Abstract: A distributed Bragg reflector includes a first layer formed to be a first thickness, and a second layer formed to be a second thickness. A method of forming a distributed Bragg reflector includes forming a first layer to be a first thickness and forming a second layer to be a second thickness. The first and second thicknesses are determined using a wavelength that is adjacent to a center wavelength of an optical band of the distributed Bragg reflector.

Abstract: An improved waveguide shuttle optical switch design which provides the function of a variable optical attenuator (VOA). A small degree of intentional misalignment of the waveguide will create different levels of optical attenuation. By finely controlling the misalignment of a selected switched position, a single device may be realized that will provide the functions of both switching and attenuating or just attenuation alone. The optical MEMS device utilizes a latching mechanism in association with a thermal drive actuator for aligning a waveguide shuttle platform. The integration of the switching function and the VOA function reduce the optical loss which is otherwise unavoidable when the inevitable alternative of a separate switch and a separate VOA must necessarily be employed. The resultant improved device can also be applied for correcting the difference in optical intensity created by the manufacturing tolerances inherent in the fabrication of array waveguide gratings.

Abstract: Various document tracking techniques may provide an RFID tag for attaching a document that has obverse and reverse faces with the tag disposed on the obverse face. The tag may include a board and an antenna that may connect to the board and may be disposed on the obverse face of the document. The board may include a transceiver and a transponder. The transponder may include an integrated circuit. The antenna may include at least one extending member that extends from the board. The extending member may include a plurality of end segments that may flex so as to be disposed on the reverse face around an edge of the document. The antenna may include an extending member that extends from the board and may be secured to the document by connecting to a deforming staple member. The staple member may include stapling ends disposed on the reverse face by extending the stapling ends through the document and bending along the reverse face.

Abstract: An environmental system includes a micromechanical dispensing device. The environmental system comprises an environmental system controller arranged to communicate with one or more included environmental air units. The one or more environmental air units are arranged to alter or control one or more physical properties of an atmosphere. The environmental system controller is further arranged to communicate with an included micromechanical dispensing device. The micromechanical dispensing device is arranged to dispense at least one fluid into the atmosphere.

Abstract: An improved cantilever beam optical switch design which provides the function of a variable optical attenuator (VOA). A small degree of intentional misalignment of the waveguide will create different levels of optical attenuation. By finely controlling the misalignment of a selected switched position, a single device may be realized that will provide the functions of both switching and attenuating or just attenuation alone. The optical MEMS device utilizes a latching mechanism in association with a thermal drive actuator for aligning a cantilever beam platform. The integration of the switching function and the VOA function reduce the optical loss which is otherwise unavoidable when the inevitable alterative of a separate switch and a separate VOA must necessarily be employed. The resultant improved device can also be applied for correcting the difference in optical intensity created by the manufacturing tolerances inherent in the fabrication of array waveguide gratings.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there is an electrophotographic charging device comprising a first electrode, a second electrode adjacent the first electrode, a plurality of nanotubes adhering to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode, and a voltage supply electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode impart charge to a portion of a gaseous material that is deposited on a receptor.

Abstract: A substantially straight beam in an unbuckled state is compressed to cause the beam to buckle using an adjustable compressor. The adjustable compressor applies force to one or both ends of the beam and limits compression on the beam to allow the beam to move between a first buckled state and a second buckled state. The first buckled state and the second buckled state comprise substantially equal magnitude and opposite direction buckling movements from the unbuckled state.

Abstract: A method for forming a gap (16) of a width (d) which meets selected tolerance limits includes forming sidewalls (80, 82) in a microstructure, the sidewalls defining a gap (16) therebetween. The gap has a width defined between the sidewalls. The width of the gap between the sidewalls is determined. Where the determined width of the gap is below the selected tolerance limits for the width of the gap, the sidewalls are consumed to form a gap which meets the selected tolerance limits. The gap may be incorporated in a waveguide device (10) of a microswitch (100) and selectively connect input and output waveguides (130, 132).

Abstract: A fluid dispensing device comprises one or more micromechanical fluid dispensing mechanisms arranged to dispense fluids into the atmosphere. The fluids include any of a perfume, pheromone, fragrance, disinfectant, moisturizer, humectant, miticide, fumigant, deodorizer, sanitizing agent and insecticide. A dispenser controller communicates with the fluid micromechanical dispensing mechanisms to selectively activate the fluid micromechanical dispensing mechanisms. Optionally, the fluid dispensing device includes a sensor to detect the airborne concentration of fluids that are dispersed in the atmosphere. Optionally, one or more fluid dispensing devices may be arranged to form a system, perhaps including a system sensor and a system controller.

Abstract: An improved waveguide shuttle optical switch design which provides the function of a variable optical attenuator (VOA). A small degree of intentional misalignment of the waveguide will create different levels of optical attenuation. By finely controlling the misalignment of a selected switched position, a single device may be realized that will provide the functions of both switching and attenuating or just attenuation alone. The optical MEMS device utilizes a latching mechanism in association with a thermal drive actuator for aligning a waveguide shuttle platform. The integration of the switching function and the VOA function reduce the optical loss which is otherwise unavoidable when the inevitable alternative of a separate switch and a separate VOA must necessarily be employed. The resultant improved device can also be applied for correcting the difference in optical intensity created by the manufacturing tolerances inherent in the fabrication of array waveguide gratings.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, there is an electrophotographic charging device comprising a first electrode, a second electrode adjacent the first electrode, a plurality of nanotubes adhering to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode, and a voltage supply electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode impart charge to a portion of a gaseous material that is deposited on a receptor.

Abstract: Various document tracking techniques may provide an RFID tag for attaching a document that has obverse and reverse faces with the tag disposed on the obverse face. The tag may include a board and an antenna that may connect to the board and may be disposed on the obverse face of the document. The board may include a transceiver and a transponder. The transponder may include an integrated circuit. The antenna may include at least one extending member that extends from the board. The extending member may include a plurality of end segments that may flex so as to be disposed on the reverse face around an edge of the document. The antenna may include an extending member that extends from the board and may be secured to the document by connecting to a deforming staple member. The staple member may include stapling ends disposed on the reverse face by extending the stapling ends through the document and bending along the reverse face.

Abstract: A distributed Bragg reflector includes a first layer formed to be a first thickness, and a second layer formed to be a second thickness. A method of forming a distributed Bragg reflector includes forming a first layer to be a first thickness and forming a second layer to be a second thickness. The first and second thicknesses are determined using a wavelength that is adjacent to a center wavelength of an optical band of the distributed Bragg reflector.

Abstract: A low cost spectral camera may include a multiple Fabry-Perot cavity filter with silicon photodetectors distributed one beside another in a two-dimensional matrix fashion. Each cavity may be designed to capture a pixel from an image. The two-dimensional fabry-perot array may function as a sensor to capture an image in spectral form. Spectral information may be obtained to generate spectral displays.

Abstract: An optical shuttle system for routing signals in a communications system that includes a terminal connected to a power source, a shuttle that includes waveguides used for routing the signals, and a beam connected to the terminal and the shuttle so that the beam suspends the shuttle. When power from the power source is applied to the terminal, the beam drives a movement of the shuttle. Furthermore, a method of using an optical shuttle system for routing signals in a communications system, the method includes connecting a terminal to a power source, connecting a shuttle to a beam to suspend the shuttle, and applying power from the power source to the terminal so that the beam drives a movement of the shuttle in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of the beam.

Abstract: An electrostatic actuator includes a segmented flexible membrane associated with individually addressable electrodes, one for each membrane segment. The electrodes are provided beneath a corresponding one of the membrane segments to define a plurality of actuator chambers between each of the electrodes and the corresponding membrane segment. Control electronics independently provide a bias voltage to select ones or all of the electrodes to generate an electrostatic field between any bias electrode and the corresponding membrane segment to attract the corresponding membrane segment toward the respective electrode. Upon elimination of the bias voltage, the corresponding membrane segments are elastically restored to their previous position. This structure can be incorporated into a fluid drop ejector to achieve variable drop size by control of the number of segments actuated.

Abstract: A tunable microelectromechanical (MEMS) spectrophotometer with a rotating cylindrical reflective diffraction grating is integrated with a photodetector and an optical fiber light source on a Rowland circle on a monolithic silicon substrate.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing device comprises one or more micromechanical fluid dispensing mechanisms arranged to dispense fluids into the atmosphere. The fluids include any of a perfume, pheromone, fragrance, disinfectant, moisturizer, humectant, miticide, fumigant, deodorizer, sanitizing agent and insecticide. A dispenser controller communicates with the fluid micromechanical dispensing mechanisms to selectively activate the fluid micromechanical dispensing mechanisms. Optionally, the fluid dispensing device includes a sensor to detect the airborne concentration of fluids that are dispersed in the atmosphere. Optionally, one or more fluid dispensing devices may be arranged to form a system, perhaps including a system sensor and a system controller.

Abstract: A bistable microelectromechanical system (MEMS) based system comprises a micromachined beam having a first stable state, in which the beam is substantially stress-free and has a specified non-linear shape, and a second stable state. The curved shape may comprises a simple curve or a compound curve. In embodiments, the boundary conditions for the beam are fixed boundary conditions, bearing boundary conditions, spring boundary conditions, or a combination thereof. The system may further comprise an actuator arranged to move the beam between the first and second stable states and a movable element that is moved between a first position and a second position in accordance with the movement of the beam between the first and second stable states. The actuator may comprise one of a thermal actuator, an electrostatic actuator, a piezoelectric actuator and a magnetic actuator. The actuator may further comprise a thermal impact actuator or a zippering electrostatic actuator.

Abstract: A solid state laser beam scanning system having a single crystal silicon deflection and scanning mirror integrated with a laser diode. By combining the techniques of deep reactive ion etching of silicon with solder bump bonding techniques, completed and tested laser diodes are integrated with silicon substrates supporting micro-electro-mechanical systems layers.