Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a stable copper-based core-shell nanoparticle and its process of manufacture. Further, the present disclosure relates to the use of the copper-based core-shell nanoparticles as plasmonic photocatalysts in photocalysis and hydrogen production.

Abstract: A method for preparing a metal-free few-layer phosphorous nanomaterial. The method comprises an ice-assisted exfoliation process (or solvent ice-assisted exfoliation process). The method allows for the preparation of a few-layer phosphorous nanomaterial with improved yield and reduced duration and exfoliation power. The few-layer phosphorous nanomaterial is used in the preparation of a photocatalyst. The photocatalyst exhibits a long-term stability, high photocatalytic H2 evolution efficiency from water, and good stability under visible light irradiation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a stable copper-based core-shell nanoparticle and its process of manufacture. Further, the present disclosure relates to the use of the copper-based core-shell nanoparticles as plasmonic photocatalysts in photocalysis and hydrogen production.

Abstract: A synthetic neuronal structure makes use of a semiconductor-metal phase transition material having material regions separated by discontinuities. The discontinuities represent interfaces such that different phases in two adjacent regions result in a metal-semiconductor interface. The interface supports a charge accumulation and a discharge of accumulated charge when an activation energy provided, for example, by electrical current, localized heating or optical energy, reaches a threshold necessary for breakdown of a potential barrier presented by the interface, and thus mimics a leaky integrate-and-fire neuron. With many such interfaces distributed through the structure, the local inputs to a neuron become a weighted sum of energy from neighboring neurons. Thus, different combinations of signals at one or more inputs connected to the structure will favor different neural pathways through the structure, thereby resulting in a neural network.

Abstract: A humidity sensing method and system comprising a transmitter, comprising a fiber optic head and a light source comprising a single LED emitting a measuring light, a receiver, and a sensing assembly comprising a plurality of optical fibers each comprising a first end fed the measuring light, a transducer positioned along a length thereof, the transducer comprising a side-polished portion of the optical fiber, the side polished portion coated with a gold layer and a film of a hydrophilic material wherein the transducer modifies an intensity of the measuring light dependent on an ambient humidity, and a second end for feeding the modified measuring light to the receiver, wherein the receiver compares an intensity of the measuring light with an intensity of the modified measuring light deriving therefrom a corresponding humidity level and dew point temperature.

Abstract: A humidity sensing method and system comprising a transmitter, comprising a fiber optic head and a light source comprising a single LED emitting a measuring light, a receiver, and a sensing assembly comprising a plurality of optical fibers each comprising a first end fed the measuring light, a transducer positioned along a length thereof, the transducer comprising a side-polished portion of the optical fiber, the side polished portion coated with a gold layer and a film of a hydrophilic material wherein the transducer modifies an intensity of the measuring light dependent on an ambient humidity, and a second end for feeding the modified measuring light to the receiver, wherein the receiver compares an intensity of the measuring light with an intensity of the modified measuring light deriving therefrom a corresponding humidity level and dew point temperature.

Abstract: A synthetic neuronal structure makes use of a semiconductor-metal phase transition material having material regions separated by discontinuities. The discontinuities represent interfaces such that different phases in two adjacent regions result in a metal-semiconductor interface. The interface supports a charge accumulation and a discharge of accumulated charge when an activation energy provided, for example, by electrical current, localized heating or optical energy, reaches a threshold necessary for breakdown of a potential barrier presented by the interface, and thus mimics a leaky integrate-and-fire neuron. With many such interfaces distributed through the structure, the local inputs to a neuron become a weighted sum of energy from neighboring neurons. Thus, different combinations of signals at one or more inputs connected to the structure will favor different neural pathways through the structure, thereby resulting in a neural network.

Abstract: There is described a passive variable emittance device comprising: a substrate having a receiving surface adapted to reflect radiations having a given wavelength; an intermediary layer deposited on the receiving surface of the substrate and being substantially transparent to the radiations having the given wavelength; and a thermochromic layer deposited on top of the intermediary layer, the thermochromic layer being substantially transparent to the radiations having the given wavelength for a first temperature below a given transition temperature, and presenting both reflection and absorption for the radiations for a second temperature above the given transition temperature, a total optical thickness for the intermediary and thermochromic layers being substantially equal to one quarter of the given wavelength so that radiations reflected by the thermochromic layer at the second temperature destructively interfere with radiations transmitted by the thermochromic and intermediary layers and reflected by the sub

Abstract: There is described a passive variable emittance device comprising: a substrate having a receiving surface adapted to reflect radiations having a given wavelength; an intermediary layer deposited on the receiving surface of the substrate and being substantially transparent to the radiations having the given wavelength; and a thermochromic layer deposited on top of the intermediary layer, the thermochromic layer being substantially transparent to the radiations having the given wavelength for a first temperature below a given transition temperature, and presenting both reflection and absorption for the radiations for a second temperature above the given transition temperature, a total optical thickness for the intermediary and thermochromic layers being substantially equal to one quarter of the given wavelength so that radiations reflected by the thermochromic layer at the second temperature destructively interfere with radiations transmitted by the thermochromic and intermediary layers and reflected by the sub

Abstract: A method of generating a negative capacitance in a capacitor device is provided. The method comprises providing the capacitor device. The capacitor device comprises an active layer of vanadium dioxide (VO2) and two electrodes connected thereto. The active layer is excitable between its semiconducting state and its metallic state. The method comprises exciting the active layer with an excitation source, thereby bringing the active layer from the semiconducting state to the metallic state and generating the negative capacitance between the two electrodes. Systems for generating a negative capacitance are also provided.