Abstract: A pegylated and hydroxiated trimetallic nitride endohedral metallofullerene is provided comprising a plurality of hydroxyl groups and one or more polyethylene glycol (PEG) moieties covalently bonded to a fullerene encapsulating a trimetallic nitride. Methods of pegylation and hydroxylation of trimetallic nitride endohedral metallofullerene and methods of using pegylated and hydroxlated trimetallic nitride endohedral metallofullerene are described.

Abstract: A heterodyne optical signal analyzer (HOSA) permits accurate reconstruction of an optical input signal (Es) in the time domain. In one embodiment, a vector representation of the light is used to account for two polarization states of the optical signal. The components of a heterodyne optical signal analyzer (10), including optical couplers (12), all have errors and offsets. For example, optical power detectors (16) are very sensitive to changes in polarization of the optical signal (Es) and of the reference signal (Er). Several HOSA calibration procedures including detector calibration, vector calibration, and reference signal calibration are described.

Abstract: A fiber optic measurement device including an optical frequency domain reflectometer (OFDR) performs polarization diversity detection without using a polarizing beam splitter.

Abstract: A calibration device is described for use in calibrating an ultrasonic pulse echo apparatus for detecting a moving object in a fluid, where the ultrasonic pulse echo apparatus includes an ultrasonic transducer and calibration circuitry. A connector has a first end for connecting with a first fluid conduit and a second end for connecting with a second fluid conduit. A cavity between the first and second ends permits the fluid containing the moving object from the first conduit to flow through the connector cavity to the second fluid conduit. A first calibration sphere is positioned relative to the connector for reflecting an ultrasonic pulse signal transmitted by the ultrasonic transducer. The reflected ultrasonic pulse signal is useable by the calibration circuitry to calibrate the ultrasonic pulse echo apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a self-decontaminating surface coating, which when cured has a partially hydrophobic surface. The coating comprises a polymeric coating resin which, when cured, is hydrophilic. The coating also comprises a biocide, a germinating agent, and a hydrophobic micro/nano particulate material. The coating is suitable for application to ceramics, metals, and polymer substrates. Articles coated with the coating of the present invention are resistant to spores.

Abstract: Flame-retardant synthetic resin articles and methods of making the same are provided whereby flame-retardant SAP particles are incorporated into synthetic resins, especially curable thermosettable resins. The SAP particles are most preferably hydrated with an aqueous flame-retardant solution. In this regard, the flame-retardant solution may consist essentially of water alone or a water solution containing one or more water soluble inorganic flame retardants. When SAP particles are hydrated with an aqueous inorganic flame retardant solution, the SAP particles may thereafter be dried to remove substantially the water component. In such a manner, the inorganic flame retardant will remain as a dried residue physically entrained within the SAP particles. As such, the SAP particles serve as a physical matrix in which the inorganic flame retardant is homogenously dispersed.

Abstract: Light is coupled into two polarization modes of a waveguide, e.g., an optical fiber. The spectral response of Rayleigh backscatter in the waveguide segment for the two polarization modes is measured, e.g., using OFDR, OTDR, OLCR, etc. The autocorrelation of the spectral response is calculated. The spectral (wavelength) shift from a main autocorrelation peak to a side autocorrelation peak, corresponding to one of the two polarization modes of the waveguide segment, is determined. The spectral shift, corresponding to a beat length of the waveguide segment, is multiplied by an average index of refraction to determine a birefringence of the waveguide segment.

Abstract: A method of making multiple carbonaceous nanomaterials is provided. Embodiments of the method can produce a reaction product that includes trimetaspheres, nanotubes, and at least one of fullerenes and metallofullerenes. A preferred embodiment of the method includes reacting at least one carbon source, nitrogen source, copper source, yttrium source, transition metal, and trimetasphere-forming metal in a reaction chamber. The reaction product can be produced by arc discharge in the presence of nitrogen gas.

Abstract: The technology described here enables the use of an inexpensive laser to measure an interferometric response of an optical device under test (DUT) at reflection lengths significantly greater than the coherence length of the laser. This is particularly beneficial in practical interferometric applications where cost is a concern. In other words, inexpensive lasers having shorter coherence lengths may be used to achieve very high interferometric measurements at longer DUT reflection lengths. The technology also enables the use of such inexpensive lasers to measure Rayleigh scatter in commercial-grade, single-mode optical fiber.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards an acoustic concealed item detector and related methods for detection using acoustics. In an illustrative embodiment, a multi-frequency ultrasonic wave generator generates in a gaseous medium at least first and second ultrasonic waves. The multi-frequency ultrasonic wave generator is arranged such that in operation, the first ultrasonic wave and the second ultrasonic wave mix in a prescribed mixing zone to produce a difference-frequency acoustic wave. A receiver sensor detects the difference-frequency acoustic wave and produces corresponding electromagnetic signals. The electromagnetic signals are processed by a system processor and signals indicative of concealed items are identified. Preferably the ultrasonic waves are focused to a small prescribed mixing zone. Parametric and multi-transducer embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An exemplary photovoltaic device for conversion of an incident wavelength of electromagnetic radiation to electricity has an absorber of incident wavelength of electromagnetic radiation, a trimetasphere in electron transferring contact with the absorber, an anode in electrical contact with the trimetasphere, and a cathode in electrical contact with the absorber. The absorber and trimetasphere can be arranged as a heterojunction or a blended junction. An exemplary electrical circuit has an absorber of incident electromagnetic radiation, a trimetasphere-containing material in electron transferring contact with the absorber, an anode, a cathode and a current path from the anode to the cathode. An exemplary method of converting incident electromagnetic radiation to an electrical signal using a trimetasphere-containing material is also disclosed.

Abstract: A3-nXnN@C80endohedral metallofullerenes used as or in lubricant, lubricant additive, corrosion-resistant, and thermally conductive materials are disclosed. Methods of making and using are provided.

Abstract: An ion selective membrane is provided where the membrane has improved ionic conductivity and mobility at elevated temperatures. The ion selective membrane includes a metallofullerene, where the metallofullerene may be a trimetasphere. The metallofullerene is incorporated into membrane materials that can withstand elevated temperatures, where the metallofullerene improves ionic conductivity and mobility therein.

Abstract: A method for detecting damage to an article caused by exposure to pressure is provided. The article is covered by a pressure sensitive material comprising at least one dye and at least one activator. As the article is exposed to pressure, the pressure sensitive material undergoes a color change in response to exposure to a pressure wherein the article is damaged.

Abstract: An interferometric sensing arrangement includes an interferometric sensor having an optical path length that varies depending on one or more physical parameters to be measured using the interferometric sensor. One or more light sources are used to generate light at three or more predetermined different fixed wavelengths. In a preferred example embodiment, four fixed wavelength lasers are used to generate light at four predetermined different fixed wavelengths. An optical coupler couples the multiple wavelength light to the interferometric sensor, and a detector measures an amplitude response of an interferometric signal produced by the interferometric sensor. A controller determines the optical path length based on the measured amplitude response.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring optical properties of a sample are provided. The device comprises a housing surrounding a flow-through flow-cell. The flow-cell has a sample inlet positioned proximate to a first end of the flow-cell and a sample outlet positioned proximate to a second end of the flow-cell. A sample chamber is positioned between the sample inlet and the sample outlet. A plurality of excitation sources are positioned on the housing in an operable relationship to the sample chamber. At least one excitation source has a wavelength that is different from the other excitation sources. Each excitation source is incident on a sample in the flow-cell. At least one fluorescence emission detector is positioned in an operable relationship to the flow-cell. The fluorescence emission detector detects a continuous broadband spectrum of emission wavelengths emitted from the sample upon excitation by each excitation source.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring optical properties of a sample are provided. The device comprises a housing surrounding a flow-through flow-cell having a sample inlet positioned proximate to a first end of the flow-cell and a sample outlet positioned proximate to a second end of the flow-cell and a sample chamber positioned between the sample inlet and the sample outlet. A plurality of excitation sources are positioned on the housing and are incident on a sample in the flow-cell. At least one excitation source has a wavelength that is different from the other excitation sources. At least one fluorescence emission detector, which detects a continuous broadband spectrum of emission wavelengths, is positioned in an operable relationship to the flow-cell. At least one signal interrogation system, which interprets a continuous fluorescence emission spectrum, is positioned in an operable relationship with each detector.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a fiber optic position and shape sensing device and the method of use. The device comprises an optical fiber means. The optical fiber means comprises either at least two single core optical fibers or a multicore optical fiber having at least two fiber cores. In either case, the fiber cores are spaced apart such that mode coupling between the fiber cores is minimized. An array of fiber Bragg gratings are disposed within each fiber core and a frequency domain reflectometer is positioned in an operable relationship to the optical fiber means. In use, the device is affixed to an object. Strain on the optical fiber is measured and the strain measurements correlated to local bend measurements. Local bend measurements are integrated to determine position and/or shape of the object.

Abstract: Acoustic weight or mass sensing technology (referred to here as Acoustic Weigh In Motion (AWIN)) provides accurate weighing of any type of moving load moving over a load bearing medium. Acoustic transducers are affixed to or embedded in the load bearing medium. One or more source acoustic transducers propagate an acoustic wave over an acoustic path through the medium between the source and receiver transducers when the medium is in an unloaded state. The wave is detected at one or more receiving acoustic transducers. A propagation time delay is determined for the unloaded state. When a moving load travels over the acoustic path in the medium, the acoustic propagation time delay for that loaded state is determined. The difference between the acoustic propagation time delays for the unloaded and loaded states is determined. That acoustic propagation time delay difference is used to determine the weight or mass of the moving load.

Abstract: Integral fiber optic-based condition sensors detect conditions of a composite structure, e.g., a coated wire assembly so as to detect damage or conditions that may damage the same. Preferably, at least one optical fiber sensor having a plurality of Bragg gratings written into the fiber at spaced-apart locations along its axial length is integrated into the electrical insulator coating of a wire, wire bundle or wiring harness. The fiber optic sensor may thus be employed to measure the environmental loads on the electrical wiring including stresses from bending, axial loading, pinch points, high temperature excursions and chemical damage. The system is capable of detecting and locating transient conditions that might cause damage to a wiring system or permanent changes in state associated with damage events. The residual stress in the electrical insulator coating of a wire, wire bundle, or wiring harness are used to monitor the evolution of damage by wear or chaffing processes.