Digital pattern generator

Abstract: A precision laser pattern generator for writing arbitrary diffractive elements was developed as an alternative to Cartesian coordinate laser/electron-beam writers. This system allows for the fabrication of concentric continuous-relief and arbitrary binary patterns with minimum feature sizes of less than 0.6 µm and position accuracy of 0.1 µm over 300-mm substrates. Two resistless technologies of writing on chromium and on amorphous silicon films were developed and implemented. We investigated limit characteristics by writing special test structures. A 58-mm f/1.1 zone plate written directly is demonstrated at a λ/50 rms wave-front error corresponding to a 0.06-µm pattern accuracy. Several examples of fabricated diffractive elements are presented.

Abstract: A set of van der Pol oscillators is arranged in a network in which each oscillator is coupled to each other oscillator. Through the selection of coupling coefficients, the network is made to appear as a ring and as a chain of coupled oscillators. Each oscillator is provided with amplitude, frequency, and offset parameters which have analytically indeterminable effects on the output waves. These systems are simulated on the digital computer in order to study the amplitude, frequency, offset, and phase relationships of the waves versus parameter changes. Based on the simulations, systems of coupled oscillators are configured so that they exhibit stable patterns of signals which can be used to model the central pattern generator (CPG) of living organisms. Using a simple biped as an example locomotory system, the CPG model generates control signals for simulated walking and jumping maneuvers. It is shown that with parameter adjustments, as guided by the simulations, the model can be made to generate kinematic trajectories which closely resemble those for the human walking gait. Further-more, minor tuning of these parameters along with some algebraic sign changes of coupling coefficients can effect a transition in the trajectories to those of a two-legged hopping gait. The generalized CPG model is shown to be versatile enough that it can also generate various n-legged gaits and spinal undulatory motions, as in the swimming motions of a fish.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a predetermined object pattern representing a portion of a three-dimensional object, modifying the predetermined object pattern to correct for geometric distortion of a pattern generator, and generating the modified pattern using the pattern generator. The generated pattern interacts with a reactive material to form the portion of the three-dimensional object defined by the predetermined object pattern.

Abstract: On-line pulsewidth modulation (PWM) pattern generators for current-source rectifiers and inverters offer a number of control advantages over off-line optimized patterns. However, when implemented using the principles which apply to voltage-source inverter PWM pattern generators, the switching frequency is equal to: (1) the carrier frequency in standard carrier-based implementations and (2) a function of the cycle frequency, sequence of space vectors, and selection of the zero space vector in space vector implementations. This paper shows that this frequency can be reduced to one-half of the respective frequencies. Two pattern generators are investigated: (1) an analog on-line carrier-based technique, namely, the modified dead-band technique and (2) a digital on-line space vector-based technique, where advantage is taken of the extra zero state available in current-source converters. It is shown that the switching frequency reduction is achieved with no penalty in the line current harmonic distortion. Moreover, a significant reduction of AC line current distortion is obtained with the modified dead-band technique for modulation indexes greater than 0.4. The principles of operation of the proposed schemes are explained, Experimental results on a 5 kVA current-source rectifier and a 5 kVA current-source inverter confirm the feasibility and features of the proposed pattern generators.