Abstract: An optical device includes a substrate, a reflecting stack and optionally, a cap layer. The reflecting stack has a first plurality of optical thin film layers and a second plurality of optical thin film layers. The first plurality of optical thin film layers are carried by the substrate, and are configured and adapted to be highly reflective of light of a first predetermined wavelength incident upon the optical device at a first predetermined angle. The second plurality of optical thin film layers are carried by the substrate and are configured and adapted to be substantially antireflective of light of a second predetermined wavelength incident upon the optical device at a second predetermined angle. The second plurality of layers are interposed between individual layers of the first plurality of layers. The cap layer, if provided, is carried by the reflecting stack.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that simultaneously or consecutively collects DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures from the same subject during the same collection window that adds value to forensic data collection processes. The collection of the DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures occur during the same collection window to assured the DNA sample and ridge and valley signatures identify the same individual.

Abstract: A polymerized hydrogel composition for hydrating or dehydrating a surface, particularly a dermatological surface, to which it is applied and a method for forming the composition. The composition is comprised of a mixture of two polymerizable materials, a two-part redox catalyst system and a two-part polymerization medium. The percentage by weight of each element in the composition may be varied within stated percentage ranges and depending to the desired application. The rate at which hydration or dehydration occurs may be controllably altered by varying the percentages of certain of the composition elements and by adding either or both of a fibrous filler material and a humectant to the composition.

Abstract: A polymerized hydrogel composition for hydrating or dehydrating a surface, particularly a dermatological surface, to which it is applied and a method for forming the composition. The composition is comprised of a mixture of two polymerizable materials, a two-part redox catalyst system and a two-part polymerization medium. The percentage by weight of each element in the composition may be varied within stated percentage ranges and depending to the desired application. The rate at which hydration or dehydration occurs may be controllably altered by varying the percentages of certain of the composition elements and by adding either or both of a fibrous filler material and a humectant to the composition.

Abstract: Liquid gallium or gallium alloy is utilized as a mercury substitute for a variety of applications. The liquid gallium or gallium alloy is either free of metal oxides or has only very low quantities of metal oxides.

Abstract: A gallium-indium-zinc-copper metallic material has been found to exhibit many of the advantageous properties of mercury, such as electrical conductivity, fluidity, and high vaporization temperature. The metallic material is formulated by combining individual components in the presence of aqueous base, isolating the metallic phase, and heating the metallic combination. The metallic material is formulated to have sufficient quantities of each of the individual components such that the metallic material has a solidification temperature below 0.degree. C.

Abstract: Liquid gallium or gallium alloy is utilized as the conductive fluid in a switch or sensor housing. In order to prevent wetting of the interior walls of the switch or sensor housing, the liquid gallium or gallium alloy is either free of metal oxides or has only very low quantities of metal oxides.

Abstract: With proper handling, Gallium-Indium-Tin eutectics are suitable for use as a substitute for mercury in switch applications. The eutectics should be acid washed to prevent oxidation of the metal components of the eutectic while in the switch housing and, further, the switch housing should be filled with an inert gas. Preventing oxidation ensures long term performance of the switch. In addition, provisions need to be made to prevent wetting of the switch housing by the eutectic. Experiments have shown that acid washing of metallic switch housings prior to adding the Gallium-Indium-Tin eutectic reduces or eliminates wetting by the eutectic. In addition, experiments have shown that coating the walls of the switch housing with a fluoropolymer coating prevents wetting by the eutectic.

Abstract: A structure that provides suppression of reflectance of radiation and thus enhanced emissivity is fabricated with a substrate that supports alternating absorber and spacer layers with interleaved antireflectance coatings formed of thin films of different materials having different indices of refraction. Alternate antireflectance coatings are mirror images of the prior deposited antireflectance coatings.