Abstract: Techniques for optimizing one or more imaging settings for a machine vision job are provided. An example method includes configuring a machine vision job by setting a plurality of banks of imaging parameters, with each of the plurality of banks of imaging parameters being different from each other; transmitting the machine vision job to an imaging device; and executing the machine vision job on the imaging device to: (a) capture an image with the imaging device operating pursuant to one of the plurality of banks of imaging parameters; (b) attempt to decode a barcode within the image; (c) responsive to successfully decoding the barcode within the image, successfully ending the barcode reader tool; and (d) responsive to unsuccessfully decoding the barcode within the image, repeating (a)-(d) with another one of the one of the plurality of banks of imaging parameters.

Abstract: A support apparatus can comprise a cylindrical rod extending along a first rotation axis and comprising a first end portion provided with a first convex spherical segment and a second end portion provided with a second convex spherical segment. A first area can be configured to receive a portion of the first convex spherical segment. A second area can be configured to receive a portion of the second convex spherical segment. The cylindrical rod can be pivotable about a first pivot axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis. In some embodiments, methods of supporting an object can comprise engaging a surface of the object with the outer surface of the cylindrical rod wherein the first cylindrical rod supports a weight of the object while the first cylindrical rod is supported by the first fluid cushion and the second fluid cushion.

Abstract: A support apparatus can comprise a cylindrical rod extending along a first rotation axis and comprising a first end portion provided with a first convex spherical segment and a second end portion provided with a second convex spherical segment. A first area can be configured to receive a portion of the first convex spherical segment. A second area can be configured to receive a portion of the second convex spherical segment. The cylindrical rod can be pivotable about a first pivot axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis. In some embodiments, methods of supporting an object can comprise engaging a surface of the object with the outer surface of the cylindrical rod wherein the first cylindrical rod supports a weight of the object while the first cylindrical rod is supported by the first fluid cushion and the second fluid cushion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for analyzing single molecule and performing nucleic acid sequencing. An integrated device includes multiple pixels with sample wells configured to receive a sample, which, when excited, emits radiation; at least one element for directing the emission radiation in a particular direction; and a light path along which the emission radiation travels from the sample well toward a sensor. The apparatus also includes an instrument that interfaces with the integrated device. Each sensor may detect emission radiation from a sample in a respective sample well. The instrument includes an excitation light source for exciting the sample in each sample well.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for analyzing single molecule and performing nucleic acid sequencing. An apparatus can include an assay chip that includes multiple pixels with sample wells configured to receive a sample, which, when excited, emits emission energy; at least one element for directing the emission energy in a particular direction; and a light path along which the emission energy travels from the sample well toward a sensor. The apparatus also includes an instrument that interfaces with the assay chip. The instrument includes an excitation light source for exciting the sample in each sample well; a plurality of sensors corresponding the sample wells. Each sensor may detect emission energy from a sample in a respective sample well. The instrument includes at least one optical element that directs the emission energy from each sample well towards a respective sensor of the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for analyzing single molecule and performing nucleic acid sequencing. An apparatus can include an assay chip that includes multiple pixels with sample wells configured to receive a sample, which, when excited, emits emission energy; at least one element for directing the emission energy in a particular direction; and a light path along which the emission energy travels from the sample well toward a sensor. The apparatus also includes an instrument that interfaces with the assay chip. The instrument includes an excitation light source for exciting the sample in each sample well; a plurality of sensors corresponding the sample wells. Each sensor may detect emission energy from a sample in a respective sample well. The instrument includes at least one optical element that directs the emission energy from each sample well towards a respective sensor of the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for analyzing single molecule and performing nucleic acid sequencing. An integrated device includes multiple pixels with sample wells configured to receive a sample, which, when excited, emits radiation; at least one element for directing the emission radiation in a particular direction; and a light path along which the emission radiation travels from the sample well toward a sensor. The apparatus also includes an instrument that interfaces with the integrated device. Each sensor may detect emission radiation from a sample in a respective sample well. The instrument includes an excitation light source for exciting the sample in each sample well.

Abstract: The present application discloses a novel chirped pulse amplification (CPA) fiber laser that has easily reconfigured output repetition rate and energy, and high spatial and temporal quality.

Abstract: An array-type sensor that senses NH3 includes non-Nernstian sensing elements constructed from metal and/or metal-oxide electrodes on an O2 ion conducting substrate. In one example sensor, one electrode may be made of platinum, another electrode may be made of manganese (III) oxide (Mn2O3), and another electrode may be made of tungsten trioxide (WO3). Some sensing elements may further include an electrode made of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 and another electrode made of LaCr0.95Mg0.05O3.

Abstract: The present application discloses a novel chirped pulse amplification (CPA) fiber laser that has easily reconfigured output repetition rate and energy, and high spatial and temporal quality.

Abstract: An array-type sensor that senses NH3 includes non-Nernstian sensing elements constructed from metal and/or metal-oxide electrodes on an O2 ion conducting substrate. In one example sensor, one electrode may be made of platinum, another electrode may be made of manganese (III) oxide (Mn2O3), and another electrode may be made of tungsten trioxide (WO3). Some sensing elements may further include an electrode made of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 and another electrode made of LaCr0.95Mg0.05O3.

Abstract: A control system adapted for spa includes a finite state machine, a control panel that includes a display, where the display of the control panel displays graphic images from a video source based on an operation of the finite state machine.

Abstract: A control system adapted for spa includes a finite state machine, a control panel that includes a display, where the display of the control panel displays graphic images based on an operation of the finite state machine.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed of fabricating an optical assembly. An active optical element is disposed near or on a first surface of a slab of optical material. A passive optical element is formed on a second surface of the slab, with the second surface being substantially parallel to the first surface. An optical axis of the passive optical element is aligned with an optical path between the passive optical element and an active region of the active optical element using a lithographic alignment process.

Abstract: A semiconductor device including: a quantum well having photon emission energy level, the quantum well having at least one active layer and two barrier layers, one disposed above the active layer and one disposed below the active layer; and injection regions for injecting electrons into the quantum well, wherein the electrons are cool electrons with respect to the active layer of the quantum well.

Abstract: Methods and structures are disclosed demultiplexing optical signals transmitted over an optical fiber into a silicon substrate and to multiple detectors. The silicon substrate has two spaced-apart surfaces and a diffractive element disposed adjacent to one of the surfaces. Each of the optical signals corresponds to one of multiple wavelengths. The optical signals are directed into the silicon substrate along a path through the first surface to be incident on the diffractive element. The path is oriented generally normal with the first surface and/or with the diffractive element, which angularly separates the optical signals such that each of the wavelengths traverses through the substrate in a wavelength dependent direction to the first surface. Each optical signal is steered from the first surface towards the second surface to be incident on different optical elements that direct them generally normal to the first surface to be incident on one of the detectors.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a detector, the method including forming an island of detector core material on a substrate, the island having a horizontally oriented top end, a vertically oriented first sidewall, and a vertically oriented second sidewall that is opposite said first sidewall; implanting a first dopant into the first sidewall to form a first conductive region that has a top end that is part of the top end of the island; implanting a second dopant into the second sidewall to form a second conductive region that has a top end that is part of the top end of the island; fabricating a first electrical connection to the top end of the first conductive region; and fabricating a second electrical connection to the top end of the second conductive region.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates an “activity watch” operation on a financial account. During operation, the system receives records for transactions associated with the financial account. These records are received at a third-party server from a financial institution which maintains the financial account, wherein the third-party server is independent from the financial institution. Next, the system applies one or more rules to the records to determine whether an alert should be triggered. If a rule indicates that an alert should be triggered, the system sends the alert to a user who has an interest in the financial account.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that enables a guardian to monitor a financial account on behalf of an account owner, such as a senior citizen. During operation, the system receives a request from the guardian to access the financial account. In response to this request, the system determines whether the guardian is authorized to access the financial account. If so, the system provides the guardian with read-only access to the financial account, whereby the guardian can monitor activity in the financial account, but cannot perform operations that modify the financial account.

Abstract: A method of fabricating quantum features on a substrate from a layer of material selected from materials identified in the III-V periodic groups (e.g., silicon (Si), InP, Si—Ge, and the like) uses sequentially two patterned masks, each mask includes an elongated mask pattern disposed substantially orthogonal to the elongated pattern of the other mask. In one embodiment, the method forms on a semiconductor wafer a plurality of quantum dots having topographic dimensions of about 30 nm or less. In another embodiment, the invention may be halted after a first etch process to form quantum lines.