Abstract: In a general aspect, a vapor cell includes a body defined by a stack of layers that includes electrically conductive layers and electrically insulating layers. The stack of layers are bonded to each other and have first and second end layers at respective opposite ends of the body. The stack of layers also has intermediate layers between the first and second end layers that define an internal cavity of the body. The internal cavity extends through the body between the first and second end layers and includes a vapor or a source of the vapor disposed therein. Adjacent electrically conductive layers are separated by at least one electrically insulating layer. Moreover, each electrically conductive layer defines an electrode of the vapor cell and includes a contact surface on an exterior side of the body. The contact surface defines an electrical contact of the electrode.

Abstract: In a general aspect, a method includes interacting a beam of light with a vapor in a vapor cell. The vapor cell includes a body defined by a stack of layers that includes electrically conductive layers and electrically insulating layers. The stack of layers are bonded to each other and have first and second end layers at respective opposite ends of the body. The stack of layers also has intermediate layers between the first and second end layers that define an internal cavity of the body. A vapor is disposed in the internal cavity. The method includes applying respective voltages to one or more electrodes to alter an electric field in the internal cavity. The method also includes measuring one or both of an ion signal based on charged particles in the vapor and an optical property of the beam of light after interacting with the vapor.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument for introduction into a cutting trocar sleeve possesses an essentially tubular housing shank, which at its distal end able to be introduced into the trocar is provided with an essentially tubular distal section able to be flexed. The distal section possesses at least one cutting means able to be deformed into a working state thereof together with the distal section. At the second, proximal end of the housing shank actuating means are provided with which the cutting means may be moved out of the form as inserted into the working form. The housing shank has a fluid duct, which adjacent to the housing shank distal section is provided with at least one outlet opening. The fluid duct is able to be bent into an arc at the distal section like the cutting means and has a fluid inlet opening at the proximal end thereof.