Abstract:
The invention provides a fiber-optic 2×2 switch using a dual-fiber 50:50 input coupler and a dual-fiber 50:50 output coupler. One fiber from each coupler makes contact to an inner transparent electrode on a planar layer of electro-optic material and the other fibers make contact to an outer transparent electrode on the layer. The electro-optic layer has its other side coated with a transparent electrode which is placed in optical contact with one end of a GRIN lens. The fibers are arranged so that the inner fibers are at conjugate points and the outer fibers also at conjugate points of the lens. The other end of the lens is coated with a mirror. Applying a voltage between either the inner or outer electrode changes the optical path length for the light from and to the fibers traveling through the material under the selected electrode causing the light from the two input fibers to be switched between the two output fibers. 2×N switches can be constructed by concatenating 2×2 switches. The switch can also be used as a modulator. A convenient fiber alignment method is described.
Abstract:
A method for making a carbon-fiber composite sheet and spring using a two-piece molding device is disclosed. The two piece mold includes a hard mold made of wood or metal and a soft mold insert made of rubber or silicon material. Carbon-fiber composite sheep is shaped by being pressed between the hard mold and soft mold insert, and cured at higher than 60° C.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides a displacement amplification structure and a method for controlling displacement. In one aspect, the displacement amplification structure of the present disclosure includes a first beam and a second beam substantially parallel to the first beam, an end of the first beam coupled to a fixture site, and an end of the second beam coupled to a motion actuator; and a motion shutter coupled to an opposing end of the first and second beams. In response to a displacement of the motion actuator along an axis direction of the second beam, the motion shutter displaces a distance along a transversal direction substantially perpendicular to the axis direction.
Abstract:
A system includes receiving information regarding a first keyword associated with a user, where the first keyword is usable by a content distribution system to select content for distribution based on keywords associated with the user. The system also includes obtaining an attribute associated with the user; identifying at least one keyword category corresponding to the attribute; and selecting at least one alternative keyword associated with the at least one identified keyword category. The selecting may include consulting a taxonomy database to identify alternative keywords that are relevant to the first keyword. The system also includes ranking the at least one alternative keyword according to a ranking rule associated with the at least one keyword category associated with the at least one alternative keyword; and providing information associated with the ranked at least one alternative keyword to the user for selection by the user.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a telomerase activity inhibiting polypeptide. The expression of the polypeptide in tumor cells can inhibit significantly tumor cell telomerase activity, tumor cell growth, and lead to the death of such cells. The present invention further provides a preparation method for the polypeptide and an application thereof in targeted treatments of tumors.
Abstract:
Disclosed is use of andrographolide derivative as shown by general formula 1 in manufacture of medicaments for anti-hepatitis C virus, and preventing and treating immunological liver damage caused by virus infection and different chemical liver damage.
Abstract:
A MEMS variable optical attenuator (VOA) chip includes a frame having a planar surface, a micro-electric actuator with a movable optical shutter arranged with respect to the planar surface of the frame, where the VOA is actuated by thermal expansion. The micro-electric actuator comprises semiconductor conductors (“wires”) that can be moved, upon applying an electrical current, by thermal expansion. In one embodiment, the MEMS VOA chip is configured in a multiple wire arrangement that restricts the shutter movement in a plane.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to compositions, devices and methods for detecting microorganisms (e.g., anthrax). In particular, the present invention provides portable, surface-enhanced Raman biosensors, and associated substrates, and methods of using the same, for use in rapidly detecting and identifying microorganisms (e.g., anthrax).