Abstract: The present invention relates generally to microphone devices useful, for example, in hearing aid devices. The present invention relates more particularly to tunable microphone devices, and methods used to tune them. One aspect of the present invention is a microphone device that includes at least one microphone element. Each microphone element comprises a diaphragm suspended by a substrate; a solid electrolyte disposed on the diaphragm; an anode electrically coupled to the solid electrolyte; and a cathode electrically coupled to the solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte is disposed between the anode and the cathode, such that ions flowing from the anode to the cathode travel through the solid electrolyte and electrons can flow in the opposite direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to electrical devices. The present invention relates more particularly to electrical devices including dendritic metal electrodes. One aspect of the present invention is an electrical device comprising a first electrode comprising at least one dendritic metal structure; a second electrode; and an electrically active structure disposed between the dendritic metal structure and the second electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to microphone devices useful, for example, in hearing aid devices. The present invention relates more particularly to tunable microphone devices, and methods used to tune them. One aspect of the present invention is a microphone device that includes at least one microphone element. Each microphone element comprises a diaphragm suspended by a substrate; a solid electrolyte disposed on the diaphragm; an anode electrically coupled to the solid electrolyte; and a cathode electrically coupled to the solid electrolyte. The solid electrolyte is disposed between the anode and the cathode, such that ions flowing from the anode to the cathode travel through the solid electrolyte and electrons can flow in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A microelectronic programmable structure suitable for storing information, a device including the structure and methods of forming and programming the structure are disclosed. The programmable structure generally includes an ion conductor and a plurality of electrodes. Electrical properties of the structure may be altered by applying energy to the structure, and thus information may be stored using the structure.

Abstract: A microelectronic programmable structure suitable for storing information, and array including the structure and methods of forming and programming the structure are disclosed. The programmable structure generally includes an ion conductor and a plurality of electrodes. Electrical properties of the structure may be altered by applying energy to the structure, and thus information may be stored using the structure.

Abstract: A probe storage system, including programmable cells suitable for storing information, and methods of forming and programming the cells are disclosed. The programmable cells generally include an ion conductor, a plurality of electrodes, and a protective layer between the ion conductor and at least one of the electrodes, wherein one of the electrodes may be in the form of a probe. Electrical properties of the cells may be altered by applying energy to the structure, and thus information may be stored using the system.

Abstract: A programmable logic circuit, including programmable memory element, suitable for microprocessor applications, and a method of using the circuit are disclosed. The programmable circuit includes at least one logic cell, columns and rows of wires coupled to the logic cell, and a programmable memory element located at the intersection of two wires. The programmable element acts as a switch and as memory for the logic circuit.

Abstract: A probe storage system, including programmable cells suitable for storing information, and methods of forming and programming the cells are disclosed. The programmable cells generally include an ion conductor and a plurality of electrodes, wherein one of the electrodes may be in the form of a probe. Electrical properties of the cells may be altered by applying energy to the structure, and thus information may be stored using the system.

Abstract: Mass distribution within programmable surface control devices is controlled by the presence or absence of an electrodeposition of metal and/or metal ions from a solid solution upon application of a suitable electric field. One such programmable surface control device includes a tunable cantilever assembly whose resonant frequency is changed by depositing and dissolving an electrodeposit on a surface of the assembly using an electric field.

Abstract: A microelectronic programmable structure and methods of forming and programming the structure are disclosed. The programmable structure generally include an ion conductor and a plurality of electrodes. Electrical properties of the structure may be altered by applying a bias across the electrodes, and thus information may be stored using the structure.

Abstract: A microelectronic programmable structure suitable for storing information, and array including the structure and methods of forming and programming the structure are disclosed. The programmable structure generally includes an ion conductor and a plurality of electrodes. Electrical properties of the structure may be altered by applying energy to the structure, and thus information may be stored using the structure.

Abstract: A programmable structure and device and methods of forming and using the structure and device are disclosed. The structure includes a soluble electrode, an ion conductor, and an inert electrode. Upon application of a sufficient voltage, a conductive region forms within or on the ion conductor and between the electrodes. The presence or absence of the conductive region can be used to store information in memory devices.

Abstract: A microelectronic programmable structure suitable for storing information, and array including the structure and methods of forming and programming the structure are disclosed. The programmable structure generally includes an ion conductor and a plurality of electrodes. Electrical properties of the structure may be altered by applying energy to the structure, and thus information may be stored using the structure.

Abstract: A microelectronic programmable structure and methods of forming and programming the structure are disclosed. The programmable structure generally include an ion conductor and a plurality of electrodes. Electrical properties of the structure may be altered by applying a bias across the electrodes, and thus information may be stored using the structure.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical structure and device and methods of forming and using the structure and device are disclosed. The structure includes a mechanical element, an ion conductor and a plurality of electrodes. Mechanical properties of the structure are altered by applying a bias across the electrodes. Such structures can be used to form devices such as resonators for RF applications.

Abstract: A programmable sub-surface aggregating metallization structure (“PSAM”) includes an ion conductor such as a chalcogenide-glass which includes metal ions and at least two electrodes disposed at opposing surfaces of the ion conductor. Preferably, the ion conductor includes a chalcogenide material with Group IB or Group IIB metals. One of two electrodes is preferably configured as a cathode and the other as an anode. When a voltage is applied between the anode and cathode, a metal dendrite grows from the cathode through the ion conductor towards the anode. The growth rate of the dendrite may be stopped by removing the voltage or the dendrite may be retracted back towards the cathode by reversing the voltage polarity at the anode and cathode.

Abstract: A micromechanical structure and device and methods of forming and using the structure and device are disclosed. The structure includes an ion conductor and a plurality of electrodes. Mechanical properties of the structure are altered by applying a bias across the electrodes. Such structures can be used to form device such as actuators and air-gap devices.