantilevers. Another operation involves measuring a temperature change in the heterogeneous test solution that occurs when a specific protein denatures while heating the heterogeneous test solution with the plurality of micro-cantilevers. A further operation includes identifying the one or more specific proteins in the heterogeneous test solution according to the temperature at which each of the specific proteins denatured.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a laser optically coupled to a photonic crystal structure configured to provide an evanescent field through a sensed medium region such that the photonic crystal structure functions as a cavity/resonator for the laser.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus includes a photonic crystal structure including a Mach Zehnder interferometer with a reference arm and a sensor arm configured to provide an evanescent field through a sensed medium region adjacent to the sensor arm.