Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for pumping a gas. The method includes the steps of ionizing the gas, separating the ionized gas into groups of positive and negative ions using positive and negative electric fields and separately pulling the groups of positive and negative ions along a channel using the negative and positive electric fields.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for pumping a gas. The method includes the steps of ionizing the gas, separating the ionized gas into groups of positive and negative ions using positive and negative electric fields and separately pulling the groups of positive and negative ions along a channel using the negative and positive electric fields.

Abstract: Methods and systems for low power switching are provided. In one embodiment, an optical switching system is provided. The system comprises at least one optically controlled switch adapted to maintain one of an open state and a closed state based on an associated light signal; and at least one light source adapted to output the associated light signal to the at least one switch, wherein the at least one light source cycles the light signal on and off, wherein the at least one light source is cycled on for a sufficient duration of time and with a sufficient periodicity to maintain the optically controlled switch in one of an open state and a closed state.

Abstract: A dynamic micro-structured reflector includes a substrate having a generally planar major surface and a plurality of cavities on the planar major surface. Each cavity having at least a first and second sidewalls set at an angle offset from the planar major surface. The first sidewall being a stationary optical face and the second sidewall being a dynamic optical face. The dynamic optical face is deflectable between a first position and a second position. The dynamic optical face in the first position redirects more light back to a light source than the dynamic optical face in the second position. Methods of making a dynamic micro-structured reflector are also disclosed.

Abstract: A reconfigurable aperture with an optical backplane. In one embodiment a reconfigurable aperture antenna is disclosed. The reconfigurable aperture includes a plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL) and a receiver for each VCSEL. Each receiver is adapted to reconfigure a portion of an aperture in response to an optical feed from an associated VCSEL.

Abstract: A dynamic micro-structured reflector includes a substrate having a generally planar major surface and a plurality of cavities on the planar major surface. Each cavity having at least a first and second sidewalls set at an angle offset from the planar major surface. The first sidewall being a stationary optical face and the second sidewall being a dynamic optical face. The dynamic optical face is deflectable between a first position and a second position. The dynamic optical face in the first position redirects more light back to a light source than the dynamic optical face in the second position. Methods of making a dynamic micro-structured reflector are also disclosed.

Abstract: A leak detector having a multi-stage concentrator, consisting of an array of heater elements which desorb analytes in a phased manner, in synch with the sample stream, to maximize sensitivity. The heater elements of the concentrator are coated with adsorber material on both sides of the heater elements, i.e., top and bottom sides, and have small anchor points to minimize power dissipation. The concentrated gas mixture output of the concentrator is electronically injected into a separator, which for separates the constituents of the detected analyte-fluid and recognizing the nature or source of the analyte.

Abstract: A leak detector having a multi-stage pre-concentrator, consisting of an array of heater elements which desorb analytes in a phased manner, in synch with the sample stream, to maximize sensitivity. The heater elements of the pre-concentrator are coated with adsorber material on both sides of the heater elements, i.e., top and bottom sides, and have small anchor points to minimize power dissipation. The concentrated gas mixture output of the concentrator is electronically injected into a separator, which for separates the constituents of the detected analyte-fluid and recognizing the nature or source of the analyte.