Abstract: Isopotential heaters used in the preconcentration stage of sample detection systems are described. The heaters have at least two electrically conducting paths of which the resistances of the electrically conducting baths are substantially equal such that in use uniform heat distribution is achieved.

Abstract: Improved preconcentrators, particularly MEMs scale preconcentrators which possess a coating comprising polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs). There is further provided devices comprising the preconcentrator, and methods of preparation and use. There is particular benefit directed to the use of a MEMs scale heater coated with the PIMs for use in hand-held or field portable chemical detection devices. The polymer of intrinsic microporosity comprises a polymer, with a monomer repeat unit of Formula I wherein A is one or more optionally substituted aryl, heterocyclic, cycloalkyl or bicycloalkyl rings, ? is greater than 5, preferably 5 to 10000, and X may be selected from CH, CH2, O, S, N or NH.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved liquid crystal compounds which contain a mesogenic core which comprises a group of sub-formula (i) wherein R3 and R4 are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen or CF3, provided at least one of R3 or R4 is selected from halogen or CF3. The sub-formula (i) group may be located at any position within the mesogenic core of the liquid crystal compound, either at the terminus of the liquid crystal core or alternatively substantially in the middle of the liquid crystal core. The compounds of the invention provide compounds which when added to LC mixtures provide increasing birefringence, lowering of melting points, lowering clearing points, and lowering viscosities. These compounds and mixtures may fmd particular use in imaging or display media, such as monitors or televisions.

Abstract: Improved preconcentrators, particularly MEMs scale preconcentrators which possess a coating comprising polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs). There is further provided devices comprising the preconcentrator, and methods of preparation and use. There is particular benefit directed to the use of a MEMs scale heater coated with the PIMs for use in hand-held or field portable chemical detection devices. The polymer of intrinsic microporosity comprises a polymer, with a monomer repeat unit of Formula I wherein A is one or more optionally substituted aryl, heterocyclic, cycloalkyl or bicycloalkyl rings, ? is greater than 5, preferably 5 to 10000, and X may be selected from CH, CH2, 0, S, N or NH.

Abstract: Improved micro machined (MEMs scale) heaters, which are particularly suitable for use in MEMs scale preconcentrators. Preferably the heater possess a trapping medium, in particular a polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs). There is further provided devices comprising the preconcentrator, and methods of preparation and use. There is particular benefit directed to the use of a MEMs scale heater coated with the PIMs for use in hand-held or field portable chemical detection devices. The heater comprises a number of electrically conducting paths which have been engineered so that the electrical resistance of all the electrically conducting paths are substantially equal, to provide a more uniform heat distribution.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of novel explosives, compositions and munitions comprising the same, as well as methods of synthesis and their use. The invention particularly relates to the field of explosives which are switchable between two different liquid crystalline states, and which possesses a general formula below. wherein M is a mesogenic core, R1 and R2 are independently selected terminal end groups attached to the mesogenic core, and wherein the mesogenic core contains sufficient (NO2)x to provide an explosive output. The explosive compound may form part of an explosive composition, which may be used as a high explosive fill for any part of a munition. The explosive composition may contain other components such as non-explosive LC compounds, or binders, or further known explosive compounds.

Abstract: A molecular single electron transistor (MSET) detector device (14) is described that comprises at least one organic molecule (87) connecting a drain electrode (84) and a source electrode (82). In use, said at least one organic molecule (87) provides a quantum confinement region. At least one analyte receptor site (90, 92) is provided in the vicinity of said at least one organic molecule (87) that bind molecules of interest (analytes). A fluid analyser (2) is also described that includes the MSET detector, a pre-concentrator (4) and a fluid gating structure (6). The fluid gating structure (6) is arranged to selectively route fluid from the pre-concentrator (4) to either one of the detector (14) and an exhaust port (12). The pre-concentrator (4), fluid gating structure (6) and detector (14) are each formed as substantially planar layers and arranged in a stack or cube.

Abstract: Isopotential heaters used in the preconcentration stage of sample detection systems are described. The heaters have at least two electrically conducting paths of which the resistances of the electrically conducting baths are substantially equal such that in use uniform heat distribution is achieved.

Abstract: This invention relates to various phosphine oxides and their use in applications which exploit the triboluminescent effect.

Abstract: The invention relates to various materials and their use in applications which exploit the triboluminescent effect.

Abstract: Triboluminescent materials comprising M wherein M is chosen from Tb, Eu, Sm, Dy and from 75% to 99.99% of M is replaced by Y, Gd, La or Lu.

Abstract: Organic light emitting diode devices having a substrate bearing an organic layer sandwiched between electrode structures. The organic layer includes, in a single layer a hole transporter, an electron transporter and a light emitter where the electron transporter or the light emitter or the electron transporter and the light emitter include a material of general formula 1.

Abstract: This invention relates to various phosphine oxides and their use in applications which exploit the triboluminescent effect.

Abstract: A method of making a 3-alkylcycloalkanol of formula 2: where RI represents a methyl or ethyl group, R2 represents hydrogen, R3 represents an ethyl, propyl, butyl, isobutyl or isoamyl group, R4 represents hydrogen and R5 represents hydrogen, or a methyl, ethyl, propyl, isobutyl or isoamyl group comprises the following steps: (1) carrying out an electrophilic substitution reaction of an alkyl group or precursor thereof, on an ortho-substituted alkylbenzene compound of formula 3: where R6 represents hydrogen, or a methyl or ethyl group; (2) hydrogenating the reaction product of step (1); (3) performing an elimination reaction on one or more reaction products of step (2) to produce one or more alkene products; and (4) hydrating the one or more alkene products of step (3) to provide a 3-alkylcycloalkanol of formula 2. The electrophilic substitution reaction of step (1) may be a Friedel-Crafts acylation, e.g. using an isopropyl ketone precursor, or a Friedel-Crafts alkylation, e.g. using an isobutyl group.

Abstract: The invention relates to various materials and their use in applications which exploit the triboluminescent effect.

Abstract: This invention relates to an organic semiconductor device comprising a substrate bearing an organic layer sandwiched between electrode structures wherein the organic layer comprises a polymer of general Formula (I): wherein X is selected from H, CN, F, Cl, Br, COOCH3. Y is given by the following general Formula (II): wherein A is a phenyl group which may be further substituted in 1 or 2 or 3 positions with groups independently selected from C1-8 alkyl, CN, F, Cl; B and C are both phenyl groups which may be further substituted, independently of each other, in 1 or 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 positions with groups independently selected from C1-8 alkyl, CN, F, Cl; A, B and C may also be, independently of each other, selected from pyrimidine, pyridazine and pyridine; m=5-20,000.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of triboluminescent materials in paper products.

Abstract: This invention relates to statistical copolymers of general formula (I) and their use in organic semiconductor devices: wherein m and j are the average number of repeat units of A and B such that: m=0.1-0.9, j=1−m, Q=10-50000; A and B are independently selected from hole transporting groups and electron transporting groups and are statistically distributed along the polymer chain; X and Z are selected from H, CN, F, Cl, Br, CO2CH3.

Abstract: A covert mark (1) which may be applied to an article (2) comprises a fluorescent or phosphorescent material and has a unidirectionally aligned structure. Upon illumination of the mark (1) with ultraviolet radiation (3a), the mark (1) emits polarised fluorescent or phosphorescent radiation (3a) of characteristic radiation. The mark (1) may therefore be used in a system for covertly marking and checking the authenticity of a genuine article (2) whereby polarised fluorescent or phosphorescent radiation (3b) emitted from the mark (1) is incident on linearly polarising material. Detecting polarised fluorescent or phosphorescent radiation (3b) of characteristic wavelength and polarisation provides an indication of the authenticity of the article (2). By varying the orientation of the linearly polarising material, the plane of polarisation of radiation transmitted by the material is varied and a characteristic flashing effect is observed.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device comprises a cell (1) formed by a layer (2) of nematic or long pitch cholesteric liquid crystal material contained between two cell walls (3, 4). One wall (4) carries a surface treatment giving a first azimuthal alignment direction with or without a surface pretilt to liquid crystal molecules. The other wall (3) carries a surface treatment capable of separately providing both a preferred, substantially homeotropic alignment of the adjacent liquid crystal, and a defined azimuthal second alignment direction to the adjacent liquid crystal dependant upon liquid crystal molecular arrangement. The first and second alignment directions are approximately orthogonal. Polarisers (13, 14) may be arranged on either side of the cells walls with their polarization axes parallel or perpendicular to the two azimuthal directions. In addition one or more birefringent compensator layers (19, 20) are disposed on one side or on both sides of the cell (1).