Abstract: A resonator system is provided in which a combined overtone resonator device is excited with a two-dimensional mode of mechanical vibration in a cross sectional plane of a piezoelectric plate in response to an alternating voltage applied through an interdigitated electrode. The cross sectional plane extends along the width direction and the thickness direction, and the two-dimensional mode of mechanical vibration is a two-dimensional combined overtone mode of second and third order asymmetrical Lamb-wave overtones.

Abstract: A zero-power plasmonic microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device is capable of specifically sensing electromagnetic radiation and performing signal processing operations. Such devices are highly sensitive relays that consume no more than 10 nW of power, utilizing the energy in detected electromagnetic radiation to detect and discriminate a target without the need of any additional power source. The devices can continuously monitor an environment and wake up an electronic circuit upon detection of a specific trigger signature of electromagnetic radiation, such as vehicular exhaust, gunfire, an explosion, a fire, a human or animal, and a variety of sources of radiation from the ultraviolet to visible light, to infrared, to terahertz radiation.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical resonant circulator device is providing, having a substrate, and at least three electrical ports supported on the substrate. At least three electromechanical resonator elements are connected with associated switch elements and an associated port. The switch elements are operative to provide commutation over time of the electromechanical resonator elements.

Abstract: A zero-power plasmonic microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device is capable of specifically sensing electromagnetic radiation and performing signal processing operations. Such devices are highly sensitive relays that consume no more than 10 nW of power, utilizing the energy in detected electromagnetic radiation to detect and discriminate a target without the need of any additional power source. The devices can continuously monitor an environment and wake up an electronic circuit upon detection of a specific trigger signature of electromagnetic radiation, such as vehicular exhaust, gunfire, an explosion, a fire, a human or animal, and a variety of sources of radiation from the ultraviolet to visible light, to infrared, to terahertz radiation.

Abstract: An ultra-miniaturized, low-cost, and maintenance-free chemical sensor is capable of continuously monitoring the concentration of specific volatile organic compound (VOC) vapors released from crop plants and green plants under distress from pests or disease. The sensor is based on micromechanical structures and relies on the mechanical actuation induced by the chemical interaction between the VOCs and materials in the microstructure to passively generate a wake-up bit when the concentration of VOCs exceeds a predetermined value. The sensor does not consume power while in standby mode (i.e., when certain VOC vapors are not present), and wirelessly communicates the location of impending outbreaks upon detection of a predetermined concentration of certain VOC vapors.

Abstract: A monolithic integration of phase change material (PCM) switches with a MEMS resonator is provided to implement switching and reconfiguration functionalities. MEMS resonator includes a piezoelectric material to control terminal connections to the electrodes. The PCM is operable between an ON state and an OFF state by application of heat, which causes the phase change material to change from an amorphous state to a crystalline state or from a crystalline state to an amorphous state, the amorphous state and the crystalline state each associated with one of the ON state and the OFF state. A method of fabricating the MEMS resonator with phase change material is provided. A reconfigurable filter system using the MEMS resonators is also provided.

Abstract: A solid state radio frequency generation system is provided for an electromagnetic cooking device having an enclosed cavity. The radio frequency generation system includes: an RF feed for introducing electromagnetic radiation into the cavity to heat a food load; a high-power RF amplifier coupled to the RF feed, the amplifier comprising at least one amplifying stage configured to output a signal that is amplified in power with respect to an input RF signal; a small signal generator for supplying the input RF signal to the amplifier; and a switching power supply unit including a single DC-DC converter that converts AC mains power to low voltage DC for supply to the amplifier, and a controller configured to adapt an input current from the AC mains power to form a predefined periodic waveform with the same frequency as the AC mains power for supply to the small signal generator.

Abstract: A microwave oven and a method of operating the same is provided herein. The method includes the steps of: sensing that a door of the microwave is in an open state; interrupting a power input to a generator power supply unit comprising a first converter, a first energy reserve, a second energy reserve located downstream from the first energy reserve, and a second converter located between the first and second energy reserves; detecting an input voltage; and disabling the second converter if the detected input voltage is less than a threshold voltage that is proportional to the detected input voltage, wherein disabling the second converter triggers the second energy reserve to discharge, and wherein the time necessary to discharge the second energy reserve is free of influence from the first energy reserve and is independent of the detected input voltage.

Abstract: An environmental physical sensor is provided that includes a power input terminal, a sensor output terminal, and a resonant switch. The resonant switch includes a mechanical element that is responsive to an environmental stimulus and is coupled to an electrical switch. The electrical switch is operable between an open position and a closed position and electrically connects the power input terminal to the sensor output terminal when in the closed position. The mechanical element is configured to intermittently actuate the electrical switch into the closed position responsive to the environmental stimulus.

Abstract: A zero-power plasmonic microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device is capable of specifically sensing electromagnetic radiation and performing signal processing operations. Such devices are highly sensitive relays that consume no more than 10 nW of power, utilizing the energy in detected electromagnetic radiation to detect and discriminate a target without the need of any additional power source. The devices can continuously monitor an environment and wake up an electronic circuit upon detection of a specific trigger signature of electromagnetic radiation, such as vehicular exhaust, gunfire, an explosion, a fire, a human or animal, and a variety of sources of radiation from the ultraviolet to visible light, to infrared, to terahertz radiation.

Abstract: A transformer including a piezoelectric plate and interdigital electrodes is provided. The interdigitated electrodes includes a plurality of conductive strips disposed over the piezoelectric plate. A cross-sectional Lamé mode resonance is excited in a cross sectional plane of the piezoelectric plate in response to input voltage applied through the interdigitated electrode, producing a voltage gain. A device including the aforementioned transformer is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method to monitor and control heart rhythms using ultrasonic signals, including providing pacing and defibrillation therapy, are provided.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical resonant circulator device is providing, having a substrate, and at least three electrical ports supported on the substrate. At least three electromechanical resonator elements are connected with associated switch elements and an associated port. The switch elements are operative to provide commutation over time of the electromechanical resonator elements.

Abstract: A resonator including a piezoelectric plate and an interdigital electrode is provided. A ratio between a thickness of the plate and a pitch of the interdigital electrode may be from about 0.5 to about 1.5. A radiation detector including a resonator and an absorber layer capable of absorbing at least one of infrared and terahertz radiation is provided. A resonator including a piezoelectric plate and a two-dimensional electrically conductive material is provided.

Abstract: A resonator includes a piezoelectric plate and interdigitated electrode(s). The interdigitated electrode includes a plurality of conductive strips disposed over a top surface of the piezoelectric plate. A two-dimensional mode of mechanical vibration is excited in a cross sectional plane of the piezoelectric plate in response to an alternating voltage applied through the interdigitated electrode. The two-dimensional mode of mechanical vibration is a cross-sectional Lamé mode resonance (CLMR) or a degenerate cross-sectional Lamé mode resonance (dCLMR).

Abstract: A resonator includes a piezoelectric plate and interdigitated electrode(s). The interdigitated electrode includes a plurality of conductive strips disposed over a top surface of the piezoelectric plate. A two-dimensional mode of mechanical vibration is excited in a cross sectional plane of the piezoelectric plate in response to an alternating voltage applied through the interdigitated electrode. The two-dimensional mode of mechanical vibration is a cross-sectional Lamé mode resonance (CLMR) or a degenerate cross-sectional Lamé mode resonance (dCLMR).

Abstract: A resonator including a piezoelectric plate and an interdigital electrode is provided. A ratio between a thickness of the plate and a pitch of the interdigital electrode may be from about 0.5 to about 1.5. A radiation detector including a resonator and an absorber layer capable of absorbing at least one of infrared and terahertz radiation is provided. A resonator including a piezoelectric plate and a two-dimensional electrically conductive material is provided.

Abstract: A zero power radio frequency (RF) activated wake up device is provided. The device is based on a high-Q MEMS demodulator that filters an amplitude-modulated RF tone of interest from the entire spectrum while producing a much higher voltage signal suitable to trigger a high-Q MEMS resonant switch tuned to the modulation frequency of the RF tone.

Abstract: A resonator includes a piezoelectric plate and interdigitated electrode(s). The interdigitated electrode includes a plurality of conductive strips disposed over a top surface of the piezoelectric plate. A two-dimensional mode of mechanical vibration is excited in a cross sectional plane of the piezoelectric plate in response to an alternating voltage applied through the interdigitated electrode. The two-dimensional mode of mechanical vibration is a cross-sectional Lamé mode resonance (CLMR) or a degenerate cross-sectional Lamé mode resonance (dCLMR).

Abstract: A resonator including a piezoelectric plate and an interdigital electrode is provided. A ratio between a thickness of the plate and a pitch of the interdigital electrode may be from about 0.5 to about 1.5. A radiation detector including a resonator and an absorber layer capable of absorbing at least one of infrared and terahertz radiation is provided. A resonator including a piezoelectric plate and a two-dimensional electrically conductive material is provided.