Abstract: Optical apparatus (38) includes an electro-optical layer (46), contained within a transparent envelope (43, 44) and having an effective local index of refraction at any given location that is determined by a voltage waveform applied across the electro-optical layer at the location. An array of excitation electrodes (50) is disposed over a surface of the transparent envelope. Control circuitry (42) is configured to apply voltage waveforms to the excitation electrodes so as to generate across at least a part of the active area of the electro-optical layer a phase modulation profile (60, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 70) comprising spatially alternating peaks (61) and troughs (62) separated by phase transitions chosen so as to emulate a Fresnel lens. The troughs have respective phase modulation depths that vary by at least one quarter wavelength at a nominal wavelength of 500 nm across at least the part of the active area of the electro-optical layer that emulates the Fresnel lens.

Abstract: Techniques and mechanisms for circuitry of a processor to determine a count of prefetch instructions which have been retired, or are designated for retirement. In an embodiment, a performance monitoring unit (PMU) monitors the execution of an instruction sequence by a core of said processor. The PMU detects the retirement of a first instruction, and further makes a first determination that the instruction is of a prefetch instruction type. Based on the first determination, counter circuitry of the processor updates a count of one or more instruction retirements, wherein each such retired instruction is of the prefetch instruction type. The PMU further makes a second determination that another retired second instruction is of a non-prefetch instruction type. In another embodiment, the counter circuitry prevents any updating of that same count based on the second determination.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product are provided for automatic database validation associated with a software test. In use, an indication that a user is beginning a software test that utilizes one or more databases is received. A first configuration snapshot of the one or more databases is recorded in response to receiving the indication that the user is beginning the software test, prior to the user beginning the software test. Additionally, an indication that the user has finished the software test is received. A second configuration snapshot of the one or more databases is recorded in response to receiving the indication that the user has finished the software test. The first configuration snapshot of the one or more databases is automatically compared to the second configuration snapshot of the one or more databases.