Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and related methods for identifying odorants using a combination of light sources which enable discrimination between different odorants and/or determination of odorant concentration. The response of a chemical sensor to one or more odorants is observed under a combination and/or sequence of light sources, and the resulting data is subsequently analyzed using machine learning methods to identify one or more odorants and/or to determine the concentration of one or more odorants.

Abstract: A dissipation-based sensor includes a single resonator with a nano-structured surface. The sensor exhibits improved sensitivity, up to about 2 orders of magnitude higher than a single resonator without a nano-structured surface. The sensor operates by measuring and estimating the fluid friction per oscillation cycle, operating in normal conditions without vacuum (e.g., in air or other ambient gas) at room temperature. The sensor can provide measurement data at a speed that is orders of magnitude faster than pre-existing resonance-based methods, as it is based on measurements from a few cycles only. The dissipation-based sensor may be utilized in a broad range of fast, inexpensive, hand-held measuring devices. Additionally, the sensor is capable of operating at standard temperature and pressure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a self-supporting chimney apparatus. The chimney apparatus having at least one inflatable compartment. In some embodiments, the chimney apparatus may have a plurality of toroidal compartments, with the dimensions of the toroidal compartments calculated to maximize the structural integrity of the chimney apparatus, and with the pressure in the compartments dynamically adjusted to minimize deflection under wind loading. The self-supporting chimney apparatus may be used to construct an improved solar updraft tower, with the shape of the tower, the greenhouse surrounding its base, and the ground under the greenhouse optimized together to minimize energy losses. The efficiency of the power plant based on the design is further enhanced by combining solar thermal energy generation with photovoltaic energy generation and utilizing the waste heat of the latter.

Abstract: A dissipation-based sensor includes a single resonator with a nano-structured surface. The sensor exhibits improved sensitivity, up to about 2 orders of magnitude higher than a single resonator without a nano-structured surface. The sensor operates by measuring and estimating the fluid friction per oscillation cycle, operating in normal conditions without vacuum (e.g., in air or other ambient gas) at room temperature. The sensor can provide measurement data at a speed that is orders of magnitude faster than pre-existing resonance-based methods, as it is based on measurements from a few cycles only. The dissipation-based sensor may be utilized in a broad range of fast, inexpensive, hand-held measuring devices. Additionally, the sensor is capable of operating at standard temperature and pressure.