Abstract: Disclosed herein are optical sensor platform(s) employing hyperbolic metamaterial(s) supporting highly confined bulk plasmon guided modes over broad wavelength range(s) from visible to near-infrared. By exciting these modes using—for example—a two-dimensional (2D) grating-coupling technique, sensors according to the present disclosure advantageously exhibit extreme sensitivity modes up to a maximum of 30,000 nm per refractive index unit and a record figure of merit of 590 thereby permitting detection of ultralow-molecular-weight bio-molecules at picomolar concentrations.

Abstract: A metal composition suitable for originating a joint by means of welding with a borosilicate glass for a solar collector. The composition, expressed in weight percentage, comprises the following alloy elements: Ni Co Mn Si C Ti Zr Ta Ti + Zr + Ta 28-31 15-18 ?0.5 ?0.3 ?0.05 ?0.30 ?0.30 ?0.30 ?0.40 and it is such that 45.5?(Ni+Co)?46.5, and that (Ti+Ta+Zr)?4×C, the remaining part being made up of iron, apart from the inevitable impurities. Additionally, a metal ring made of the metal composition described above and suitable for originating a metal-glass joint by means of welding; the metal-glass joint thus obtained; and the tubular solar collector thus obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are optical sensor platform(s) employing hyperbolic metamaterial(s) supporting highly confined bulk plasmon guided modes over broad wavelength range(s) from visible to near-infrared. By exciting these modes using—for example—a two-dimensional (2D) grating-coupling technique, sensors according to the present disclosure advantageously exhibit extreme sensitivity modes up to a maximum of 30,000 nm per refractive index unit and a record figure of merit of 590 thereby permitting detection of ultralow-molecular-weight bio-molecules at picomolar concentrations.

Abstract: The present invention regards a metal composition suitable for originating a joint (22) by means of welding with a borosilicate glass for a solar collector (10). The composition, expressed in weight percentage, comprises the following alloy elements Table 1 and it is such that 45.5?(Ni+Co)?46.5, and that (Ti+Ta+Zr)?4×C, the remaining part being made up of iron, apart from the inevitable impurities. The invention also regards: a metal ring (20) made of the metal composition described above and suitable for originating a metal-glass joint by means of welding; the metal-glass joint thus obtained; and the tubular solar collector (10) thus obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for microencapsulation of phase change materials based on free radicals polymerization comprising: a) the preparation of i) a solution with, at least, a hydrophilic liquid and a stabilizer (continuous phase) and ii) a solution with, at least, a phase change material, a free radical initiator and a polymerizable material (discontinuous phase); b) the preparation of an emulsion by dispersing the discontinuous phase in the continuous phase under vigorous stirring; and c) the polymerization of monomers until the phase change material becomes microencapsulated. This process is simple and effective and avoids the use of hazardous compounds. The invention also relates to microcapsules obtainable by said process and to the use thereof in the thermal protection and storage of heat.