Abstract: The invention relates to a method of converting a carbon-comprising material at elevated temperature in the presence of a molecule that comprises at least one oxygen atom. According to the invention the carbon-comprising material in the fuel cell is converted substantially to carbon monoxide in a reaction with a negative enthalpy (&Dgr;H) and a positive entropy change (&Dgr;S), heat is supplied to the fuel cell, and at least one of the contributing reactions resulting in the formation of carbon monoxide is an electrochemical reaction producing electricity. This is a more efficient method of converting heat into electricity and at the same time converting the enthalpy of the gasification reaction into electricity.

Abstract: Ellipsometer having a light source (L1, L2) which during operation provides a first light beam (g1) having a first angular frequency (&ohgr;1) and a second light beam (g2) having a second angular frequency (&ohgr;2), a neutral beam splitter N having a front face for receiving and at least partially transmitting a measurement beam (g′m2), which, during operation, is produced by scanning a sample (S; OD1, OD2) with the second light beam (g2), and a rear face for receiving the first light beam (g1). During operation, the measurement beam (g′m2) interferes with the first light beam (g1) at the rear face and an interference beam is thus formed. A unit (W1) receives the interference beam, separating the orthogonal components of the interference beam and providing two alternating voltages (V1, V2) corresponding thereto. The light source comprises a first laser source (L1) for only producing the first light beam (g1) and a separate laser source (L2) for only producing the second light beam (g2).

Abstract: A method of operating a molten carbonate fuel cell having an anode and a cathode and in between a matrix comprising molten carbonate. Carbon dioxide is introduced into the matrix at a distance from the cathode. This greatly reduces the cathode's deterioration and in the system design increases the control potential of the fuel cell. A fuel cell or a fuel cell stack using said method. Method of generating electricity in a fuel cell, wherein water and carbonaceous material are heated at high temperature, yielding hydrogenous gas for the anode. The hydrogenous depleted gas from the anode is supplied with oxygenous gas and at least partially oxidized, producing heat for heat exchange with the water and carbonaceous material. Installation comprising a reform unit and a fuel cell using said method.