Abstract: Example implementations may relate to an RC vehicle with a receiver and an inertial measurement unit. In particular, the RC vehicle may include vehicle controller circuitry that works together with the inertial measurement unit to instruct the receiver to enter a bind mode when the RC vehicle is rotated, oriented, or positioned in a certain way. In an example embodiment, the RC vehicle may instruct the receiver to enter a bind mode when the RC vehicle is first powered on and is rotated 180 degrees in a certain direction, such as from upright to upside-down.

Abstract: A positioning method using music pieces continuously provides positioning service. At each signature burst (i.e., a highly unique short musical segment suitable for positioning), sounds of a music piece are used for positioning. Between signature bursts, dead reckoning (DR) is used.

Abstract: Information communication circuitry, including a first integrated circuit for coupling to a second integrated circuit in a package on package configuration. The first integrated circuit comprises processing circuitry for communicating information bits, and the information bits comprise data bits and error correction bits, where the error correction bits are for indicating whether data bits are received correctly. The second integrated circuit comprises a memory for receiving and storing at least some of the information bits. The information communication circuitry also includes interfacing circuitry for selectively communicating, along a number of conductors, between the package on package configuration. In a first instance, the interfacing circuitry selectively communicates only data bits along the number of conductors.

Abstract: A system has at least two self-traveling floor treatment apparatuses, wherein each of the floor treatment apparatuses features a navigation and self-localization device that is designed for generating an environment map based on environment data of the environment of the floor treatment apparatus, which is recorded by means of a detection device. In order to realize an advantageous cooperation between the floor treatment apparatuses, it is proposed that a common memory unit for storing environment maps and a computing unit are assigned to the floor treatment apparatuses, wherein the computing unit is designed for comparing an environment map of a first floor treatment apparatus with an environment map of a second floor treatment apparatus and/or with an environment map stored in the common memory unit and for specifying which of the environment maps is stored in the common memory unit and/or in a local memory of a floor treatment apparatus based on a defined selection criterion.

Abstract: A device can receive input indicating an intersection of two or more roads. The device can identify the two or more roads included in the input using an indicator. The device can determine a geographic location of another device using information that identifies the geographic location received from the other device. The device can identify a data structure that includes information identifying a set of intersections associated with the geographic location. The device can perform a search of the two or more roads using the information identifying the two or more roads and the information included in the data structure. The device can determine a priority for one or more results of the search for the intersection after performing the search of the two or more roads. The device can provide the one or more results of the search for the intersection to permit and/or cause an action to be performed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for building an itinerary-planning model and planning a traveling itinerary, wherein the method for building the itinerary-planning model comprises: obtaining a travel route with a known travel demand; training a deep learning model by regarding the travel demand, a set of candidate scenic spots determined by using the travel demand and the travel route corresponding to the travel demand as training samples, to obtain the itinerary-planning model; the itinerary-planning model is configured to use the travel demand to obtain a corresponding travel route. The method of planning a travelling itinerary comprises: obtaining the user's travel demand; according to the user's travel demand, obtaining a set of candidate scenic spots corresponding to the travel demand; inputting the user's travel demand and the set of candidate scenic spots into an itinerary-planning model, to obtain a travel route obtained by the itinerary-planning model.

Abstract: A navigation system for a restricted-use automated-vehicle includes a digital-map, a location-detector, and a controller. The digital-map characterizes roadways on the digital-map with a usage-rating. The usage-rating is indicative of a minimum-value of a vehicle-rating of a vehicle allowed to use each of the roadways. The location-detector indicates a location of a host-vehicle on the digital-map. The controller is in communication with the digital-map and the location-detector. The controller receives a destination of the host-vehicle, and determines a route from the location to the destination that avoids roadways with usage-ratings greater than the vehicle-rating of the host-vehicle.

Abstract: A movable object position determining unit of a control device for a movable object is configured to determine whether a current position of the movable object is separated a predetermined distance or more from a transit point which is a junction between a valid movement track and a candidate movement track. A change processing unit is configured to change the candidate movement track as a new valid movement track when it is determined that the current position of the movable object is separated the predetermined distance or more from the transit point as the junction.

Abstract: A vehicle routing device that determines a route from an origin to a destination including route guidance. The route guidance is modified based on user input. The modification can supply increased or reduced route guidance at intervals along the route. Route guidance may be modified to incorporate landmarks and personal contacts.

Abstract: A route retrieval apparatus includes: a first storage unit storing map data hierarchized for route retrieval in long distance; a route retriever section retrieving and designating a route from a current position to a destination based on the map data in the first storage unit; a second storage unit storing detailed map data for route retrieval in short distance; a provisional destination designator section designates as a provisional destination a position by a predetermined distance along a travel road based on the map data in the second storage unit when the current position is deviated; and a provisional route retriever section retrieving a provisional route to the provisional destination based on the map data in the second map storage unit, and designating as a route. The route retriever section retrieves a new route from the provisional destination to the destination and designates as a route subsequent to the provisional route.

Abstract: A computer learning, assessment and recommendation system to generate new information about the quality and degrees of walkability of sidewalks and walking routes through the collection, assessment and manipulation of large amounts of visual and geographic data, a scoring system, a rule-based computational methods and selected data representation are provided. Micro and macro data, methods and systems for sidewalk assessment generate various characteristics and qualities of routes creating general, locational and navigational functions using attributes and categories identified as important to walkability or to the experience of walking. Computed scores and recommendations displayed in maps and other visual tools and apps can be used by multiple client and sector groups including navigation, real estate, fitness, tourism and urban and rural development planning. This abstract complies with rules requiring abstract submission but does not limit the scope, interpretation or full meaning of the claims.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an information processing device includes a memory; and one or more processors coupled to the memory. The one or more processors are configured to: arrange a node in a first region not interfering with an object on a scheduled traveling route; arrange a node in a second region around an interference region interfering with the object; and search for a route going through a plurality of nodes and having a moving cost from a first point to a second point on the scheduled traveling route equal to or smaller than a threshold.

Abstract: Optimal routes and speeds for a heavy-duty truck traversing a network of roads can be automatically determined so as to minimize fuel costs (and optionally other operating costs) while still making on-time delivery of freight to a destination. Route and speed optimization can be based on a network model in which edges correspond to road segments and each edge has an associated cost function that reflects fuel consumption for a truck traversing the corresponding road segment. Given a starting location, destination location, delivery deadline, and truck information, an efficient search algorithm can be executed by a computer to determine an optimal path and speed through the network model, subject to the constraint of arriving at the destination by the delivery deadline. A truck operator can follow the route to the destination, driving at the optimal speed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method of improving a calculation and display of an individualized estimated time of arrival (ETA). Using at least one computing device, driver-related data, including real-time and historic data, associated with a driver may be collected and stored in memory. The computing device may also be used to perform analysis on the driving data and ETA-related data to determine the individualized ETA based at least in part on a set of individualized parameters. The computing device may also be used to display to the driver and/or user the individualized ETA and a corresponding level of familiarity of the driver with one or more segments of a route of the driver.

Abstract: A mapping system, method and computer program product are provided to identify a parking lot from probe data. In the context of a mapping system, processing circuitry is configured to determine a parking likelihood for each grid cell based upon probe data points associated with the respective grid cells and to identify likely parking locations in instances in which the parking likelihood for a respective grid cell satisfies a predefined threshold. The processing circuitry is also configured to cluster likely parking locations to identify parking lot clusters and to determine the boundary of the parking lot pursuant to a deformable contour model which causes a polygon to expand from a respective parking lot cluster so as to represent the boundary of the parking lot. The processing circuitry is further configured to update a map to include the parking lot having the boundary determined pursuant to the deformable contour model.

Abstract: Correction of errors in dead reckoning includes: obtaining, without using map information, a first distance between a first location of a user and a second location of the user based on acquired GPS positional information of the first location and acquired GPS positional information of the second location; obtaining, without using map information, a second distance between the first location and the second location, by using dead reckoning based on a step count and a step length of the user as the user traveled from the first location to the second location; and correcting the step length of the user that is used in the dead reckoning on the basis of the first distance obtained by the first distance obtaining process and the second distance obtained by the second distance obtaining process.

Abstract: Altitude detection by an electronic device includes: obtaining altitude information at a location of the electronic device by satellite positioning; obtaining altitude information at said location on the basis of atmospheric pressure data detected at said location; obtaining error in the satellite positioning; and, on the basis of the error obtained, causing the altitude information obtained by the satellite positioning and the altitude information obtained on the basis of the detected atmospheric pressure data to be selectively output to a user or a component of the electronic device.

Abstract: Magnetic field position sensors and sensing methods are provided. A magnetic field position sensor includes at least two magnetic field sensor elements configured to generate sensor signals in response to a magnetic field, where the at least two magnetic field sensor elements are sensitive to a same magnetic field component of the magnetic field, and a sensor circuit configured to generate a differential measurement signal, substantially independent from homogeneous external magnetic stray fields, based on the sensor signals.

Abstract: A magnetic sensing apparatus for sensing and tracking the position of a target that is independent of the rotation of the target about the magnetic sensing elements. The apparatus provides increased resolution and increased sensor element to sensor element spacing. Also, the apparatus reduces the susceptibility to external interference from interaction with external magnetic fields.

Abstract: An absolute position readout apparatus includes an encoder device and a readout device. The readout device includes multiple first and second magnetic sensing components that correspond to an absolute track of the encoder device, and a third magnetic sensing component and a fourth magnetic sensing components that correspond to an incremental track of the encoder device. The third magnetic sensing component is configured to be spaced apart from the fourth magnetic sensing component by a specific distance, so as to prevent misreading of absolute position information from the first or second magnetic sensing components being at positions corresponding to boundaries between adjacent magnetized regions of the absolute track.

Abstract: This invention is for an actuator position sensing system that combines electronic and mechanical features in such a manner that are conducive to marine applications where the actuator and the sensing device are subject to submersion in water. Separating the mechanical and electronic aspects of the device into two sub-components, one being purely mechanical and the other being a converter of mechanical movement to electronic signals, the system allows for the purely mechanical portion to be attached to the actuator that operates under water, while the electronic portion remains in a relatively dry environment, usually within the confines of a vessel. The target application for the invention is for the trim/tilt position indication and trim limiting function of the outdrive unit of a vessel propulsion system known as an inboard/outboard motor.

Abstract: A system for detecting a position of a dual solenoid device includes device configured to move between first and second positions, and a controller. The controller has first and second monitoring circuits in operable communication with first and second channels, respectively. The first and second channels are in operable communication with first and second solenoids, respectively. Each solenoid is configured to selectively operate as an active solenoid to move the device when the solenoid and its respective channel are in an active mode, and as a passive solenoid when the solenoid and its respective channel are in a passive mode to passively move with the active solenoid. Each of the monitoring circuits is configured to determine a position of the device when the channel the monitoring circuit is associated with is operating in the passive mode by monitoring an electrical parameter of the passive solenoid associated with that channel.

Abstract: A new compact, scalable, self-contained, highly efficient computer system comprised of stackable microchips within a thermal vessel. The power fed to this computer system is simultaneously transmitted directly & via a tuned resonance frequency to and through each stacked microchip and regulated via several feedback sensory coils. Inductive transceiver coils established within the microchip condition and redistribute power to its adjacent chipset. Fiber optics & power cables are located within the photonic tubular core to allow gated communication between stacked microchips. Alignment and separation of said microchips is maintained by controlled magnetic & electromagnetic poles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a position detecting apparatus for a shift lever of a motor vehicle, the position detecting apparatus having a light path, which comprises a light source, a light conductor and a light sensor, wherein the light path is configured to conduct light from the light source to the light sensor, depending on a position of the shift lever.

Abstract: Fiber optic sensors for distributed monitoring of physical parameters along a fiber optic cable are disclosed. A sensor comprises a fiber optic cable mounted to a flexible member disposed in a sensor housing body. The flexible member is coupled to the body and to a bladder in the body. The bladder is exposed to an immediate external environment to the sensor through a port in the body so that changes in pressure or liquid level in the environment cause changes to the size of the bladder, which in turn change the shape of the flexible body to impart mechanical strain on the cable. The cable may be inscribed by fiber Bragg gratings. Changes in spectra may be analyzed to measure the physical parameters. Simultaneous measurement of temperature, liquid and gas pressure, vibration, mechanical strain, liquid level, liquid flow rate, and deformation in a distributed fashion generates a 3-D environmental map.

Abstract: A method for measuring angular displacement is disclosed. The method includes preparing a sensor, where the sensor includes a first semi-cylindrical dielectric rotatable relative to a rotation axis, a second semi-cylindrical dielectric fixed relative to the rotation axis, and a transmission line that is located between the first semi-cylindrical dielectric and the second semi-cylindrical dielectric. The first semi-cylindrical dielectric includes a first plurality of periodic air-gaps and the second semi-cylindrical dielectric includes a second plurality of periodic air-gaps.

Abstract: A connection apparatus comprises: a connecting nozzle having a lumen surrounded by a nozzle wall; as well as a tubular cable duct with a lumen surrounded by a duct wall and extending from a duct end to a duct end remote therefrom for guiding electrical connecting lines. The nozzle wall, or the connecting nozzle formed therewith, has an opening and an opening remote therefrom. The cable duct and the connecting nozzle are additionally so arranged that the cable duct is partially located in the lumen of the connecting nozzle and partially accommodated both by the opening of the nozzle wall as well as also the opening of the nozzle wall, and that a cavity is formed between an inner surface of the nozzle wall facing the lumen and an outer surface of the duct wall facing the lumen. Moreover, the cable duct and the connecting nozzle are so connected together that the cavity is closed gas tightly.

Abstract: A sensor bracket includes a locking wall formed on a bracket main body of the sensor bracket and to which a side surface of the engaging is locked in a pressed state, the side surface of the engaging protrusion being formed so as to cross with a protruding direction of the engaging protrusion; and a biasing piece having a base section and a tip region, the base section being formed so as to be supported by the bracket main body, the tip region being formed so as to abut the side surface of the engaging protrusion and to bias the engaging protrusion in a direction pressing against the locking wall, wherein a plurality of bending deformation sections bent in a state in which the biasing piece is biasing the engaging protrusion against the locking wall are installed between the base section and the tip region of the biasing piece.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a sensor carrier as a mechanical connection of a sensor to a component of a motor vehicle. The sensor carrier has a sensor section to fix the sensor to the sensor carrier, at least one component section to fix the sensor carrier to the component, and at least one intermediate section that connects the sensor section to the at least one component section. The sensor carrier is composed, at least in the intermediate section, of an inherently rigid cellular material, the cavities of cellular material are arranged regularly, at least in some sections, specifically in such a way that, starting from a defined minimum force, the material of the sensor carrier in the intermediate section is intrinsically more deformable in at least one direction than in other directions.

Abstract: An illuminated pointer for a vehicle instrument cluster provides a more uniform light by propagating light from a source, through an elongate, light-transmitting prism formed to have multiple, inclined light-reflecting surfaces. Each surface being at a different angle, reflects light at a slightly different angle producing a corresponding number of refracted light maxima along the length of the prism. A more uniform refracted light is produced.

Abstract: A smart water management system fixture device is positioned on a water line. The device includes a measuring unit, an electronics unit, and an energy unit associated with a housing. The measurement unit includes an impeller of a turbine disposed in a water chamber and rotatable therein. The water chamber is positioned between an inlet and an outlet to define a fluid flow path. The measurement unit is in communication with the electronics unit. The electronics unit received information from one or more sensors and harvests electricity using the motion of the turbine and is in communication with an energy unit for story electricity.

Abstract: A system for sensing medicament delivery and transmitting an operation modification signal having at least two separable components is disclosed. The system includes a flow sensor having an inlet to couple to a fluid source, an outlet for delivering fluid from the fluid source to a patient, at least one sensor to characterize at least one attribute of the fluid, and at least one pin in in electrical communication with the sensor. The system includes a second component having a base having a contact, a controller in electrical communication with the contact that generates an operation modification signal in response to an attribute matching a condition specified by a rule, a transmitter for transmitting the operation modification signal to a device, the operation modification signal, when received by the device, causing the device to modify at least one operating parameter, and a cross-component electrical circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a magneto-inductive flow measuring device for measuring flow velocity or volume flow of a medium in a pipeline as well as to a method for implementing the magneto-inductive flow measuring device. In such case, the remanent magnetic field of at least one permanent magnet is applied for flow monitoring and flow measurement, wherein the flow measurement is performed upon achievement of criteria.

Abstract: A method for determining a flow rate and/or a flow velocity of a medium interacting with at least a first and a second temperature sensor element and a heating element, wherein the method comprises the following method steps: heating the medium by means of the heating element for a predetermined heating duration, wherein the medium before the heating is largely in thermal equilibrium with at least the first and second temperature sensor elements; registering at least a first and a second measured value with the assistance of the first temperature sensor element and at least a third and a fourth measured value with the assistance of the second temperature sensor element for characterizing first and second temperature rises of the medium; and ascertaining the flow rate and/or flow velocity of the medium based on the at least two temperature rises.

Abstract: A flow sensor for a multi-phase medium flowmeter has a sensor carrier, and the sensor carrier has at least one first sensor array. The at least one first sensor array has a first permittivity sensor for determining a first permittivity of a multi-phase medium, a second permittivity sensor for determining a second permittivity of the medium, a density sensor for determining a density of the medium, and a first sensor axis. The first permittivity sensor, the second permittivity sensor, and the density sensor are arranged on the sensor carrier along the first sensor axis, and the first permittivity sensor and the second permittivity sensor are spaced apart with a permittivity sensor distance.

Abstract: A processing chamber gas detection system is provided, including a chamber, an exhaust pipe, a connection pipe, and a gas detector. The chamber is configured to perform a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process. The exhaust pipe is connected to the chamber and the pumping unit, and the connecting pipe communicates with the exhaust pipe. The gas detector is disposed on the connecting pipe and configured to detect the oxygen content in the air from the chamber. When the air in the chamber is pumped out via the pumping unit and the air flows through the exhaust pipe and the connecting pipe, the gas detector detects whether oxygen is contained in the air or not.

Abstract: Provided is a system for supplying a liquid (such as an irritative chemical solution) safely. This liquid supplying system comprises: (a) a means that creates a negative pressure in a treatment chamber by driving a first depressurizing means and depressurizing the treatment chamber; (b) a means that introduces the negative pressure of the treatment chamber to a measurement chamber; (c) a means that maintains the negative pressure introduced to the measurement chamber; (d) a means that sucks a liquid from a container into the measurement chamber by employing the negative pressure of the measurement chamber; and (e) a means that sucks the liquid of the measurement chamber into the treatment chamber by employing a vacuum in the treatment chamber.

Abstract: A priming valve includes a fluid flow path, a fluid inlet configured to couple to a fluid outlet of a fluid channel including at least one sensor configured to characterize at least one attribute of a fluid, a fluid outlet, a valve seat, and a connector. The connector engages the valve seat to prevent fluid flow via the fluid flow path. The connector is configured to move relative to the valve seat in response to a threshold pressure within the fluid flow path to allow the fluid to flow via the fluid flow path. A flow sensor sub-assembly for sensing flow of a fluidic medicament may include a priming valve and at least one sensor of a fluid port configured to characterize at least one attribute of a fluid within an administrable fluid source. A method for readying a fluid sensor may use a priming valve.

Abstract: A fluid sensing device, including a housing; a fluid flow sensor at least partially contained within the housing and adapted to detect a flow of fluid through the housing; a timer operably connected to the fluid flow sensor and at least partially contained within the housing, the timer receiving a start signal from the fluid flow sensor when the fluid flow sensor detects the onset of fluid flow, the timer receiving a stop and reset signal from the fluid flow sensor when the fluid flow sensor detects the end of fluid flow; and at least one signaling device operably connected to the timer such that the signaling device is actuated when the timer indicates that a predetermined amount of time has elapsed.

Abstract: In a method for determining a filling level (F) of waste water (8) in a tank (6) of a vehicle (2), wherein a respective flushing quantity (P) of waste water (8) is fed to the tank (6) by means of flushing processes, a binary filling signal (La-e) (waste water (8) present or not) is determined at at least two measuring positions (20a-e) at the tank (6) with known filling quantities (Ma-e), the filling level (F) is determined as a sum of a basic filling quantity (B) and an inflow quantity (Z), wherein the basic filling quantity (B) is selected as zero or as the greatest filling quantities (Ma-e) of active filling signals (La-e) at a starting time (A), and the inflow quantity (Z) is determined as a sum of all the fed-in flushing quantities (P) from the starting time (A).

Abstract: An apparatus for the detecting the amount of material remaining in a container is disclosed. This apparatus may be beneficial when used with a semiconductor processing device, especially when the material is in the solid phase. The apparatus measures the impedance between an electrode disposed in the container, and the outside of the container to make a determination regarding how full the container may be. In certain embodiments, only the magnitude of the impedance is used for this calculation. In other embodiments, the magnitude and phase of the impedance are used. This may be used to determine the topology of the material within the container.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor is arranged to sense a quantity of a liquid within a reservoir. The sensor includes a plurality of discrete sensing units disposed within the reservoir. Each of the plurality of sensing units has an output, and the output has a first value when the sensing unit is immersed in a liquid and a second value, different from the first value, when the sensing unit is not immersed in a liquid. A signal generator is operably electrically coupled to each of the plurality of sensing units. The signal generator is operable to provide an excitation signal to each of the plurality of sensing units. Each of the plurality of sensing units is operable to provide the output responsive to the excitation signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method for weighing animal feed ingredients using a bucket loader to dispense a measured quantity of ingredient into a feed scale are disclosed. A weight of the feed ingredient in the bucket is determined and compared to a weight of the feed ingredient subsequently transferred from the bucket to the feed scale. Based on the comparison, data received from components of the system is calibrated to increase accuracy of future weighings of the feed ingredient.

Abstract: A monitoring system functions both as a device for lifting the object and as a weighing system for monitoring or measuring the weight of an object, such as a feed bin. Various embodiments having a suspended load cell and methods of retrofitting the monitoring system to existing object are provided. Further, the accuracy provided by various embodiments enables one to accurately predict when the feed bin will be empty. Thus, the feed mill can be aware of anticipated needs days in advance, allowing the feed mill to better optimize its scheduling and deliveries.

Abstract: A weighing bar assembly includes a hollow structural part (1), with two load cells (2) positioned therein. The assembly further includes two ground support shoes (4). Each of the load cells (2) is attached at one end to the structural part (1) by a securing block (3) and at its other end to a corresponding ground support shoe (4).

Abstract: A terahertz image measurement device includes a terahertz detection sensor, a magnetic field generating unit, and a measurement control unit. The sensor detects near-field light of terahertz light emitted from a sample. The magnetic field generating unit has a coil disposed around the sample and the sensor, and wound to surround the optical axis of terahertz light irradiated on the sensor, and applies to the sensor a magnetic field generated by allowing an electric current to flow through the coil. The measurement control unit changes a value of the electric current flowing through the coil, sets a strength of the magnetic field to a magnetic field value for which a detection signal level of the terahertz light detected by the sensor increases prominently, and allows the magnetic field value to conform to a specific frequency of the terahertz light.

Abstract: One object of the present disclosure is to show an optical filter capable of realizing both an excellent visible light transmittance and an excellent near-infrared ray-shielding performance even if an incident angle becomes large. The optical filter of the present disclosure has a base material (i) including a light absorbing layer, and transmits visible light, wherein the light absorbing layer has a maximum absorption in a wavelength range of 750 nm to 1,150 nm, and in a wavelength range of 850 nm to 1,050 nm, an average OD value measured in a direction perpendicular to the optical filter is 2.0 or more, and an average OD value measured at an angle of 60° with respect to the direction perpendicular to the optical filter is 2.0 or more.

Abstract: An integrated microfabricated vapor cell sensor includes a transparent sensor cell body. The cell body has a cavity for a sensor fluid vapor which is covered by a first plate attached to the cell body. The sensor has a first signal path extending from a first signal emitter, through the cell body, through the cavity, through the cell body again, and to a first signal detector, and a second signal path extending through the cavity. The second signal path intersects the first signal path in the cavity. The second signal path may extend through the cell body, or may extend through the first plate. The signal emitters and signal detectors are located in the integrated microfabricated vapor cell sensor.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein include methods, devices, and systems for fabricating and operating niobium-germanium-based superconducting devices. In one aspect, a device includes a superconducting nanowire composed of niobium-germanium, a protective layer configured to inhibit oxidation of the superconducting nanowire, and a current source configured to supply a current to the superconducting nanowire. In another aspect, a method of fabrication includes: (1) depositing a layer of niobium-germanium on a substrate; (2) removing one or more portions of the layer of niobium-germanium to define one or more nanowires; and (3) depositing a protective layer over the one or more nanowires, the protective layer adapted to inhibit oxidation of niobium-germanium in the one or more nanowires.

Abstract: An optical element is provided which includes an optical fiber, and a plurality of fluorophores disposed inside the optical fiber. The fluorophores have a quantum yield greater than 50%, and emit a spectrum of light having a maximum intensity at wavelengths within the range of 400 nm to 2000 nm.