Field programmable analog array

Abstract

A method for dynamically generating or interacting with an electromagnetic field includes providing a spatial array of conductive segments, a switching device operable on each of the conductive segments to either allow or block transmission of an electrical signal and a control device operable on the switching device. A sequence of the conductive segments are connected to form a conductive path where each segments intersects with at least two different ones of the conductive segments at a node. The switching device operates to connect a selected first one of the conductive segments with a selected second one of the conductive segments to form the sequence according to a logic signal from the control device. Power is supplied to the conductive path to produce an electromagnetic field which depends at least in part on the spatial arrangement of the connected sequence of the conductive segments.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a method for dynamically generating spatially variable conductive paths.

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application 62 / 978,671, filed February 19, 2020, concerning a field-programmable analog array, under 119(e) of 35 United States Code, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] This application is together with a non-provisional application relating to provisional application 62 / 978,675 filed on February 19, 2020, concerning a magnetic platform for sample orientation, which was filed on the same day as this application and claims priority thereto. The disclosures of the documents of both applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] This application is together with a non-provisional application relating to provisional application 62 / 978,680 filed on February 19, 2020, relating to field-programmable fluid arrays, which was filed on the same day as this application and claims priority thereto. The disclosures of the documents of the two applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0005] This application relates to a method and apparatus for single-particle streaming as described in PCT application PCT / CA2017 / 050907, which was published on February 1, 2018 as WO2018 / 018155 and corresponds to U.S. application 15 / 662794, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0006] This application relates to efficient multiplexing as described in PCT application PCT / CA2018 / 050599, published on November 29, 2018 as WO2018 / 213923, which corresponds to U.S. application 15 / 987279, now published on March 10, 2020 as Patent 10,585,044, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0007] This application relates to a high-resolution multiplexing system as described in PCT application PCT / CA2019 / 051625, which was published on May 22, 2020 as WO2020 / 097732 and corresponds to U.S. application 16 / 683357, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0008] This application relates to a modulation device for a space as described in PCT application PCT / CA2019 / 051626, which was published on May 22, 2020 as WO2020 / 097733, corresponding to U.S. application 16 / 683376 filed on November 14, 2019, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0009] This application relates to the use of electromagnetic force to perform operations on a workpiece as described in PCT application PCT / CA2021 / 050118, which corresponds to U.S. Application 17 / 166,207 filed February 3, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0010] The present invention relates to a method for dynamically changing the spatial configuration of a conductive path for the purpose of generating an electromagnetic field or interacting with an electromagnetic field.

[0011] This invention is a platform technology with a wide variety of applications, including receiving and transmitting electromagnetic signals, directional particle transport for sorting and manufacturing, altering the quantum state of objects, directional objects, and measuring objects. [Previous Technology]

[0012] Magnetic arrays composed of permanent magnets and electromagnets are known in the prior art. Magnets in the prior art have a fixed geometry, and thus the possible magnetic field projected onto an effective volume is limited by a linear combination of the magnetic fields from each magnet with a fixed geometry. In particular, the axis of the fixed magnets determines the direction of the possible magnetic field. One object of the present invention is to provide a device that can generate a magnetic field in any or selected direction.

[0013] Known in the art, phased array antennas operate by coordinating signals to and from an array of potentially thousands of individual fixed-geometry antennas to create the effect of a larger directional antenna. However, these individual antennas are not optimally aligned. As described by Foo in US10,211,532, recent art describes optical methods for better alignment of the received electromagnetic radiation along a fixed antenna axis. One object of the present invention is to achieve better alignment of the antenna and the measured electromagnetic radiation without output optics. A further object of the present invention is to provide passive optics that reflect, diffract, or polarize electromagnetic radiation. [Summary of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present invention, a method for dynamically generating a conductive path for generating or interacting with an electromagnetic field is provided, comprising the steps of providing an array of spaces having a plurality of conductive segments, a switching device operable on each of the conductive segments to allow or block conduction from the conductive segment to a second conductive segment in the array of spaces, and a control device operable on the switching device to select which of the conductive segments are conductively connected; and connecting a sequence of the conductive segments to form a conductive path.

[0015] In one embodiment, an electric current is applied to the conductive path to generate an electromagnetic field, and wherein the electromagnetic field is at least in part determined by the spatial configuration of the sequence of connections of the conductive segments in the conductive path.

[0016] In another embodiment, an electromagnetic field is applied to the conductive path to generate an interaction with the conductive path, and wherein the interaction with the electromagnetic field is at least in part determined by the spatial configuration of the sequence of connections of the conductive segments in the conductive path.

[0017] Therefore, the present invention is based on a method for dynamically generating spatially variable conductive paths.

[0018] According to an important feature of the invention (which can be used independently of any of the following features), it provides an array of spaces comprising a plurality of conductive segments, a switching device operable on each conductive segment to allow or block the transmission of an electrical signal, a plurality of nodes wherein each conductive segment is electrically connected to at least one node, and wherein each node has at least three electrically connected conductive segments, and a control device operable on the switching device to select which conductive segments to transmit an electrical signal. The switching device may be a terminal contained in a node, located anywhere along a conductive segment.

[0019] According to an important feature of the invention (which may be utilized independently of any of the preceding or following features), a control device is provided, wherein the control device generates a signal that controls the state of an operating device integrated with and connected to the array of spaces. In some embodiments, the control signal is electrical. In a preferred embodiment, the control signal is transmitted by means of optical elements. This embodiment has the advantage that the electromagnetic field of the optical signal is at a frequency much higher than that of the electromagnetic field generated by the array of conductive segments, and therefore does not interfere. The operating device may be a switch between a first conductive segment and one or more conductive segments, wherein the switch provides conduction between the first conductive segment and zero or more selected conductive segments according to a logic signal from the control device. The operating device may be a current source, wherein the control device generates a signal that controls the magnitude of the current transferred from the current source to a conductive segment of the array of spaces. The operating device may be a voltage source, wherein the control device generates a signal that controls the magnitude of the voltage transferred to a conductive segment of the array of spaces. The operating device may be an amplifier, wherein the control device generates a signal that controls the amplification of an electrical signal between a first conductive segment and a second conductive segment. The operating device may be a machine-readable storage device that stores information about the state of at least one other operating device and generates a signal that maintains the state. The operating device may be a sensor, wherein the control device generates a signal to control the measurement.

[0020] According to an important optional feature of the invention (which may be used independently of any of the preceding or following features), the control device further includes a computing device. The computing device includes a machine-readable information storage device and a communication device operable to receive and transmit information to an external computing device. The information may, for example, be parameters for configuring and operating the array of spaces. The information may, for example, be data from sensors embedded in the array of spaces. The information may, for example, be a data stream received or transmitted by the array of spaces. In some embodiments, the computing device is operable to receive a desired electromagnetic field as input within or near a location within the array of spaces, and from the input, select a set of conductive segments within the array of spaces, and the magnitude of the power transmitted through each of the selected conductive segments required to generate the desired electromagnetic field. The computing device then generates a signal that causes the selected power to flow into the selected conductive segments to generate the desired electromagnetic field. In some embodiments, the computing device further receives information about the electromagnetic field from a sensor at a measurement location in or near the array of spaces, and in response to the information changes the magnitude of the power in at least one conductive segment to alter the electromagnetic field at the measurement location. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic field at the measurement location is generated by the array of spaces, and the measurement is a feedback that allows the computing device to modify the pattern of the power within the conductive segment to reduce the difference between the measured electromagnetic field and the desired electromagnetic field. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic field at the measurement location is generated by an external source, and the computing device generates a signal that causes power to flow into a selected segment, thereby altering the electromagnetic field generated by the external source. For example, the external source could be a magnet from a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) device, and the computing device causes power to flow into a selected conductive segment of the array of spaces to adjust the gradient and uniformity of the magnetic field within a sample region of the MRI device. In some magnetic resonance embodiments, the magnetic field generated by the array of said space is a time-varying component of the magnetic field of a magnet perpendicular to said exterior. This configuration can therefore be generally utilized in magnetic resonance experiments. This can be implemented, for example, on a small-scale sample of individual units, which allows the results of, for example, the experiments described above to be used in a classifier.

[0021] According to an important feature of the invention, the current transmission between each pair of conductive paths, except at the nodes, has a high resistance barrier. Within a node, current can flow unconditionally from a first conductive segment to a second conductive segment via a permanent connection or conditionally via a switching device in response to a logic signal. As a non-limiting example, the switching device may be a solid-state relay, a reed switch, or a transistor in response to an electrical signal from the control device. For example, the switching device may be a photoconductive device in response to an optical signal from the control device.

[0022] According to an important feature of the present invention, the spatial array of the conductive segments and nodes can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional.

[0023] According to an important optional feature of the invention (which may be utilized independently of the preceding features or any of the following features), it provides at least one node having an amplification device that operates to amplify the electrical signal transmitted from a first conductive segment to a selected second conductive segment. This feature can be used, for example, to compensate for voltage drops in semiconductor switches.

[0024] According to an important optional feature of the invention (which may be used independently of the preceding features or any of the following features), it provides at least one sensing element operable to measure an electric field at a location near a conductive section. For example, a suitable MEMS sensor is described in Vittorio Ferrari’s Distortionless Probe for Electric Fields, Nature Electronics 1, 10-11 (2018). Other electric field sensors may also be used.

[0025] According to an important optional feature of the invention (which may be used independently of the preceding features or any of the following features), it provides at least one sensing element operable to measure a magnetic field at a location near a conductive section. For example, a Hall effect sensor may be used. Other magnetic field sensors may also be used.

[0026] According to an important optional feature of the invention (which may be used independently of any of the preceding or following features), it provides at least one node having at least one conductive path connected to a conductive object, wherein the conductive object is designed and shaped to alter the electric and / or magnetic field approaching the conductive object. Non-limiting examples of the conductive object are a pointed object that concentrates the electromagnetic field near its tip, and a plate that homogenizes the electromagnetic field near the surface of the plate.

[0027] According to an important optional feature of the invention (which can be used independently of any of the preceding or following features), at least some spaces within the array of spaces not occupied by nodes or conductive segments are filled with a material having a relative permeability greater than 1. The material may, for example, be a ferromagnetic material, which serves to enhance the magnetic field strength at a location near the material. The material may, for example, function as a magneto-optical device to alter the path of light in response to changes in the magnetic field generated by the array of spaces. The material may, for example, be magnetized by the field generated by the conductive segments and generate a magnetic field that persists even when no current flows in the conductive segments. This magnetization can be counteracted or altered by applying a second magnetizing field generated by the current flowing into the conductive segments of the array of spaces.

[0028] According to an important optional feature of the invention (which may be used independently of any of the preceding or following features), at least some of the spaces within the array of spaces that are not occupied by nodes or conductive segments are filled with a dielectric material. The material may, for example, change its refractive index in response to an electric field generated by the array of spaces, thereby altering the path of light passing through the array of spaces.

[0029] According to an important optional feature of the invention (which may be used independently of any of the preceding features or the following features), at least some of the spaces within the array of spaces that are not occupied by nodes or conductive segments are filled with a thermally conductive material.

[0030] According to an important optional feature of the invention (which may be used independently of any of the preceding features or the following features), at least a portion of the spatial array of the conductive segments and nodes is functionally connected to at least one thermal regulation device, wherein the thermal regulation device is used to raise or lower the temperature of a portion of the spatial array.

[0031] According to an important optional feature of the invention (which may be used independently of any of the preceding features or the following features), at least some of the spaces within the array of spaces that are not occupied by nodes or conductive segments are occupied by at least one channel containing test material.

[0032] According to an important optional feature of the invention (which may be used independently of the preceding features or any of the following features), the array of spaces includes or is close to a channel containing a conductive fluid.

[0033] According to an important optional feature of the invention (which may be used independently of any of the preceding features or the following features), the array of spaces includes at least one cathode on which material is deposited by an electrochemical process.

[0034] According to an important optional feature of the invention (which may be used independently of any of the preceding features or the following features), the array of spaces includes at least one anode from which material is removed by an electrochemical process.

[0035] According to an important optional feature of the invention (which may be used independently of any of the preceding features or the following features), at least some of the spaces within the array of spaces that are not occupied by nodes or conductive segments are occupied by at least one optical transmission path.

[0036] According to an important optional feature of the invention (which may be used independently of any of the preceding or following features), at least some of the spaces within the array of spaces that are not occupied by nodes or conductive segments are occupied by at least one radiation generating device. The radiation generating device may be, for example, a laser or an LED associated with a light transmission path.

[0037] According to an important optional feature of the invention (which may be used independently of any of the preceding or following features), at least some spaces within the array of spaces not occupied by nodes or conductive segments are occupied by at least one sensing device. The sensing device may be, for example, a radiation detection device, such as a photodiode of a photomultiplier tube associated with a light transmission path. The sensing device may be, for example, a temperature measuring device, such as a thermocouple. The sensing device may be, for example, an electromagnetic field sensor. The sensing device may be, for example, an ion intensity sensor that measures the concentration of charged particles in a region of space within the array of spaces not occupied by nodes or conductive segments. The sensing device may be, for example, a chemical sensor that measures the concentration of a chemical species in a region of space within the array of spaces not occupied by nodes or conductive segments.

[0038] According to an important optional feature of the invention (which may be used independently of the preceding features or any of the following features), a node may include a means for amplifying a power from a conductive segment of a first connection and transmitting the amplified power to a second conductive segment. This feature is used to compensate for cumulative power loss when an electrical signal is transmitted along a sequence of conductive nodes.

[0039] According to an important optional feature of the invention (which may be used independently of the preceding features or any of the following features), a node may include a power source. For example, the node may include a device that generates a current and sets the current over a connected conductive section. For example, the node may include a device that generates a voltage and sets the voltage over a connected conductive section.

[0040] According to an important optional feature of the invention (which can be used independently of any of the preceding or following features), the array of spaces includes at least one embedded magnet. The magnet can be a permanent magnet of a fixed shape, an electromagnet of a fixed shape, or any combination of a permanent magnet of a fixed shape and an electromagnet. The fixed-shape magnet, for example, can provide a fixed magnetic field, which is modified by a magnetic field generated by a current flowing through the array of spaces. The combination of the magnetic field generated by the embedded magnet and the magnetic field generated by a current flowing through selected conductive sections in the array of spaces can, for example, be integrated with a magnetic resonance device.

[0041] According to an important optional feature of the invention (which may be utilized independently of the preceding features or any of the following features), it provides at least one node having an amplification device that operates to amplify the electrical signal transmitted from a first conductive segment to a selected second conductive segment. This feature can be used, for example, to compensate for voltage drops in semiconductor switches.

[0042] In a key embodiment that can be utilized in conjunction with previous embodiments or any of the following embodiments, at least one conductive path between nodes is a straight line between the nodes, and the switching device for the conductive path is located along the conductive path. This configuration minimizes the length and resistance of the conductive path, but is limited by the requirement that the conductive path and the switching device have similar dimensions. The switching device can be, for example, a transistor, which can be manufactured at a 5nm scale using current technology (Samsung). Larger dimensions that allow for greater current flow can also be utilized.

[0043] In an important embodiment that can be used in conjunction with the preceding embodiments or any of the following embodiments, the path of at least one conductive segment is not the shortest path between the endpoints of the conductive segment. For example, a conductive segment may be an arc.

[0044] In a key embodiment that can be utilized in conjunction with previous embodiments or any of the following embodiments, a conductive segment may be composed of a plurality of portions, wherein the direction vector for a first portion type is substantially parallel to a vector between a point on the first portion and an electromagnetic field point, and a second portion type of a conductive segment may have a direction vector substantially perpendicular to a vector between an electromagnetic field point and a point on the second portion of the conductive segment. For convenience, the first portion type is referred to as a transmitting portion, and the second portion type is referred to as an active portion. The transmitting portion type contributes negligible magnetic flux at the field point, while the active portion type contributes magnetic flux at the field point. For example, a conductive segment may be U-shaped, wherein the middle portion is an active portion, and the end is a transmitting portion. This embodiment can be used to maximize the density of active portions near a field point by moving the node's points and associated circuitry further away from the field point. For example, if the volume near the field point contains conductive segments rather than a node's switching element, the magnitude of the magnetic field generated near the field point is larger. This method has the additional benefit of reducing the effects of electromagnetic fields generated by logic signals, switching, and amplification circuits in the connected nodes.

[0045] In one important embodiment, which may be used in conjunction with the preceding embodiments or any of the following embodiments, electricity flows through a series of conductive segments connected in series.

[0046] In one important embodiment, which may be used in conjunction with the preceding embodiments or any of the following embodiments, electricity flows through a sequence of parallel conductive sections.

[0047] In one important embodiment, which may be used in conjunction with the preceding embodiments or any of the following embodiments, the switching device for connecting a plurality of conductive segments of a node is located at the node.

[0048] In a key embodiment that can be used in conjunction with previous embodiments or any of the following embodiments, the switching device at a node includes a logic input port, an analog input port having at least one conductive input path, and an analog output port having a plurality of conductive output paths, wherein the switching device receives a logic signal at the logic port and selects zero or more conductive paths at the output port to connect to each selected conductive path at the input port based on the logic signal. In a non-limiting example, the input and output ports may be constructed using an analog multiplexer and an analog demultiplexer.

[0049] In one important embodiment that may be used in conjunction with the preceding embodiments or any of the following embodiments, at least one node includes a memory device that functions to maintain the logical state of the node based on the last logical state transmitted to the node via the computing device.

[0050] In an important embodiment that may be used in conjunction with the preceding embodiments or any of the following embodiments, at least one switching device includes a memory device having a unique address for the switching device, wherein the unique address is compared with an address received from the control device, and if the address matches the switching device, the device is changed to a state specified by the control device.

[0051] In one important embodiment that may be used in conjunction with the preceding embodiments or any of the following embodiments, the nodes of the spatial array are formed in a periodic lattice, wherein there is a conductive path between each node and its nearest neighbor in each orthogonal direction.

[0052] In a key embodiment that can be utilized in conjunction with the preceding embodiments or any of the following embodiments, there is at least one conductive path between two distinct nodes that are not the closest neighbors. In a non-limiting example, the conductive path may have a star topology.

[0053] In an important embodiment that may be used in conjunction with the preceding embodiments or any of the following embodiments, a sequence of conductive segments in the array of spaces is connected to create a conductive path, and current flows along the path to generate a magnetic field, wherein at least a portion of the magnetic field is outside the array of spaces or through a channel within the array of spaces.

[0054] In one important embodiment that may be used in conjunction with the preceding embodiments or any of the following embodiments, a magnetic field generated within the array of spaces of the present invention is used to change the position or orientation of a magnetic object that is close to the array of spaces or within a channel inside the array of spaces.

[0055] In an important embodiment that may be used in conjunction with the preceding embodiments or any of the following embodiments, a magnetic field generated within the array of spaces of the present invention is used to change the quantum state of an atom or molecule in a channel adjacent to or within the array of spaces (Zeeman effect).

[0056] In an important embodiment that may be used in conjunction with the preceding embodiments or any of the following embodiments, a sequence of conductive segments in the array of spaces is connected to create a conductive path, wherein a voltage different from the voltage of a reference surface is applied to the conductive path, and an electric field is generated between at least a portion of the conductive path and the reference surface, wherein at least a portion of the electric field is outside the nodes of the array of spaces or through a channel within the array of spaces.

[0057] In an important embodiment that may be used in conjunction with the preceding embodiments or any of the following embodiments, an electric field generated by the array of spaces of the present invention is used to change the position or orientation of a charged particle that is close to the array of spaces or within a channel inside the array of spaces.

[0058] In an important embodiment that may be used in conjunction with the preceding embodiments or any of the following embodiments, an electric field generated by the array of the space of the present invention is used to change the quantum state of an atom or molecule in a channel close to or inside the array of the space (Stark effect).

[0059] In an important embodiment that may be used in conjunction with the preceding embodiments or any of the following embodiments, a sequence of conductive elements in the array of the space is connected; electricity is applied to the sequence to generate an electromagnetic field; the electromagnetic field alters at least one optical property of an optical material; and the change in the optical material alters the path of light.

[0060] In a key embodiment that can be utilized in conjunction with previous embodiments or any of the following embodiments, a sequence of conductive segments in the spatial array is connected to create a conductive path, wherein a time-varying power is applied to the conductive path, and the conductive path transmits electromagnetic radiation having a spatial pattern, which is at least partially determined by the spatial configuration of the nodes in the conductive path. In a non-limiting example, the conductive path of the spatial array can be dynamically configured to form an antenna that is optimally oriented to transmit at a user-specified frequency and in a user-specified direction. This example is functionally equivalent to actually rotating a fixed antenna to a specified azimuth.

[0061] In a key embodiment that can be utilized in conjunction with the preceding embodiments or any of the following embodiments, a plurality of time-varying electrical forces, different in phase, are applied to a plurality of conductive paths, each composed of a different sequence of nodes, to generate electromagnetic radiation, wherein the spatial pattern of said electromagnetic radiation is at least partially determined by the spatial configuration of the nodes in each conductive path. In a non-limiting example, the conductive paths of the spatial array can be configured as an array of directional antennas coordinated to function as a phase array radio transmitter, which can be optimally configured to transmit in different directions and at different frequencies.

[0062] In a key embodiment that can be utilized in conjunction with the preceding embodiments or any of the following embodiments, a sequence of conductive segments in the spatial array is connected to create a conductive path, wherein a spatially and temporally varying electromagnetic field incident on the conductive path, and the power generated on the conductive path by the electromagnetic field, is at least partially determined by the spatial configuration of the nodes in the conductive path. In a non-limiting example, the nodes of the spatial array can function as a radio receiver, which can be reconfigured to receive in different directions and at different frequencies.

[0063] In a key embodiment that can be utilized in conjunction with previous embodiments or any of the following embodiments, a plurality of conductive paths are formed in the array of said space, wherein each conductive path is composed of a sequence of conductive segments, and wherein the electrical signal generated on each conductive path by an incident electromagnetic radiation is at least partially determined according to the spatial arrangement of the conductive segments on said conductive path, and wherein the electrical signal from said conductive path is analyzed to obtain information about said incident electromagnetic radiation. In a non-limiting example, the nodes of said spatial array can function as directional phase array radio receivers, which can be reconfigured to optimally receive signals from different directions and at different frequencies.

[0064] In a key embodiment that can be utilized in conjunction with the preceding embodiments or any of the following embodiments, a plurality of time-varying electrical forces of different phases are applied to a plurality of conductive paths, each consisting of a different sequence of conductive segments, to generate electromagnetic radiation, wherein the spatial pattern of the electromagnetic radiation is at least partially determined by the spatial configuration of the conductive segments in each conductive path. In a non-limiting example, the conductive paths of the spatial array can function as a phase array radio transmitter, which can be reconfigured to transmit in different directions and at different frequencies.

[0065] In a key embodiment that can be utilized in conjunction with previous embodiments or any of the following embodiments, a plurality of conductive segments are connected to form a conductive path, wherein the presence of the conductive path alters the electromagnetic field at a field point outside the conductive path for at least a moment. For example, the plurality of conductive segments may be connected to form a grid to form a reflective element. The reflective element may, for example, be a parabolic mirror that focuses electromagnetic radiation. In this example, the focal length and optical axis of the parabolic mirror can be dynamically changed by altering the components of the connected conductive segments.

[0066] In some embodiments, a plurality of conductive paths are formed, wherein the spatial arrangement of the plurality of conductive paths acts to change the polarization of electromagnetic radiation incident on the plurality of conductive paths. The plurality of conductive paths may, for example, be configured as a linear grid polarizer that transmits electromagnetic radiation of a first polarization and reflects electromagnetic radiation of a second polarization. In this embodiment, the optical axis and polarization direction of the linear polarizer can be dynamically changed by altering the connected conductive segments of the group.

[0067] In some embodiments, a plurality of conductive paths are formed, wherein the spatial arrangement of the plurality of conductive paths serves to diffract electromagnetic radiation. In this embodiment, diffraction gratings with different periods and optical axes can be dynamically generated by connecting different sets of conductive segments. In this embodiment, the distance between the conductive paths corresponds to the wavelength of the radiation to be diffracted. This feature can be used, for example, to guide microwave radiation in different directions by changing the period and orientation of the diffraction paths. This feature can be used, for example, to dynamically generate holograms.

[0068] In some embodiments, a plurality of conductive paths are formed, wherein the spatial arrangement of the plurality of conductive paths serves to scatter electromagnetic radiation. In this embodiment, the conductive paths have a scale corresponding to the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation to be scattered. For example, a 100-micrometer conductive segment is much smaller than 1 mm of electromagnetic radiation and will therefore not scatter it strongly, but connecting five to ten such conductive segments will strongly scatter 1 mm radiation. In this example, the connected segments form an edge filter. In another example, two or more sets of conductive segments with different scales can be connected to form a bandpass filter. Since the connected segments of the sets can be dynamically changed, the passband can be tuned. A dielectric material can be incorporated into the array of conductive segments to alter the Mie scattering characteristics of the array. This feature can be used to dynamically change the radar cross-section of a panel containing an array of spaces of the present invention.

[0069] In a key embodiment that can be utilized in conjunction with previous embodiments or any of the following embodiments, the electromagnetic field generated by at least one conductive segment of the array of spaces interacts with a conductive fluid to cause magnetohydrodynamic movement of the fluid. The conductive fluid may be, for example, blood, and the conductive segments are activated in sequence according to a measured property of a blood cell to move the blood cell to a location. The conductive fluid may, for example, contain metal ions for an electrochemical deposition process. It is an ion stream that can be directed to a specific location for deposition by magnetohydrodynamic forces. In some embodiments, there are multiple conductive fluid streams that can be spatially and temporally varied by different combinations of electrically conductive segments.

[0070] In a key embodiment that can be used in conjunction with the preceding embodiments or any of the following embodiments, material is electrochemically added to a location on a substrate near an array of spaces, wherein the amount of material added is at least partially determined by an electromagnetic field generated by at least one conductive segment of the array of spaces. The electromagnetic field generated by the array of spaces can, for example, spatially adjust the concentration of metal ions near a substrate surface, thereby controlling the number of ions electrochemically deposited at that location.

[0071] In a key embodiment that can be used in conjunction with the preceding embodiments or any of the following embodiments, material is electrochemically removed from a location on a substrate adjacent to an array of spaces, wherein the amount of material removed is at least partially determined by an electromagnetic field generated by at least one conductive segment of the array of spaces. For example, the electromagnetic field generated by a conductive segment can alter the concentration of an etchant at a location.

[0072] In a key embodiment that can be used in conjunction with the preceding embodiments or any of the following embodiments, there is a measuring device that measures a parameter of material deposited or removed at a location, and the electromagnetic field at the location is at least partially altered based on a measured parameter. For example, the thickness of the material deposited at the location can be measured using an interferometer, and the deposition or removal process is stopped when a desired thickness is reached. For example, the crystal morphology of a crystal grown by an electrochemical process can be measured by X-ray diffraction, and the electromagnetic field is modulated to enhance the growth of a single crystal.

[0073] In a key embodiment that can be utilized in conjunction with the preceding embodiments or any of the following embodiments, a plurality of cathodes are contained in an array of said spaces, and material is electrochemically deposited on each cathode. In some embodiments, the plurality of cathodes are associated with a different substrate, and the plurality of components are electrochemically formed in parallel. In some embodiments, the plurality of cathodes are associated with a different location of a component, material is added to each location, and then said locations are connected together. In some embodiments, a different material is added to each cathode location. For example, the present invention can be used as an electrochemical printhead that electrochemically deposits different amounts and types of material at different locations on a substrate.

[0074] In one important embodiment, which may be used in conjunction with the preceding embodiments or any of the following embodiments, the cathode is a mandrel having a pre-formed pattern to be replicated.

[0075] In a key embodiment that can be used in conjunction with the preceding embodiments or any of the following embodiments, the template for an electrochemically formed object is provided by the temporal and spatial electromagnetic field formed by the array of said spaces. An electroformed object of arbitrary shape can be produced using the present invention without a preparatory step of producing a solid mandrel. The template is provided by the electromagnetic field generated by the array of said spaces.

[0076] In one important embodiment, which may be used in conjunction with the preceding embodiments or any of the following embodiments, there are a plurality of materials removed from the anode.

[0077] In some embodiments, the material is deposited at a location at least partially determined by the arrangement of the anode and cathode spaces, wherein the arrangement of the anode and cathode spaces is determined by the connection between at least two conductive segments of the array of spaces. The material may be, for example, a metal, such as Cu, Ni, Ag, or Au. The channel may, for example, contain a mandrel on which a component is electroformed. Alternatively, an electromagnetic field generated by the array of spaces may, for example, replace the mandrel for producing an electroformed component.

Implementation Method

[0078] Figure 1 is a general schematic diagram illustrating the present invention 100, which includes an array of spaces comprising conductive segments 101 and 102, and a control device 10. The array of spaces may comprise regions having different types of orders ranging from regular to random. For illustrative purposes, a region with an orthogonal order is shown in 101, and a region with a cylindrical order is shown in 102. As illustrated, the cylindrical region is composed of three layers in a radial direction, and the orthogonal region is composed of four layers in a vertical direction; this is merely for illustrative purposes. The actual device of the present invention can have as few as one layer or more than one million layers in any given direction. Other order types based on spatial groups, Penrose patterns, fractal geometry, and random walks are also feasible. Generally, it is convenient to utilize an array of spaces having the same symmetry characteristics as the electromagnetic field intended to generate or interact with.

[0079] The control device 10 includes a computing device 14, which communicates with an analog output port 11, a logic output port 12, an input port 13, a machine-readable storage device 15, and a communication device 16.

[0080] The computing device 14 may be, for example, a digital processing unit, such as a CPU or an FPGA. The computing device 14 may include an analog processing unit. The analog output port 11 is a device that functions to distribute power to the array of spaces. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the analog output port supplies power to a fixed electromagnetic coil 31 via cable 31A. As shown, fixed magnets 31, 32, and 33 are spaced at uniform intervals around a portion of the array of spaces and may be electromagnets, permanent magnets, or a combination of permanent magnets and electromagnets, as shown in the diagram where 31A is connected to a power source. In operation, the fixed magnets function to provide a strong magnetic field, while the array of spaces in the surrounding conductive sections functions to generate a magnetic field, which modifies or adjusts the magnetic field generated by the fixed magnets. The analog output 11 is connected via cable 34A to a thermally regulating device, symbolically shown at 34, integrated with the array of spaces. In this example, the thermal regulation device may be a thermoelectric (Peltier) cooler or a resistance heater. The array of spaces may include a plurality of thermal regulation devices, which function to maintain different regions of the array of spaces at different temperatures. A radiation source integrated with the array of spaces is symbolically shown at 35, which is connected to analog output 11 via cable 35A. The radiation source may be, for example, a laser, an LED, a hot blackbody infrared source, a gas discharge tube, an X-ray generator, an ion gun, or a microwave generator.

[0081] As shown in 36, a node can receive analog power from analog output 11 via cable 36B. The fixed analog output port 11 may include voltage and current regulation circuitry, a digital-to-analog converter, an amplifier, a filter, and the like for each output channel. The analog output port 11 can distribute fixed power to a first connection device and a time-varying waveform to a second connection device. Logic output port 12 is used to transmit logic signals to devices in the array of said space, such as nodes and sensors. As shown in 36, a node can receive logic signals from logic output 12 via cable 36A. Input port 13 receives digital and analog signals from sensor devices integrated with or near the array of said space. For example, radiation sensor 21 may include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and transmit a digital signal to input port 13 via cable 21A; or the radiation sensor may transmit an analog signal to input port 13, and the analog signal may be converted to a digital format by an ADC integrated with the input port. Alternatively, as discussed in PCT application PCT / CA2019 / 051625 cited above, very high-speed data analysis of the analog waveform from radiation detector 21 can be implemented using analog circuitry. Control device 10 may exchange information with an external device 17 via communication device 16. External device 17 is the interface between the user and the configuration of the present invention. External device 17 may include a computing device, a display device, an input device, a data storage device, a network connection, or any combination thereof.

[0082] The computing device 14 takes a desired electromagnetic field as input from a set of regions within or near the array of spaces, and outputs a set of selected conductive segments and an electrical value (which may be zero) associated with each selected conductive segment, which produces the closest approximation of the desired electromagnetic field. The desired electromagnetic field can be generated actively by the array of spaces by applying power to at least one conductive segment and / or passively by forming a conductive path between at least two conductive segments interacting with an externally applied electromagnetic field. The computing device models the electromagnetic field generated by the array of spaces based on the geometric and electrical properties of the materials constituting the array of spaces, which includes nodes, conductive segments, logic signal lines, and surrounding materials and apertures. It should be noted that the properties of the electronic components in the nodes and the electromagnetic field generated to the nodes by logic signals are explicitly included in the model.

[0083] In other words, the computing device calculates the electromagnetic field generated by the logic signals of the nodes supplied to the array within the space, and adjusts the power supplied to the conductive sections to compensate for this effect. Once the geometry and material properties are specified, the electromagnetic field can be calculated by solving Maxwell's equations. For example, Maxwell's equations can be approximated as linear equations of a system applied to sufficiently small volumetric units, and these linear equations can be solved using standard matrix algebra. In another example, Maxwell's equations can be solved iteratively on a grid. In yet another example, Maxwell's equations can be solved using a neural network. Any method for solving Maxwell's equations can be used. The methods used to solve Maxwell's equations are not part of this invention.

[0084] Optionally, the array of spaces includes an electric field sensor 22, which communicates with the control device 10 via cable 22A. Optionally, the array of spaces includes a magnetic field sensor 23, which communicates with the control device 10 via cable 23A. The computing device can utilize information from the electric and magnetic field sensors embedded in or near the array of spaces to improve its model of the electromagnetic field generated for a given set of connections and power levels between conductive segments. For example, the dimensions of a fabricated array of spaces may differ from an ideal specification, and therefore the calculated electromagnetic field will differ from the measured electromagnetic field. Optionally, the array of spaces includes a temperature sensor 24, which communicates with the control device 10 via cable 24A. For example, the material properties may vary with environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. For example, the material properties may change over time due to atomic diffusion or chemical reactions such as oxidation. The computing device 14 can use sensor measurements to improve its model and thereby reduce the difference between the desired electromagnetic field and the measured electromagnetic field at any given instant.

[0085] As indicated in summary 41, the array of spaces may include a ferromagnetic material occupying a portion of the volume between the conductive segments of the array of spaces. The ferromagnetic material acts to modify the magnetic field approaching the ferromagnetic material. As indicated in 42, the array of spaces may include a dielectric material occupying a portion of the volume between the conductive segments of the array of spaces. The dielectric material acts to modify the electric field approaching the dielectric material. As indicated in 43, the array of spaces may include an optical path occupying a portion of the volume between the conductive segments of the array of spaces. The optical path may, for example, be a void filled with a gas or optical fiber. As indicated in 44, the array of spaces may include a channel occupying a portion of the volume between the conductive segments of the array of spaces. The channel 44 may include a test material 50 that is acted upon by an electromagnetic field generated or modified by the array of spaces. One or more of the plurality of channels 44 may allow a ferromagnetic or dielectric liquid to be injected or removed at different times to modify the electromagnetic field near the channel.

[0086] The array of spaces may include a plurality of channels 44. The plurality of channels 44 may, for example, form an array of similar channels for parallel processing of sample objects, such as cells. The plurality of channels 44 may, for example, form a network in which the path taken by a test object is modulated by an electromagnetic field generated by the array of spaces. The channels of the network may, for example, include gates that regulate the flow of a gas or liquid within a channel in response to changes in the electromagnetic field generated by the array of spaces at the gate positions. A gated object may, for example, be moved from a first position to a second position by an electromagnetic force generated by the array of spaces.

[0087] In applications, the desired electromagnetic fields at a set of locations can be directly specified by the user, or the desired electromagnetic fields for the set can be generated by another process to become the electromagnetic fields required to have the desired effect on a material within or near the array of spaces. For example, as discussed by the inventors in the above-cited PCT application PCT / CA2021 / 050118, the required force on a magnetic object is determined by a dynamic calculation, and the required electromagnetic field is calculated from the required force and the properties of the magnetic object.

[0088] Figure 2 is an enlarged view showing the spatial array of Figure 1. A general node, point 36, can receive logic signals from the logic port 12 of the control device 10 via cable 36A, and form or not form electrical connections between conductive segments connected to node 36 according to the logic signals. The general node 36 may optionally include means for storing state information and maintaining state, and for providing, absorbing, and amplifying power. In another embodiment, a general node 38 receives logic signals from the logic port 12 of the control device 10 via optical fiber 38F. The general node 38 also receives power from the analog output port 11 of the control device 10 via cable 38B. It should be noted that the exemplary cable 38B may comprise a plurality of wires, some of which may provide a fixed power, while others may provide a time-varying power. A fixed power line can, for example, provide power to a transistor gate in node 38, and the gate transmits time-varying power from cable 38B along a conductive section according to a logic signal from fiber optic cable 38F. A fixed power line can, for example, provide power to a photoconductive gate in node 38, and the gate transmits time-varying power from cable 38B along a conductive section according to an analog signal from fiber optic cable 38F. Fiber optic cables can generally be used to reduce the influence of electromagnetic fields generated by logic signals on desired electromagnetic fields generated by the array of said spaces.

[0089] Some conductive paths may be generally U-shaped, comprising an active region as indicated in 37A, and a transmission region as indicated in 37B, guiding a node 37 to the periphery of the spatial array. The active region 37A generates a magnetic field that is utilized within the spatial array when current flows. The transmission region 37B is a plane perpendicular to the nodes in the spatial array and therefore does not generate a magnetic field component into the array. This configuration allows switching members to be located at the periphery of a spatial array, allowing higher-density current-carrying (and magnetically generated) conductive sections to be located in the core region of the spatial array.

[0090] As indicated in 44 and 46, the array 100 of the spaces may include a light transmission channel, referred to as a "light guide". The light guide may, for example, be an air-filled region within the array of spaces. The light guide may, for example, have a reflective material surrounding a portion of its periphery. The light guide may, for example, be an optical fiber. As indicated in 45, the array of spaces may further include a channel containing a gas or fluid, and an object transported by the gas or liquid. As indicated in 50, the channel 45 may, for example, be a microfluidic channel containing a biological fluid, such as blood, which transports an object, such as red blood cells. In this example, a radiation source indicated in 35 is connected to the analog output port 11 of the control device 10 via a cable as indicated in 35A. The radiation source 35 may, for example, be a laser that emits monochromatic radiation into the light guide 46. A light guide 46 transmits the monochromatic radiation to a microfluidic channel 45, wherein the monochromatic radiation is Raman scattered by red blood cells 50. The Raman-scattered radiation is received by a light guide 44 and transmitted to a detector 21, which communicates with an input port 13 of a control device via a cable 21A. The detector 21 measures Raman intensity at multiple wavelengths, and the intensity patterns are analyzed by a computing device 14 to provide information about the red blood cells 50. Alternatively, an electric field can be generated in the region of the red blood cells 50 by applying a voltage between conductive plates indicated by 61 and 62. The electric field can be modified by the presence of a dielectric material as indicated by 42, and the modified electric field is measured by an electric field sensor 22, which communicates with an input port 13 of a control device 10 via a cable 22A. The electric field enhances the degeneracy of the quantum states, thereby altering the measured Raman spectrum. Alternatively, a magnetic field can be generated by a current flowing along one or more conductive sections (e.g., conductive section 63) of the spatial array. The magnetic field generated by the current in the conductive sections can be modified by the presence of a ferromagnetic material, as indicated by the material block 41, in the spatial array, and the modified magnetic field is measured by a Hall sensor 23, which communicates with the input port 13 of the control device 10 via cable 23A. The magnetic field enhances the degeneracy of the quantum states, thereby altering the measured Raman spectrum. In some embodiments, a sequence of electromagnetic fields is generated within a portion of a light guide by the spatial array, producing a sequence of different refractive indices within the light guide portion. This feature can be used to alter the refraction of each wavelength of radiation passing through the light guide. In other words, the spatial array can operate as a spectrum analyzer. In another embodiment (not shown), the radiation source may be radioactive and does not require a power source.The radiation source may be used to irradiate the object simply for observation purposes, or the radiation source may be used to generate a net charge on a portion of the object 50.

[0091] The array 100 of the space may include one or more thermal regulation devices as indicated in 34, which are connected to the control device 10 via line 34A. The thermal regulation device is operable to raise or lower the temperature of different regions of the array of the space. The thermal regulation device may, for example, be a Peltier device that lowers the temperature of a sample material in the sample channel 45. The thermal regulation device may be a heat pipe that conducts heat generated by an electric current flowing in a conductive section of the array of the space to an external heat sink. The thermal regulation device may be a resistor that generates heat when an electric current flows, and this heat alters the electrical or optical properties of a material in the array 100 of the space.

[0092] The spatial array 100 may include one or more fixed magnets as indicated in 31, which communicate with the control 10 via cable 31A. The fixed magnet may be a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, or a combination thereof. For example, in operation, the fixed magnet 31 may provide a static magnetic field, and the conductive sections of the spatial array may be powered or unpowered to modify the spatial distribution of the static field at a location and to provide magnetic field components in directions not provided by the static field. The combined magnetic field may be used, for example, for magnetic resonance measurements. It should be noted that the conductive sections of the spatial array will typically have a much lower inductance than the fixed magnet, and therefore the magnetic field generated by the conductive sections can be switched more quickly.

[0093] The conductive segments of the spatial array can be configured using a periodic lattice, wherein nodes 39 are connected by conductive segments aligned with lattice vectors. As illustrated for illustrative purposes, the lattice is quadrangular, wherein lattice vectors a and b are along conductive segments 71 and 72, and the c-axis is along conductive segment 73. The only limitation on the configuration of the conductive segments is that for each conductive segment entering a node, there are at least two conductive paths leaving the node. The spatial array, or its components according to a crystallographic space group, is an embodiment that provides maximum node density and thus spatial resolution of the resulting electromagnetic field. Other spatial configurations are possible, for example, nodes can have a radial-axial topology, as illustrated by a typical node 70 connected to conductive segments 74, 75, 76, and 77. Conductive segment 74 has a curved path directly connected to nodes 38 spaced four lattice constants apart. The conductive segments comprising direct paths along the widely spaced nodes minimize power loss. Node 38 is then connected to the nearest neighboring node to provide a localized distribution of power from the distant node 70. Conductive segment 75 connects to a node separated by two lattice constants, depicting an array region with a vacancy. Conductive segment 76 depicts a spatial configuration useful for generating an axial electromagnetic field. As illustrated, conductive segment 76 is a 90-degree arc between nodes at a fixed radius from the light guide 46, and thus will be used to generate an axial electromagnetic field in the light guide 46. As depicted in 77, a converging node 70 within the array of spaces can be connected to an external connection of the array of spaces.

[0094] As indicated by the cable at 36A, the current flowing through each node at point 36 is logically controlled by control device 10. Control device 10 causes current to flow into a loop formed by different groups of wire segments as indicated at 71, 81, 82, and 83, to generate a magnetic field superimposed on the magnetic field generated by the fixed coil 31. The current supplied by analog output 11 is operable according to instructions from the computing device 14 to change the magnitude and direction of the current supplied to each conductive segment, and thus change the magnitude and direction of the magnetic field generated by each conductive segment. As shown at 41, the area between wire segments 71, 81, 82, and 83, or within the coil 31, may contain a material with high permeability, such as iron, to increase the magnetic flux density.

[0095] Figure 3 shows an area, roughly indicated as 103, of the array of said space, configured to generate a magnetic field. Each node, indicated by a circle in 104, is connected to the logic output 12 (not shown) of control device 10. Control device 10 receives a desired magnetic field specification at a plurality of locations from an external device 17 via communication port 16, and computing device 14 generates a plurality of models, including current levels in conductive sections near the location where the indicated magnetic field will be generated. The computing device may, for example, calculate the magnetic field generated at the location by each conductive section using the Biot-Savart Law, and sum the magnetic fields across all conductive sections. The current in some conductive sections may be zero. Computing device 14 selects the model that best meets the selection criteria. The selection criteria may, for example, be selecting a model that minimizes the power consumption resulting from the deviation between the indicated magnetic field and the calculated magnetic field to less than a critical value. The selection criteria could be, for example, selecting a model that minimizes the difference between the specified magnetic field strength at the location and the calculated magnetic field strength. The computing device 14 causes logic port 12 to output a logic signal to a node connected to the sequence of conductive segments specified by the selected model. The computing device 14 causes analog output port 11 to supply the calculated power level to the node specified by the selected model. The computing device can receive feedback information from magnetic field sensors near the specified location within the array of spaces via input port 13, and adjust the model parameters based on the feedback information to better conform to the selection criteria.

[0096] Node 110 is connected to the analog output port 11 and logic output port 12 of the control device 10 via a cable (not shown). Node 110 includes switches optionally connected to nodes 104, 105, 112, and 118 via conductive segments 108, 107, 111, and 109, respectively. Node 110 receives a logic signal from logic output 12 to form a conductive path between the power supply from analog output 11 and node 112 via conductive segment 111, and sets an internal switch to make the electrical connection. Node 110 includes a logic storage device to store the logic state "connected to node 112" and maintains this state until a different logic signal is received from the control device 10. In this logic state, an internal switch in node 110 connecting node 110 to node 112 via conductive segment 111 is closed. In this logic state, an internal switch in node 110 connecting nodes 110 to 104 via conductive segment 108 is open. In this logic state, an internal switch in node 110 connecting nodes 110 to 105 via conductive segment 107 is open. In this logic state, an internal switch in node 110 connecting nodes 110 to 118 via conductive segment 109 is open. In this state, electricity flows along conductive segment 111 to node 112 in the direction indicated by a thick line with an arrow pointing in the direction of the current flow. Electricity does not flow along conductive segments such as 107, 108, or 109, which are shown as dashed lines. The current associated with the current flow along conductive segment 111 is in the Y direction, thus generating a magnetic field with components in the Z and X directions. Node 112 receives a logic signal indicating that power from node 110 will be directed toward node 113, causing node 112 to close switches within the conductive sections of nodes 110 and 113, and open switches to all other conductive sections connected to node 112. The current flowing from node 112 to node 113 flows in the X direction, thus generating a magnetic field with components in the Y and Z directions. In a first XY plane, current flows from node 113 to nodes 114, 115, 116, 117, and 118 in a similar manner. The connected conductive sections in the first plane are shaped as a loop having a length of two sections in each direction.

[0097] In some embodiments, the switch is a reed switch having a minimum voltage drop across the switch. In some embodiments, the switch is photoconductive. In other embodiments, the switch is a transistor having a small, but cumulative, voltage drop across each switch. In this example, certain nodes along a path of a connected conductive segment may include an amplifier, which acts to increase the voltage sufficiently to compensate for voltage drops in previous or subsequent switches. The amplification factor at each node may be indicated by a logic signal from control device 10 and maintained by the node until a different amplification value is received. A node containing an amplifier will necessarily also include a device for receiving power. The device for receiving power may be a direct connection to analog output port 11. The device for receiving power may be a photodiode associated with an optical channel. This option minimizes the disturbance of the electromagnetic field caused by the power flow in the line. In some embodiments requiring a slowly changing magnetic field, power may be delivered to a node by a rapidly changing magnetic field.

[0098] The power from node 118 flows in the negative Z direction to node 119, and successively passes through nodes 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, and 133 within a second XY plane. The shape of the conductive path is generally a two-layered spiral, simulating a winding with multiple layers. The center of the spiral in the second layer is different from the center of the loop in the first layer, which depicts an important feature of the invention. Specifically, the axis of the magnetic field generated by the loop in the continuous layers can be electronically changed by altering the sequence of the connected conductive segments. In contrast, conventional fixed coils would require mechanical reorientation of the coil axis to achieve the same effect.

[0099] Power from node 133 flows in the negative Z direction to node 134 and passes continuously through nodes 135, 136, and 137 within a third XY plane. Node 137 can be electrically connected to a ground plane within the array of said spaces, or electrically connected to a ground plane in the control device 10 via a cable from analog output 11 to node 137. The loop formed by the connected conductive segments in the third XY plane has a center that is different from the centers of the first and second XY planes. Another important feature described by the offset center is that the center of the magnetic field can be translated in any direction perpendicular to a fixed orientation by changing the sequence of connected conductive segments. In other words, the center of the magnetic field can be moved in increments smaller than the intervals between nodes. In conventional fixed coils, the same feature would require mechanical translation of the fixed coil.

[0100] Figure 4 schematically depicts a node of approximately 150 within the array of said space. Node 150 is connected to a power source at 151 and to a ground plane at 152. Node 150 is connected to the control device 10 via a logic cable 153 or an optical fiber 154. Node 150 can store logic states received from the control device 10 in a memory device 155, which also functions to maintain the states of the switch array 156 and the amplifier 157 according to the stored logic states. Node 150 is connected to conductive segments 161, 162, 163, and 164. In a first logic state, the switch array 156 connects conductive segments 161 and 162. In a second logic state, switch array 156 connects conductive segment 161 to amplifier 157, amplifying the power from conductive segment 161 by a factor specified by logic input 153 or 154 and stored in memory 155, and connecting the amplified power supply to conductive segment 162. In a third logic state, switch array 156 connects conductive segment 161 to power input 151. In a fourth logic state, switch array 156 connects conductive segment 161 to ground 152. Node 150 may have logic states corresponding to each arrangement of connections between conductive segments, conductive segments and power input 151, conductive segments and ground 152, and conductive segment pairs with amplifier 157. Note that the amplifier can operate in either direction, for example, amplifying the power supply from conductive segments 163 to 164, or amplifying the power supply from conductive segments 164 to 163.

[0101] Figure 5 illustrates the flow of current and the logic within a block of the six nodes indicated by 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, and 176. Shift register 177 in these nodes is connected in a loop 171->172->173->174->175->176->171 communicating with the logic output 12 of control 10. Current 170 flows from the analog output 11 of control 10 to node 171, which contains switch 178 and shift register 177. In each node, shift register 177 is logically connected to switch 178 and determines the state of the binary switch. Each node has one current input and two current outputs, which can be two other nodes, one node and one terminal 179, or two terminals.

[0102] Figure 6 shows a region of an array 100 configured as a horn antenna. In transmission mode, a time-varying electrical signal is supplied to node 201 via analog output 11 of control device 10, and the time-varying signal is transmitted to nodes 202 and 203 along conductive sections 207 and 208. Conductive sections 207 and 208 form the antenna section. In reception mode, a time-varying incident electromagnetic waveform is incident on conductive sections 207 and 208, and a time-varying electrical current is induced in conductive sections 207 and 208, which is relayed to input 13 of control device 10 via node 201. As indicated in 204, a 2×2 ring conductive section is connected in the plane of node 201. Similarly, as indicated in 205, a 4×4 ring conductive section is connected in the plane of node 202. Similarly, as indicated in 206, a 6×6 ring of conductive segments is connected in the plane of node 203. The conductive rings 204, 205, and 206 can be connected by conductive segments (not shown) between nodes of each ring to form a three-dimensional conductive grid with a horn shape. The conductive grid horn acts as a reflector to focus electromagnetic waves from or to the active antenna segments 207 and 208. The optical axis and focal length of the grid horn can be dynamically changed by altering the sequence of connected nodes. These features can be used, for example, to electronically control an antenna to a target location using a single signal. In contrast, a phased array antenna requires multiple signals for multiple antennas. The features of the dynamically formed antenna of this invention can be combined with a phased array antenna to further enhance performance.

[0103] In Figure 7, the spatial array of Figure 6 is configured to form a different antenna configuration. In the configuration of Figure 6, a signal to be transmitted is relayed to node 211, which is connected to node 212 via conductive segment 214. Node 211 is in a first plane and is surrounded by a conductive loop segment as indicated in 221. At node 212, the conductive path 214 branches into two branches as indicated in 216 and 217. Conductive path 217 further branches into conductive paths 218 and 219. Node 212 is in a second plane and is surrounded by a conductive loop segment as indicated in 222. Conductive segment 216 is connected to node 213. At node 213, the conductive path branches into two paths as indicated in 224 and 225. Node 213 is in a third plane and is surrounded by a conductive loop segment as indicated in 223. Conductive rings 221, 222, and 223 can be connected by conductive segments between nodes in each ring to form a reflective grid generally having the shape of a rectangular tube. Due to the offset between conductive rings 222, 223, and 224, the rectangular tube is tilted relative to the array axis of the space. The orientation of the reflector can be electronically changed by altering the sequence of the connected conductive segments. The frequency response of the active antenna can be electronically changed by altering the sequence of the connected conductive segments. Preferably, the length of each individual conductive segment is less than the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation to be transmitted or received, and the length of the conductive path formed by connecting multiple conductive segments is similar to the wavelength of the electromagnetic radiation to be transmitted or received.

[0104] Figure 8 depicts an electroforming operation using an array of devices in the space of Figure 1, generally indicated at 700, wherein channel 44 contains a conductive liquid 707. The channel 44 is surrounded by an array of spaces with conductive sections as indicated at 101A and 101B, which generates a magnetic field 702 and an electric field 703 in each volume unit 701 of the conductive liquid 707. The electromagnetic fields are temporally and spatially altered by control 10 to generate magnetohydrodynamic forces in each volume unit, causing the volume unit 701 to follow a path as indicated at 706, which transports charged material between substrates 704 and 705. As shown, 705 is a cathode and 704 is an anode. The material is added layer by layer to substrate 705 (electroplated) via a time-varying path 706 to form shape 708. Alternatively, material is added to a mandrel 710 of an array connected at 711 to the conductive section 101B (electroplated). The ion concentration in the volume cell near the mandrel 710 is regulated by the electromagnetic field generated by the spatial arrays 101A and 101B under the control of the control device 10. The control device 10 receives information from the optical sensor 25 regarding the spatial distribution of the added material, compares the actual spatial distribution of the material with a desired spatial distribution, and modifies the electric and magnetic fields to reduce the discrepancy between the actual and desired spatial distributions of the added material. The addition of material at 708 or 710 alters the electromagnetic field in volume cell 701. The magnetic field is monitored by sensor 23, and the electric field is monitored by sensor 22, both of which communicate with the control device 10. The control device 10 uses the information from sensors 22 and 23 to create a desired electromagnetic field in volume cell 701. The polarities of 704 and 705 can be reversed, in which case the material is subtracted from shape 708 (electro-etched). The polarities of 704 and 711 can be reversed (electro-etching), in which case the material is removed from the one previously added to the mandrel. The material can be added and removed interactively with the monitoring of the optical sensor 25 until a desired final shape is produced.

[0105] Figure 9 illustrates a 3D printing apparatus 800 showing conductive segments according to an array of spaces. A container 801 having a conductive liquid 707 is an array having a cathode substrate 705 and conductive segments 101 suspended in proximity to the substrate 705. Control 10 modulates the electromagnetic field in proximity to the substrate 705 in space and time to add (or remove) material to a shape 708. An optical detector 25 monitors the shape 708 and provides feedback to control 10. As shown in 802, the conductive segments 101 can be translated to maintain an appropriate working distance between the conductive segments 101 and the formed shape 708.

[0106] Figure 10 illustrates a configuration of a plurality of parallel electroformed components, generally indicated at 810. The cost of each component can be reduced by using parallel electroformed components. In container 801, a plurality of mandrels 710A, 710B, 710C, 710D, and 710N are alternately layered with arrays of spaces 101A, 101B, 101C, 101D, 101N, and 101N+1. As shown, the mandrels are configured in a linear array, but they can generally be configured in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional array. Container 801 holds a volume of conductive fluid 707, which immerses the plurality of mandrels and the array of spaces. Each array of spaces may include all the features indicated in Figure 1, including a control 10 connected to a detector 25. The detector 25 is operable to measure the spatial distribution of material added to (or removed from) the mandrels. Control 10 generates logic signals to each spatial array 101A…101N+1, specifying the electromagnetic field generated by the array of spaces adjacent to the adjacent mandrel surfaces. This electromagnetic field controls the flux and concentration of ions in each volumetric unit of the conductive fluid, as well as the electromagnetic potential energy in corresponding regional units on adjacent mandrel surfaces and in adjacent regional units, thereby controlling the rate of electrochemical addition (or removal) to the mandrel surface units. The ions can be, for example, metal ions such as Al, Cu, Cr, Ag, Cu, Au, etc. The electrochemical process on the mandrel surface can be spatially adjustable on a scale corresponding to the node-to-node distance of the array of spaces. The node-to-node distance can be, for example, as small as 10 micrometers or as small as 1 micrometer.

[0107] The method of configuration thereby enables fine spatial resolution by allowing materials of different thicknesses to be added (or removed) at close positions in the space on the mandrel, thus enabling the engraving of three-dimensional features. These three-dimensional features may be, for example, optical elements integrated with a closed loop of a spatial modulator as described in the inventors' PCT applications PCT / CA2018 / 050599 and PCT / CA2019 / 051626 cited above. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0109] [Fig. 1] is a depiction of a configuration according to the invention, showing an array of conductive segments connected in a node. [Fig. 2] is an enlarged view depicting the configuration of Fig. 1, showing an array of conductive segments connected in a node. [Fig. 3] is a depiction of the configuration of Fig. 1, showing a sequence of conductive segments connected in a node. [Fig. 4] is a depiction of the configuration of Fig. 1, showing the function within a node. [Fig. 5] is a depiction of the logic control of the node switch for the configuration of Fig. 1. [Fig. 6] is a depiction of a sequence of conductive segments connected to form a directional antenna according to a first embodiment. [Fig. 7] is a depiction of a sequence of conductive segments connected to form a directional antenna according to a second embodiment. [Fig. 8] is a depiction of another embodiment, wherein the configuration of Fig. 1 is adapted for electroplating and electroforming. [Fig. 9] is a depiction of another embodiment, wherein the configuration of Fig. 1 is adapted for functioning as a 3D printer. [Fig. 10] is a depiction of another embodiment, wherein the configuration of Fig. 1 is adapted for electroforming a plurality of components in parallel.

Claims

1. A method for dynamically generating a conductive path for generating or interacting with an electromagnetic field, comprising the steps of: providing an array of spaces having a plurality of conductive segments, a switching device, and a control device, the switching device being operable on each of the conductive segments to allow or block conductivity from the conductive segment to a second conductive segment in the array of spaces, the control device being operable on the switching device to select which of the conductive segments are conductively connected; and connecting a sequence of the conductive segments to form a conductive path.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein electricity is applied to the conductive path to generate an electromagnetic field, and wherein the electromagnetic field is at least in part determined by the spatial configuration of the sequence of connections of the conductive segments in the conductive path.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein an electromagnetic field is applied to the conductive path to generate an interaction with the conductive path, and wherein the interaction with the electromagnetic field is at least in part determined by the spatial configuration of the sequence of connections of the conductive segments in the conductive path.

4. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein each conductive segment intersects with at least two different conductive segments of the conductive segment at a node.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the node includes the switching device operable to conductively connect a selected first conductive segment of the conductive segments to a selected second conductive segment of the conductive segments to form the sequence according to a logic signal from the control device.

6. The method of claim 4 or 5, wherein the node comprises an amplifier operable to increase the power in the selected second conductive segment.

7. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the array of said space further includes at least one sensor operable to measure light amplitude, magnetic field amplitude, electric field amplitude, or temperature.

8. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the control device operates on the at least one switching device using optical signals.

9. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the array of said space is three-dimensional.

10. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one conductive path is connected to a conductive object, wherein the conductive object is designed or shaped to alter the electric and / or magnetic fields near the conductive object.

11. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least some spaces within the array of spaces not occupied by the conductive segments are filled with a material selected from a list of electrical insulators, materials having a relative permeability greater than 1, dielectric materials, or thermally conductive materials.

12. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a portion of the array of spaces of the conductive segments is functionally connected to at least one thermal regulation device, wherein the thermal regulation device is designed to raise or lower the temperature of a portion of the array of spaces.

13. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one channel containing test material passes through at least a portion of an array of said space, and wherein at least a portion of an electromagnetic field generated by the array of said space interacts with the test material in said channel.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein there is at least one path that transmits photons from a photon source outside the array of said space to said test material in said channel.

15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein there is at least one path that transmits photons from the test material in the channel to a photon detection device outside the array of the space.

16. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one switching device includes a memory device that functions to maintain the logical state of the switching device according to the last logical state transmitted by the control device.

17. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one switching device includes a unique address for the switching device, wherein the unique address is compared with an address received from the control device, and if the address matches the switching device, the switching device is changed to a state specified by the control device.

18. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the array of the space of the switching device is a periodic lattice.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein there is a conductive path between each switching device and its nearest neighbor in each lattice direction.

20. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein there is at least one conductive path between two different switching devices that are not the closest neighbors.

21. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein a reference surface is disposed adjacent to an array of spaces, and wherein at least a portion of the array of spaces is maintained at a voltage different from that of the reference surface, so as to generate an electric field between a portion of the array of spaces and the reference surface.

22. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein an electromagnetic field generated by the array of said space is applied to an object close to the array of said space by applying a Lorentz force.

23. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein an electromagnetic field generated by the array of spaces applies a Lorentz force to an object within a channel inside the array of spaces.

24. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein a spectrum of a test material is measured, and wherein the spectrum of the test material is modified by the presence of the electromagnetic field generated by the array of the space.

25. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a sequence of conductive segments in the array of spaces are connected to create at least one conductive path, wherein a time-varying power is applied to the conductive path, and the conductive path transmits electromagnetic radiation having a spatial pattern, the spatial pattern of electromagnetic radiation being at least partially determined by the spatial configuration of the switching devices in the conductive path.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein there are a plurality of conductive paths, and wherein a plurality of time-varying electrical forces of different phases are applied to the plurality of conductive paths, each conductive path being composed of a different sequence of switching devices to generate electromagnetic radiation, wherein the spatial pattern of an electromagnetic radiation thereby transmitted is at least in part determined by the spatial configuration of the switching devices in each conductive path.

27. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein a sequence of conductive segments in the array of spaces is connected to create at least one conductive path, wherein a spatially and temporally varying electromagnetic field incident on the conductive path and thereby received thereon, and the power generated on the conductive path by the electromagnetic field, are at least partially determined by the spatial arrangement of the conductive segments in the conductive path.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein a plurality of conductive paths are formed in an array of said space, wherein each conductive path is composed of a sequence of conductive segments, and wherein the electrical signal generated on each conductive path by an incident electromagnetic radiation is at least partially determined according to the spatial arrangement of the conductive segments on said conductive path, and wherein the electrical signal from said conductive path is analyzed to obtain information about said incident electromagnetic radiation.

29. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of time-varying electrical forces of different phases are applied to a plurality of conductive paths, each conductive path being composed of a different sequence of conductive segments to generate electromagnetic radiation, wherein a spatial pattern of said electromagnetic radiation is determined at least in part by the spatial arrangement of said conductive segments in each conductive path.

30. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the electromagnetic field generated by the array of said space acts on an optical material to alter the path of light.

31. The method of any of the preceding claims, wherein the generated electromagnetic field is at least partially altered on a surface in an electrochemical process.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the electrochemical process is selected from a set of electroplating processes, electroforming processes, electroetching processes, and three-dimensional printing processes.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein the generated electromagnetic field is altered in space and time to form an object using an electrochemical process.

34. The method of any of the preceding claims is used to dynamically modify the incident electromagnetic field.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein the conductive segments of the connected sequence form a reflective element that reflects at least some of the incident electromagnetic radiation.

36. The method of claim 34 or 35, wherein the conductive segments of the connected sequence further focus at least some of the incident electromagnetic radiation.

37. The method of any of claims 34 to 36, wherein conductive segments of a plurality of connected sequences are formed, and wherein the spatial arrangement of the connected sequences alters the polarization of the incident electromagnetic radiation transmitted or reflected by the conductive segments of the array of spaces.

38. The method of any of claims 34 to 37, wherein conductive segments of a plurality of connected sequences are formed, and wherein the spatial arrangement of the connected sequences diffracts at least some of the incident electromagnetic radiation.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the diffracted radiation further forms a hologram.

40. The method of any of claims 34 to 39, wherein conductive segments of a plurality of connected sequences are formed, and wherein the spatial arrangement of said connected sequences scatters at least some of the incident electromagnetic radiation.

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