Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to utilizing geometric image cropping for improved image processing. Such geometric image cropping improves efficiency and/or throughput of various image processing tasks, for example for reading a machine-readable symbology via a specially-configured scanner. Some embodiments generate cropping parameter(s) using raytracing projections from lens data and ranging data for use in cropping image(s). Some embodiments generate cropping parameter(s) using magnification estimation for use in cropping image(s). Generated cropping parameter(s) may be stored via a reader, for example to a range-parameter table, to efficiently be retrieved and utilized for cropping subsequently captured images while remaining accurate and efficient for image processing.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method for preparing rare earth oxide by recycling ammonia and carbon, comprising the steps of: (1) heating raw materials containing a first rare earth carbonate and a first rare earth oxide with microwave and calcining at 500-1000° C. for 20-120 min to obtain a second rare earth oxide and carbon dioxide; (2) reacting carbon dioxide with a first ammonia water to obtain a precipitant; (3) reacting the precipitant with rare earth chloride to obtain a second rare earth carbonate and ammonium chloride wastewater. In the method, calcination time is short, rare earth recovery rate, utilization rate of ammonia and carbon resources are high. The present disclosure also provides a use of a rare earth oxide in shortening calcination time and/or increasing rare earth yield.

Abstract: Methods of detecting a target nucleic acid sequence analyte are provided in which a crRNA and Cas12 or Cas13 enzyme are contacted to form a non-activated RNP. The non-activated RNP is contacted with a sample containing or suspected of containing the target nucleic acid sequence, and the target nucleic acid sequence and non-activated RNP specifically bind to each other if the target nucleic acid is present in the sample, thereby forming an activated RNP. A reporter nucleic acid is contacted with the activated RNP, and the activated RNP indiscriminately cleaves the reporter nucleic acid, reducing passage of intact, non-cleaved reporter nucleic acid through a nanopore in of a nanopore counting device such that a reduction of resistive pulses is produced which provides a signal representative of presence of the target nucleic acid sequence in the sample.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for optical communications. In one aspect, an optical amplifier includes an input port, a wavelength division multiplexing fiber coupled to a pump source and to a bar-cross switch, a first gain stage optically coupled between a first port of the bar-cross switch and to an output port, the first gain stage including a first gain flattening filter, and a secondary gain stage optically coupled between a second port and a third port of the bar-cross switch, the secondary gain stage including a second gain flattening filter. When in a bar-state of the bar-cross switch, the secondary gain stage is bypassed. And when in a cross-state of the bar-cross switch, the secondary gain stage and the first gain stage are applied to an input light beam.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for optical communications. In one aspect, an optical amplifier includes an input port, a wavelength division multiplexing fiber coupled to a pump source and to a bar-cross switch, a first gain stage optically coupled between a first port of the bar-cross switch and to an output port, the first gain stage including a first gain flattening filter, and a secondary gain stage optically coupled between a second port and a third port of the bar-cross switch, the secondary gain stage including a second gain flattening filter. When in a bar-state of the bar-cross switch, the secondary gain stage is bypassed. And when in a cross-state of the bar-cross switch, the secondary gain stage and the first gain stage are applied to an input light beam.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for optical communications. One optical amplifier includes an input port; a bar-cross switch optically coupled to the input port; a first gain stage optically coupled between first port of the bar-cross switch and to an output port; and a secondary gain stage optically coupled between a second port and a third port of the bar-cross switch, wherein in a bar-state of the bar-cross switch the secondary gain stage is bypassed and in a cross-state, the secondary gain stage and the first gain stage are applied to an input light beam.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for optical communications. One optical amplifier includes an input port; a bar-cross switch optically coupled to the input port; a first gain stage optically coupled between first port of the bar-cross switch and to an output port; and a secondary gain stage optically coupled between a second port and a third port of the bar-cross switch, wherein in a bar-state of the bar-cross switch the secondary gain stage is bypassed and in a cross-state, the secondary gain stage and the first gain stage are applied to an input light beam.

Abstract: A system and method for trapping a charged particle is disclosed. A time-varying periodic multipole electric potential is generated in a trapping volume. A charged particle under the influence of the multipole electric field is confined to the trapping volume. A three electrode configuration giving rise to a 3D Paul trap and a four planar electrode configuration giving rise to a 2D Paul trap are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for trapping a charged particle is disclosed. A time-varying periodic multipole electric potential is generated in a trapping volume. A charged particle under the influence of the multipole electric field is confined to the trapping volume. A three electrode configuration giving rise to a 3D Paul trap and a four planar electrode configuration giving rise to a 2D Paul trap are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for trapping a charged particle is disclosed. A time-varying periodic multipole electric potential is generated in a trapping volume. A charged particle under the influence of the multipole electric field is confined to the trapping volume. A three electrode configuration giving rise to a 3D Paul trap and a four planar electrode configuration giving rise to a 2D Paul trap are disclosed.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed to a dual-single-frequency fiber laser. A linear cavity formed by a short length of highly doped optical waveguide with distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) at respective ends, one of which is a polarization-maintaining PM-DBR, and a suitable pump source, provides orthogonally polarized dual-single-frequency laser emissions. Operating characteristics of the laser may be customized by appropriate design of the PM-DBR. Wavelength spacing between dual lasing wavelengths can be controlled via the birefringence parameters of the PM-DBR. Laser emission wavelengths may be controlled as a function of the period of the PM-DBR. Output power may be scaled upward by optimizing the PM-DBR reflectance and via pump power adjustment. Relaxation-oscillation effects (noise peaks) may be reduced by using a negative-feedback circuit on the pump laser.

Abstract: A multimedia messaging system includes a database (61) for storing relevant basic data, a message receiving module (62) for receiving first messages provided by a plurality of message providers (2), a message processing module (66) for generating respective second messages based on the first messages, and a message sending module (68) for transmitting the second messages to respective message receivers (4) or substitutes thereof. Said basic data include message classification data, data on substitutes of message receivers, contact data on message receivers and substitutes thereof, and data on modes of transmission of messages. The message processing module includes a message processing sub-module (661), a feedback receiving sub-module (665), a time controlling sub-module (662), and a conversion controlling sub-module (663). A related multimedia messaging method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A multimedia messaging system and method for transmitting messages securely and quickly by sending alert signals in advance. The system includes a plurality of message providers (1), an alert server (2), and a plurality of message receivers (4). The message providers and the message receivers are linked to the alert server via a communication network (3). The alert server includes a first database (20), an application (21), and a second database (22). The first database receives various messages provided by the message providers. The application generates an alert signal for each message, and sends the generated alert signals and corresponding messages in that order to corresponding message receivers. The message receivers receive the alert signals and corresponding messages in that order, and send respective receipts to the alert server in corresponding order. The second database stores messages that have accompanying alert signals.