Abstract: A transparent electrical conductor which provides relatively high electrical conductivity and transmittance in the visible/near-infrared (VNIR), relative to known transparent electrical conductors, such as tin-doped indium oxide (ITO). In one embodiment of the invention, the transparent electrical conductor is formed from a plurality of quantum wells formed between the interfaces of three layers of lattice-matched, wide band gap materials, such as AlGaN and GaN. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a material with a band gap much larger than known materials used for such transparent electrical conductors, such as ITO, is selected. Both embodiments of the invention may be formed on a transparent substrate and provide relatively better transmittance in the VNIR at sheet electrical resistances of four or less ohms/square than known materials, such as tin-doped indium oxide (ITO).

Abstract: A high precision replication system creates a nearly atomic level replica. The basic building block of the replication system is a substrate with a smooth replication surface which is to be replicated, and a graded transition layer applied to the replication surface. The graded transition layer comprises a binding material that adheres strongly to the replication surface and a release material that adheres to the replication surface with substantially less force than does the binding material. The portion of the transition layer closest to the substrate comprises predominantly the binding material, and the portion of the transition layer farthest from the substrate comprises predominantly the release material. A separation layer is applied to the transition layer, followed by a coating. The coating provides a backing to the separation layer, acting as structural support to the separation layer.

Abstract: Spacecraft components having critical surfaces which must arrive in outer space in a contamination-free, pristine state to assure their effecient operation over the entire spacecraft mission life are protected against contamination by applying to the surfaces a protective coating which sublimes away when exposed to the outer space environment, thereby exposing the surfaces in their pristine state to the environment.

Abstract: Spacecraft components having critical surfaces which must arrive in outer space in a contamination-free, pristine state to assure their effecient operation over the entire spacecraft mission life are protected against contamination by applying to the surfaces a protective coating which sublimes away when exposed to the outer space environment, thereby exposing the surfaces in their pristine state to the environment.

Abstract: Surfaces to be lubricated are supplied with lubricating oil by containing the oil within a reservoir filled with a porous oleophobic mass forming an oil receptacle which is impregnated with the oil, and communicating the reservoir to the surfaces to effect expulsion of oil from the reservoir to the surfaces by the negative capillary forces active on the oil within the receptacle pores.