Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there are imaging interferometric microscopes and methods for imaging interferometric microscopy using structural illumination and evanescent coupling for the extension of imaging interferometric microscopy. Furthermore, there are coherent anti-Stokes Raman (CARS) microscopes and methods for coherent anti-Stokes Raman (CARS) microscopy, wherein imaging interferometric microscopy techniques are applied to get material dependent spectroscopic information.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide an image interferometric microscope (IIM) and methods for image interferometric microscopy. The disclosed IIM can approach the linear systems limits of optical resolution by using a plurality of off-axis illuminations to access high spatial frequencies along with interferometric reintroduction of a zero-order reference beam on the low-NA side of the optical system. In some embodiments, a thin object can be placed normal to the optical axis and the frequency space limit can be extended to about [(1+NA)n/?], where NA is the numerical-aperture of the objective lens used, n is the refraction index of the transmission medium and A is an optical wavelength. In other embodiments, tilting the object plane can further allow collection of diffraction information up to the material transmission bandpass limited spatial frequency of about 2n/?.

Abstract: A method is provided for making an electrical connection with a microelectronic component arranged on or embedded within a surface of a circuit board layer or a substrate. The microelectronic component has an electrical contact face that is accessible on a surface of the microelectronic component. An electrically conducting bump is applied to the electrical contact face of the microelectronic component. A metal foil or metal coat is applied via a coating of an insulating binder to the surface of the circuit board under an action of pressure and/or heat so that the electrically conducting bump penetrates the coating of the insulating binder to make the electrical connection between the metal foil or metal coat and the electrical contact face.

Abstract: The method of operation applies to a self-powered home automation sensor device for detecting the existence of and/or for measuring the intensity of a first physical phenomenon, comprising a means of converting an effect of a second physical phenomenon into electrical energy and a means of determining the instantaneous power of this second physical phenomenon that can be converted into electrical energy, wherein a normal, first mode of operation of the device or an energy-saving second mode of operation of the device is activated according to a value defined on the basis of the determination of the instantaneous power that can be converted into electrical energy.