Abstract: Disclosed herein is a plasmonics platform comprising a substrate; a plurality of periodically spaced nanoholes and/or nanoparticles disposed upon the substrate; wherein the average first order of periodicity between the nanoholes and/or the nanoparticles is about 5 to about 1,000 nm; and a microelectromechanical and/or a nanoelectromechanical system in operative communication with the substrate so as to vary the average first order of periodicity between the nanoholes and/or the nanoparticles.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention comprises a MEMS structure further comprising: a MEMS device (240) having a first surface with one or more contact structures (244, 245 and 246) thereon connected to functional elements of the MEMS device (240), a dielectric layer (100) overlying the first surface defining openings therein through which the contact structures (244, 245 and 246) are exposed, a patterned metallization layer (254, 255 and 256) comprising conductive material extending from the contact structures (244, 245 and 246) through the openings in the dielectric layer (100) and onto a surface of the dielectric layer and a first heat sink (190) in thermal communication with the metallization layer (254, 255 and 256).

Abstract: A photonic crystal based collection probe is provided. The probe includes a photonic crystal configured to guide and condition a beam of Raman scattered photons. Further, the device includes a spectrograph in optical communication with the photonic crystal and configured to receive Raman scattering from the photonic crystal. The device may be employed in a Raman spectrometer system.

Abstract: An alkaline battery cell with increased discharge capacity is provided. Both the internal volume and the electrode interfacial surface area are increased, without unnecessarily increasing the overall cell volume, by increasing the height but not the diameter of the electrodes, thereby avoiding an unnecessary increase in the total cell volume.

Abstract: Alkaline electrochemical cells containing no added mercury and having a concentration of potassium hydroxide in the electrolyte, prior to discharge, of between about 34 and 37% (w/w solution) and wherein the amount of electrolyte is such that, after a calculated level of one electron discharge of the manganese dioxide, the calculated concentration of potassium hydroxide is between 49.5 and 51.5% (w/w solution), have superior performance in intermittent discharge tests.

Abstract: Polyoxyalkylene nitrogen containing compounds are useful in electrochemical cells having an acidic electrolyte to inhibit gassing and leakage.

Abstract: Paper for use as a separator in an electrochemical cell completely absorbs a 50 &mgr;l drop of water placed thereon in a time of not less than four minutes and not greater than fifteen minutes at 20° C. and provides an improve cell having less leakage and corrosive, especially in a mercury-free cell.