Abstract: Our invention allows for control of particle formation at the nanoscale, providing a means to control nanoparticle and nanostructure formation using feedback on the fly from nanoparticle characteristic analysis and optimization/knowledge extraction control algorithms. A closed loop feedback controller causes the interaction of a shaped flaser pulse with a substrate. The substrate can be one or more solid, liquid or gas or any combination thereof. Nanoparticles are produced and their characteristics are measured. The measured characteristics are compared with the desired nanoparticle characteristics. If the measured and desired characteristics are not equivalent, the closed loop feedback controller modifies the shape of the laser pulse and the next cycle begins. With successive loop of the control process the difference between the desired and measured characteristics converges until they are equivalent.

Abstract: The invention relates to organic nanopowders and methods for their production, including ascorbic acid nanoparticles and nanopowder salts of ascorbic acid, such as, calcium ascorbate nanopowders. Such organic nanopowders may have utility in cosmetics, pharmaceutical preparations and nutrition. The invention additionally relates to methods for producing ascorbic acid nanoparticles and calcium ascorbate nanopowders. The method of preparation of ascorbic acid or calcium ascorbate nanopowders involves: (i) preparing an solution including an organic compound solute and a solvent to disperse or dissolve the organic compound, and (ii) removal or separation of the solvent in such a manner so as to limit the growth of the organic solute particles to nanometer range which is typically below 500 nm but preferably 100 nm or less.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for freeze drying in which a solution, which can be a radioactive salt dissolved within an acid, is frozen into a solid on vertical plates provided within a freeze drying chamber. The solid is sublimated into vapor and condensed in a cold condenser positioned above the freeze drying chamber and connected thereto by a conduit. The vertical positioning of the cold condenser relative to the freeze dryer helps to help prevent substances such as radioactive materials separated from the solution from contaminating the cold condenser. Additionally, the system can be charged with an inert gas to produce a down rush of gas into the freeze drying chamber to also help prevent such substances from contaminating the cold condenser.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for freeze drying in which a solution, which can be a radioactive salt dissolved within an acid, is frozen into a solid on vertical plates provided within a freeze drying chamber. The solid is sublimated into vapor and condensed in a cold condenser positioned above the freeze drying chamber and connected thereto by a conduit. The vertical positioning of the cold condenser relative to the freeze dryer helps to help prevent substances such as radioactive materials separated from the solution from contaminating the cold condenser. Additionally, the system can be charged with an inert gas to produce a down rush of gas into the freeze drying chamber to also help prevent such substances from contaminating the cold condenser.

Abstract: A method of encapsulating radioactive materials inside fullerenes for stable long-term storage. Fullerenes provide a safe and efficient means of disposing of nuclear waste which is extremely stable with respect to the environment. After encapsulation, a radioactive ion is essentially chemically isolated from its external environment.

Abstract: Superconducting microcircuits including a thin layer of Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.5+x (0<x<1) on a substrate. A thin layer of a dopant; for example, Y.sub.2 O.sub.3 for superconducting patterns of YBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x, or Pr.sub.2 O.sub.3 for insulator patterns of PrBa.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.7-x. These layers are covered with a layer of photoresist, which is exposed to light through a mask having a pattern for a desired circuit. The photoresist is then developed to reveal a pattern of the thin dopant layer which will be etched away. The microcircuit is then etched and stripped to remove the unneeded portion of the thin dopant layer. Finally, the microcircuit is heated at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to diffuse and react the dopant layer with the thin layer of Ba.sub.2 Cu.sub.3 O.sub.5+x, forming a pattern of superconductor or insulator.