T-Rays Technology Could Help Develop Star Trek-Style Hand-Held Medical Scanners

January 25, 2012

Scientists have developed a new way to create electromagnetic Terahertz (THz) waves or Trays - the technology behind full-body security scanners. The researchers behind the study, published recently in the journal Nature Photonics, say their new stronger and more efficient continuous wave T-rays could be used to make better medical scanning gadgets and may one day lead to innovations similar to the 'tricorder' scanner used in Star Trek. In the study, researchers from the Institute of Materials Research and Engineering (IMRE), a research institute of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) in Singapore, and Imperial College London in the UK have made T-rays into a much stronger directional beam than was previously thought possible, and have done so at room-temperature conditions. This is a breakthrough that should allow future T-ray systems to be smaller, more portable, easier to operate, and much cheaper than current devices. The scientists say that the T-ray scanner and detector could provide part of the functionality of a Star Trek-like medical 'tricorder' - a portable sensing, computing and data communications device - since the waves are capable of detecting biological phenomena such as increased blood flow around tumorous growths. Future scanners could also perform fast wireless data communication to transfer a high volume of information on the measurements it makes. T-rays are waves in the far infrared part of the electromagnetic spectrum that have a wavelength hundreds of times longer than those that make up visible light. Such waves are already in use in airport security scanners, prototype medical scanning devices and in spectroscopy systems for materials analysis. T-rays can sense molecules such as those present in cancerous tumours and living DNA, since every molecule has its unique signature in the THz range. They can also be used to detect explosives or drugs, for gas pollution monitoring or non-destructive testing of semiconductor integrated circuit chips. Current T-ray imaging devices are very expensive and operate at only a low output power, since creating the waves consumes large amounts of energy and needs to take place at very low temperatures. In the new technique, the researchers demonstrated that it is possible to produce a strong beam of T-rays by shining light of differing wavelengths on a pair of electrodes - two pointed strips of metal separated by a 100 nanometre gap on top of a semiconductor wafer. The structure of the tip-to-tip nano-sized gap electrode greatly enhances the THz field and acts like a nano-antenna to amplify the wave generated. In this method, THz waves are produced by an interaction between the electromagnetic waves of the light pulses and a powerful current passing between the

semiconductor electrodes. The scientists are able to tune the wavelength of the T-rays to create a beam that is useable in the scanning technology. Lead author Dr Jing Hua Teng, from A*STAR's IMRE, said: "The secret behind the innovation lies in the new nano-antenna that we had developed and integrated into the semiconductor chip." Arrays of these nano-antennas create much stronger THz fields that generate a power output that is 100 times higher than the power output of commonly used THz sources that have conventional interdigitated antenna structures. A stronger T-ray source renders the T-ray imaging devices more power and higher resolution. Research co-author Stefan Maier, a visiting scientist at A*STAR's IMRE and Professor in the Department of Physics at Imperial College London, said: "T-rays promise to revolutionise medical scanning to make it faster and more convenient, potentially relieving patients from the inconvenience of complicated diagnostic procedures and the stress of waiting for accurate results. Thanks to modern nanotechnology and nanofabrication, we have made a real breakthrough in the generation of T-rays that takes us a step closer to these new scanning devices. With the introduction of a gap of only 0.1 micrometers into the electrodes, we have been able to make amplified waves at the key wavelength of 1000 micrometers that can be used in such real world applications." The research was led by scientists from A*STAR's IMRE and Imperial College London, and involved partners from A*STAR Institute for Infocomm Research (I2R) and the National University of Singapore. The research is funded under A*STAR's Metamaterials Programme and the THz Programme, as well as the Leverhume Trust and the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) in the UK. SOURCE: Imperial College London

cientists Create First Free-Standing 3D Cloak

January 30, 2012 Researchers in the US have, for the first time, cloaked a three-dimensional object standing in free space, bringing the much-talked-about invisibility cloak one step closer to reality. Whilst previous studies have either been theoretical in nature or limited to the cloaking of twodimensional objects, this study shows how ordinary objects can be cloaked in their natural environment in all directions and from all of an observer's positions. Published recently, 26 January, in the Institute of Physics and German Physical Society's New Journal of Physics, the researchers used a method known as "plasmonic cloaking" to hide an 18centimetre cylindrical tube from microwaves. Some of the most recent breakthroughs in the field of invisibility cloaking have focussed on using transformation-based metamaterials inhomogeneous, man-made materials that have the ability to bend light around objects however, this new approach uses a different type of artificial material plasmonic metamaterials. When light strikes an object, it rebounds off its surface towards another direction, just like throwing a tennis ball against a wall. The reason we see objects is because light rays bounce off materials towards our eyes and our eyes are able to process the information. Due to their unique properties, plasmonic metamaterials have the opposite scattering effect to everyday materials. "When the scattered fields from the cloak and the object interfere, they cancel each other out and the overall effect is transparency and invisibility at all angles of observation. "One of the advantages of the plasmonic cloaking technique is its robustness and moderately broad bandwidth of operation, superior to conventional cloaks based on transformation metamaterials. This made our experiment more robust to possible imperfections, which is particularly important when cloaking a 3D object in free-space," said study co-author Professor Andrea Alu. In this instance, the cylindrical tube was cloaked with a shell of plasmonic metamaterial to make it appear invisible. The system was tested by directing microwaves towards the cloaked cylinder and mapping the resulting scattering both around the object and in the far-field. The cloak showed optimal functionality when the microwaves were at a frequency of 3.1 gigahertz and over a moderately broad bandwidth. The researchers, from the University of Texas at Austin, have shown in previous studies that the shape of the object is irrelevant; oddly shaped and asymmetric objects can both be cloaked using this technique. Moving forward, one of the key challenges for the researchers will be to demonstrate the cloaking of a 3D object using visible light. "In principle, this technique could be used to cloak light; in fact, some plasmonic materials are naturally available at optical frequencies. However, the size of the objects that can be efficiently cloaked with this method scales with the wavelength of operation, so when applied to optical frequencies we may be able to efficiently stop the scattering of micrometre-sized objects.

"Still, cloaking small objects may be exciting for a variety of applications. For instance, we are currently investigating the application of these concepts to cloak a microscope tip at optical frequencies. This may greatly benefit biomedical and optical near-field measurements," continued Professor Alu. From 26 January, the full paper can be downloaded from http://iopscience.iop.org/13672630/14/1/013054 About IOP Publishing IOP Publishing provides publications through which leading-edge scientific research is distributed worldwide. IOP Publishing is central to the Institute of Physics (IOP), a not-for-profit society. Any financial surplus earned by IOP Publishing goes to support science through the activities of IOP. Beyond our traditional journals programme, we make high-value scientific information easily accessible through an ever-evolving portfolio of community websites, magazines, conference proceedings and a multitude of electronic services. Focused on making the most of new technologies, we're continually improving our electronic interfaces to make it easier for researchers to find exactly what they need, when they need it, in the format that suits them best. For more information, visit http://ioppublishing.org/ About The Institute of Physics The Institute of Physics is a leading scientific society promoting physics and bringing physicists together for the benefit of all. It has a worldwide membership of around 40 000 comprising physicists from all sectors, as well as those with an interest in physics. It works to advance physics research, application and education; and engages with policy makers and the public to develop awareness and understanding of physics. Its publishing company, IOP Publishing, is a world leader in professional scientific communications. For more information, visit www.iop.org About The German Physical Society The German Physical Society (DPG) with a tradition extending back to 1845 is the largest physical society in the world with more than 59,000 members. The DPG sees itself as the forum and mouthpiece for physics and is a non-profit organisation that does not pursue financial interests. It supports the sharing of ideas and thoughts within the scientific community, fosters physics teaching and would also like to open a window to physics for all those with a healthy curiosity. SOURCE: The Institute of Physics

Tactile Imaging Sensor Can Assist Doctors With Early Identification Of Tumors
January 25, 2012

A tactile imaging sensor developed by Temple engineers can give doctors important early information about lesions or tumors. A key part of a medical patient's physical examination is performed through touch, but the doctor can only glean so much information from what he feels. That's why Temple University researchers have created a prototype device that will not only emulate human tactile sensation, but quantify it as well. The tactile imaging sensor has been developed by Chang-Hee Won, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering at Temple. "The human hands have this amazing ability to touch something and tell if it's soft or hard, if it's wet, or even it's temperature," said Won, who is also director of the Control, Sensor, Network and Perception Laboratory in Temple's College of Engineering. "We're trying to emulate this tactile sensation with a device that will actually quantify this by giving us the mechanical properties of what we are feeling." Won said the tactile imaging sensor could aid doctors when they feel lesions, lumps or tumors while doing physical exams on patients by detecting the size and shape of the lesion or tumor, as well as its elasticity and mobility. "Once a doctor feels a lesion, lump or tumor, they can use this device to actually characterize the mechanical properties of the irregularity that they have felt," he said. Won said that studies have shown that cancerous lesions and tumors tend to be larger, more irregular in shape or have harder elasticity. "Using the information gleaned by our device, we can determine the probability of this lesion or tumor being either malignant or benign." The portable tactile imaging sensor can be attached to any desktop or laptop computer that has a Firewire cable port. Equipped with four LED lights and a camera, the 4.5-inch device has a flexible transparent elastomer cube on the end, into which light is injected. When the doctor feels an irregularity while giving a patient a physical exam, he or she can place the sensor against the skin where the irregularity was felt. The sensor uses the total internal reflection principle, which keeps the injected light within the elastomer cube unless an intrusion from a lesion or tumor changes the contour of the elastomer's surface, in which case the light will reflect out of the cube. The sensor's camera will then capture the lesion or tumor images caused by the reflected light and they are processed with a novel algorithm developed by the CSNAP Lab to calculate the lesion's mechanical properties. Won stressed that the device is not designed to replace such tests as mammograms for breast tumors, but to assist the primary doctor in initially obtaining key information. "Most primary physicians' offices are not equipped to perform tests such as mammograms," he said. "This device would provide the doctor key information by allowing them to quantify and display the lesion or tumor. With this information, they can decide whether to monitor it or send the patient to a specialist or hospital for a more definitive diagnosis." Won said that the device is non-invasive and can detect lumps or tumors up to 3 centimeters under the skin. "If you can feel it with your finger, you can see it with this device," he said. In addition to the advantages of being portable and non-invasive, the devise is also inexpensive. Won said the prototype cost approximately $500. SOURCE: Temple University

Opto Diode Introduces Wide-Emission, HighPower IR LEDs

January 23, 2012

Opto Diode, a division of ITW, and a member of the ITW Photonics Group, introduces the first of a family of three new infrared (IR) emitters. The OD-850W gallium aluminum arsenide (GaAlAs) LED features a wide-emission angle for coverage over a large area and extremely high optical output (minimum 30, typical 40mW) with peak emission wavelength at 850nm. The new device is an upgrade and replacement for Opto Diode's OD-880W IRLEDs, offering nearly double the output power, added stability, and much less degradation. Additionally, the 850nm wavelength is more closely matched to the peak response of photo transistors and opto integrated circuits (ICs), making them ideal for industrial control applications such as photoelectric controls and optical encoders. Hermetically sealed, the standard TO-46 package is designed with gold-plated surfaces and welded caps, for added durability. The IR LED offers optical power of 40mW typical at 100mA, continuous forward current at 100mA and peak forward current at 300mA (absolute maximum ratings at 25 degrees C). The storage and operating temperatures range from -40 degrees C to 100 degrees C with a maximum junction temperature of 100 degrees C. Available and shipping now, the OD-850W IR LEDs are priced affordably at $2.80 each, minimum order of 100 pieces. About Opto Diode Corporation Opto Diode Corporation based in Newbury Park, California, is a member of the ITW Photonics Group, delivering high-performance, standard and custom photodetectors, and reliable, high quality, standard and custom infrared and visible LEDs. The company, with the recent acquisition of International Radiation Detectors, also designs and manufactures semiconductor radiation devices that detect photons in the UV range, X-rays, and other high energy particles. The domestic U. S. manufacturing plant includes a wafer fab and ensures delivery of volume quantities at competitive prices with short lead times. Opto Diode's rigorous quality control standards meet their customer's strictest requirements in a variety of industries, including test & measurement, biotechnology, medical, entertainment, military/defense, industrial, aerospace, automotive, R&D and more. For more information, visit www.optodiode.com About ITW Photonics Group ITW, a diversified manufacturer of advanced industrial technology, has brought together three of its photonics business units to form the ITW Photonics Group. The ITW Photonics Group was created to bring together and build on the technical expertise of three individual companies that specialize in photonics technology and span the full spectrum of wavelengths. The group consists of Lumex (LED and LCD technology, headquarters in Palatine, IL and Taiwan), Cal Sensors (IR

detector and emitter technology, based in Santa Rosa, CA) and Opto Diode (LED, silicon photodiodes and electro-optical assembly technology, based in Newbury Park, CA). The synergy of these industry frontrunners provides an unsurpassed range of photonic capabilities within a broad spectrum of markets, including medical, military and industrial controls. The ITW Photonics Group provides integrated solutions that encompass the technology and experience from all three business units, offering design engineers higher product performance with greater feature enhancements. For more information, visit www.itwphotonicsgroup.com. SOURCE: Opto Diode Corporation

APDs For Range Finding And Distance Measurement Applications

January 23, 2012

First Sensor AG offers a wide selection of Silicon APDs for range finding and distance measurement applications. Available are four APD product lines optimized for specific laser wavelengths.

Series 8 features very high sensitivity for 800 nm lasers and rise times between 150 ps and 350 ps depending on active area size making it ideal for distance measurement applications. Series 9 is optimized for range finding with 900 nm laser sources with typical rise times of 500 ps. Series 12 is developed for photonic mixer applications with red laser sources, allowing cut-off-frequencies of up to 3 GHz for highest accuracy distance measurement Series 10 features high sensitivity for 1064 nm YAG laser and targets especially the long range applications.

All APDs are available in sizes from 100m diameter up to 5000m diameter and include several TO and SMD packaging options. Custom developments for intermediate wavelengths, different gain properties or specific APD geometries are available upon request. Please contact sales or visit our website for detailed information. SOURCE: First Sensor AG

Smart Connector' Could Save Millions In Lost Revenue

December 14, 2011 RIT and PPC Corp. to produce sensor that detects telecommunications equipment failures Deterioration and damage to cellular telecommunications cables cost organizations and customers millions in lost revenue and services in the always-on digital economy. A new sensor device, smaller than a quarter, might alleviate some of the impact. Researchers at Rochester Institute of Technology and PPC Corp. have developed the Smart Connector, a new sensor that once installed in the connecting units of coaxial cables can provide

information about equipment damage and pinpoint the exact location through self-diagnosing technologiessome of the most advanced in the field today. The sensor is one outcome of corporate research and development initiatives established at RIT that have grown over the past few years. The university and PPC Corp. signed a licensing agreement in June. Both parties are in the process of final testing and technology transfer, says Robert Bowman, professor of electrical and microelectronic engineering in RIT's Kate Gleason College of Engineering. The university demonstrated the feasibility of the technology and is working with PPC to further test the manufactured product, Bowman explains. "It's one thing to conduct laboratory testing and demonstrate viability, it's another thing to get it into a product. PPC worked very closely with us during this research effort, and we'll work with them as they try to integrate this technology into their product line." Bowman and his research group worked with Noah Montena, principal engineer at PPC, a Syracuse-based telecommunications radio-frequency, or RF, connector equipment company, to design the sensor-disc system. The system monitors the primary failure modes in RF cables. Each sensor-disc contains a unique site identifier, monitors critical conditions and reports the sensor status using a technique called back scatter telemetry. Each smart connector is capable of activating or powering-down its energy capacity by extracting miniscule amounts of radio frequency energy from the coaxial cables. "This technology is really exciting, and the impact it could have on the industry is only just becoming apparent," says Montena. "Up until now, connector and equipment failures could be detected only after tower capacity had been diminished, and only pinpointed on-site with the system shut down." The sensors have been designed from the beginning with simplicity, robustness and costeffectiveness in mind, and one of the advantages of collaborating on the research has been the communication of manufacturing considerations as design decisions get made, Montena adds. "Beyond cellular connectors, it is easy to imagine this technology finding a place in other high value, or can't fail' applications such as communications or internal networks in spacecraft or aircraft. I look forward to uncovering all the possibilities." SOURCE: Rochester Institute of Technology

Agilent Technologies Introduces Seven HighPower Modules For Modular Power System
January 24, 2012 Modules Help Engineers and Integrators Optimize Electronics Agilent Technologies Inc. recently introduced seven high-power modules for its popular N6700 modular power system. The new modules expand the ability of test-system integrators and R&D engineers to deliver multiple channels of high power (up to 500 watts) to devices under test. With the addition of the new modules, engineers and integrators can now choose from a total of 34 modules for the N6700 MPS. This breadth of choices gives engineers and integrators in the aerospace/defense, consumer electronics, computers and peripherals, communications, semiconductor, and automotive industries the flexibility to optimize performance, power and price to meet test needs. "Our customers appreciate the mix-and-match design of the Agilent N6700 MPS for both ATE and R&D applications," said Gary Whitman, vice president of Agilent's System Products Division. "But some customers need power supplies with higher power than we previously offered. With these new modules, we continue to expand the MPS platform to meet our customers' needs." The new modules, together with the 27 modules already offered, comprise a family ranging in power from 18 W to 500 W at four different performance levels: basic, high performance, precision, and source/measure unit. R&D engineers and test-system integrators can mix and match any of these 34 modules in any of the four MPS mainframes (three for automated test and one for R&D ) to create a DC power system unique to their needs. Systems can be from one to four outputs, at prices starting at $1,000 per output. Benefits and features include:

Fast output changes (0 to 50 V in less than 2 ms) that are up to 50 times faster than other programmable power supplies. Advanced, fast digitized measurements that extend from milliamps to 50 amps. Autoranging output capabilities that enable one power supply to do the job of several traditional power supplies. High-speed test extensions that offer an oscilloscope-like digitizer that simplifies system configuration and increases measurement accuracy. With a single command, the ability to switch the output from a positive voltage to a negative voltage without changing wiring due to optional built-in polarity reversal relays.

All of the Agilent N6700 mainframes are fully compliant with the LXI Class C specification. They have USB 2.0, 10/100 Base-T Ethernet and GPIB interfaces as standard features, allowing quick and simple connectivity to a PC or a network. They can also be remotely operated from any Web browser. U.S. Pricing and Availability The new N6700 MPS modules are available now and are priced as follows:

Model Number N6755A N5756A N6763A N6764A N6765A N6766A N6777A

Series/Performance Max Power Level High-performance High-performance Precision Precision Precision Precision Basic 500 W 500 W 300 W 300 W 500 W 500 W 300 W

Voltage

Current Price (U.S. DDP) 50 A 17 A 50 A 20 A 50 A 17 A 2A $2,887 $2,887 $3,505 $3,505 $4,021 $4,021 $1,382

20 V 60 V 20 V 60 V 20 V 60 V 150 V

Additional Information Additional information about the Agilent N6700 MPS and the company's complete line of DC power supplies is available at www.agilent.com/find/N6700, www.agilent.com/find/N6700_images. Owners of the Agilent N6700 MPS can upgrade their system firmware to support the new modules via a free download from the following Web pages: www.agilent.com/find/n6700firmware for the low-profile mainframes www.agilent.com/find/n6705firmware for the DC power-analyzer mainframe

About Agilent Technologies Agilent Technologies Inc. is the world's premier measurement company and a technology leader in chemical analysis, life sciences, electronics and communications. The company's 18,700 employees serve customers in more than 100 countries. Agilent had net revenues of $6.6B in fiscal 2011. For more information, visit www.agilent.com. SOURCE: Agilent Technologies

'Meating' A Solution: Research Finds That LED Lights Extend Meat Shelf Life, Save Retailers Money
January 19, 2012 A switch to LED lights in refrigeration units could save the retail meat industry millions of dollars each year, according to research from Kansas State University. Kyle Steele, recent master's graduate in animal sciences and industry, Silver Lake, found that using light-emitting diode, or LED, lights in refrigeration units both saves energy for meat retailers and extends the shelf life of some beef products. "By using LED lighting in meat retail display cases, Kansas retailers can save money by lowering the operational costs of refrigerated cases and extending the color shelf life of fresh meat products," Steele said. "Additionally, by extending the color shelf life, retailers have a greater opportunity to sell the product at full price, and the state of Kansas can gain tax revenue from the full retail price rather than a discounted price." Steele compared the use of LED lights and fluorescent lights in meat refrigeration units because many meat retailers currently use fluorescent lights. He worked with Elizabeth Boyle and Melvin Hunt, both professors of animal sciences and industry, as well as with Melissa Weber, recent doctoral graduate in animal sciences and industry, Collinwood, Tenn. During refrigerated display, the color of fresh meat changes because of its natural chemistry and exposure to oxygen. Because color is a large factor that influences customers in purchasing meat, some consumers discriminate against discolored meat. These discolored meat products must either be discounted or discarded, which has been estimated to cost the meat industry up to a billion dollars each year, Steele said. For his research, Steele looked at five different meat products: pork loin chops, beef loin steaks, ground beef, ground turkey and beef inside round steaks. Steele looked at several aspects of these meat products and their refrigeration units:

Discoloration: The researchers brought in trained color panelists to score meat color changes over time while displayed under both lighting types. Rancidity: The researchers measured the rancidity of the meat products stored under both types of light. Light affects the oxidation of fat in meat, which can cause rancidity and a change in taste. Operating efficiency: The researchers studied operating efficiency of the two types of lights by measuring how many times a refrigeration unit had to cycle to keep the meat cool and how many running hours that cycle lasted.

The researchers found that LED lights scored positively in nearly all areas. Most significantly, LED lights helped reduce operating costs and prolonged the shelf life for most of the meat products.

"Most meat products displayed under LED lighting had colder internal product temperatures, which helps extend product shelf life," Steele said. "Beef loin steaks and inside round steaks that were stored under LED lights can have up to one day longer shelf life." Among operational costs, LED lights had fewer cycles per running hour, meaning they were a more efficient and cost-saving light source than fluorescent lights. Steele will give a research presentation titled "Shelf life of five meat products displayed under light emitting diode or fluorescent lighting" at the Capitol Graduate Research Summit in Topeka in February. Steele's research was supported by Hussmann Corp., a St. Louis-based manufacturer of merchandising equipment and refrigeration systems, and Wichita-based Cargill Meat Solutions Corp. SOURCE: Kansas State University

Xenics Launches Lowest Noise SWIR Detector XFPA-1.7-640-LN2 And Ultra-Short Integration Time Bobcat-320-Gated
January 18, 2012

Xenics, Europe's leading developer and manufacturer of advanced infrared detectors and customized imaging solutions from the LWIR into the visible realm, introduces a host of advanced SWIR cameras for medical, scientific and industrial markets. A new detector, the XFPA-1.7-640-LN2, is geared to very demanding low-signal-level measurements in semiconductor inspection and fault localization. Bobcat-320-Gated, a new camera for scientific R&D applications, delivers extremely short integration times of 80 nsec. Lynx high speed SWIR line-scan series offers highest resolution of up to 1 x 2048 for non-intrusive medical imaging and general SWIR applications, whereas Gobi-640-GigE addresses the lower-cost LWIR thermal imaging segment. Xenics demonstrates its product range in Booths 8216 (BiOS) and 4831 (Photonics West). Xenics at BiOS 2012 High-speed SWIR and advanced thermal imaging for non-intrusive medical applications are the focus of Xenics' BiOS 2012 presentation. Targeted are bio-medical technology providers of optical coherence tomography (OCT), molecular imaging, and spectroscopy solutions. Among Xenics' new camera releases for the medical market is the Lynx, with the new model offering a unique achievement in resolution of up to 1 x 2048 pixels. This is an outstanding value in the SWIR line-scan camera market. It enables the user to increase resolution by a factor of two compared to others offering 1024 pixels. Lynx-1.7-2048 offers low noise at a high line rate of 10 kHz; Lynx-1.7-1024 and Lynx-1.7-512 even offers up to 40 kHz line rate, which enables the capture of fast moving samples. Lynx is equipped with the smallest available sensor having a pixel pitch of 12.5 m to support inspection tasks that demand ever higher accuracy in the SWIR range. A special benefit for medical imaging applications in the SWIR realm, such as OCT, is that the light source radiates at a wavelength of 1.3 m, which increases the penetration depth in human tissue. Lynx is compatible with the C-Mount standard. Another new product release, Gobi-640-GigE, addresses lower-cost, high-sensitivity medical imaging in a small form factor with 640 x 480 pixels. The camera includes a compact GigE interface, on-board image processing and Power over Ethernet (PoE). The new model offers unparalleled ease of integration via GigE Vision, as well as utmost flexibility through PoE. The

Xenics Gobi series is excellently well suited for life tissue imaging and breast cancer examination. Xenics at Photonics West 2012 Xenics' new-product presentation builds on highly advanced SWIR cameras and detectors for demanding low-light-level applications and gated imaging. Photonics West 2012 will see the introduction of a high-resolution liquid-nitrogen- (LN2) cooled SWIR detector, the XFPA-1.7640-LN2. It was specifically developed for R&D spectroscopy and photon emission in the semiconductor failure analysis industry, high-resolution spectroscopy and low-light-level SWIR and VisNIR imaging. The new detector XFPA-1.7-640-LN2, based on source-follower detector (SFD) read-out technology, offers high sensitivity at a resolution of 640 x 512 pixels with a pixel pitch of 20 m and reaches extreme long integration times. LN2-cooling at 77K allows for lowest noise (< 20 e-) ever seen for SWIR detectors and low dark current (< 5 e-/sec per pixel). Optionally, the measurement realm can be extended into the visible spectrum. Easy focusing on the microscope stage is supported by the increased frame rate in windowing mode. Based on this new XFPA detector, Xenics will introduce a complete camera system, the "Cougar", in the second half of 2012. Another highlight at the Xenics booth is Bobcat-320-Gated, an SWIR camera operating in the 0.85 to 1.6 m spectral band. It provides extremely short integration times down to 80 nsec. Bobcat-320-Gated makes use of a highly sensitive uncooled InGaAs detector, which is available in a 20m pixel-pitch. The compact camera contains real-time on-board image processing and image correction all at a very favorable price point. A special feature of Bobcat-320-Gated is the programmable trigger-out delay between the internally generated trigger-out pulse and the start of integration. It is configurable from 80 nsec up to 2 msec in steps of 80 nsec. Bobcat-320-Gated captures frames at a frame rate tunable around 28 fps. With all these features, Bobcat-320-Gated is ideally suited for the inspection of hot and fast moving objects or measurement systems requiring synchronization of the camera with a pulsed laser. "Our main message," says Xenics founder and CEO Bob Grietens, "is that Xenics covers the entire wavelength span from SWIR over MWIR to LWIR with advanced thermography systems. For medical applications such as OCT, our new high-speed SWIR cameras are the perfect fit. In the scientific markets, our new Bobcat-320-Gated takes the lead by providing very short integration times." About Xenics Xenics is the leading developer of innovative infrared detection solutions for a wide range of applications. Xenics designs, manufactures and sells infrared detectors and cameras, both linescan and 2-D, covering the infrared wavelength ranges from 0.4 to 14 micrometers. In addition, Xenics delivers custom products according to the agreed specification and planning. As a European vendor with a worldwide service and distributor network, Xenics is strategically placed to serve global markets with highly innovative products drawing on a strong science and technology background. SOURCE: Xenics

Cree Introduces The Next Generation Of Lighting-Class LEDs

January 16, 2012

Advanced LED Platform Doubles Lumens-per-Dollar to Accelerate Adoption of LEDs Driving the next generation of mainstream LED lighting adoption, Cree, Inc. introduces the breakthrough XLamp XB-D LED. The first LED based on an innovative new Cree technology platform, the XLamp XB-D LED ushers in a new era of price-performance for lighting-class LEDs. This LED can further simplify designs, ultimately removing a key barrier to widespread LED implementationup-front system cost. The XB-D LED delivers twice the lumens-per-dollar of other LEDs, in the industry's smallest lighting-class footprint of 2.5 mm x 2.5 mm. The XB-D LED is 48 percent smaller than the XLamp XP package and ideal for lighting applications where high lumen density and compact light sources are required. The innovations behind this next generation of lighting-class LEDs can enable significantly lower prices for LED lighting products by using up to three times fewer LEDs, three times fewer optics and substantially smaller circuit boards than current designs. "Being a leader means delivering revolutionary, not evolutionary, innovation to drive the LED lighting revolution," said Mike Watson, Cree senior director of marketing, LED components. "With this new platform Cree has fundamentally redefined the price-performance paradigm for our components customers. It's not enough to just make LEDs brighterit's also about improving product payback and market acceptance of LED lighting." Leveraging Cree's proven silicon carbide technology and expertise, the XB-D LED delivers up to 139 lumens and 136 lumens per watt in cool white (6000K) or up to 107 lumens and 105 lumens per watt in warm white (3000K), both at 350 mA and 85C. XB-D LEDs are also compatible with most existing XP family secondary optics, which can speed the optical design process and create direct cost savings for existing XP family-based designs. For more information, and to request a free sample visit http://www.cree.com/products/xlamp_xbd.asp. Samples are available immediately and production volumes are available with standard lead times. To locate a distributor, please visit www.cree.com/buyxlamp. About Cree Cree is leading the LED lighting revolution and making energy-wasting traditional lighting technologies obsolete through the use of energy-efficient, mercury-free LED lighting. Cree is a

market-leading innovator of lighting-class LEDs, LED lighting, and semiconductor products for power and radio frequency (RF) applications. Cree's product families include LED fixtures and bulbs, blue and green LED chips, highbrightness LEDs, lighting-class power LEDs, power-switching devices and RF devices. Cree products are driving improvements in applications such as general illumination, backlighting, electronic signs and signals, power suppliers and solar inverters. For more information, visit www.cree.com or www.creeledrevolution.com. SOURCE: Cree, Inc.

Intelliconnect Pisces' Waterproof Connectors For Marine And Harsh Environments

January 18, 2012

Intelliconnect USA, LLC, a US-based manufacturer of RF connectors, has released the Pisces IP67 and IP68 waterproof connectors for harsh environments. These connectors are qualified to withstand immersion at 60 feet for four hours in their mated or unmated condition without any moisture or dust ingress. Pisces connectors also can be hermetically sealed for higher pressure environments. They are intended for applications including

high quality antennas medical: cochlear implant rail traction camera systems military: personal locator beacon outdoor traffic monitoring systems including automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) camera systems.

Pisces waterproof RF connectors are available for most Coaxial/Triaxial/Twinaxial waterproof connector groups. Standard models include high frequency waterproof connectors, to both commercial and MIL standards, including SMA, TNC, N, SMB and push-pull connector types. These connectors can be modified to meet most customer requirements. Custom designs are typically available within 24 hours. The price starts at $10.00 in small quantities. Selected models are available off the shelf. All Pisces connectors are designed to meet the requirements of US MIL-PRF-39012, MIL-STD348 and IEC: 169-8. Waterproofing meets IP68 per IEC 60529, (NEMA 6P or better), tested to a 20 meter water depth in an unmated condition for duration of 4 hours. Operating temperature range is -65C to +165C; corrosion (salt spray) performance is to MIL-STD-202, Method 101 and moisture resistance is to MIL-STD-202, Method 106. For more information information, visit Intelliconnect website. A Pisces brochure is also available. About Intelliconnect Formed in the UK in 2003 in response to the almost complete abandonment of the UK by the RF connector manufacturing industry, Intelliconnect joined forces with a small innovative US operation in 2004 and has quickly become a market leader in design led manufacturing of RF

connectors, waterproof multi-pin connectors and cable assemblies. Both the UK and USA divisions of Intelliconnect now enjoy a growing reputation for high quality products and first class service. Their product range includes waterproof connectors which have become established as the solution of choice for specifiers in the marine, oil and gas, defense and general antenna markets. They produce a range of triaxial components which are recognized as the best quality available in the market today. Their custom design service is the quickest available in the market today, and does not incur NRE charges. They also offer a full range of standard RF connectors and a cable assembly service. Intelliconnect does not compete with the plethora of low-cost offshore products available in the market today. Rather they offer traditional engineering values coupled with innovation, agility and a passion for serving their customers. SOURCE: Intelliconnect USA, LLC

Maxim's 3D Integration Technology Enables Industry's Smallest Class D Amplifier Solution

January 17, 2012 Maxim Integrated Products introduces a 1mm x 1mm audio amplifier which saves at least 25% board space for mobile applications. Maxim Integrated Products Inc. recently announced the MAX98314, the industry's first mono, 3.2W, Class D amplifier with integrated input coupling capacitors. With the integrated input capacitors, the MAX98314 fits in a small 1mm x 1mm solution size and saves at least 25% board space. The part is ideal for applications where PCB area is critical, such as portable electronic products including mobile phones, portable audio applications, notebooks, MP3 players, netbooks, and VoIP phones. "Maxim has taken advantage of its truly innovative 3D process, opening the doors to countless possibilities for future solutions that enhance mobile devices. There is no better or smaller amplifier than the MAX98314 for your portable design needs," said Kristy Lypen, director of business management for Maxim. The MAX98314's integrated capacitors provide better voltage-independence and matching than standard Class D amplifiers with external input capacitors. With excellent linearity, this Class D amplifier improves the system power-supply rejection ratio (PSRR) and enhances performance at low frequencies. This 3.2W amplifier provides Class AB audio performance with Class D efficiency. Its higher efficiency and low quiescent current extend battery life and make it a low-power solution. It offers improved sound quality because the low noise floor and click-and-pop suppression techniques ensure that there is no audible noiseunless there is supposed to be. The MAX98314 is part of Maxim's broad portfolio of audio solutions that advance audio quality in mobile products. About Maxim Integrated Products Maxim makes highly integrated analog and mixed-signal semiconductors. Maxim reported revenue of approximately $2.5B for fiscal 2011. For more information, visit www.maximic.com. SOURCE: Maxim Integrated Products Inc.

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VPG's High-Temperature Bulk Metal Foil Resistors Win Best Electronic Design Award From Electronic Design Magazine
January 20, 2012 Malvern, PA (Marketwire) - Vishay Precision Group, Inc. (NYSE: VPG) today announced that its HTH(G) high-temperature Bulk Metal Foil resistors have been honored with a Best Electronic Design award from Electronic Design magazine. Winners for 2011 were announced in the magazine's Dec. 8 issue. Staff editors selected the award winners for the best technology, products and standards while readers selected the best Ideas for Design published in the past 12 months. The HTHG resistors were among four devices winning in the Components category. The HTHG from Vishay Foil Resistors (VFR) is an ultra-high-precision Bulk Metal Z1-Foil hybrid surface-mount chip resistor connected using gold wire bonding. Designed for hightemperature applications to +240C, the HTHG offers improved heat dissipation, providing nearly a 100C extension in operating temperature range over precision thin film chip resistors. The HTHG series is based on Z1-Foil technology, which provides an order of magnitude reduction in the Bulk Metal Foil element's sensitivity to temperature changes -- both external and internal -- while providing long-term stability in high-temperature environments. Z1- Foil resistor technology manages stresses to counterbalance forces with opposing effects, thus utilizing those stresses to produce an extremely stable resistor. HTHG devices offer TCR of 1 ppm/C from -55C to +125C and 2.5 ppm/C from -55C to +220C, +25C ref. The resistors feature exceptional load-life stability to 0.05% at +220C for 2,000 hours at working power, long-term stability to 0.05% at +240C for 2,000 hours (no power), and tight tolerances to 0.02%. The devices are capable of withstanding electrostatic discharges at least to 25 kV without degradation. The HTHG series devices provide a wide resistance range from 5 O to 125 kO, with any resistance value within this range available at any tolerance with no additional cost or lead time effect. The flat planar structure of the foil resistor, with the resistance element at the surface (before coating or encapsulation), lends itself to a unique process for remote trimming resistors to value in order to eliminate current noise, hot spots, and current density compression wherever the resistance grid changes direction. The resistors feature a rise time of 1.0 ns with effectively no ringing, a thermal stabilization time of less than 1 s (nominal value achieved within 10 ppm of steady state value), current noise of 0.010 Vrms per volt of applied voltage (less than -40 dB),

and a voltage coefficient of less than 0.1 ppm/V. The devices are offered in 5x5, 15x5, and 15x10 chip sizes, in addition to six case sizes ranging from 0603 to 2512. The Best Electronic Design awards are segmented into editorial "beats," as well as vertical markets such as industrial and medical. The editors are free to choose what they consider to be the best in these areas. The staff editors include Don Tuite for analog and power, Lou Frenzel for communications, David Maliniak for EDA and test and measurement, Bill Wong for digital and embedded, and Mat Dirjish for components. Winners receive a Best Electronic Design crystal trophy, as well as a logo that they can post on their own website. The complete list of winners is available here: http://electronicdesign.com/article/news/Electronic-Design-Announces-2011Best-Electronic-Design-Award-Winners-.aspx. Further information about the HTHG series and other Vishay Foil Resistors products is available at www.vishayfoilresistors.com. Follow Vishay Foil Resistors at http://twitter.com/FoilResistor. About Vishay Foil Resistors Vishay Foil Resistors is a division of Vishay Precision Group, producing the most precise and stable resistors available. The portfolio comprises products in a variety of resistor and package configurations to meet the needs of a wide range of applications: discrete resistors and resistor networks in surface mount and through-hole (fixed-lead) configurations; customized chip resistor networks; precision trimming potentiometers; and discrete chips for use in hybrid circuits. The foil resistors and current sensors are used in applications requiring a high degree of precision and stability, such as in medical testing equipment, high performance audio equipment, precision measuring instruments, aerospace, and military applications. About Vishay Precision Group Vishay Precision Group (VPG) produces sensors based on precision resistive foil technology, and sensor-based systems. It provides vertically integrated products and solutions for multiple growing markets in the areas of stress, force, weight, pressure and current measurements. As a spin-off from Vishay Intertechnology, VPG's decades-long track record encompasses innovations in precision foil resistors, current sensors, and strain gages, which have served as a foundation for VPG's more recent expansion into strain gage instrumentation, load cells and transducers, weighing modules and complete systems for process control and on-board weighing. Vishay Precision Group may be found on the Internet at www.vishaypg.com. SOURCE: Vishay Precision Group

Huber+Suhner Stakes Claim To Lowest-Loss Microwave Cable

December 22, 2011

By Paul Kruczkowski, Editor Huber+Suhner recently introduced the Sucoflex 404 microwave coaxial cable, the first product in its new Sucoflex 400 family of low insertion loss cables. According to the company, the Sucoflex 404 is the lowest-loss coaxial cable of its size on the market up to 26.5 GHz. The cable has an insertion loss specification of 0.99 dB/m (0.30dB/ft.) measured at 18 GHz. The double-shielded 50 cable has a solid silver-plated copper center conductor, an extruded low-density PTFE with a dielectric constant r = 1.26, and a fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) jacket 5.55 mm (0.218") in diameter. Its composition results in a velocity of propagation of 89%. The cable also has good phase stability vs. temperature of less than 1000 ppm from -55 to 125 C, and good phase stability vs. bending of less than 1.1/GHz, with a maximum spec of 18 for 0 to 26.5 GHz. "Huber+Suhner prides itself in clearly defining how we measure phase stability vs. bending so our cables can be fairly compared to others," said David Neher, product manager of the Sucoflex 400 Series. Sucoflex 404 characteristics are tested and comply with Mil-Spec standards, qualifying the cable for use in electronic warfare (EW) and radar systems. Its low loss and small diameter also make it suitable for medical applications like equipment for RF ablation, hypothermia, hyperhidrosis, and cardio therapy. In addition, the cable can be used commercially for testing high-speed integrated circuits, and in aerospace applications for connecting onboard entertainment and antenna systems. As a customized cable assembly, the Sucoflex 404 is also well-suited for phase matching applications. The Sucoflex 404 is currently available with straight male SMA, N, TNCA, QN, and PC35 with quickmate, as well as straight female PC35. Huber+Suhner also offers a ruggedized version of the cable, the Sucoflex 404D. It has an additional Aramid yarn impregnated outer jacket, which only increases the diameter to 6.1 mm (0.24"). Looking ahead, Huber+Suhner expects to release a crush-resistant Sucoflex 404 cable with a special outer jacket for harsh environments in early 2012. The Sucoflex 406/406D, a slightly larger cable with even lower loss, is planned for June 2012.