Abstract: A microelectromechanical system configured to be submerged in a fluid having an acoustic sensor assembly having a substrate, interdigitated comb finger capacitors, one or more sensor, a boot assembly a boot assembly having a cavity being configured to contain dielectric fluid and to enclose the acoustic sensor assembly, where the acoustic sensor assembly is communicably coupled to the dielectric fluid and boot, the acoustic sensor assembly being configured to receive the one or more sound waves from a source through the boot and dielectric fluid with near unity acoustic transmission, and a flange assembly disposed at a top side of the boot assembly and configured to cover and seal the acoustic sensor assembly and the dielectric fluid in the boot assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a Direction Finding Acoustic Sensor comprising a first sound sensor and a second sound sensor, where the first and second sound sensors are generally maintained in a reflectional symmetry around an axis of symmetry. A digital device in data communication both sound sensors receives a signal PL from the first sensor a signal PR from the second sensor based on displacement respective sensors. The digital device evaluates a difference between an ?1PL and an ?2PR relative to a sum of the ?1PL and the ?2PR, and provides an angle ?S corresponding to the result. Typically, the Direction Finding Acoustic Sensor communicates the ?s determined using some appropriate reference frame, such as the axis of symmetry. The Direction Finding Acoustic Sensor is capable of providing an unambiguous direction within an angle of ±(90°??off) of the axis of symmetry.

Abstract: Bi-material terahertz (THz) sensors with metamaterial structures are described. In one embodiment, MEMS fabrication-friendly SiOx and Al are used to maximize the bi-material effect and metamaterial absorption at 3.8 THz, the frequency of a quantum cascade laser illumination source. Sensors with different configurations were fabricated and the measured absorption is near 100% and responsivity is around 1.2 deg/?W. Fabrication and use of the sensors in focal plane arrays for real time THz imaging is described. In a further embodiment, the metamaterial structure is utilized as a THz emitter when heated by an external source.

Abstract: A combined semiconductor controlled circuit (CSCC) includes a semiconductor controlled switch (SCS). The SCS includes anode, cathode, anode gate and cathode gate terminals connected to P1 anode, N2 cathode, N1 anode gate and P2 cathode gate layers. The SCS also includes P-N junctions between P1 anode and N1 anode gate layers, N1 anode gate and P2 cathode gate layers and P2 cathode gate and N2 cathode layers. The CSCC also includes a Zener diode having a current path flowing from the cathode terminal to the anode gate terminal, a feedback resistor connecting cathode and cathode gate terminals and a substrate. A solid-state spark chamber includes a CSCC, a DC bias voltage source and an RC load having a parallel-connected load resistor and capacitor. The solid-state spark chamber also includes a plurality of measurement terminals and a ground. A method of making a solid-state spark chamber includes connecting the above components.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical (MEMS) based directional sound sensor includes a two sensor wings attached to a surrounding support structure by two legs. The support structure is hollow beneath the sensor wings allowing the sensor wings to vibrate in response to sound excitation. In one embodiment, interdigitated comb finger capacitors attached on the sensor wing edges and the support structure enable an electrostatic (capacitive) readout related to the vibrations of the sensor which allows determination of the sound direction.

Abstract: A Quantum Cascade (QC) structure(s) for use in Quantum Cascade Lasers (QCLs) that use step quantum well(s) in which the radiative and LO-phonon transitions are both vertical transitions and within the same step well. This approach allows for a high oscillator strength and uses LO-phonon scattering for fast depopulation of the middle state (lower lasing state) for maintaining a population inversion. The step also reduces unwanted injection into the lower lasing state due to spatial separation of the wavefunctions. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical (MEMS) based directional sound sensor includes a two sensor wings attached to a surrounding support structure by two legs. The support structure is hollow beneath the sensor wings allowing the sensor wings to vibrate in response to sound excitation. In one embodiment, interdigitated comb finger capacitors attached on the sensor wing edges and the support structure enable an electrostatic (capacitive) readout related to the vibrations of the sensor which allows determination of the sound direction.