Abstract: A touch sensors with improved topological equivalence between an equipotential space and a Cartesian space to which the equipotential space will be mapped. The touch sensor comprises a substrate with a touch region, and a set of electrodes that are electrically coupled to the touch region. The touch sensor further comprises a plurality of resistive band segments that frames the touch region. The electrodes are located between the resistive band segments. Each resistive band segment has a resistivity that is intermediate between the resistivity of the electrodes and the resistivity of the touch region, thereby providing a transition between the low resistivity electrodes and the high resistivity touch region, and improving the topological equivalence within the corners of the touch region. At least one of the band segments has a non-uniform linear resistance to provide further improvement to the topological equivalence.

Abstract: A surface wave chemical detector comprising at least one surface wave substrate, each of said substrates having a surface wave and at least one measurable surface wave parameter; means for exposing said surface wave substrate to an unknown sample of at least one chemical to be analyzed, said substrate adsorbing said at least one chemical to be sensed if present in said sample; a source of radiation for radiating said surface wave substrate with different wavelengths of said radiation, said surface wave parameter being changed by said adsorbing; and means for recording signals representative of said surface wave parameter of each of said surface wave substrates responsive to said radiation of said different wavelengths, measurable changes of said parameter due to adsorbing said chemical defining a unique signature of a detected chemical.

Abstract: A sensor for determining the presence of an analyte is disclosed comprising a reactive layer disposed between a base plate and a movable plate. The reactive layer is configured to interact with an analyte effecting a change in capacitance between the base plate and movable plate. When the analyte has a polarity or overall Hildebrand solubility parameter that is similar to the reactive layer, the change in capacitance is caused by a swelling of the reactive layer as analyte is absorbed into the reactive layer. This results in a decrease in capacitance. When the analyte has a solubility parameter not near the reactive layer, the absorbed analyte causes the reactive layer's total polarity to increase, an effect that dominates swelling. This causes an increase in capacitance. A capacitive sensing circuit is included for measuring the change in capacitance which is indicative of the analyte exposed to the sensor.

Abstract: A sensor for determining the presence of an analyte is disclosed comprising a reactive layer disposed between a base plate and a movable plate. The reactive layer is configured to interact with an analyte effecting a change in capacitance between the base plate and movable plate. When the analyte has a polarity or overall Hildebrand solubility parameter that is similar to the reactive layer, the change in capacitance is caused by a swelling of the reactive layer as analyte is absorbed into the reactive layer. This results in a decrease in capacitance. When the analyte has a solubility parameter not near the reactive layer, the absorbed analyte causes the reactive layer's total polarity to increase, an effect that dominates swelling. This causes an increase in capacitance. A capacitive sensing circuit is included for measuring the change in capacitance which is indicative of the analyte exposed to the sensor.

Abstract: A new touch screen design provides for corrections of non-uniformities, more accurate touch point measurement, and multiple simultaneous touch point measurements through the use of a grid of relatively conductive lines.

Abstract: A method for determining operational characteristics of capacitive sensors adapted for self-calibration includes the steps of providing at least one capacitive sensor having a suspended element and a pick-up plate. An AC input signal is applied to one of the plates, while force is provided between the plates, the force capable of variation. At least one operational characteristic of capacitive sensors can be determined, such as the suspended element spring constant and the gap distance between the plates. A capacitive sensor system adapted for self-calibration includes at least one capacitive sensor having a suspended element and a pick-up plate, a self-testing and calibration network, and a structure for generating force between the plates, the force capable of variation.

Abstract: A method for determining operational characteristics of capacitive sensors adapted for self-calibration includes the steps of providing at least one capacitive sensor having a suspended element and a pick-up plate. An AC input signal is applied to one of the plates, while force is provided between the plates, the force capable of variation. At least one operational characteristic of capacitive sensors can be determined, such as the suspended element spring constant and the gap distance between the plates. A capacitive sensor system adapted for self-calibration includes at least one capacitive sensor having a suspended element and a pick-up plate, a self-testing and calibration network, and a structure for generating force between the plates, the force capable of variation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting and monitoring micro-volumetric enthalpic changes caused by molecular reactions. Micro-machining techniques are used to create very small thermally isolated masses incorporating temperature-sensitive circuitry. The thermally isolated masses are provided with a molecular layer or coating, and the temperature-sensitive circuitry provides an indication when the molecules of the coating are involved in an enthalpic reaction. The thermally isolated masses may be provided singly or in arrays and, in the latter case, the molecular coatings may differ to provide qualitative and/or quantitative assays of a substance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the viscosity and/or specific density of a fluid utilizes a microcantilever vibrated in the analyte fluid. The source of vibration is switched on and off and the transient behavior or decay in amplitude of the vibration is monitored. The method is particularly useful for the measurement of process conditions in remote locations in real time.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus is provided using a microcantilevered spring element having a coating of a detector molecule such as an antibody or antigen. A sample containing a target molecule or substrate is provided to the coating. The spring element bends in response to the stress induced by the binding which occurs between the detector and target molecules. Deflections of the cantilever are detected by a variety of detection techniques. The microcantilever may be approximately 1 to 200 &mgr;m long, approximately 1 to 50 &mgr;m wide, and approximately 0.3 to 3.0 &mgr;m thick. A sensitivity for detection of deflections is in the range of 0.01 nanometers.

Abstract: An improved multi-element apparatus for detecting the presence of at least one chemical, biological or physical component in a monitored area comprising an array or single set of the following elements: a capacitive transducer having at least one cantilever spring element secured thereto, the cantilever element having an area thereof coated with a chemical having an affinity for the component to be detected; a pick-up plate positioned adjacent to the cantilever element at a distance such that a capacitance between the cantilever element and the pick-up plate changes as the distance between the cantilever element and the pick-up plate varies, the change in capacitance being a measurable variation; a detection means for measuring the measurable variation in the capacitance between the cantilever element and the pick-up plate that forms a measurement channel signal; and at least one feedback cantilever spring element positioned apart from the coated cantilever element, the cantilever element substantially unaffe

Abstract: Electromagnetic and nuclear radiation is detected by micromechanical sensors that can be coated with various interactive materials. As the micromechanical sensors absorb radiation, the sensors bend and/or undergo a shift in resonance characteristics. The bending and resonance changes are detected with high sensitivity by any of several detection methods including optical, capacitive, and piezoresistive methods. Wide bands of the electromagnetic spectrum can be imaged with picoJoule sensitivity, and specific absorptive coatings can be used for selective sensitivity in specific wavelength bands. Microcantilevers coated with optical cross-linking polymers are useful as integrating optical radiation dosimeters. Nuclear radiation dosimetry is possible by fabricating cantilevers from materials that are sensitive to various nuclear particles or radiation.

Abstract: A semiconductor doping profiler provides a Schottky contact at one surface and an ohmic contact at the other. While the two contacts are coupled to a power source, thereby establishing an electrical bias in the semiconductor, a localized light source illuminates the semiconductor to induce a photocurrent. The photocurrent changes in accordance with the doping characteristics of the semiconductor in the illuminated region. By changing the voltage of the power source the depth of the depletion layer can be varied to provide a three dimensional view of the local properties of the semiconductor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for photon scanning tunneling microscopy for examining a sample in a sample area on a surface at a subwavelength resolution is disclosed. The method comprises generating a near-field of photons at a surface containing a sample area. The near-field has an area that is larger than the sample area, and the near-field has an exponentially increasing intensity in a direction perpendicular to and towards the surface. The near-field is sampled with a probe which receives photons from that near-field that tunnel from the surface to the probe. The received photons are detected and a detector produces an output signal that is proportional to the number of photons received by the probe. The sample area is scanned with the probe in at least one direction parallel to the surface. While scanning, the probe may be maintained either at a position of a constant near-field intensity or at a position of constant distance from the surface.