Abstract: A method for producing a photostable reactive mesogen alignment layer includes infusing an anisotropic dye into a microcavity so as to coat the an surface of the microcavity with the anisotropic dye; illuminating the anisotropic dye with polarized light so as to form an anisotropic dye layer aligned with respect to the inner surface of the microcavity; infusing a reactive mesogen and the liquid crystal material into the microcavity; illuminating the reactive mesogen at a wavelength selected to cause polymerization of the layer of the reactive mesogen so as to form a polymerized reactive mesogen layer; aligning the liquid crystal material with respect to the anisotropic dye layer; and bleaching the anisotropic dye layer.

Abstract: A seismic wave damping structure can include a structural arrangement including at least one pair of elements, each angled with respect to a vertical and extending into the earth and toward a protection zone. The elements thus form a tapered aperture, the structural arrangement defining the protection zone at an upper portion of the aperture. Each element defines an inner volume and contains a medium resistant to passage of an anticipated seismic wave in earth having a wavelength at least one order of magnitude greater than a cross-sectional dimension of the inner volume of each of the elements. The medium is at least one of air, gas, water, and viscous fluid. The structural arrangement is configured to attenuate power from the anticipated seismic wave within the protection zone relative to power from the anticipated seismic wave external to the protection zone.

Abstract: Liquid crystal photonic devices and microcavities filled with liquid crystal materials are becoming increasingly popular. These devices often present a challenge when it comes to creating a robust alignment layer in pre-assembled cells. Previous research on photo-definable alignment layers has shown that they have limited stability, particularly against subsequent light exposure. A method of infusing a dye into a microcavity to produce an effective photo-definable alignment layer is described, along with a method of utilizing a pre-polymer infused into the microcavity mixed with the liquid crystal to provide photostability. In this method, the polymer layer, formed under optical irradiation of liquid crystal cells, is effectively localized to a thin region near the substrate surface and thus provides a significant improvement in the photostability of the liquid crystal alignment.

Abstract: An elastic wave damping structure can include a structural arrangement of at least two elements, each with an inner volume and containing a medium resistant to passage of an elastic wave. Example elements can be earth boreholes or water pylons. The structural arrangement can taper from an upper aperture to a lower aperture, the structural arrangement defining a protection zone at the upper aperture. The structural arrangement can be configured to attenuate power from the anticipated elastic wave within the protection zone relative to power from the anticipated elastic wave external to the protection zone. A grouping may include elements that form acute or obtuse angles with a direction of an elastic wave to attenuate wave power. High-value buildings or other structure in a protection zone on land or in water can be substantially shielded from seismic or water waves.

Abstract: Liquid crystal photonic devices and microcavities filled with liquid crystal materials are becoming increasingly popular. These devices often present a challenge when it comes to creating a robust alignment layer in pre-assembled cells. Previous research on photo-definable alignment layers has shown that they have limited stability, particularly against subsequent light exposure. A method of infusing a dye into a microcavity to produce an effective photo-definable alignment layer is described, along with a method of utilizing a pre-polymer infused into the microcavity mixed with the liquid crystal to provide photostability. In this method, the polymer layer, formed under optical irradiation of liquid crystal cells, is effectively localized to a thin region near the substrate surface and thus provides a significant improvement in the photostability of the liquid crystal alignment.

Abstract: A seismic, water, or acoustic wave damping structure can include a structural arrangement of at least two elements, each with an inner volume and containing a medium resistant to passage of an anticipated wave. Example elements can be earth boreholes or water pylons. The structural arrangement can taper from an upper aperture to a lower aperture, the structural arrangement defining a protection zone at the upper aperture. The structural arrangement can be configured to attenuate power from the anticipated wave within the protection zone relative to power from the anticipated wave external to the protection zone. A grouping may include elements that form acute or obtuse angles with a direction of a wave to attenuate wave power. High-value buildings or other structure in a protection zone on land or in water can be substantially shielded from seismic or water waves.

Abstract: The high-pixel-count uncooled thermal imaging arrays disclosed herein have liquid crystal (LC) microcavity transducers separate from the read-out integrated circuit (ROIC). The transducer converts incident infrared (IR) radiation in birefringence changes that can be measured with visible light. In other words, the system uses the temperature sensitivity of the LC birefringence to convert the IR scene to a visible image. Measurements on sample arrays indicate that the LC material quality is similar to that of bulk samples and has good noise performance. Additionally, high-fill-factor arrays on fused-silica substrates may be processed to enable optimization of conditions for greatly improved temperature sensitivity. An additional IR absorber layer may be integrated into the process to tune the structure for the infrared.

Abstract: The high-pixel-count uncooled thermal imaging arrays disclosed herein have liquid crystal (LC) microcavity transducers separate from the read-out integrated circuit (ROIC). The transducer converts incident infrared (IR) radiation in birefringence changes that can be measured with visible light. In other words, the system uses the temperature sensitivity of the LC birefringence to convert the IR scene to a visible image. Measurements on sample arrays indicate that the LC material quality is similar to that of bulk samples and has good noise performance. Additionally, high-fill-factor arrays on fused-silica substrates may be processed to enable optimization of conditions for greatly improved temperature sensitivity. An additional IR absorber layer may be integrated into the process to tune the structure for the infrared.

Abstract: An elastic wave damping structure can include a structural arrangement of at least two elements, each with an inner volume and containing a medium resistant to passage of an elastic wave. Example elements can be earth boreholes or water pylons. The structural arrangement can taper from an upper aperture to a lower aperture, the structural arrangement defining a protection zone at the upper aperture. The structural arrangement can be configured to attenuate power from the anticipated elastic wave within the protection zone relative to power from the anticipated elastic wave external to the protection zone. A grouping may include elements that form acute or obtuse angles with a direction of an elastic wave to attenuate wave power. High-value buildings or other structure in a protection zone on land or in water can be substantially shielded from seismic or water waves.

Abstract: Liquid crystal photonic devices and microcavities filled with liquid crystal materials are becoming increasingly popular. These devices often present a challenge when it comes to creating a robust alignment layer in pre-assembled cells. Previous research on photo-definable alignment layers has shown that they have limited stability, particularly against subsequent light exposure. A method of infusing a dye into a microcavity to produce an effective photo-definable alignment layer is described, along with a method of utilizing a pre-polymer infused into the microcavity mixed with the liquid crystal to provide photostability. In this method, the polymer layer, formed under optical irradiation of liquid crystal cells, is effectively localized to a thin region near the substrate surface and thus provides a significant improvement in the photostability of the liquid crystal alignment.

Abstract: The high-pixel-count uncooled thermal imaging arrays disclosed herein have liquid crystal (LC) microcavity transducers separate from the read-out integrated circuit (ROIC). The transducer converts incident infrared (IR) radiation in birefringence changes that can be measured with visible light. In other words, the system uses the temperature sensitivity of the LC birefringence to convert the IR scene to a visible image. Measurements on sample arrays indicate that the LC material quality is similar to that of bulk samples and has good noise performance. Additionally, high-fill-factor arrays on fused-silica substrates may be processed to enable optimization of conditions for greatly improved temperature sensitivity. An additional IR absorber layer may be integrated into the process to tune the structure for the infrared.

Abstract: Surfaces that have both micrometer- and nanometer-scale features can have controllable wetting and adhesion properties. The surfaces can be reversibly switched between states of greater and lesser hydrophobicity, and between states of greater and lesser droplet adhesion.

Abstract: A capacitive RF switch and DC RF switch include a fixed electrode having a thin layer of metal and at least one pull-down electrode. A moving plate has a plurality of corrugations and a selective finger design. The capacitive switch includes a selective finger that comes into contact with the fixed electrode so as to minimize the stiction between the moving plate and the fixed electrode when the switch is closed. The DC switch comprises a plurality of dimples that are formed on the selective portion of the moving plate and are positioned to come into contact with the fixed electrode when the switch is closed so as to increase the contact force and lower the resistance between the moving plate and fixed electrode.