Abstract: A photonic integrated circuit, PIC, comprising a plurality of semiconductor layers on a substrate, the plurality of semiconductor layers forming a PIN or PN doping structure, the PIC comprising a waveguide arranged for conducting light waves; an optical element connected to the waveguide, wherein the optical element, in operation, is in reverse-bias mode, and wherein the optical element comprises a contact layer arranged for connecting to a voltage source; wherein the waveguide comprises conducting contacts proximal to the optical element, and wherein the PIC further comprises at least one isolation section arranged in between the optical element and the conducting contacts. Corresponding methods of operation of such a PIC are also presented herein.

Abstract: A coupling unit is disclosed for detachable coupling two pars of a spacecraft, the coupling unit connecting the two parts of the spacecraft in a connected condition and the coupling unit distancing the two parts of the spacecraft, when the coupling unit is in detached condition. The coupling unit comprises a first element and a second element engaged to each other in connected condition, with the second element comprising a gas generator for generating gas under pressure to detach the first and the second element to bring them in the detached position, thereby distancing the first element and the second element from each other, and thus also the first part and the second part connected to the respective elements.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for protecting fish from parasite infection. The system comprises a fish guidance system for deterring fish from moving into a first region bordering a water surface and/or for can move from the second region into the first region so that they can reach the water surface bordering the first region. The system further comprises a radiation disinfection system that is configured to provide disinfection radiation to the first region, the disinfection radiation being configured to disinfect water from parasites.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a residual gas analyser for detecting gas in a vacuum tool, the residual gas analyser comprising: one or more ion sources configured to ionise a gas in the residual gas analyser; one or more detectors configured to detect an ionised gas by the ion source; and one or more gas generating filaments configured to generate gas within the residual gas analyser.

Abstract: A coupling unit is disclosed for detachable coupling two pars of a spacecraft, the coupling unit connecting the two parts of the spacecraft in a connected condition and the coupling unit distancing the two parts of the spacecraft, when the coupling unit is in detached condition. The coupling unit comprises a first element and a second element engaged to each other in connected condition, with the second element comprising a gas generator for generating gas under pressure to detach the first and the second element to bring them in the detached position, thereby distancing the first element and the second element from each other, and thus also the first part and the second part connected to the respective elements.

Abstract: A LED light source comprises: a first rectifier with a first and a second input terminal for connection to an AC supply voltage source and a first and a second output terminal connected by a first LED-string, a second rectifier having a first and a second input terminal and output terminals, said first input terminal of said second rectifier being coupled to the first input terminal of the first rectifier and the second input terminal of the second rectifier being coupled to the second input terminal of the first rectifier, and the output terminals being connected by a second LED-string, and means for causing a phase shift between the voltages that are present during operation at the output terminals of the first rectifier and the output terminals of the second rectifier respectively. The LED strings are driven by very simple circuitry that can be supplied by mains supply voltage. Due to the phase shift stroboscopic effects are suppressed.

Abstract: A method and lighting installation for use in horticulture for lighting crops in a greenhouse, with a number of lamps (2a . . . 2n) provided above the crops to be lighted, and a number of dimmer devices (4a . . . 4n) for the lamps, wherein the dimmer devices (4a . . . 4n) are provided with control means for periodically, automatically, varying the light intensity of the light sources cooperating with the dimmer devices according to a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A LED light source comprises: a first rectifier with a first and a second input terminal for connection to an AC supply voltage source and a first and a second output terminal connected by a first LED-string, a second rectifier having a first and a second input terminal and output terminals, said first input terminal of said second rectifier being coupled to the first input terminal of the first rectifier and the second input terminal of the second rectifier being coupled to the second input terminal of the first rectifier, and the output terminals being connected by a second LED-string, and means for causing a phase shift between the voltages that are present during operation at the output terminals of the first rectifier and the output terminals of the second rectifier respectively. The LED strings are driven by very simple circuitry that can be supplied by mains supply voltage. Due to the phase shift stroboscopic effects are suppressed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control system for a method for controlling at least one UV lamp for treating a liquid such as water, wherein a biosensor is used. In addition, the invention relates to the use of biosensors for detecting or monitoring viable cells. The invention uses one or more viability parameters.

Abstract: A process chamber (1) is provided for a thermal treatment of a semiconductor wafer. The process chamber (1) comprises a gas injection line (4), for injecting a process gas into the process chamber (1), and a gas exhaustion line (14). A pump (8) is coupled to the gas exhaustion line (14) and maintains a pressure inside the process chamber (1) at a level that is higher than the ambient atmospheric pressure outside the process chamber (1).

Abstract: According to one of the aspects of the present invention there is provided a substrate carrier arranged to hold a substrate in position using a vacuum, the vacuum being established in a sealed space created between the substrate carrier and the substrate.

Abstract: A method and lighting installation for use in horticulture for lighting crops in a greenhouse, with a number of lamps (2a . . . 2n) provided above the crops to be lighted, and a number of dimmer devices (4a . . . 4n) for the lamps, wherein the dimmer devices (4a . . . 4n) are provided with control means for periodically, automatically, varying the light intensity of the light sources cooperating with the dimmer devices according to a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus is provided with a radiation source, a patterning structure, a projection system, a substrate, and a gas flushing system for removing gas from an area between the projection system and the substrate.

Abstract: A wall with enhanced fire resistance and thermal insulation is formed from first and second skins manufactured substantially from plate material, wherein insulating material manufactured from mineral wool is arranged between the skins, wherein the first skin is provided with noses arranged at regular distances and facing toward the inside of the wall, pointed connections are arranged between the noses and the second skin and a material strip manufactured from insulating material and dimensioned to absorb pressure forces is placed between the noses and the second skins.

Abstract: In a gas combustion engine, which is manufactured by conversion of a diesel engine, the piston shape, the compression ratio, the air intake system and the exhaust gas system are modified. The exhaust gas system is split into two parts, each of which consists of an exhaust branch-piece and a catalyser, whereby catalysers of standard format can be employed, and the air intake system is made smaller, whereby the probability of backfire is reduced. The hollow in the piston already present in the diesel engine is enlarged in diameter and depth, in such a manner that the ratio of the diameter to the depth is equal to 30:11. In this manner, one achieves an optimal form with respect to heat extraction. In addition, enlargement of the hollow causes a lowering of the compression ratio to a value of 1:10, which is necessary when applying gas as a fuel.

Abstract: A switched-mode power supply circuit for converting a d.c. input voltage into a d.c. output voltage. The circuit includes a controllable power switch (Tr1) connected in series with the primary winding (L1) of a transformer (T). This winding forms part of a resonant circuit. To reduce the power losses caused by turning on the switch, the drive path of the switch incorporates a delay network (R11, C9) for each time delaying the turn-on until an instant which is substantially half a cycle of the resonance frequency later than the initial instant of the decrease of the voltage across the switch during its previous cut-off time.