Abstract: A variable optical attenuator device is described that comprises a first optical input, a first optical output, a first optical path between the first optical input and the first optical output, and means for moving a shutter across said first optical path. A hollow core waveguide is provided to substantially guide light along the first optical path of the device. The device may also be used to provide an analogue beam splitting or switch function in telecommunication systems and the like.

Abstract: Isopotential heaters used in the preconcentration stage of sample detection systems are described. The heaters have at least two electrically conducting paths of which the resistances of the electrically conducting baths are substantially equal such that in use uniform heat distribution is achieved.

Abstract: An optical routing device is described that comprises a semiconductor substrate (52) having at least one optical input (4), a plurality of optical outputs (6,8) and an array of MEMS moveable reflective elements (58;102). The array of moveable reflective elements (58;102) are configurable such that light can be selectively routed from any one optical input (4) to any one of two or more of said plurality of optical outputs (6,8). Light selectively routed from any one optical input to any one of two or more of said plurality of optical outputs (6,8) is guided within a hollow core waveguide (54). In one embodiment, a cross-connect optical matrix switch is described.

Abstract: Improved preconcentrators, particularly MEMs scale preconcentrators which possess a coating comprising polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs). There is further provided devices comprising the preconcentrator, and methods of preparation and use. There is particular benefit directed to the use of a MEMs scale heater coated with the PIMs for use in hand-held or field portable chemical detection devices. The polymer of intrinsic microporosity comprises a polymer, with a monomer repeat unit of Formula I wherein A is one or more optionally substituted aryl, heterocyclic, cycloalkyl or bicycloalkyl rings, ? is greater than 5, preferably 5 to 10000, and X may be selected from CH, CH2, O, S, N or NH.

Abstract: An optical routing device is described that comprises a semiconductor substrate (52) having at least one optical input (4), a plurality of optical outputs (6,8) and an array of MEMS moveable reflective elements (58;102). The array of moveable reflective elements (58;102) are configurable such that light can be selectively routed from any one optical input (4) to any one of two or more of said plurality of optical outputs (6,8). Light selectively routed from any one optical input to any one of two or more of said plurality of optical outputs (6,8) is guided within a hollow core waveguide (54). In one embodiment, a cross-connect optical matrix switch is described.

Abstract: Improved preconcentrators, particularly MEMs scale preconcentrators which possess a coating comprising polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs). There is further provided devices comprising the preconcentrator, and methods of preparation and use. There is particular benefit directed to the use of a MEMs scale heater coated with the PIMs for use in hand-held or field portable chemical detection devices. The polymer of intrinsic microporosity comprises a polymer, with a monomer repeat unit of Formula I wherein A is one or more optionally substituted aryl, heterocyclic, cycloalkyl or bicycloalkyl rings, ? is greater than 5, preferably 5 to 10000, and X may be selected from CH, CH2, 0, S, N or NH.

Abstract: Improved micro machined (MEMs scale) heaters, which are particularly suitable for use in MEMs scale preconcentrators. Preferably the heater possess a trapping medium, in particular a polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs). There is further provided devices comprising the preconcentrator, and methods of preparation and use. There is particular benefit directed to the use of a MEMs scale heater coated with the PIMs for use in hand-held or field portable chemical detection devices. The heater comprises a number of electrically conducting paths which have been engineered so that the electrical resistance of all the electrically conducting paths are substantially equal, to provide a more uniform heat distribution.

Abstract: A molecular single electron transistor (MSET) detector device (14) is described that comprises at least one organic molecule (87) connecting a drain electrode (84) and a source electrode (82). In use, said at least one organic molecule (87) provides a quantum confinement region. At least one analyte receptor site (90, 92) is provided in the vicinity of said at least one organic molecule (87) that bind molecules of interest (analytes). A fluid analyser (2) is also described that includes the MSET detector, a pre-concentrator (4) and a fluid gating structure (6). The fluid gating structure (6) is arranged to selectively route fluid from the pre-concentrator (4) to either one of the detector (14) and an exhaust port (12). The pre-concentrator (4), fluid gating structure (6) and detector (14) are each formed as substantially planar layers and arranged in a stack or cube.

Abstract: Isopotential heaters used in the preconcentration stage of sample detection systems are described. The heaters have at least two electrically conducting paths of which the resistances of the electrically conducting baths are substantially equal such that in use uniform heat distribution is achieved.

Abstract: A micro electromechanical system (MEMS) switch includes a fixed contact (24) and a moveable contact (35) on an armature (30). The switch has electrodes (22, 34) associated with both the fixed and moveable contacts for providing an electrostatic switch operation and piezoelectric material with associated electrodes (36, 40) for bending the armature upon application of an electric voltage and providing an initial piezoelectric switch operation followed by electrostatic switching and clamping. The armature is of curved shape which is bent away from the fixed contact when in a switch open condition with zero applied voltage. This gives a large, e.g. 3 pm, switch gap in an OFF state which is reduced by piezoelectric operation suitable for electrostatic switch closing. A curved condition is provided by varying strain across the armature thickness, and is produced during manufacture of the switch.

Abstract: An electronic safety and arming unit comprises a micro electromechanical system (MEMS) shutter device. The shutter (18) is suspended by thin lightweight arms and hinges, all formed by silicon processing of SOI substrates and includes holding latches for holding the shutter (18) in the closed position. The holding latches may be released by an electrothermal actuator. The shutter (18) separates an initiator section from an explosive train (6) of munitions such as shells, thereby providing safety until the shell is fired and away from its start point. After firing, the shutter (18) is opened ready for the main explosive to be detonated by the initiator (3). The shutter (18) may be suspended by a compliant displacement multiplier and may include an electrothermal actuator such as an electrically heatable bent beam. Heating of the beam causes movement of a shutter blade from a shut condition covering a firing aperture to an open condition.