Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the thickness of a thin film or thin layer of discrete particles or of a heterogeneous mixture characterized in that the interfacial tension forces between the solution or suspension and its environment are used as the driving forces to evenly spread the solution, suspension or mixture while the solvent evaporates and/or dilutes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nanoparticle growing mat (30), a method of manufacturing the mat, and a method for the continuous production of organized nanotubes using the mat. The mat (30) comprising a substrate including carbon, on which is deposited in a predetermined pattern of nanosized catalytic particles whose pattern produces nanotubes in a highly ordered form. The mat (30) is activated in the presence of a carrier gas, by passing current through the mat (30) which raises the temperature to the level where, nanotubes are: formed; gathered; withdrawn as nanotube bundles (42); and collected.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus (10) for making thin layers from particles, wherein the particles are deposited on a carrier fluid flowing by gravity along a ramp (12) leading to a dam (18). The particles are held back at the bottom of the ramp (12), thereby causing the particles to be piled up one against the other in a monolayer configuration.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus (10) for making thin layers from particles, wherein the particles are deposited on a carrier fluid flowing by gravity along a ramp (12) leading to a dam (18). The particles are held back at the bottom of the ramp (12), thereby causing the particles to be piled up one against the other in a monolayer configuration.