Abstract: A high-Q factor resonator includes a solenoid having an embedded capacitor assembled in a machinable high-frequency dielectric printed circuit board (“PCB”), or other substrate. The solenoid comprises a plurality of surface conductors positioned on upper and lower surfaces of the PCB. The solenoid further comprises a plurality of conductive vias extending through the PCB between the surface conductors, and at least two aligned vias are separated by a capacitive gap. A liquid crystal dielectric is embedded within the capacitive gap in order to control the capacitance. Accordingly, a tunable capacitive filter is achieved by changing the dielectric permittivity of the liquid crystal. In one example, a nematic liquid crystal is sealed in the capacitive gap and has its permittivity changed with a low frequency bias to tune the capacitor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally pertain to systems and methods for localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensing. A system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an optical fiber having a metallic dot array on a tip of the optical fiber, a light source coupled to the optical fiber via a light coupler, and a spectrometer coupled to the optical fiber via the coupler. The light source is configured to transmit light within a range of wavelengths along the optical fiber. When the light reaches the dot array, the light excites surface plasmons of the dot array and causes the surface plasmons of the dots to resonate. The dots are chemically functionalized to have a specific affinity for a particular substance, and the resonance frequency of the dots changes when the substance is present thereby changing an absorption peak of the light.

Abstract: A thermal receptacle having a side wall which has an inner surface and a spaced outer surface. An interstitial chamber may be defined by the space between the inner and outer surfaces. A phase change material containing insert is provided into the receptacle. The insert contains a phase change material or a plurality of different phase change materials. Phase change material may also be located within the interstitial chamber. The phase change material regeneratively absorbs thermal energy from a hot liquid in the receptacle thereby rapidly lowering the temperature of the liquid and then the material releases the thermal energy back to the liquid to maintain the temperature of the liquid.

Abstract: A radio frequency modulator system having a radio frequency amplifier controlled by a pulse modulator. The pulse modulator includes: a first switching circuit response to an input pulse for coupling a dc voltage relative to a reference potential to the output electrode when the radio frequency signal is to be amplified by the radio frequency amplifier and for decoupling the dc voltage from the output electrode when the radio frequency signal is to be decoupled from the output electrode wherein charge is stored in the storage element when the dc voltage is coupled to the output electrode; and: a second switching circuit responsive to the input pulse for discharging the stored charge when the dc voltage is decoupled from the output electrode.

Abstract: A radio frequency modulator system having a radio frequency amplifier controlled by a pulse modulator. The pulse modulator includes: a first switching circuit response to an input pulse for coupling a dc voltage relative to a reference potential to the output electrode when the radio frequency signal is to be amplified by the radio frequency amplifier and for decoupling the dc voltage from the output electrode when the radio frequency signal is to be decoupled from the output electrode wherein charge is stored in the storage element when the dc voltage is coupled to the output electrode; and: a second switching circuit responsive to the input pulse for discharging the stored charge when the dc voltage is decoupled from the output electrode.

Abstract: A package and method of use for packaging temperature sensitive payloads during transport through environments having extreme temperatures. The package includes a segmented, flexible panel containing a plurality of phase change material segments. A pair of such panels may be used, with each panel being separately thermally preconditioned as a function of anticipated ambient temperature during transport. The panels may be formed by retaining phase change material segments between a pair of flexible sheets.