Abstract: Single-phase, non-cubic and single-phase, cubic ferroelectric/paraelectric perovskite-structured materials having reasonably low and fairly temperature insensitive dielectric constants (stable dielectric constants over a wide range of operating temperatures of ?80° C. to 100° C.), reasonable loss tangents (<˜10?1), high tunability, and significantly lowered Curie temperature below the temperature range of operation for previous undoped perovskite structures are provided. The FE/PE materials of the present invention have dilute charge-compensated substitutions in the Ti site of the perovskite structure. This single-phase structure or a variant of it with a Ti rich composition, provided herein, allows for pulsed-laser-deposition of a thin film with uniform transfer of the structure of the target into the deposited film, which enables production of very small, lightweight devices that are extremely efficient and consume little power.

Abstract: A method and structure for a full-bore artillery projectile fin deployment device comprising a projectile stabilization fin comprising an aperture and a movable pawl; a rod comprising a head portion and a shaft portion terminating with a beveled tip configured for engaging the pawl; a tailboom configured for housing the fin, wherein the tailboom comprises a hollow bore configured for receiving the rod; a pin slotted through the aperture and attached to the tailboom; and a bias member adjacent to the head portion of the rod. The rod is slotted to simultaneously engage a plurality of fins. The tailboom comprises a forward end and a rearward end and a slot configured for permitting the fin to articulate out of the tailboom, and wherein the tailboom connects to a projectile. Additionally, the power source for the device is the naturally occurring launch accelerations.

Abstract: An ionic conductive wire and method of forming an electrochemical cell in which an electric insulate tube is filled with an ionic conductive material. Terminals proximate the ends of the electric insulate tube are sealed with a fine porous material that is electric-insulate. The ionic conductive wire is movable such that it selectively connects at least two electric conductive materials to form an electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A multimode interference device and method of making the same comprises at least one input port, at least one output port, a multimode interference region separating the input port from the output port, and at least one subregion in the multimode interference region, wherein a self-image length within the multimode interference region is reduced by a factor that is approximately equal to one plus a number of subregions configured in the multimode interference region, wherein the at least one subregion is configured to have an effective width and effective refractive index running longitudinally through the multimode interference region. Additionally, the subregion may comprise at least one slot.

Abstract: A plurality of quantum-grid infrared photodetector (QGIP) elements are concatenated to form a spectrometer. Each of the QGIP elements is adapted to detect light at a particular range of wavelengths. Additionally, each QGIP element is adapted to produce a photocurrent that is proportional to the amount of light detected at its respective range of wavelengths. This type of configuration permits spectrometry within a spectrum that spans the aggregate ranges of wavelengths of each QGIP element.

Abstract: A novel family of amine azides having a cyclic structure therein is disclosed. These compounds have attractive properties as rocket propellants.

Abstract: A Fluorescence Particle Spectrometer (FPS) performs real-time measurement of the fluorescence spectra of aerosol particles in the size range 1-10 ?m diameter. The FPS has a sufficiently high sample rate (estimated to be a few liters/min) to measure aerosol within buildings (from 1 up to 600 particle fluorescence spectra per minute) at practical rates. A virtual impactor first concentrates aerosol particles, which are then drawn under negative pressure through an aerodynamic focusing nozzle in the inlet of the instrument, through the sample region, providing further concentration. The rate of particle spectra measured by the FPS increases significantly when the particle inlet is within a few meters of some common sources of indoor biological particles.

Abstract: Non-aqueous electrolyte solutions capable of protecting lithium metal and lithium-inserted carbonaceous electrodes include an electrolyte salt, preferably LiPF6, and a non-aqueous electrolyte solvent mixture comprising at least one of trialkyl phosphites, one or more cyclic or/and linear carbonates, and optionally other additives, such as, gelling agents, ionically conductive solid polymers, and other additives. The trialkyl phosphites have the following general formula: wherein the oxidation number of the phosphorus atom is III (three), R1, R2, and R3 are the same or different, independently selected from linear or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, optionally but not limited to, with one or more of the alkyl substituents being substituted by one or more halogen atoms, preferably fluorine atoms.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte to be used in a Li-ion battery includes a lithium salt, a cyclic carbonate, a linear carbonate and an alkyl fluorinated phosphate, of the following general formula wherein R1, R2 and R3, independently, are selected from the group consisting of straight and branched alkyl groups having 1-5 carbon atoms, and at least one of said alkyl groups is fluorinated, with the locations of said fluorination being at least ?-positioned away from the phosphorous of said phosphate, such that said alkyl phosphate has a F/H ratio of at least 0.25, and said electrolyte solution is non-flammable.

Abstract: This invention is directed to pure and modified Ta2O5 thin films deposited on suitable substrate and methods for making these Ta2O5 thin films. These Ta2O5 thin films exhibit superior properties for microwave communication, dynamic random access memory and integrated electronic applications. The Ta2O5 thin films perform well in these types of technologies due to the Ta 2O5 thin film component which allows for high dielectric constants, low dielectric loss, and good temperature and frequency stability, thus making them particularly useful in high frequency microwave applications.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a colossal magneto-resistive detector using a thin film transfer method includes the use of a perovskite oxide material as a substrate, and a rock salt structure material as a buffer layer, template layer, and release layer. Advantages associated with the method include not only the ability to produce a detector of the requisite film quality, but one which satisfies the temperature coefficient of resistance and fabrication temperature constraints. In addition, when employed as either the substrate or the buffer layer, template layer, and release layer, after bonding the rock salt structure material can be easily removed using water, and the excess rock salt structure material/water solution can then be removed with known techniques.

Abstract: Systems for optical wavefront sensing and control based on a phase contrast Fourier domain filtering technique. Optically or electronically controlled phase spatial light modulators (SLM) are used as the Fourier domain filter. A direct adaptive-optic feedback system using the optical wavefront sensing systems. A differential Zernike filter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A non-aqueous electrolyte to be used in a Li-ion battery includes a lithium salt, a cyclic carbonate, a linear carbonate and an isocyanate-based additive, with the following general formula R1—N?C?O wherein R1 represents linear or branched alkyl groups which have 1 to 7 carbon atoms, or aromatic groups having the following general formula wherein R2 and R3, which may be the same or different and located at any positions of carbons 2, 2?, 3, 3? and 4 in the benzyl ring, represent hydrogen atoms or halogen atoms, isocyanate groups, either groups, ester groups or alkyl groups, having 1 to 3 carbon atoms, and are optionally substituted with halogen atoms.

Abstract: A structure and method for a silicon carbide (SiC) gate turn-off (GTO) thyristor device operable to provide an increased turn-off gain comprises a cathode region, a drift region having an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the drift region overlies the cathode region, a gate region overlying the drift region, an anode region overlying the gate, and at least one ohmic contact positioned on each of the gate region, anode region, and cathode region, wherein the upper portion of the drift region, the gate region, and the anode region have a free carrier lifetime and mobility lower than a comparable SiC GTO thyristor for providing the device with an increased turn-off gain, wherein the free carrier lifetime is approximately 10 nanoseconds. The reduced free carrier lifetime and mobility are affected by altering the growth conditions, such as temperature under which epitaxy occurs.

Abstract: Single-phase, non-cubic and single-phase, cubic ferroelectric/paraelectric lead-based perovskite-structured materials having reasonably low and fairly temperature insensitive dielectric constants (stable dielectric constants over a wide range of operating temperatures of ?80° C. to 100° C.), reasonable loss tangents (<˜10?1), high tunability, and significantly lowered Curie temperature below the temperature range of operation for previous undoped perovskite structures are provided. The FE/PE materials of the present invention have dilute charge-compensated substitutions in the Ti site of the perovskite structure. This single-phase structure or a variant of it with a Ti rich composition, provided herein, allows for pulsed-laser-deposition of a thin film with uniform transfer of the structure of the target into the deposited film, which enables production of very small, lightweight devices that are extremely efficient and consume little power.

Abstract: Apparatus for the precise positioning of a sample of dielectric material into a cavity resonator system for obtaining dielectric constant, and other measurements. Precision micrometer drive units are provided to move the sample about a vertical axis, to tilt the sample, and to move the sample in X, Y and Z directions. The drive units are positioned on a bearing slide for ease of sample positioning into and out of the cavity. Selected drive units are controllable from a remote location so that the apparatus may be utilized in an environmental chamber whereby measurements may be accomplished without opening the chamber after each measurement. All components of the resonator system, positioning units, cables, etc. are chosen such that they are operable over the desired temperature range of operation.

Abstract: Robot and remote controlled devices have been utilized for information gathering purposes. However these robotic vehicles lack efficiency because they are not capable of operating out of doors or where the sensors and apparatus located on the robots are subject to harsh environments. The present invention provides a new and unique manner of overcoming these problems by providing a platform system that is placed upon existing robots without requiring adjustments to these devices. The platform effectuates easy installation of a plurality of sensors and apparatus on its top surface while providing internal housing for its wires and components, thereby providing a water, dirt and dust resistant environment which leads to better equipment function and ease of maintenance and repair.

Abstract: Single-phase, non-cubic and single-phase, cubic ferroelectric/paraelectric materials comprising a charge compensated lead-based perovskite having the general formula ABO3 is provided, which has reasonably low and fairly temperature insensitive dielectric constants over operating temperatures of −80° C. to 100° C., reasonable loss tangents (<˜10−1), and high tunability. The FE/PE materials of the present invention have dilute charge-compensated substitutions in the Ti site of the perovskite structure.

Abstract: In a target detection system two images are obtained of a known target, using two different wavelength filters constituting a hyperspectral line pair. The images are subtracted and the resulting image is analyzed by creating a Y profile of pixel values along a vertical line through the target on the image, and creating an X profile of pixel values along a horizontal line through the target on the image. Values of peak signal, peak noise and mean noise are obtained for each profile. These values are used to test certain criteria, which if not met, results in the selection of a new hyperspectral line pair for analysis. If the criteria are met for a first tested profile, then the tests are applied to the second profile. If the analyses of both profiles meet the criteria, then that hyperspectral line pair being tested is stored as a candidate for future use in target detection.

Abstract: A method of deposition of a microwave frequency paraelectric BST-based thin film on a SiC substrate provides a resulting thin film-substrate structure which has no interfacial phases or element/chemical interdiffusion. For physical vapor deposition of the thin film, at least one of (i) thermally stable, refractory semiconductor substrate material is heat-treated during film deposition and (ii) the film-substrate structure is post-deposition heat treated, e.g., annealed, to achieve high quality film crystallinity with a fully developed film microstructure having desired microwave dielectric and insulating properties. For chemical solution deposition, the thin film is deposited onto a thermally stable, refractory semiconductor substrate material and is post-deposition heat treated to achieve a high quality film with a fully developed film microstructure having desired microwave dielectric and insulating properties.