Abstract:
A bump structure for electrically coupling semiconductor components is provided. The bump structure includes a first bump on a first semiconductor component and a second bump on a second semiconductor component. The first bump has a first non-flat portion (e.g., a convex projection) and the second bump has a second non-flat portion (e.g., a concave recess). The bump structure also includes a solder joint formed between the first and second non-flat portions to electrically couple the semiconductor components.
Abstract:
Interposers for semiconductor devices and methods of manufacture thereof are disclosed. In one embodiment, an interposer includes a substrate, a contact pad disposed on the substrate, and a first through-via in the substrate coupled to the contact pad. A first fuse is coupled to the first through-via. A second through-via in the substrate is coupled to the contact pad, and a second fuse is coupled to the second through-via.
Abstract:
A disposable blood analysis cartridge for analyzing a blood sample including an optical absorbance measurement channel is described. The optical absorbance measurement channel includes a plasma separation region and at least one sub channel including a cuvette that is in fluid communication with the plasma separation region and configured to receive a plasma portion of a blood sample that has been passed through the plasma separation region. A negative pressure may be applied to the cartridge to draw the sample through the plasma separation region and into the sub channel including the cuvette.
Abstract:
A disposable blood analysis cartridge for analyzing a blood sample including an optical absorbance measurement channel is described. The optical absorbance measurement channel includes a plasma separation region and at least one sub channel including a cuvette that is in fluid communication with the plasma separation region and configured to receive a plasma portion of a blood sample that has been passed through the plasma separation region. A negative pressure may be applied to the cartridge to draw the sample through the plasma separation region and into the sub channel including the cuvette.
Abstract:
An apparatus for assembling an electronic device is disclosed, which includes one or more grid holders for maintaining one or more grids in association with a plurality of conducting components positioned perpendicular to the grid(s). One or more insulating components are also provided for mounting and supporting the conducting components. The grid holder(s) can be pushed onto the conducting components in order to eliminate the need for applying spot weld currents to the conducting components and thereby provide a weldless assembly apparatus for the precise construction of an electronic device.
Abstract:
A VCSEL includes a substrate having a partially removed portion; a metal-assisted DBR having a metal layer and a first mirror stack, wherein the metal layer is located at the partially removed portion of the substrate; an active region having a plurality of quantum wells over the metal-assisted DBR; and a second mirror stack over the active region, wherein a number of alternating layers of the first mirror stack is substantially smaller than a number typically required for a VCSEL without the integrated metal reflector. Such a metal-assisted DBR is especially useful for a long-wavelength VCSEL on a InP substrate or a red-color VCSEL on a GaAs substrate.
Abstract:
A valve is provided that can selectively change the size of a flow channel in a valve in order to modulate the fluid flow through the valve. In one illustrative embodiment, the valve includes a housing that defines a cavity, with an inlet and an outlet extending into the cavity. A diaphragm is positioned in the cavity, where at least part of the diaphragm defines at least part of the fluid path. One or more electrodes are fixed relative to the diaphragm, and one or more electrodes are fixed relative to the housing such that the diaphragm can be electrostatically actuated to modulate the fluid flow through the valve.
Abstract:
An electrostatic actuator includes a body having a chamber therein, a first electrode secured to the chamber, and a diaphragm mounted to the body. The diaphragm includes a mounting surface portion secured to the body, and a dynamic surface portion for movement within the chamber. The electrostatic actuator also includes a second electrode secured relative to the diaphragm. In some embodiments, the first electrode includes a void therein. In other embodiments, the second electrode includes a void therein. In still other embodiments, both the first and the second electrode include voids therein.
Abstract:
Ion implantation by mounting a semiconductor wafer on a rotating plate that is tilted at an angle relative to an ion implantation flux. The tilt angle and the ion implantation energy are adjusted to produce a desired implantation profile. Ion implantation of mesa structures, either through the semiconductor wafer's surface or through the mesa structure's wall is possible. Angled ion implantation can reduce or eliminate ion damage to the lattice structure along an aperture region. This enables beneficial ion implantation profiles in vertical cavity semiconductor lasers. Mask materials, beneficially that can be lithographically formed, can selectively protect the wafer during implantation. Multiple ion implantations can be used to form novel structures.