Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to the use of intense, narrow-linewidth surface, chemically-switchable ultraviolet photoluminescence from radiative recombination of the two-dimensional electron liquid with photo-excited holes in complex oxide heterostructures, such as LaAlO3/SrTiO3 (LAO/STO). Such photoluminescence from the interface between the upper and lower layers can be suppressed and restored reversibly under oxidizing and reducing conditions, respectively, as induced by chemisorption and reversal of chemisorption on the exposed surface of the heterostructure's upper member. Making use of this chemically-switchable ultraviolet photoluminescence, the present disclosure provides, inter alia, systems for detection of a chemical species, methods for determining the absence or presence of a chemical species in a sample, optoelectronic devices, and methods for producing optoelectronic devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of controlling properties of a thin film applied to a substrate whereby the properties of the thin film may be controlled by the surface morphology of the substrate. Methods of increasing a deposition rate of an electroless plating process applied to a substrate, controlling the grain size distribution and/or grain size of a thin film applied to a substrate and maintaining a uniform overpotential of an electroless plating process on a substrate are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of controlling properties of a thin film applied to a substrate whereby the properties of the thin film may be controlled by the surface morphology of the substrate. Methods of increasing a deposition rate of an electroless plating process applied to a substrate, controlling the grain size distribution and/or grain size of a thin film applied to a substrate and maintaining a uniform overpotential of an electroless plating process on a substrate are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for depositing unpatterned or selectively patterned nanoparticle films of controlled thickness on the respective film deposition surface of each of a pair of electrodes. In the present method, a pair of electrodes, each having a conducting film deposition surface, are immersed in a non-conducting nonpolar solvent in which nanoparticles, each having ligands attached thereto, are suspended. A voltage is applied to the pair of electrodes thereby causing films of the nanoparticles to deposit on the respective film deposition surface of each of the pair of electrodes. The nanoparticle films formed by the present method may be unpatterned or they may be patterned by patterning the conducting film deposition surface of at least one electrode of the pair of electrodes. The nanoparticle films formed according to the method of the present invention are useful as layers in electronic devices.

Abstract: Peptides, such as calcitonin, having two cysteine residues connected by a disulfide bond are prepared by a process which includes the step of cyclizing the cysteines at a pH of 8.5 to 9.0, and a concentration of 0.4 to 1.8 mg of peptide per ml of solution. These novel conditions produce rapid cyclization with an unforeseen improvement in yield.