Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for purification a protein comprising a semi-continuous chromatography step whereby the flow-through is collected and re-loaded onto the chromatography matrix.

Abstract: A membrane is electrically charged to a polarity. A surface of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a solution is caused to acquire a charge of the polarity. The solution is filtered through the membrane. An electromagnetic repulsion between the membrane of the polarity and the CNTs of the polarity causes the CNTs to spontaneously align to form a crystalline structure.

Abstract: A system for recoating a powder bed includes a build platform holding a powder bed and an electrode assembly including an electrode and an insulating shield. A voltage supply produces a high voltage alternating current and communicates with the powder bed and the electrode. The electrode assembly is positionable over the powder bed, such that when the electrode assembly is over the powder bed, the shield is between the electrode and the powder bed's top surface. The voltage supply produces a high voltage alternating current that creates an alternating electric field between the electrode and the powder bed that causes the powder of the powder bed top surface to oscillate in a region between the shield and the bed and then reposition themselves on the bed such that the top layer of the powder bed is smoother than it was prior to when the powder particles began oscillating.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure provide methods for processing substrates in a processing chamber. In one implementation, the method includes (a) depositing a dielectric layer on a first substrate at a first chamber pressure using a first high-frequency RF power, (b) depositing sequentially a dielectric layer on N substrates subsequent to the first substrate at a second chamber pressure, wherein N is an integral number of 5 to 10, and wherein depositing each substrate of N substrates comprises using a second high-frequency RF power that has a power density of about 0.21 W/cm2 to about 0.35 W/cm2 lower than that of the first high-frequency RF power, (c) performing a chamber cleaning process without the presence of a substrate, and (d) repeating (a) to (c).

Abstract: Embodiment methods for performing a high pressure anneal process during the formation of a semiconductor device, and embodiment devices therefor, are provided. The high pressure anneal process may be a dry high pressure anneal process in which a pressurized environment of the anneal includes one or more process gases. The high pressure anneal process may be a wet anneal process in which a pressurized environment of the anneal includes steam.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube (CNT) sheet containing CNTs, arranged is a randomly oriented, uniformly distributed pattern, and having a basis weight of at least 1 gsm and a relative density of less than 1.5. The CNT sheet is manufactured by applying a CNT suspension in a continuous pool over a filter material to a depth sufficient to prevent puddling of the CNT suspension upon the surface of the filter material, and drawing the dispersing liquid through the filter material to provide a uniform CNT dispersion and form the CNT sheet. The CNT sheet is useful in making CNT composite laminates and structures having utility for electro-thermal heating, electromagnetic wave absorption, lightning strike dissipation, EMI shielding, thermal interface pads, energy storage, and heat dissipation.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is a fullerene derivative represented by general formula (1) (wherein FLN is a fullerene backbone; each A is independently a monovalent group including a divalent perfluoropolyether group; each R is each independently a hydrogen atom, a hydrocarbon group, or an alkoxycarbonyl group including a divalent perfluoropolyether group; at least one of the 2m R is a hydrocarbon group or an alkoxycarbonyl group including a divalent perfluoropolyether group; m is an integer from 1 to 5; and n is an integer from 1 to 6).

Abstract: A method for providing a roller assembly for producing a decorative pattern on a wood material surface, wherein the roller assembly comprises at least one decorative paint roller and at least one structured lacquer application or embossing roller, and the structured lacquer application or embossing roller and the decorative paint roller are matched to create a structured decorative pattern, includes the steps of applying first the decorative paint roller and then the structured lacquer application roller on the wood material surface. The method uses at least two different decorative paint rollers for creating two different decorative patterns are matched with a structured lacquer application or embossing roller.

Abstract: Cohesive carbon assemblies are prepared by obtaining a functionalized carbon starting material in the form of powder, particles, flakes, loose agglomerates, aqueous wet cake, or aqueous slurry, dispersing the carbon in water by mechanical agitation and/or refluxing, and substantially removing the water, typically by evaporation, whereby the cohesive assembly of carbon is formed. The method is suitable for preparing free-standing, monolithic assemblies of carbon nanotubes in the form of films, wafers, discs, fiber, or wire, having high carbon packing density and low electrical resistivity. The method is also suitable for preparing substrates coated with an adherent cohesive carbon assembly. The assemblies have various potential applications, such as electrodes or current collectors in electrochemical capacitors, fuel cells, and batteries, or as transparent conductors, conductive inks, pastes, and coatings.

Abstract: A process for making an iron oxide impregnated carbon nanotube membrane. In this template-free and binder-free process, iron oxide nanoparticles are homogeneously dispersed onto the surface of carbon nanotubes by wet impregnation. The amount of iron oxide nanoparticles loaded on the carbon nanotubes range from 0.25-80% by weight per total weight of the doped carbon nanotubes. The iron oxide doped carbon nanotubes are then pressed to form a carbon nanotube disc which is then sintered at high temperatures to form a mixed matrix membrane of iron oxide nanoparticles homogeneously dispersed across a carbon nanotube matrix. Methods of characterizing porosity, hydrophilicity and fouling potential of the carbon nanotube membrane are also described.

Abstract: A method for determining the temperature of a strand comprises disposing the strand along a background radiator of known temperature. Receiving the strand using a spatially resolving thermal imaging sensor in front of the background radiator while the strand is being disposed along its longitudinal axis. Forming an integral across a measuring value area, the integral configured to detect a complete strand portion located in front of the background radiator of the thermal imaging sensor. deducing the temperature of the strand by comparing the formed integral with a reference value.

Abstract: Cohesive carbon assemblies are prepared by obtaining a functionalized carbon starting material in the form of powder, particles, flakes, loose agglomerates, aqueous wet cake, or aqueous slurry, dispersing the carbon in water by mechanical agitation and/or refluxing, and substantially removing the water, typically by evaporation, whereby the cohesive assembly of carbon is formed. The method is suitable for preparing free-standing, monolithic assemblies of carbon nanotubes in the form of films, wafers, discs, fiber, or wire, having high carbon packing density and low electrical resistivity. The method is also suitable for preparing substrates coated with an adherent cohesive carbon assembly. The assemblies have various potential applications, such as electrodes or current collectors in electrochemical capacitors, fuel cells, and batteries, or as transparent conductors, conductive inks, pastes, and coatings.

Abstract: Disclosed here is a composition comprising at least one high-density carbon-nanotube-based monolith, said monolith comprising carbon nanotubes crosslinked by nanoparticles and having a density of at least 0.2 g/cm3. Also provided is a method for making the composition comprising: preparing a reaction mixture comprising a suspension and at least one catalyst, said suspension is a carbon nanotube suspension; curing the reaction mixture to produce a wet gel; drying the wet gel to produce a dry gel, said drying step is substantially free of supercritical drying and freeze drying; and pyrolyzing the dry gel to produce the composition comprising a high-density carbon-nanotube-based monolith. Exceptional combinations of properties are achieved including high conductive and mechanical properties.

Abstract: A foam assembly includes a foam body, the foam body defining a plurality of through holes. The foam assembly further includes a colloid body formed by a first colloid portion formed on one of two opposing surfaces of the foam body, a second colloid portion formed on a second of two opposing surfaces of the foam body, and connecting portions extending through the through holes of the foam body from one opposing surface of the foam body to the other. A method for manufacturing the foam assembly and an electronic device using the foam assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A grafted nonwoven substrate is disclosed having average fiber sizes of 0.7 to 15 microns, and a void volume of 50 to 95%, and a polymer comprising anionic monomer units grafted to the surface of the nonwoven substrate. The article may be used as a filter element to purify or separate target materials, such as monoclonal antibodies (MAb), from a fluid mixture.

Abstract: An object is to provide a semiconductor device with excellent reproducibility which is manufactured at low cost. A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes steps of forming a first electrode over a substrate; forming an insulating layer over the substrate and the first electrode; pressing a mold against the insulating layer to form an opening in the insulating layer; separating the mold from the insulating layer in which opening is formed; hardening the insulating layer in which the opening is formed to form a partition wall; forming a light-emitting layer over the first electrode and the partition wall; and forming a second electrode over the light-emitting layer. As a method for forming the partition wall, nano-imprinting is used. An insulating layer contains polysilane. The partition wall formed of a silicon oxide film is formed by UV light irradiation and heating.

Abstract: Methods for enabling or enhancing growth of carbon nanotubes on unconventional substrates. The method includes selecting an inactive substrate, which has surface properties that are not favorable to carbon nanotube growth. A surface of the inactive substrate is treated so as to increase a porosity of the same. CNTs are then grown on the surface having the increased porosity.

Abstract: A three-dimensional article having spray-applied ink and a spray application process for three-dimensional articles are disclosed. The article includes a substrate and conductive ink spray-applied to a non-planar region of the substrate. The conductive ink on the non-planar region is at least a portion of a power trace, an antenna, a resistive heater, a conductive lead, a sensor, a functional electrical device, or a combination thereof. The process includes spray-applying conductive ink, ablating the conductive ink, photo-sintering the conductive ink, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Provided is a composite material having a nano structure grown on a carbon fiber with a high density. A method of manufacturing a composite material includes: modifying a surface of a carbon fiber by using an electron beam; growing a zinc oxide (ZnO) nano structure on the modified surface of the carbon fiber; and transferring the carbon fiber and the zinc oxide nano structure onto a polymer resin.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes functional membranes and a method for making a functional membrane. The method includes providing a porous substrate, applying the at least one graftable species to the porous substrate, and treating the coated porous substrate with electron beam radiation to provide a functionalized membrane. The method includes forming a functionalized membrane comprising a gradient of grafted species attached to the porous substrate.

Abstract: A method of forming graphene comprises supplying energy to at least a portion of an organic material monolayer disposed on a substrate. The energy is sufficient to carbonize the at least a portion of the monolayer exposed thereto to form a layer of graphene on the substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a high-quality boron nitride film grown by using a borazine oligomer as a precursor through a metal catalyst effect. The method solves the problems, such as control of a gaseous precursor and vapor pressure control, occurring in CVD(Chemical vapor deposition) according to the related art, and a high-quality hexagonal boron nitride film is obtained through a simple process at low cost. In addition, the hexagonal boron nitride film may be coated onto various structures and materials. Further, selective coating is allowed so as to carry out coating in a predetermined area and scale-up is also allowed. Therefore, the method may be useful for coating applications of composite materials and various materials.

Abstract: Textiles are provided that include fibrous cellulosic materials having an ?-cellulose content of less than about 93%, the fibrous materials being spun, woven, knitted, or entangled. The fibrous cellulosic materials can be irradiated with a dose of ionizing radiation that is sufficient to increase the molecular weight of the cellulosic materials without causing significant depolymerization of the cellulosic materials. Methods of treating textiles that include irradiating the textiles are also provided.

Abstract: In a method for repairing a component (40), in particular a turbine blade, the component (40) is positioned on a carrier (16) such that a repair site (42) of the component (40) faces away from the carrier (16). The component (40) is heated by means of a heating element (46) extending from the carrier (16) adjacent to the component (40). A raw material powder is applied onto the carrier (16) such that the component (40) is covered by the raw material powder. Electromagnetic or particle radiation is selectively irradiated onto the raw material powder applied onto the carrier (16) by means of an irradiation device (18) so as to produce a repair segment on the repair site (42) of the component (40) by an additive layer construction method.

Abstract: A curing machine to cure a UV-curable adhesive adhering on a workpiece, the workpiece having a slot thereon and a hole on a sidewall of the slot. The hole receives the UV-curable adhesive, the curing machine can include a curing mechanism. The curing mechanism can include a base plate holding a curing assembly and the curing assembly can include a holding member, at least one UV lamp being coupled to the holding member. Axis of the at least one UV lamp can intersect with the holding member at an angle of less than 90 degrees. A workpiece being positioned on the base plate, the UV lamp can irradiate directly an inside or an outside of a sidewall through the hole in the sidewall of the slot.

Abstract: A coating method for producing a function layer on mechanically loaded components or surfaces includes providing or applying a first material layer of a first material or substrate matrix having a mechanical flexibility higher than that of a second material on a substrate constituting the component or the surface, respectively, structuring the first material layer such that the material layer surface of the first material layer, which is opposite to the substrate, obtains a three-dimensionally moulded basic structure with projections and recesses, and coating the material layer surface of the first material layer with a second material layer of the second material in such a way that the second material layer adopts substantially the basic structure of the material layer surface with the projections and recesses. Also, surface layer structures can be produced by this method.

Abstract: A tool for use in fabricating an electronic component includes a plurality of processing modules and a transfer chamber in communication with each of the plurality of processing modules. The transfer chamber includes a component for transferring a structure to each of the plurality of processing modules. The plurality of processing modules and the transfer chamber are sealed from the surrounding environment and are under a vacuum. The plurality of processing modules includes a first module configured to perform a first process on the structure and a second module configured to perform a second process on the structure. The first process includes performing at least one shaping operation on the structure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a printing ink and in particular to an ink for ink-jet printing which is cured by irradiation. The ink comprises at least one radiation-curable monomer; at least one passive thermoplastic resin; at least one radical photoinitiator; and at least one colouring agent; wherein the ink has a viscosity of less than 100 mPas at 25° C., and wherein the at least one passive resin is present at 2 to 15 wt % based on the total weight of the ink and has a molecular weight of 1,500 to 70,000.

Abstract: A laminate having excellent abrasion resistance to physical stimuli such as dust. The laminate comprises a base layer, a hard coat layer and a top coat layer containing flaky metal oxide fine particles all of which are formed in the mentioned order. The flaky metal oxide fine particles are hardened by at least one method selected from the group consisting of ionizing material exposure, ionizing radiation exposure, infrared exposure, microwave exposure and high-temperature vapor exposure.

Abstract: A novel blazed grating spectral filter disclosed herein includes a multilayer stack of materials that is formed on a wedge-shaped substrate wherein the upper surface of the substrate is oriented at an angle relative the bottom surface of the substrate and wherein the angle corresponds to the blaze angle of the blazed grating filter. Various methods of forming such a filter are also disclosed such as, for example, performing a planarization process in a CMP tool to define the wedge-shaped substrate, thereafter forming the multilayer stack of materials above the upper planarized surface of the substrate and etching recesses into the multilayer stack.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device and method based on creating a structure of nanoclusters in a composite metal and insulator material by co-depositing the metal and insulator material and irradiating the composite material to create nanoclusters of metal within the composite material. In one variation, the composite material may be continuously deposited and concurrently irradiated. A further variation based on a multilayer structure having alternate layers of metal/material mixture. The alternate layers have differing metal content. The layer structure is irradiated with ionizing radiation to produce nanoclusters in the layers. The differing metal content serves to quench the nanoclusters to isolate nanoclusters along the radiation track. The result is a thermoelectric device with a high figure of merit. In one embodiment, the multilayer structure is fabricated and then irradiated with high energy radiation penetrating the entire layer structure.

Abstract: The disclosure is relates to nanotechnology and nanofabrication of few-crystal hexagonal graphene. The method includes contacting a copper film with a gas. The method further includes raising a temperature of the copper film to about 1000° C. over of period of about 40 minutes. The method further includes heating the copper film at about 1000° C. for a period of about 1 hour. The method further includes contacting the copper film with a carbon-containing gas for about 5 minutes. The method further includes cooling the copper film to room temperature to produce a graphene layer on the copper film.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a high electrochemical performance silicon/graphene composite anode structure. The electrochemical properties of silicon in the composite anode structure can be improved by graphene thin films. The thickness of the silicon thin film and the graphene thin films is less than 50 nm to prevent the composite anode structure from any volumetric change during the charge/discharge process. The manufacturing procedure starts with the formation of a Si/graphene unit layer, which includes an amorphous phase upper silicon thin film and a lower graphene thin film, on a copper foil current collector, so as to decrease the difference of conductivity between the silicon thin film and the copper foil current collector. Finally, the deposition is concluded with the formation of a graphene thin film on the topmost surface of the silicon thin film to prevent the surface of the anode structure from oxidation.

Abstract: Encapsulated fluorescent metal nanoparticles for radiation detection comprising metal ions in an aqueous solution encapsulated in a nanocapsule, wherein the metal ions form atoms when exposed to gamma-ray initiated reduction of the ions and then aggregate to form fluorescent nanoparticles.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a battery is provided comprising an electron beam-treated current collector having an increased surface energy compared to an untreated current collector and an electrode disposed on a treated surface of the current collector. The electrode may include a water-soluble binder uniformly coating a surface of the current collector and the treated current collector may have a contact angle with the water-soluble binder of 70 degrees or less. The electron beam treatment may be applied to a moving current collector foil as part of a battery production process, prior to application of an electrode slurry.

Abstract: Textiles are provided that include fibrous cellulosic materials having an ?-cellulose content of less than about 93%, the fibrous materials being spun, woven, knitted, or entangled. The fibrous cellulosic materials can be irradiated with a dose of ionizing radiation that is sufficient to increase the molecular weight of the cellulosic materials without causing significant depolymerization of the cellulosic materials. Methods of treating textiles that include irradiating the textiles are also provided.

Abstract: A machine, which is usable for additive manufacturing by sintering or melting of powder using an energy beam acting on a powder layer in a working zone, includes a device for producing a layer of the powder. The device includes a storage apparatus for storing the powder, a distributor for distributing the powder, a feeder for transferring the powder from the storage apparatus to the distributor, and a dose controller for controlling a quantity of the powder transferred from the storage apparatus to the distributor. The distributor travels over the working zone in order to distribute the powder in a layer having a final thickness adapted to the additive manufacturing. The storage apparatus is located above the working zone such that the feeder utilizes gravity. The feeder and the dose controller are movable with the distributor.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing includes printing a first plurality of patterned ink seed layers on a first side of a substrate. A second plurality of patterned ink seed layers are printed on a second side of the substrate. The first plurality of patterned ink seed layers and the second plurality of patterned ink seed layers are electroless plated with a first conductive material. A coating is printed over the first side of the substrate. A graphic design is printed on the second side of the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for formation of a siliceous film containing nitrogen in a low concentration. The method according to the present invention comprises the steps of: applying a polysilazane composition on an engraved substrate surface, to form a coating layer; hardening the coating layer only in the part adjacent to the substrate surface, to form a covering film along the shape of the engraved substrate; and removing the polysilazane composition of the coating layer in the part not hardened in the above covering film-formation step. According to this method, two or more siliceous films can be formed and layered.

Abstract: A method of fabricating quantum confinements is provided. The method includes depositing, using a deposition apparatus, a material layer on a substrate, where the depositing includes irradiating the layer, before a cycle, during a cycle, and/or after a cycle of the deposition to alter nucleation of quantum confinements in the material layer to control a size and/or a shape of the quantum confinements. The quantum confinements can include quantum wells, nanowires, or quantum dots. The irradiation can be in-situ or ex-situ with respect to the deposition apparatus. The irradiation can include irradiation by photons, electrons, or ions. The deposition is can include atomic layer deposition, chemical vapor deposition, MOCVD, molecular beam epitaxy, evaporation, sputtering, or pulsed-laser deposition.

Abstract: Methods of forming gapfill silicon-containing layers are described. The methods may include providing or forming a silicon-and-hydrogen-containing layer on a patterned substrate. The methods include non-thermally treating the silicon-and-hydrogen-containing layer at low substrate temperature to increase the concentration of Si—Si bonds while the silicon-and-hydrogen-containing layer remains soft. The flaccid layer is able to adjust to the departure of hydrogen from the film and retain a high density without developing a stress. Film qualify is further improved by then inserting O between Si—Si bonds to expand the film in the trenches thereby converting the silicon-and-hydrogen-containing layer to a silicon-and-oxygen-containing layer.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for forming a nanodevice. A reservoir is filled with a conductive fluid, and a membrane is formed to separate the reservoir in the nanodevice. The membrane includes an electrode layer having a tunneling junction formed therein. The membrane is formed to have a nanopore formed through one or more other layers of the membrane such that the nanopore is aligned with the tunneling junction of the electrode layer. The tunneling junction of the electrode layer is narrowed to a narrowed size by electroplating or electroless deposition. When a voltage is applied to the electrode layer, a tunneling current is generated by a base in the tunneling junction to be measured as a current signature for distinguishing the base. When an organic coating is formed on an inside surface of the tunneling junction, transient bonds are formed between the electrode layer and the base.

Abstract: Matrix composite component repair processes are disclosed. The matrix composite repair process includes applying a repair material to a matrix composite component, securing the repair material to the matrix composite component with an external securing mechanism and curing the repair material to bond the repair material to the matrix composite component during the securing by the external securing mechanism. The matrix composite component is selected from the group consisting of a ceramic matrix composite, a polymer matrix composite, and a metal matrix composite. In another embodiment, the repair process includes applying a partially-cured repair material to a matrix composite component, and curing the repair material to bond the repair material to the matrix composite component, an external securing mechanism securing the repair material throughout a curing period, In another embodiment, the external securing mechanism is consumed or decomposed during the repair process.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for forming a nanodevice. A reservoir is filled with a conductive fluid, and a membrane is formed to separate the reservoir in the nanodevice. The membrane includes an electrode layer having a tunneling junction formed therein. The membrane is formed to have a nanopore formed through one or more other layers of the membrane such that the nanopore is aligned with the tunneling junction of the electrode layer. The tunneling junction of the electrode layer is narrowed to a narrowed size by electroplating or electroless deposition. When a voltage is applied to the electrode layer, a tunneling current is generated by a base in the tunneling junction to be measured as a current signature for distinguishing the base. When an organic coating is formed on an inside surface of the tunneling junction, transient bonds are formed between the electrode layer and the base.

Abstract: An insulation structure of high voltage electrodes includes an insulator having an exposed surface and a conductor portion, which includes a joint region in contact with the insulator, and a heat-resistant portion provided, along at least part of an edge of the joint region, in such a manner as to be adjacent to the exposed surface of the insulator. The heat-resistant portion is formed of an electrically conductive material whose melting point is higher than that of the conductor portion. The heat-resistant portion may be so provided as to have a gap between the insulator and the exposed surface.

Abstract: Methods for using an electron beam treatment performed on an amorphous carbon layer to form a treated amorphous carbon layer with high etching resistance are provided. In one embodiment, a method of treating an amorphous carbon film includes providing a substrate having a material layer disposed, forming an amorphous carbon layer on the material layer, and performing an electron beam treatment process on the amorphous carbon layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for producing large scale nanostructured material comprising carbon nanotubes. Therefore, there is disclosed a method for making nanostructured materials comprising depositing carbon nanotubes onto at least one substrate via a deposition station, wherein depositing comprises transporting molecules to the substrate from a deposition fluid, such as liquid or gas. By using a substrate that is permeable to the carrier fluid, and allowing the carrier fluid to flow through the substrate by differential pressure filtration, a nanostructured material can be formed on the substrate, which may be removed, or may act as a part of the final component.

Abstract: A method and a system for producing a change in a medium. The method places in a vicinity of the medium an energy modulation agent. The method applies an initiation energy to the medium. The initiation energy interacts with the energy modulation agent to directly or indirectly produce the change in the medium. The energy modulation agent has a normal predominant emission of radiation in a first wavelength range outside of a second wavelength range (WR2) known to produce the change, but under exposure to the applied initiation energy produces the change. The system includes an initiation energy source configured to apply an initiation energy to the medium to activate the energy modulation agent.

Abstract: A method of reducing the diameter of pores formed in a graphene sheet includes forming at least one pore having a first diameter in the graphene sheet such that the at least one pore is surrounded by passivated edges of the graphene sheet. The method further includes chemically reacting the passivated edges with a chemical compound. The method further includes forming a molecular brush at the passivated edges in response to the chemical reaction to define a second diameter that is less than the initial diameter of the at least one pore.

Abstract: Polymer-based optically-variable devices (OVDs) for security applications and methods for producing the same. The uniformity of thickness of the structure of such devices is optimized by controlling previously neglected process parameters such as the temperature distribution of the deposition nozzle, the substrate and the deposition drum, their emissivities, the micro-roughness of the substrate, and the rate of monomer re-evaporation. Re-evaporation is minimized by initiating radiation-curing within two seconds of monomer deposition. A method includes equipment reducing all sources of emissivity non-homogeneities, such as surface blemishes in the surface areas exposed to the substrate to preferentially fabricate substrates with haziness less than 5% and gloss greater than 90%. Controlling, a maximum variation of thickness of the transmissive layer of an OVD ensures that no appreciable color-shift variation is visible to the naked eye.