Abstract: The rate of nucleic acid strand exchange can be greatly enhanced if one of the strands of a double-stranded nucleic acid oligomer has a single-stranded extension, or “toehold,” to which a complementary, single-stranded, nucleic acid oligomer can bind. Toehold-facilitated strand exchange makes possible the controlled addition and removal of one nucleic acid strand from a second, complementary strand. Oligomers are designed and used to carry out controlled, repetitive nucleic acid structural transitions mediated by hybridization and toehold-facilitated strand exchange reactions, which in turn control the operation of a nanomachine or a 2-state molecular switch.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for (a) encrypting information in the form of words, numbers, or graphical images, by obtaining a set of nucleic acid strands or nucleic acid analog strands having subunit sequences selected to represent the information, (b) transmitting the information by sending the nucleic acids or nucleic acid analogs to a recipient who possesses a key for decryption, and (c) using the key to decrypt the information and recover the words, numbers, or represented by the nucleic acids or nucleic acid analogs.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for providing oligonucleotides or oligonucleotide analogs having known subunit sequences in which the desired oligomers are released from selected storage sites in one, two, or three dimensions, on a substrate by locally denaturing double-stranded complexes at the storage sites containing the desired oligomers. The released oligomers are useful in schemes for determining solutions to mathematical problems, in methods wherein hybridizing oligomers are used to encrypt and transmit data, in diagnostic and screening assay methodologies, and as primers or building blocks for synthesizing larger polynucleotides.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for making polynucleotides of any desired nucleotide sequence by repeating a series of reactions involving assembly of overlapping oligomers, ligation by DNA ligase, and cleavage with a restriction enzyme that cuts so as to add one or more additional nucleotides to a growing polynucleotide. This invention also relates to combining such a method for polynucleotide synthesis with a step employing localized melting of hybridized DNA oligomers, to synthesize an array of polynucleotides of different, defined nucleotide sequence on a substrate, and to the articles for polynucleotide hybridization so made.

Abstract: An improved modulator and methods for making the modulator are disclosed. A membrane, preferably circular in shape, is formed over a region of a substrate in such a way that a gap results between the membrane and substrate forming a modulator cavity. The membrane forms a continuous surface over the cavity. In particular, the membrane is not supported by discrete support arms, but rather extends beyond the modulator cavity. Preferably, holes are formed in the membrane to aid in damping its motion and to allow access to underlying layers during modulator formation. According to the method, the modulator is formed by forming a means for creating a gap between the substrate and the membrane, forming a membrane, forming a lateral conduit to aid in removing the means for creating the gap and, finally, by removing the means for creating the gap.

Abstract: An improved micromechanical modulator that incorporates a mechanical transmission line for damping membrane vibration is disclosed. The modulator comprises a transmission line mechanically communicating with a vertically-movable membrane for receiving an optical signal. The membrane is supported over a substrate. Under the action of bias, the membrane moves toward the substrate, which causes a change in an optical property of the modulator. The transmission line receives and dissipates a sufficient amount of the energy developed in the membrane as it moves to prevent the membrane from vibrating. In one configuration, the modulator incorporates two strip-line transmission lines. In another configuration, the modulator incorporates two clamped-plate transmission lines.

Abstract: A micromechanical optical modulator, and methods for operating the modulator are disclosed. The modulator has a membrane supported over a region of a substrate. At least two electrodes, and preferably more, are disposed on the membrane. Each electrode is in electrical contact with a controlled voltage source through a shift register for sequentially applying a voltage to the electrodes. An optical window for receiving an optical signal is defined between two adjacent electrodes. In operation, a voltage pulse is applied to the substrate and each of the electrodes. As the voltage is applied, an electrostatic force is generated, drawing the membrane towards the substrate and thereby generating a mechanical pulse in the membrane beneath each electrode. The pulses are propagated through the membrane to the optical window.

Abstract: Lasing threshold for a whispering mode laser is reduced by appropriate placement of a reflector. A reflector parallel to, and within a wavelength distance of, the disk decreases radiation loss due to imperfect internal reflection. Enhancement is calculable on the basis of destructive interference between reflected and direct radiation.