Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for and method of using an in-system utility stage to provide service functions for wafer tables and other components in the photolithographic system in which the utility stage can access multiple tools without any need to open an enclosure containing the utility stage and the wafer tables and other components thus increasing throughput and decreasing downtime.

Abstract: A method to produce high quality single or a few atomic layers thick samples of a topological insulating layered dichalcogenide. The overall process involves grinding layered dichalcogenides, adding them to an ionic liquid, and then using a mechanical method to cause intercalation of the ionic liquid into the van der Waals (VDW) gap between the layers of the metal chalcogenide.

Abstract: A method to produce high quality single or a few atomic layers thick samples of a topological insulating layered dichalcogenide. The overall process involves grinding layered dichalcogenides, adding them to an ionic liquid, and then using a mechanical method to cause intercalation of the ionic liquid into the van der Waals (VDW) gap between the layers of the metal chalcogenide.

Abstract: Methods and systems to provide proximity based communication between users of proximity communication devices (“PCD”). A localized communication network is established by peer-to-peer communication between PCDs. Each PCD communicates with other PCDs in a localized, peer-to-peer network structure. Each PCD is identified to other PCDs in its own localized area by its geographical position (i.e., its relative proximity to each other PCD). A user may therefore establish communications with another user based upon the other user's proximity or location relative to the first user's PCD rather than a fixed ID code such as a phone number or address. No centralized server or telephony network system is required for each PCD to communicate with another PCD. Well known protocols for call connection may be adapted for use in establishing, operating, and terminating connections between PCDs.