Abstract: A particle detector includes at least one throttling element which defines an aerodynamic aperture. A light source illuminates a region of the aerodynamic aperture at about a focal point of an aerodynamic lens. A detector is configured to receive a light scattered from one or more particles which traverse the aerodynamic aperture. A method for detecting and measuring particles previously deposited on a surface of a semiconductor manufacturing chamber is also described.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for destroying biological agents such as toxins and bacteria are provided wherein the substance to be destroyed is contacted with finely divided metal oxide or hydroxide nanocrystals. In various embodiments, the metal oxide or metal hydroxide nanocrystals have reactive atoms stabilized on their surfaces, species adsorbed on their surfaces, or are coated with a second metal oxide. The desired metal oxide or metal hydroxide nanocrystals can be pressed into pellets for use when a powder is not feasible. Preferred metal oxides for the methods include MgO, SrO, BaO, CaO, TiO2, ZrO2, FeO, V2O3, V2O5, Mn2O3, Fe2O3, NiO, CuO, Al2O3, SiO2, ZnO, Ag2O, [Ce(NO3)3—Cu(NO3)2]TiO2, Mg(OH)2, Ca(OH)2, Al(OH)3, Sr(OH)2, Ba(OH)2, Fe(OH)3, Cu(OH)3, Ni(OH)2, Co(OH)2, Zn(OH)2, AgOH, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method for removing at least one contaminant selected from the group consisting of H2S and CO2 from contaminating streams, including the steps of providing an above ground stream comprising hydrocarbon containing the at least one contaminant, and positioning metal-containing nanoparticles having a particle size of less than or equal to about 100 nm in the stream, the metal-containing nanoparticles being selected from the group consisting of metal oxides, metal hydroxides and combinations thereof, whereby the nanoparticles adsorb the contaminants from the stream.

Abstract: A method for removing at least one contaminant selected from the group consisting of H2S and CO2 from hydrocarbon streams, including the steps of providing a stream of hydrocarbon containing the at least one contaminant, and positioning metal-containing nanoparticles in the stream, the metal-containing nanoparticles being selected from the group consisting of metal oxides, metal hydroxides and combinations thereof, whereby the nanoparticles adsorb the contaminants from the stream.

Abstract: A topical skin protectant formulation containing a barrier cream and a active moiety for protecting warfighters and civilians against all types of harmful chemicals, specifically chemical warfare agents (CWAs). The topical skin protectant offers a barrier property and an active moiety that serves to neutralize chemical warfare agents into less toxic agents.

Abstract: A topical skin protectant formulation containing a barrier cream and an active moiety for protecting warfighters and civilians against all types of harmful chemicals, specifically chemical warfare agents (CWA's). The topical skin protectant offers a barrier property and an active moiety that serves to neutralize chemical warfare agents into less toxic agents.