Abstract: An optical device for integrated photonic applications includes a substrate, a dielectric waveguide and a surface plasmon waveguide. The dielectric waveguide includes a dielectric waveguide core disposed relative to a dielectric waveguide cladding and a common cladding. The surface plasmon waveguide includes a surface plasmon waveguide core disposed relative to the common cladding and a surface plasmon waveguide cladding. The common cladding couples the dielectric waveguide and the surface plasmon waveguide.

Abstract: Microneedle devices are provided for transport of therapeutic and biological molecules across tissue barriers and for use as microflameholders. In a preferred embodiment for transport across tissue, the microneedles are formed of a biodegradable polymer. Methods of making these devices, which can include hollow and/or porous microneedles, are also provided. A preferred method for making a microneedle includes forming a micromold having sidewalls which define the outer surface of the microneedle, electroplating the sidewalls to form the hollow microneedle, and then removing the micromold from the microneedle. In a preferred method of use, the microneedle device is used to deliver fluid material into or across a biological barrier from one or more chambers in fluid connection with at least one of the microneedles. The device preferably further includes a means for controlling the flow of material through the microneedles.

Abstract: A system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a movable stage having a top surface. A photosensitive material may be deposited on the top surface and a mask may be placed on the photosensitive material. A vessel, having a top portion, one or more flexible sides, and a transparent base, is configured to be placed adjacent to the mask. The base is configured to be movable relative to the top portion of the vessel. In this way, the movable stage, photosensitive material, and mask may move in conjunction with the base of the vessel.

Abstract: Provided herein are apparatus and methods relating to the development of instrumentation for high throughput network electrophysiology and cellular analysis. More specifically, provided herein are multiwell microelectrode arrays (MEAs) and methods for the development of such an apparatus in an inexpensive fashion with a flexible, ANSI/SBS-compliant (American National Standards Institute/Society for Biomolecular Screening) format. Microelectrode arrays are a grid of tightly spaced microelectrodes useful for stimulating and sensing electrically active cells, networks and tissue. The techniques described herein relate to the use of microfabrication in combination with certain large-area processes that have been employed to achieve multiwell MEAs in ANSI/SBS-compliant culture well formats, which are also transparent for inverted/backside microscopy compatibility.

Abstract: A gas species monitoring system includes a laser, a fiber amplifier configured to receive an input signal from the laser and generate an amplified signal, and a variable optical attenuation system configured to receive at least a portion of the amplified signal and generate an attenuated signal for delivery to a measurement point, where the measurement point includes a gaseous fluid. The system further includes a detector configured to receive and process a signal from the measurement point so as to obtain a measured signal that correlates with the presence of a gas species within the gaseous fluid at the measurement point, and a processor in communication with at least the variable optical attenuation system and the detector. The processor controls the variable optical attenuation system based upon the measured signal.

Abstract: A system and method links one or more disparate community awareness management (CAM) datasets for a community awareness program (CAP) with one or more spatial layers to create linked CAM datasets. One or more data attributes common to a CAM dataset and a spatial layer are identified, and the link is defined between the CAM dataset and the spatial layer. The spatial layer and the linked CAM dataset then may be queried using a single input query. Features from the spatial layer and features from the linked CAM dataset that match the query are generated for display. In one embodiment, a system and method manage CAP assets, transactions, interest areas for the CAP, and buffer areas for the CAP. An audience utility enables entering and maintaining audience data for the CAP. A journal utility enables making journal entries for one or more audience members, CAP assets, transactions, and/or other CAM data. A link document utility enables linking one or more documents to CAM data.

Abstract: The present invention determines the resonant frequency of a sensor by adjusting the phase and frequency of an energizing signal until the frequency of the energizing signal matches the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system energizes the sensor with a low duty cycle, gated burst of RF energy having a predetermined frequency or set of frequencies and a predetermined amplitude. The energizing signal is coupled to the sensor via magnetic coupling and induces a current in the sensor which oscillates at the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system receives the ring down response of the sensor via magnetic coupling and determines the resonant frequency of the sensor, which is used to calculate the measured physical parameter. The system uses a pair of phase locked loops to adjust the phase and the frequency of the energizing signal.

Abstract: Various apparatuses, arrangements, and methods are provided for creating various structures including microstructures. In one embodiment, a method for creating a microstructure is provided comprising packing a plurality of particles into a micromold, and then applying energy to the particles in the micromold. As a result of the application of energy, a microstructure is formed in the micromold out of the particles. Thereafter, the microstructure is removed from the micromold.

Abstract: Wireless sensors configured to record and transmit data as well as sense and, optionally, actuate to monitor physical properties of an environment and, optionally, effect changes within that environment. In one aspect, the wireless sensor can have a power harvesting unit; a voltage regulation unit, a transducing oscillator unit, and a transmitting coil. The voltage regulation unit is electrically coupled to the power harvesting unit and is configured to actuate at a minimum voltage level. The transducing oscillator unit is electrically coupled to the voltage regulation unit and is configured to convert a sensed physical property into an electrical signal. Also, the transmitting coil is configured to receive the electrical signal and to transmit the electrical signal to an external antenna.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention relate generally to methods and apparatus for surface ablation. More particularly, various embodiments of the present invention are related to methods and apparatus for ablation of barrier surfaces, such as skin, to increase the permeability of the barrier surface. Embodiments of the present invention comprise rapid thermo-mechanical ablation of the skin by a microfluidic jet generated by an arc discharge to produce micron-scale holes localized to the stratum corneum, which increases skin permeability.

Abstract: Microneedle devices are provided for transport of therapeutic and biological molecules across tissue barriers and for use as microflameholders. In a preferred embodiment for transport across tissue, the microneedles are formed of a biodegradable polymer. Methods of making these devices, which can include hollow and/or porous microneedles, are also provided. A preferred method for making a microneedle includes forming a micromold having sidewalls which define the outer surface of the microneedle, electroplating the sidewalls to form the hollow microneedle, and then removing the micromold from the microneedle. In a preferred method of use, the microneedle device is used to deliver fluid material into or across a biological barrier from one or more chambers in fluid connection with at least one of the microneedles. The device preferably further includes a means for controlling the flow of material through the microneedles.

Abstract: The present invention determines the resonant frequency of a sensor by adjusting the phase and frequency of an energizing signal until the frequency of the energizing signal matches the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system energizes the sensor with a low duty cycle, gated burst of RF energy having a predetermined frequency or set of frequencies and a predetermined amplitude. The energizing signal is coupled to the sensor via magnetic coupling and induces a current in the sensor which oscillates at the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system receives the ring down response of the sensor via magnetic coupling and determines the resonant frequency of the sensor, which is used to calculate the measured physical parameter. The system uses a pair of phase locked loops to adjust the phase and the frequency of the energizing signal.

Abstract: The present invention determines the resonant frequency of a sensor by adjusting the phase and frequency of an energizing signal until the frequency of the energizing signal matches the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system energizes the sensor with a low duty cycle, gated burst of RF energy having a predetermined frequency or set of frequencies and a predetermined amplitude. The energizing signal is coupled to the sensor via magnetic coupling and induces a current in the sensor which oscillates at the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system receives the ring down response of the sensor via magnetic coupling and determines the resonant frequency of the sensor, which is used to calculate the measured physical parameter. The system uses a pair of phase locked loops to adjust the phase and the frequency of the energizing signal.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention determine the resonant frequency of a sensor by obtaining sensor signals in response to three energizing signals, measuring the phase of each sensor signal, and using a group phase delay to determine the resonant frequency. The phase difference between the first and second signal is determined as a first group phase delay. The phase difference between the second and third signal is determined as a second group phase delay. The first group phase delay and second group phase delay are compared. Based on the comparison, the system may lock on the resonant frequency of the sensor or adjust a subsequent set of three energizing signals.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes are disclosed that provide a microfabricated microtool having a mechanically actuated manipulating mechanism. The microtool comprises a tweezer having flexible arms, and an actuating mechanism. A biological, electrical, or mechanical component is grasped, cut, sensed, or measured by the flexible arms. The actuating mechanism requires no electric power and is achieved by the reciprocating motion of a smooth, rigid microstructure applied against the flexible arms of the microtool. In certain implementations, actuator motion is controlled distally by a tethered cable. A process is also disclosed for producing a microtool, and in particular, by micropatterning. Photolithography may be used to form micro-molds that pattern the microtool or components of the microtool. In certain implementations, the tweezer and actuating mechanism are produced fully assembled. In other implementations, the tweezer and actuating mechanism are produced separately and assembled together.

Abstract: Apparatus and processes are disclosed that provide a microfabricated microtool having a mechanically actuated manipulating mechanism. The microtool comprises a tweezer having flexible arms, and an actuating mechanism. A biological, electrical, or mechanical component is grasped, cut, sensed, or measured by the flexible arms. The actuating mechanism requires no electric power and is achieved by the reciprocating motion of a smooth, rigid microstructure applied against the flexible arms of the microtool. In certain implementations, actuator motion is controlled distally by a tethered cable. A process is also disclosed for producing a microtool, and in particular, by micropatterning. Photolithography may be used to form micro-molds that pattern the microtool or components of the microtool. In certain implementations, the tweezer and actuating mechanism are produced fully assembled. In other implementations, the tweezer and actuating mechanism are produced separately and assembled together.

Abstract: A system and method links one or more disparate community awareness management (CAM) datasets for a community awareness program (CAP) with one or more spatial layers to create linked CAM datasets. One or more data attributes common to a CAM dataset and a spatial layer are identified, and the link is defined between the CAM dataset and the spatial layer. The spatial layer and the linked CAM dataset then may be queried using a single input query. Features from the spatial layer and features from the linked CAM dataset that match the query are generated for display. In one embodiment, a system and method manage CAP assets, transactions, interest areas for the CAP, and buffer areas for the CAP. An audience utility enables entering and maintaining audience data for the CAP. A journal utility enables making journal entries for one or more audience members, CAP assets, transactions, and/or other CAM data. A link document utility enables linking one or more documents to CAM data.

Abstract: A system and method links one or more disparate community awareness management (CAM) datasets for a community awareness program (CAP) with one or more spatial layers to create linked CAM datasets. One or more data attributes common to a CAM dataset and a spatial layer are identified, and the link is defined between the CAM dataset and the spatial layer. The spatial layer and the linked CAM dataset then may be queried using a single input query. Features from the spatial layer and features from the linked CAM dataset that match the query are generated for display. In one embodiment, a system and method manage CAP assets, transactions, interest areas for the CAP, and buffer areas for the CAP. An audience utility enables entering and maintaining audience data for the CAP. A journal utility enables making journal entries for one or more audience members, CAP assets, transactions, and/or other CAM data. A link document utility enables linking one or more documents to CAM data.

Abstract: A gas species monitoring system includes a laser, a fiber amplifier configured to receive an input signal from the laser and generate an amplified signal, and a variable optical attenuation system configured to receive at least a portion of the amplified signal and generate an attenuated signal for delivery to a measurement point, where the measurement point includes a gaseous fluid. The system further includes a detector configured to receive and process a signal from the measurement point so as to obtain a measured signal that correlates with the presence of a gas species within the gaseous fluid at the measurement point, and a processor in communication with at least the variable optical attenuation system and the detector. The processor controls the variable optical attenuation system based upon the measured signal.

Abstract: The present invention determines the resonant frequency of a sensor by adjusting the phase and frequency of an energizing signal until the frequency of the energizing signal matches the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system energizes the sensor with a low duty cycle, gated burst of RF energy having a predetermined frequency or set of frequencies and a predetermined amplitude. The energizing signal is coupled to the sensor via magnetic coupling and induces a current in the sensor which oscillates at the resonant frequency of the sensor. The system receives the ring down response of the sensor via magnetic coupling and determines the resonant frequency of the sensor, which is used to calculate the measured physical parameter. The system uses a pair of phase locked loops to adjust the phase and the frequency of the energizing signal.