Abstract: Polydiacetylenes (PDAs) and PDA/ZnO nanocomposites based on the monomers: 10,12-pentacosadiynoic acid (PCDA), 10,12-tricosadiynoic acid (TCDA) and 10,12-docosadiynedioic acid (DCDA) monomers are chromatic chemical sensing agents for selected organic liquids. Thermochromically reversible compositions include PCDA and nanosize ZnO having a particle size range less than 100 nm.

Abstract: Novel TCDA/ZnO compositions in which the ZnO particles have an average particle size less than 100 nm are disclosed. Reversible thermochromatic sensors employing the TCDA nanocomposites and methods of printing TCDA/ZnO nanocomposite thin films forming the reversible thermochromatic sensors using inkjet printing techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel TCDA/ZnO compositions in which the ZnO particles have an average particle size less than 100 nm are disclosed. Reversible thermochromatic sensors employing the TCDA nanocomposites and methods of printing TCDA/ZnO nanocomposite thin films forming the reversible thermochromatic sensors using inkjet printing techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel TCDA/ZnO compositions in which the ZnO particles have an average particle size less than 100 nm are disclosed. Reversible thermochromatic sensors employing the TCDA nanocomposites and methods of printing TCDA/ZnO nanocomposite thin films forming the reversible thermochromatic sensors using inkjet printing techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel TCDA/ZnO compositions in which the ZnO particles have an average particle size less than 100 nm are disclosed. Reversible thermochromatic sensors employing the TCDA nanocomposites and methods of printing TCDA/ZnO nanocomposite thin films forming the reversible thermochromatic sensors using inkjet printing techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: Polydiacetylenes (PDAs) and PDA/ZnO nanocomposites based on the monomers: 10,12-pentacosadiynoic acid (PCDA), 10,12-tricosadiynoic acid (TCDA) and 10,12-docosadiynedioic acid (DCDA) monomers are chromatic chemical sensing agents for selected organic liquids. Thermochromically reversible compositions include PCDA and nanosize ZnO having a particle size range less than 100 nm.

Abstract: Inkjet-printable formulations of cathode materials, such as lithium phosphates with olivine structure such as but not limited to LiFePO4 are disclosed. The ink is formulated using an environmentally friendly process, which uses water as the solvent for the cathode's binder.

Abstract: Methods to infer the density of defects in high ? dielectric films in a non-contact, non-invasive and non-destructive manner. THz radiation is employed to measure the change in electrical conductivity of the films before and after illumination with visible light, where the visible light photoionizes the defects thereby changing the electrical conductivity and changing the transmission (or reflection) of THz radiation from the films. The disclosed techniques can be employed to make measurements as soon as wafers are fabricated. The technology is applicable to wafers of any size.

Abstract: A passive, non-contact radio frequency (RF) strain sensor changes resonant frequency as it is deformed. The sensor's resonant frequency can be determined by monitoring the signals transmitted and/or reflected therefrom upon illumination of the sensor by a known RF signal source. The sensor can be implemented using thin film techniques on a flexible thin substrate that can be attached to the surface of a structural member of interest.

Abstract: An active coating system capable of collecting, analyzing, managing and adapting to data and/or its environment in real time. An exemplary embodiment of our inventive active coating system is corrosion resistant and includes a flexible sensor layer, a switch layer and a visual display layer. Operationally, the flexible sensor layer senses particular environmental conditions and the visual display layer provides visual indication of the condition(s) sensed.

Abstract: An active coating system capable of collecting, analyzing, managing and adapting to data and/or its environment in real time. An exemplary embodiment of our inventive active coating system is corrosion resistant and includes a flexible sensor layer, a switch layer and a visual display layer. Operationally, the flexible sensor layer senses particular environmental conditions and the visual display layer provides visual indication of the condition(s) sensed.

Abstract: Near field imaging using a THz imaging system is realized by utilizing an interferometric imaging detector array that includes detector elements disposed on a surface curved, physically or artificially, to match substantially the curvature of the wave front for received THz signals. Generally, the near field is an environment wherein the distance to an object of interest is on the order of 10-100 times larger than the physical size of the THz imaging array. Typical distances from the object or target to the imaging array is anticipated to be in the 0.5 m-50 m range. Curvature of the detector array corrects a distortion problem in prior THz imaging systems that utilized planar interferometric imaging arrays based on a planar wave front assumption for received THz signals.

Abstract: THz imaging apparatus and methods are provided for rapidly and effectively examining a region of interest to determine the presence of specified compositions. The apparatus includes means for generating electromagnetic radiation of a desired terahertz frequency suitable for the examination, and for rendering the radiation incident at the region of interest. Detector means are provided at a plurality of points in a plane spaced from the region of interest, for detecting the terahertz radiation reflected from or transmitted through the region. Means are provided for converting the detected terahertz radiation to an image of the region of interest from which the presence of the specified compositions are determinable.

Abstract: THz imaging apparatus and methods are provided for rapidly and effectively examining a region of interest to determine the presence of specified compositions. The apparatus includes means for generating electromagnetic radiation of a desired terahertz frequency suitable for the examination, and for rendering the radiation incident at the region of interest. Detector means are provided at a plurality of points in a plane spaced from the region of interest, for detecting the terahertz radiation reflected from or transmitted through the region. Means are provided for converting the detected terahertz radiation to an image of the region of interest from which the presence of the specified compositions are determinable.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for noninvasive, non-contacting measurement of stretches and deformations on the surface of a material or an object by utilizing changes which occur in the reflection characteristics of the material due to an applied stretch load is presented. The present invention may assume various embodiments for different applications, such as soft tissue stretch determination, plastic material deformation measurements and sensors which can be integrated into various measurement devices.