Abstract: An optical spectrometer having a multi-wafer structure. The structure may be fabricated with MEMS technology. The spectrometer may be integrated with a fluid analyzer. A reflective grating such as a diffraction or holographic grating situated on the circumference of a Rowland circle along with a point of light emission and a detector may be a configuration of the spectrometer. Some configurations may use an external light source where the light may be optically conveyed to the point of emission on the circle. There may be a Raman configuration where an interaction of light with a sample or an interactive film of a channel in a fluid analyzer is the point of light emission for the spectrometer. In some configurations of the spectrometer, the grating and/or the film may be reflective or transmissive.

Abstract: An integrated three-dimensional magnetic or any field sensing device and a method to fabricate an integrated three-dimensional magnetic sensing device is presented. An integrated three-dimensional magnetic sensing device comprises an apparatus that defines at least a first surface area and at least one sloped surface which is sloped with respect to the first surface area. Two magnetic sensing units could be arranged on the first surface area to provide first and second orthogonal sensing directions, and a third magnetic sensing unit could be arranged on the at least one sloped surface to provide sensing in at least a third sensing direction which is orthogonal to the first and second orthogonal sensing directions. Bias could be applied to the third magnetic sensing unit to cancel a component of the magnetic field sensed by the third magnetic sensing unit so that the third magnetic sensor unit only provides sensing in the third direction.

Abstract: An optical spectrometer having a multi-wafer structure. The structure may be fabricated with MEMS technology. The spectrometer may be integrated with a fluid analyzer. A reflective grating such as a diffraction or holographic grating situated on the circumference of a Rowland circle along with a point of light emission and a detector may be a configuration of the spectrometer. Some configurations may use an external light source where the light may be optically conveyed to the point of emission on the circle. There may be a Raman configuration where an interaction of light with a sample or an interactive film of a channel in a fluid analyzer is the point of light emission for the spectrometer. In some configurations of the spectrometer, the grating and/or the film may be reflective or transmissive.

Abstract: A self-calibration device and method for a FFET sensor having a thin functional film positioned to detect the presence of at least one specific component in a fluid, a current driven source, a gate and a voltage source applied to said gate, a tub and a drain. An input signal is applied to the gate to produce a measured output signal that is compared to an expected output reference signal. The input signal is selected from controlled voltage pulses to the gate, or the source bias current can be changed. Alternatively, the signal can be a known concentration pulse of the specific component applied to the FFET or a heat source pulse for changing the temperature of the FFET by a small amount.

Abstract: An integrated three-dimensional magnetic or any field sensing device and a method to fabricate an integrated three-dimensional magnetic sensing device is presented. An integrated three-dimensional magnetic sensing device comprises an apparatus that defines at least a first surface area and at least one sloped surface which is sloped with respect to the first surface area. Two magnetic sensing units could be arranged on the first surface area to provide first and second orthogonal sensing directions, and a third magnetic sensing unit could be arranged on the at least one sloped surface to provide sensing in at least a third sensing direction which is orthogonal to the first and second orthogonal sensing directions. Bias could be applied to the third magnetic sensing unit to cancel a component of the magnetic field sensed by the third magnetic sensing unit so that the third magnetic sensor unit only provides sensing in the third direction.

Abstract: Equipment and processes for creating a custom sloped etch in a substrate are disclosed. An illustrative process may include the steps of providing a substrate having a surface to be etched, providing a control layer on the surface of the substrate, forming a mask above the control layer, and then selectively etching each of the control layer and substrate at variable rates to form a sloped etch in the substrate.

Abstract: A structure being a modular system generally having a concentrator, separator, various detectors and a pump. The concentrator may have an array of phased heaters that are turned on at different times relative to each other in a fluid stream channel. The structure may relate to such a phased heater array structure, and more particularly to application of it relative to a sensor, analyzer or chromatograph for the identification and quantification of fluid components. The structure may be a miniaturized fluid micro system. The changeability of the modules of the system may be a plus for development, manufacturing, usage, repair and modification. It may also be energy-efficient, be battery-powered, and usable as a portable instrument.