Abstract: A polymeric photonic band gap structure can be defined by a block copolymeric species, a mixture of homopolymers, or a combination optionally with appropriate dielectric contrast enhancing additives. The structure includes periodic, phase-separated microdomains alternating in refractive index, the domains sized to provide a photonic band gap in the UV-visible spectrum.

Abstract: A series of articles and techniques for controlled pharmaceutical delivery within a patient is described. An article includes at least one cavity having an interior dimension equal to a resonant mode of electromagnetic radiation to which the article is exposed. A standing wave is created within the cavity, causing a change in a diffusion characteristic of at least one component of the cavity, in turn causing release of a pharmaceutical from the cavity into an area of the body surrounding the article. Low-energy, non-destructive electromagnetic radiation, such as visible or near-infrared light, can be used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for orientation of block copolymer microdomains via rapid solidification. Rapid solidification from a solvent may include directional solidification and/or epitaxy to form patterns of microdomains in a film of block copolymer. Microdomains may include various structures formed by components of a block copolymer, such as vertical lamellae, in-plane cylinders, and vertical cylinders, and may depend on film thickness. Orientation of structures in microdomains may be controlled to be approximately uniform, and spatial arrangement of microdomains may be controlled.

Abstract: A polymeric photonic band gap structure can be defined by a block copolymeric species, a mixture of homopolymers, or a combination optionally with appropriate dielectric contrast enhancing additives. The structure includes periodic, phase-separated microdomains alternating in refractive index, the domains sized to provide a photonic band gap in the UV-visible spectrum.

Abstract: A polymeric photonic band gap structure can be defined by a block copolymeric species, a mixture of homopolymers, or a combination optionally with appropriate dielectric contrast enhancing additives. The structure includes periodic, phase-separated microdomains alternating in refractive index, the domains sized to provide a photonic band gap in the UV-visible spectrum. A method of the invention involves creating a defect in a polymeric article including a periodic structure of a plurality occuring separate domains. The defect can be created by inserting into the material a plane of a material different from materials defining the polymeric article. According to another method of the invention, a defect is created in a polymeric article, including a periodic structure of a plurality of periodically occuring separate domains, by altering polymeric material in the article.

Abstract: A device having at least one dielectric inner core region in which electromagnetic radiation is confined, and at least two dielectric outer regions surrounding the inner core region, each with a distinct refractive index. The outer regions confine electromagnetic radiation within the inner core region. The refractive indices, the number of outer regions, and thickness of the outer regions result in a reflectivity for a planar geometry that is greater than 95% for angles of incidence ranging from 0° to at least 80° for all polarizations for a range of wavelengths of the electromagnetic radiation. In exemplary embodiments, the inner core region is made of a low dielectric material, and the outer regions include alternating layers of low and high dielectric materials. In one aspect of the invention, the device is a waveguide, and in another aspect the device is a microcavity.

Abstract: A multilayer dielectric film structure includes a pair or plurality of materials at least one being a polymer and the other of high index of refraction inorganic material (compared to the polymer) at the wavelengths of interest. The structure is fabricated by a combination of layering techniques, one of which is used to create a layer of the polymer, the other being used to deposit the inorganic component. The assembly process yields a structure of alternating polymer and inorganic layers of high index of refraction (compared to air). The structure preferably will reflect light within a certain frequency range of any polarization and at a continuum of angles of incidence ranging from normal to oblique. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the structure includes alternating layers of a polymer, e.g., polystyrene and Tellurium.

Abstract: A system for preparing oriented block copolymer structures includes a copolymer solution, a device capable of providing a flow field and an evaporation device. The device can be at least two cylinders that are parallel and adjacent to one another to form a nip and a driving mechanism to rotate each cylinder. Means for controlling a solvent environment and evaporation are provided.

Abstract: A microphase stabilized ferroelectric liquid crystal (MSFLC) and optical device prepared therefrom are provided. The MSFLC includes a block copolymer, comprising at least one non-liquid crystal polymer block and at least one liquid crystalline polymer block including a chiral mesogenic side group, the block copolymer comprising domains of the non-liquid crystalline block of the non-liquid crystalline polymer and domains of chiral mesogenic polymer such that the domains form an inverted cylinder morphology. The volume percent and block size of the chiral mesogenic group are selected such that the spacings between cylinders is sufficient to permit switching of the chiral mesogenic group between two stable orientations.

Abstract: Optical components fabricated from diblock, triblock, or multiblock copolymers, and particularly a waveguide wherein the optical field intensity (OFI) of a guided wave is tailored by selecting block copolymers, or block copolymers in combination with homopolymers, with components having different molecular weights and refractive indices, and treating the block copolymer by processing to produce phase separations which form unique morphologies controlling the shape, size, and spacing of the layers, to achieve concentration of the OFI in selected portions of the waveguide.

Abstract: A system for preparing oriented block copolymer structures includes a copolymer solution, a device capable of providing a flow field and an evaporation device. The device can be at least two cylinders that are parallel and adjacent to one another to form a nip and a driving mechanism to rotate each cylinder. Means for controlling a solvent environment and evaporation are provided.

Abstract: A structure and method are disclosed for making high density circuit board. Using photosensitive or other dielectric materials over a circuitized power core, vias and lands are opened up, filled with joining metal and aligned with the next level, eliminating a major registration problem in building up a high density composite and reducing the number of steps in the manufacturing process.

Abstract: An electrical connector for interconnecting a pair of circuit members (e.g., printed circuit boards) wherein the connector includes a plurality of electrical contacts, these contacts including at least one semi-spherical end portion for engaging a respective conductor on one of the circuit members. Significantly, the semi-spherical end portion is capable of moving in two different directions of rotation during such engagement to provide an effective wiping motion against the surfaces of the member's conductor. In one embodiment, the connector includes contacts with opposed, semi-spherical end portions, while in another embodiment, a singular semi-spherical end portion is taught.

Abstract: A structure and method are disclosed for making high density circuit board. Using photosensitive or other dielectric materials over a circuitized power core, vias and lands are opened up, filled with joining metal and aligned with the next level, eliminating a major registration problem in building up a high density composite and reducing the number of steps in the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A process is provided for modifying internal circuits in a multilayer printed circuit board by modifying the glass master which produces the internal circuit patterns. An inexpensive film copy of the glass master to be changed is used to identify the circuit lands to be removed. Holes are made in the film at these locations thereby removing the image of the land and these alterations are verified in accordance with the engineering change instructions. The perforated film is used as a template to alter the glass master by removing the emulsion through the holes in the film and then the glass master is verified and used to produce the modified circuit board.

Abstract: A pressure foot assembly is provided which makes use of a pressure ring mounted in a manner which allows it to float laterally around an end mill cutter which is used to delete circuit lands on a subcomposite printed circuit panel. Enough pressure is provided to keep the ring from rotating and allows the ring to impart a concentrated force very close around the cutter, thus holding the deleted circuit line in place during cutting and keeping cutting burrs to a minimum.