We have developed novel optical micro-electro-mechanical systems, (MEMS) and nano-electro-mechanical, (NEMS) optical components for applications including imaging, switching, and optical integrated circuits. This paper provides an overview of current optical MEMS/NEMS research projects in our integrated photonics laboratory at UCLA. Three optical MEMS/NEMS devices: a large, 1 mm diameter, scann...

We present a combination of transient electro-thermal simulations of three-dimensional interconnect structures and the calculation of their coupled intrinsic thermo-mechanical stress distributions. For the numerical solution of the electro-thermal as well as the thermo-mechanical stress problem, we apply the finite element method. A practical example is presented where the temperature and the p...

We describe a simple technique of neonatal ventilation that induces the neonate to breathe in synchrony with the ventilator. This preserves the beneficial effects of spontaneous respiration (unlike therapeutic paralysis) and reduces potentially harmful interactions between baby and ventilator. The technique uses measurements of the neonate's own respiratory timing.

Mechanical ventilator failures expose patients to unacceptable risks, and maintaining mechanical ventilator safety is an important issue. We examined the usefulness of maintaining mechanical ventilators by clinical engineers (CEs) using a specialized calibrator. These evaluations and the ability to make in-house repairs proved useful for obviating the need to rent ventilators which, in turn, mi...

208 words) PURPOSE To determine the approaches used in withdrawing mechanical ventilator support. MATERIALS and METHODS Speakers from the invited faculty of the World Federation of Societies of Intensive and Critical Care Medicine Congress in 2013 with an interest in ethics were asked to provide a detailed description of individual approaches to the process of withdrawal of mechanical ventilati...

As micro-device application in consumer and commercial products develops, efficient tools are required to simulate device dynamics and assess structural performance. An integrated methodology is developed for studying the dynamics of thin film bifurcating structures. Results are presented for a generic thin film structure, which exhibit classical electro-mechanical hysteresis. Such structures c...

New features of mechanical ventilators are frequently introduced, including new modes, monitoring techniques, and triggering techniques. But new rarely translates into any measureable improvement in outcome. We describe 4 new techniques and attempt to define what is a new invention versus what is innovative-a technique that significantly improves a measurable variable. We describe and review th...