Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical contact. In particular, it relates to an electrical contact capable of establishing an electrical contact with a soft material. More particular, the electrical contact comprises (a) a non-Newtonian liquid metal alloy, the non-Newtonian liquid metal alloy is formed in a polymer insulator, wherein the contact surface of the electrical contact that contacts the soft material is a smooth flat non-patterned surface, the surface comprising the non-Newtonian liquid metal alloy sandwiched between the polymer insulator. The microfluidic device comprising the electrical contact and a method for forming the electrical contact are also disclosed.

Abstract: An interconnect structure for on-chip information transfer, and a method for on-chip information transfer. The interconnect structure comprises a source configured for electrically generating plasmons; a detector configured for electrically detecting the generated plasmons; and a plasmonic waveguide coupled between the source and the detector.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an on-chip electronic-plasmonic transducer is provided that is capable of both direct plasmon generation and detection at high efficiencies. The electronic-plasmonic transducer includes a metal-insulator-metal junction formed from a first wire constructed of a first metal, a tunneling barrier material in contact with the first wire, and a second wire made from a second metal in contact with the tunneling barrier material. A plasmonic waveguide is formed as a contiguous part of the second wire, such that the waveguide is directly coupled to the MIM junction. The electronic-plasmonic transducer can both directly generate and detect plasmons, such that it may be configured on-chip as either a plasmon source or a plasmon detector. The electronic-plasmonic transducer may be used to form an on-chip plasmon-based frequency multiplier or plasmon amplifier, among other usages.

Abstract: An interconnect structure for on-chip information transfer, and a method for on-chip information transfer. The interconnect structure comprises a source configured for electrically generating plasmons; a detector configured for electrically detecting the generated plasmons; and a plasmonic waveguide coupled between the source and the detector.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an on-chip electronic-plasmonic transducer is provided that is capable of both direct plasmon generation and detection at high efficiencies. The electronic-plasmonic transducer includes a metal-insulator-metal junction formed from a first wire constructed of a first metal, a tunneling barrier material in contact with the first wire, and a second wire made from a second metal in contact with the tunneling barrier material. A plasmonic waveguide is formed as a contiguous part of the second wire, such that the waveguide is directly coupled to the MIM junction. The electronic-plasmonic transducer can both directly generate and detect plasmons, such that it may be configured on-chip as either a plasmon source or a plasmon detector. The electronic-plasmonic transducer may be used to form an on-chip plasmon-based frequency multiplier or plasmon amplifier, among other usages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical contact. In particular, it relates to an electrical contact capable of establishing an electrical contact with a soft material. More particular, the electrical contact comprises (a) a non-Newtonian liquid metal alloy, the non-Newtonian liquid metal alloy is formed in a polymer insulator, wherein the contact surface of the electrical contact that contacts the soft material is a smooth flat non-patterned surface, the surface comprising the non-Newtonian liquid metal alloy sandwiched between the polymer insulator. The microfluidic device comprising the electrical contact and a method for forming the electrical contact are also disclosed.