Abstract: A sterilization test pack may include a shell defining an indicator compartment having a volume; a channel extending between a compartment opening and an exterior opening, the channel being in fluid communication with the indicator compartment through the compartment opening and surrounding atmosphere being in fluid communication with the channel through the exterior opening such that the indicator compartment is in fluid communication with the surrounding atmosphere through the channel, the channel having a length measured between the compartment opening and the exterior opening and a hydraulic radius along the length; and an indicator disposed in the indicator compartment, where a ratio of the compartment volume to the channel hydraulic radius may range from 1000 cm2 to 8000 cm2.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a robotic manipulator with a stationary base, and an end effector actuated by the robotic manipulator, wherein the end effector is adjacent to a workpiece. A scanning laser head unit includes a laser and an optical train configured to move a laser beam over the workpiece. A control unit is configured to move the robotic manipulator such that movement of the end effector tracks movement of the laser beam.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides articles that include polymer coatings on substrates primed with a primer coating containing silica nanoparticles, and methods of coating. The polymer coating is preferably a silicone-based polymeric material.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides articles that include polymer coatings on substrates primed with a primer coating containing silica nanoparticles, and methods of coating. The polymer coating is preferably a silicone-based polymeric material.

Abstract: A composite having (a) a substrate that has opposing first and second surfaces, the substrate being at least 90% transmissive in visible light and has less than 5% haze, (b) a nanostructured article including a matrix and a nanoscale dispersed phase and having a random nanostructured anisotropic surface; and (c) an optically clear adhesive disposed on the second surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A nanostructured article comprises a matrix and a nanoscale dispersed phase. The nanostructured article has a random nanostructured anisotropic surface.

Abstract: Surface-structured, cross-linked silicone-based material and method for making the same. Embodiments of silicone-based materials described herein are useful, for example, in applications of light capture, anti-reflection, light redirection, light diffusion, hydrophobic surfaces, hydrophilic surfaces, light guiding, light collimation, light concentration, Fresnel lens, retro-reflection, drag reduction, air bleed adhesives, release liner, abrasion resistance, and anti-fouling.

Abstract: A composite having (a) a substrate that has opposing first and second surfaces, the substrate being at least 90% transmissive in visible light and has less than 5% haze, (b) a nanostructured article including a matrix and a nanoscale dispersed phase and having a random nanostructured anisotropic surface; and (c) an optically clear adhesive disposed on the second surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A composite having (a) a substrate that has opposing first and second surfaces, the substrate being at least 90% transmissive in visible light and has less than 5% haze, (b) a nanostructured article including a matrix and a nanoscale dispersed phase and having a random nanostructured anisotropic surface; and (c) an optically clear adhesive disposed on the second surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a robotic manipulator with a stationary base, and an end effector actuated by the robotic manipulator, wherein the end effector is adjacent to a workpiece. A scanning laser head unit includes a laser and an optical train configured to move a laser beam over the workpiece. A control unit is configured to move the robotic manipulator such that movement of the end effector tracks movement of the laser beam.

Abstract: A method of making a nanostructure is provided that includes applying a thin, random discontinuous masking layer (105) to a major surface (103) of a substrate (101) by plasma chemical vapor deposition. The substrate (101) can be a polymer, an inorganic material, an alloy, or a solid solution. The masking layer (105) can include the reaction product of plasma chemical vapor deposition using a reactant gas comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of organosilicon compounds, metal alkyls, metal isopropoxides, metal acetylacetonates, and metal halides. Portions (107) of the substrate (101) not protected by the masking layer (105) are then etched away by reactive ion etching to make the nanostructures.

Abstract: Surface-structured, cross-linked silicone-based material and method for making the same. Embodiments of silicone-based materials described herein are useful, for example, in applications of light capture, anti-reflection, light redirection, light diffusion, hydrophobic surfaces, hydrophilic surfaces, light guiding, light collimation, light concentration, Fresnel lens, retro-reflection, drag reduction, air bleed adhesives, release liner, abrasion resistance, and anti-fouling.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides articles that include polymer coatings on substrates primed with a primer coating containing silica nanoparticles, and methods of coating. The polymer coating is preferably a silicone-based polymeric material.

Abstract: A method of making a nanostructure is provided that includes applying a thin, random discontinuous masking layer (105) to a major surface (103) of a substrate (101) by plasma chemical vapor deposition. The substrate (101) can be a polymer, an inorganic material, an alloy, or a solid solution. The masking layer (105) can include the reaction product of plasma chemical vapor deposition using a reactant gas comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of organosilicon compounds, metal alkyls, metal isopropoxides, metal acetylacetonates, and metal halides. Portions (107) of the substrate (101) not protected by the masking layer (105) are then etched away by reactive ion etching to make the nanostructures.

Abstract: Fresnel lenses are prepared from a transparent substrate and a structured polyurethane layer. The structured polyurethane layer includes a curable reaction mixture. The curable reaction mixture includes a polyol, a polyisocyanate, a catalyst, and at least one UV stabilizer. The Fresnel lenses may be used in panel arrays and in solar power generation devices.

Abstract: An article comprises an optically transmissive substrate comprising a plurality of functional elements and an integral fiducial mark. The substrate has a critical angle for total internal reflection, and a length and a width defining a reference plane. The substrate comprises an integral fiducial mark disposed on the major surface. The integral fiducial mark comprises at least one substantially ellipse-like feature formed by first and second frustoconical surfaces that together with a reference line that is normal to the reference plane define respective first and second half angles. The first and second half angles are less than or equal to 90 degrees minus the critical angle for total internal reflection expressed in degrees. A method comprises: providing an optically transmissive substrate according to the present disclosure; precisely detecting a position of the fiducial mark with aid of a machine vision system; and optionally precisely aligning the substrate.

Abstract: A nanostructured article comprises a matrix and a nanoscale dispersed phase. The nanostructured article has a random nanostructured anisotropic surface.

Abstract: A composite having (a) a substrate that has opposing first and second surfaces, the substrate being at least 90% transmissive in visible light and has less than 5% haze, (b) a nanostructured article including a matrix and a nanoscale dispersed phase and having a random nanostructured anisotropic surface; and (c) an optically clear adhesive disposed on the second surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An article that is suitable for use as a solar concentrating mirror for enhancing the use of solar collection devices, such as solar cells. The article includes a multilayer optical film and a compliant UV protective layer. The article addresses degradation issues in solar concentration devices, provides specific bandwidths of electromagnetic energy to the solar cell while eliminating or reducing undesirable bandwidths of electromagnetic energy that may degrade or adversely affect the solar cell, and renders a compliant sheet of material that may be readily formed into a multitude of shapes or constructions for end use applications.

Abstract: An article that is suitable for use as a solar concentrating mirror for enhancing the use of solar collection devices, such as solar cells. The article includes a multilayer optical film and a compliant UV protective layer. The article addresses degradation issues in solar concentration devices, provides specific bandwidths of electromagnetic energy to the solar cell while eliminating or reducing undesirable bandwidths of electromagnetic energy that may degrade or adversely affect the solar cell, and renders a compliant sheet of material that may be readily formed into a multitude of shapes or constructions for end use applications. A solar collection device comprising the article and optionally comprising a celestial tracking mechanism is also disclosed.