Abstract: The present invention relates to the synthesis of a variety of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) using low temperature and solvents which are considered to be not particularly harmful to the environment. There is also provided novel MOFs which may be made by the desired processes.

Abstract: A laser comprising: at least one wavelength selective reflector that comprises a waveguide vertically coupled to at least one photonic crystal resonator, the waveguide and photonic crystal resonator being arranged to provide wave-vector matching between at least one mode of the photonic crystal resonator and at least one mode of the waveguide; an optical gain medium for generating light for coupling into the waveguide, and a reflector at an end of the optical gain medium, the reflector and the photonic crystal resonator defining a laser cavity. Light generated by the optical gain medium is coupled into the waveguide and coupled into the photonic crystal resonator, and partially reflected back to the optical gain medium.

Abstract: A solar cell that has a thin film of active material in which is defined a series or array of diffraction cells, wherein each diffraction unit-cell has a non-periodic series of diffraction features and is adapted to suppress at least one low order diffraction mode.

Abstract: Disclosed are metal organic framework materials (MOFs), comprising an extra-framework NO releasing compound within the internal pores and/or channels of the MOF, the NO-releasing compounds and their preparation and uses. The MOFs and NO-releasing compounds are capable of releasing NO on application of an external stimulus and may provide materials with multiple modes of antibacterial and/or drug action.

Abstract: A pulse generator is disclosed. The pulse generator can include a pulsed switch, such as a diode. The pulsed switched can be connected between an input source, such as an oscillator and a frequency multiplier.

Abstract: A direct carbon fuel cell DCFC system (5), the system comprising an electrochemical cell, the electrochemical cell (10) comprising a cathode (30), a solid state first electrolyte (25) and an anode (20), wherein, the system further comprises an anode chamber containing a second electrolyte (125) and a fuel (120). The system, when using molten carbonate as second electrolyte, is preferably purged with CO2 via purge gas inlet (60).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of alkene metathesis. In the method, at least one monoalkene is subjected to ethenolysis in the presence of a diene. The invention also relates to the use of a diene to promote an ethenolysis reaction conducted on a monoalkene.

Abstract: Cis and trans ruthenium complexes that can be used as catalysts for ring opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) are described. The complexes are generally square pyramidal in nature, having two anionic ligands X. Corresponding cationic complexes where one or both of the anionic ligands X are replaced by a non-co-ordinating anionic ligand are also described. Polymers such as polydicyclopentadiene (PDCPD) can be prepared using the catalysts.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ophthalmoscope comprising a camera and an associated illumination device; the invention further concerns a novel method for processing a plurality of images of the eye taken by said device; and software, typically included in said ophthalmoscope, for executing said method.

Abstract: A fractionation system comprising means for forming a three dimensional optical lattice that is operable to separate particles that have different physical characteristics. Preferably, the wells of the optical lattice are interlinked. For example, the wells may be linked in such a manner as to provide deflection greater than or equal to 15 degrees.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrogel formulation in which the solid phase is composed of a continuous net work of siloxane bonds and one or more calcium phosphate phases doped with one or more metal dopants.

Abstract: A laser comprising: at least one wavelength selective reflector that comprises a waveguide vertically coupled to at least one photonic crystal resonator, the waveguide and photonic crystal resonator being arranged to provide wave-vector matching between at least one mode of the photonic crystal resonator and at least one mode of the waveguide; an optical gain medium for generating light for coupling into the waveguide, and a reflector at an end of the optical gain medium, the reflector and the photonic crystal resonator defining a laser cavity. Light generated by the optical gain medium is coupled into the waveguide and coupled into the photonic crystal resonator, and partially reflected back to the optical gain medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a surface-modified layer system comprising a substrate (2) and a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) (1) anchored to its surface. The SAM (1) is comprised by aryl or rigid alicyclic moiety species. The process comprises providing a polymorphic SAM (1) anchored to the substrate (2), and thermally treating (4) the SAM to change from a first to a second structural form thereof. The invention also provides a thermolithographic form of process in which the thermal treatment (4) is used to transfer a pattern (3) to the SAM (1), which is then developed.

Abstract: An optical system for generating an Airy beam light sheet comprising an optical arrangement for generating a Gaussian beam, and an optical element for converting the Gaussian beam into an Airy beam light sheet, wherein a single optical element is provided for converting the Gaussian beam into an Airy beam light sheet.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of alkene metathesis comprising contacting at least a first alkene, which is cardanol and/or anacardic acid, with an alkylidene ruthenium alkene metathesis catalyst comprising two ligands P1 and P2, which may be the same or different and of formula P(R1)3, in which P is a phosphorus atom coordinated to the ruthenium ion and each R1 is independently an optionally substituted alkyl or alkoxy group; or two R1 groups within one P1 or P2 ligand constitute an optionally substituted bicycloalkyl.

Abstract: The resolution of conventional imaging devices is restricted by the diffraction limit. ‘Perfect’ imaging devices which can achieve a resolution beyond the diffraction limit have been considered impossible to implement. However, the present disclosure provides an imaging device which can achieve improved resolution beyond the diffraction limit and which can be implemented in practice. Said imaging device comprises: a. a lens having a refractive index that varies according to a predetermined refractive index profile; b. a source; c. an outlet for decoupling waves from the device; and d. a reflector provided around the lens, the source and the outlet, wherein the reflector and the refractive index profile of the lens are together arranged to direct waves transmitted in any of a plurality of directions from the source to the outlet.

Abstract: A method of optimising at least one measure that is a quadratic function of a wavefunction, such as the spot size of a laser, the method comprising: superimposing a plurality of wavefunctions; determining a relationship between the superimposed wavefunctions and the quadratic measure, and using the determined relationship to identify the superimposed wavefunctions that provide a desired or optimised quadratic measure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photosensitive composition comprising synthetic nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite or a synthetic precursor thereof doped with a rare earth ion, the use of the composition in restorative or cosmetic dentistry, a process for preparing the composition and a method of generating an image of an exposed dentinal surface of a tooth.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for producing a modified surface (5) comprising: patterning a surface (7) by forming thereon a porous molecular network (9) defined by non-covalent interactions between constituent molecules; and depositing in said porous network (9) and on said patterned surface (11) molecules (13) so as to form a self-assembled monolayer (15), wherein both said patterning and said depositing are effected by contact with liquids.

Abstract: There is described zeolites containing releasably adsorbed nitric oxide, methods of preparing the zeolites, methods of releasing the nitric oxide into a solution or into air and uses of the zeolites in therapy.