Abstract: A scattered light polarimetry (LSP) sub-system of a hybrid system for characterizing stress in a chemically-strengthened (CS) substrate having a top-surface and a near-surface waveguide, includes a LSP light source system, an LSP light source actuator coupled to the LSP light source system, and an optical compensator within an optical path of a LSP laser beam emitted by the LSP light source system. The optical compensator includes a half-wave plate, a half-wave plate actuator, a diffuser, and a diffuser actuator. The LSP sub-system further includes a LSP detector system in optical communication with the optical compensator through an LSP coupling prism having a LSP coupling surface, a focusing lens and a focusing lens actuator, and a support plenum having a surface and a measurement aperture, the support plenum configured to support the CS substrate at a measurement plane at the measurement aperture, and to operably support the LSP coupling prism.

Abstract: The technology relates to route planning and performing driving operations in autonomous vehicles, such as cargo trucks, articulating buses, as well as other vehicles. A detailed kinematic model of the vehicle in evaluated in conjunction with roadgraph and other information to determine whether a route or driving operation is feasible for the vehicle. This can include evaluating a hierarchical set of driving rules and whether current driving conditions impact any of the rules. Driving trajectories and cost can be evaluated when pre-planning a route for the vehicle to follow. This can include determining an ideal trajectory for the vehicle to take a particular driving action. Pre-planned routes may be shared with a fleet of vehicles, and can be modified based on information obtained by different vehicles of the fleet.

Abstract: A material synthesis method may comprise: adding at least one liquid precursor solution to an atomizer device; generating by the atomizer device an aerosol comprising liquid droplets; transporting the aerosol to a reactive zone for evaporating one or more solvents from the aerosol; and collecting particles synthesized from at least evaporating the aerosol.

Abstract: A material synthesis method may comprise: adding at least one liquid precursor solution to an atomizer device; generating by the atomizer device an aerosol comprising liquid droplets; transporting the aerosol to a reactive zone for evaporating one or more solvents from the aerosol; and collecting particles synthesized from at least evaporating the aerosol.

Abstract: A material synthesis method may comprise: adding at least one liquid precursor solution to an atomizer device; generating by the atomizer device an aerosol comprising liquid droplets; transporting the aerosol to a reactive zone for evaporating one or more solvents from the aerosol; and collecting particles synthesized from at least evaporating the aerosol.

Abstract: A material synthesis method may comprise: adding at least one liquid precursor solution to an atomizer device; generating by the atomizer device an aerosol comprising liquid droplets; transporting the aerosol to a reactive zone for evaporating one or more solvents from the aerosol; and collecting particles synthesized from at least evaporating the aerosol.

Abstract: A food smoking cake 418, 52, 54 comprises a discrete block configured to be placed into abutment with at least one substantially similar block such that when an end one of a series of abutting blocks is lit by a flame, adjacent abutting blocks will each smoulder sequentially.

Abstract: A method of purifying a biodiesel fuel by contacting the biodiesel fuel with at least one adsorbent material, such as magnesium silicate. Such method removes impurities, such as soap, formed during the production of biodiesel fuels.

Abstract: A method of purifying a biodiesel fuel by contacting the biodiesel fuel with at least one adsorbent material, such as magnesium silicate. Such method removes impurities, such as soap, formed during the production of biodiesel fuels.