Abstract: An improved optical apparatus and system for producing a three-dimensional real image of an object. The apparatus includes a support member, a first concave reflective surface affixed to the support member and having an associated focal length, and a second concave reflective surface affixed to the support member. The first concave reflective surface and the second concave reflective surface are placed in substantially fixed spatial relationship to each other to define an acute angle so that when the object is appropriately placed further than the focal length of the first concave reflective surface, the apparatus produces a three-dimensional real image of the object.

Abstract: Polyvinyl alcohol and related compounds are provided that inhibit the freezing of water and water solutions. These synthetic compounds preferentially bind and inhibit ice nucleating surfaces in a manner similar to natural antifreeze proteins. The resulting inhibition allows water and water solutions to supercool without ice formation to temperatures below the thermodynamic freezing point. The freezing inhibition occurs at concentrations as small as one part per million, although concentrations up to one part per hundred are preferred. These polyvinyl alcohol additives are very useful for enhancing the performance of antifreeze formulations, biological cryopreservation solutions, and for preventing frost damage to plants and other industrial products and processes.