Abstract: A tunable semiconductor laser includes gain medium, wavelength-selective element and a laser mode matching element. The wavelength-selective element comprises a first light absorbing plate operatively coupled to the laser mode matching element and provided with an array of high reflectivity mirrors as well as a second light absorbing plate with an array of narrow band pass filter mirrors operatively coupled to the high reflectivity mirror array of the first plate. The narrow band pass filter mirror array is disposed over a respective array of apertures in the second plate. The wavelength-selective element also comprises a light reflective plate with an array of retroreflectors and a third light absorbing plate with an array of apertures operatively disposed between the aperture array of the second plate and the retroreflector array.

Abstract: A copolymer comprises repeating units derived from at least one co-reactant comprising two or more mercapto functional groups, and repeating units derived from a fluoroacrylate comprising the reaction product of: (a) at least one fluorochemical alcohol represented by the formula: C4F9—X—OH wherein: R=hydrogen or an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, m=2 to 8, Rf=CnF2n+1, n=1 to 5, y=0 to 6, and q=1 to 8; (b) at least one unbranched symmetric diisocyanate; and (c) at least one hydroxy-terminated alkyl (meth)acrylate or 2-fluoroacrylate monomer having 2 to about 30 carbon atoms in its alkylene portion.

Abstract: An all optical fiber bit stream reader system for examining the data contents of an optical fiber involving the conversion of a temporal timing signal into a spatially located signal is provided. The invention generally comprises generating and detecting a signal indicating the presence of data, in a manner which is minimally destructive to the data. One embodiment comprises providing a piece of optical fiber that exhibits a nonlinear response through a two photon absorption process and subsequent emission of a photon corresponding to the two photon absorption process. Such a fiber could comprise a conventional doped silica fiber into which an additional dopant has been introduced. Another embodiment involves modifying the index of refraction of the cladding of the optical fiber line. This causes a fraction of the electric field or light pulse guided through the fiber (if present) to be coupled out of the fiber. Thereafter, the pulse can be detected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus architecture for detecting gases, particularly hazardous gases which should be detected in miniscule amounts. High sensitivity detection of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) is set forth with very low probability of false positives (PFP) by the use of an innovative laser-photoacoustic spectrometer (L-PAS). Detection of diisopropyl methylphosphonate (DIMP), a decomposition product of Sarin and a relatively harmless surrogate for the nerve gases, is made in the presence of other gases that are expected to be interferences in an urban setting. Detection sensitivity for DIMP in the presence of these interferences of better than 0.45 ppb, which satisfies current homeland and military security requirements is shown as well as the first analysis of optical techniques for the detection of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and toxic industrial chemicals (TICs) in real world conditions.

Abstract: A fluorochemical compound comprises the reaction product of: (a) the reaction product of: (i) at least one fluorochemical alcohol represented by the formula: CnF2n+1—X—OH wherein: n=1 to 6, R=hydrogen or an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, m=2 to 8, Rf=CnF2n+1, y=0 to 6, q=1 to 8; and (ii) at least one unbranched symmetric diisocyanate, and (b) at least one co-reactant comprising two or more functional groups that are capable of reacting with an isocyanate group.

Abstract: Provided are a method, system, and program for allocating resources for computational resources. A request is received to modify a permitted resource allocation. A determination is made of a modification restriction providing a limit on modifications that may be made to permitted resource allocations and the requested modification to the permitted resource allocation is allowed if the determined modification restriction allows the requested modification.

Abstract: An all optical fiber bit stream reader system for examining the data contents of an optical fiber involving the conversion of a temporal timing signal into a spatially located signal is provided. The invention generally comprises generating and detecting a signal indicating the presence of data, in a manner which is minimally destructive to the data. One embodiment comprises providing a piece of optical fiber that exhibits a nonlinear response through a two photon absorption process and subsequent emission of a photon corresponding to the two photon absorption process. Such a fiber could comprise a conventional doped silica fiber into which an additional dopant has been introduced. Another embodiment involves modifying the index of refraction of the cladding of the optical fiber line. This causes a fraction of the electric field or light pulse guided through the fiber (if present) to be coupled out of the fiber. Thereafter, the pulse can be detected.

Abstract: Fluoroacrylates comprise the reaction product of: (a) at least one fluorochemical alcohol represented by the formula: CnF2n+1—X—OH wherein: R=hydrogen or an alkyl group of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, m=2 to 8, Rf=CnF2n+1, y=0 to 6, and q=1 to 8; (b) at least one unbranched symmetric diisocyanate; and (c) at least one hydroxy-terminated alkyl (meth)acrylate or 2-fluoro acrylate monomer having 2 to about 30 carbon atoms in its alkylene portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method, system, and program for providing access to spatial data. A request for data is received. Enterprise and third party data are integrated. The integrated data is processed. Spatially referenced results are generated using the processed data. The spatially referenced results are returned in response to the request.

Abstract: A method for detecting component concentrations in human gas emissions such as breath and gas emitted from skin. A gas sample containing a specified component is collected into a gas cell using a pump and a series of valves to draw the gas sample into the cell and control the gas pressure within the cell. A tunable optical radiation beam is passed through the gas cell and the amount of energy absorbed by the specified component may be measured indirectly by taking the difference between the incident and emerging beam energy or directly by optoacoustic methods. Concentrations of the specified component as small as 0.1 ppB may be determined. Additionally, the tunable optical radiation beam may be multiplexed for use with a plurality of systems utilizing the beam for medical purposes.

Abstract: Provided is a technique for evaluating risk associated with underwriting an insurance policy (FIG. 1). At least one location to be covered under the insurance policy is received (FIG. 3, block 320). Risk associated with the location is automatically assessed (FIG. 3, block 338). It is determined whether to underwrite the location based on the assessed risk (FIG. 3, block 340). Also provided is a technique for proximity analysis (FIG. 54). Selection of a proximity center is received (FIG. 55). A function is executed with the proximity center to determine target data items that fall within a proximity area around the proximity center. The target data items are spatially represented.

Abstract: A method for detecting component concentrations in human gas emissions such as breath and gas emitted from skin. A gas sample containing a specified component is collected into a gas cell using a pump and a series of valves to draw the gas sample into the cell and control the gas pressure within the cell. A tunable optical radiation beam is passed through the gas cell and the amount of energy absorbed by the specified component may be measured indirectly by taking the difference between the incident and emerging beam energy or directly by optoacoustic methods. Concentrations of the specified component as small as 0.1 ppB may be determined. Additionally, the tunable optical radiation beam may be multiplexed for use with a plurality of systems utilizing the beam for medical purposes.

Abstract: A tunable semiconductor laser includes gain medium, wavelength-selective element and a laser mode matching element. The wavelength-selective element comprises a first light absorbing plate operatively coupled to the laser mode matching element and provided with an array of high reflectivity mirrors as well as a second light absorbing plate with an array of narrow band pass filter mirrors operatively coupled to the high reflectivity mirror array of the first plate. The narrow band pass filter mirror array is disposed over a respective array of apertures in the second plate. The wavelength-selective element also comprises a light reflective plate with an array of retroreflectors and a third light absorbing plate with an array of apertures operatively disposed between the aperture array of the second plate and the retroreflector array.

Abstract: A wavelength selection element for a tunable laser provides for a single laser structure system that can be made to generate any specific wavelength. The wavelength selection element comprises a transmission component which may include an arrangement of optical components mirrors designed to transmit (e.g. using an array of narrow band pass filters and/or mirrors), and a reflection component, which may include an array of stationary mirrors and MEM (Micro Electro Mechanical) mirrors that are adjustable under local or remote control, to reflect light of a specific wavelength such that the desired wavelength will be filtered from the light coming in from the laser and containing all the wavelength components and selectively reflected back through the semiconductor laser while light of other wavelengths not selected will not be reflected back through the laser.

Abstract: Cosmetic compositions are provided containing vinyl-silicone graft or block copolymers of the formula

Abstract: An all optical fiber bit stream reader system for examining the data contents of an optical fiber involving the conversion of a temporal timing signal into a spatially located signal is provided. The invention generally comprises generating and detecting a signal indicating the presence of data, in a manner which is minimally destructive to the data.

Abstract: Release coating formulations and release coatings derived therefrom that incorporate a blend of a silicone vinyl copolymer and a second polymer for which the release qualities are extremely stable over time. The silicone vinyl copolymer and the second polymer include complementary crosslinkable functionality allowing interpolymer crosslinks to be formed.

Abstract: The invention provides novel macromonomer and carboxyl functional polyurethanes having a high carboxyl content. The invention further provides dispersions, coatings and magnetic recording media comprising these polyurethanes, or blends or copolymers of these polyurethanes with quaternary ammonium compounds. The invention further provides novel dispersions, coatings and magnetic recording media comprising combinations of carboxyl functional polyurethanes having a high carboxyl content with quaternary ammonium polymers.

Abstract: A novel form construction comprising a substrate (e,g., a form sheet or roll goods) having a digital printable surface portion and a release surface portion, on which release coating surface portion a signage with a pressure-sensitive adhesive can be releasably adhered. A digital printable release coating composition is also provided.

Abstract: A novel form construction comprising a form sheet having a digital printable surface portion and a release surface portion, on which release coating surface portion a signage with a pressure-sensitive adhesive can be releasably adhered. A digital printable release coating composition is also provided.