Abstract: In certain examples, the present disclosure may involve use of filtering optics to provide a set of filter-separated light beams respectively associated with different polarization states of polarized light directed towards a sample, and providing a set of sample¬characterizing response data based on factors such as sets of polarization-state values, different wavelengths associated with the polarization states, and/or light-incidence angles characterizing separation of the different polarization states. More specific examples may include computing a Mueller matrix across an entire image, with the image being captured in a single shot in response to using filtering optics (e.g., metasurface polarization filtering to provide the set of filter-separated light beams). In another related example, sets of polarization-state values, corresponding Stokes vectors, may be used.

Abstract: Certain examples are directed to methods for detection of anomalies in semiconductor thin-film materials, such as strains, defects and the like, that may precipitate defects in semiconductor processing steps and may adversely impact device and system-level functionality, processing, and yields. Certain methods use filtering optics to provide a set of filter-separated light beams respectively associated with different polarization states of polarized light directed towards a semiconductor-related material sample, and providing a set of sample-characterizing response data based on factors such as sets of polarization-state values, different wavelengths associated with the polarization states, and/or light-incidence angles characterizing separation of the different polarization states. Based on these factors, the types and severities of such anomalies may be analyzed and the related defects remedied.

Abstract: Certain examples are directed to optical elements or devices that pass or process the light based on a set of connectable metasurface elements having been topology optimized. The connectable metasurface elements are independently optimized or designed to have each section having its own metasurface phase profile corresponding to a desired phase profile. In this way, such devices need not be designed or manufactured by importing a large number of results into simulation efforts, thereby realizing significant saving in terms of optimization time and computational power.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an apparatus and methods of forming and/or using an apparatus comprising a plurality of device components. An example method includes geometrically optimizing a periodic or aperiodic device comprising a plurality of device components by optimizing a topology, for each device component, from a starting point to have particular optical properties for a particular optical response. Each device component includes a plurality of geometric structures. The optimization includes selecting the starting point for a continuous profile to have the particular optical properties for the particular optical response, iteratively converging the continuous profile to a discrete profile, and, while iteratively converging to the discrete profile, adjusting edges between boundaries of the device components by accounting for fabrication constraints.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an apparatus and methods of forming and/or using an apparatus comprising a plurality of device components. An example method includes geometrically optimizing a periodic or aperiodic device comprising a plurality of device components by optimizing a topology, for each device component, from a starting point to have particular optical properties for a particular optical response. Each device component includes a plurality of geometric structures. The optimization includes selecting the starting point for a continuous profile to have the particular optical properties for the particular optical response, iteratively converging the continuous profile to a discrete profile, and, while iteratively converging to the discrete profile, adjusting edges between boundaries of the device components by accounting for fabrication constraints.

Abstract: Certain examples are directed to optical elements or devices that pass or process the light based on a set of connectable metasurface elements having been topology optimized. The connectable metasurface elements are independently optimized or designed to have each section having its own metasurface phase profile corresponding to a desired phase profile. In this way, such devices need not be designed or manufactured by importing a large number of results into simulation efforts, thereby realizing significant saving in terms of optimization time and computational power.

Abstract: The present invention provides electronic systems, including device arrays, comprising functional device(s) and/or device component(s) at least partially enclosed via one or more containment chambers, such that the device(s) and/or device component(s) are at least partially, and optionally entirely, immersed in a containment fluid. Useful containment fluids for use in containment chambers of electronic devices of the invention include lubricants, electrolytes and/or electronically resistive fluids. In some embodiments, for example, electronic systems of the invention comprise one or more electronic devices and/or device components provided in free-standing and/or tethered configurations that decouple forces originating upon deformation, stretching or compression of a supporting substrate from the free standing or tethered device or device component.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an apparatus and methods of forming and/or using an apparatus comprising a plurality of device components. An example method includes geometrically optimizing a periodic or aperiodic device comprising a plurality of device components by optimizing a topology, for each device component, from a starting point to have particular optical properties for a particular optical response. Each device component includes a plurality of geometric structures. The optimization includes selecting the starting point for a continuous profile to have the particular optical properties for the particular optical response, iteratively converging the continuous profile to a discrete profile, and, while iteratively converging to the discrete profile, adjusting edges between boundaries of the device components by accounting for fabrication constraints.

Abstract: The present invention provides electronic systems, including device arrays, comprising functional device(s) and/or device component(s) at least partially enclosed via one or more fluid containment chambers, such that the device(s) and/or device component(s) are at least partially, and optionally entirely, immersed in a containment fluid. Useful containment fluids for use in fluid containment chambers of electronic devices of the invention include lubricants, electrolytes and/or electronically resistive fluids. In some embodiments, for example, electronic systems of the invention comprise one or more electronic devices and/or device components provided in free-standing and/or tethered configurations that decouple forces originating upon deformation, stretching or compression of a supporting substrate from the free standing or tethered device or device component.

Abstract: A single-crystalline metal is created on a substrate by liquefying a metal material contained within a crucible while in contact with a surface of the substrate, cooling the metal material by causing a temperature gradient effected in the substrate in a direction that is neutral along the surface of the substrate and, therein, growing the single-crystalline metal in the crucible.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to an apparatus and methods of forming and/or using an apparatus comprising a plurality of device components. An example method includes geometrically optimizing a periodic or aperiodic device comprising a plurality of device components by optimizing a topology, for each device component, from a starting point to have particular optical properties for a particular optical response. Each device component includes a plurality of geometric structures. The optimization includes selecting the starting point for a continuous profile to have the particular optical properties for the particular optical response, iteratively converging the continuous profile to a discrete profile, and, while iteratively converging to the discrete profile, adjusting edges between boundaries of the device components by accounting for fabrication constraints.

Abstract: A single-crystalline metal is created on a substrate by liquefying a metal material contained within a crucible while in contact with a surface of the substrate, cooling the metal material by causing a temperature gradient effected in the substrate in a direction that is neutral along the surface of the substrate and, therein, growing the single-crystalline metal in the crucible.

Abstract: The present invention provides electronic systems, including device arrays, comprising functional device(s) and/or device component(s) at least partially enclosed via one or more containment chambers, such that the device(s) and/or device component(s) are at least partially, and optionally entirely, immersed in a containment fluid. Useful containment fluids for use in containment chambers of electronic devices of the invention include lubricants, electrolytes and/or electronically resistive fluids. In some embodiments, for example, electronic systems of the invention comprise one or more electronic devices and/or device components provided in free-standing and/or tethered configurations that decouple forces originating upon deformation, stretching or compression of a supporting substrate from the free standing or tethered device or device component.