Abstract: A method of imaging molecules of interest within a biological sample includes shining a UV light onto the sample and detecting the molecular UV absorption. Where the molecules of interest are themselves UV absorbers, the intrinsic absorption of those molecules may be used. If the molecules of interest are not good UV absorbers, UV-aborbing tag molecules may be use. The method may be used in molecular imaging devices of all types, and in DNA sequences. A novel diamond-based detector is disclosed which is suitable for many applications.

Abstract: A device for extracting energy from underwater fluid flows, comprising at least one fluid formation directing device (10) defining a constricted channel (20) arranged to cause fluid entering it to accelerate. A conduit (30) in fluid communication with a constricted portion of the channel (20) such that fluid is caused to flow in the conduit (30) in response to fluid flow through the channel (20). The conduit (30) can be connected to a fluid drivable engine (40) which can be positioned remotely from the channel (20), the fluid flow through the conduit (30) acting to drive the fluid drivable engine (40).

Abstract: A solid state microstructure comprises a substrate, a detector element extending outwardly from a surface of the substrate and having first and second electrodes on opposing sides thereof, the detector element incorporating an onboard electronically-triggered gating structure. The gating structure may for example be a third electrode.

Abstract: A method of identifying individual substances within a mixture of substances comprises causing the mixture to travel past a spaced series of detectors, each being arranged to produce a signal representative of a characteristic of the mixture as it passes, repeatedly measuring the signals from each detector at a plurality of times, transforming into velocity space, and identifying individual substances within the mixture according to the peaks they create in velocity space.

Abstract: An ionizing radiation detector comprises a flat substrate having a plurality of etched parallel ridges on one surface. The parallel sides of the ridges carry a thin layer of a conducting material, acting as an electrode. A particle or radiation beam to be detected impinges on the ridges, in a direction normal to the plane of the substrate, so causing electron/hole carriers production within the ridges. The carriers migrate to the electrodes, in a direction perpendicular to the beam, thereby inducing charge on the electrodes. The readout can be extremely rapid, since the carriers need to migrate only a very small distance to the side of the ridge.

Abstract: A method of imaging molecules of interest within a biological sample includes shining a UV light onto the sample and detecting the molecular UV absorption. Where the molecules of interest are themselves UV absorbers, the intrinsic absorption of those molecules may be used. If the molecules of interest are not good UV absorbers, UV-absorbing tag molecules may be used. The method may be used in molecular imaging devices of all types, and in DNA sequencers. A novel diamond-based detector is disclosed which is suitable for many applications.

Abstract: A solid state microstructure comprises a substrate (10,50,80), a detector element extending outwardly from a surface of the substrate and having first (14,60,88) and second (16,64,90) electrodes on opposing sides thereof, the detector element incorporating an onboard optoelectrically-triggered gating structure. Gating may be achieved by flooding a specified area of the detector element with gating light, preferably from a laser, thereby causing that region to become conductive.