Abstract: Methods are provided for hermetically sealing an opening in a reservoir of a containment device. The method comprises applying a polymeric material to an opening in a reservoir of a containment device, the reservoir comprising reservoir contents (such as a drug or a sensor) to be hermetically isolated within the reservoir, the applied polymeric material closing off the opening and forming a temporary seal; and adhering a hermetic sealing material onto the polymeric material to hermetically seal the opening. The reservoir can be a micro-reservoir. The containment device can comprises an array of two or more of reservoirs, and the method comprises hermetically sealing each of the two or more reservoirs.

Abstract: An optical component manipulation system has two opposed jaws, which can each be independently positioned relative to each other in a coordinate plane to thereby effect the desired positioning of optical components within the larger system. Z-axis rigidity is provided by air-bearings. Laser heating of the jaws is used for solder, or similar heat driven bonding, processes.

Abstract: An optical component manipulation system has two opposed jaws, which can each be independently positioned relative to each other in a coordinate plane to thereby effect the desired positioning of optical components within the larger system. Z-axis rigidity is provided by air-bearings. Laser heating of the jaws is used for solder, or similar heat driven bonding, processes.

Abstract: A method and system for fusing an optical fiber lens is compatible with automation. Specifically, the fusing of the fiber lens is controlled in response to a diffraction pattern of light exiting from the fiber lens. This diffraction pattern is indicative of the lens shape and characteristics. Specifically, light is injected into an optical fiber and a diffraction pattern of the light exiting from a fiber lens is detected. The fiber lens is then fused in response to this diffraction pattern.

Abstract: A method and system for fusing an optical fiber lens is compatible with automation. Specifically, the fusing of the fiber lens is controlled in response to a diffraction pattern of light exiting from the fiber lens. This diffraction pattern is indicative of the lens shape and characteristics. Specifically, light is injected into an optical fiber and a diffraction pattern of the light exiting from a fiber lens is detected. The fiber lens is then fused in response to this diffraction pattern.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for controlled release of chemical molecules, such as drugs. One device comprises a plurality of reservoirs; a rupturable covering, such as a thin metal film, enclosing a first end of each reservoir; a release formulation in each reservoir comprising chemical molecules for release; an expanding material layer in each reservoir; and a semi-permeable membrane enclosing a second end of each reservoir distal the release formulation, the semi-permeable membrane being operable to permit selected molecules (e.g., water) from outside the reservoir to diffuse to the expanding material layer to expand the expanding material layer and displace the release formulation in an amount effective rupture the rupturable membrane and discharge the release formulation.

Abstract: A technique for fabricating the required surface shapes for micro optical elements, such as curved micro mirrors and lenses, starts with a simple, binary for example, approximation to the desired surface shape. Then polishing, e.g., chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), is used to form the smooth optical surface. Specifically, starting with a mesa or blind hole, with a mesa profile, a smooth mirror or lens structure is fabricated.

Abstract: An improved system and method for automated fiber polishing overcomes the limitations of conventional systems and methods. In particular, the present invention provides for continuous determination of the quality of the polish during a polishing procedure. An optical signal is transmitted to a fiber tip, and any back-reflected signal is detected and monitored to determine polish quality. In this manner, automated polishing quality assurance is provided in real time.