Abstract: Described herein is a top-side vertical outcoupler for use in an integrated photonics device. The integrated photonics device can include a photonics circuit, where light can propagate through waveguide(s) to outcoupler(s). The outcoupler(s) can redirect the light to optics, which can then collimate, focus, and/or direct the light to a launch region located on an external surface of the device. The integrated photonics device can include a plurality of layers deposited on a supporting layer. The plurality of layers can be used to form the waveguide(s) and the outcoupler(s). By forming the outcoupler(s) of the same material as the waveguide(s), the amount of light that is lost can be reduced or minimized. Additionally, the reduced number of interfaces that the light has to pass through to reach the outcoupler(s) can allow for better control of the divergence angles of the emitted light.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a subsurface formation for the retention of a fluid where energy is passed through the formation, including inserting a test fluid into the formation in the path of the energy, the test fluid having properties of mobility corresponding to those of the fluid to be retained and properties affecting in a detectable manner the energy passed through the test fluid in the formation; and sensing the energy affected by passage through the test fluid in the formation to determine the retention potential of the formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating and evaluating geothermal sources of energy wherein it is known that the earth has electrical currents and that these currents are reflected in electrostatic voltage gradients above the earth with magnitudes in proportion to the magnitudes of adjacent subterranean geothermal sources, characterized by detecting the voltage gradients; individually recording the voltage gradients; and evaluating the recorded gradients for determination of the location and potential of adjacent sources of geothermal energy.