Abstract: Methods, apparatus and techniques for acquiring output signals associated with different sources (such as audio sources) are presented. A first input signal is combined with a delayed and scaled version of a second input signal, to acquire a first output signal. A second input signal is combined with a delayed and scaled version of the first input signal, to acquire a second output signal. Using a random direction optimization, scaling values (forming a candidates' vector) are determined by iteratively modifying the candidates' vector. A Kullback-Leibler divergence is measured. The first output signal and the second output signal are selected to be those measurements associated with the candidate parameters associated with Kullback-Leibler divergence which indicates lowest similarity.

Abstract: There are disclosed techniques (e.g., apparatus, methods) for estimating an impulse response of a linear system. An apparatus is configured to generate a transmit signal on the basis of a first sequence. The apparatus is configured to obtain a receive signal and to multiply the receive signal with a second sequence, to obtain a modified receive signal, wherein the second sequence is different from the first sequence. The apparatus is configured to analog-to-digital, ADC, convert an integration result in order to obtain a sample value, the integration result being based on an integration of the modified receive signal over a period of time. The apparatus is configured to obtain an estimate of the impulse response on the basis of a plurality of sample values.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a microstructured molded object that is intended for culturing of biological cells. According to this method, a plastically deformable first porous film is prepared, as well as a deformable second film and a deformable sacrificial film. The first, second and sacrificial film are placed in a stack. Next, the sacrificial film is subjected to pressure to press the stack into a mold. The mold has recesses, such that deformed regions in the form of cavities are produced in the sacrificial film, the first film and the second film, and undeformed regions remain. During the pressing of the film stack into the mold, the first film and the second film are joined to each other, so that they form a composite film. At least portions of the deformed regions of the second film are etched so that sections of the second film are chemically dissolved.

Abstract: A microstructured composite component is provided including structures for carrying out fluid processes. A device is provided for producing microstructured composite components. A method provided includes a first step during which a first film is arranged above a second film between first and second mold parts. The first and/or second mold parts have microstructured cavities to be filled. In a second step, the first and second mold parts are heated in at least one region in which they contact one of the films. An excess pressure is then produced between the first film and the second film to force the first and/or second films into the cavities. In a further step, the first and second mold parts are pressed together by a pressing force. Once the first mold part, the second mold part, the first film and the second film are cooled, they form a microstrutured composite component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a structure modeled on a biological tissue. The invention also relates to a structure which can be produced using the method according to the invention. According to an embodiment of the invention, a precursor of a biopolymer is locally irradiated with electromagnetic radiation in a targeted manner, wherein the irradiation, in particular the selection of the areas to be irradiated, is effected according to data which describe a structural construction at least components of the extracellular matrix of the biological tissue. In this case, the electromagnetic radiation is such that two-photon or multi-photon absorption takes place in the irradiated areas of the precursor and results in the precursor being polymerized to form the biopolymer in the irradiated areas, with the result being that the precursor is at least partially solidified there.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for an atomic force microscope (AFM) for the study and/or modification of surface properties. The device comprises a cantilever (flexible bar) having an integrated, piezoresistive sensor, an integrated bimorphic actuator, and a measuring tip. The measuring tip carries at least two metal electrodes, which can be activated via electrical terminals. The measuring tip and/or the cantilever have at least one nanoscopic hole through which synchrotron radiation or laser light is directed onto the material surface to be studied. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the study and modification of surface properties and surface-proximal properties, which can be executed using such a device. To this end, atomic force microscopy (AFM), surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), photo emission spectroscopy (XPS, XAS), and material modification by local exposure are executed in sequence or simultaneously using the same device.

Abstract: A silicon-ceramic composite substrate includes a low-temperature ceramic having at least one pre-formed ceramic layer and a silicon substrate. The low-temperature ceramic forms a carrier layer and the silicon substrate surface has a contact area with nanostructures) that completely penetrate into the low-temperature ceramic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and arrangement for the contactless determination of conductivity-influencing properties and their spatial distribution over the entire cross section of an electrically conductive substance moving in a primary magnetic field (B). The substance may be a liquid or a solid. A simultaneous measurement of a number of mechanical state parameters of the magnetic system is performed (three-dimensional components of the force and the torque), said parameters being variable by the effect of a secondary field on the magnetic system, the secondary field being produced on the basis of eddy currents induced in the substance by the primary field (B). To determine the spatial distribution of the property that is sought, the primary field is changed in intensity or form a number of times and a measurement of the state parameters is carried out for each change.