Abstract: In a first aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for visualizing an interface between an epidermis and an external environment. The method comprises: (a) acquiring an ultrasound signal of the interface using an ultrasonic transducer array; and (b) applying a null subtraction imaging technique to the acquired ultrasound signal, thereby forming an ultrasound image.

Abstract: An integrated photonic device comprises: an input waveguide configured to extend in an input plane, and an output waveguide configured to extend in an output plane, wherein the output plane is parallel to or contained within the input plane; an input coupler optically coupled to the input waveguide, wherein the input coupler is configured to redirect a light signal out of the input waveguide and the input plane; a light property modifier configured to receive the light signal from the input coupler and reflect the light signal towards the output plane, wherein the light property modifier is configured to selectively adjust an optical path length of the light signal; and an output coupler optically coupled to the output waveguide, wherein the output coupler is configured to receive the reflected light signal from the light property modifier and redirect the light signal into the output waveguide and the output plane.

Abstract: A method for producing an image sensor comprises: depositing a first back-end-of-line, BEOL, layer above a substrate comprising an array of light-detecting elements, said BEOL layer comprising metal wirings being arranged to form connections to components on the substrate and together with depositing the first BEOL layer, improving planarization of the first BEOL layer by depositing a planarizing metal dummy pattern in the first BEOL layer, wherein a part of the planarizing metal dummy pattern is arranged above a light-detecting element, wherein the planarizing metal dummy patterns is formed from the same material as the metal wirings and is deposited to planarize density of the metal deposited in the first BEOL layer across a surface of the layer and wherein a shape and/or position of the metal dummy pattern above the array of light-detecting elements is designed to provide a desired effect on incident light.

Abstract: An integrated photonic device comprises: an input waveguide configured to extend in an input plane, and an output waveguide configured to extend in an output plane, wherein the output plane is parallel to or contained within the input plane; an input coupler optically coupled to the input waveguide, wherein the input coupler is configured to redirect a light signal out of the input waveguide and the input plane; a light property modifier configured to receive the light signal from the input coupler and reflect the light signal towards the output plane, wherein the light property modifier is configured to selectively adjust an optical path length of the light signal; and an output coupler optically coupled to the output waveguide, wherein the output coupler is configured to receive the reflected light signal from the light property modifier and redirect the light signal into the output waveguide and the output plane.

Abstract: A force sensing device comprises: a membrane (120), which is configured to deform upon receiving a force; a first Mach Zehnder-type interferometer device (110); a second Mach Zehnder-type interferometer device (130), wherein a first measurement propagation path (114) of the first Mach Zehnder-type interferometer device (110) and a second measurement propagation path (134) of the second Mach Zehnder-type interferometer device (130) are arranged on or in the membrane (120), and wherein the first measurement propagation path (114) and the second measurement propagation path (134) are differently sensitive to applied force on the membrane (120).

Abstract: A two-axes MEMS magnetometer includes, in one plane, a freestanding rectangular frame having inner walls and four torsion springs, wherein opposing inner walls of the frame are contacted by one end of only two torsion springs, each torsion spring being anchored by its other end, towards the center of the frame, to a substrate. In operation, the magnetometer measures the magnetic field in two orthogonal sensing modes using differential capacitance measurements.

Abstract: Micro-mirror arrays configured for use in a variable focal length lens are described herein. An example variable focal length lens comprises a micro-mirror array having a plurality of micro-mirror elements arranged in at least a first section and a second section. Each micro-mirror element has a tilt axis and comprises, on each of two opposing sides of the tilt axis, (i) at least one actuation electrode, (ii) at least one measurement electrode, and (iii) at least one stopper. Additionally, each micro-mirror element in the first section has a first tilt angle range, and each micro-mirror element in the second section has a second tilt angle range, with the first tilt angle range being less than the second tilt angle range.

Abstract: A built-in self-calibration system and method for a micro-mirror array device, for example, operating as a variable focal length lens is described. The calibration method comprises determining a capacitance value for each micro-mirror element in the array device at a number of predetermined reference angles to provide a capacitance-reference angle relationship. From the capacitance values, an interpolation step is carried to determine intermediate tilt angles for each micro-mirror element in the array. A voltage sweep is applied to the micro-mirror array and capacitance values, for each micro-mirror element in the array, are measured. For a capacitance value that matches one of the values in the capacitance-reference angle relationship, the corresponding voltage is linked to the associated tilt angle to provide a voltage-tilt angle characteristic which then stored in a memory for subsequent use.

Abstract: Micro-mirror arrays configured for use in a variable focal length lens are described herein. An example variable focal length lens comprises a micro-mirror array having a plurality of micro-mirror element arranged in at least a first section and a second section. Each micro-mirror element has a tilt axis and comprises, on each of two opposing sides of the tilt axis, (i) at least one actuation electrode, (ii) at least one measurement electrode, and (iii) at least one stopper. Additionally, each micro-mirror element in the first section has a first tilt axis range, and each micro-mirror element in the second section has a second tilt axis range, with the first tilt axis range being less than the second tilt axis range.

Abstract: A two-axes MEMS magnetometer includes, in one plane, a freestanding rectangular frame having inner walls and four torsion springs, wherein opposing inner walls of the frame are contacted by one end of only two torsion springs, each torsion spring being anchored by its other end, towards the centre of the frame, to a substrate. In operation, the magnetometer measures the magnetic field in two orthogonal sensing modes using differential capacitance measurements.

Abstract: A DND device is disclosed. In one aspect, the device includes a nano-mirror (21), and an actuating module configured to move the nano-mirror in an upward and/or downward position. The actuating module has a cantilever mounted to a fixed structure, and at least one first electrode for moving the cantilever in an upward and/or downward position. Such DND devices may be arranged in a 2D array.

Abstract: A DND device is disclosed. In one aspect, the device includes a nano-mirror (21), and an actuating module configured to move the nano-mirror in an upward and/or downward position. The actuating module has a cantilever mounted to a fixed structure, and at least one first electrode for moving the cantilever in an upward and/or downward position. Such DND devices may be arranged in a 2D array.