Abstract: The disclosed invention embodies a system and method for multi-sensor, multi-frequency, multi-constellation data integration providing integrated onboard positioning of a vehicle. Multiple correlators perform autonomous signal quality monitoring to avoid the need for external augmentation systems. The integrated method and system typically includes multi-constellation, multi-channel GNSS and may consider positioning information from one or more other positioning resources including onboard, airborne, and ground-based signals. The positioning information from these functions are used in combination to exclude an erroneous signal from consideration while providing an integrated, blended precision positioning solution with improved size, weight, power and cost characteristics.

Abstract: Methods for designing and fabricating a bipolar junction transistor. A predetermined size for a device region of the bipolar junction transistor is determined based on a given current gain. A trench isolation layout is determined for a plurality of trench isolation regions to be formed in a substrate to surround the device region. The trench isolation regions are laterally spaced relative to each other in the trench isolation layout in order to set the predetermined size of the device region. An interconnect layout is determined that specifies one or more contacts coupled with a terminal of the bipolar junction transistor. The specification of the one or more contacts in the interconnect layout is unchanged by the determination of the trench isolation layout.

Abstract: An actuator and method for setting a subterranean tool uses an externally mounted actuator on a tubular string that is operably engaged to the tool to be actuated. At the desired location for actuation a signal is given to a valve assembly. The opening of the valve releases the pressurized compressible fluid against a floating piston. The piston drives viscous fluid ahead of itself through the now open valve that in turn drives an actuating piston whose movement sets the tool. The triggering mechanism to open the valve can be a variety of methods including an acoustic signal, a vibration signal, a change in magnetic field, or elastic deformation of the tubular wall adjacent the valve assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a beam dump which is configured for not increasing a temperature of a laser with which it may be implemented. The beam dump may include an opaque enclosure which is configured for receiving light (ex.—initial light) from a light source (ex.—a frequency-converted laser), said light being delivered through an aperture of the enclosure via one or more connected optical fibers. The received light may be scattered within the enclosure. However, the beam dump is configured for minimizing the amount of light which is back scattered light into the fiber(s). For instance, the amount of back scattered light may be less than 1/1000 of the initial light. Further, the beam dump may be configured for minimizing photocontamination which may be caused when the light contacts interior surfaces of the enclosure. Still further, the beam dump may be a small size, low cost structure.

Abstract: Approaches for an on-chip antenna are provided. A method includes forming an antenna in an insulator layer at a front side of a substrate. The method also includes forming a trench in the substrate underneath the antenna. The method further includes forming a fill material in the trench. The substrate is composed of a material having a first dielectric constant. The fill material has a second dielectric constant that is less than the first dielectric constant.

Abstract: Aggregation of traffic impact metrics is provided. Each of a plurality of holidays is associated with a holiday category of a plurality of holiday categories. The plurality of holiday categories includes a first holiday category and a second holiday category. A plurality of points of interest along a link of a transportation network is identified. At least one of the plurality of points of interest is associated with the first holiday category and at least one of the plurality of points of interest with the second holiday category. A mean category impact for each of the plurality of holiday categories is determined. An aggregated traffic impact metric is determined based, at least in part, on the mean category impact of each of the plurality of holiday categories.

Abstract: A pulse multiplier includes a polarizing beam splitter, a wave plate, and a set of multi-surface reflecting components (e.g., one or more etalons and one or more mirrors). The polarizing beam splitter passes input laser pulses through the wave plate to the multi-surface reflecting components, which reflect portions of each input laser pulse back through the wave plate to the polarizing beam splitter. The polarizing beam splitter reflects each reflected portion to form an output of the pulse multiplier. The multi-surface reflecting components are configured such that the output pulses exiting the pulse multiplier have an output repetition pulse frequency rate that is at least double the input repetition pulse frequency.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for treating C. difficile associated disease (CDAD) through the administration to a subject in need thereof at least one nucleic acid encoding at least a portion of at least one of toxin A and toxin B.

Abstract: A calibratable communications link includes multiple parallel lines. Calibration is performed at dynamically variable and/or interruptible intervals determined by an automated mechanism. Calibration is preferably initiated responsive to a command generated by an executable software process, which initiates calibration responsive to detection of a probable impending need as indicated by, e.g., temperature change, calibrated parameter drift, error rate, etc. Calibration is also preferably initiated according to probable minimal disruption of device function, as indicated by low activity level. Furthermore, in one aspect calibration may be temporarily suspended to transmit data and then resumed.

Abstract: A pulsed UV laser assembly includes a partial reflector or beam splitter that divides each fundamental pulse into two sub-pulses and directs one sub-pulse to one end of a Bragg grating and the other pulse to the other end of the Bragg grating (or another Bragg grating) such that both sub-pulses are stretched and receive opposing (positive and negative) frequency chirps. The two stretched sub-pulses are combined to generate sum frequency light having a narrower bandwidth than could be obtained by second-harmonic generation directly from the fundamental. UV wavelengths may be generated directly from the sum frequency light or from a harmonic conversion scheme incorporating the sum frequency light. The UV laser may further incorporate other bandwidth reducing schemes. The pulsed UV laser may be used in an inspection or metrology system.

Abstract: A calibratable communications link includes multiple parallel lines. Calibration is performed at dynamically variable and/or interruptible intervals determined by an automated mechanism. Calibration is preferably initiated responsive to a command generated by an executable software process, which initiates calibration responsive to detection of a probable impending need as indicated by, e.g., temperature change, calibrated parameter drift, error rate, etc. Calibration is also preferably initiated according to probable minimal disruption of device function, as indicated by low activity level. Furthermore, in one aspect calibration may be temporarily suspended to transmit data and then resumed.

Abstract: A frequency-conversion crystal annealing process includes a first ramp-up period (e.g., increasing the crystal's temperature to a first set point in the range of 100° C. to 150° C. over about 2 hours), a first fixed temperature period (e.g., maintaining at the first set point for 10 to 20 hours), a second ramp-up period (e.g., increasing from the first set point to a second set point above 150° C. over about 1 hour or more), a second fixed period (e.g., maintaining at the second set point for 48 to 300 hours), and then a temperature ramp-down period (e.g., decreasing from the second set point to room temperature over about 3 hours). Transitions from the first and second fixed temperature periods are optionally determined by —OH bonds absorption levels that are measured using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, e.g., by monitoring the absorption of —OH bonds (including H2O) near 3580 cm?1 in the infra-red spectrum.

Abstract: A field effect transistor (FET) with an underlying airgap and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method includes forming an amorphous layer at a predetermined depth of a substrate. The method further includes forming an airgap in the substrate under the amorphous layer. The method further includes forming a completely isolated transistor in an active region of the substrate, above the amorphous layer and the airgap.

Abstract: Various methods include: forming an optical waveguide in a bulk silicon layer, the optical waveguide including a set of shallow trench isolation (STI) regions overlying a silicon substrate region; ion implanting the silicon substrate to amorphize a portion of the silicon substrate; forming a set of trenches through the STI regions and into the underlying silicon substrate region; undercut etching the silicon substrate region under the STI regions through the set of trenches to form a set of cavities, wherein the at least partially amorphized portion of the silicon substrate etches at a rate less than an etch rate of the silicon substrate; and sealing the set of cavities.

Abstract: A catadioptric objective configured to inspect a specimen is provided. The catadioptric objective includes a Mangin element having one surface at a first axial location and an extension element positioned together with the Mangin element. The extension element provides a second surface at a second axial location. Certain light energy reflected from the specimen passes to the second surface of the extension element, the Mangin element, and through a plurality of lenses. An aspheric surface may be provided, and light energy may be provided to the specimen using diverting elements such as prisms or reflective surfaces.

Abstract: Methods for designing and fabricating a bipolar junction transistor. A predetermined size for a device region of the bipolar junction transistor is determined based on a given current gain. A trench isolation layout is determined for a plurality of trench isolation regions to be formed in a substrate to surround the device region. The trench isolation regions are laterally spaced relative to each other in the trench isolation layout in order to set the predetermined size of the device region. An interconnect layout is determined that specifies one or more contacts coupled with a terminal of the bipolar junction transistor. The specification of the one or more contacts in the interconnect layout is unchanged by the determination of the trench isolation layout.

Abstract: A field effect transistor (FET) with an underlying airgap and methods of manufacture are disclosed. The method includes forming an amorphous layer at a predetermined depth of a substrate. The method further includes forming an airgap in the substrate under the amorphous layer. The method further includes forming a completely isolated transistor in an active region of the substrate, above the amorphous layer and the airgap.

Abstract: A laser for generating an output wavelength of approximately 193.4 nm includes a fundamental laser, an optical parametric generator, a fourth harmonic generator, and a frequency mixing module. The optical parametric generator, which is coupled to the fundamental laser, can generate a down-converted signal. The fourth harmonic generator, which may be coupled to the optical parametric generator or the fundamental laser, can generate a fourth harmonic. The frequency mixing module, which is coupled to the optical parametric generator and the fourth harmonic generator, can generate a laser output at a frequency equal to a sum of the fourth harmonic and twice a frequency of the down-converted signal.

Abstract: A laser assembly for generating laser output light at an output wavelength of approximately 183 nm includes a fundamental laser, an optical parametric system (OPS), a fifth harmonic generator, and a frequency mixing module. The fundamental laser generates fundamental light at a fundamental frequency. The OPS generates a down-converted signal at a down-converted frequency. The fifth harmonic generator generates a fifth harmonic of the fundamental light. The frequency mixing module mixes the down-converted signal and the fifth harmonic to produce the laser output light at a frequency equal to a sum of the fifth harmonic frequency and the down-converted frequency. The OPS generates the down-converted signal by generating a down-converted seed signal at the down-converted frequency, and then mixing the down-converted seed signal with a portion of the fundamental light.

Abstract: A hydrostatically set packer is held against setting by a locking member that is made of controlled electrolytic material (CEM). After introduction into a wellbore and exposure to thermal or well fluid inputs the lock made of CEM dissolves or is otherwise weakened to the point where relative movement can occur for the setting of the packer with available hydrostatic pressure. The locking member can also be a shape memory alloy at least in part whose shape change allows the tool to set.