Abstract: The current invention provides methods for detecting trace analytes in solution or suspension using coupled micro-ring resonators. The methods of the current invention determine the presence and concentration of the target analytes in real time by exposing the micro-ring resonator to the analyte and determining the resulting rate of change of resonance wavelength experienced by a sensing micro-ring resonator as compared to a reference micro-ring resonator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for fluid purification. A charged species is separated from the fluid using, e.g., a Faraday induced motive forces. This approach deionizes any fluid medium (including water).

Abstract: Paste compositions for forming ceramic composites can include at least one solvent; at least one optional binder; at least one low-temperature frit glass; and a plurality of one or more functional particles; wherein the paste is capable of forming a composite upon low-temperature processing or laser processing.

Abstract: An Ormosil composite coating that provides good corrosion and abrasion resistance of the underlying substrate. The Ormosil composite coating of the present invention is entrapped with a plurality of inorganic particles of a size greater than 1 micron to produce a coating of a sufficient, desired thickness. The coating of the present invention, generally includes an ormosil composite including a plurality of entrapped inorganic particles wherein each of the plurality of inorganic particles is at least one (1) micron in its maximum dimension but not greater than 75 microns (however, a maximum dimension of 5 microns is preferred).

Abstract: A process for chemical removal of organically-modified silicate (Ormosil) coatings from aluminum alloy substrates without degradation of the underlying metal. An Ormosil film is treated with a zincate solution. The zincate solution dissolves the Ormosil film and deposits a thin, easily-removed layer of zinc onto the aluminum alloy surface, which prevents base-activated dissolution of the underlying metal. The zinc layer may be removed using dilute phosphoric acid, leaving the surface of the aluminum alloy intact. Consequently, the sol-gel coating may be removed while the integrity of the aluminum alloy substrate is maintained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a low temperature 0-3 composite material, comprising the steps of providing a mixture, wherein the mixture comprises a liquid phase and a particulate phase and wherein the liquid phase comprises a reactive metal alkoxide; depositing the mixture on to a plastic substrate; and consolidating the mixture to provide a 0-3 composite material, wherein the 0-3 composite material is suitable for use as an electronic component.

Abstract: A process for chemical removal of organically-modified silicate (Ormosil) coatings from aluminum alloy substrates without degradation of the underlying metal. An Ormosil film is treated with a zincate solution. The zincate solution dissolves the Ormosil film and deposits a thin, easily-removed layer of zinc onto the aluminum alloy surface, which prevents base-activated dissolution of the underlying metal. The zinc layer may be removed using dilute phosphoric acid, leaving the surface of the aluminum alloy intact. Consequently, the sol-gel coating may be removed while the integrity of the aluminum alloy substrate is maintained.

Abstract: The invention described herein provides an organic-inorganic multilayer coating system comprising an advanced nanostructured layer-by-layer hybrid coating for the corrosion inhibition of metals. Electrochemically-active corrosion inhibitors are adsorbed onto a layer-by-layer assembled organic-inorganic multilayer coating, preferably used in combination with a topcoat sol-gel barrier layer, to provide enhanced corrosion protection of metal substrates.

Abstract: An Ormosil composite coating that provides good corrosion and abrasion resistance of the underlying substrate. The Ormosil composite coating of the present invention is entrapped with a plurality of inorganic particles of a size greater than 1 micron to produce a coating of a sufficient, desired thickness. The coating of the present invention, generally includes an ormosil composite including a plurality of entrapped inorganic particles wherein each of the plurality of inorganic particles is at least one (1) micron in its maximum dimension but not greater than 75 microns (however, a maximum dimension of 5 microns is preferred).

Abstract: Sol-gel-derived “0-3 composite” ceramics are provided for application to electronics components directly written onto low-temperature substrates. The 0-3 composite materials are prepared from a mixture of liquid-phase and solid-phase constituents, as are the pastes conventionally used to prepare thick-film materials for the electronics industry. The prepared 0-3 composites exhibit several advantages, including substantial reductions in (1) processing temperatures, (2) solvent concentrations, and (3) organic post-processing-residual concentrations. In addition, the rapid removal of solvent during application is compatible with such rapid prototyping methods as laser densification. The 0-3 composites may be deposited onto plastic substrates while still meeting expected performance standards. Therefore, the direct writing of electronics components onto such low-temperature substrates as plastic may be achieved using sol-gel-based 0-3 composites.

Abstract: A passivated dichromated gelatin film in which the film includes a glassy oxide network to provide passivation and structural strengthening. The glassy oxide network is formed simultaneously with the gelatin formation via a sol-gel process.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a multi-layer holographic device 22. A first hologram is formed on a major surface of a substrate 14. The first hologram is desensitized to prevent interaction with a second subsequently formed hologram. The second hologram is formed conterminous with said first hologram.

Abstract: A method for treating permeable plastics and other porous materials to provide solid barriers within the materials that reduce permeability. One method involves migrating a first gas reactant into the material and migrating a second reactant into the material wherein the first and second reactants react at a reaction interface to form a solid reaction product which provides reduced gas permeability for the material. Embodiments are disclosed in which gaseous reactants are migrated from opposite sides of the material to form an internal gas impermeable barrier. Embodiments are also disclosed where the reactants are sequentially migrated into the material to produce gas impermeable barriers. Swelling of the materials prior to treatment with reactants is also disclosed in order to maximize permeation and reactant migration.

Abstract: A method for treating photosensitive, hydrophilic gelatin holograms to reduce swelling when the gelatin is exposed to moisture. Two reactants which are capable of forming solid reaction products are migrated into the interstitial voids within the gelatin to form a filled gelatin which is resistant to both swelling and shrinkage due to moisture variations. Embodiments are disclosed in which the reactants are migrated simultaneously and sequentially into the gelatin. Examples of a first reactant are silane, chloronated silanes (trichlorosilane and tetrachlorosilane, fluorosilane) and a second reactant oxygen, ammonia, water vapor and suitable gaseous sources of oxygen.