Abstract: Described herein are methods, systems, and non-transitory computer-readable media to non-destructively acquire three-dimensional profiles of cellular microbiological samples growing on the surface of a solid growth medium. Acquisitions can be performed by an optical microscope that includes a vertical scanning interferometer. The three-dimensional profiles can enable measurement of sample parameters of microcolonies, which can be made of microbial colony forming units. The methods and systems enable early and rapid detection and quantification of microbes.

Abstract: Compositions and processes are disclosed for forming hydrophobic coatings and lubricant-infused surface coatings. Coatings may be applied to various substrates without prior chemical or temperature treatment of the substrates and over large and irregular surfaces. Coatings are self-healing, antifouling, and have enhanced lifetimes.

Abstract: Hydrophobic materials, processes for their production, and uses thereof are described. The materials can be made with silica or polytetrafluoroethylene particles embedded into a liquid polymer. The hydrophobic materials are stretchable.

Abstract: Described herein are methods, systems, and non-transitory computer-readable media to non-destructively acquire three-dimensional profiles of cellular microbiological samples growing on the surface of a solid growth medium. Acquisitions can be performed by an optical microscope that includes a vertical scanning interferometer. The three-dimensional profiles can enable measurement of sample parameters of microcolonies, which can be made of microbial colony forming units. The methods and systems enable early and rapid detection and quantification of microbes.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media having programs are described for monitoring an ultrasonic bonding operation via acoustic and/or vibration measurements and analyzing the measurements in order to predict and/or characterize the quality of a weld resulting from the bonding operation. The measurements are non-destructively acquired and the characterization is expressed as a bond quality index value.

Abstract: Biological material fouling assessment systems and methods are described. According to one aspect, a biological material fouling assessment system includes processing circuitry configured to access image data of an image of a surface of a substrate which has been fouled with biological material, wherein the image data comprises intensity information regarding a plurality of pixels of the image, and wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to process the intensity information regarding the pixels of the image to generate information which is indicative of an amount of the fouling of the biological material upon the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Compositions and processes are disclosed for forming hydrophobic coatings and lubricant-infused surface coatings. Coatings may be applied to various substrates without prior chemical or temperature treatment of the substrates and over large and irregular surfaces. Coatings are self-healing, anti-fouling, and have enhanced lifetimes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of measuring biofilm and biological activity on a surface is disclosed. The apparatus includes a biofilm, which includes one or more microorganisms, grown on a substrate. A viewing window is placed on a surface of the biofilm and a gas bubble is introduced between the viewing window and the surface of the biofilm. The space between the substrate and the viewing window may be enclosed in a casing that has an inlet and an outlet, forming a flow cell. A microscope system, such as a white light interferometer, captures data of the biofilm in situ and non-destructively. The 3D images of biofilm surface have high resolution while maintaining a large field of view. This invention will be useful for fundamental studies of biofilms, biomedical and environmental screening, and many other applications in biology and the life sciences.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of measuring biofilm and biological activity on a surface is disclosed. The apparatus includes a biofilm, which includes one or more microorganisms, grown on a substrate. A viewing window is placed on a surface of the biofilm and a gas bubble is introduced between the viewing window and the surface of the biofilm. The space between the substrate and the viewing window may be enclosed in a casing that has an inlet and an outlet, forming a flow cell. A microscope system, such as a white light interferometer, captures data of the biofilm in situ and non-destructively. The 3D images of biofilm surface have high resolution while maintaining a large field of view. The apparatuses and methods will be useful for fundamental studies of biofilms, biomedical and environmental screening, and many other applications in biology and the life sciences.

Abstract: Compositions and processes are disclosed for forming hydrophobic coatings and lubricant-infused surface coatings. Coatings may be applied to various substrates without prior chemical or temperature treatment of the substrates and over large and irregular surfaces. Coatings are self-healing, antifouling, and have enhanced lifetimes.

Abstract: Hydrophobic materials, processes for their production, and uses thereof are described. The materials can be made with silica or polytetrafluoroethylene particles embedded into a liquid polymer. The hydrophobic materials are stretchable.

Abstract: Compositions and processes are disclosed for forming hydrophobic coatings and lubricant-infused surface coatings. Coatings may be applied to various substrates without prior chemical or temperature treatment of the substrates and over large and irregular surfaces. Coatings are self-healing, anti-fouling, and have enhanced lifetimes.

Abstract: Biological material fouling assessment systems and methods are described. According to one aspect, a biological material fouling assessment system includes processing circuitry configured to access image data of an image of a surface of a substrate which has been fouled with biological material, wherein the image data comprises intensity information regarding a plurality of pixels of the image, and wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to process the intensity information regarding the pixels of the image to generate information which is indicative of an amount of the fouling of the biological material upon the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of measuring biofilm and biological activity on a surface is disclosed. The apparatus includes a biofilm, which includes one or more microorganisms, grown on a substrate. A viewing window is placed on a surface of the biofilm and a gas bubble is introduced between the viewing window and the surface of the biofilm. The space between the substrate and the viewing window may be enclosed in a casing that has an inlet and an outlet, forming a flow cell. A microscope system, such as a white light interferometer, captures data of the biofilm in situ and non-destructively. The 3D images of biofilm surface have high resolution while maintaining a large field of view. This invention will be useful for fundamental studies of biofilms, biomedical and environmental screening, and many other applications in biology and the life sciences.