Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards a method, system, and apparatus for distinguishing between isotopically substituted liquids, such as H2O and D2O, and sensing other isotopologues of water, such as H218O. In an embodiment, the electrical output characteristics of the apparatus or device are used as diagnostic signals to distinguish between isotopic compositions and isotopologues of a liquid. In an embodiment, water droplets with volume of several micro litre are applied to the apparatus or device generating some electrical signals which show differences between the application of H2O and D2O, for example. One advantage of the present method and system is that the configuration is simple and portable, with no need for complicated equipment and operation protocols.

Abstract: A method of welding aluminum alloy workpieces includes the pretreatment of an area adjacent to the seam of the workpiece followed by irradiation of the area with an infrared laser beam having a diameter equal to or greater than the thickness of the workpieces. Substantial subsurface melting of the workpieces is initially generated and the beam can subsequently be scanned along the seam so as to maintain an isotherm corresponding to the melting point of the workpiece at the leading edge of the beam.

Abstract: A laser processing method establishes initial coupling between the laser beam and workpiece by irradiating an intermediate tool positioned adjacent the workpiece. The tool is more absorptive at the laser wavelength than the workpiece so that the efficiency of energy transfer is increased. Subsequent processing is performed by relative movement between the workpiece and beam, either independently of the tool or in conjunction with the tool. During further processing, the beam diameter is increased to be greater than the thickness of the workpiece to enhance the further processing.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for controlling, in real-time, processing variables in laser processing of materials using fuzzy logic control procedures by embedding expertise in the form of a rule base within a fuzzy logic controller. The method uses a visible light detector as part of the control loop to detect light from the laser-material interaction zone. The light is processed to extract spatial information on the size of the interaction zone and in one aspect determines the number of bright pixels above a pre-defined number which effectively gives the spatial extent or area of the visible light emitted from the interaction zone. From this elemental processing two system input variables are obtained, namely the current number of bright pixels, #BP, and the change in this count since the last calculation, .DELTA.BP.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for controlling, in real-time, processing variables in laser processing of materials using fuzzy logic control procedures by embedding expertise in the form of a rule base within a fuzzy logic controller. The method uses a visible light detector as part of the control loop to detect light from the laser-material interaction zone. The light is processed to extract spatial information on the size of the interaction zone and in one aspect determines the number of bright pixels above a pre-defined number which effectively gives the spatial extent or area of the visible light emitted from the interaction zone. From this elemental processing two system input variables are obtained, namely the current number of bright pixels, #BP, and the change in this count since the last calculation, .DELTA.BP.

Abstract: An artificial cornea for sensing and integrating UV radiation in real time. The cornea includes an EPROM array adapted to be exposed to UV radiation. Individual bits of the EPROM array are set prior to being exposed to the UV radiation. In response to being exposed to the UV radiation predetermined ones of the individual bits are erased. Means for monitoring, in real time, the locations of the predetermined erased bits are provided and, in response, a record is formed of the energy distribution of the UV radiation across the EPROM array.

Abstract: A reactor for processing a catalyst material comprises a reaction chamber including a support for the catalyst material. A laser radiation entry means, a gas inlet and an exhaust are provided, each in communication with the reaction chamber. The gas inlet permits entry in the chamber of an oxidizing gas which assists in processing the catalyst material when exposed to laser radiation entering the chamber. Any resulting exhaust gases are then removed from the chamber through the exhaust. A drive means is provided to move the support in a manner such that the catalyst is moved through the laser radiation. The apparatus is useful in reactivate deactivated catalysts, such as hydroprocessing catalysts.

Abstract: A process for regeneration of a deactivated hydroprocessing catalyst is provided. The process comprises exposing the catalyst to laser radiation in the presence of an oxidizing gas. The process may be used to regenerate supported or unsupported metal catalysts which have been fouled by coking.

Abstract: A method of modifying the reflectivity and emissivity of a surface of a material comprises the steps of irradiating the surface with a beam of coherent pulsed radiation at a power sufficient to generate a surface plasma and scanning said beam across said surface. Successive pulses of radiation are caused to overlap and chemical change at the surface is promoted by provision of a localized atmosphere. The surface produced has features on a scale of less than 50 microns and is restricted to a depth of less than 10.sup.-3 cm. The body of the material is not affected.

Abstract: A foam plastic substrate has an image formed on its surface by differential ablation by a laser. A composition is applied to the surface in the shape of the image to be formed and has an ablation rate different to that of the foam substrate. After irradiation of the surface, the image is formed in relief on the surface.

Abstract: A method is described of enhancing the efficiency of laser processing of metals by preprocessing with another laser so as to define a track of reduced reflectivity.

Abstract: A method is described of enhancing the efficiency of laser processing of metals by preprocessing with another laser so as to define a track of reduced reflectivity.

Abstract: A method is described of enhancing the efficiency of laser processing of metals by preprocessing with another laser so as to define a track of reduced reflectivity.

Abstract: A method is described of enhancing the efficiency of laser processing of metals by preprocessing with another laser so as to define a track of reduced reflectivity.

Abstract: A foamed plastics substrate has an image formed on its surface by differential ablation by a laser. A composition is applied to the surface in the shape of the image to be formed and has an ablation rate different to that of the foam. After irradiation of the surface, the image is formed in relief on the surface.

Abstract: Non-conductive workpieces present a problem where laser treatment of a workpiece is to be augmented by the application of an arc, since the arc cannot be struck to the workpiece. In the present invention a laser beam is augmented by an arc struck between two electrodes typically on opposite sides of the workpiece. The arc usually either penetrates the workpiece, or two arcs are formed on respective sides of the workpiece.

Abstract: Perforations are made at locations spaced about the periphery of a cigarette by conducting separate parts of a laser beam through respective separate light paths which intersect such spaced peripheral locations.

Abstract: Perforations are made at locations spaced about the periphery of a cigarette by conducting separate parts of a laser beam through respective separate light paths which intersect such spaced peripheral locations.

Abstract: Perforations are made at locations spaced about the periphery of a cigarette by conducting separate parts of a laser beam through respective separate light paths which intersect such spaced peripheral locations.