Abstract: Glass-based micropositioning systems and methods are disclosed. The micropositioning systems and methods utilize microbumps (40) formed in a glass substrate (12 or 100). The microbumps are formed by subjecting a portion of the glass substrate to localized heating, which results in local rapid expansion of glass where the heat was applied. The height and shape of the microbumps depend on the type of glass substrate and the amount and form of heat delivered to the substrate. The microbumps allow for active or passive micropositioning of optical elements, including planar waveguides and optical fibers. Optical assemblies formed using microbump micropositioners are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed glass package and method for manufacturing the hermetically sealed glass package are described herein. In one embodiment, the hermetically sealed glass package is suitable to protect thin film devices which are sensitive to the ambient environment. Some examples of such glass packages are organic emitting light diode (OLED) displays, sensors, and other optical devices. The present invention is demonstrated using an OLED display as an example.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed glass package and method for manufacturing the hermetically sealed glass package are described herein. In one embodiment, the hermetically sealed glass package is suitable to protect thin film devices which are sensitive to the ambient environment. Some examples of such glass packages are organic emitting light diode (OLED) displays, sensors, and other optical devices. The present invention is demonstrated using an OLED display as an example.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a hermetic seal between two substrates includes providing an electromagnetic absorbent sealing material perimetrically about a surface of one of the substrates. Furthermore, the illustrative method includes heating the sealing material. In addition, a package having a hermetic seal and apparati for disposing a sealing material are described.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed glass package and method for manufacturing the hermetically sealed glass package are described herein using an OLED display as an example. In one embodiment, the hermetically sealed glass package is manufactured by providing a first substrate plate and a second substrate plate. The second substrate contains at least one transition or rare earth metal such as iron, copper, vanadium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, chromium, neodymium and/or cerium. A sensitive thin-film device that needs protection is deposited onto the first substrate plate. A laser is then used to heat the doped second substrate plate in a manner that causes a portion of it to swell and form a hermetic seal that connects the first substrate plate to the second substrate plate and also protects the thin film device.