Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods associated with a powertrain for a micro-mobility fleet vehicle. The fleet vehicle may include at least one drive wheel to provide tractive contact between the flee vehicle and a road surface, an electric motor mechanically coupled to the drive wheel and configured to provide motive force for the fleet vehicle, a brake resistor configured to provide dynamic braking of the motor, and a motor controller electronically coupling the brake resistor to the motor. The motor controller may be configured to control the motive force provided by the motor using the brake resistor. The motor controller may be configured to limit a speed, power, and/or acceleration of the motor using the brake resistor based on an operational environment of, and/or on a directive received by, the fleet vehicle. The brake resistor may provide a relatively wide range of traction control for the fleet vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus having a first substrate having (1) a cavity, (2) one or more resistive heaters, and (3) one or more coatings forming a diffusion barrier to hydrogen; a second substrate having (1) an outlet valve comprising a pressure relief structure and (2) one or more coatings forming a diffusion barrier to hydrogen, wherein said second substrate is coupled to said first substrate forming a sealed volume in said cavity; a metal hydride material contained within said cavity; and a gas distribution system formed by coupling a microfluidic interconnect to said pressure relief structure. Additional apparatuses and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus having a first substrate having (1) a cavity, (2) one or more resistive heaters, and (3) one or more coatings forming a diffusion barrier to hydrogen; a second substrate having (1) an outlet valve comprising a pressure relief structure and (2) one or more coatings forming a diffusion barrier to hydrogen, wherein said second substrate is coupled to said first substrate forming a sealed volume in said cavity; a metal hydride material contained within said cavity; and a gas distribution system formed by coupling a microfluidic interconnect to said pressure relief structure. Additional apparatuses and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal hydride fuel storage cartridge having integrated resistive heaters that can be used in conjunction with fuel cells such as MEMS-based fuel cells. The cartridge is fabricated using micromachining methods and thin/thick film materials synthesis techniques.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal hydride fuel storage cartridge having integrated resistive heaters that can be used in conjunction with fuel cells such as MEMS-based fuel cells. The cartridge is fabricated using micromachining methods and thin/thick film materials synthesis techniques.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal hydride fuel storage cartridge having integrated resistive heaters that can be used in conjunction with fuel cells such as MEMS-based fuel cells. The cartridge is fabricated using micromachining methods and thin/thick film materials synthesis techniques.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a metal hydride fuel storage cartridge having integrated resistive heaters that can be used in conjunction with fuel cells such as MEMS-based fuel cells. The cartridge is fabricated using micromachining methods and thin/thick film materials synthesis techniques.

Abstract: An integrated optical switch/amplifier with modulation capabilities comprises a semiconductor waveguide with an input end-face and an output end-face. The waveguide is disposed on a substrate and separated from it by an I-region. A laser cavity is fabricated transverse to the semiconductor waveguide and supports a bleed laser during operation. A pair of switching electrodes with one placed on top of the semiconductor waveguide and another placed beneath the substrate provide for a selective injection of electron carriers from a top length of the semiconductor waveguide and from the substrate through the I-region. Thus, an optical signal presented at the input end-face is either blocked, modulated, or amplified-through according to the relative polarity of voltages applied to the pair of switching electrodes.

Abstract: An integrated optical switch/amplifier with modulation capabilities comprises a semiconductor waveguide with an input end-face and an output end-face. The waveguide is disposed on a substrate and separated from it by an I-region. A laser cavity is fabricated transverse to the semiconductor waveguide and supports a bleed laser during operation. A pair of switching electrodes with one placed on top of the semiconductor waveguide and another placed beneath the substrate provide for a selective injection of electron carriers from a top length of the semiconductor waveguide and from the substrate through the I-region. Thus, an optical signal presented at the input end-face is either blocked, modulated, or amplified-through according to the relative polarity of voltages applied to the pair of switching electrodes.

Abstract: An improved method for producing optically smooth surfaces in silicon wafers during wet chemical etching involves a pre-treatment rinse of the wafers before etching and a post-etching rinse. The pre-treatment with an organic solvent provides a well-wetted surface that ensures uniform mass transfer during etching, which results in optically smooth surfaces. The post-etching treatment with an acetic acid solution stops the etching instantly, preventing any uneven etching that leads to surface roughness. This method can be used to etch silicon surfaces to a depth of 200 &mgr;m or more, while the finished surfaces have a surface roughness of only 15-50 Å (RMS).

Abstract: A micro-machined thermal conductivity detector for a portable gas chromatograph. The detector is highly sensitive and has fast response time to enable detection of the small size gas samples in a portable gas chromatograph which are in the order of nanoliters. The high sensitivity and fast response time are achieved through micro-machined devices composed of a nickel wire, for example, on a silicon nitride window formed in a silicon member and about a millimeter square in size. In addition to operating as a thermal conductivity detector, the silicon nitride window with a micro-machined wire therein of the device can be utilized for a fast response heater for PCR applications.

Abstract: A micro-machined thermal conductivity detector for a portable gas chromatograph. The detector is highly sensitive and has fast response time to enable detection of the small size gas samples in a portable gas chromatograph which are in the order of nanoliters. The high sensitivity and fast response time are achieved through micro-machined devices composed of a nickel wire, for example, on a silicon nitride window formed in a silicon member and about a millimeter square in size. In addition to operating as a thermal conductivity detector, the silicon nitride window with a micro-machined wire therein of the device can be utilized for a fast response heater for PCR applications.