Abstract: Current conducting devices and methods for their formation are disclosed. Described are vertical current devices that include a substrate, an n-type material layer, a plurality of p-type gates, and a source. The n-type material layer disposed on the substrate and includes a current channel. A plurality of p-type gates are disposed on opposite sides of the current channel. A source is disposed on a distal side of the current channel with respect to the substrate. The n-type material layer comprises beta-gallium oxide.

Abstract: Particles of a refractory metal or a refractory-metal compound capable of decomposing or reacting into refractory-metal nanoparticles, elemental silicon, and an organic compound having a char yield of at least 60% by weight are combined to form a precursor mixture. The mixture is heating, forming a thermoset and/or metal nanoparticles. Further heating form a composition having nanoparticles of a refractory-metal silicide and a carbonaceous matrix.

Abstract: Gallium nitride based devices and, more particularly to the generation of holes in gallium nitride based devices lacking p-type doping, and their use in light emitting diodes and lasers, both edge emitting and vertical emitting. By tailoring the intrinsic design, a wide range of wavelengths can be emitted from near-infrared to mid ultraviolet, depending upon the design of the adjacent cross-gap recombination zone. The innovation also provides for novel circuits and unique applications, particularly for water sterilization.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing colloidal palladium nanoparticles and using them for increased sensitivity in lateral flow immunoassays. Glutaraldehyde is used in preparing the colloidal palladium that allows rapid attachment of biomolecules. Colloidal palladium nanoparticles are labeled with a protein, such as a biomolecule or an antibody. These labeled colloidal palladium particles catalytically develop a dye to detect the presence of an analyte.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an HAPR apparatus comprising an inflatable frame configured to generate canopy extension based on surrounding atmospheric pressure. The inflatable frame has a first collapse load limit less than the weight of the canopy at a first pressurized state less than 75 kPa and a second collapse load limit greater than the weight of the canopy at a second pressurized state of greater than 95 kPa. The internal pressure of the inflatable frame is typically about 101 kPa. The HAPR apparatus allows ascension with the canopy hanging under its own weight to reduce ascension time, then generates canopy extension prior to release in essentially a zero velocity, zero dynamic pressure condition.

Abstract: A compound field emitter (CFE) includes a first surface possessing a field enhancement factor >1, and a second surface possessing one or both of a field enhancement factor >1, or a low work function, wherein the second surface is coated, formed or applied upon the first surface. The second surface has a characteristic size at least 3 times smaller than the first surface, and the outer surface includes a coating of calcium aluminate 12CaO-7Al2O3.

Abstract: Systems and method are provided for canceling unwanted transmitter-to-receiver leakage in a coherent wireless system using a feedforward waveform that overcomes the limitations of purely analog or purely digital cancelation systems and methods. Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure generate a software-defined waveform that, when fed forward into the receiver, effectively cancels the leakage. Embodiments of the present disclosure can use a defined cancelation waveform (e.g., a software-defined cancelation waveform) that can cancel multiple leakage paths at the same time.

Abstract: A method of making molecularly doped nanodiamond. A versatile method for doping diamond by adding dopants into a carbon precursor and producing diamond at high pressure, high temperature conditions. Molecularly doped nanodiamonds that have direct incorporation of dopants and therefore without the need for ion implantation. Molecularly-doped diamonds that have fewer lattice defects than those made with ion implantation.

Abstract: The invention relates to strong hydrogen-bond acidic sorbents. The sorbents may be provided in a form that limits or eliminates intramolecular bonding of the hydrogen-bond acidic site between neighboring sorbent molecules, for example, by providing steric groups adjacent to the hydrogen-bond acidic site. The hydrogen bond site may be a phenolic structure based on a bisphenol architecture. The sorbents of the invention may be used in methods for trapping or detecting hazardous chemicals or explosives.

Abstract: Hybrid composite materials including carbon nanotube sheets and flexible ceramic materials, and methods of making the same are provided herein. In one embodiment, a method of forming a hybrid composite material is provided, the method including: placing a layer of a first flexible ceramic composite on a lay-up tooling surface; applying a sheet of a pre-preg carbon fiber reinforced polymer on the flexible ceramic composite; curing the flexible ceramic composite and the pre-preg carbon fiber reinforced polymer sheet together to form a hybrid composite material; and removing the hybrid composite material from the lay-up tooling surface, wherein the first flexible ceramic composite comprises an exterior surface of the hybrid composite material.

Abstract: A method of designing a hypersonic vehicle includes selecting a shock shape; tracing a leading edge along the shock shape; selecting a base plane defining endpoints of the leading edge and rearwardly displaced from a front of the leading edge; and tracing stream surfaces back from the leading edge along the shock to the base plane in order to define an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the upper and lower surfaces and base plane enclose a volume representing internal volume of the hypersonic vehicle. The lower stream surface is controllably morphable.

Abstract: Systems and methods relate to generating a self-consistent sediment model. Initially, void ratio extrema are determined for each sediment layer in a sediment column based on historical data or a direct measurement of the sediment column. Initial stress is determined for each sediment layer based on the void ratio extrema. A porosity model is generated for each sediment layer based on the void ratio extrema and the initial stress. At this stage, measured data is obtained for each sediment layer from a data collection device positioned at or near a geographic location of the sediment column. The porosity model of each of the sediment layer is combined with the measured data of the sediment layer to generate the self-consistent sediment model for each sediment layer. The porosity model and the self-consistent sediment model of each sediment layer is updated based on updated measured data obtained from the data collection device.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an amplified spontaneous emission source, which in turn includes an optical fiber. The optical fiber includes a solid core and a first end. The solid core includes a silica matrix. The silica matrix includes a rare-earth element and a glass co-dopant. The rare-earth element includes dysprosium or neodymium. The glass co-dopant includes Al2O3. The apparatus further includes a laser pump diode coupled to the first end of the optical fiber. The laser pump diode and the optical fiber cooperate to generate a spontaneous spectral emission confined to the solid core. The spontaneous spectral emission includes a simultaneous plurality of spectral regions.

Abstract: A method for locally annealing and crystallizing a thin film by directing ultrashort optical pulses from an ultrafast laser into the film. The ultrashort pulses can selectively produce an annealed pattern and/or activate dopants on the surface or within the film.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for reducing error in data compression and decompression when data is transmitted over low bandwidth communication links, such as satellite links. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for variable block size compression for gridded data, efficiently storing null values in gridded data, and eliminating growth of error in compressed time series data.

Abstract: Systems and methods may include tracking one or a plurality features across a decreasing scale of tiled sets of one or more images. Aspects may include generating point data for each of the tracked features based on a coordinate system relative to the first camera or the second camera, and transforming the point data to a Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System (GPS/INS) coordinate system based on (1) an origin of a first GPS device coupled to the first camera and (2) a rotation of the first camera relative to an INS device coupled to the first camera. Aspects may include generating, based on the transformed point data, a geodetic mapping function, determining, based on the geodetic mapping function, georegistered coordinates of the tracked features, using the georegistered coordinates of the tracked features to characterize the water flow.

Abstract: An interpenetrating network (IPN) polymer membrane material includes a soft polyurethane interspersed with a crosslinked conducting polymer. The material can be reversibly “switched” between its oxidized and reduced states by the application of a small voltage, ˜1 to 4 volts, thus modulating its diffusivity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making a high strength, small grain size ceramic having a trans-granular fracture mode by rapid densification of a green body and subsequent cooling of the densified ceramic. The ceramic may include dislocations, defects, dopants, and/or secondary phases that are formed as a result of the process and resulting in stress fields capable of redirecting or arresting cracks within the material. This ceramic can maintain transparency from ultraviolet to mid-wave infrared.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed configurations of antenna elements for conformal phased arrays (e.g., circular or cylindrical) to support either omnidirectional or directional high-gain beams. Antenna elements may be spaced about a circle or cylinder with a vertical and circumferential element spacing that is based on a wavelength of an operational frequency. Such a configuration of antenna elements enables easy scaling to different frequency bands and a straightforward extension from single-linear to dual-linear polarization. Furthermore, the antenna elements and their configurations enable conformal phased arrays to be formed as one integrated structure or with multiple modular structures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of: providing a solution having a solvent, a polybutadiene, and an acrylate; and functionalizing the polybutadiene with the diacrylate to produce an ionic polymer. The polymer may be useful as an additive manufacturing binder.