Abstract: Disclosed are methods of lithography using a tip array having a plurality of pens attached to a backing layer, where the tips can comprise a metal, metalloid, and/or semi-conducting material, and the backing layer can comprise an elastomeric polymer. The tip array can be used to perform a lithography process in which the tips are coated with an ink (e.g., a patterning composition) that is deposited onto a substrate upon contact of the tip with the substrate surface. The tips can be easily leveled onto a substrate and the leveling can be monitored optically by a change in light reflection of the backing layer and/or near the vicinity of the tips upon contact of the tip to the substrate surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of lithography using a tip array having a plurality of pens attached to a backing layer, where the tips can comprise a metal, metalloid, and/or semi-conducting material, and the backing layer can comprise an elastomeric polymer. The tip array can be used to perform a lithography process in which the tips are coated with an ink (e.g., a patterning composition) that is deposited onto a substrate upon contact of the tip with the substrate surface. The tips can be easily leveled onto a substrate and the leveling can be monitored optically by a change in light reflection of the backing layer and/or near the vicinity of the tips upon contact of the tip to the substrate surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are a pH sensor for use in a highly alkaline region of pH >11 comprising citrate-reduced gold nanoparticles and a method for calibrating pH of a solution in highly alkaline regions, based on variation in surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectra (SERS).

Abstract: A decelerating air circuit having an air cylinder is disclosed. The decelerating air circuit includes a driving solenoid valve having an advance mode and a withdrawal mode. A decelerating solenoid valve having a high speed mode and a low speed mode has an outlet port connected to the decelerating solenoid valve. A constant speed flow control valve is attached to a low speed port of the decelerating solenoid valve. Limit switches are located respectively at an advance end and a withdrawal end of a piston rod of the air cylinder. Decelerating sensors are located respectively between the limit switches. The piston rod advances past a point of a decelerating sensor, triggers the sensor, and causes the decelerating solenoid valve's operating mode to change from a high speed mode to a low speed mode. The change in mode is accomplished by outgoing air being introduced so that it passes through the flow control valve thereby reducing the speed of the piston rod.