A novel technique of coupling near-field evanescent waves by means of variable period subwavelength gratings (1.2 ìm and 1.0 ìm), using a 1.55 ìm infrared semiconductor laser is presented for the use of an optical MEMS accelerometer. The subwavelength gratings were fabricated on both glass and silicon substrates respectively. Optical simulation of the subwavelength gratings was carried out to obtain the maximum coupling efficiency of the two subwavelength gratings; the grating thickness, grating width, and the grating separation were optimized. This was performed for both silicon and glass substrates. The simulations were used to determine the total system noise, including the noise generated from the germanium photodiode, sensitivity, and displacement detection resolution of the coupled subwavelength grating MEMS accelerometer. The coupled gratings were utilized as optical readout accelerometers. The spring/proof mass silicon accelerometer was fabricated using a four mask process, in which the structure was completed using two deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) processes. The designed serpentine spring styles determine the sensitivity of the accelerometer; when the springs are made longer or shorter, thicker or thinner, this directly attributes to the sensitivity of the device. To test function of the example of the devices, the accelerometer is placed on a platform, which permits displacement normal to the plane of the grating. The 1.550 ìm infrared laser is incident on the coupled subwavelength grating accelerometer device and the output intensity is measured using a geranium photodiode. As the platform is displaced, the grating separation between the two gratings changes and causes the output intensity to change. Using the coupled subwavelength grating simulations as a reference to the output intensity change with respect to gap, the mechanical and coupling sensitivity properties of as it relates to acceleration is presented.

Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI) / The purpose of this study is to further investigate the effect of using six different light source types with different light output intensities on the parameters of a mathematical model that predicts the DOC in VLDC’s. In this equation: D = Dp In(E0/Ec), D is the depth of cure in millimeters, E is the curing energy in J/cm2, Ec is the critical curing energy for the composite to reach a gel layer, and Dp is a characteristic coefficient. Three LED and three halogen dental curing units with different light output intensities were used to cure three shades (B1, A3, D3) of a hybrid resin composite. The exposure duration was at the intervals of 10, 20, 30, and 40 seconds for each sample setting. ISO scraping technique was performed to measure the depth of cure of each sample. Regression analysis was used to assess the fit of the proposed mathematical model D = Dp In(E0/Ec) to the experimental data obtained in this study. 72 For all the shade-light combinations; A3, B1, and D3 had significantly different regression lines (P < 0.05) with significantly higher Dp and Ec for B1 than A3 and D3. The only exceptions were for the Ec values between B1 and D3 in Allegro, Astralis 5, and Visilux 2 groups; and the Ec between A3 and B1 in Allegro group. The Dp and Ec parameters didn’t show significant differences between A3 and D3 shades in all the groups. Also, most of the significant differences for Dp values occurred in the B1 shade-light combinations; however, none of the D3 shade-light combinations showed significant differences for Dp. Several factors play combined influential effects on the kinetics of polymerization and depth of cure in VLDC’s. The shade has a more dominant effect on both parameters Dp and Ec than the curing light type or source output intensity. As we cure lighter shades “B1,” the effect of using different lights with different output intensities on the two parameters Dp and Ec will be greater and more significant than for darker shades “A3 or D3.” The clinical significance drawn from this study is that clinicians should recognize that using curing lights w/ increased output intensities doesn’t absolutely increase the DOC of VLDC’s especially with the darker shades.