Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for embedding electrical components within a device including a frequency responsive structure, such as an antenna or a frequency selective surface. Electrical components are selected and locations for placing the selected components within the device are selected for optimizing performance characteristics of the structure. The selection may be performed by modeling the device with various electrical components embedded at various locations using, for example, a genetic algorithm. The selected components are embedded at the selected locations. The frequency responsive structure and the selected components embedded at the selected locations may be produced in the same manufacturing process. The selected electrical components may be embedded at the selected locations as contiguous and integral parts of the device and may be embedded within the frequency responsive structure.

Abstract: An optimal configuration for at least one antenna and/or at least one frequency selective surface is generated. A configuration of elements is generated by selecting a simple configuration of at least one element and applying a genetic algorithm to the simple configuration to generate a configuration optimized for various characteristics. A stochastic process may be used to randomly select an arrangement of elements as the simple antenna configuration and to select elements that connect the randomly selected elements to produce a stochastic configuration to which the genetic algorithm is then applied. Alternatively, an iterated or semi-iterated process may be applied to the simple antenna configuration to produce a fractal or a semi-fractal configuration, respectively, to which the genetic algorithm is then applied. Also, the elements may be optimized independently.

Abstract: A laser sintering method and apparatus has a material on a substrate. A laser is used for completely sintering the material and enhancing adhesion of the material to the substrate without damaging the substrate. Any computing device may receive and process data and automatically control the sintering operation. A protective layer may be provided on the substrate. The substrate may be a low temperature substrate and the protective layer may be a protective thermal barrier which prevents damage to the substrate during sintering and also enhances adhesion of the material to the substrate. The substrate, the material, and the protective thermal barrier may be formed as an electronic component. A feedback control system coupled to the computer provides information to the computer for processing and controlling output of the laser. The material on the substrate may have any shape. The substrate may also have any shape.

Abstract: A compact integrated biosensor has an integrated light source and integrated optical detectors made with gratings, dielectric coating, or prism for specific wavelength selection to define signatures that identify elements, biohazardous materials, environmentally hazardous materials, biological substance or any chemical substance on the sample holders. A micropump draws gas, ambient fluids and samples to the sample holders. Electrical signals are provided from the optical detectors on output lines to the microprocessor. A device connected to the microprocessor compares characteristic responses to actual signal parameters. An output indicates the presence (or absence) of particular biological, chemical or environmentally hazardous material. A battery fuel cell or solar cell operated power supply provides electrical energy to the integrated light source and optical detectors.