Abstract: A tunable metamaterial comprising a membrane on which is arranged a two-dimensional array of elements to form a metamaterial, wherein the array is subdivided into blocks of multiple elements, each block being separated from adjacent blocks by a gap to allow each block to be moveable relative to its adjacent blocks. The lattice of the metamaterial and hence its properties are tuned by inducing adjacent blocks to move away from each other or towards each other either in-plane or out-of-plane in a controllable manner in response to an electrical, thermal or optical control signal.

Abstract: A tunable metamaterial comprising a membrane on which is arranged a two-dimensional array of elements to form a metamaterial, wherein the array is subdivided into blocks of multiple elements, each block being separated from adjacent blocks by a gap to allow each block to be moveable relative to its adjacent blocks. The lattice of the metamaterial and hence its properties are tuned by inducing adjacent blocks to move away from each other or towards each other either in-plane or out-of-plane in a controllable manner in response to an electrical, thermal or optical control signal.

Abstract: A non-linear optical device comprising a non-linear element made of a plasmonic material with a periodic structure having a period smaller than the wavelength of a non-linear process intrinsic to the plasmonic material. The plasmonic material is implemented as a gold film which is structured with a periodic array of asymmetric split ring slits. The metamaterial framework of the plasmonic material itself is used as the source of a strong and fast non-linearity. The cubic non-linear response is resonantly enhanced through the effect of the metamaterial structuring by more than two orders of magnitude and its sign and magnitude can be controlled by varying the metamaterial pattern.

Abstract: This invention relates to use of metamaterials for creating spectral selectors of electromagnetic radiation. Planar metamaterial films patterned on the sub-wavelength scale can be used in polarization filters instead of natural and synthesized bulk crystals. Characteristics and the quality factor of metamaterial filters is controlled by the geometry of the pattern. Various types of metamaterials and filter configurations are proposed.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an improved method and apparatus for measurement of properties of a sample as a function of temperature. The method and apparatus are based on formation of a stable temperature gradient through the holding fixture such as a cell or a plate containing the sample under study, measurement of the property of interest as a function of position, and relating the positions of the measurements to the temperature of the studied sample at that position. In the preferred application, thermal and thermodynamic properties of solutes are obtained. Provisions are described to combine optical interrogation with Raman spectroscopy. Alternate technique of interrogation is total internal fluorescence reflection. Chemical reaction rates as function of temperature can be advantageously studied including reactions catalyzed by enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for measurement of optical properties of a liquid as a function of temperature. The method and apparatus are based on formation of a stable temperature gradient through the holding cell containing the liquid under study, measurement of the optical property or properties of interest as a function of position, and relating the positions of the optical measurements to the temperature of the studied liquid at that position. In the preferred application, thermal and thermodynamic properties of solutes are obtained.

Abstract: Simple methods and kits for determining thermodynamic stability of nucleic acid duplexes and single polynucleotide polymorphisms via competitive equillibria are provided.