Abstract: We disclose herein a hetero-structure comprising: a curved material; at least one layer of a first material rolled around the curved material; at least one intermediate layer rolled on the at least one layer of the first material; and at least one layer of a second material rolled around the at least one intermediate layer.

Abstract: A method for treating polymer particles is disclosed. Polymer particles and a liquid are provided. The method includes the following steps (a) and (b). (a) Mixing said polymer particles with said carrier liquid to form a dispersion of said particles in said carrier liquid at a concentration of at least 0.1 g/L, based on the volume of the dispersion. (b) Subjecting the dispersion to microfluidization treatment thereby causing particle stretching, particle size reduction and increasing the surface area per unit mass of the polymer particles. Also disclosed is a particulate composition comprising polymer particles mixed with nanoplates derived from a layered material, wherein the particulate composition has a BET surface area of at least 10 m2/g. Furthermore, there is disclosed a method for the manufacture of a component formed of a composite of a polymer with a dispersion of nanoplates. The particulate composition is provided as a precursor particulate.

Abstract: Systems and methods for view synthesis and three-dimensional reconstruction can learn an environment by utilizing a plurality of images of an environment and depth data. The use of depth data can be helpful when the quantity of images and different angles may be limited. For example, large outdoor environments can be difficult to learn due to the size, the varying image exposures, and the limited variance in view direction changes. The systems and methods can leverage a plurality of panoramic images and corresponding lidar data to accurately learn a large outdoor environment to then generate view synthesis outputs and three-dimensional reconstruction outputs. Training may include the use of an exposure correction network to address lighting exposure differences between training images.

Abstract: A photodetector comprising an optical waveguide structure comprising at least three stripes spaced from one another such that a slot is present between each two adjacent stripes of the at least three stripes. A graphene absorption layer is provided over or underneath the at least three stripes. There is an electrode for each stripe, over or underneath the graphene absorption layer. The photodetector is configured such that two adjacent electrodes are biased using opposite polarities to create a p-n junction effect in a portion of the graphene absorption layer. In particular the portion of the graphene absorption layer is located over or underneath each respective slot between said each two adjacent stripes.

Abstract: Semiconductor devices comprising: a semiconductor device comprising: a first electrode comprising conductive material, wherein the conductive material is deposited by ink deposition (for example, layered material inks such as graphene and/or graphite), or wherein the conductive material comprises CVD grown graphene or carbon nanotubes; a first charge transportation layer, wherein the first charge transportation layer is doped with the conductive material of the first electrode; an optional insulation layer; a perovskite active layer; a second charge transportation layer; and a second electrode.

Abstract: We disclose herein a hetero-structure comprising: a curved material; at least one layer of a first material rolled around the curved material; at least one intermediate layer rolled on the at least one layer of the first material; and at least one layer of a second material rolled around the at least one intermediate layer.

Abstract: A photodetector comprising an optical waveguide structure comprising at least three stripes spaced from one another such that a slot is present between each two adjacent stripes of the at least three stripes. A graphene absorption layer is provided over or underneath the at least three stripes. There is an electrode for each stripe, over or underneath the graphene absorption layer. The photodetector is configured such that two adjacent electrodes are biased using opposite polarities to create a p-n junction effect in a portion of the graphene absorption layer. In particular the portion of the graphene absorption layer is located over or underneath each respective slot between said each two adjacent stripes.

Abstract: A method for training a plurality of task neural networks such that the trained task neural networks are compatible with each other is described. The method includes receiving, for each of the plurality of task neural networks, a respective training data set; forming an auxiliary loss function for the plurality of task neural networks, in which the auxiliary loss function ensures that the trained task neural networks would be compatible with each other; and training the plurality of task neural networks to optimize a combined loss function. The combined loss function is a combination of respective task loss functions for the respective machine learning tasks and an auxiliary loss function that encourages compatibility between the task neural networks.

Abstract: A method for producing nanoplates derived from a layered material, includes the steps: (a) mixing particles of said layered material with a carrier liquid to form a dispersion of said particles in said carrier liquid; (b) pressurizing the dispersion to a pressure of at least 10 kpsi; and (c) forcing the dispersion along a microfluidic channel under said pressure, to apply a shear rate of at least 105 s?1 to said particles in the dispersion. Exfoliation of nanoplates from said particles is thereby caused. The nanoplates may be graphene nanoplates, for example. Steps (b) and (c) may be repeated for a number of cycles in order to promote exfoliation. The method may be carried out using a microfluidizer.

Abstract: An elongated microwave powered lamp (1) having one or more bulbs with any length or shape or disposition according to a linear series, straight or curved, includes: at least one transparent elongated bulb (2) containing, in an inner space thereof, a material apt to be excited by microwave irradiation thereby emitting an electromagnetic radiation; a coaxial microwave antenna placed outside the bulb (2) and respectively connected to a microwave source (81) via corresponding antenna lead (91), said bulb (2) and said at least one microwave coaxial antenna being displaced in a close relationship to each other to allow the microwave excitation of said material, wherein the outer tubular conductor of the coaxial antenna (5) has spaced holes (6) formed therethrough and facing the bulb (2), at which microwaves are released toward the bulb.

Abstract: A method for treating polymer particles is disclosed. Polymer particles and a liquid are provided. The method includes the following steps (a) and (b). (a) Mixing said polymer particles with said carrier liquid to form a dispersion of said particles in said carrier liquid at a concentration of at least 0.1 g/L, based on the volume of the dispersion. (b) Subjecting the dispersion to microfluidization treatment thereby causing particle stretching, particle size reduction and increasing the surface area per unit mass of the polymer particles. Also disclosed is a particulate composition comprising polymer particles mixed with nanoplates derived from a layered material, wherein the particulate composition has a BET surface area of at least 10 m2/g. Furthermore, there is disclosed a method for the manufacture of a component formed of a composite of a polymer with a dispersion of nanoplates. The particulate composition is provided as a precursor particulate.

Abstract: A method for producing nanoplates derived from a layered material, includes the steps: (a) mixing particles of said layered material with a carrier liquid to form a dispersion of said particles in said carrier liquid; (b) pressurizing the dispersion to a pressure of at least 10 kpsi; and (c) forcing the dispersion along a microfluidic channel under said pressure, to apply a shear rate of at least 105 s?1 to said particles in the dispersion. Exfoliation of nanoplates from said particles is thereby caused. The nanoplates may be graphene nanoplates, for example. Steps (b) and (c) may be repeated for a number of cycles in order to promote exfoliation. The method may be carried out using a microfluidizer.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating waste sludge includes an outer container casing, internally hollow, an inner body coaxial with the outer casing, a compacting and dehydrating chamber, inside the outer container casing and along which sludge to be treated runs, an inlet zone for supplying sludge to the chamber, an outlet zone for unloading treated sludge, movement elements for the sludge, cooperating with the inner body, which promote compaction and advancement of the sludge from the inlet zone to the outlet zone; a container net connected to a negative pole of a control unit to form a cathode, and the inner body connected to a positive pole to form an anode. A method of treating sludge includes the promoting the continuous advancement and compaction of sludge inside a compression chamber between the anode and cathode, and establishing a difference in potential in order to subject the sludge to an electrical field.

Abstract: A photochemical reactor (1) having a hollow container body (10) having a side wall (11) made of a material arranged to contain an excited luminous plasma with electromagnetic fields and defining a closed excitation chamber (12) in which, in use, an excitable material (15) is present in such a way to obtain a discharge of the excited luminous plasma by microwave irradiation. The hollow container body (10) is provided with at least a hollow (20) that protrudes into the excitation chamber (12) and at least a microwave radiation source positioned, in use, in the hollow (20), and arranged to emit radiations in such a way to excite the excitable material (15) producing a luminous plasma.

Abstract: An ink disclosed herein comprises a carrier liquid with a dispersion of flakes derived from a layered material. The thickness of each flake depends on the number of layers of the layered material in the flake. The thickness distribution of the flakes includes: at least 20% by number of single layer flakes; at least 40% by number cumulatively of single, double and triple layer flakes; or not more than 40% by number of flakes having ten or more layers. The layered material is selected from one or more of elemental materials such as graphene (typically derived from pristine graphite), metals (e.g., NiTe2, VSe2), semi-metals (e.g., WTa2, TcS2), semiconductors (e.g., WS2, WSe2, MoS2, MoTe2, TaS2, RhTe2, PdTe2), insulators (e.g., h-BN, HfS2), superconductors (e.g., NbS2, NbSe2, NbTe2, TaSe2) and topological insulators and thermo-electrics (e.g., Bi2Se3, Bi2Te3). Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing suitable inks and uses of the inks.

Abstract: An elongated light source envelope is disclosed. The elongated light source comprises an inner wall and an outer wall formed around a longitudinal axis. The inner wall and the outer wall may be connected at a first axial end by a first side wall and a second axial end by a second side wall. The inner wall, outer wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall define an enclosed space internal to the envelope. The light source envelope further comprises one or more walls formed between the inner wall and the outer wall to further form at least a first enclosed region and a second enclosed region within the enclosed space. The first enclosed region may be configured to emit a different spectrum of ultraviolet radiation from the second enclosed region in response to excitation of the first enclosed region and the second enclosed region by microwave radiation.

Abstract: We disclose an optical buffer having a plurality of optical ports. In some embodiments, an optical signal to be stored may be injected into the buffer through any one of the optical ports and then may be ejected from the buffer, after being stored therein for a selectable amount of time, through any one of the optical ports as well. This feature advantageously enables the optical buffer to also function as an optical switch or router. In an example embodiment, the optical buffer comprises two optical recirculation loops, each of which can store the optical signal by causing it to circulate therein. The buffer is configured to compensate optical losses incurred by the optical signal during this circulation by transferring the optical signal from one loop to the other through an optical amplifier. Due to the latter feature, the optical buffer may be able to store an optical signal, with an acceptable OSNR, for a significantly longer time than certain conventional optical buffers.

Abstract: An elongated microwave powered lamp (1) having one or more bulbs with any length or shape or disposition according to a linear series, straight or curved, includes: at least one transparent elongated bulb (2) containing, in an inner space thereof, a material apt to be excited by microwave irradiation thereby emitting an electromagnetic radiation; a coaxial microwave antenna placed outside the bulb (2) and respectively connected to a microwave source (81) via corresponding antenna lead (91), said bulb (2) and said at least one microwave coaxial antenna being displaced in a close relationship to each other to allow the microwave excitation of said material, wherein the outer tubular conductor of the coaxial antenna (5) has spaced holes (6) formed therethrough and facing the bulb (2), at which microwaves are released toward the bulb.

Abstract: An ink disclosed herein comprises a carrier liquid with a dispersion of flakes derived from a layered material. The thickness of each flake depends on the number of layers of the layered material in the flake. The thickness distribution of the flakes includes: at least 20% by number of single layer flakes; at least 40% by number cumulatively of single, double and triple layer flakes; or not more than 40% by number of flakes having ten or more layers. The layered material is selected from one or more of elemental materials such as graphene (typically derived from pristine graphite), metals (e.g., NiTe2, VSe2), semi-metals (e.g., WTa2, TcS2), semiconductors (e.g., WS2, WSe2, MoS2, MoTe2, TaS2, RhTe2, PdTe2), insulators (e.g., h-BN, HfS2), superconductors (e.g., NbS2, NbSe2, NbTe2, TaSe2) and topological insulators and thermo-electrics (e.g., Bi2Se3, Bi2Te3). Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing suitable inks and uses of the inks.

Abstract: A UV lamp includes a UV lamp unit including a tubular bulb and an antenna inserted in the tubular bulb, and an antenna lead for supplying microwave energy from a microwave energy source to the UV lamp unit. The antenna lead includes a bent portion, one end of which is connected to the antenna and the other end is connectable to the microwave energy source.