Abstract:
The present invention discloses an autofocus method for determining an optimal focal plane. The method comprises reconstructing (201) a holographic image and performing (203) a first edge detection at least two reconstructed depths, based on the real part of the reconstructed image, and performing a second edge detection at these reconstructed depths, based on the imaginary part of the reconstructed image. The method further comprises obtaining (204) a first and second measure of clearness for each depth based on a statistical dispersion with respect to respectively the first and the second edge detection. The method also comprise determining (205) the focal plane for the at least one object based on a comparison of a scalar measure of clearness for the at least two depths, in which this scalar measure is based on the first and the second measure of clearness.
Abstract:
A test access architecture is presented for 3D-SICs that allows for both pre-bond die testing and post-bond stack testing. The test access architecture is based on a modular test approach, in which the various dies, their embedded IP cores, the inter-die TSV-based interconnects, and the external l/Os can be tested as separate units to allow optimization of the 3D-SIC test flow. The architecture builds on and reuses existing design for test (DfT) hardware at the core, die, and product level. Test access is provided to an individual die stack via a test structure called a wrapper unit.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to an optical alignment compensation system for a gas detection system, in particular, to an integrated alignment compensation system for an open-path gas sensing system. The optical alignment compensation system of the disclosure is able to compensate for unwanted drifts of a retroreflector. The optical alignment system comprises an array of transceiver pairs, wherein each transceiver pair is configured to transmit and receive light with an optical spectrum in an absorption region of a gas to be detected. Further, it comprises a retroreflector arranged at a nominal position and configured to reflect the light. Further, it comprises an optical element arranged and configured to direct the light from at least one of the transceiver pairs along an optical path through the gas to the retroreflector, to receive the light reflected by the retroreflector along the optical path, and to direct the reflected light to the respective transceiver pair. Further, it comprises a control unit configured to select one of the transceiver pairs for transmitting and receiving the light, wherein the control unit is configured to select the transceiver pair that receives the reflected light with the highest signal response.
Abstract:
A smart contact lens (400) for detecting a ratiometric change in an incident light (126) intensity is provided, including one or more, preferably concentric, rings (410-1, 410-2, …, 410-N) of a liquid crystal display, LCD, type, each ring being operable between a state having a lower attenuation of light and a state having a higher attenuation of light; a circuit (420, 100, 101) for detecting a ratiometric change in an incident light intensity; and a controller (430) configured to operate the one or more rings based on an intensity of an incident light and to, as a response to the circuit (420, 100, 10 101) detecting a ratiometric change in the intensity of the incident light from a higher intensity state to a lower intensity state indicating that at least a beginning of a blinking of an eye of a user has occurred, initiate a re-polarization of the one or more rings. A method of operating the smart contact lens and various uses of the circuit are also provided.
Abstract:
Memory device having complementary global and local bit-lines, the complementary local bit-lines being connectable to the complementary global bit-lines by means of a local write receiver which is configured for creating a full voltage swing on the complementary local bit lines from a reduced voltage swing on the complementary global bit lines. The local write receiver comprises a connection mechanism for connecting the local to the global bit-lines and a pair of cross-coupled inverters directly connected to the complementary local bit lines for converting the reduced voltage swing to the full voltage swing on the complementary local bit lines.
Abstract:
An implantable device includes a substrate and protective cover that cooperate to define an enclosed sensor volume. A sealed enclosure is provided within the sensor volume, with an electronic component assembly (ECA) being located within the sealed enclosure. A flexible circuit board assembly (FCBA) is electrically coupled with the ECA through a wall of the sealed enclosure. At least one transducer is provided on the FCBA in contact with the substrate, and the FCBA is held apart from the enclosure via a polymeric spacer provided therebetween. An inert polymer fill is provided within the sensor volume external to the enclosure.
Abstract:
A method for fabricating an out-of-plane variable overlap MEMS capacitor comprises: providing a substrate (40) comprising a first layer (41), a second layer (42), and a third layer (43) stacked on top of one another; and etching a plurality of first trenches (70) through the third layer (43), through the second layer (42), and into the first layer (41) using a single etching mask. Etching the plurality of first trenches (70) defines a plurality of first fingers (51) in the third layer (43) and a plurality of second fingers (52) in the first layer (41). By using a single mask, the process is self-aligned. The method further comprises removing the second layer (42) in a first region where the plurality of first trenches (70) are provided, thereby forming a spacing or gap between the plurality of first fingers (51) and the plurality of second fingers (52).
Abstract:
A nanostructure according to the invention comprises a pair of nanosheet or nanowire transistors (1,1') configured to conduct charge by carriers of opposite polarity (such as n and p type carriers), wherein one of the two transistors is provided with inner spacers (10) and the other is not provided with inner spacers. The inventors found that depending on the type of charge carrier, the omission of the inner spacers may offer an unexpected improvement in the admittance of the device that outweighs the negative impact of the inner spacer omission. This is the case for example in a Si-channel PMOS nanosheet transistor (1'), whereas in a Si channel NMOS nanosheet transistor (1), the omission of the inner spacers has a negative effect on the parasitic capacitance that outweighs any benefits of the inner spacer omission. A preferred embodiment of the invention therefore includes complementary NMOS and PMOS silicon transistors (1,1'), wherein the NMOS is provided with inner spacers (10), whereas the PMOS is not provided with inner spacers.
Abstract:
An optical antenna comprising a waveguide structure comprising a waveguide core and a waveguide fin intersecting substantially under a right angle, wherein: − a height of the waveguide fin (120) is larger than a height of the waveguide core (110); and − the width of the waveguide core (110) is equal to or larger than twice a height of the waveguide core (110); and − the height of the waveguide fin (120) is equal to or larger than twice a width of the waveguide fin (120); and wherein the waveguide fin is off-centered with respect to the waveguide core at an offset, thereby forming an optical antenna configured to leak radiation in a radiation direction. Further example embodiments relate to an optical phased antenna array comprising a plurality of such optical antennas arranged in an array configuration.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to a sampling circuit for sampling an analog input signal comprising: a capacitive means, a reset switch, and a sampling switch; the reset switch and the sampling switch being connected to a signal generator circuit configured to provide periodic reset and sampling control signals to the respective switches for controlling their operation; wherein the respective periodic reset and sampling control signals have equal duty factors and signal periods, and a phase delay with respect to one another being less than the signals' duty factor, thereby forming an overlap period during which the reset switch and the sampling switch remain closed.