Ut-battelle, Inc.

Lockheed Martin Energy Research Corporation

Other

Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.

Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, Inc.

Slobodan Rajic

Panagiotis George Datskos

Charles M Egert

Boyd M Evans, Iii

Joseph P Cunningham

Irene Datskou

Roland D Seals

Jeffrey D Muhs

William B Snyder, Jr

William K Kahl

Troy A Marlar

An apparatus and method for detecting electromagnetic radiation employs a deflectable micromechanical apparatus incorporating multiple quantum wells structures. When photons strike the quantum-well structure, physical stresses are created within the sensor, similar to a 'bimetallic effect.' The stresses cause the sensor to bend. The extent of deflection of the sensor can be measured through any of a variety of conventional means to provide a measurement of the photons striking the sensor. A large number of such sensors can be arranged in a two-dimensional array to provide imaging capability.

Detection of electromagnetic radiation using micromechanical multiple quantum wells structures

A &ldquo;folded leg&rdquo; thermal detector microcantilever constructed of a substrate with at least one leg interposed between a fixed end and a deflective end, each leg having at least three essentially parallel leg segments interconnected on alternate opposing ends and aligned in a serpentine pattern with only the first leg segment attached to the fixed end and only the last leg segment attached to the deflective end. Alternate leg segment are coated on the pentalever with coating applied to the top of the first, third, and fifth leg segments of each leg and to the bottom of the second and fourth leg segments of each leg.

Response microcantilever thermal detector

The invention is an integrated optical sensing element for detecting and measuring changes in position or deflection. A deflectable member, such as a microcantilever, is configured to receive a light beam. A waveguide, such as an optical waveguide or an optical fiber, is positioned to redirect light towards the deflectable member. The waveguide can be incorporated into the deflectable member or disposed adjacent to the deflectable member. Means for measuring the extent of position change or deflection of the deflectable member by receiving the light beam from the deflectable member, such as a photodetector or interferometer, receives the reflected light beam from the deflectable member. Changes in the light beam are correlated to the changes in position or deflection of the deflectable member. A plurality of deflectable members can be arranged in a matrix or an array to provide one or two-dimensional imaging or sensing capabilities.

Integrated optical interrogation of micro-structures

A micromechanical sensor and method for detecting electromagnetic radiation involve producing photoelectrons from a metal surface in contact with a semiconductor. The photoelectrons are extracted into the semiconductor, which causes photo-induced bending. The resulting bending is measured, and a signal corresponding to the measured bending is generated and processed. A plurality of individual micromechanical sensors can be arranged in a two-dimensional matrix for imaging applications.

Apparatus and method for detecting electromagnetic radiation using electron photoemission in a micromechanical sensor

An optical switch is formed by introducing light lengthwise to a microcantilever waveguide directed toward a second waveguide. The microcantilever is caused to bend by light emitted from a laser diode orthogonal to the microcantilever and at an energy above the band gap, which induces stress as a result of the generation of free carriers. The bending of the waveguide directs the carrier frequency light to a second receptor waveguide or to a non-responsive surface. The switch may be combined in an array to perform multiple switching functions rapidly and at low energy losses.

Photo-induced micro-mechanical optical switch

An FTIR spectrometer (10) and method using a solid-state drive system with thermally responsive members (27) that are subject to expansion upon heating and to contraction upon cooling. Such members (27) are assembled in the device (10) so as to move an angled, reflective surface (22) a small distance. The sample light beam (13) is received at a detector (24) along with a reference light beam (13) and there it is combined into a resulting signal. This allows the 'interference' between the two beams to occur for spectral analysis by a processor (29).

FTIR spectrometer with solid-state drive system

A chemical detector comprises: an array of sensing elements, each having a characteristic physical parameter and a coating exhibiting a preferential adsorption of a chemical to be sensed; a chamber for exposing the coatings to an unknown sample of a chemical to be analyzed, the coatings adsorbing the chemical if present in the sample; a source of a monochromatic spectrum for radiating the array with different monochromatic wavelengths; and, a controller for recording signals representative of the physical parameter of the sensing elements responsive to the radiation. A method for sensing chemicals comprises the steps of: preferentially adsorbing a chemical to be sensed onto an array of sensing elements having a characteristic physical parameter; exposing the coatings to an unknown sample of a chemical to be analyzed, the coatings adsorbing the chemical if present in the sample; radiating the sensing elements with different monochromatic wavelengths; and, measuring changes of the physical parameter due to the adsorbing. The measurable changes of the physical parameter due to the adsorbing define a unique photothermal signature of a detected chemical. The arrays can be linear or multi dimensional, for example two dimensional.

Chemical detection using calorimetric spectroscopy

A monolithic spectrometer is disclosed for use in spectroscopy. The spectrometer is a single body of translucent material with positioned surfaces for the transmission, reflection and spectral analysis of light rays.

Monolithic spectrometer

A fiber optic connector and method for connecting composite materials within which optical fibers are imbedded. The fiber optic connector includes a capillary tube for receiving optical fibers at opposing ends. The method involves inserting a first optical fiber into the capillary tube and imbedding the unit in the end of a softened composite material. The capillary tube is injected with a coupling medium which subsequently solidifies. The composite material is machined to a desired configuration. An external optical fiber is then inserted into the capillary tube after fluidizing the coupling medium, whereby the optical fibers are coupled.

Growing community of inventors

Knoxville, TN, United States of America

Slobodan Rajic