Abstract: Improved methods and techniques for fabricating a panel of control cells, or a “control panel”, useful in various electromagnetic turbulence control (EMTC) applications includes a layered structure which includes three main components or layers: a metal substrate or backing plate having a high magnetic permeability; a ribbed magnetic structure attached to the metal substrate; and an electrode board bonded to the ribs of the magnetic structure. The ribbed magnetic structure is realized, in one embodiment, by a series of rare earth permanent magnets placed side-by-side using a bowed tool to create permanent magnet columns. The magnet columns thus formed are precisely positioned and glued to the substrate or backing plate so as to form parallel magnetic ribs. An electrode board, similar to a printed circuit board, is then bonded to the ribs of the magnet columns, e.g., so that a back side of such electrode board rests on top of the magnetic columns or ribs.

Abstract: A non-contact method and apparatus for measuring and monitoring the surface of a fluid using fiber optics and interferometric detection to permit measurement mechanical characteristics' fluid surfaces. The apparatus employs an alternating electric field gradient for generating a capillary wave on the surface of the fluid. A fiber optic coupler and optical fiber directs a portion of a laser beam onto the surface of the fluid, another portion of the laser beam onto the photo sensor, and directs light reflected from the surface of the fluid onto the photo sensor. The output of the photo sensor is processed and coupled to a phase sensitive detector to permit measurement of phase shift between the drive signal creating the capillary wave and the detected signal. This phase shift information is then used to determine mechanical properties of the fluid surface such as surface tension, surface elasticity, and surface inhomogeneity.