Abstract:
Various embodiments of a nuclear radiation particle power converter and method of forming such power converter are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the power converter can include first and second electrodes, a three-dimensional current collector disposed between the first and second electrodes and electrically coupled to the first electrode, and a charge carrier separator disposed on at least a portion of a surface of the three-dimensional current collector. The power converter can also include a hole conductor layer disposed on at least a portion of the charge carrier separator and electrically coupled to the second electrode, and nuclear radiation-emitting material disposed such that at least one nuclear radiation particle emitted by the nuclear radiation-emitting material is incident upon the charge carrier separator.
Abstract:
Various embodiments of a pressure sensor assembly and an implantable medical device that includes such assembly are disclosed. The assembly includes a substrate having a via that extends through the substrate along a via axis between a first major surface and a second major surface of the substrate, a membrane disposed on the first major surface of the substrate and over the via, and a patterned metal layer disposed on a first major surface of the membrane, a portion of such layer including a first capacitor plate. The assembly further includes an integrated circuit disposed adjacent to the first major surface of the membrane and electrically connected to the metal layer. The integrated circuit includes a second capacitor plate disposed on or within a substrate of the integrated circuit. The first capacitor plate and the second capacitor plate form a variable capacitor disposed along the via axis.
Abstract:
A glass wafer has an internal surface and an opposing external surface separated by a wafer thickness. A hermetic, electrically conductive feedthrough extends through the wafer from the internal surface to the opposing external surface. The feedthrough includes a feedthrough member having an inner face exposed along the internal surface for electrically coupling to an electrical circuit. The feedthrough member extends from the inner face partially through the wafer thickness to an exteriorly-facing outer face hermetically embedded within the wafer.
Abstract:
Various embodiments of a feedthrough assembly and methods of forming such assemblies are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the feedthrough assembly can include a non-conductive substrate and a feedthrough. The feedthrough can include a via from an outer surface to an inner surface of the non-conductive substrate, a conductive material disposed in the via, and an external contact disposed over the via on the outer surface of the non-conductive substrate. The external contact can be electrically coupled to the conductive material disposed in the via. And the external contact can be hermetically sealed to the outer surface of the non-conductive substrate by a bond surrounding the via. In one or more embodiments, the bond can be a laser bond.
Abstract:
Various embodiments of a sealed package and a method of forming such package are disclosed. The package can include a non-conductive substrate that includes a cavity disposed in a first major surface. A cover layer can be disposed over the cavity and attached to the first major surface of the non-conductive substrate to form a sealed enclosure. The sealed package can also include a feedthrough that includes a via between a recessed surface of the cavity and a second major surface of the substrate, and a conductive material disposed in the via. An external contact can be disposed over the via on the second major surface of the non-conductive substrate, where the external contact is electrically connected to the conductive material disposed in the via. The sealed package can also include an electronic device disposed within the sealed enclosure that is electrically connected to the external contact.
Abstract:
Various embodiments of a nuclear radiation particle power converter and method of forming such power converter are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the power converter can include first and second electrodes, a three-dimensional current collector disposed between the first and second electrodes and electrically coupled to the first electrode, and a charge carrier separator disposed on at least a portion of a surface of the three-dimensional current collector. The power converter can also include a hole conductor layer disposed on at least a portion of the charge carrier separator and electrically coupled to the second electrode, and nuclear radiation-emitting material disposed such that at least one nuclear radiation particle emitted by the nuclear radiation-emitting material is incident upon the charge carrier separator.
Abstract:
Various embodiments of a power source and a method of forming such power source are disclosed. The power source can include an enclosure, a substrate disposed within the enclosure, and radioactive material disposed within the substrate and adapted to emit radioactive particles. The power source can further include a diffusion barrier disposed over an outer surface of the substrate, and a carrier material disposed within the enclosure, where the carrier material includes an oxide material.
Abstract:
Bulk materials having a kinetically limited nano-scale diffusion bond is provided. The bulk materials having a kinetically limited nano-scale diffusion bond includes transparent material, absorbent opaque material and a diffusion bond. The transparent material has properties that allow an electromagnetic beam of a select wavelength to pass there through without more than minimal energy absorption. The absorbent opaque material has properties that significantly absorb energy from the electromagnetic beam. The diffusion bond is formed by the electromagnetic beam bonding the transparent material to the absorbent opaque material. Moreover, the diffusion bond has a thickness that is less than 1000 nm.
Abstract:
A medical device includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a control module, and an energy storage device. The first substrate includes at least one of a first semiconductor material and a first insulating material. The second substrate includes at least one of a second semiconductor material and a second insulating material. The second substrate is bonded to the first substrate such that the first and second substrates define an enclosed cavity between the first and second substrates. The control module is disposed within the enclosed cavity. The control module is configured to at least one of determine a physiological parameter of a patient and deliver electrical stimulation to the patient. The energy storage device is disposed within the cavity and is configured to supply power to the control module.