Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling microstructures onto a substrate through fluid transport. The microstructures being shaped blocks self-align into recessed regions located on a substrate such that the microstructure becomes integral with the substrate. The improved method includes a step of transferring the shaped blocks into a fluid to create a slurry. Such slurry is then dispensed evenly or circulated over the top surface of a substrate having recessed regions thereon. The microstructure via the shape and fluid tumbles onto the surface of the substrate, self-aligns, and engages into a recessed region.

Abstract: Apparatus for assembling microstructures onto a substrate through fluid transport. The apparatus includes a vessel that contains the substrate, a fluid, and microstructures. The substrate has at least one recessed region thereon. The microstructures being shaped blocks self-align into the recessed regions located on the substrate such that the microstructure becomes integral with the substrate. The apparatus also includes a pump that circulates the microstructures within the vessel at a rate where at least one of the microstructures is disposed into the recessed region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling microstructures onto a substrate through fluid transport. The microstructures being shaped blocks self-align into recessed regions located on a substrate such that the microstructure becomes integral with the substrate. The improved method includes a step of transferring the shaped blocks into a fluid to create a slurry. Such slurry is then dispensed evenly or circulated over the top surface of a substrate having recessed regions thereon. The microstructure via the shape and fluid tumbles onto the surface of the substrate, self-aligns, and engages into a recessed region.

Abstract: A method for assembling microstructures onto a substrate through fluid transport. The microstructures being shaped blocks self-align into recessed regions located on a substrate such that the microstructure becomes integral with the substrate 20, 70, 90, 120, 200. The improved method includes a step of transferring the shaped blocks into a fluid to create a slurry. Such slurry is then poured evenly over the top surface of a substrate having recessed regions thereon. The microstructure via the shape and fluid tumbles onto the surface of the substrate, self-aligns, and engages into a recessed region.

Abstract: Near-field optical apparatus according to the invention contains a novel semiconductor laser photon source. The source is capable of providing substantially higher photon flux than prior art near field sources, potentially facilitating read-out rates in the megahertz range in exemplary near-field data storage and retrieval apparatus. The novel source comprises a non-uniform laser emission face, with the emission face configured such that at least 50% of the total radiation emission is from a small (first) region of the emission face, of width less than .lambda..sub.s /2, where .lambda..sub.s is the emission wavelength of the laser. In an exemplary embodiment, a multilayer coating is provided on the emission face, such that radiation emission from the face is relatively low. A recess is formed in the coating such that substantial radiation emission from the recess occurs. The recess constitutes the first region.

Abstract: A method for assembling microstructures onto a substrate through fluid transport. The microstructures being shaped blocks self-align into recessed regions located on a substrate such that the microstructure becomes integral with the substrate 20, 70, 90, 120, 200. The improved method includes a step of transferring the shaped blocks into a fluid to create a slurry. Such slurry is then poured evenly over the top surface of a substrate having recessed regions thereon. The microstructure via the shape and fluid tumbles onto the surface of the substrate, self-aligns, and engages into a recessed region.