Abstract: The present invention is a decoder for decoding a signal. The decoder includes a discriminator and a threshold generator. The discriminator receives the signal and generates an output voltage equal to a first voltage if the signal is less than a threshold level that is input to the discriminator and equal to a second voltage if the signal is greater than the threshold level. The threshold level depends on the output from the discriminator in a preceding time interval that depends on the impulse response of a transmission link through which the input signal has passed. The threshold generator implements a low-pass analog filter that receives the output voltage during each of the clock periods and generates therefrom a filtered output signal.

Abstract: A microfluidic system for steering subject materials to a next processing region includes a substrate having at least one embedded gas generator that is activated in response to the result of an initial process, whereby a gas is formed having pressure to steer the subject materials to the next processing region. The gas generator includes resistors that are electrically activated. As current passes through the resistors, thermal energy is released to decompose a selected material from a solid or liquid state to gaseous state. In an alternative embodiment, a gas generator is activated in response to an external control.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure and method for transmitting optical signals modulates an optical property of the semiconductor structure to selectively transmit portions of an externally supplied light beam as optical signals. The use of the externally supplied light beam eliminates the need to fabricate a light emitting device onto the semiconductor structure. Thus, the semiconductor structure can be based on an indirect bandgap material such as silicon. Consequently, the semiconductor structure can be readily integrated into a conventional silicon-based integrated circuit using conventional semiconductor manufacturing processes.

Abstract: The optical fiber tap establishes optical communication between a branch optical fiber and a main optical fiber and includes a housing, a serpentine main channel and a branch channel. The main channel is defined in the housing and is shaped to accommodate part of the main optical fiber. The main channel includes a coupling curve portion shaped to define a main coupling curve in the main optical fiber. The branch channel is also defined in the housing and is shaped to accommodate part of the branch optical fiber. The branch channel communicates with the main channel at the coupling curve portion of the main channel. Optical signals couple laterally between the main optical fiber located in the main channel and the branch optical fiber located in the branch channel. Optical communication between the optical fibers is therefore established.

Abstract: A liquid crystal micro display (lcmd) is manufactured by creating a hole in an lcmd surface, filling the lcmd with liquid crystal material through the hole, and then sealing the hole. The invention allows an lcmd to be tested before it is separated from other lcmds and packaged. As a result, the invention increases the yield and reduces the cost associated with lcmd manufacturing.

Abstract: A personal display system having an ocular scan unit for generating user identification information and an interface for conveying user identification to a connected system.

Abstract: The present invention is a decoder for decoding a signal. The decoder includes a discriminator and a threshold generator. The discriminator receives the signal and generates an output voltage equal to a first voltage if the signal is less than a threshold level that is input to the discriminator and equal to a second voltage if the signal is greater than the threshold level. The threshold level depends on the output from the discriminator in a preceding time interval that depends on the impulse response of a transmission link through which the input signal has passed. The threshold generator implements a low-pass analog filter that receives the output voltage during each of the clock periods and generates therefrom a filtered output signal.

Abstract: A microdisplay is provided in which a display area, a bonding pad connected to the display area, and a contact pad operatively connected to the bonding pad are all located on a silicon die. An electrically conductive, coated glass is located over the display area and is electrically connected to the contact pad by a flexible conductive material. Under the coated glass is a material which responds to electricity to control the transmission or emission of light.

Abstract: Optical systems for cooling optoelectronic elements are provided. A representative optical system includes a substrate and a first optoelectronic element supported by the substrate. Additionally, a first channel is formed in the substrate and a first heat transfer fluid is arranged in the first channel. The first heat transfer fluid is thermally coupled with the first optoelectronic element so that at least a quantity of heat produced by the first optoelectronic element is dissipated by the first heat transfer fluid. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: Optical systems are provided. One such optical system includes a first waveguide and an optical coupler. The first waveguide propagates optical signals to a first location. The optical coupler incorporates a first component and a second component and selectively, optically communicates with the first waveguide by moving between an uncoupled position and a coupled position. In the coupled position, the optical coupler optically communicates with the first waveguide so that at least some of the optical signals from the first waveguide are redirected by the first component, then the second component, and then propagated to a second location different than the first location. Methods and other optical systems also are provided.

Abstract: The optical fiber tap establishes optical communication between a branch optical fiber and a main optical fiber and includes a housing, a serpentine main channel and a branch channel. The main channel is defined in the housing and is shaped to accommodate part of the main optical fiber. The main channel includes a coupling curve portion shaped to define a main coupling curve in the main optical fiber. The branch channel is also defined in the housing and is shaped to accommodate part of the branch optical fiber. The branch channel communicates with the main channel at the coupling curve portion of the main channel. Optical signals couple laterally between the main optical fiber located in the main channel and the branch optical fiber located in the branch channel. Optical communication between the optical fibers is therefore established.

Abstract: Aggregate processing of information during network transmission. Information requests are redirected to cause the information to be returned to a processing node where processing takes place before the processed information is returned to the requester. Redirection for processing may be initiated by the requester, or may be initiated on behalf of the requester. Processing nodes may be distributed. Processing requests may be nested so that after a first processing action takes place on data flowing through the network, a second processing action takes place.

Abstract: Optical systems are provided. A representative optical system includes an optical transceiver with an optical source and an optical receiver. The system also includes an optical bus. At least one of the optical source and the optical receiver is optically coupled to an intermediate portion of the optical bus. The optical source provides optical signals for propagation by the optical bus, and the optical receiver detects optical signals differentially. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure and method for transmitting optical signals modulates an optical property of the semiconductor structure to selectively transmit portions of an externally supplied light beam as optical signals. The use of the externally supplied light beam eliminates the need to fabricate a light emitting device onto the semiconductor structure. Thus, the semiconductor structure can be based on an indirect bandgap material such as silicon. Consequently, the semiconductor structure can be readily integrated into a conventional silicon-based integrated circuit using conventional semiconductor manufacturing processes.

Abstract: Reduced power consumption in a receiver. Power consumption is reduced in a receiver by operating portions of the receiver such as the first RF amplifier, local oscillator, and associated phase locked loop at reduced power in a standby mode, trading lower power for lower performance. In a normal operating mode, these portions of the receiver operate at full power and performance.

Abstract: Optical systems for cooling optoelectronic elements are provided. A representative optical system includes a substrate and a first optoelectronic element supported by the substrate. Additionally, a first channel is formed in the substrate and a first heat transfer fluid is arranged in the first channel. The first heat transfer fluid is thermally coupled with the first optoelectronic element so that at least a quantity of heat produced by the first optoelectronic element is dissipated by the first heat transfer fluid. Methods and other systems also are provided.

Abstract: An optical waveguide such as an optical fiber extends across a semi-rigid substrate or optical back plane and is made of conformal materials having indices of refraction selected to provide substantially total internal reflection of light transmitted within a core. An optical pin is made of substantially rigid optically transmissive materials. A receptacle in the substrate or optical backplane removably receives and holds the optical pin to allow a beveled terminal end of the pin to penetrate the core of the optical fiber to establish a gap-less interface that provides an optical path between the core and the pin.

Abstract: A re-connectable optical interface system and method for optically interconnecting and disconnecting optical devices utilizes an optical insert with a reflective element and an optical structure with a displaceable optically bridging element, which can be positioned between two waveguides of the optical structure, to optically connect the optical devices. The optical insert is a part of a first optical device, while the optical structure is a part of a second optical device. The optical insert and the optical structure can be interconnected to establish an optical connection between the optical insert of the first optical device and at least one of the waveguides of the second optical device. When the optical insert and the optical structure are not interconnected, the optically bridging element is positioned between the waveguides to provide an optical connection between the waveguides.

Abstract: A programmable optical waveguide cross-connection array including a supporting substrate, one or more first waveguides fixed to the supporting substrate, one or more second waveguides fixed to the supporting substrate and disposed to form one or more intersections with the first waveguides, and an optical boundary or cavity in at least one switched intersection; whereby the optical signal entering the switched intersection from a first waveguide is redirected by the cavity to exit the switched intersection by way of the second waveguide. The device embodies a network of intersecting waveguides in which cross-connections between selected waveguide pairs can be permanently programmed at low cost. The programmable optical substrate provides customized local connectivity between a plurality of optical components and may be efficiently and reliably fabricated in large quantities.

Abstract: Disclosed is a polymer electrolyte battery affording a high capacity density in which a layer of electrode active material mixture containing a polymer has an adequately regulated porosity and/or polymer content. The battery includes a unitary, laminated battery sheet composed of a negative electrode combined with positive electrodes, with a porous polymer separator being placed on both surfaces of the negative electrode. Each of the electrodes comprises a current collector and a layer of active material mixture disposed on both surfaces of the current collector, and the polymer is capable of absorbing and retaining nonaqueous electrolyte. The separator and the layer of electrode active material mixture have a porosity of 30 to 60%. Preferable polymer contents in the layer of active material mixture are in a range of 5 to 10 wt % for the positive electrode and in a range of 7 to 16 wt % for the negative electrode.