Abstract: A photon receptor having a sensitivity threshold of a single photon is readily fabricated on a nanometric scale for compact and/or large-scale array devices. The fundamental receptor element is a quantum dot of a direct semiconductor, as for example in a semiconductor (such as GaAs) isolated from a parallel or adjacent gate electrodes by Nano-scale gap(s). Source and drain electrodes are separated from the photoelectric material by a smaller gap such that photoelectrons created when a photon impinges on the photoelectric material it will release a single electron under a bias (applied between the source and drain to the drain) to the drain electrode, rather than directly to the gate electrode. The drain electrode is connected to the gate electrode by a detection circuit configured to count each photoelectron that flows to the gate electrode.

Abstract: A cardiac pacemaker and/or ICD device deploys a plurality of three-dimensional accelerometers to characterize and distinguish between the local motion of the heart and the gross movement of the patient. The relative difference between these movements is used to distinguish between false negatives results of the electrogram reading to avoid triggering an unneeded defibrillation pulse, or increasing the pacing rate when the patient is exercising.

Abstract: A single point implantable optical sensor measures in vivo changes in blood pressure and velocity. An optical fiber waveguide in a catheter transmits light to M-Z interferometer. The wave propagation of fluctuating blood pressure in a living organism is measured by recording the time dependence optical signal losses as the wave traverse each leg of the M-Z device. The time lag between the pressure induced transmission losses at each spaced apart leg is used to calculate blood velocity at the location of the sensor. A plurality of the sensors may be distributed along or catheter in communication via a common optical waveguide.

Abstract: An optical sensing catheter system for physiological measurements of vascular or arterial parameters at plurality of location deploys wavelength division multiplexing in a common optical fiber to communicate with each optical sensor. The sensors are preferably passive planar waveguide type devices disposed to interact with the environment external to the catheter or other medical device.

Abstract: A planar dielectric waveguide sensor is used to determine the concentrations of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin and other blood constituents such as pH, sugar. The planar waveguide core is in direct contact with the blood such that evanescent field of the light propagating within the core is selectively attenuated at specific wavelengths of interest. The planar waveguide has a construction that promotes strong interaction of the evanescent field with blood cells that contact it. In preferred embodiments, the waveguide is constructed of a low refractive index core to propagate an evanescent wave comparable in size to a red blood cell.

Abstract: An accelerometer is fabricated as a MEMS device and includes an array of capacitive electrode plates mechanically coupled to a common proof mass. The proof mass is constrained to move or vibrate in the plane parallel to the first array of plates. The capacitance between the first array of plates is measured with respect to additional arrays of capacitive plates inter-digitated in a comb like pattern.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing cardiac function and detecting disorders thereof deploys a plurality of sensors on skin surface or close to it, to acquire data for detecting, locating, analyzing and displaying the time variant shifts in the local center of gravity of the heart tissues and fluids. The method deploys a sensor apparatus that is able to detect micro and/or nano vibrations arising from characteristic events in the cardiac cycle and/or movement of the heart tissue and fluids. The time variant shifts of the heart's center of gravity may be displayed with other temporal measures of cardiac activity such an ECG to facilitate the detection and diagnosis of abnormalities, and/or confirm a diagnosis from the ECG.

Abstract: A composition of matter having multiple layers of different conductors separated by thin layers of dielectric materials has a high piezoelectric coefficient when the conductors are metals having a significant difference in work function and the dielectric materials have a low elastic modulus when the metal layers are connected to form a capacitive circuit. Alternatively, when the conductors are semi-conductors they should have a significant difference in Fermi levels.

Abstract: Nanoscale acceleration and vibration sensors comprise a thin beam attached to a first substrate, being generally suspended over the first substrate by a cantilevered attachment. The thin beam functions as a second substrate for a coating that has a resistivity that varies with strain in the beam. The coating comprises an ordered array of conductive nanoparticles coupled to the substrate either by a thin polymeric layer or a columnar spacer that is a molecular species. The polymer or columnar spacers preferably have a thickness that is at least two times the diameter of the conductive nanoparticles. A circuit to measure the resistance of the coating is formed on or with the beam substrate. The sensor may deploy an array of beam having different dimensions to represent a range of resonant frequencies that can be simultaneously detected and resolved. The sensor may deploy multiple beams of the same dimensions to provide redundancy in the case of partial device failure.

Abstract: A plurality of densely packed nano-particles are arrayed on a elastic substrate via an intervening spacer by a combination of self-assembly methods or imprinting. The coated substrate is useful as a sensor device as the substrate is sufficiently non-rigid such that the deformation increases the separation between nano-particles resulting in a measurable change in the physical properties of the array. When the array comprises of closely packed conductive nano-particles deformation of the substrate disturbs the electrical continuity between the particles resulting in a significant increase in resistivity. The various optical properties of the device may exhibit measurable changes depending on the size and composition of the nano-particles, as well as the means for attaching them to the substrate.

Abstract: A plurality of particles are densely packed as an array on a flexible substrate. As at least a portion of the substrate responds mechanically to an external stimulus, the coated substrate is useful as a sensor device to the extent that the mechanical response produces a separation between particles resulting in a measurable change in the physical properties of the array. Preferably the particles are conductive, spherical and of nano-scale for greater sensitivity. When the array comprises closely packed conductive nano-particles deformation of the substrate disturbs the electrical continuity between the particles resulting in a significant increase in resistivity. The various optical properties of the device may exhibit measurable changes depending on the size and composition of the nano-particles, as well as the means for attaching them to the substrate.

Abstract: A method to analyze the fetus's heartbeat signal and detect a specific list of FHR arrhythmias in a non-intrusive, non-invasive and non-emitting way. The method comprises passively sensing a plurality of micro-vibration signals transmitted through the mother's body; and extracting at least one fetal heart arrhythmia parameter from said micro-vibration signals, using maternal characteristics as an added input.