Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to a method of driving an end effector coupled to an ultrasonic drive system of a surgical instrument. The method comprises generating at least one electrical signal. The at least one electrical signal is monitored against a first set of logic conditions. A first response is triggered when the first set of logic conditions is met. A parameter is determined from the at least one electrical signal.

Abstract: A thick film bismuth doped rare earth iron garnet greater than 50 ?m in thickness with a growth-induced uniaxial anisotropy less than zero, such that all the magnetic domains in the film have their magnetization vectors in the plane of the film. A preferred embodiment comprises a film of composition Bi1.13Gd1.36Lu0.51Fe4.55Ga0.45O12. Films with such anisotropy solve the problem of devices and sensors that require a continuously varying Faraday rotation without the effective insertion losses that are inherent to discrete perpendicular domains. A similar effect can be achieved with a film of perpendicular domains by launching the light in the plane of the thick film in a non-waveguiding mode as opposed to the conventional perpendicular direction.

Abstract: Faraday rotator garnet thick films have improved specific Faraday rotations without requiring a bias magnet. Films of nominal composition BiX(EuZHo1-Z)3-XFe5-YGaYO12 are grown lattice matched to available {Gd2.68Ca0.32}[Ga1.04Mg0.32Zr0.64](Ga3)O12 substrates. The film is prepared with Z ≦0.45, which allows higher concentrations of Bi to be included in the film than prior compositions. The increased amount of Bi results in a higher specific Faraday rotations for the film. For devices such as non-reciprocal optoelectronic devices that require 45-degree rotators, the increased specific Faraday rotation results in the use of thinner films of reduced path length as well as increased crystal growth yields.

Abstract: The inventive method is advantageously used in the manufacture of an article that comprises an opto-electronic device (e.g., LED or photodetector diode) that has a substantially planar radiation-emitting or receiving (first) surface region. The method comprises preliminarily positioning the end of a length of optical fiber relative to the first surface region, and causing radiation from a radiation source to be emitted from the fiber end so as to be incident substantially normally on the first surface region. A part of the radiation is reflected, collected by the fiber end, and transmitted to a power meter. The output of the power meter (or a quantity derived therefrom) is compared to a pre-determined measurement value and, if indicated by the comparison, the position of the fiber end is adjusted. A significant aspect of the invention is the existence of an easily measured relationship between the reflected power received by the power meter and the distance .DELTA.