Abstract: A pigment-based ink includes a non-polar carrier fluid and pigment particles suspended in the non-polar carrier fluid. The pigment particles have surface functionalized anionic groups. A combination of an electronic display and an electronic ink is provided, as is a method for modifying the pigment particles.

Abstract: A system for performing Raman spectroscopy comprises a waveguide layer configured with at least one array of features, the at least one array of features being configured to provide guided-mode resonance for at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation; and at least one fluid channel disposed in the waveguide layer. An analyte sensor comprises an electromagnetic radiation source configured to emit a range of wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation, the system for performing Raman spectroscopy, and at least one photodetector configured to detect Raman scattered light.

Abstract: A memristor includes a first electrode of a nanoscale width; a second electrode of a nanoscale width; and an active region disposed between the first and second electrodes. The active region has a both a non-conducting portion and a source of dopants portion induced by electric field. The non-conducting portion comprises an electronically semiconducting or nominally insulating material and a weak ionic conductor switching material capable of carrying a species of dopants and transporting the dopants under an electric field. The non-conducting portion is in contact with the first electrode and the source of dopants portion is in contact with the second electrode. The second electrode comprises a metal reservoir for the dopants. A crossbar array comprising a plurality of the nanoscale switching devices is also provided. A process for making at least one nanoscale switching device is further provided.

Abstract: An inkjet printing composition comprises an aqueous liquid vehicle; at least one pigment having a concentration of about 1 to 5 wt %; and a latex polymer having a concentration of about 2.5 to 8 wt % and comprising a polymerized mixture of styrene, butyl acrylate, at least one of methacrylonitrile and acrylonitrile, methacrylic acid, and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. An inkjet ink printing system comprises a vinyl medium; the at least one inkjet printing composition; and a heating device, wherein the system is configured such that upon applying heat from the heating device to the inkjet ink printed on the vinyl medium, the latex particles fuse, thereby forming a printed image with a film encapsulating at least a portion of the pigment on the vinyl medium. A method of forming a printed image of the latex polymer using the inkjet ink printing system is also provided.

Abstract: Mixed phthalocyanine and naphthalocyanine water-soluble dyes with near-infrared absorption comprise four isoindole units linked together in a large ring to form a phthalocyanine macrocycle. At least one benzene ring is linked to an isoindole unit and at least one naphthalene ring is linked to another isoindole unit. The remaining two isoindole units each have a benzene ring or a naphthalene ring linked thereto, in any combination. A metal atom is optionally complexed to the phthalocyanine macrocycle.

Abstract: A nanoscale switching device is provided, comprising: a first electrode of a nanoscale width; a second electrode of a nanoscale width; an active region disposed between the first and second electrodes, the active region having at least one non-conducting layer comprising an electronically semiconducting or nominally insulating and a weak ionic conductor switching material capable of carrying a species of dopants and transporting the dopants under an electric field; and a source layer interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode and comprising a highly reactive and highly mobile ionic species that reacts with a component in the switching material to create dopants that are capable of drifting through the non-conducting layer under an electric field, thereby controlling dopant profile by ionic modulation. A crossbar array comprising a plurality of the nanoscale switching devices is also provided, along with a process for making at least one nanoscale switching device.

Abstract: Polyphenylated phthalocyanine water-soluble dyes with near-infrared absorption comprise four isoindole units linked together in a large ring to form a phthalocyanine macrocycle, with either four anthracenyl groups or four naphthacenyl groups each linked to an isoindole, and a metal atom optionally complexed to the phthalocyanine macrocycle.

Abstract: A process is provided for fabricating rounded three-dimensional germanium active channels for transistors and sensors. For forming sensors, the process comprises providing a crystalline silicon substrate; depositing an oxide mask on the crystalline silicon substrate; patterning the oxide mask with trenches to expose linear regions of the silicon substrate; epitaxially grow germanium selectively in the trenches, seeded from the silicon wafer; optionally etching the SiO2 mask partially, so that the cross section resembles a trapezoid on a stem; and annealing at an elevated temperature. The annealing process forms the rounded channel. For forming transistors, the process further comprises depositing and patterning a gate oxide and gate electrode onto this structure to form the gate stack of a MOSFET device; and after patterning the gate, implanting dopants into the source and drain located on the parts of the germanium cylinder on either side of the gate line.

Abstract: A computing system for implementing at least one electronic circuit with gain comprises at least one two-dimensional molecular switch array. The molecular switch array is formed by assembling two or more crossed planes of wires into a configuration of devices. Each device comprises a junction formed by a pair of crossed wires and at least one connector species that connects the pair of crossed wires in the junction. The junction has a functional dimension in nanometers, and includes a switching capability provided by both (1) one or more connector species and the pair of crossed wires and (2) a configurable nano-scale wire transistor having a first state that functions as a transistor and a second state that functions as a conducting semiconductor wire. Specific connections are made to interconnect the devices and connect the devices to two structures that provide high and low voltages.

Abstract: A technique is provided for forming a molecule or an array of molecules having a defined orientation relative to the substrate or for forming a mold for deposition of a material therein. The array of molecules is formed by dispersing them in an array of small, aligned holes (nanopores), or mold, in a substrate. Typically, the material in which the nanopores are formed is insulating. The underlying substrate may be either conducting or insulating. For electronic device applications, the substrate is, in general, electrically conducting and may be exposed at the bottom of the pores so that one end of the molecule in the nanopore makes electrical contact to the substrate. A substrate such as a single-crystal silicon wafer is especially convenient because many of the process steps to form the molecular array can use techniques well developed for semiconductor device and integrated-circuit fabrication.

Abstract: A three-dimensional molecular assembly and method of formation are provided. The molecular assembly is formed on a substrate. The molecular assembly comprises: a first monolayer of seed molecules for initiating self-assembled molecular growth, the first monolayer formed on the substrate; a second monolayer of active molecules comprising a plurality of rotor and stator moieties, with one rotor moiety supported between two stator moieties, the second monolayer of active molecules formed on the first monolayer of seed molecules, with a one-to-one correspondence between molecules in the first monolayer and the second monolayer; a third monolayer of spacer molecules, formed on the second monolayer of active molecules, with a one-to-one correspondence between molecules in the second monolayer and the third monolayer; and a plurality of alternating second monolayers and third monolayers having the one-to-one correspondence.

Abstract: A sensor array for sensing at least one of chemical moieties and biological moieties is provided. The sensor array comprises a plurality of working electrodes electrically associated with a reference electrode, each working electrode in combination with the reference electrode forming a transducer. Each working electrode is provided with a coating of a sensing element comprised of an ionizable moiety and a functional group sensitive to one of the chemical and/or biological moieties.

Abstract: A multi-terminal electrically actuated switch comprises a source electrode, a drain electrode, and an active region physically connected to both electrodes. The active region comprises at least one primary active region comprising at least one material that can be doped or undoped to change its electrical conductivity, and a secondary active region comprising at least one material for providing a source/sink of ionic species that act as dopants for the primary active region(s). A gate electrode is physically connected to the source/sink region. Methods of operating the switch are also provided.

Abstract: A method of forming features on substrates by imprinting is provided. The method comprises: (a) forming a polymer solution comprising at least one polymer dissolved in at least one polymerizable monomer; and (b) depositing the polymer solution on a substrate to form a liquid film thereon; and then either: (c) curing the liquid film by causing the monomer(s) to polymerize and optionally cross-linking the polymer(s) to thereby form a polymer film, the polymer film having a glass transition temperature (Tg); and imprinting the polymer film with a mold having a desired pattern to form a corresponding negative pattern in the polymer film, or (d) imprinting the liquid film with the mold and curing it to form the polymer film. The temperature of imprinting is as little as 10° C. above the Tg, or even less if the film is in the liquid state. The pressure of the imprinting can be within the range of 100 to 500 psi.

Abstract: A high energy, e.g., ultraviolet (UV), catalyzed decomposing foam encapsulating a payload to be boosted in space provides an ultra-light weight, adaptable means to facilitate survival of much lighter, smaller satellites and space hardware under boost environment. The decomposable foam is to contain multiple satellites within a booster payload in lieu of the traditionally heavy and complex structural framework. The catalyzed decomposing foam significantly lowers the weight and structure of all space hardware. This packaging system is especially beneficial where several or even hundreds of satellites are required for a constellation system, thereby significantly benefiting all technologies applied in space, ranging from the telecommunication industry to DOD applications. In addition to weight and cost savings, advantages of this foam are many in that it is adaptable to any payload shape as it may be injected, sprayed, formed, molded, easily cut or manufactured to support any geometry required.

Abstract: A charge storage cell is made up of two electrodes spaced apart by a dielectric layer incorporating a molecular switch. A method of operating a bi-stable, molecular switch charge storage cell encompassing two electrodes spaced apart by a dielectric layer incorporating a molecular switch having an electric dipole is also disclosed. The method involves applying a voltage across said dielectric layer to induce opposing charges on said electrodes that create an electric field across said dielectric layer, wherein molecular dipoles within said dielectric layer align or change in response to said electric field, creating an opposing electric field and a change in state of said molecular switch from a first state to a second state; and applying a voltage of reverse polarity across said dielectric aver to change said state of said molecular switch from said second state to said first state.

Abstract: An electrochemically-activated optical switch is provided, comprising a molecular system configured between a pair of electrodes. The molecular system includes a moiety that is oxidizable or reducible in the presence of an electric current.

Abstract: A high energy, e.g., ultraviolet (UV) catalyzed decomposing foam encapsulating kinetic media forms a payload to be boosted in space and provides an ultra-light weight means for intercepting an incoming missile or other target. The decomposed foam releases the kinetic media (at designed rates so as to preserve a required density of media on target) to intercept a target and destroy it. The use of the decomposing foam significantly lowers the weight and cost and improves the probability of success of destroying the target.

Abstract: An interferometer is provided, comprising a source, a unit under test (UUT) with at least a first surface and second surface, a reflective optic, a detector and light from the source. The light is transmitted through the unit under test and reflects off of the reflective optic, which directs the light back to the unit under test. A first portion of light is reflected off the first surface of the UUT. A second portion of light is reflected off the second surface of the UUT. The first and second portions of light are then reflected by the reflective optic and are then transmitted through the UUT. The two portions of light are incident on the detector, where the first and second portions of light coherently add and the interference pattern is detected by the detector. A method for measuring the transmitted wavefront of the UUT is also provided.

Abstract: A means and method are provided for enhancing or replacing the natural excitation of the human vocal tract by artificial excitation means, wherein the artificially created acoustics present additional spectral, temporal, or phase data useful for (1) enhancing the machine recognition robustness of audible speech or (2) enabling more robust machine-recognition of relatively inaudible mouthed or whispered speech. The artificial excitation (a) may be arranged to be audible or inaudible, (b) may be designed to be non-interfering with another user's similar means, (c) may be used in one or both of a vocal content-enhancement mode or a complimentary vocal tract-probing mode, and/or (d) may be used for the recognition of audible or inaudible continuous speech or isolated spoken commands.