Abstract: A DC-DC power converter having a power source, a load, and a transmission line terminated at one end. A first switch is electrically connected between the power source and the second end of the transmission line. A second switch is electrically connected between the second end of the transmission line and the load and both switches are movable between an open and a closed position. A switch control circuit switches the first and second electric switches between their open and closed positions at a selected high frequency. A plurality of variable impedance elements are electrically connected to the transmission line at spaced intervals while an impedance control circuit is electrically connected to the variable impedance elements to vary the impedance of the impedance elements and thereby vary the voltage applied to the load.

Abstract: A DC-DC power converter having a power source, a load, and a transmission line terminated at one end. A first switch is electrically connected between the power source and a second end of the transmission line and movable between an open and a closed position. A second switch is electrically connected between the second end of the transmission line and the load and is movable between an open and a closed position. A switch control circuit switches the first and second switches between their respective open and closed positions. A pulse forming network forms the transmission line to store the charge in the transmission line.

Abstract: According to embodiments, an electric field sensor having a sensor electrode is constructed of an electrically conductive material and having one or more outwardly protruding pillars. A screen electrode overlies the sensor electrode and has one or more openings which register with the one or more pillars on the sensor electrode. At least one piezoelectric actuator is connected to the screen electrode so that, when excited by a voltage signal, the piezoelectric actuator modulates the screen electrode toward and away from the sensor electrode at the frequency of the periodic voltage signal. An output circuit configured to detect a voltage, a current output, or both, between the sensor electrode and the screen electrode which is proportional in magnitude to the strength of the electric field.

Abstract: A DC-DC power converter having a power source, a load, and a transmission line terminated at one end. A first switch is electrically connected between the power source and a second end of the transmission line and movable between an open and a closed position. A second switch is electrically connected between the second end of the transmission line and the load and is movable between an open and a closed position. A switch control circuit switches the first and second switches between their respective open and closed positions. A pulse forming network forms the transmission line to store the charge in the transmission line.

Abstract: A DC-DC power converter having a power source, a load, and a transmission line terminated at one end. A first switch is electrically connected between the power source and the second end of the transmission line. A second switch is electrically connected between the second end of the transmission line and the load and both switches are movable between an open and a closed position. A switch control circuit switches the first and second electric switches between their open and closed positions at a selected high frequency. A plurality of variable impedance elements are electrically connected to the transmission line at spaced intervals while an impedance control circuit is electrically connected to the variable impedance elements to vary the impedance of the impedance elements and thereby vary the voltage applied to the load.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to electrical devices and methods for fabricating electrical devices using an oxidation process. According to one embodiment, a method of forming an electrical device using an oxidation process includes forming a metallic element which is to become an electrically insulating or resistive element in an electrical device; forming an electrically conductive element connected to the metallic element, wherein the metallic element and the electrically conductive element have different oxidation behavior when subjected to the oxidation process; and subjecting the elements forming the electrically insulating or resistive element and the electrically conductive element to the oxidation process.

Abstract: According to embodiments, an electric field sensor having a sensor electrode is constructed of an electrically conductive material and having one or more outwardly protruding pillars. A screen electrode overlies the sensor electrode and has one or more openings which register with the one or more pillars on the sensor electrode. At least one piezoelectric actuator is connected to the screen electrode so that, when excited by a voltage signal, the piezoelectric actuator modulates the screen electrode toward and away from the sensor electrode at the frequency of the periodic voltage signal. An output circuit configured to detect a voltage, a current output, or both, between the sensor electrode and the screen electrode which is proportional in magnitude to the strength of the electric field.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to electrical devices and methods for fabricating electrical devices using an oxidation process. According to one embodiment, a method of forming an electrical device using an oxidation process includes forming a metallic element which is to become an electrically insulating or resistive element in an electrical device; forming an electrically conductive element connected to the metallic element, wherein the metallic element and the electrically conductive element have different oxidation behavior when subjected to the oxidation process; and subjecting the elements forming the electrically insulating or resistive element and the electrically conductive element to the oxidation process.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods utilizing capillary action and to control the movement or placement of liquids or other materials in micro-devices and nano-devices. In some embodiments, the present invention may be used to control polymer addition to micro-cantilevers and nano-cantilevers for biological sensing, chemical sensing, and other sensing. In other embodiments, the present invention may be used to deliver adhesives, dielectrics, chemo resistor materials, and other materials to micro-devices and nano-devices.

Abstract: A method of forming at least one electronic device on a substrate comprising creating a depository and an attached capillary; providing a liquid containing particles in the range 1 nanometer to 1 millimeter for deposit into the depository; the liquid flowing into the at least one capillary by capillary action; evaporating the liquid such that the particles form an agglomerate beginning at the end of the at least one capillary with a substantially uniform distribution of the particles within the agglomerate; whereby the agglomerate is used to form a part of the at least one electronic device. An microelectronic integrated circuit device comprising a substrate; a depository coupled to said substrate formed by at least one wall, a capillary channel coupled to said depository adapted to be filled with liquid comprising nanoparticles by capillary action, whereby as the liquid evaporates, an agglomerate forms in the capillary channel having a substantially uniform distribution of the particles.

Abstract: A method of forming at least one electronic device on a substrate comprising creating a depository and an attached capillary; providing a liquid containing particles in the range 1 nanometer to 1 millimeter for deposit into the depository; the liquid flowing into the at least one capillary by capillary action; evaporating the liquid such that the particles form an agglomerate beginning at the end of the at least one capillary with a substantially uniform distribution of the particles within the agglomerate; whereby the agglomerate is used to form a part of the at least one electronic device. An microelectronic integrated circuit device comprising a substrate; a depository coupled to said substrate formed by at least one wall, a capillary channel coupled to said depository adapted to be filled with liquid comprising nanoparticles by capillary action, whereby as the liquid evaporates, an agglomerate forms in the capillary channel having a substantially uniform distribution of the particles.