Abstract: A method of making a piezoelectric device comprising providing a deposition chamber, the deposition chamber having reduced pressure therein; loading a substrate into the deposition chamber; sputter depositing hexagonal 001 oriented titanium on the substrate; providing an oxygen anneal to convert 001 oriented titanium into 100 oriented rutile TiO2; sputter depositing a 111 or 100 oriented textured conducting material for use as an electrode; sputter depositing a hexagonal 001 oriented titanium and providing an oxygen anneal in a lead oxide environment to convert 001 oriented titanium into 100 oriented rutile TiO2 or PbxTi1-xO3; sputter depositing textured lead zirconate titanate PbZrxTi1-x03 having an 001 orientation as a piezoelectric layer, and sputter depositing a textured electrode on top of the textured lead zirconate titanate; whereby processing of the layers within the deposition chamber provides minimized exposure to ambient contamination and improved texturing in the resulting films.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining aggregated value of risk and resilience metrics of critical nodes in a network of computer nodes, comprising determining a status of each node in a plurality of nodes, computing one or more effectiveness attributes for each node in the plurality of nodes, ranking the plurality of nodes based upon at least the one or more effectiveness attributes of each node, determining one or more nodes as critical nodes based on the ranking and computing a criticality surface of the one or more critical nodes as the aggregated value of risk and resilience metrics, wherein the criticality surface is an aggregation of the one or more effectiveness attribute for each of the one or more critical nodes.

Abstract: A system for obtaining spectral images from polarized light comprising a polarization sensitive filter; the polarization sensitive filter being configured to receive light at at least one predetermined polarization orientation; and an achromatic waveplate operatively associated with the polarization sensitive filter; the achromatic waveplate being rotatable; whereby rotation of the achromatic waveplate enables light to enter the polarization sensitive spectral filter at at least two predetermined polarization orientations.

Abstract: A nonvolatile memory comprising at least one ferromagnetic region having permeability which changes from a first state to a second state of lower permeability upon heating; at least one laser operatively associated with the at least one ferromagnetic region which selectively provides heat to the ferromagnetic region to change its p permeability; and a plurality of connectors operatively connected to the at least one laser and adapted to be connected to a current source that provides a current which causes the laser to change the at least one ferromagnetic region from a first state to a second state. Optionally, the memory is arranged as an array of memory cells. Optionally, each cell has a magnetic field sensor operatively associated therewith. Optionally, the nonvolatile memory is radiation hard. Also, a method of recording data by heating at least one ferromagnetic region to change its permeability.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cognitive non-linear radar processing comprising identifying one or more frequency bands of interest, passively scanning, using a non-linear radar (NR), the one or more frequency bands of interest to determine whether interference signals are occupying the one or more bands, transmitting radar waveforms and receiving radar waveform responses at one or more frequency bands determined to be free of interference, determining a likelihood of a target being present or not based on whether the received waveform responses match stored waveform responses for non-linear targets, and modifying waveform parameters of the transmitted radar waveform when the received waveform responses match the stored waveform responses, so as to transmit a modified radar waveform.

Abstract: A method of making and a photodetector comprising a substrate; a p-type or n-type layer; first and second region each having polarizations, a first interface therebetween, the magnitudes and directions of the first and second polarizations being such that a scalar projection of second polarization on the growth direction relative to the scalar projection of the first polarization projected onto the growth direction is sufficient to create a first interface charge; and a third region suitable for forming one of an n-metal or p-metal contact thereon having a third polarization, a second interface between the second and third regions, the third polarization having a scalar projection on the growth direction that, relative to scalar projection of the second polarization onto the growth direction, is sufficient to create a second interface charge; the first and second interface charges creating an electrostatic potential barrier to carriers defining a predetermined wavelength range.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a tunable inductor having a magnetic core which has an air gap. In order to vary the inductance of the inductor, the inductor includes a tuner that is moveable relative to the magnetic core in the vicinity of the air gap. An actuator is attached to the tuner which, upon actuation, moves the tuner relative to the magnetic core to thereby vary the spacing between the tuner and the core in the vicinity of the air gap. The variation of the spacing between the tuner and the magnetic core varies the effective air gap of the overall inductor in the desired fashion.

Abstract: A multitone nonlinear radar system (and a method of operating such a system) comprising a transmitter that transmits a signal comprising at least two predetermined frequency components; a receiver operating to receive return signals comprising harmonics of at least two predetermined frequencies, combinations of the at least two predetermined frequency components, and combinations of the harmonics of the at least two predetermined frequency components that are within a predetermined selected frequency range that has been predetermined to enable detection and/or classification of an electronic device; at least one antenna operating to transmit and receive electromagnetic radiation operatively connected to the transmitter and receiver; the receiver comprising at least one high pass filter for attenuating linear reflections at the two predetermined frequencies, and an analyzer; whereby electronic devices may be detected and identified by analyzing return signals within a predetermined frequency range.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include various airfoils constructions, such as airfoils and rotor blades having a continuous trailing-edge flap. According to an embodiment, an airfoil is comprised of a load-bearing structure in the forward portion of the airfoil; a skin to maintain the airfoil shape; a tapered composite structure having one or more actuators extending from the load-bearing structure toward the trailing edge, and joining the skin in the vicinity of the trailing edge; and a core extending from the load-bearing structure connecting the tapered composite structure to the load-bearing structure. In this airfoil, the tapered composite structure tapers from being relatively thick near the core to being relatively thin near the trailing edge. And the one or more actuators are configured to deflect the trailing edge so as to deform the shape of the airfoil cross-section.

Abstract: A composite laser gain medium is comprised of a first rare-earth element doped core; and a second rare-earth element doped cladding, at least partially, adjacent to the core. A portion of the lasing by the cladding at one wavelength within the composite laser gain medium is absorbed by the core so as to cause lasing of the core at a different wavelength. At least two distinct rare earth element pairs may be used in embodiments: (1) thulium (Tm) as a cladding rare-earth dopant and holmium (Ho) as the core rare-earth dopant; and (2) ytterbium (Yb) as a cladding rare-earth dopant and erbium (Er) as the core rare-earth dopant. Other rare earth element pairs are also believed possible. The laser composite gain medium may be configured to have a slab, or a cylindrical geometry.

Abstract: Processes of specifically and effectively labeling an organism are provided. Processes involve the incorporation of a plurality of phenotype neutral tags that are differentially detected where the presence or absence of the tag is represented by a digital readout. The incorporation of stealth tags or insertion tags provides a rapid and population maintaining labeling of an organism that can be readily identified by digital PCR techniques.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fuel cell having an anode; a cathode opposing the anode; a first electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode; a second electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode; and an A/C junction electrode disposed between the first electrolyte membrane and the second electrolyte membrane, the A/C junction electrode comprising a first gas diffusion layer; a second gas diffusion layer; a current collector disposed between the first gas diffusion layer and the second gas diffusion layer; a first catalyst layer disposed between the first electrolyte membrane and the first gas diffusion layer; and a second catalyst layer disposed between the second electrolyte membrane and the second gas diffusion layer.

Abstract: A system comprising a laser for transmitting a beam of light towards a target area; a controller for controlling the output of the laser; a receiver for collecting reflected pulses of light reflected from the target area, the receiver comprising a plurality of receive elements, each of the receive elements having a different field of view; a combiner for combining the outputs of the receive elements into one composite signal of the target area; an interface circuitry for converting the composite signal into an image; display unit displaying output from interface circuitry.

Abstract: A positive electrode material having a nominal stoichiometry Li1+y/2Co1?x?y?z?dSizFexMyM?d(PO4)1+y/2 where M is a trivalent cation selected from at least one of Cr, Ti, Al, Mn, Ni, V, Sc, La and/or Ga, M? is a divalent cation selected from at least one of Mn, Ni, Zn, Sr, Cu, Ca and/or Mg, y is within a range of 0<y?0.10 and x is within a range of 0?x?0.2. The use of double compositional modification to LiCoPO4 increases the discharge capacity from ˜100 mAh/g to about 130 mAh/g while retaining the discharge capacity retention of the singly Fe-substituted LiCoPO4.

Abstract: This application generally relates to deformable elastomeric conductors and differential signaling transmission techniques. According to one embodiment, a deformable elastomeric conductor is configured to transmit electrical signals. It comprises: an elastomeric polymer matrix; and conductive filler material uniformly dispersed in the elastomeric polymer matrix sufficient to render the material electrically conductive. The conductive filler material may include substantially non-entangled particles having an aspect ratio sufficiently large to enable the particles to substantially remain in contact and/or in close proximity with adjacent particles so as to maintain conductive pathways in the material when the material is subjected to deformation up to and exceeding 10% strain. Thus, over a transmission distance of an electrical signal through the conductor, the transmission does not suffer greater than about 3 dB of signal attenuation when subjected to the deformation.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to deformable polymer composites, and more particularly to, deformable polymer composites with controlled electrical performance during deformation through tailored strain-dependent conductive filler contact. According to embodiments, a deformable elastomeric conductive material includes: an elastomeric polymer matrix; and conductive filler material uniformly dispersed in the elastomeric polymer matrix sufficient to render the material electrically or thermally conductive. The conductive filler material comprises a plurality of substantially non-entangled particles having an aspect ratio sufficiently large to enable the particles to substantially remain in contact and/or in close proximity with adjacent particles so as to maintain conductive pathways in the material when the material is subjected to deformation up to and exceeding 10% strain.

Abstract: Electrically and/or thermally conductive polymer composites and methods of preparing same are provided. In some embodiments, a method for preparing an electrically and/or thermally conductive polymer composite may include (1) mixing a polymer, a conductive particulate filler, and a solvent compatible with the polymer to form a non-conductive polymer solution or melt; (2) processing, the non-conductive polymer solution or melt to form a non-conductive polymer network composition; wherein the presence of solvent during three-dimensional network formation manipulates the polymer network structure; and (3) removing the solvent from the non-conductive polymer network composition to form an electrically and/or thermally conductive polymer composite. The altered polymer chain structure present in the non-conductive polymer network composition is maintained in the composite, and offsets the impact of particulate filler addition including increased modulus, decreased elasticity, and decreased elongation at break.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating low pressure hydrogen gas from fuel solutions (i.e., alcohols) without the use of an external power source or external heat source. The apparatus comprises (a) a first chamber for fuel storage having an aperture, (b) a second chamber for the temporary storage of hydrogen gas generated having an aperture, (c) a first electrochemical cell (Cell-1) and (d) a second electrochemical cell (Cell-2). Cell-2 is disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber so that its anode is in fluid communication with the first chamber and its cathode is in fluid communication with the second chamber. Cell-1 is disposed on the opposite side of the first chamber from Cell-2 so that the anode therein is in fluid communication with the first chamber, and the cathode therein is in fluid communication with an oxidizing agent. The first chamber is sandwiched between Cell-1 and Cell-2.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to matrix composites comprising high strain-rate sensitive elastomers in a multi-layer construct which provide ballistic-resistant material systems with enhanced protection against blast damage as well as ballistic impact. According to one embodiment, a matrix composite for impact resistance and blast mitigation formed in a multi-layer configuration may include: (a) one or more outer layers comprising poly(urethane urea) having a strain-rate sensitivity characteristic in the range of 1,000/sec to 1,000,000/sec; and (b) one or more inner layers comprising poly(urethane urea) having a strain-rate sensitivity characteristic in the range of 10,000/sec to 1,000,000/sec.

Abstract: A system for transferring electrical power, data or both, by way of magnetic induction between a first article and a second article. A first electrically conductive coil is integrated in the first article and a second electrically conductive coil is integrated to a second article. A fastener comprising ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material is configured to be positioned through the first coil and the second coil to provide an efficient magnetic conductance path between the first coil and the second coil and to removably secure the first article and the second article together. A control circuit selectively energizes the first coil or second coil with alternating current to transfer electrical energy to the other of said first and second coil.