Abstract: A volume diffractive composite is disclosed for providing illumination at a first output angle. The volume diffractive composite comprises a first plurality of grating elements that are mutually spaced from another in a first position with a first spacing period along a first plane, and an actuation unit for changing at least one of the position or the spacing period of the first plurality of grating elements to a second position or spacing period to provide illumination at a second output angle.

Abstract: A parking guidance and management system. The system provides graphical information regarding the relative availability of parking spaces within a parking garage or other large facility. The system relies on a pair of sensors in each space which combine to provide highly reliable information regarding whether spaces in the facility are occupied or not. The information is gathered by a series of aisle controllers, which communicate with a central computer. The information is displayed at strategically located displays along the way to available spaces. The displays contain advertising messages adjacent to the information about space availability. The information obtained from the sensors at each parking space may be used to provide information to the manager of the facility regarding space utilization. Information regarding the occupancy status of each space may also be used as a check on receipts of parking fees and to identify abandoned vehicles.

Abstract: A method for making packets of nanostructures is presented. The method includes etching trenches in a silicon substrate. Nanostructures are grown in the trenches. The trenches are then filled with a filler material. Any filler and/or nanostructures material extending beyond the trench is removed. The silicon substrate is etched away, resulting in a nanopellet surrounding the nanostructures and wherein each nanostructures has a generally uniform length and direction. Nanostructures can comprise nanotubes, nanowires and nanofibers. The method eases the manipulation of nanostructures while providing geometrical uniformity.

Abstract: A microphotonic device is provided. The microphotonic device includes a membrane structure that can experience strain. A waveguide element is formed on the membrane structure so that when the membrane structure is strained, the waveguide element elements are tuned to a selective amount.

Abstract: An atomic force microscope (AFM) capable of observing the topography of a sample surface at high speed with a high resolution under the atmospheric pressure and a driving method therefor is provided. The AFM comprises a light beam source unit, a light beam scanner, a scanning probe unit (or matrix), a light beam detection unit, a driving control unit and a display unit. The driving method comprises the steps of vibrating, responsive to a reference signal, a first actuator provided on each of scanning probes; detecting a deflection amount of a cantilever provided with a tip at its free end; and transmitting a servo signal to a second actuator based on the deflection amount of the cantilever.

Abstract: A parking guidance and management system. The system provides graphical information regarding the relative availability of parking spaces within a parking garage or other large facility. The system relies on a video image sensing system wherein each space in the facility is monitored by a camera to determine whether or not it is occupied. A single camera may be used to determine the status of a plurality of spaces. The information is displayed at strategically located displays along the way to available spaces. The displays contain advertising messages adjacent to the information about space availability. Revenues generated by the sale of advertising can be used by the facility operator to defray the purchase and/or maintenance cost of the guidance and management system. The information obtained from the sensors at each parking space may be used to provide information to the manager of the facility regarding space utilization.