Abstract: A system and method for determining an object characteristic from a timed sequence of measured characteristics wherein the object characteristic is determined based on a comparison of a current measured characteristic against a variable reference characteristic. The variable reference characteristic is selected by iterating through the timed sequenced and determining a separate quality metric for the current measured characteristic against each earlier measured characteristic and selecting the variable reference as a function of the determined quality metrics. In one embodiment, iteration continues only until an earlier measured characteristics is found with a quality metric that meets or exceeds a threshold value. In another embodiment, iteration continues through a plurality of earlier measured characteristic (perhaps all) and the variable reference is selected as the earlier measured characteristic with the highest quality metric. The measured characteristics may include OFDR measurements.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring Fabry-Perot cavity (“FPC”) displacement implementing a predictor-corrector scheme. The system includes an optical interrogator apparatus and a data processing apparatus. The optical interrogator apparatus interrogates the FPC, obtains a spectral interference pattern and outputs a corresponding signal including data associated with a plurality of peaks. The data processing apparatus processes the output signal to produce a prediction for a peak location based on the data associated with the plurality of peaks, and then uses the prediction to identify as correct one of the plurality of peaks. The data processing apparatus then determines and outputs a plurality of FPC length variations. In one embodiment, the data processing system implements a period tracking algorithm to produce the prediction based on the data associated with the plurality of peaks, and uses a phase tracking algorithm to determine an FPC length variation using the identified peak.

Abstract: Integrated devices comprising integrated circuits and energy storage devices are described. Disclosed energy storage devices correspond to an all-solid-state construction, and do not include any gels, liquids, or other materials that are incompatible with microfabrication techniques. Disclosed energy storage device comprises energy storage cells with electrodes comprising metal-containing compositions, like metal oxides, metal nitrides, or metal hydrides, and a solid state electrolyte.

Abstract: Thermionic generators are described herein that include a variety of features that allow the devices to efficiently and effectively convert large amounts of thermal energy directly to electrical energy, such as in the form of currents and/or voltages. For example, the thermionic generators can be used to generate an electron beam from a thermionic emission device, and focus or shape the electron beam in such a way that allows the energy of electrons in the electron beam to be captured and converted to electrical energy.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor and a related method of manufacture are provided. The fiber optic sensor includes an embedded optical fiber contained within a metal diaphragm assembly, where the terminal end of the optical fiber is positioned opposite a diaphragm. The method includes forming a metal-embedded optical fiber by ultrasonic additive manufacturing and securing the metal-embedded optical fiber to a housing having a diaphragm that is opposite of the terminal end of the optical fiber. The sensor can provide extremely accurate pressure measurement at high temperatures and in highly corrosive media. An optical fiber-based pressure sensing system is also provided.

Abstract: Described are energy storage devices employing a gas storage structure, which can accommodate or store gas evolved from the energy storage device. The energy storage device comprises an electrochemical cell with electrodes comprising metal-containing compositions, like metal oxides, metal nitrides, or metal hydrides, and a solid state electrolyte.

Abstract: A system and method for determining an object characteristic from a timed sequence of measured characteristics wherein the object characteristic is determined based on a comparison of a current measured characteristic against a variable reference characteristic. The variable reference characteristic is selected by iterating through the timed sequenced and determining a separate quality metric for the current measured characteristic against each earlier measured characteristic and selecting the variable reference as a function of the determined quality metrics. In one embodiment, iteration continues only until an earlier measured characteristics is found with a quality metric that meets or exceeds a threshold value. In another embodiment, iteration continues through a plurality of earlier measured characteristic (perhaps all) and the variable reference is selected as the earlier measured characteristic with the highest quality metric. The measured characteristics may include OFDR measurements.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor and a related method of manufacture are provided. The fiber optic sensor includes an embedded optical fiber contained within a metal diaphragm assembly, where the terminal end of the optical fiber is positioned opposite a diaphragm. The method includes forming a metal-embedded optical fiber by ultrasonic additive manufacturing and securing the metal-embedded optical fiber to a housing having a diaphragm that is opposite of the terminal end of the optical fiber. The sensor can provide extremely accurate pressure measurement at high temperatures and in highly corrosive media. An optical fiber-based pressure sensing system is also provided.

Abstract: Described are energy storage devices employing a gas storage structure, which can accommodate or store gas evolved from the energy storage device. The energy storage device comprises an electrochemical cell with electrodes comprising metal-containing compositions, like metal oxides, metal nitrides, or metal hydrides, and a solid state electrolyte.

Abstract: Described are solid-state energy storage devices and methods of making solid-state energy storage devices in which components of the batteries are truly solid-state and do not comprise a gel. Useful electrodes include metals and metal oxides, and useful electrolytes include amorphous ceramic thin film electrolytes that permit conduction or migration of ions across the electrolyte. Disclosed methods of making solid-state energy storage devices include multi-stage deposition processes, in which an electrode is deposited in a first stage and an electrolyte is deposited in a second stage.

Abstract: Described are solid-state energy storage devices and methods of making solid-state energy storage devices in which components of the batteries are truly solid-state and do not comprise a gel. Useful electrodes include metals and metal oxides, and useful electrolytes include amorphous ceramic thin film electrolytes that permit conduction or migration of ions across the electrolyte. Disclosed methods of making solid-state energy storage devices include multi-stage deposition processes, in which an electrode is deposited in a first stage and an electrolyte is deposited in a second stage.

Abstract: Described are solid-state energy storage devices and methods of making solid-state energy storage devices in which components of the batteries are truly solid-state and do not comprise a gel. Useful electrodes include metals and metal oxides, and useful electrolytes include amorphous ceramic thin film electrolytes that permit conduction or migration of ions across the electrolyte. Disclosed methods of making solid-state energy storage devices include multi-stage deposition processes, in which an electrode is deposited in a first stage and an electrolyte is deposited in a second stage.

Abstract: Described are solid-state electrochemical energy storage devices and methods of making solid-state electrochemical energy storage devices in which components of the batteries are truly solid-state and do not comprise a gel. Nor do they rely on lithium-containing electrolytes. Electrolytes useful with the solid-state electrochemical energy storage described herein include, for example, ceramic electrolytes exhibiting a crystal structure including voids or crystallographic defects that permit conduction or migration of oxygen ions across a layer of the ceramic electrolyte. Disclosed methods of making solid-state electrochemical energy storage devices include multi-stage deposition processes, in which an electrode is deposited in a first stage and an electrolyte is deposited in a second stage.

Abstract: Described are solid-state electrochemical energy storage devices and methods of making solid-state electrochemical energy storage devices in which components of the batteries are truly solid-state and do not comprise a gel. Nor do they rely on lithium-containing electrolytes. Electrolytes useful with the solid-state electrochemical energy storage described herein include, for example, ceramic electrolytes exhibiting a crystal structure including voids or crystallographic defects that permit conduction or migration of oxygen ions across a layer of the ceramic electrolyte. Disclosed methods of making solid-state electrochemical energy storage devices include multi-stage deposition processes, in which an electrode is deposited in a first stage and an electrolyte is deposited in a second stage.

Abstract: Described are solid-state electrochemical energy storage devices and methods of making solid-state electrochemical energy storage devices in which components of the batteries are truly solid-state and do not comprise a gel. Nor do they rely on lithium-containing electrolytes. Electrolytes useful with the solid-state electrochemical energy storage described herein include, for example, ceramic electrolytes exhibiting a crystal structure including voids or crystallographic defects that permit conduction or migration of oxygen ions across a layer of the ceramic electrolyte. Disclosed methods of making solid-state electrochemical energy storage devices include multi-stage deposition processes, in which an electrode is deposited in a first stage and an electrolyte is deposited in a second stage.

Abstract: Described are solid-state electrochemical energy storage devices and methods of making solid-state electrochemical energy storage devices in which components of the batteries are truly solid-state and do not comprise a gel. Nor do they rely on lithium-containing electrolytes. Electrolytes useful with the solid-state electrochemical energy storage described herein include, for example, ceramic electrolytes exhibiting a crystal structure including voids or crystallographic defects that permit conduction or migration of oxygen ions across a layer of the ceramic electrolyte. Disclosed methods of making solid-state electrochemical energy storage devices include multi-stage deposition processes, in which an electrode is deposited in a first stage and an electrolyte is deposited in a second stage.

Abstract: Described are solid-state electrochemical energy storage devices and methods of making solid-state electrochemical energy storage devices in which components of the batteries are truly solid-state and do not comprise a gel. Nor do they rely on lithium-containing electrolytes. Electrolytes useful with the solid-state electrochemical energy storage described herein include, for example, ceramic electrolytes exhibiting a crystal structure including voids or crystallographic defects that permit conduction or migration of oxygen ions across a layer of the ceramic electrolyte. Disclosed methods of making solid-state electrochemical energy storage devices include multi-stage deposition processes, in which an electrode is deposited in a first stage and an electrolyte is deposited in a second stage.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a method of inducing a high permeability state in a cell membrane and a method for ablating a target tissue wherein the method comprises applying an electroporation pulse to a cell, wherein at a time after the electroporation pulse is applied, a plurality of long lived pores (LLPs) are formed in the cell membrane and the presence of the LLPs causes a change in the cell osmotic pressure difference. The invention also encompasses a method for ablating a target tissue using an electrical pulse regime that induces cell permeabilization and cell death, wherein the primary mechanism of cell death is as a result of electroporation.

Abstract: Devices and methods for storing energy at a high density are described. In some embodiments, the devices include a first electrode and a second electrode containing a transition metal oxide. A solid electrolyte having yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is located between the first and second electrode. The thickness of the electrolyte located between the two electrodes is less than one micrometer.

Abstract: Devices for storing energy at a high density are described. The devices include a solid dielectric that is preformed to present a high exposed area onto which an electrode is formed. The dielectric material has a high dielectric constant (high relative permittivity) and a high breakdown voltage, allowing a high voltage difference between paired electrodes to effect a high stored energy density.