Abstract: A method of managing models in a network includes receiving at a model manager a model of a controlled system in a first format from a first system and storing the model in a second format in the model manager. Storing includes several steps that allow for the transformation of the model into a different, version-free format so that the network can adapt to changes in the first format.

Abstract: An integrated-circuit yield improvement system includes a global signature analysis/grouping module configured to receive an integrated circuit (IC) design and identify areas in the IC design that include potential defect signatures based on the defect signatures stored in the defect signature library. The global signature analysis/grouping module can produce a global signature map indicating these areas and their associated potential defect signatures in the IC design. A local signature analysis/grouping module can identify and group local defect signatures in the IC design with the process monitoring and yield data as input, to output grouped local signatures. An intelligent learning engine can analyze the global signature map and the grouped local signatures and update some of the defect signatures in the defect signature library. A feedback loop is formed to update and renew the contents of the defect signature library for each new IC design while process and yield are improved.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and systems for determining different process windows for a wafer printing process for different reticle designs are provided. One method includes generating simulated images illustrating how each of the different reticle designs will be printed on a wafer at different values of one or more parameters of the wafer printing process. The method also includes detecting defects in each of the different reticle designs using the simulated images. In addition, the method includes determining a process window for the wafer printing process for each of the different reticle designs based on results of the detecting step.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, systems, and computer-readable media for determining a model for predicting printability of reticle features on a wafer are provided. One method includes generating simulated images of the reticle features printed on the wafer using different generated models for a set of different values of exposure conditions. The method also includes determining one or more characteristics of the reticle features of the simulated images. In addition, the method includes comparing the one or more characteristics of the reticle features of the simulated images to one or more characteristics of the reticle features printed on the wafer using a lithography process. The method further includes selecting one of the different generated models as the model to be used for predicting the printability of the reticle features based on results of the comparing step.

Abstract: A source driver system includes a scan driver and a data driver. The data driver has a signal controller, a data bus, a connector and a plurality of data driver units. The signal controller is connected with the connector with via the data bus to form a first connection relationship such that the data bus is capable of transmitting control signals from the signal controller to the connector. The connector connects with the data driver units via the data bus to form a second connection relationship such that the data bus is capable of transmitting the control signals from the connector to the corresponding data driver units. In a preferred embodiment, the data bus is further arranged to form a third connection relationship among the data driver units such that the data bus is capable of communicating a serial connection signal among the data driver units.

Abstract: In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, an active imaging system is provided for imaging a target of interest. An imaging assembly includes a light source and an optical assembly comprising a plurality of passive optical components. The optical assembly divides received light into a first beam, having a first polarization and a second beam, having a second, orthogonal polarization, directs the first and second beam along respective first and second optical paths within the optical assembly, and recombines the first and second beams into a combined beam. A sensor detects the combined beam.

Abstract: Polysaccharide nanofibers having anti-microbial properties, said nanofibers comprising an alginate and having silver nanoparticles dispersed throughout the nanofibers.

Abstract: In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, an active imaging system is provided for imaging a target of interest. An imaging assembly includes a light source and an optical assembly comprising a plurality of passive optical components. The optical assembly divides received light into a first beam, having a first polarization and a second beam, having a second, orthogonal polarization, directs the first and second beam along respective first and second optical paths within the optical assembly, and recombines the first and second beams into a combined beam. A sensor detects the combined beam.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods, systems, and computer-readable media for determining a model for predicting printability of reticle features on a wafer are provided. One method includes generating simulated images of the reticle features printed on the wafer using different generated models for a set of different values of exposure conditions. The method also includes determining one or more characteristics of the reticle features of the simulated images. In addition, the method includes comparing the one or more characteristics of the reticle features of the simulated images to one or more characteristics of the reticle features printed on the wafer using a lithography process. The method further includes selecting one of the different generated models as the model to be used for predicting the printability of the reticle features based on results of the comparing step.

Abstract: Computer-implemented methods and systems for determining different process windows for a wafer printing process for different reticle designs are provided. One method includes generating simulated images illustrating how each of the different reticle designs will be printed on a wafer at different values of one or more parameters of the wafer printing process. The method also includes detecting defects in each of the different reticle designs using the simulated images. In addition, the method includes determining a process window for the wafer printing process for each of the different reticle designs based on results of the detecting step.

Abstract: A lens having a reflective surface, and systems that use such a lens. The lens includes a transmissive part for passing a portion of an incident light beam, and a reflective part for reflecting a portion of the incident light beam, and the reflective part is preferably substantially non-transmissive. Such a lens may be particularly suitable in systems that include a back monitor photo detector that is used for sampling and controlling the output power of a light source.

Abstract: An optical coupler having two refractive lenses for coupling an optoelectronic element and an optical medium to each other. One lens may be in contact with the optical medium. The refractive index of the one lens may be similar to the index of the optical medium. The optoelectronic element may be a light source or a detector. The light source may be a laser. The lenses may be glass ball lenses. One of the ball lenses may be a half ball lens. If the optical medium is an optical fiber, one of the lenses may a fiber stop for the fiber when inserted in a receptacle of the coupler.

Abstract: An optical system is adapted to produce reduced back reflection from a receiving detector back to a light source for increased system performance. The system may optically condition light signals from the light source for projection onto the detector. The conditioning may result in a light spot on the detector that has an annular intensity distribution or profile. The annular distribution may be attained in any number of ways including providing a slope discontinuity in the lens surface, providing an ax icon lens function, and/or providing a defocused light spot on the detector surface.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns methods for transmitting a signal in an optical system. In one example, the method begins when an optical signal is generated. Then, the optical signal is manipulated such that the optical signal defines a substantially annular intensity profile, where power of the optical signal varies in the intensity profile. Finally, the optical signal is launched into an input face of an optical fiber such that a predetermined part of the intensity profile of the optical signal is located proximate an optical axis associated with the optical fiber.

Abstract: The invention includes also a sensor tat includes at least one laser, at least one detector, and at least one lens system that includes a sensor surface having three individual surfaces that are virtually the same, and an object surface having two individual surfaces that are virtually the same. The invention also includes a sensor having at least one source that produces radiation, at least one detector; and a lens system that collimates and focuses the radiation onto at least two different regions of a surface of a reflective object, wherein the reflective object reflects the incident radiation, and the lens system collimates and focuses the reflected radiation onto the detector, thereby sensing the reflective object.

Abstract: A housing for opto-electronic array devices. The housing includes a base and walls that form a region that receives an opto-electronic semiconductor array. Conductive traces are disposed on a wall such that a front part of the traces are exposed for external electrical connections, while the back part is exposed for internal electrical connections. A transparent substrate having a plurality of micro-lenses cover the base, walls and opto-electronic semiconductor array device. Each micro lens is beneficially made from optical epoxy that is deposited by an ink-jet nozzle. The base and walls are beneficially comprised of a ceramic.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing a presence of a magnetic field and/or a magnitude of a magnetic flux density of the magnetic field. A direct-current voltage is applied across a first layer of a conductive material, so that a direct current flows in a first direction through the first layer. A second layer of a piezoelectric material is integrated with or positioned adjacent or abutting the first layer. The first layer and the second layer are exposed to or positioned within a magnetic field. A Lorentz force is thus caused, preferably in a direction which is generally perpendicular to the first direction of the direct current and a second direction of the magnetic field to deflect the piezoelectric material thereby causing an output voltage in response to the Lorentz force. A magnetic flux density can be calculated as a function of the piezoelectric output.

Abstract: An optical system for high speed transmission of optical data. The system may condition light signals from a source for projection into an optical medium that is to convey the signals with high speed to another place. This conditioning may result in the light having an annular intensity distribution or profile. Much of the intensity of the light is near the periphery of the optical medium. This medium may be an optical fiber. This annular distribution may be attained with an optical element having a slope discontinuity or light from it being defocused to a certain extent at the optical medium. Either of these characteristics or both of them may used in the optical system so it can transmit light signals at very high rates.

Abstract: A zero-clearance receptacle for single mode optical fiber couplers. The zero-clearance receptacle includes an internally fluted V-groove formed by internally extending legs. The zero-clearance receptacle uses the fundamental action of the V-groove to accurately locate an optical fiber ferrule inserted into the zero-clearance receptacle in the radial direction. The zero-clearance receptacle further includes a slot that receives a biasing element, such as a spring, that biases the optical ferrule against the V-groove legs. This enables accurate positioning of an optical fiber in the optical ferrule relation to an optical element such as a VCSEL or a photoreceptor. The zero-clearance receptacle beneficially fits into an optical coupler, which may have a lens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that serum amyloid A (SAA) is a ligand for the FPRL1 receptor. Disclosed herein, are novel biological tools for the study of SAA/FPRL1 complex assembly and prophylactics, therapeutics, and methods of use of the foregoing, which modulate the association of SAA with FPRL1 and thereby effect responses including, but not limited to, signal transduction, chemotaxis, leukocyte migration, immune system response, amyloidosis, inflammatory response, infection, organ rejection, arthritis, atherosclerosis, and neoplasia.