Abstract: An optical tag (200) comprises a chalcogenide glass corner-cube reflector (202) bonded to a silicon MEMS modulator (206) by means of a glass material (214) having a lower softening temperature than that of the reflector. The tag is provided with AR coatings (210, 212). The invention provides a robust, integrated and compact optical tag having a wide field of view and low manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) electro optical modulator (2) having an electrically tuneable optical resonator comprising an asymmetric Fabry-Perot etalon incorporating a mirror (10) resiliency biased with respect to a substrate (13) and moveable in relation thereto in response to a voltage applied there-between. The optical modulator (2) is capable of modulating electromagnetic radiation having a plurality of wavelengths. The modulator is adapted to modulate the transmission of short wave infrared radiation (SWIR), medium wave infrared radiation (MWIR) and long wave infrared radiation (LWIR) and the reflection of visible radiation. A spatial optical modulator having a plurality of said MOEMS optical modulators (2). A method of addressing said spatial optical modulator.

Abstract: An optical modulator comprising a spacing-controllable etalon having at least one sprung micro-mirror suspended above a substrate. At least one electrically insulating stop is provided between the micro-mirror and the substrate to avoid short-circuit when the micro-mirror is drawn towards the substrate by an applied voltage. An optical detector detects the time of arrival of a first laser pulse. A control circuit predicts from this an arrival time of the next incident laser pulse and, responsive to a control signal, either retains the micro-mirror in its pulled-down state held against the insulating stops or releases the micro-mirror at a time predicted to maximise or minimise the light transmitted through the modulator. After a time interval calculated to permit a predetermined number of mechanical oscillations, the micro-mirror is pulled back down onto the stops.

Abstract: A vibration dosimeter (2) adapted to monitor whole-body vibration comprising a sensor (6) arranged to continuously measure magnitude of mechanical vibrations received by a person being monitored, means for sampling the vibration measurements (20) produced by the sensor (6), and a processor (10) configured to analyse the vibration measurements and to record an analysis thereof to a data store internal to the dosimeter (2).

Abstract: A micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) electro optical modulator (2) having an electrically tuneable optical resonator comprising an asymmetric Fabry-Perot etalon incorporating a mirror (10) resiliency biased with respect to a substrate (13) and moveable in relation thereto in response to a voltage applied there-between. The optical modulator (2) is capable of modulating electromagnetic radiation having a plurality of wavelengths. The modulator is adapted to modulate the transmission of short wave infrared radiation (SWIR), medium wave infrared radiation (MWIR) and long wave infrared radiation (LWIR) and the reflection of visible radiation. A spatial optical modulator having a plurality of said MOEMS optical modulators (2). A method of addressing said spatial optical modulator.

Abstract: An optical modulator comprising a spacing-controllable etalon having at least one sprung micro-mirror suspended above a substrate. At least one electrically insulating stop is provided between the micro-mirror and the substrate to avoid short-circuit when the micro-mirror is drawn towards the substrate by an applied voltage. An optical detector detects the time of arrival of a first laser pulse. A control circuit predicts from this an arrival time of the next incident laser pulse and, responsive to a control signal, either retains the micro-mirror in its pulled-down state held against the insulating stops or releases the micro-mirror at a time predicted to maximise or minimise the light transmitted through the modulator. After a time interval calculated to permit a predetermined number of mechanical oscillations, the micro-mirror is pulled back down onto the stops.

Abstract: A MEMS incorporating a sensing element and a JFET electrically connected to the sensing element is fabricated by the steps of: forming a first layer of electrically insulating barrier material on a surface of a substrate; patterning the first layer so as to expose a first region of the substrate; doping by ion implantation the first region of the substrate to form a well region of the JFET; forming a second layer of barrier material on the surface of both the first layer and the first region of the substrate; patterning the barrier material so as to expose a part of the first region of the substrate; doping by ion implantation the exposed part of the first region of the substrate to form source and drain contact areas of the JFET; patterning the barrier material so as to expose a second region of the substrate; and doping by ion implantation the second region of the substrate to form gate and substrate contact areas of the JFET in a single implantion step.