Abstract: A new set of branched nanowire or nanotree structures and their fabrication process. Some structures have one or more of the following distinctions from other branched nanowires: (1) the trunk and branch diameter and branching number density can be changed along the trunk's length; (2) the branch's azimuthal direction can be controlled along the trunk's length; (3) the branch's diameter can be modulated along its length; (4) the crystal orientation and branches of the ensemble of nanowires can be aligned on a non-epitaxially matched substrate. The structures are made by a geometrically controlled kinetic growth method.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing glancing angle deposited thin films. There is a source of collimated vapour flux, the source of collimated vapour flux having a deposition field; and a travelling substrate disposed within the deposition field of the source of collimated vapour flux, the collimated vapor flux being collimated at a defined non-zero angle to a normal to the travelling substrate.

Abstract: A new set of branched nanowire or nanotree structures and their fabrication process. Some structures have one or more of the following distinctions from other branched nanowires: (1) the trunk and branch diameter and branching number density can be changed along the trunk's length; (2) the branch's azimuthal direction can be controlled along the trunk's length; (3) the branch's diameter can be modulated along its length; (4) the crystal orientation and branches of the ensemble of nanowires can be aligned on a non-epitaxially matched substrate. The structures are made by a geometrically controlled kinetic growth method.

Abstract: A humidity sensor comprising an insulating substrate, a moisture-sensitive layer, and at least a detection electrode contacting the moisture-sensitive layer, wherein the moisture-sensitive layer is a porous, photocatalytic metal oxide.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device, comprises a first electrode, an electron donor layer in electrical contact with the first electrode, an electron acceptor layer in contact with the electron donor layer across an interface having a shape defined by a columnar structure grown by oblique angle deposition, and a second electrode in electrical contact with the electron acceptor layer.

Abstract: A thin film includes a substrate and a transparent, porous film of organic material, such as 8-hydroxyquinoline aluminum. The organic material is vapor deposited on the substrate such that the film has distinct helical columns extending away from the substrate.

Abstract: A thin film is formed by depositing a wide bandgap semiconductor material on a substrate by oblique physical vapor deposition to form a thin film structure. The thin film structure is transparent, electrically conductive, and birefringent.

Abstract: A thin film microstructure is formed from a substrate having a film of vapor deposited material extending in distinct helical columns from the substrate. The distinct helical columns may terminate distally from the substrate in a region of denser material forming a cap for the helical columns. The cap and substrate may be each connected, respectively, to first and second electrodes, and may operate in conjunction with an acoustic wave sensor.

Abstract: A method of making vapor deposited thin films by rotating a substrate in the presence of an obliquely incident vapor flux. The substrate may be rotated about an axis normal to the surface of the substrate and/or parallel to the surface of the substrate by two motors mounted with their axes orthogonal to each other. Angle of incidence, measured from the normal to the surface of the substrate, exceeds 80.degree.. Feedback from a deposition rate monitor allows control of rotation speed of both motors to produce a growth with a defined pattern.