Abstract: Methods and apparatus for long read, label-free, optical nanopore long chain molecule sequencing. In general, the present disclosure describes a novel sequencing technology based on the integration of nanochannels to deliver single long-chain molecules with widely spaced (>wavelength), ˜1-nm aperture “tortuous” nanopores that slow translocation sufficiently to provide massively parallel, single base resolution using optical techniques. A novel, directed self-assembly nanofabrication scheme using simple colloidal nanoparticles is used to form the nanopore arrays atop nanochannels that unfold the long chain molecules. At the surface of the nanoparticle array, strongly localized electromagnetic fields in engineered plasmonic/polaritonic structures allow for single base resolution using optical techniques.

Abstract: An automated transaction machine (“ATM”) can include a note input/output port, an escrow unit, and an upper transport. The escrow unit can receive and hold currency notes. The upper transport can transport currency notes among the note input/output port and the escrow unit. The escrow unit can include a drum and first and second web-supply spool assemblies. The drum collects and releases currency notes relative to the upper transport, is rotatable about a first axis, and has a variable radius including minimum and maximum radii. Each web-supply spool assembly includes a spool and a web and can rotate about respective second and third axis parallel to and spaced from the first axis. A fourth axis can extend normal to and intersect both of the second and third axis and can be closer to the first axis than the maximum radius of the drum.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequencing methods and systems, the systems including nanochannel chip including: a nanochannel formed in an upper surface of the nanochannel chip and; a roof covering the nanochannel and comprising nanopores and a field enhancement structure; and a barrier disposed in the nanochannel. The method including: introducing a buffer solution including long-chain nucleic acids to the nanochannel chip; applying a voltage potential across the nanochannel chip to drive the nucleic acids through the nanochannel, towards the barrier, and to translocate the nucleic acids through nanopores adjacent to the barrier, such that bases of each of the nucleic acids pass through the field enhancement structure one base at a time and emerge onto an upper surface of the roof; detecting the Raman spectra of the bases of the nucleic acids as each base passes through the electromagnetic-field enhancement structure; and sequencing the nucleic acids based on the detected Raman spectra.

Abstract: Nucleic acid sequencing methods and systems, the systems including nanochannel chip including: a nanochannel formed in an upper surface of the nanochannel chip and; a roof covering the nanochannel and comprising nanopores and a field enhancement structure; and a barrier disposed in the nanochannel. The method including: introducing a buffer solution including long-chain nucleic acids to the nanochannel chip; applying a voltage potential across the nanochannel chip to drive the nucleic acids through the nanochannel, towards the barrier, and to translocate the nucleic acids through nanopores adjacent to the barrier, such that bases of each of the nucleic acids pass through the field enhancement structure one base at a time and emerge onto an upper surface of the roof; detecting the Raman spectra of the bases of the nucleic acids as each base passes through the electromagnetic-field enhancement structure; and sequencing the nucleic acids based on the detected Raman spectra.

Abstract: A device (1) for rolling rings, comprising: a rolling device (10) with a main roll (11) and at least one mandrel roll (13a) onto which a ring is loadable, wherein the rolling device (10) is designed to roll the ring, with the mandrel roll (13a) impacting an interior face of the ring and the main roll (11) impacting an exterior face of the ring ;and a manipulator (20) comprising at least one robot (21) designed to manipulate the ring, comprising loading the ring onto the mandrel roll (13a) and/or unloading the ring from the mandrel roll (13a).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for long read, label-free, optical nanopore long chain molecule sequencing. In general, the present disclosure describes a novel sequencing technology based on the integration of nanochannels to deliver single long-chain molecules with widely spaced (>wavelength), ˜1-nm aperture “tortuous” nanopores that slow translocation sufficiently to provide massively parallel, single base resolution using optical techniques. A novel, directed self-assembly nanofabrication scheme using simple colloidal nanoparticles is used to form the nanopore arrays atop nanochannels that unfold the long chain molecules. At the surface of the nanoparticle array, strongly localized electromagnetic fields in engineered plasmonic/polaritonic structures allow for single base resolution using optical techniques.

Abstract: A spectral sensor and a method for forming the spectral sensor is disclosed. The spectral sensor includes a planar waveguide on a substrate; a restriction mechanism that restricts a range of angles of incidence of light impinging onto the chirped input coupling grating; the chirped input grating formed to couple incident light into the planar waveguide, wherein the chirped input coupling grating comprises a first transverse chirp to provide a spectrally selective coupling of incident light Into the planar waveguide; a propagation region to filter out light that is not coupled into the planar waveguide; a detector array arranged on the opposite side of the propagation region from the chirped input coupling S grating to receive light coupled out of the planar waveguide and produce output signals representative of the light; and an electrical circuit to readout output signals from the detector array.

Abstract: An occupancy sensor covering a wide field in an integrated chip is disclosed. The occupancy sensor includes an array of grating coupled waveguide sensors wherein continuous wave (cw) signals monitor an ambient light field for dynamic changes on times scales of seconds, and high frequency signals map in three-dimensions of the space using time-of-flight (TOF) measurements, pixel level electronics that perform signal processing; array level electronics that perform additional signal processing; and communications and site level electronics that interface with actuators to respond to occupancy sensing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for long read, label-free, optical nanopore long chain molecule sequencing. In general, the present disclosure describes a novel sequencing technology based on the integration of nanochannels to deliver single long-chain molecules with widely spaced (>wavelength), ˜1-nm aperture “tortuous” nanopores that slow translocation sufficiently to provide massively parallel, single base resolution using optical techniques. A novel, directed self-assembly nanofabrication scheme using simple colloidal nanoparticles is used to form the nanopore arrays atop nanochannels that unfold the long chain molecules. At the surface of the nanoparticle array, strongly localized electromagnetic fields in engineered plasmonic/polaritonic structures allow for single base resolution using optical techniques.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to improved enhancement structures for use in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and/or surface-enhanced fluorescence-based analysis.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprising a waveguide having a core, said core having inserted therein one or more layers of nanoemitters.

Abstract: An angular sensitive time-of-flight position sensor device is provided and includes an array of pixels each comprising: a planar waveguide structure; a collection area with a grating pattern at a specific periodicity to couple incident light into the planar waveguide structure; at least one detector placed outside of the collection area and in a plane different from that of the planar waveguide structure; an output coupler to direct the light from planar waveguide to the at least one detector; a mask to shield the at least one detector from direct illumination; a narrow band light source that illuminates a field-of-view; a first electronics configured to detect the time-of-flight of light retroreflected, scattered, or both incident onto the position sensor and configured to provide distance ranging information; and a second electronics configured to interpret and retain time-of-flight information and configured to communicate with external electronics for system applications.

Abstract: Provided is a spectral sensor array, including: a planar waveguide on a substrate; a chirped input coupling grating, wherein the chirped input coupling grating comprises a transverse chirp to provide a spectrally selective coupling of incident light into the planar waveguide; an output coupling grating; and an array of photodetectors arranged to receive the light coupled out of the waveguide.

Abstract: An occupancy sensor covering a wide field in an integrated chip is disclosed. The occupancy sensor includes an array of grating coupled waveguide sensors wherein continuous wave (cw) signals monitor an ambient light field for dynamic changes on times scales of seconds, and high frequency signals map in three-dimensions of the space using time-of-flight (TOF) measurements, pixel level electronics that perform signal processing; array level electronics that perform additional signal processing; and communications and site level electronics that interface with actuators to respond to occupancy sensing.

Abstract: A 2-D sensor array includes a semiconductor substrate and a plurality of pixels disposed on the semiconductor substrate. Each pixel includes a coupling region and a junction region, and a slab waveguide structure disposed on the semiconductor substrate and extending from the coupling region to the region. The slab waveguide includes a confinement layer disposed between a first cladding layer and a second cladding layer. The first cladding and the second cladding each have a refractive index that is lower than a refractive index of the confinement layer. Each pixel also includes a coupling structure disposed in the coupling region and within the slab waveguide. The coupling structure includes two materials having different indices of refraction arranged as a grating defined by a grating period. The junction region comprises a p-n junction in communication with electrical contacts for biasing and collection of carriers resulting from absorption of incident radiation.

Abstract: In accordance with the disclosure, a method of forming a nanochannel is provided. The method includes depositing a photosensitive film stack over a substrate; forming a pattern on the film stack using interferometric lithography; depositing a plurality of silica nanoparticles to form a structure over the pattern; removing the pattern while retaining the structure formed by the plurality of silica nanoparticles, wherein the structure comprises one or more enclosed nanochannels, wherein each of the one or more nanochannels comprise one or more sidewalls and a roof; and partially sealing the roof of one or more nanochannels, wherein the roof comprises no more than one unsealed nanochannel per squared micron.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for long read, label-free, optical nanopore long chain molecule sequencing. In general, the present disclosure describes a novel sequencing technology based on the integration of nanochannels to deliver single long-chain molecules with widely spaced (>wavelength), ˜1-nm aperture “tortuous” nanopores that slow translocation sufficiently to provide massively parallel, single base resolution using optical techniques. A novel, directed self-assembly nanofabrication scheme using simple colloidal nanoparticles is used to form the nanopore arrays atop nanochannels that unfold the long chain molecules. At the surface of the nanoparticle array, strongly localized electromagnetic fields in engineered plasmonic/polaritonic structures allow for single base resolution using optical techniques.

Abstract: A circuit board (10, 10?, 10?) includes at last one insulating substrate layer (SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4, SL5) and a plurality of electrically conductive copper coats (C1, C2, C3) arranged on the at least one insulating substrate layer (SL1, SL2, SL3, SL4, SL5), wherein at least one of the electrically conductive copper coats (C1, C2, C3) is coated at least on both sides with a layer (HSI, HS2, HS3) made of a material for inhibiting electromigration, wherein on a layer (HS1, HS2) made of a material for inhibiting electromigration a further metal layer (M1, M2, M3, M3?) is provided, which is in turn coated with a further layer (HS3, HS3?) made of a material for inhibiting electromigration.