Abstract: An optical system including a dual-layer microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device, and methods of fabricating and operating the same are disclosed. Generally, the MEMS device includes a substrate having an upper surface; a top modulating layer including a number of light modulating micro-ribbons, each micro-ribbon supported above and separated from the upper surface of the substrate by spring structures in at least one lower actuating layer; and a mechanism for moving one or more of the micro-ribbons relative to the upper surface and/or each other. The spring structures are operable to enable the light modulating micro-ribbons to move continuously and vertically relative to the upper surface of the substrate while maintaining the micro-ribbons substantially parallel to one another and the upper surface of the substrate. The micro-ribbons can be reflective, transmissive, partially reflective/transmissive, and the device is operable to modulate a phase and/or amplitude of light incident thereon.

Abstract: Spatial light modulators (SLMs) and systems using same are described. Generally, the system includes a laser, a fixture holding a workpiece to be processed using the laser, illumination optics to illuminate the SLM with laser light, imaging optics to focus modulated light from the SLM onto the workpiece, and a controller to control the laser, the SLM, imaging optics and the fixture to scan the modulated light across a workpiece surface. The SLM includes an array of microelectromechanical system based diffractors, each including an electrostatically deflectable member coupled to a first light reflective surface and to bring light reflected from the first light reflective surface into interference with light reflected from a second light reflective surface in the SLM. The controller is operable to provide analog gray-scale control of an intensity of modulated light reflected from each diffractor by controlling an electrostatic force generated by a driver coupled thereto.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lighting component which may comprise a light emitting diode (LED) or laser diode (LD) for generating at least one of blue light or ultraviolet light. A fluoride phosphor matrix may be included, which may be consolidated into a phosphor ceramic structure including at least one of a transparent fluoride ceramic structure or a translucent fluoride ceramic structure, and positioned adjacent to the LED or LD. The phosphor ceramic structure generates at least one of red or orange light when irradiated by the light emitted from the LED or LD. The phosphor ceramic structure exhibits reduced thermal quenching relative to a fluoride particulate structure irradiated by the LED or LD.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lighting component which may comprise a light emitting diode (LED) or laser diode (LD) for generating at least one of blue light or ultraviolet light. A fluoride phosphor matrix may be included, which may be consolidated into a phosphor ceramic structure including at least one of a transparent fluoride ceramic structure or a translucent fluoride ceramic structure, and positioned adjacent to the LED or LD. The phosphor ceramic structure generates at least one of red or orange light when irradiated by the light emitted from the LED or LD. The phosphor ceramic structure exhibits reduced thermal quenching relative to a fluoride particulate structure irradiated by the LED or LD.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide computer-implemented methods, mediums, and apparatuses configured to provide an interactive analytical method debugger for an analytical laboratory system. The analytical laboratory system may include a laboratory analytical device with a number of settings, parameters, etc. The laboratory analytical device may process a sample according to an analytical method that (among other things) defines a configuration for the device. The settings for the method may be organized into categories. The interactive debugger identifies problems with the method (e.g., incompatibilities, values out of range, etc.) and automatically allow the user to view the category of the method that is relevant to addressing the issue. Possible solutions may be proposed in the debugger interface, allowing the user to quickly identify and address the problem. Embodiments are particularly well-suited to situations where a method is ported from an old device to a new device.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provides computer-implemented methods, mediums, and apparatuses configured to perform a secure log in and log out of an analytical chemistry system. In one embodiment, a kiosk associated with the analytical chemistry system may receive a request for access on behalf of a user. The analytical chemistry system may be associated with an audit record storing information about an analytical workflow for processing a sample. The user may obtain a security token by logging into a credentialing application. Upon successfully logging in the user's device may be provided with the security token, which may then be exchanged between the kiosk and a mobile device associated with the user. The security token may be validated, and the user may be permitted access to the analytical chemistry system. The audit record may be updated to include a login action that includes an identity of the user.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provides computer-implemented methods, mediums, and apparatuses configured to monitor the health of analytical chemistry systems. A monitoring system may be highly coupled to laboratory analytical instruments that it monitors. It may receive data and/or trends in the data as that data is generated by the instrument. Consequently, it can be configured to recognize when that data or trend signals a problem that needs to be corrected . A kiosk of the monitoring system may be configured to be in direct communication with the analytical chemistry system and to execute an action from the issue resolution structure to make the adjustment. Because the monitoring system is part of the direct physical control of the instrument(s), it can fix problems very quickly.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide systems and methods for managing a loan application. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that may include identifying one or more unfulfilled conditions associated with a loan application of a customer and sending, to a customer device, a request for a loan application document based on the identified one or more unfulfilled conditions. The method may also include receiving, from the customer device, a responsive loan application document. The method may also include identifying a document type for the responsive loan application document and confirming that the responsive loan application document is a valid document. Finally, the method may also include sending loan application status information to the customer device based on the confirmation.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide systems and methods for managing a loan application. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that may include identifying one or more unfulfilled conditions associated with a loan application of a customer and sending, to a customer device, a request for a loan application document based on the identified one or more unfulfilled conditions. The method may also include receiving, from the customer device, a responsive loan application document. The method may also include identifying a document type for the responsive loan application document and confirming that the responsive loan application document is a valid document. Finally, the method may also include sending loan application status information to the customer device based on the confirmation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring blood pressure by measuring a photoplethysmographic (PPG) signal of a user with the arm in a raised position and in a lowered position and measuring the difference in timing between them, which represents a change in pulse transit time. The PPG signal is measured in the wrist of the user relative to the PPG signal in the finger of the user. A camera built into a mobile telephone may form a first optical sensor for measuring the PPG signal in the finger and an attached accessory camera, such as an infrared camera, or an optical sensor in a wrist-worn device to obtain the PPG signal in the wrist. Alternatively, a head-worn device may be used as a second optical sensor. Signal averaging based on the timing of the finger-originating PPG signal is used to average the waveforms in the wrist-originating PPG signal for arm-up and arm-down, and the timing difference is measured between the arm-up averaged waveform and arm-down averaged waveform.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide systems and methods for managing a loan application. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that may include identifying one or more unfulfilled conditions associated with a loan application of a customer and sending, to a customer device, a request for a loan application document based on the identified one or more unfulfilled conditions. The method may also include receiving, from the customer device, a responsive loan application document. The method may also include identifying a document type for the responsive loan application document and confirming that the responsive loan application document is a valid document, Finally, the method may also include sending loan application status information to the customer device based on the confirmation.

Abstract: In one aspect, a composition of matter includes: a plurality of particles in a thixotropic suspension to form an ink, where the plurality of particles are present in an amount of at least about 20 vol %, and the plurality of particles include: a first host medium material containing at least one of: one or more lasing species dopants; and one or more other dopant species; and a second host medium material containing at least one other dopant species. The composition of matter further includes a liquid phase present in an amount greater than 20 vol % and less than about 80 vol %, where the liquid phase comprises at least one of: at least one surfactant; at least one polar organic solvent; and at least one binder.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide systems and methods for managing a loan application. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that may include identifying one or more unfulfilled conditions associated with a loan application of a customer and sending, to a customer device, a request for a loan application document based on the identified one or more unfulfilled conditions. The method may also include receiving, from the customer device, a responsive loan application document. The method may also include identifying a document type for the responsive loan application document and confirming that the responsive loan application document is a valid document. Finally, the method may also include sending loan application status information to the customer device based on the confirmation.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide systems and methods for managing a loan application. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed that may include identifying one or more unfulfilled conditions associated with a loan application of a customer and sending, to a customer device, a request for a loan application document based on the identified one or more unfulfilled conditions. The method may also include receiving, from the customer device, a responsive loan application document. The method may also include identifying a document type for the responsive loan application document and confirming that the responsive loan application document is a valid document. Finally, the method may also include sending loan application status information to the customer device based on the confirmation.

Abstract: A transparent ceramic optic includes: a lasing region comprising at least one lasing species dopant; and a transparent region transparent to light generated by the lasing species. At least the transparent region is doped with at least one other dopant species such that the lasing region and the transparent region are characterized by a difference in refractive index between the two regions in an amount of about 1.0×10?4 or less. Inventive formulations of inks suitable for fabricating transparent ceramic optics having desirable compositional characteristics such as concentration gradients in desired spatial arrangements, e.g. using additive manufacturing techniques such as direct ink writing and/or extrusion freeform fabrication are also disclosed, along with suitable techniques for forming the transparent ceramic optics from such inks.

Abstract: Scintillating plastics resistant to crazing and fogging, methods of making and using the same are disclosed. The scintillating plastics include: one or more primary polymers present in an amount ranging from about 40 wt % to about 95 wt %; one or more secondary polymers present in an amount ranging from about 1 wt % to about 60 wt %; and one or more fluors present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 wt % to about 50 wt %. Methods of making such plastics include: creating a homogenous mixture of precursor materials including primary polymer, secondary polymer, and fluor in the amounts set forth above; and polymerizing the homogenous mixture. Methods of using such plastics include: exposing the scintillating plastic to one or more extreme environmental conditions for a predetermined amount of time without generating crazing or fogging within the scintillating plastic. Various additional features and specific embodiments of these inventive concepts are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a lighting component which may comprise a light emitting diode (LED) or laser diode (LD) for generating at least one of blue light or ultraviolet light. A fluoride phosphor matrix may be included, which may be consolidated into a phosphor ceramic structure including at least one of a transparent fluoride ceramic structure or a translucent fluoride ceramic structure, and positioned adjacent to the LED or LD. The phosphor ceramic structure generates at least one of red or orange light when irradiated by the light emitted from the LED or LD. The phosphor ceramic structure exhibits reduced thermal quenching relative to a fluoride particulate structure irradiated by the LED or LD.

Abstract: Scintillating plastics resistant to crazing and fogging, methods of making and using the same are disclosed. The scintillating plastics include: one or more primary polymers present in an amount ranging from about 40 wt % to about 95 wt %; one or more secondary polymers present in an amount ranging from about 1 wt % to about 60 wt %; and one or more fluors present in an amount ranging from about 0.1 wt % to about 50 wt %. Methods of making such plastics include: creating a homogenous mixture of precursor materials including primary polymer, secondary polymer, and fluor in the amounts set forth above; and polymerizing the homogenous mixture. Methods of using such plastics include: exposing the scintillating plastic to one or more extreme environmental conditions for a predetermined amount of time without generating crazing or fogging within the scintillating plastic. Various additional features and specific embodiments of these inventive concepts are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of configuring a touch screen for a printer and a configurable touch screen for a printer are provided. A touch screen layout is created using a standard graphics or drawing program. The touch screen layout is saved in a standard computer file. The computer file is loaded onto the printer or a controller of the printer which is in communication with the touch screen. The controller then configures the touch screen in accordance with the touch screen layout of the computer file.

Abstract: A transparent ceramic optic includes: a lasing region comprising at least one lasing species dopant; and a transparent region transparent to light generated by the lasing species. At least the transparent region is doped with at least one other dopant species such that the lasing region and the transparent region are characterized by a difference in refractive index between the two regions in an amount of about 1.0×10?4 or less. Inventive formulations of inks suitable for fabricating transparent ceramic optics having desirable compositional characteristics such as concentration gradients in desired spatial arrangements, e.g. using additive manufacturing techniques such as direct ink writing and/or extrusion freeform fabrication are also disclosed, along with suitable techniques for forming the transparent ceramic optics from such inks.