Abstract: Actuator systems (10) are provided for inducing one or more static deflections, such as bends, in optical waveguides (12), to alter spectral characteristics of an optical signal transmitted through the waveguide. The actuator systems (10) can include actuators (28) that deflect the waveguide (12), and a controller (40) that controls the actuators (28) so that the deflections in the waveguide (12) are tailored to produce desired spectral characteristics in the optical signal. The actuator systems (10) can be used in conjunction with, for example, a fused fiber optic coupler (12) to form a wavelength selective switch. The actuator systems (10) can be used in conjunction with other types of waveguides to form other types of optical signal processors (14).

Abstract: Actuator systems (10) are provided for inducing one or more static deflections, such as bends, in optical waveguides (12), to alter spectral characteristics of an optical signal transmitted through the waveguide. The actuator systems (10) can include actuators (28) that deflect the waveguide (12), and a controller (40) that controls the actuators (28) so that the deflections in the waveguide (12) are tailored to produce desired spectral characteristics in the optical signal. The actuator systems (10) can be used in conjunction with, for example, a fused fiber optic coupler (12) to form a wavelength selective switch. The actuator systems (10) can be used in conjunction with other types of waveguides to form other types of optical signal processors (14).

Abstract: Actuator systems (10) are provided for inducing one or more static deflections, such as bends, in optical waveguides (12), to alter spectral characteristics of an optical signal transmitted through the waveguide. The actuator systems (10) can include actuators (28) that deflect the waveguide (12), and a controller (40) that controls the actuators (28) so that the deflections in the waveguide (12) are tailored to produce desired spectral characteristics in the optical signal. The actuator systems (10) can be used in conjunction with, for example, a fused fiber optic coupler (12) to form a wavelength selective switch. The actuator systems (10) can be used in conjunction with other types of waveguides to form other types of optical signal processors (14).

Abstract: Actuator systems (10) are provided for inducing one or more static deflections, such as bends, in optical waveguides (12), to alter spectral characteristics of an optical signal transmitted through the waveguide. The actuator systems (10) can include actuators (28) that deflect the waveguide (12), and a controller (40) that controls the actuators (28) so that the deflections in the waveguide (12) are tailored to produce desired spectral characteristics in the optical signal. The actuator systems (10) can be used in conjunction with, for example, a fused fiber optic coupler (12) to form a wavelength selective switch. The actuator systems (10) can be used in conjunction with other types of waveguides to form other types of optical signal processors (14).

Abstract: A liquid cooled package for integrated circuit dies includes flex circuit boards (10) that are laminated together, in which at least one of the circuit boards is dimensionally formed to create a cavity (19). Integrated circuit dies (20) are disposed within the cavity, each mounted to a respective circuit board. Fluidic pathways (33) are connected to the cavity and connect to an external fluid source (5). The integrated circuit dies abut each other within the cavity. Back surfaces (29) of the integrated circuit dies include grooves (22), and the abutting back surfaces form a stacked-die configuration with internal microchannels (23). The microchannels are preferably aligned with the fluidic pathways.

Abstract: Electrical components are mounted on a substrate and a stiffening member is mechanically coupled to the substrate to increase the stiffness of the substrate. The stiffening member includes passive devices that are electrically connected to the electrical components via traces on the substrate. The passive devices can be serially mechanically connected to each other so that the stiffening member extends across at least 60% of the substrate.

Abstract: A fluid displacement device (100) having a homopolar motor (110). The homopolar motor includes a rotatable disk (115) with at least one fluid displacement structure (120) disposed thereon. The fluid displacement structure can be a blade. The rotatable disk can be disposed within a cavity (145) defined in a substrate (105), such as a ceramic substrate, a liquid crystal polymer substrate, or a semiconductor substrate. A closed loop control circuit (235) can be included to control the rotational speed of the rotatable disk. For example, the control circuit can control a voltage source or a current source that applies voltage across the rotatable disk. The control circuit also can control a strength of a magnet (210) that applies a magnetic field (205) substantially aligned with an axis or rotation (155) of the rotatable disk.

Abstract: A fluid pump (100) having a homopolar motor (110). The homopolar motor includes a rotatable disk (115) defining at least one impeller (120). The impeller can include an orifice within the rotatable disk. The rotatable disk can be at least partially disposed within a cavity (145) defined in the substrate (105), such as a ceramic substrate, a liquid crystal polymer substrate, or a semiconductor substrate. A closed loop control circuit (335) can be included to control the rotational speed of the rotatable disk. For example, the control circuit can control a voltage source or a current source that applies voltage across the rotatable disk. The control circuit also can control a strength of a magnet (310) that applies a magnetic field (305) substantially aligned with an axis or rotation (155) of the rotatable disk.

Abstract: A fluid displacement device (100) having a homopolar motor (110). The homopolar motor includes a rotatable disk (115) with at least one fluid displacement structure (120) disposed thereon. The fluid displacement structure can be a blade. The rotatable disk can be disposed within a cavity (145) defined in a substrate (105), such as a ceramic substrate, a liquid crystal polymer substrate, or a semiconductor substrate. A closed loop control circuit (235) can be included to control the rotational speed of the rotatable disk. For example, the control circuit can control a voltage source or a current source that applies voltage across the rotatable disk. The control circuit also can control a strength of a magnet (210) that applies a magnetic field (205) substantially aligned with an axis or rotation (155) of the rotatable disk.

Abstract: A fluid displacement device (100) having a homopolar motor (110). The homopolar motor includes a rotatable disk (115) with at least one fluid displacement structure (120) disposed thereon. The fluid displacement structure can be a blade. The rotatable disk can be disposed within a cavity (145) defined in a substrate (105), such as a ceramic substrate, a liquid crystal polymer substrate, or a semiconductor substrate. A closed loop control circuit (235) can be included to control the rotational speed of the rotatable disk. For example, the control circuit can control a voltage source or a current source that applies voltage across the rotatable disk. The control circuit also can control a strength of a magnet (210) that applies a magnetic field (205) substantially aligned with an axis or rotation (155) of the rotatable disk.

Abstract: Embedded check-valve manufacturing assembly (100, 600) for integration in a micro-fluidic system. The assembly can include a check-valve chamber (104, 604), an inlet port (106, 606) and an outlet port (108, 608) formed from at least one layer of an low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) tape to form a substrate (102, 602). A fired LTCC plug (114, 614) is disposed within the check-valve chamber.

Abstract: Embedded check-valve manufacturing assembly (100, 600) for subsequent firing and integration in a micro-fluidic system. The assembly can include a check-valve chamber (104, 604), an inlet port (106, 606) and an outlet port (108, 608) formed from at least one layer of an unfired low-temperature co-fired ceramic (LTCC) tape to form a substrate (102, 602). A plug (114, 614) is disposed within the check-valve chamber that is capable of withstanding the LTCC firing process without damage or distortion.

Abstract: A system for exciting flexural waves on an optical fiber (102) is provided. The system includes a substrate (114, 118), an actuator (106), and a mechanical optical fiber coupling (104). The actuator is formed of an electromechanical transducer material. The actuator is mounted on the substrate. The mechanical optical fiber coupling (for example, an adhesive media) forms a secure mechanical connection between the actuator and the optical fiber. The mechanical optical fiber coupling is configured for communicating mechanical vibrations from the actuator to the optical fiber. However, it should be understood that the mechanical optical fiber coupling is exclusive of a tapered horn.

Abstract: A microfluidic control valve (100) comprising a dielectric structure (105) defining at least one cavity (260) therein. An electroactive material (305), such as an electroactive polymer, is disposed in a portion of the cavity. The electroactive material is operable between a first state in which a dimension of the electroactive material has a first value and a second state in which the dimension has a second value. Two conductors (240, 250) can be included for applying a voltage potential across the electroactive material to change the electroactive material between the first state and the second state. A first fluidic port (310) can be located proximate to the electroactive material such that a fluid flows through the first fluidic port when the electroactive material is in the first state, and the electroactive material at least partially blocks the first fluidic port when the electroactive material is in the second state.

Abstract: A method for controlling fluid flow. A fluid (560) can be communicated to a first fluid flow port (105) disposed adjacent to a first surface (196) of a rotatable disk (115) of a homopolar motor. The fluid can flow through at least one orifice (130) in the rotatable disk to a second fluid flow port (110). The rotation of the disk can be selectively controlled to vary a fluid flow rate. Further, the disk can be rotated to align a selected one of the orifices with at least one of the first and second fluid flow ports. In another arrangement, the shape of the orifice can have a radial width that increases in a circumferential direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling an integrated circuit die. An integrated circuit package comprises an integrated circuit die. A cooling fluid makes contact with the integrated circuit die. In one embodiment, an interposer is disposed between the integrated circuit die and a package substrate. The integrated circuit die and/or the interposer may have microchannels in its surface.

Abstract: Embedded check-valve assembly (100, 600) for integration in a micro-fluidic system. The assembly can include a check-valve chamber (104, 604), an inlet port (106, 606) and an outlet port (108, 608) formed from at least one layer of liquid crystal polymer (LCP) film to form a substrate (102, 602). A plug (114, 614) is disposed within the check-valve chamber.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and device for using a homopolar machine to convert a first DC voltage to a second DC voltage. According to the method, the invention can include the steps of applying a first DC voltage between an inner and outer radial portion of a primary conductive disc comprising a rotor to produce an electric current, applying a magnetic field aligned with an axis of the rotor to induce a rotation of the rotor about the axis responsive to the electric current, and coupling the rotation of the rotor to at least one secondary conductive disc disposed in the magnetic field to produce at least a second DC voltage between an inner and outer radial portion of the secondary conductive disc or discs.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical homopolar generator on a substrate and a method of manufacturing the same. The micro-electromechanical homopolar generator includes first substrate layer having an axial rotor contact portion and a radial edge portion, each having conductive contacts. An axial contact brush and a radial edge brush are coupled to the first and second conductive contacts, respectively. At least one conductive disc is axially aligned with the axial rotor contact portion and a peripheral edge of the conductive disc is proximate the radial edge portion. The axial contact brush and the radial edge brush respectively form an electrical contact with an axial portion and a peripheral edge portion of the conductive disc. At least one magnet is spaced from the conductive disc to define a magnetic field aligned with an axis of rotation of the conductive disc.

Abstract: A compact high current source including a homopolar generator integrally formed on a substrate. An electronic circuit also can be disposed on the substrate, homopolar generator on a single integrated circuit. The for example, with the homopolar generator to produce a pulsed electronic circuit can be coupled to the homopolar generator to produce a pulsed high current output from a continuous lower current input. The electronic circuit can include at least one electronically controlled switch responsive to a control signal for alternately connecting the homopolar to a current source and to a load. A controller can be used to generate the control signal.