Abstract: A magneto-electrophoretic medium that can be globally and locally addressed and erased. The medium provides a writeable display with no perceivable lag and the ability to write and erase with only minimal power requirements. In particular, the magneto-electrophoretic medium can be erased by providing a subthreshold electric stimulus and supplementing a second non-electric stimulus that disturbs the written state and allows the magneto-electrophoretic particles to return to their original state.

Abstract: An artificial muscle that includes a first end plate opposite a second end plate, a flexible enclosure extending from the first end plate to the second end plate and housing a dielectric fluid, and a reciprocating electrode stack housed within the flexible enclosure and coupled to and extending between the first end plate and the second end plate. The reciprocating electrode stack includes one or more electrode pairs, each electrode pair having a positive electrode and a negative electrode physically coupled to one another along a first edge portion of the positive electrode and the negative electrode. The artificial muscle also includes a plurality of electrode leads electrically coupled to the reciprocating electrode stack. Each individual electrode lead of the plurality of electrode leads extends from an individual electrode of the reciprocating electrode stack to the first end plate or the second end plate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel method of producing monodisperse aqueous droplets, as well as a novel microfluidic droplet generator. In some examples, the method comprises flowing an aqueous solution through a microchannel and into a sample reservoir of the microfluidic droplet generator, wherein monodisperse droplets of the aqueous solution form by step-emulsification at a step change in height at an intersection of a reservoir end of the microchannel and a sidewall of the sample reservoir. In some examples, the aqueous solution is a hydrogel precursor solution and monodisperse droplets of the hydrogel precursor solution form by step-emulsification at the step change in height at the intersection of the reservoir end of the microchannel and the sidewall of the sample reservoir. In some examples, the monodisperse droplets of the hydrogel precursor solution are incubated under conditions suitable for gelation to form hydrogel beads.

Abstract: A number analyzing method, a number analyzing device, and a storage medium for number analysis are disclosed, which enable, with high accuracy, analysis of the number or number distribution of particulate or molecular analytes according to the kinds of the analytes. A computer control program is executed on the basis of a data group of particle-passage detection signals which are detected by a nanopore device in accordance with passage of subject particles through a through-hole. Also, a particle type distribution estimating program is executed, to estimate probability density on the basis of a data group based on feature values indicating feature of the waveforms of pulse signals which correspond to the passage of particles and which are obtained as the particle-passage detection signals. Thus, the number of particles can be derived for each particle type.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprising: (a) a plate comprising a substrate, a plurality of electrodes, and a first layer of hydrophobic material applied over the plurality of electrodes; (b) a processing unit operably programmed to perform a method of pinning an aqueous droplet within the microfluidic device; and (c) a controller operably connected to a power source, the processing unit, and the plurality of electrodes. The method of pinning an aqueous droplet comprises: applying an electric field of a first polarity to an aqueous droplet located on the surface of the layer of hydrophobic material and having a first contact angle, to cause the droplet to maintain a second contact angle in the absence of the electric field, wherein the aqueous droplet contains a surfactant and the second contact angle is less than the first contact angle.

Abstract: Provided is a microchip that can achieve a favorable bonding state in the bonding portion between first and second substrates even if the microchip is large in size. A microchip includes a first substrate made of a resin and a second substrate made of a resin, the first substrate and the second substrates being bonded to each other, and a channel surrounded by a bonding portion between the first substrate and the second substrate is formed by a channel forming step formed at least in the first substrate. Further, a noncontact portion is formed to surround the bonding portion, and an angle ?1 formed between a side wall surface of the channel forming step and a bonding surface continuous therewith satisfies ?1>90°.

Abstract: An electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) microfluidic device comprises at least one integrated electrochemical sensor, the electrochemical sensor comprising: a reference electrode; a sensing electrode; and an analyte-selective layer positioned over the sensing electrode. In some embodiments, the electrochemical sensor measures a concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample exposed to the electrochemical sensor based on a potential difference between the reference electrode and the sensing electrode. The first analyte and the second analyte can be selected from a group consisting of K+, Na+, Ca2+, Cl?, HCO3?, Mg2+, H+, Ba2+, Pb2+, Cu2+, I?, NH4+, (SO4)2?.

Abstract: A microfluidic system and related methods of operating an electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) device operate to concentrate particles within a liquid droplet dispensed onto an element array of the EWOD device. The method includes the steps of providing a non-polar liquid onto the element array of the EWOD device; providing a polar liquid droplet onto the element array of the EWOD device within the non-polar liquid, wherein the polar liquid droplet includes particles; and applying an actuation cycle comprising a plurality of actuation patterns, wherein at least one of the actuation patterns includes actuating one or more array element electrodes within a perimeter of the polar liquid droplet, and the particles migrate within the polar liquid droplet to become concentrated within a portion of the liquid droplet at one or more array element electrodes corresponding to one of the plurality of actuation patterns.

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprises upper and lower spaced apart substrates defining a fluid chamber therebetween; an aperture for introducing fluid into the fluid chamber; a plurality of independently addressable array elements, each array element defining a respective region of the fluid chamber; and control means for addressing the array elements. The control means are configured to: determine that a working fluid has been introduced into a first region of the fluid chamber; and provide an output to a user to indicate that the working fluid is present in the first region. Once the working fluid is in the first region, the fluid applicator used to dispense the fluid can be removed without any risk of accidentally withdrawing dispensed working fluid from the microfluidic device.

Abstract: A nanocarbon separation method includes: a step of preparing a plurality of liquids with different specific gravities in which at least one of the plurality of liquids is a dispersion liquid in which a mixture of nanocarbons with different properties is dispersed; a step of sequentially injecting the plurality of liquids into an electrophoresis tank so that the specific gravities of the liquids decrease from a bottom to a top of the liquids in a direction of gravitational force; and a step of separating the mixture of the nanocarbons by moving a part of the mixture toward an electrode side disposed in an upper part of the electrophoresis tank and moving a remainder of the mixture toward an electrode side disposed in a lower part of the electrophoresis tank by applying a direct current voltage to the electrodes.

Abstract: Methods of detecting the presence of toxins in a sample using electrophoretic separations and of performing electrophoretic separation of complex samples are provided. The method of detecting the presence of toxins includes reacting a sample and a substrate with a signaling enzyme which converts the substrate to the product in a reaction medium, introducing a run buffer into a separation channel having an inlet end, selectively introducing at least one of the substrate and the product of the reaction medium into the inlet end of the separation channel, electrophoretically separating the substrate and the product, and determining the rate of conversion of the substrate to the product, wherein a change in the rate of conversion is indicative of the presence of toxins.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of improving accuracy of droplet metering using at least one on-actuator reservoir as the fluid input. In some embodiments, the on-actuator reservoir that is used for metering droplets includes a loading port, a liquid storage zone, a droplet metering zone, and a droplet dispensing zone. The on-actuator reservoirs are designed to prevent liquid flow-back into the loading port and to prevent liquid from flooding into the droplet operations gap in the dispensing zone.

Abstract: In order to permit a robust, energy-efficient and precise moisture sensor, the invention relates to a moisture sensor element (10) for a moisture sensor (12) for measuring a moisture content in a gas, comprising at least one vibrating element (14) and at least one material (16, 18) on the vibrating element (14), wherein the at least one material (16, 18) is designed in such a way that the mass thereof changes rapidly with moisture changing over a moisture value. The invention also relates to a moisture-measuring method for measuring a moisture in a gas, comprising: using a moisture sensor element (10), wherein the course of the measurement signal thereof has at least one non-linearity according to the moisture; and determining a reference value based on the at least one non-linearity.

Abstract: A nanocarbon separation device includes a separation tank that is configured to accommodate a dispersion liquid including nanocarbons, a first electrode that is provided at an upper part in the separation tank, a second electrode that is provided at a lower part in the separation tank, an evaluation unit that is configured to evaluate a physical state or a chemical state of the dispersion liquid, and a fractionation unit that is configured to fractionate the dispersion liquid based on the physical state or the chemical state.

Abstract: Disclosed here is a capacitive deionization device for removing ions from a target solution. The capacitive deionization device includes a first porous electrode, a second porous electrode, a first header plate, a second header plate, and a sealant. The second porous electrode is disposed below and spaced from the first porous electrode. The first header plate is disposed on the first porous electrode. The first header plate defines an input flow channel that is in fluidic communication with the first porous electrode. The second header plate is disposed below the second porous electrode. The second header plate defines an output flow channel that is in fluidic communication with the second porous electrode. The sealant is disposed between the first header plate and the second header plate and surrounds the first porous electrode and the second porous electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for cleaning glass used in cars or cameras are disclosed. Said cleaning apparatus comprises glass, multiple electrodes placed in series on top of said glass, a dielectric layer stacked on top of said electrodes, and a hydrophobic layer stacked on top of said dielectric layer and on whose surface a droplet forms. Here, said droplet moves towards the outer edge of said glass by application of differing direct current voltages to several of said electrodes.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided that includes a substrate and microfluidic sub-chips embedded in the substrate. An electric field is applied between an adjacent pair microfluidic sub-chips to move a fluid droplet from one of the adjacent pair of microfluidic sub-chips to another of the adjacent pair microfluidic sub-chips.

Abstract: A dielectrophoretic display is shifted from a low frequency closed state to a high frequency open state via at least one, and preferably several, intermediate frequency states; the use of such multiple frequency steps reduces flicker during the transition. A second type of dielectrophoretic display has a light-transmissive electrode through which the dielectrophoretic medium can be viewed and a conductor connected to the light-transmissive electrode at several points to reduce voltage variations within the light-transmissive electrode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering fluid to a microfluidic device is provided. The system includes a multi-well plate having a plurality of wells and an inlet tube having a first end being in communication with the one or more wells of the multi-well plate and a second end being in communication with a microfluidic device. The first end of the inlet tube is moveable between the plurality of wells of the multi-well plate to deliver fluid to the microfluidic device from the plurality of wells of the multi-well plate.

Abstract: An analytical tool is provided for analysis of a sample by capillary electrophoresis. The analytical tool includes an inlet reservoir into which a sample is introduced, a capillary tube in communication with the inlet reservoir, a filter through which a liquid from the inlet reservoir passes, an enlarged portion undergoing a sudden increase in a cross-sectional area and being in communication with the inlet reservoir and the capillary tube, and a pressure fluctuation reducer for preventing pressure fluctuation at the enlarge portion from affecting a liquid in the capillary tube.

Abstract: An electrochemical detection chip includes a first substrate and a second substrate opposite to each other, a plurality of driving electrodes, first detection electrodes and second detection electrodes. The plurality of driving electrodes are arranged on a side of the first substrate facing toward the second substrate and are arranged independently. The first detection electrodes and the second detection electrodes are arranged at a plurality of positions on a side of the second substrate facing toward the first substrate that are directly opposite at least a part of the plurality of driving electrodes, and are spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A DNA sequencing device, and related methods, include a nanochannel sized to receive a DNA strand, a first electrode member exposed within the nanochannel, and a second electrode member exposed within the nanochannel and spaced apart from the first electrode to form an electrode gap. The second electrode member has a wedge shaped profile, and the first and second electrode members are operable to detect a change in electronic signal as the DNA strand passes through the electrode gap.

Abstract: A seal material composition according to the present invention includes: an epoxy compound including an epoxy group; and a polymerizable epoxy curing agent including a polymerizable functional group configured for cross-linking the epoxy groups and for radical polymerization in a single molecule.

Abstract: A liquid ejection head includes a pair of electrodes disposed on a first surface of a substrate forming part of a flow path for a liquid. The electrodes of the pair of electrodes are adjacent to each other in a transverse direction of the electrodes, and the liquid moves in the transverse direction upon application of a voltage across the electrodes. The electrodes each include a ridge portion disposed on the first surface and an electrode wiring line connected to a power source for applying the voltage. The electrode wiring line covers an upper surface of the ridge portion and side surfaces of the ridge portion and extends from parts covering the side surfaces of the ridge portion to a downstream side and an upstream side with respect to a direction in which the liquid moves, so as to cover the first surface.

Abstract: In an apparatus for manufacturing a micro-channel and a method for manufacturing a micro-channel, the apparatus includes a base member and a holding chamber. The base member includes a first base member having a concave portion and a convex portion, and a second base member covering the concave portion to form a channel. The holding chamber holds the base member thereinside, to form a space uniformly applying a pressure on a surface of the base member. Accordingly, the pressure is uniformly applied on an entire surface of the base member and thus the micro-channel may be manufactured.

Abstract: A method of operating an active matrix electro-wetting on dielectric (AM-EWOD) device provides for enhanced mutual capacitance sensing using integrated impedance sensing circuitry. Array element circuitry of each array element includes actuation circuitry configured to apply actuation voltages to the array element electrode for actuating the array element, and impedance sensor circuitry integrated into the array element circuitry and configured to sense impedance at the array element electrode. The method of operating includes the steps of: perturbing a voltage applied to the array element electrode of a first array element; coupling the voltage perturbation to the array element electrode of a second array element different from the first array element; and measuring the output current from the sensor readout transistor of the second array element for sensing in response to the voltage perturbation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric membranes. In particular, the present invention relates to the use of membranes comprising polyvinyl alcohol in electrophoresis.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a microfluidic cartridge including a high performance actuator useful for analyte detection, labeling and analysis. Microfluidic processing systems are to carry out chemical or biochemical reactions, or sequences of reactions, with small volumes (typically between 1 microliter and 10 milliliters) of reactants and products. A microfluidic processing system can comprise a network of tubes interfaced with discrete components such as valves and sensors, or an integrated device made of plastic, glass, metal, or other materials, or a combination of materials, with components such as valves and sensors built into the device and connected by flow passageways formed in the material.

Abstract: A water treatment device in which a treatment target water introduction portion is provided in an upper portion of a receptacle, and the water treatment device has a space in which conductive porous members are not disposed between the conductive porous members and the treatment target water introduction portion in the receptacle. When a backwashing fluid is introduced from a lower portion of the receptacle in a desorption, the conductive porous members flow and are agitated owing to the backwashing fluid, because of which a desorption of ions adsorbed to the conductive porous members is promoted. Grains of the agitated conductive porous members collide with other grains of the conductive porous members or with electrodes or a separator, whereby scale and a biofilm appearing on surfaces of the grains of the conductive porous members, the electrodes, or the separator can be removed, and desalination efficiency can be maintained.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a projection device for a 3D printer, the projection device including a light source and a display panel for displaying an image to be printed, the image to be printed including a light transmission region and/or a light shielding region. The projection device is configured such that lights emitted from the light source pass through the light transmission region, and that the lights passing through the light transmission region from the light source are non-polarized lights. The present disclosure also provides a 3D printer.

Abstract: The present application relates to sensor systems for sensing mass concentration of particles smaller than a predetermined threshold in an air stream. Such systems may include an inlet (for receiving a total flow of air with particles) connected to a first splitter (for separating the total flow into a major flow and a minor flow), a joint where a first duct carrying the major flow and a second duct carrying the minor flow come together, and a sensor in the first duct for measuring the amount of particles smaller than the predetermined threshold in the major flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dust measuring apparatus and, more particularly, to a miniaturized fine dust measuring apparatus. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a non-sampling fluid is discharged irrespective of a speed change of an external fluid, thereby providing a particle sampling probe and a miniaturized fine dust measurement apparatus that provide uniform-speed sampling. Accordingly, it is possible to eliminate a restriction on a place for fine dust measurement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a corresponding arrangement for sequencing at least two biopolymers (6), wherein for each biopolymer (6) a sequence signal is picked up by a respective measured variable pickup on the basis of the sequence of the biopolymer (6), the sequence signals are transferred to a shift register (16) and buffer-stored therein, the buffer-stored sequence signals are transferred from the shift register (16) sequentially to an evaluation device (26) and evaluated therein. Each sequence signal is preferably produced here by means of a nanopore arrangement (10). A corresponding sequencing arrangement (11) has the measured variable pickups and the shift register (16) integrated in it, preferably in an electrical circuit, that is to say on a sensor array, for example. Each sequence signal can be amplified here by a preamplifier (14) prior to transfer to the shift register (16).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis.

Abstract: A device for counting particles on a sample surface includes a scanner probe having a first opening for receiving particles from a sample surface and one or more second openings, a particle detector for detecting particles passed there-through, a modulator for modulating air flowing there-through, a pump for producing a first airstream flowing from the first opening and through the particle detector, and for producing a second airstream flowing through the modulator and to the one or more second openings, and control circuitry for controlling the modulator to modulate an amplitude of the second airstream.

Abstract: The combined value of integrating optical forces and electrokinetics allows for the pooled separation vectors of each to be applied, providing for separation based on combinations of features such as size, shape, refractive index, charge, charge distribution, charge mobility, permittivity, and deformability. The interplay of these separation vectors allow for the selective manipulation of analytes with a finer degree of variation. Embodiments include methods of method of separating particles in a microfluidic channel using a device comprising a microfluidic channel, a source of laser light focused by an optic into the microfluidic channel, and a source of electrical field operationally connected to the microfluidic channel via electrodes so that the laser light and the electrical field to act jointly on the particles in the microfluidic channel. Other devices and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: In an example implementation, a method of operating a fluid sensing device includes enabling a fluid level sensing circuit on a printhead to determine a fluid level by sharing an applied charge between a capacitive sensor and a reference capacitor to determine a capacitance value of the capacitive sensor. The method includes enabling a fluid property sensing circuit on the printhead to determine a fluid property by measuring a transistor voltage that indicates a concentration of ions gathered on the capacitive sensor.

Abstract: An analytical tool for use in analysis of a sample is provided. The analytical tool includes a first unit and a second unit. The first unit has an analysis portion where analysis is performed. The second unit, configured to be coupled with the first unit, has a liquid reservoir for confining a particular liquid used for the analysis of the sample. When the first unit and the second unit are coupled, a fluid passage for conducting the particular liquid from the liquid reservoir into the first unit is formed by only a part of the first unit, or only a part of the second unit, or a combination of respective parts of the first unit and the second unit.

Abstract: A display device is provided. The display device includes a changeable reflective structure having a first changeable electrode, a changeable reflecting layer and a second changeable electrode, which are sequentially stacked on an upper substrate opposite a lower substrate. In the display device, the reflectance of the changeable reflecting layer may be adjusted by controlling a voltage applied to the first changeable electrode and the second changeable electrode according to a state of a light-emitting structure which is disposed on an emitting area of the lower substrate. Thus, in the display device, a decrease of the color sense by the reflection of external light in a display state may be prevented, and the reflective area may have sufficient reflectance for serving as a mirror in a non-display state.

Abstract: Systems and methods for conducting designated reactions that include a fluidic network having a sample channel, a reaction chamber, and a reservoir. The sample channel is in flow communication with a sample port. The system also includes a rotary valve that has a flow channel and is configured to rotate between first and second valve positions. The flow channel fluidically couples the reaction chamber and the sample channel when the rotary valve is in the first valve position and fluidically couples the reservoir and the reaction chamber when the rotary valve is in the second valve position. A pump assembly induces a flow of a biological sample toward the reaction chamber when the rotary valve is in the first valve position and induces a flow of a reaction component from the reservoir toward the reaction chamber when the rotary valve is in the second valve position.

Abstract: A novel fluid filtration system that exhibits antifouling properties against a variety of potential foulants includes at least one filtration membrane placed in a cross-flow filtration module. The module is subjected to microwave irradiation at a certain power or intensity over a controlled time interval. At least one microwave generator produces microwaves and may be fixed or movable to treat the fluid. Dislodged foulants are removed by the microwave electromagnetic energy from the filtration membrane and carried away in a cross-flow stream and wasted or recycled back to a feed solution container. The filtration system may use different filtration configurations such as, but not limited to, flat sheet, hollow fiber, spiral wound and tubular membranes. The filtration membrane materials may be polymeric, ceramic, and combinations. The functionalized membranes can be such as, but not limited to, membranes coated or blended or cross-linked with materials displaying strong microwave absorption; and combinations.

Abstract: A capacitive deionization apparatus may include at least one pair of porous electrodes and a spacer structure disposed between the at least one pair of electrodes. The at least one pair of porous electrodes may include an electrode material having a surface area for the electrostatic adsorption of feed ions. The spacer structure may include an electrically-insulating material with an ion exchange group on the surface thereof. The spacer structure provides a path for flowing a fluid therethrough.

Abstract: An analytical tool for use in analysis of a sample is provided. The analytical tool includes a first unit and a second unit. The first unit has an analysis portion where analysis is performed. The second unit, configured to be coupled with the first unit, has a liquid reservoir for confining a particular liquid used for the analysis of the sample. When the first unit and the second unit are coupled, a fluid passage for conducting the particular liquid from the liquid reservoir into the first unit is formed by only a part of the first unit, or only a part of the second unit, or a combination of respective parts of the first unit and the second unit.

Abstract: A flow cell incorporates a first substrate with a metal layer on one surface. A tape layer having flow channels is adhered to the first substrate. A second substrate having a second metal layer on one surface is adhered to the tape layer opposite the first substrate. At least one of the first and second metal layers includes mating cutouts to at least partially expose the flow channels.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition comprising a nanochannel and a contained substance, wherein the nanochannel comprises a single-file nanochannel and the contained substance comprises a plurality of substance particles arranged in a single-file chain within the nanochannel. Methods and systems for molecular transport of a substance through a nanochannel are also provided that rely upon the use of nanojumps, where nanojumps mediate the transport through the nanochannel.

Abstract: Substrate for a microfluidic device, including at least one microfluidic structure having at least one access port at an upper surface of the substrate, a raised support structure positioned on the upper surface adjacent to each access port and surrounding the access port, the raised support structure partially covering the substrate upper surface, the first raised support structure having an upper surface for receiving an adhesive for mounting a microfluidic component having at least one access port corresponding to the at least one access port of the substrate. A microfluidic device, including a substrate, a microfluidic component having at least one access port at a lower surface corresponding to the at least one access port of the substrate. The microfluidic component is mounted on the top of the substrate with an adhesive applied between the upper surface of the at least one first and/or second raised support structure and the lower surface of the microfluidic component.

Abstract: An apparatus that is configured to test operation of a gas meter. The apparatus can include a process control member with operative circuitry that provides all functionality necessary to execute the test and to analyze the resulting data. This functionality includes data processing functions and a web server to allow communication between the apparatus and a remote device via a network. In one embodiment, the operative circuitry includes a first circuitry to regulate operation of a fluid moving unit that provides fluid to a meter-under-test. The operative circuitry can also include a second circuitry to collect data from one or more sensors disposed on the meter-under-test. The operative circuitry can also have a third circuitry to perform various operations necessary to calculate, in one example, a value for an operative characteristic that relates to the accuracy of the meter-under-test.

Abstract: Described here is a device comprising a microfluidic chip and an acoustic transducer external to the microfluidic chip, wherein the microfluidic chip comprises a channel in communication with a microwell having a volume less than one microliter, and wherein the acoustic transducer is coupled to the microfluidic chip via a coupling medium.

Abstract: In an apparatus for analyzing small number of samples, wasteful consumption of a polymer as a separation Medium is suppressed. The apparatus has a configuration provided with a plurality of capillary units each of which can be attached/detached to/from the apparatus, and performs analysis for capillaries after sealing of a polymer by attaching the capillaries by the number in accordance with the number of samples. Since analysis can be performed by using capillaries by the number identical with that of the samples to be analyzed, wasteful polymer is not used in the capillaries not used for the analysis. In addition, the polymer injection mechanism is unnecessary and the polymer is not necessary for maintenance and upon starting of analysis. An electrophoresis apparatus which is small in the size with no polymer injection mechanism, and with low running cost not wastefully consuming the polymer can be provided.

Abstract: A component, e.g., interposer has first and second opposite sides, conductive elements at the first side and terminals at the second side. The terminals can connect with another component, for example. A first element at the first side can comprise a first material having a thermal expansion coefficient less than 10 ppm/° C., and a second element at the second side can comprise a plurality of insulated structures separated from one another by at least one gap. Conductive structure extends through at least one insulated structure and is electrically coupled with the terminals and the conductive elements. The at least one gap can reduce mechanical stress in connections between the terminals and another component.