Abstract:
A magnetic apparatus having at least one magnetic shim situated between faces of two permanent magnets. The magnetic shim helps to make the magnetic field that is accessible between the two permanent magnets a more uniform field. The magnetic shim is constructed on a thinned semiconductor wafer, such as silicon, by photolithographically defining locations on the wafer where magnetic material, such as iron or iron-nickel materials, are deposited. The shim can additional have photolihographically defined coil regions, in which conductive material such as copper can be deposited. Current contacts are provided to allow currents to be passed through the coil regions. Protective layers can be deposited to protect the deposited metals from mechanical or environmental damage.
Abstract:
This invention provides an apparatus for providing heating and cooling of samples in sample vessels having uniform temperature profiles. The apparatus can be used for performing PCR, and real time PCR in particular, with control and uniformity. The system employs a heat block containing a liquid composition to efficiently transfer heat to and from reaction vessels.
Abstract:
A differential interference contrast (DIC) determination device and method utilizes an illumination source, a layer having a pair of two apertures that receive illumination from the illumination source, and a photodetector to receive Young's interference from the illumination passing through the pair of two apertures. In addition, a surface wave assisted optofluidic microscope and method utilize an illumination source, a fluid channel having a layer with at least one aperture as a surface, and a photodetector that receives a signal based on the illumination passing through the aperture. The layer is corrugated (e.g., via fabrication) and parameters of the corrugation optimize the signal received on the photodetector.
Abstract:
A system and method are disclosed for a rapidly tunable wavelength selective ring resonator. An embodiment of a voltage-tunable wavelength selective ring resonator includes a ring-shaped waveguide formed on a semiconductor substrate, an electro-optic cladding layer formed over the ring-shaped waveguide, and voltage applying means for applying a voltage across the electro-optic cladding layer. The ring-shaped waveguide is configured to propagate optical signals having predetermined resonant wavelengths, the electro-optic cladding layer has a voltage-controlled variable refractive index, and the means for applying is configured to apply a wavelength-specific control voltage to the electro-optic cladding layer. The wavelength-specific control voltage will shift or tune the predetermined resonant wavelengths for the ring-shaped waveguide.
Abstract:
A photodetector device, comprises an optical input, a nanoscale silicon waveguide and an electrical output. The waveguide is a high-contrast waveguide, with a refractive index contrast with the outside environment of more that 10%. The optical mode distribution across the waveguide has a peak intensity in correspondence of surface states of the nanoscale silicon waveguide. A related method is also disclosed.
Abstract:
Methods for fabricating of high aspect ratio probes and deforming micropillars and nanopillars are described. Use of polymers in deforming nanopillars and micropillars is also described.
Abstract:
Methods for fabrication of high aspect ratio micropillars and nanopillars are described. Use of alumina as an etch mask for the fabrication methods is also described. The resulting micropillars and nanopillars are analyzed and a characterization of the etch mask is provided.
Abstract:
A method for adhering two layers of materials is described. An additional layer of material deposited on one of the layers is used. The additional layer of material is perforated and undercut by etching away one of the layers thereby generating anchor shaped holes. The other layer is then deposited on the additional layer filling the anchor shaped holes therefore, providing adhesion.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for manipulating light with high index contrast waveguides clad with crystalline substances having that exhibit large nonlinear electro-optic constants χ2 and χ3. Waveguides fabricated on SOI wafers and clad with crystalline materials such as barium titanate are described. Embodiments of waveguides having slots, electrical contacts, and input waveguide couplers are discussed. Waveguides having closed loop structures (such as rings and ovals) as well as linear or serpentine waveguides, are described. Optical signal processing methods, such as optical rectification and optical modulation, are disclosed.
Abstract:
A method of fabricating an elastomeric structure, comprising: forming a first elastomeric layer on top of a first micromachined mold, the first micromachined mold having a first raised protrusion which forms a first recess extending along a bottom surface of the first elastomeric layer; forming a second elastomeric layer on top of a second micromachined mold, the second micromachined mold having a second raised protrusion which forms a second recess extending along a bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer; bonding the bottom surface of the second elastomeric layer onto a top surface of the first elastomeric layer such that a control channel forms in the second recess between the first and second elastomeric layers; and positioning the first elastomeric layer on top of a planar substrate such that a flow channel forms in the first recess between the first elastomeric layer and the planar substrate.