Abstract: A Fourier transform optical detection system for use with a test assay that has a sensitivity pattern, the detection system including a lens having a Fourier transform plane and detectors located in the Fourier transform plane positioned in an arrangement of a Fourier transform pattern of the sensitivity pattern.

Abstract: A technique for generating and detecting an EM signal in the THz range involves generating EM energy having multiple modes, selecting at least two of the modes of the EM energy to provide a multi-mode EM signal, subjecting the multi-mode EM signal to mixing, and isolating a beat signal component that results from the mixing. The spacing between adjacent ones of the selected modes, i.e., the frequency difference between the modes, is in the radio frequency (RF) or microwave frequency ranges. Signals in these ranges are commonly processed using electronic circuits at room temperature.

Abstract: A Fourier transform optical detection system for use with a test assay that has a sensitivity pattern, the detection system including a lens having a Fourier transform plane and detectors located in the Fourier transform plane positioned in an arrangement of a Fourier transform pattern of the sensitivity pattern.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention involve UV resistant liquid crystal cells. One embodiment of the invention is to increase the volume of the liquid crystal material that is stored inside the cell. For example, trenches may be used to provide reservoirs that hold the additional liquid crystal material. The inventive cell can be used as a SLM in photolithographic imaging systems.

Abstract: The wafer-scale assembly method provides first elements arrayed on a wafer with adjacent ones of the first elements separated by a predetermined spacing. Second elements are also provided. A spacing-defining jig is provided that includes recesses corresponding in size to the second elements. Adjacent ones of the recesses are separated by a spacing equal to the predetermined spacing. The second elements are inserted into the recesses of the spacing-defining jig and are then affixed to the wafer with the second elements in alignment with corresponding ones of the first elements. Inserting the second elements in to the jig in which the recesses are separated by a spacing equal to the predetermined spacing allows a single alignment operation to provide accurate alignment between all the first elements, e.g., image sensors, arrayed on the wafer and all the second elements, e.g., lens assemblies, that are to be affixed to the first elements arrayed on the wafer.

Abstract: The wafer-scale assembly method provides first elements arrayed on a wafer with adjacent ones of the first elements separated by a predetermined spacing. Second elements are also provided. The method imposes on the second elements spacing between adjacent ones of the second elements equal to the predetermined spacing. The second elements are then affixed to the wafer with the second elements in alignment with corresponding ones of the first elements. Imposing the spacing equal to the predetermined spacing on the second elements allows a single alignment operation to provide accurate alignment between all the first elements, e.g., image sensors, arrayed on the wafer and all the second elements, e.g., lens assemblies, that are to be affixed to the first elements arrayed on the wafer.

Abstract: An optical element constructed from a transparent support having a curved surface and a layer of a polarization-dependent film that is affixed to the curved surface. The polarization-dependent film passes linearly polarized light of a predetermined polarization while reflecting linearly polarized light having a polarization orthogonal to the predetermined polarization. The element is constructed by applying a layer of a transparent adhesive either to the layer of polarization-dependent film or to the curved surface. The support and layer of polarization-dependent film are then heated to a temperature above the temperature at which the polarization film can be deformed. The support and layer of polarization-dependent film are then pressed together so as to deform the layer of polarization-dependent film to cause the layer of polarization-dependent film to conform to the curved surface.

Abstract: A ferroelectric liquid crystal-based light valve comprising a light input, a light output, a polarizing beam splitter, a reflective spatial light modulator and a switchable half-wave plate. Light polarized parallel to a first direction is received through the light input. Light from the light input and reflected by the spatial light modulator is output from the light output. The reflective spatial light modulator is structured as a quarter-wave plate and has a principal axis that switches through an angle &phgr;. The polarizing beam splitter has orthogonal directions of maximum transmissivity and maximum reflectivity, one of which is parallel to the first direction.