Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for detecting a chemical substance. The methods and systems include mixing a sample of a substance of interest with an additive and then producing an adduct using an ionization source. The systems and methods further include performing a spectrometric analysis of the adduct and identifying the sample using comparative spectrometric data.

Abstract: Reagents and methods are disclosed for detection of oxidizers and inorganic salts and other analytes of interest. The reagents can interact with their target analytes, especially oxidizer compositions or oxidizer-based explosives, to selectively enhance their ionization yield, interacting by chemical reaction or by forming an associative adduct which facilitates their detection. For example, the reagents can adduct with the counter-ion of the intended analyte for improved direct detection and/or react chemically via acid-base reactions to produce a new product for detection. In another aspect of the invention, reactive reagents and methods are also disclosed that facilitate indirect detection of the analyte at lower temperatures based on reduction-oxidation (redox) chemistry. These reagents are particularly useful in detecting oxidizer analytes.

Abstract: A nanostructure and methods of synthesizing same. In one embodiment, the nanostructure includes a magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle, a hydrophobic protection structure including at least an amphiphilic copolymer, wherein the hydrophobic protection structure encapsulates the magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle, and at least one amino-terminal fragment (ATF) peptide or epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody conjugated to the amphiphilic copolymer.

Abstract: Stimuli-responsive magnetic nanoparticles, methods of making the nanoparticles, and methods of using the nanoparticles.

Abstract: Methods to produce pH-sensitive microparticles that have an active agent dispersed in a polymer matrix have certain advantages over microcapsules with an active agent encapsulated in an interior compartment/core inside of a polymer wall. The current invention relates to pH-sensitive microparticles that have a corrosion-detecting or corrosion-inhibiting active agent or active agents dispersed within a polymer matrix of the microparticles. The pH-sensitive microparticles can be used in various coating compositions on metal objects for corrosion detecting and/or inhibiting.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of detecting impurities in a metal-containing article. A portion of metal material is removed from a metal article and is solubilized in an acid or base-comprising liquid to produce a liquid sample. The liquid sample is subjected to an incident laser beam and light scattered from the sample is detected. The invention includes a method of analyzing a physical vapor deposition target material. A portion of target material is removed from the target and is rinsed with an acid-comprising solution. The portion of target material is dissolved to produce a liquid sample. The sample is subjected to an incident laser beam and scatter of the laser beam is detected to determine the number of particles present in the sample within a particular size range.

Abstract: A SERS active particle having a metal-containing particle and a cationic coating on the metal-containing particle, wherein the SERS active particle carries a positive charge is disclosed. Also, a SERS active particle having a metal-containing particle and a non-metallic molecule, wherein the metal-containing particle is derivatized with the non-metallic molecule is disclosed. In addition, several methods of modifying the nanoparticles surfaces of a SERS active particle and of improving the interaction between the SERS active particle and an analyte are disclosed.

Abstract: Stimuli-responsive magnetic nanoparticles, methods of making the nanoparticles, and methods of using the nanoparticles.

Abstract: A nickel crucible used for melting an analytical sample in the pretreatment of the analytical sample, characterized in that the purity of the nickel crucible is 99.9999 wt % or higher. Also provided is a method of analysis, comprising melting a sample by the use of the nickel crucible for melting having a purity of 99.9999 wt % or higher, and analyzing the melt to thereby obtain an analytical result in which the respective lower limits of determination of Mn, Al, Si, Mg, Pb, Fe, Co, Ti, Cu, Cr, Zr, Mo, and W are Mn: 5 wtppm, Al: 10 wtppm, Si: 10 wtppm, Mg: 5 wtppm, Pb: 5 wtppm, Fe: 5 wtppm, Co: 5 wtppm, Ti: 20 wtppm, Cu: 20 wtppm, Cr: 10 wtppm, Zr: 5 wtppm, Mo: 2 wtppm, and W: 10 wtppm. In light of the recent analytical technology demanded of fast and accurate measurement of high purity materials, high purity analysis is attained through inhibition of mixing of impurities from the crucible.

Abstract: A nickel crucible used for melting an analytical sample in the pretreatment of the analytical sample, characterized in that the purity of the nickel crucible is 99.9999 wt % or higher. Also provided is a method of analysis, comprising melting a sample by the use of the nickel crucible for melting having a purity of 99.9999 wt % or higher, and analyzing the melt to thereby obtain an analytical result in which the respective lower limits of determination of Mn, Al, Si, Mg, Pb, Fe, Co, Ti, Cu, Cr, Zr, Mo, and W are Mn: 5 wtppm, Al: 10 wtppm, Si: 10 wtppm, Mg: 5 wtppm, Pb: 5 wtppm, Fe: 5 wtppm, Co: 5 wtppm, Ti: 20 wtppm, Cu: 20 wtppm, Cr: 10 wtppm, Zr: 5 wtppm, Mo: 2 wtppm, and W:10 wtppm. In light of the recent analytical technology demanded of fast and accurate measurement of high purity materials, high purity analysis is attained through inhibition of mixing of impurities from the crucible.

Abstract: A non-reactive monomer mixture has a monomer component dispersed in a melted diaryl carbonate. The monomer component has one or more monomer compounds having a melting point below the melting point of the diaryl carbonate. Furthermore, the monomer component has less than 600 ppb alkali metal, an acid stabilizer, or both less than 600 ppb alkali metal and an acid stabilizer. The monomer compounds of the monomer component and the diaryl carbonate are present in a mole ratio of from 0.9 to 1.1. The monomer mixture is at a temperature between the melting temperature of the lowest melting monomer compound and the melting temperature of the diaryl carbonate.

Abstract: A non-reactive monomer mixture contains a monomer component and a diaryl carbonate dispersed in the mixture. The monomer component includes one or more monomer compounds having a melting point below the melting point of the diaryl carbonate. The monomer component has less than 600 ppb alkali metal, an acid stabilizer, or both less than 600 ppb alkali metal and an acid stabilizer. The monomer compounds of the monomer component and the diaryl carbonate are present in a mole ratio of from 0.9 to 1.1. The monomer mixture is at a temperature between the melting temperature of the lowest melting monomer compound and less than 5° C. above the melting point of the diaryl carbonate.

Abstract: A non-reactive monomer mixture is formed from a dihydroxy component having one or more dihydroxy compounds dissolved in a melted diaryl carbonate. The dihydroxy component has less than 600 ppb alkali metal, an acid stabilizer, or both less than 600 ppb alkali metal and an acid stabilizer. The dihydroxy compounds of the dihydroxy component and the diaryl carbonate are present in a mole ratio of from 0.9 to 1.1. The monomer mixture is at a temperature between the saturation point of the monomer mixture and the highest melting temperature of the individual dihydroxy compounds. The non-reactive monomer mixture can be stored and transported and then polymerized to form polycarbonate upon addition of a catalyst.

Abstract: An electronic system for selectively detecting and identifying a plurality of chemical species, which comprises an array of nanostructure sensing devices, is disclosed. Within the array, there are at least two different selectivities for sensing among the nanostructure sensing devices. Methods for fabricating the electronic system are also disclosed. The methods involve modifiying nanostructures within the devices to have different selectivity for sensing chemical species. Modification can involve chemical, electrochemical, and self-limiting point defect reactions. Reactants for these reactions can be supplied using a bath method or a chemical jet method. Methods for using the arrays of nanostructure sensing devices to detect and identify a plurality of chemical species are also provided.

Abstract: A detection system for detecting contaminant gases includes a converter, a detector, a primary channel for delivering a target gas sample through the converter to the detector, and at least two scrubbing channels for delivering a reference gas sample through the converter to the detector. Each of the scrubbing channels includes a scrubber for removing basic nitrogen compounds from the reference gas sample, while the primary channel preferably transmits the target gas sample without scrubbing. The converter converts gaseous nitrogen compounds in the target gas sample to an indicator gas, such as nitric oxide (NO), and a control system directs the flow of a gas sample among the primary channel and the scrubbing channels. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the basic-nitrogen-compound concentration can be measured by comparing the concentration of the indicator gas detected in the reference sample with the detected indicator-gas concentration in the target sample.

Abstract: The invention encompasses a method of generating information about materials in a composition. A reagent is utilized to dissolve portions of the composition, and thereafter is filtered through a substrate which is then scanned with a microscope using automated displacement of the substrate to obtain data about the non-dissolved portions at locations along a grid pattern. Information about the size and quantity of the non-dissolved portions of the composition is generated. The invention also encompasses a method of generating information about impurities present in a metal composition. Metallic portions of the composition are selectively dissolved relative to impurities to form a solution. The solution is filtered through a substrate which is then scanned with a microscope to obtain data about a darkness of the impurities relative to a background. The data is processed to generate information about the size, quantity and type of the impurities.

Abstract: A magnetic focusing immunosensor for the detection of pathogens comprising a laser, an exciting fiber and a collecting fiber, a fiber optic magnetic probe in communication with the collecting and exciting fibers and means for detecting, collecting and measuring fluorescent signals in communication with the collecting fiber. The probe and the collecting and exciting fibers are configured to focus paramagnetic microspheres attached to antigen/antibody/optically labeled complexes in a predetermined pattern in the field of view of the collecting fiber while blocking background interference.

Abstract: A method includes providing a substrate and depositing components of a test contaminant library onto regions of the substrate to form at least two test contaminant members of the library. In another method, a chemical cleaning solution is selected by combinatorial high throughput screening. In the method, components of a test contaminant library are deposited onto regions of a substrate to form at least two test contaminant members of the library. The substrate is cleaned with a cleaning solution and cleanliness of the substrate evaluated to select a cleaning solution for at least one of the contaminant members. In a final embodiment, the invention is a combinatorial high throughput screening array plate, comprising (A) a substrate and (B) a test contaminant library deposited on the substrate.

Abstract: The method for analyzing a metal for oxygen, using inert gas carrying fusion/infrared absorption analysis, having the steps of: placing a metal analyte in a graphite crucible; heat-melting the metal analyte; extracting a gas from the melt bath; and analyzing the gas to determine the total oxygen content of the metal in the form of a plurality of separated waves, wherein the metal analyte is heated at a temperature rise rate of not more than 20.degree. C./sec in a period from a starting point A of a first wave to a peak point B of the first wave, held at a constant temperature in a period from the peak point B of the first wave to an end point C of the first wave, and, after the completion of the appearance of the first wave, is heated to melt the metal analyte for further analysis.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for improving the making of metals such as steel and copper by using a molten metal gas measurement system to measure the gas content of the molten metal particularly H.sub.2 content, and to controlling the metal making process based on the gas content value. The preferred gas analyzer comprises an improved long lasting immersion probe body and an analyzer wherein the probe body is immersed in the molten metal and a carrier gas is cycled through the probe and analyzer. The carrier gas entrains gases diffusing into or formed in the probe body and this gas mixture is electronically compared with a reference value to provide a measurement of the gases in the molten metal and the process is controlled based on the analyzer results. Another important use of the gas analyzer is in molten metal degassing operations such as used in the steel industry.

Abstract: A method is used to detect a location of contaminant entry in a processing fluid production and distribution system. A wafer is placed in a clean container. The clean container is connected to a test point within the processing fluid production and distribution system. Processing fluid from the test point of the processing fluid production and distribution system is allowed to flow through the clean container. The wafer is dried. The wafer is then tested for the existence of contaminants.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring oxygen within a molten substance comprises a compact oxygen probe unit constructed by assembling a tubular shell whose one end is closed, which is made of solid electrolyte and which is to be soaked into the molten substance to be measured, a metal cylinder which surrounds the outer periphery of the shell and which serves also as an outer electrode and a sheath thermocouple which is inserted to a reference pole provided within an inner face of the shell and which serves also as an inner electrode to a terminal box. The metal cylinder comprises a protecting cylinder portion which surrounds the outer periphery of the shell and an opening for exposing the closed end of the shell. Both element wires of the sheath thermocouple are connected to temperature measuring means via the terminal box.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for the determination of an analyte in a sample liquid using a metal complex capable of luminescence as an analyte-specific marker group for the production of a measuring signal in which an unspecific metal complex is additionally added as an interference elimination reagent which has a structure that is chemically related to the marker group.

Abstract: A method for improving the making of metals such as steel and copper by specially using a gas measurement system to analyze molten metals for gas, particularly H2 content, and to controlling the metal making process based on these values. The preferred gas analyzer comprises a hollow probe and an analyzer wherein the probe is immersed in the molten metal and a carrier gas containing a reducing gas such as CO is cycled through the probe and analyzer. The carrier gas entrains gases in the probe and this gas mixture is electronically compared with a reference value to provide a measurement of the gases in the molten metal and the process is controlled based on the analyzer results.

Abstract: A method of extracting anionic species from a solid or liquid medium by contacting the medium with an extract solvent of supercritical carbon dioxide and a positively charged complexant ligand for solubilizing and extracting the anionic species form the medium.

Abstract: A method for measuring and controlling the oxygen concentration in silicon melts which are contained in a silica glass crucible or which can be touched by a silica glass surface can especially be used for achieving a defined, uniform axial and radial oxygen concentration in a growing silicon crystal. The measurement of the oxygen concentration is realized by an electrochemical solid ionic sensor dipped into the melt; the voltage is measured between the sensor and the growing silicon crystal. The oxygen concentration in the melt is controlled by applying a voltage between crystal and silica glass crucible. The apparatus for putting the method into practice includes an electrochemical solid ionic sensor formed of a silica glass tube which encloses a metal/metal oxide mixture, contacted by a metal wire.

Abstract: A photo-ablation technique is used to create apertures (4) in a layer (2) of electrically insulating material and allow electrically conducting material (3) exposed through the apertures to create a microelectrode. The microelectrode can be used for assay methods and in an assay unit.

Abstract: An improved mercury electrode for electrochemical analysis is formed by a small diameter thread of liquid mercury contained within an inert tube which, at one point along its length, has an short, fixed length of thin walled tubular semipermeable membrane surrounding and forming the electrodes' active surface in order to prevent or reduce fouling of the surface while allowing the mercury thread to be advanced through the membrane to expose a fresh active surface whenever desired.

Abstract: A process is provided for determining the concentration of a gas in a molten metal by a carrier gas, which can be pumped to at least one analyzer, either in direct route for calibration, or for measuring through a measuring circuit with a measuring probe immersed in the molten metal, wherein the carrier gas effects a gas exchange with the molten metal, and this gas mixture is pumped to the analyzer for measurement. In order to obtain an accurate and quick reading of the concentration of a gas in a molten metal, the carrier gas is pumped for one segment of a measuring cycle directly to the analyzer for calibration, as well as to the measuring circuit for purging and for uptake of the gas to be measured, so that the gas to be measured is ready for the analyzer.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for analyzing silicon for nonmetallic contaminants. The method comprises: (A) forming an alloy comprising silicon and a metal which promotes separation of nonmetallic contaminants present in the alloy, (B) separating the nonmetallic contaminants from the alloy, and (C) analyzing the separated nonmetallic contaminants for chemical content. The present invention is particularly useful for analyzing metallurgical grade silicon intended for use in the direct process for the production of organohalosilanes for the presence of oxides and carbides of calcium, aluminum, and silicon.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of determining oxidation on a titanium aluminide material. An aqueous saturated solution of oxalic acid is prepared. The saturated solution of oxalic acid is combined with a minor portion of hydrofluoric acid solution. The resultant oxalic acid/hydrofluoric acid solution is mixed. The titanium aluminide material is immersed in the mixed solution for a sufficiently long period to allow exposure of the oxidized surface followed by inspection thereof for a white layer indicating the presence of oxidation on its surface.

Abstract: A method of quantitatively analyzing nitrogen contained in titanium group metal or an alloy thereof, involving melting the metal or alloy in an inert gas atmosphere, allowing the nitrogen in titanium to be extracted and subjecting the extracted nitrogen to a quantitative analysis, characterized in that a titanium sample for analysis is melted in the present of nickel in an amount corresponding to 7 to 16 times the weight of the sample.

Abstract: A gas concentration measuring method comprises irradiating a sample gas with ultraviolet light in the presence of oxygen, thereby converting a specific gas for detection contained in the sample gas into fine oxide particles by photochemical reaction, irradiating the sample gas having the fine oxide particles contained therein with light, and detecting scattered light emitted from the fine oxide particles contained in the sample gas.

Abstract: A method of quantitatively analyzing oxygen or nitrogen contained in titanium group metal or an alloy thereof, involving melting the metal or alloy in an inert gas atmosphere, allowing the oxygen in titanium to react with carbon thereby extracting it as carbon monoxide, or allowing the nitrogen in titanium to be extracted, and subjecting the extracted carbon monoxide or nitrogen to a quantitative analysis, characterized in that a titanium sample for analysis is melted in the present of nickel in an amount corresponding to 7 to 17 times the weight of the sample.

Abstract: A method for quantitative analysis of the chemical composition of an inorganic material comprising extraction of the element being determined from a sample of the inorganic material into the gas phase by treating the sample with a reagent that forms, with the element being determined, a volatile halide that is quantitatively analyzed in the gas phase. The method of this invention enables the determination of a broad range of elements. It is possible to determine one, two and more elements in a single experiment. The method is highly sensitive. The lower limit of detection of elements is 10.sup.-5 to 10.sup.-7 %. The accuracy of determination of elements present in concentrations of 10.sup.-5 to 10.sup.-6 % ranges from 15 to 30%.