Abstract: A staircase avalanche photodiode with a staircase multiplication region composed of an AlInAsSb alloy. The photodiode includes a buffer layer adjacent to a substrate and an avalanche multiplication region adjacent to the buffer layer, where the avalanche multiplication region includes a graded AlInAsSb alloy grown lattice-matched or psuedomorphically strained on either InAs or GaSb. The photodiode further includes a photoabsorption layer adjacent to the avalanche multiplication region, where the photoabsorption layer is utilized for absorbing photons. By utilizing AlInAsSb in the multiplication region, the photodiode exhibits a direct bandgap over a wide range of compositions as well as exhibits large conduction band offsets much larger than the smallest achievable bandgap and small valance band offsets. Furthermore, the photodiode is able to detect extremely weak light with a high signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: A staircase avalanche photodiode with a staircase multiplication region composed of an AlInAsSb alloy. The photodiode includes a buffer layer adjacent to a substrate and an avalanche multiplication region adjacent to the buffer layer, where the avalanche multiplication region includes a graded AlInAsSb alloy grown lattice-matched or psuedomorphically strained on either InAs or GaSb. The photodiode further includes a photoabsorption layer adjacent to the avalanche multiplication region, where the photoabsorption layer is utilized for absorbing photons. By utilizing AlInAsSb in the multiplication region, the photodiode exhibits a direct bandgap over a wide range of compositions as well as exhibits large conduction band offsets much larger than the smallest achievable bandgap and small valance band offsets. Furthermore, the photodiode is able to detect extremely weak light with a high signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: A protective plastic package for storage, transportation and display of electronic components, particularly integrated circuits. The package has a top and bottom cover, is slightly larger than the electronic component, and centers the electronic component within it to prevent damage. The package is also has anti-static properties to prevent static electricity damage. The electronic component is retained within the package when open, and may be ejected from the package without touching the electronic component. The protective plastic package may also be used within larger display packaging to provide an added level of protection against damage and theft. If individualized identification tags are placed on individual items within transparent display packaging, they can be individually read without opening the package or placing corresponding tags on the package exterior.

Abstract: A new vehicle mirror viewing system which is designed for rear view mirrors mounted exteriorly of a vehicle and allows a driver to either view the mirror or an image transmitted from the mirror to a viewing screen mounted interiorly of the vehicle. A fiber optic transmission cable is utilized in conjunction with a two-way mirror to transmit the reflected image from the mirror to the viewing screen. The cable utilizes a large bundle of fiber optic cables, and the ends of the cables are mounted in small blocks which allow only small pixels of light to be transmitted from an image passes through the two-way mirror. With the ends of the cables mounted in arrays within transducers, a composite image can be transmitted from a rear surface of the rear view mirror to the viewing screen.

Abstract: A locking device for a folding tool includes a spring member extending from a handle over a tool hub. The hub is formed with a notch shaped with obliquely directed sides and a stop wall spaced from the notch. The portion of the hub including the notch and the stop wall forms a bearing surface. The spring member includes a v-shaped bend that substantially matches the notch and a finger extending from the bend. In an extended position, the tool is secured by the engagement of the bend in the notch and the abutment of the finger on the hub on the bearing surface and stop wall.