Abstract: A variable adaptive mask is provided that can be dynamically modified in situ in a physical vapor deposition process. The mask comprises a fixed mask portion, a plurality of channels extending through the fixed mask portion, a control mechanism for controlling throughput of a vaporized target material through the channels, and a mechanism to mount the mask in a fixed position relative to a solid target material and a substrate. In one embodiment, a magnetic control mechanism is provided to control throughput of the vaporized target material through the channels. In another embodiment, a thermal control mechanism is provided to control throughput of a vaporized target material through the channels. Methods of controlling a physical vapor deposition process using the adaptive mask are also disclosed.

Abstract: A WDM add/drop module. The drop portion of the add/drop module is accomplished by using thin film filters or thin film interleavers. The add portion of the add/drop module uses fused fiber interleavers for the less critical stages of the multiplexing process. In a final stage, fused fiber interleavers can be placed in series. A thin film intervleaver having a flattop frequency response may also be used for the critical stage where the multiplexed channels are more closely spaced. The frequency response of the thin film interleaver is relatively constant across a bandwith of a channel while having a drop off at the channel edge to reduce cross talk.

Abstract: A batched process for producing optical components for use in fiber-optic networks. The process involves creating optical substrate blocks with thin-film filters on at least one surface of the of the substrate blocks. Other surfaces on the blocks are finely polished such the several blocks may be fused together at the polished surfaces. By placing the blocks such that the thin-film filters on adjacent blocks are diagonally opposed and then fusing together adjacent blocks, the blocks connected in this manner can perform various optical functions. Some of the optical components that can be formed using this process include power taps, optical add/drop modules, multiplexers, and demultiplexers.

Abstract: The present invention provides protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTP) in which the invariant aspartate residue and the invariant glutamine residue are each replaced with a replacement amino acid residue, wherein the replacement residues together cause a reduction in catalytic rate (kcat) of the enzyme and an increase in substrate-binding affinity (Kd) of the enzyme. The present invention further provides methods for identifying a substrate of a PTP. Also provided are kits for identifying a substrate of a PTP. Additionally, the present invention provides methods for identifying an agent that alters interaction between a PTP and a substrate of the PTP. The invention also provides methods for reducing the activity of a substrate of a PTP.

Abstract: A portable, electronic device for remotely detecting and indicating whether a ballast driving a fluorescent lamp is of the magnetic type. The device comprises a power supply, a light sensor that receives emitted light from the fluorescent lamp and, in response, produces an output signal having a frequency proportional to the flicker frequency of the emitted light, a voltage detector that converts the output signal into a digital signal stream having a pulse frequency proportional to the frequency of the output signal, a microcontroller that determines whether the pulse frequency of the digital signal stream is between predetermined high and low threshold levels, wherein a first indicator signal indicating the presence of a magnetic ballast is produced as an output of the microcontroller when the pulse frequency of the digital signal stream is determined to be between the threshold levels. Until activated by a user, the microcontroller remains in a “sleep” mode, thus conserving the power supply.

Abstract: An apparatus for the photocatalytic oxidation of organic contaminants in fluid includes a reactor and a photocatalyst affixed to support material. Preferably, the outer wall of the reactor is constructed of material transmissive of ultraviolet radiation. The support material preferably is transmissive of ultraviolet radiation. The support material can also be an adsorbent material. Also, a method for photocatalytic oxidation of organic contaminants in fluid. Also, a method for preparation of a supported photocatalyst. Also, a supported photocatalyst adapted for the photocatalytic oxidation of organic contaminants in fluid. Also, a method for preparing a photocatalyst adapted for the photocatalytic oxidation of organic contaminants in fluid.