Jds Uniphase Corporation

Quantum Diamond Technologies Inc.

Norcada Inc.

Graham McKinnon

John Michael Miller

Yuan Ma

Mohiuddin Mala

Barrie P Keyworth

Stuart Eric Schechter

Harald Quintus-Bosz

Kenneth Alan Ritsher

Akim Lennhoff

Jeffrey D Randall

Colin B Connolly

Giles P Blaney

Hooman Hosseinkhannazer

Thomas Ducellier

Yuebin Ning

Cameron Raymond Howey

Michael John Colgan

The present application discloses a sensor system that includes a sensor having a sensor surface, a sample cartridge including one or more flexible membranes and a membrane frame, the membrane frame including one or more openings covered by the one or more flexible membranes defining one or more wells for holding one or more samples, the flexible membrane having a sample side supporting the sample and an opposite sensor side, the sample cartridge being removably insertable in the sensor system such that the sensor side of the flexible membrane is positioned above and faces the sensor surface, a displacement mechanism that can be actuated to displace the flexible membrane toward the sensor surface such that the sample is moved to a position closer to the sensor surface, and an optical imaging system that detects light emitted from the sensor. Disclosed also are a cartridge cassette and a method of use.

Methods and apparatus for sample measurement

The present invention relates to an articulated micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) device, which is constructed in such a way as to enable several of the devices to be closely packed together, i.e. high fill factor, for redirecting specific wavelengths of light from a dispersed optical signal to different output ports. The articulated MEMS device includes multiple pivotally connected sections that are pivotable about two perpendicular axes for limiting the amount of dynamic cross-talk as the device is rotated between different positions.

Articulated MEMs structures

The present invention provides a micro-electromechanical relay that can produce low electrical contact resistance, and is capable of mechanical latching. More specifically, the present invention combines the clamping actions of cantilever beams with a movable shuttle-like spacer to generate high contact forces at the metal-metal contacts of the micro-electromechanical relay, thereby producing a very low electrical contact resistance and a mechanism for mechanical latching. Methods of fabricating the micro-electromechanical relay are also provided in this invention, which offer the advantages of both design and fabrication flexibilities by processing the top and bottom substrates separately prior to joining them together.

Micro-electromechanical relay

A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMs) mirror device for use in an optical switch is disclosed. A 'piano'-style MEMs device includes an elongated platform pivotally mounted proximate the middle thereof by a torsional hinge. The middle portion of the platform and the torsional hinge have a combined width less than the width of the rest of the platform, whereby several of these 'piano' MEMs devices can be positioned adjacent each other pivotally mounted about the same axis with only a relatively small air gap therebetween. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention specially designed for wavelength switching applications, a greater range of arcuate motion for a mirror mounted thereon is provided by enabling the platform to rotate about two perpendicular axes. The MEMs mirror device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention enables the mirror to tilt about two perpendicular axes, by the use of an &#x201c;internal&#x201d; gimbal ring construction, which ensures that a plurality of adjacent mirror devices have a high fill factor, without having to rely on complicated and costly manufacturing processes. To limit the amount of electrical crosstalk between adjacent mirrors, shielding can be positioned between the electrodes. The shielding can extend upwardly from the substrate and/or downwardly from the undersurface of the mirrors. When both types of shielding are provided, one set is offset from the other to prevent abutment thereof, and to enable an overlapping effect, which enhances the protection.

Electrical x-talk shield for MEMs micromirrors

A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMs) mirror device for use in an optical switch is disclosed. A 'piano'-style MEMs device includes an elongated platform pivotally mounted proximate the middle thereof by a torsional hinge. The middle portion of the platform and the torsional hinge have a combined width less than the width of the rest of the platform, whereby several of these 'piano' MEMs devices can be positioned adjacent each other pivotally mounted about the same axis with only a relatively small air gap therebetween. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention electrostatic charges, which build up on exposed dielectric surfaces causing the mirror's angular position to drift over time, are minimized by positioning the hot and ground electrodes at different levels separated by a vertical surface, and placing the dielectric material on the vertical surface.

Sunken electrode configuration for MEMs Micromirror

Sunken electrode configuration for MEMs micromirror

Electrical x-talk shield for MEMS micromirrors

A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMs) mirror device for use in an optical switch is disclosed. A 'piano'-style MEMs device includes an elongated platform pivotally mounted proximate the middle thereof by a torsional hinge. The middle portion of the platform and the torsional hinge have a combined width less than the width of the rest of the platform, whereby several of these 'piano' MEMs devices can be positioned adjacent each other pivotally mounted about the same axis with only a relatively small air gap therebetween. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention specially designed for wavelength switching applications, a greater range of arcuate motion for a mirror mounted thereon is provided by enabling the platform to rotate about two perpendicular axes. The MEMs mirror device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention enables the mirror to tilt about two perpendicular axes, by the use of an &#x201c;internal&#x201d; gimbal ring construction, which ensures that a plurality of adjacent mirror devices have a high fill factor, without having to rely on complicated and costly manufacturing processes.

Piano MEMs micromirror

Growing community of inventors

Edmonton, Canada

Graham McKinnon