Abstract: A non-invasive method for estimation of strain profile and dynamic evolution of the strain at a location interposed inside a block of soft material, includes forming a tracer grid consisting of microscopic lines or regularly spaced microscopic dots on a single plane buried inside the soft block; preparation of a deformable object embedded with the tracer grid in three primary steps: i. preparing a block of crosslinked material by crosslinking a first predetermined quantity of a pre-polymer solution containing a monomer, a crosslinking agent, and an initiator and promoter all mixed in a solvent at a known stoichiometric weight ratio; ii. transferring a grid comprising of lines or dots onto the face by direct writing or transferring from an easy release surface; and iii. crosslinking a second predetermined quantity of the same pre-polymer solution on the gel surface, such that this second crosslinked material gets welded to the first one.

Abstract: Methods of forming a tunable focal length lens and an optical filter are disclosed. The tunable focal length lens may have varying focal lengths due to liquids within micro-channels which may cause varying cross-sectional areas of the micro-channels. The tunable focal length lens may have variable force. The tunable focal length lens may have a variable refractive index. The optical filter may have varying wavelengths due to dyes within the micro-channels. An apparatus incorporating an aspherical lens is also disclosed.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for estimation of strain profile and dynamic evolution of the strain at a location interposed inside a block of soft material, includes forming a tracer grid consisting of microscopic lines or regularly spaced microscopic dots on a single plane buried inside the soft block; preparation of a deformable object embedded with the tracer grid in three primary steps: i. preparing a block of crosslinked material by crosslinking a first predetermined quantity of a pre-polymer solution containing a monomer, a crosslinking agent, and an initiator and promoter all mixed in a solvent at a known stoichiometric weight ratio; ii. transferring a grid comprising of lines or dots onto the face by direct writing or transferring from an easy release surface; and iii. crosslinking a second predetermined quantity of the same pre-polymer solution on the gel surface, such that this second crosslinked material gets welded to the first one.

Abstract: There is provided a particle-filter comprising at least one hydrogel formed in aqueous solution at a temperature below 0° C. The filter can arrest particulates of smoke by physisorption on the solid surface of the gel or by chemisorption if the gel is suitably functionalized. The effectiveness of filter in arresting the solid particles and the pressure drop can be controlled by varying the porosity and the pore size distribution of the filter which in turn can be modulated by varying the monomer to water and monomer to cross-linker ratio in the pre-polymer solution. The filter is able to reduce the particle content of the smoke. There is further provided a cigarette comprising at least one particle-filter according as well as a method for the filtration of smoke.

Abstract: There is provided a particle-filter comprising at least one hydrogel formed in aqueous solution at a temperature below 0° C. The filter can arrest particulates of smoke by physisorption on the solid surface of the gel or by chemisorption if the gel is suitably functionalized. The effectiveness of filter in arresting the solid particles and the pressure drop can be controlled by varying the porosity and the pore size distribution of the filter which in turn can be modulated by varying the monomer to water and monomer to cross-linker ratio in the pre-polymer solution. The filter is able to reduce the particle content of the smoke. There is further provided a cigarette comprising at least one particle-filter according as well as a method for the filtration of smoke.