Abstract: A method of producing an electrical inductor circuit element comprising an elongate electrical conductor encircled by magnetic material extending along at least a part of the conductor. First and second sacrificial layers are formed across the conductor respectively above and below the conductor, at least parts of the sacrificial layers are removed to leave a space encircling the conductor, a fluid comprising magnetic nanoparticles dispersed in a liquid dispersant is introduced into the space, and the dispersant is removed leaving the magnetic nanoparticles densely packed in the space as at least part of the magnetic material.

Abstract: Microtechnologically prepared component as a flow cytometer. The component contains a preparation area to specifically influence and separate the particles, preferably by dielectrophoresis, a measuring channel area for characterizing the particles, and a sorting area for sorting the particles identified in the measuring channel area by dielectrophoresis. The sorting includes switching elements which permit active guidance of the particles into two or more subchannels corresponding to the criteria which have been registered in the measuring channel area. With a component configured in this way for the use of a flow cytometer, quick and precise sorting of particles, in particular biological cells in a suspension, can be implemented.

Abstract: An electrical inductor circuit element comprising an elongate electrical conductor coupled magnetically with thin layers of magnetic material extending along at least a part of the conductor above and below the conductor. The aspect ratio of the thickness of each of the layers of magnetic material to its lateral dimensions is between 0.001 and 0.5 and is preferably between 0.01 and 0.1. This range of aspect ratio has a high ferromagnetic resonance frequency. The inductor preferably includes magnetic interconnections extending beside the conductor and interconnecting the layers of magnetic material at positions where magnetic flux generated by electrical current flowing along the conductor is transverse to the layers.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for dispensing accurately-controlled small quantities of at least one liquid, comprising a liquid supply (L); a gas supply (G), arranged to selectively supply a gas pressure; and a capillary duct (20) adapted to be filled with liquid to be dispensed, and to eject the liquid. The device has a filling configuration wherein liquid from the supply is in contact with an end (20a) of the capillary duct to fill the capillary duct with liquid; and a liquid separation and ejection configuration, in which liquid remaining in the liquid supply is separated from liquid that fills the capillary duct to form a discrete quantity (V) of liquid filling the capillary duct (20) out of contact with the remaining liquid of the liquid supply. The capillary duct, filled with this discrete quantity (V) of liquid then has one end in contact with the gas supply and another end in contact with the atmosphere.

Abstract: A magnetic nanoparticle (22), a magnetic nanomaterial (30), assembly (30), and a method for synthsising a magnetic nanoparticle, relating to thermodynamically stable and air stable ferromagnetic nanoparticles of adjustable aspect ratio made upon decomposition of organometallic precursors in solution in the presence of a reaction gas and a mixture of organic ligands. The magnetic nanomaterial comprises magnetic nanoparticles of homogeneous size, shape, and magnetic orientation that comprises a magnetic core (24, 34) ferromagnetic at room temerature and/or operating temperatures, and a non-magnetic matrix (26, 36) encapsulating the magnetic core. This magenetic nanomaterial could be used in high frequency integrated circuit applications, such as used in wireless portable electronic devices, to enchance magnetic field confienment and improve passive component performance at MHz and GHz frequency in a variety of passive and active devices, such as transformers, on-chip signal isolation, inductors, and the like.

Abstract: A method for discrimination of particles, preferably biological cells, in a measurement channel having a liquid for transporting the particles by impedance spectroscopy. Pairs of measurement and reference electrodes are arranged in the measurement channel. During movement of a particle through the pair of measurement electrodes, the pairs of measurement and reference electrodes are admitted with same input signals having different frequencies. Measurement values at the measurement and reference electrodes are compared to determine particle specific values for the particle being moved through the measurement channel. The particle specific values for the different frequencies are normalized to a particle specific basic value at a basic frequency; and then the normalized particle specific values are compared with corresponding values of at least one reference particle at the same different frequencies.

Abstract: An implantable drug infusion device which features an improved flow regulator which permits the flow rate to be independent of reservoir pressure within a given pressure range. The flow regulator features a membrane having a hole, the membrane itself positioned above a bottom layer such that sufficient deflection of the membrane causes the membrane to engage against the bottom layer. As liquid flows through the hole a drag force is applied to the edge of the hole resulting in a deflection of the membrane. Once contact is made between the membrane and the bottom layer, then flow reduced. In a further embodiment the bottom layer features a variable flow channel such that upon membrane deflection flow may only proceed through the hole and through the flow channel. By tailoring the shape and length of the variable flow channel the flow characteristics of the regulator versus pressure may be adjusted. In a further embodiment the flow regulator also features a flow sensor integrated therewith.

Abstract: Microtechnologically prepared component as a flow cytometer. The component contains a preparation area to specifically influence and separate the particles, preferably by means of dielectrophoresis, a measuring channel area for characterizing the particles, and a sorting area for sorting the particles identified in the measuring channel area by means of dielectrophoresis. The sorting includes switching elements which permit active guidance of the particles into two or more subchannels corresponding to the criteria which have been registered in the measuring channel area. By means of a component configured in this way for the use of a flow cytometer, quick and precise sorting of particles, in particular biological cells in a suspension, can be implemented.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for dispensing accurately-controlled small quantities of at least one liquid, comprising a liquid supply (L); a gas supply (G), arranged to selectively supply a gas pressure; and a capillary duct (20) adapted to be filled with liquid to be dispensed, and to eject the liquid. The device has a filling configuration wherein liquid from the supply is in contact with an end (20a) of the capillary duct to fill the capillary duct with liquid; and a liquid separation and ejection configuration, in which liquid remaining in the liquid supply is separated from liquid that fills the capillary duct to form a discrete quantity (V) of liquid filling the capillary duct (20) out of contact with the remaining liquid of the liquid supply. The capillary duct, filled with this discrete quantity (V) of liquid then has one end in contact with the gas supply and another end in contact with the atmosphere. The discrete quantity of liquid (V).

Abstract: The invention relates to a micro-machined fluid-flow device (10) comprising a substrate (12) possessing a flow duct (14), a deformable thin layer (18) such a pump membrane or a valve-forming membrane. According to the invention, the thin layer (18) is a rolled metal sheet, preferably made of titanium, and connected to the substrate (12) in the zone (20) overlapping the flow duct, by an anodic bonding. The invention is applicable to making a valve.

Abstract: An implantable drug infusion device which features an improved flow regulator which permits the flow rate to be independent of reservoir pressure within a given pressure range. The flow regulator features a membrane having a hole, the membrane itself positioned above a bottom layer such that sufficient deflection of the membrane causes the membrane to engage against the bottom layer. As liquid flows through the hole a drag force is applied to the edge of the hole resulting in a deflection of the membrane. Once contact is made between the membrane and the bottom layer, then flow reduced. In a further embodiment the bottom layer features a variable flow channel such that upon membrane deflection flow may only proceed through the hole and through the flow channel. By tailoring the shape and length of the variable flow channel the flow characteristics of the regulator versus pressure may be adjusted. In a further embodiment the flow regulator also features a flow sensor integrated therewith.

Abstract: An analysis card containing two mutually separate chambers separated by a frangible partition that is arranged within the card and made of an absorbent and preferably plastic material for absorbing light energy having at least a predetermined wavelength, and converting it into heat energy capable of at least locally removing the material.

Abstract: An indium phosphide photovoltaic cell is provided where one or more quantum wells are introduced between the conventional p-conductivity and n-conductivity indium phosphide layer. The approach allows the cell to convert the light over a wider range of wavelengths than a conventional single junction cell and in particular convert efficiently transparency losses of the indium phosphide conventional cell. The approach hence may be used to increase the cell current output.A method of fabrication of photovoltaic devices is provided where ternary InAsP and InGaAs alloys are used as well material in the quantum well region and results in an increase of the cell current output.

Abstract: A monolithic, tandem photovoltaic device is provided having an indium phosphide tunnel junction lattice-matched to adjoining subcells and having high peak current densities and low electrical resistance. A method is provided for relatively low-temperature epitaxial growth of a tunnel junction and a subcell over the tunnel junction at temperatures which leave intact the desirable characteristics of the tunnel junction.

Abstract: A switching device comprises a swinging element (1) that is able to move between two end positions (A, B). Holding electrodes (4, 5) are placed in end positions (4, 5). A control circuit (8) controls the switching by generating signals of suitable voltage. Swinging element (1) is attached in an elastic manner (for example, by a flexible rod 2) in such a way that the elastic return force which tends toward a zero position (0) has, in an essential amplitude range, a higher value than the electrostatic force of attraction created by the control circuit and holding electrodes (4, 5) and acts in the opposite direction, in such a way that the switching time of the swinging element is determined primarily by its natural frequency and not by the magnitude of the electrostatic force of attraction.

Abstract: The obturators can be actuated in order to modulate an incident beam (L). Microshutters (5) are attached to a substrate by means of fastenings opposing resistance to their rotation away from a rest position. The microshutters (5) are placed on optical paths (X--X) so as to be able to interrupt them or establish them. They are fitted out with reflecting surfaces (7) so as to deflect the light when they are in the blocking position. On each optical path (X--X) a supplementary reflecting surface (8), a diaphragm (6) and a focusing means (4) are placed. Thus, in line with its position, each microshutter can focus the light on the diaphragm (6) so as to allow it to pass or to deflect it in order to block it. The application thereof is in the transformation of a beam (L) into a modulated beam (Lm).

Abstract: The invention relates to a capacitive absolute pressure measurement sensor having a first element (2) in which is arranged a mobile electrode (4), a second element (6) in which is arranged a fixed electrode (8) situated facing and insulated from said mobile electrode (4), a connecting frame (10) interposed between the first element and the second element to define a chamber (12) insulated from the external environment and inside of which there is substantially zero pressure, and a reference volume (14) connected to the chamber. The first element (2) has the configuration of a membrane of substantially constant thickness and the reference volume (14) is arranged at least partially in the second element (6).