Abstract: An integrated device and related instruments and systems for analyzing samples in parallel are described. The integrated device may include sample wells arranged on a surface of where individual sample wells are configured to receive a sample labeled with at least one fluorescent marker configured to emit emission light in response to excitation light. The integrated device may further include photodetectors positioned in a layer of the integrated device, where one or more photodetectors are positioned to receive a photon of emission light emitted from a sample well. The integrated device further includes one or more photonic structures positioned between the sample wells and the photodetectors, where the one or more photonic structures are configured to attenuate the excitation light relative to the emission light such that a signal generated by the one or more photodetectors indicates detection of photons of emission light.

Abstract: An integrated device and related instruments and systems for analyzing samples in parallel are described. The integrated device may include sample wells arranged on a surface of where individual sample wells are configured to receive a sample labeled with at least one fluorescent marker configured to emit emission light in response to excitation light. The integrated device may further include photodetectors positioned in a layer of the integrated device, where one or more photodetectors are positioned to receive a photon of emission light emitted from a sample well. The integrated device further includes one or more photonic structures positioned between the sample wells and the photodetectors, where the one or more photonic structures are configured to attenuate the excitation light relative to the emission light such that a signal generated by the one or more photodetectors indicates detection of photons of emission light.

Abstract: System and methods for analyzing single molecules and performing nucleic acid sequencing. An integrated device may include multiple pixels with sample wells configured to receive a sample, which when excited, emits radiation. The integrated device includes a surface having a trench region recessed from a portion of the surface and an array of sample wells, disposed in the trench region. The integrated device also includes a waveguide configured to couple excitation energy to at least one sample well in the array and positioned at a first distance from a surface of the trench region and at a second distance from the surface in a region separate from the trench region. The first distance is smaller than the second distance. The system also includes an instrument that interfaces with the integrated device. The instrument may include an excitation energy source for providing excitation energy to the integrated device by coupling to an excitation energy coupling region of the integrated device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods relating to attenuating excitation radiation incident on a sensor in an integrated device that is used for sample analysis are described. At least one semiconductor film of a selected material and crystal morphology is located between a waveguide and a sensor in an integrated device that is formed on a substrate. Rejection ratios greater than 100 or more can be obtained for excitation and emission wavelengths that are 40 nm apart for a single layer of semiconductor material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for optical power distribution within an integrated device, in a substantially uniform manner, to a large number of sample wells and/or other photonic elements. The integrated device and related instruments and systems may be used to analyze samples in parallel. The integrated device may include a grating coupler configured to receive light from an excitation source and optically couple with multiple waveguides configured to couple with sample wells. Vertical extents of optical modes of individual waveguides may be modulated to adjust confinement of light within the waveguides. This modulation may enable more uniform distribution of excitation light to the sample wells, improve excitation efficiency, and prevent overpower on regions of the integrated device.

Abstract: System and methods for analyzing single molecules and performing nucleic acid sequencing. An integrated device may include multiple pixels with sample wells configured to receive a sample, which when excited, emits radiation. The integrated device includes a surface having a trench region recessed from a portion of the surface and an array of sample wells, disposed in the trench region. The integrated device also includes a waveguide configured to couple excitation energy to at least one sample well in the array and positioned at a first distance from a surface of the trench region and at a second distance from the surface in a region separate from the trench region. The first distance is smaller than the second distance. The system also includes an instrument that interfaces with the integrated device. The instrument may include an excitation energy source for providing excitation energy to the integrated device by coupling to an excitation energy coupling region of the integrated device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for improving optical signal collection in an integrated device are described. A microdisk can be formed in an integrated device and increase collection and/or concentration of radiation incident on the microdisk and re-radiated by the microdisk. An example integrated device that can include a microdisk may be used for analyte detection and/or analysis. Such an integrated device may include a plurality of pixels, each having a reaction chamber for receiving a sample to be analyzed, an optical microdisk, and an optical sensor configured to detect optical emission from the reaction chamber. The microdisk can comprise a dielectric material having a first index of refraction that is embedded in one or more surrounding materials having one or more different refractive index values.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods relating to photonic bandgap optical nanostructures are described. Such optical nanostructures may exhibit prohibited photonic bandgaps or allowed photonic bands, and may be used to reject (e.g., block or attenuate) radiation at a first wavelength while allowing transmission of radiation at a second wavelength. Examples of photonic bandgap optical nanostructures includes periodic and quasi-periodic structures, with periodicity or quasi-periodicity in one, two, or three dimensions and structural variations in at least two dimensions. Such photonic bandgap optical nanostructures may be formed in integrated devices that include photodiodes and CMOS circuitry arranged to analyze radiation received by the photodiodes.

Abstract: A method of forming an ultrasonic transducer device includes forming a curved membrane over a transducer cavity. A center portion of the curved membrane is closer to a bottom surface of the transducer cavity than with respect to radially outwardly disposed portions of the curved membrane.

Abstract: An order and delivery system deployed over a regional delivery area comprises a plurality of businesses defining a chain or franchise, with each business having an exclusive and limited sales territory associated therewith. A business may operate a plurality of delivery vehicles or mobile storefronts within a geographically defined market area, but not impede upon another business's territory. While orders associated with a physical delivery address may be validated using mapping software, orders that do not have a physical address, such as orders associated with pop-up events, are validated instead by geodata transmitted by a customer's wireless network device. Through the order and delivery system, regional delivery areas for multiple businesses can be managed through geofencing.

Abstract: Sales transaction history is stored and communications with a consumer is provided through automated means with respect to an order and delivery system deployed over a regional delivery area that includes mobile storefronts operating in a closed network. Digital communications may be triggered by an onboard computer when a mobile storefront is scheduled to be within a defined proximity to the consumer's geolocation and may include incentives or rewards based on stored historical data. A desired transaction between the consumer and the mobile storefront may be generated by implementing client management software to employ artificially intelligent algorithms that evaluate a transaction history to deliver a personalized strategic promotional message.

Abstract: Stored inventory onboard self-contained mobile storefronts are delivered with respect to an order and delivery system deployed over a regional delivery area operating in a closed network. A mobile storefront that receives an order from a consumer operates autonomously to facilitate preparation of the order from an aggregation of inventory stored thereon, then completes delivery to the consumer at the consumer's geolocation. A highly responsive on-demand system is provided that consolidates order fulfillment technologies to service consumers more quickly and efficiently by minimizing opportunities for human error.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods relating to attenuating excitation radiation incident on a sensor in an integrated device that is used for sample analysis are described. At least one semiconductor film of a selected material and crystal morphology is located between a waveguide and a sensor in an integrated device that is formed on a substrate. Rejection ratios greater than 100 or more can be obtained for excitation and emission wavelengths that are 40 nm apart for a single layer of semiconductor material.

Abstract: A method of forming an integrated device includes forming a sample well within a cladding layer of a substrate; forming a sacrificial spacer layer over the substrate and into the sample well; performing a directional etch of the sacrificial spacer layer so as to form a sacrificial sidewall spacer on sidewalls of the sample well; forming, over the substrate and into the sample well, a functional layer that provides a location for attachment of a biomolecule; and removing the sacrificial spacer material.

Abstract: Methods of forming an integrated device, and in particular forming one or more sample wells in an integrated device, are described. The methods may involve forming a metal stack over a cladding layer, forming an aperture in the metal stack, forming first spacer material within the aperture, and forming a sample well by removing some of the cladding layer to extend a depth of the aperture into the cladding layer. In the resulting sample well, at least one portion of the first spacer material is in contact with at least one layer of the metal stack.

Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) system supports improved interactive control processes/services. These interactive control processes/services include detecting movement of a controller associated with a virtual reality (VR) environment, determining an angle of rotation based on the movement, determining a magnitude of force associated with the movement, determining a path in the VR environment that corresponds to the angle of rotation and the magnitude of force, and projecting the path in the VR environment.

Abstract: Described herein are paint primer additives and paint primer formulations thereof. The paint primer formulations and paint primer additive described herein can be applied to surface or portion thereof. The paint primer additive and/or paint primer formulations described herein can be effective to block or reduce transmission of electromagnetic radiation through a surface.

Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) system supports improved interactive control processes/services. These interactive control processes/services include detecting movement of a controller associated with a virtual reality (VR) environment, determining an angle of rotation based on the movement, determining a magnitude of force associated with the movement, determining a path in the VR environment that corresponds to the angle of rotation and the magnitude of force, and projecting the path in the VR environment.

Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) system supports improved interactive control processes/services. These interactive control processes/services include detecting movement of a controller associated with a virtual reality (VR) environment, determining an angle of rotation based on the movement, determining a magnitude of force associated with the movement, determining a path in the VR environment that corresponds to the angle of rotation and the magnitude of force, and projecting the path in the VR environment.

Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) system supports improved interactive control processes/services. These interactive control processes/services include detecting movement of a controller associated with a virtual reality (VR) environment, determining an angle of rotation based on the movement, determining a magnitude of force associated with the movement, determining a path in the VR environment that corresponds to the angle of rotation and the magnitude of force, and projecting the path in the VR environment.