Abstract: A device includes at least one superconducting tunnel junction having a junction region comprising a junction barrier material responsive to electromagnetic fields within the MHz to THz range. The junction may be contained within a bi-SQUID loop having two main junctions and a center junction. The junction barrier material for the main junctions may have different electromagnetic-responsive properties than the junction barrier material for the center junction. The junction barrier material may include type-I multiferroics, type-II multiferroics, a composite multiferroic including layers of magnets and ferroelectrics, or piezoelectric materials. An array of connected bi-SQUID loops may be formed, where the main junctions of each bi-SQUID loop in each row are connected. The electromagnetic-responsive properties of the junction barrier material for center junctions of each bi-SQUID loop may vary by each array column or row. The center/main junctions of each bi-SQUID loop may be connected to an input signal line.

Abstract: A sample of a chemical compound is contained within a pressure controlled atmospheric chamber that is set to a predetermined atmospheric pressure. The sample includes a parent material and one or more diffusive atomic or molecular constituents or interstitials. The sample is in thermal contact with a heat source having a first temperature and a heat sink having a second temperature. The sample is annealed until an equilibrium gradient distribution of the diffusive atomic or molecular constituents or interstitials occurs along the sample.

Abstract: Adhesive products such as label stock, labels, tapes and the like having a facestock, an adhesive layer and a removable, fibrous backing are described. The backing is provided with integral embrittled zones which crack when the adhesive product is flexed and offer gripping points for removal of the backing. The embrittled zones contain brittle, film-forming organic polymer suffused among the fibers. The presence of the polymer in the embrittled zone helps to enhance the brittleness of the zones and to reduce the transfer of residual chemical embrittling agent from embrittled zones of the backing to portions of the facestock brought into contact therewith when the adhesive product is stacked or rolled. Embrittled zones are preferably formed by applying a thickened acidic solution comprising a polymer emulsion to the backing of the adhesive product and then curing and drying the solution by heating.

Abstract: Adhesive products such as label stock, labels, tapes, and the like having a facestock, an adhesive layer and a removable, fibrous backing are described. The backing is provided with integral embrittled zones which crack when the adhesive product is flexed and offer gripping points for removal of the backing. The embrittled zones contain brittle, film-forming organic polymer suffused among the fibers. The presence of the polymer in the embrittled zone helps to enhance the brittleness of the zones and to reduce the transfer of residual chemical embrittling agent from embrittled zones of the backing to portions of the facestock brought into contact therewith when the adhesive product is stacked or rolled. Embrittled zones are preferably formed by applying a thickened acidic solution comprising a polymer emulsion to the backing of the adhesive product and then curing and drying the solution by heating.