Abstract: Methods and apparatus in which a plurality of independently controllable surface emitting lasers (SELs) are controlled to generate radiation that irradiates a plurality of surface plasmon enhanced illumination (SPEI) apparatus. The irradiated SPEI apparatus in turn generate surface plasmon enhanced radiation that may be employed for a variety of applications, including maskless (i.e., “direct write”) photolithography techniques in which a photoresist is exposed to individually controllable beams of surface plasmon enhanced radiation.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to generate surface plasmon enhanced radiation comprises a metal film having first and second surfaces, and one or more resonance configurations formed in the metal film. An exemplary resonance configuration includes an aperture extending between the first and second surfaces of the metal film, and at least one feature that forms a non-periodic structure together with the aperture. The feature causes a variation in a dielectric function along the first surface of the metal film proximate to the aperture, and the aperture and the feature are configured so as to cooperatively facilitate a resonance condition for surface plasmon enhanced radiation generated by the apparatus, based on incident radiation that irradiates the first surface of the metal film.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing small, bright nanometric light sources from apertures that are smaller than the wavelength of the emitted light. Light is directed at a surface layer of metal onto a light barrier structure that includes one or more apertures each of which directs a small spot of light onto a target. The incident light excites surface plasmons (electron density fluctuations) in the top metal surface layer and this energy couples through the apertures to the opposing surface where it is emitted as light from the apertures or from the rims of the apertures. Means are employed to prevent or severely limit the extent to which surface plasmons are induced on the surface at the aperture exit, thereby constraining the resulting emissions to small target areas.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing small, bright nanometric light sources from apertures that are smaller than the wavelength of the emitted light. Light is directed at a surface layer of metal onto a light barrier structure that includes one or more apertures each of which directs a small spot of light onto a target. The incident light excites surface plasmons (electron density fluctuations) in the top metal surface layer and this energy couples through the apertures to the opposing surface where it is emitted as light from the apertures or from the rims of the apertures. Means are employed to prevent or severely limit the extent to which surface plasmons are induced on the surface at the aperture exit, thereby constraining the resulting emissions to small target areas. The resulting small spot illumination may be used to increase the resolution of microscopes and photolithographic processes, and to increase the storage capacity and performance of optical data storage systems.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the viscosity of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids over a range of shear rates, especially low shear rates, by monitoring two rising columns of fluid (Newtonian or non-Newtonian) that pass through respective capillaries having different lengths. Furthermore, a specialized column monitor is provided that uses multiple interrogation sources (e.g., lasers) and a single detector (e.g., a charge-coupled device (CCD) array) to continuously monitor both columns of fluid substantially simultaneously. In particular, the system includes a Y-connector to form two flow paths and wherein each flow path includes a tube that includes a riser tube, a capillary tube of predetermined dimensions and a valve in each for controlling the fluid flow in each path.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing small, bright nanometric light sources from apertures that are smaller than the wavelength of the emitted light. Light is directed at a surface layer of metal onto a light barrier structure that includes one or more apertures each of which directs a small spot of light onto a target. The incident light excites surface plasmons (electron density fluctuations) in the top metal surface layer and this energy couples through the apertures to the opposing surface where it is emitted as light from the apertures or from the rims of the apertures. Means are employed to prevent or severely limit the extent to which surface plasmons are induced on the surface at the aperture exit, thereby constraining the resulting emissions to small target areas.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the viscosity of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids over a range of shear rates, especially low shear rates, by monitoring two rising columns of fluid (Newtonian or non-Newtonian) that pass through respective capillaries having different lengths. Furthermore, a specialized column monitor is provided that uses multiple interrogation sources (e.g., lasers) and a single detector (e.g., a charge-coupled device (CCD) array) to continuously monitor both columns of fluid substantially simultaneously. In particular, the system includes a Y-connector to form two flow paths and wherein each flow path includes a tube that includes a riser tube, a capillary tube of predetermined dimensions and a valve in each for controlling the fluid flow in each path.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the viscosity of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids over a range of shear rates, especially low shear rates, by monitoring two rising columns of fluid (Newtonian or non-Newtonian) that pass through respective capillaries having different lengths. Furthermore, a specialized column monitor is provided that uses multiple interrogation sources (e.g., lasers) and a single detector (e.g., a charge-coupled device (CCD) array) to continuously monitor both columns of fluid substantially simultaneously. In particular, the system includes a Y-connector to form two flow paths and wherein each flow path includes a tube that includes a riser tube, a capillary tube of predetermined dimensions and a valve in each for controlling the fluid flow in each path.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for producing small, bright nanometric light sources from apertures that are smaller than the wavelength of the emitted light. Light is directed at a surface layer of metal onto a light barrier structure that includes one or more apertures each of which directs a small spot of light onto a target. The incident light excites surface plasmons (electron density fluctuations) in the top metal surface layer and this energy couples through the apertures to the opposing surface where it is emitted as light from the apertures or from the rims of the apertures. Means are employed to prevent or severely limit the extent to which surface plasmons are induced on the surface at the aperture exit, thereby constraining the resulting emissions to small target areas. The resulting small spot illumination may be used to increase the resolution of microscopes and photolithographic processes, and to increase the storage capacity and performance of optical data storage systems.