Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods using infrared imaging modules to image and detect phase transitions of water, such as ice formation, in a scene. An ice formation detection system may include one or more infrared imaging modules, a logic device, and a communication module. The infrared imaging modules may be positioned to image a scene in which ice formation is to be detected. The logic device may be adapted to process captured infrared images to detect ice formation in the scene. The logic device may also be adapted to use the communication module to report detected ice formation to an indicator, a display, a user interface, and/or an ice formation mitigation system.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein related to devices and methods for the collection and/or determination of analytes, such as illicit substances including military explosives, explosives, and precursors thereof. In some cases, the device may be a disposable device that incorporates highly efficient sample collection in combination with microfluidic-based chemical analysis resulting in the rapid detection and identification of unknown materials. In some cases, multiple colorimetric detection chemistries may be employed, and the resulting “barcode” of color changes can be used to positively identify the presence and/or identity of the analyte.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods using infrared imaging modules to image and detect phase transitions of water, such as ice formation, in a scene. An ice formation detection system may include one or more infrared imaging modules, a logic device, and a communication module. The infrared imaging modules may be positioned to image a scene in which ice formation is to be detected. The logic device may be adapted to process captured infrared images to detect ice formation in the scene. The logic device may also be adapted to use the communication module to report detected ice formation to an indicator, a display, a user interface, and/or an ice formation mitigation system.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein related to devices and methods for the collection and/or determination of analytes, such as illicit substances including military explosives, explosives, and precursors thereof. In some cases, the device may be a disposable device that incorporates highly efficient sample collection in combination with microfluidic-based chemical analysis resulting in the rapid detection and identification of unknown materials. In some cases, multiple colorimetric detection chemistries may be employed, and the resulting “barcode” of color changes can be used to positively identify the presence and/or identity of the analyte.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatuses for guiding and emitting electromagnetic radiation from a fluid waveguide. Various methods for changing optical properties (e.g., refractive index, absorption, and fluorescence) and/or physical properties (e.g., magnetic susceptibility, electrical conductivity, and temperature) of either the waveguide core or the cladding, or both, are provided herein. In one embodiment, electromagnetic radiation is guided and/or emitted at multiple distinct wavelengths, including emission in the form of an essentially continuous band, in some cases covering at least 150 nanometers. In another embodiment, methods for splitting a waveguide core and/or the joining of at least two waveguide cores in a waveguide are provided. In yet another embodiment, the invention includes the use of thermal gradients to generate a waveguide and/or to change the properties of waveguides. Embodiments of the waveguides may be used for optical detection or spectroscopic analysis.

Abstract: Methods and systems for effecting responses on surfaces utilizing microlens arrays including microoptical components embedded or supported by a support element and positioned from the surface at a distance essentially equal to the image distance of the microoptical component with spacer elements are disclosed. Microlens arrays can be used to manipulate incident energy or radiation having a distribution in characteristic property(s) defining an object pattern to form a corresponding image pattern on a substrate surface. The energy can be light having a pattern or a specific wavelength, intensity or polarization or coherence alignment. The image pattern can have features of order 100 nm in size or less produced from corresponding object patterns having features in the order millimeters. The size of the object pattern can be reduced by the microlens arrays described by a factor of 100 or more using a single step process to form the image patterns.

Abstract: A method for performing a liftoff operation involves printing a liftoff pattern using low-resolution patterning techniques to form fine feature patterns. The resulting feature size is defined by the spacing between printed patterns rather than the printed pattern size. By controlling the cross-sectional profile of the printed liftoff pattern, mask structures may be formed from the liftoff operation having beneficial etch-mask aperture profiles. For example, a multi-layer printed liftoff pattern can be used to create converging aperture profiles in a patterned layer. The patterned layer can then be used as an etch mask, where the converging aperture profiles result in desirable diverging etched features.

Abstract: Methods and systems for effecting responses on surfaces utilizing microlens arrays including microoptical components embedded or supported by a support element and positioned from the surface at a distance essentially equal to the image distance of the microoptical component with spacer elements are disclosed. Microlens arrays can be used to manipulate incident energy or radiation having a distribution in characteristic property(s) defining an object pattern to form a corresponding image pattern on a substrate surface. The energy can be light having a pattern or a specific wavelength, intensity or polarization or coherence alignment. The image pattern can have features of order 100 nm in size or less produced from corresponding object patterns having features in the order millimeters. The size of the object pattern can be reduced by the microlens arrays described by a factor of 100 or more using a single step process to form the image patterns.

Abstract: A structure and method of using microfluidic channels to form an array of semiconductor devices is described. The microfluidic channels have been found to be particularly useful when formed in a self aligned process and used to interconnect a series of thin film transistor (TFT) devices.

Abstract: A structure and method of using microfluidic channels to form an array of semiconductor devices is described. The microfluidic channels have been found to be particularly useful when formed in a self aligned process and used to interconnect a series of thin film transistor (TFT) devices.

Abstract: A contact-mode photolithography phase mask includes a diffracting surface having a plurality of indentations and protrusions. The protrusions are brought into contact with a surface of positive photoresist, and the surface exposed to electromagnetic radiation through the phase mask. The phase shift due to radiation passing through the indentations as opposed to the protrusions is essentially complete. Minima in intensity of electromagnetic radiation are thereby produced at boundaries between the indentations and protrusions. The elastomeric mask conforms well to the surface of photoresist and, following development, features smaller than 100 nm can be obtained. Patterns including curved portions are obtained, as well as curved and/or linear patterns on non-planar surfaces. An elastomeric transparent diffraction grating serves also as a spatial light modulator photothermal detector, strain gauge, and display device. A technique for simplified photolithography is also described.

Abstract: A structure and method of using microfluidic channels to form an array of semiconductor devices is described. The microfluidic channels have been found to be particularly useful when formed in a self aligned process and used to interconnect a series of thin film transistor (TFT) devices.

Abstract: A structure and method of using microfluidic channels to form an array of semiconductor devices is described. The microfluidic channels have been found to be particularly useful when formed in a self aligned process and used to interconnect a series of thin film transistor (TFT) devices.

Abstract: Methods and systems for effecting responses on surfaces utilizing microlens arrays including microoptical components embedded or supported by a support element and positioned from the surface at a distance essentially equal to the image distance of the microoptical component with spacer elements are disclosed. Microlens arrays can be used to manipulate incident energy or radiation having a distribution in characteristic property(s) defining an object pattern to form a corresponding image pattern on a substrate surface. The energy can be light having a pattern or a specific wavelength, intensity or polarization or coherence alignment. The image pattern can have features of order 100 nm in size or less produced from corresponding object patterns having features in the order millimeters. The size of the object pattern can be reduced by the microlens arrays described by a factor of 100 or more using a single step process to form the image patterns.