Abstract: A fluidic device holder configured to orient a fluidic device. The device holder includes a support structure configured to receive a fluidic device. The support structure includes a base surface that faces in a direction along the Z-axis and is configured to have the fluidic device positioned thereon. The device holder also includes a plurality of reference surfaces facing in respective directions along an XY-plane. The device holder also includes an alignment assembly having an actuator and a movable locator arm that is operatively coupled to the actuator. The locator arm has an engagement end. The actuator moves the locator arm between retracted and biased positions to move the engagement end away from and toward the reference surfaces. The locator arm is configured to hold the fluidic device against the reference surfaces when the locator arm is in the biased position.

Abstract: A method for controlling focus of an optical system. The method includes providing a pair of incident light beams to a conjugate lens. The incident light beams are directed by the lens to converge toward a focal region. The method also includes reflecting the incident light beams with an object positioned proximate to the focal region. The reflected light beams return to and propagate through the lens. The method also includes detecting a phase of each of the reflected light beams and determining a degree-of-focus of the optical system with respect to the object by comparing the phases of the reflected light beams.

Abstract: A method for controlling a focus of an optical system. The method includes providing a pair of incident light beams to a conjugate lens. The incident light beams are directed by the lens to converge toward a focal region. The method also includes reflecting the incident light beams with an object positioned proximate to the focal region. The reflected light beams return to and propagate through the lens. The method also includes determining relative separation measured between the reflected light beams and determining a degree-of-focus of the optical system with respect to the sample based upon the relative separation.

Abstract: A fluidic device holder configured to orient a fluidic device. The device holder includes a support structure configured to receive a fluidic device. The support structure includes a base surface that faces in a direction along the Z-axis and is configured to have the fluidic device positioned thereon. The device holder also includes a plurality of reference surfaces facing in respective directions along an XY-plane. The device holder also includes an alignment assembly having an actuator and a movable locator arm that is operatively coupled to the actuator. The locator arm has an engagement end. The actuator moves the locator arm between retracted and biased positions to move the engagement end away from and toward the reference surfaces. The locator arm is configured to hold the fluidic device against the reference surfaces when the locator arm is in the biased position.

Abstract: A method for controlling a focus of an optical system. The method includes providing a pair of incident light beams to a conjugate lens. The incident light beams are directed by the lens to converge toward a focal region. The method also includes reflecting the incident light beams with an object positioned proximate to the focal region. The reflected light beams return to and propagate through the lens. The method also includes determining relative separation measured between the reflected light beams and determining a degree-of-focus of the optical system with respect to the sample based upon the relative separation.

Abstract: A MEMS-based mirror is provided with trenches between adjacent electrodes in order to be able to withstand relatively high applied voltages, and thus has a substantially reduced exposure to uncontrolled surface potentials. The MEMS-based mirror, thus avoids voltage drifts and has an improved mirror position stability. The trench dimensions are selected such that the voltage applied between each adjacent pair of electrodes stays within predefined limits. An insulating layer, such as silicon dioxide, electrically isolates each pair of adjacent electrodes. Each insulting layer extends partially above an associated trench and is characterized by the same height and width dimensions.

Abstract: An array of MEMS devices is formed on a planar substrate having in each of a plurality of annular regions or sectors a plurality of MEMS mirrors of substantially identical structure, wherein the MEMS mirrors in each region have an identical pre-tilt. The pre-tilt is achieved by embedding each dual-axis tiltable mirror within a pre-tilted microplatform or gimbal. In a specific embodiment, one microplatform of a preselected pre-tilt is provided for each micromirror and an underlying electrode is provided having a shape conforming with the pre-tilt. In a specific embodiment, the annular regions are contiguous elliptical or ovoidal regions. By pre-tilt, it is meant that the rest state or nonactuated state of the micro-mirror is such that a reflected beam from a fixed source is directed to the center of a target array.

Abstract: One or more cavities are formed in the bonding surfaces of one, all, or some of the elements to be bonded. These cavities serve as receptacles for the bonding material and are where the bonds are localized. The cavities are of sufficient size and shape so that their volume is greater than the volume of bonding material forming the bond. This ensures that when the elements are brought into contact with one another to mate, the bonding material, which can flow prior to solidifying into a bond, will flow into the cavities and will not impede the separation of the parts. This allows the parts to be mated with nominally zero separation. Once solidified, the bonding material forms a localized bond inside each cavity. Different cavity shapes, such as, rectangular, circular, or any other shape that can be injected or filled with adhesive material may be used.

Abstract: A MEMS-based mirror is provided with trenches between adjacent electrodes in order to be able to withstand relatively high applied voltages, and thus has a substantially reduced exposure to uncontrolled surface potentials. The MEMS-based mirror, thus avoids voltage drifts and has an improved mirror position stability. The trench dimensions are selected such that the voltage applied between each adjacent pair of electrodes stays within predefined limits. An insulating layer, such as silicon dioxide, electrically isolates each pair of adjacent electrodes. Each insulting layer extends partially above an associated trench and is characterized by the same height and width dimensions.

Abstract: An apparatus for rotationally positioning a disk on a stationary stage at a constant and repeatable distance and angle for a device to perform an operation on several positions of the disk surface is disclosed. The disk apparatus has a manipulating member that operates from a central portion of the stationary stage. The member raises the disk, rotates the disk to a new position and sets the disk back down on a planar portion of the same stationary stage. The apparatus uses vacuum to secure the disk to the stage and to the member during manipulation. The member is raised by a spring and lowered by vacuum. The apparatus is easily incorporated into an optical system for performing reflectance and transmitance on both side of the disk simultaneously allowing for the analyses of the disk layers for composition and consistency.