Abstract: A collection of silicon oxide nanoparticles have an average diameter from about 5 nm to about 100 nm. The collection of silicon oxide nanoparticles effectively include no particles with a diameter greater than about four times the average diameter. The particles generally have a spherical morphology. Methods for producing the nanoparticles involve laser pyrolysis. The silicon oxide nanoparticles are effective for the production of improved polishing compositions including compositions useful for chemical-mechanical polishing.

Abstract: Manganese oxide particles have been produced having an average diameter less than about 500 nm and a very narrow distribution of particle diameters. Methods are described for producing metal oxides by performing a reaction with an aerosol including a metal precursor. Heat treatments can be performed in an oxidizing environment to alter the properties of the manganese oxide particles.

Abstract: Inorganic particle/polymer composites are described that involve chemical bonding between the elements of the composite. In some embodiments, the composite composition includes a polymer having side groups chemically bonded to inorganic particles. Furthermore, the composite composition can include chemically bonded inorganic particles and ordered copolymers. Various electrical, optical and electro-optical devices can be formed from the composites.

Abstract: Methods are described that have the capability of producing submicron/nanoscale particles, in some embodiments dispersible, at high production rates. In some embodiments, the methods result in the production of particles with an average diameter less than about 75 nanometers that are produced at a rate of at least about 35 grams per hour. In other embodiments, the particles are highly uniform. These methods can be used to form particle collections and/or powder coatings. Powder coatings and corresponding methods are described based on the deposition of highly uniform submicron/nanoscale particles.

Abstract: Inorganic particle/polymer composites are described that involve chemical bonding between the elements of the composite. In some embodiments, the composite composition includes a polymer having side groups chemically bonded to inorganic particles. Furthermore, the composite composition can include chemically bonded inorganic particles and ordered copolymers. Various electrical, optical and electro-optical devices can be formed from the composites.

Abstract: Polymer-inorganic particle blends are incorporated into structures generally involving interfaces with additional materials that can be used advantageously for forming desirable devices. In some embodiments, the structures are optical structures, and the interfaces are optical interfaces. The different materials at the interface can have differences in index-of-refraction to yield desired optical properties at the interface. In some embodiments, structures are formed with periodic variations in index-of-refraction. In particular, photonic crystals can be formed. Suitable methods can be used to form the desired structures.

Abstract: Manganese oxide particles have been produced having an average diameter less than about 500 nm and a very narrow distribution of particle diameters. Methods are described for producing metal oxides by performing a reaction with an aerosol including a metal precursor. Heat treatments can be performed in an oxidizing environment to alter the properties of the manganese oxide particles.

Abstract: Inorganic particle/polymer composites are described that involve chemical bonding between the elements of the composite. In some embodiments, the composite composition includes a polymer having side groups chemically bonded to inorganic particles. Furthermore, the composite composition can include chemically bonded inorganic particles and ordered copolymers. Various electrical, optical and electro-optical devices can be formed from the composites.

Abstract: A method for the production of silicon oxide particles includes the pyrolysis of a molecular stream with a silicon compound precursor, an oxygen source and a radiation absorbing gas. The pyrolysis is driven by a light beam such as an infrared laser beam. The method can be used in the production of nanoscale particles including highly uniform nanoscale particles.

Abstract: A collection of zinc oxide nanoparticles have been produced by laser pyrolysis. The zinc oxide nanoparticles have average particle diameters of less than about 95 nm and a very narrow particle size distribution. The laser pyrolysis process is characterized by the production of a reactant stream within the reaction chamber, where the reactant stream includes a zinc precursor and other reactants. The zinc precursor can be delivered as an aerosol.

Abstract: A collection of nanoscale particles are a composite of carbon and metal oxide or silicon oxide. The composite particles have an average diameter from about 5 nm to about 1000 nm, and can be produced by laser pyrolysis. The laser pyrolysis involves the formation of a molecular stream including a metal precursor, an infrared absorber, an oxidizing agent and a carbon precursor. The pyrolysis is driven by heat absorbed from a laser beam. Furthermore, nanoparticles including titanium oxide with a rutile crystal structure have been produced.

Abstract: Polishing compositions are described that are appropriate for fine polishing to very low tolerances. The polishing compositions include particles with small diameters with very narrow distributions in size and effectively no particles with diameters several times larger than the average diameter. Furthermore, the particles generally have very high uniformity with respect to having a single crystalline phase. Preferred particles have an average diameter less than about 200 nm. Laser pyrolysis processes are described for the production of the appropriate particles including metal oxides, metal carbides, metal sulfides, SiO2 and SiC.

Abstract: Polishing compositions are described that are appropriate for fine polishing to very low tolerances. The polishing compositions include particles with small diameters with very narrow distributions in size and effectively no particles with diameters several times larger than the average diameter. Furthermore, the particles generally have very high uniformity with respect to having a single crystalline phase. Preferred particles have an average diameter less than about 200 nm. Laser pyrolysis processes are described for the production of the appropriate particles including metal oxides, metal carbides, metal sulfides, SiO2 and SiC.

Abstract: A method for efficiently producing particles from gas phase chemical reactions induced by a radiation beam. The apparatus includes a reaction chamber and an elongated reactant inlet, where the reaction chamber is configured to conform generally to the elongated shape of the reactant inlet. Shielding gas may be introduced to form a blanket of inert gas on both sides of the reactant stream. A feed back loop may be used to maintain the desired pressure within the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Polishing compositions are described that are appropriate for fine polishing to very low tolerances. The polishing compositions include particles with small diameters with very narrow distributions in size and effectively no particles with diameters several times larger than the average diameter. Furthermore, the particles generally have very high uniformity with respect to having a single crystalline phase. Preferred particles have an average diameter less than about 200 nm. Laser pyrolysis processes are described for the production of the appropriate particles including metal oxides, metal carbides, metal sulfides, SiO2 and SiC.

Abstract: Tin oxide nanoparticles were produced with tin in a variety of oxidation states. In particular, nanoparticles of single phase, crystalline SnO2 were produced. Preferred tin oxide nanoparticles have an average diameter from about 5 nm to about 100 nm with an extremely narrow distribution of particle diameters. The tin oxide nanoparticles can be produced in significant quantities using a laser pyrolysis apparatus. Nanoparticles produced by laser pyrolysis can be subjected to further processing to change the properties of the particles without destroying the nanoscale size of the particles. The nanoscale tin oxide particles are useful for the production of transparent electrodes for use in flat panel displays.

Abstract: Batteries based on nanoparticles are demonstrated to achieve high energy densities. Vanadium oxide nanoparticles can have several different stoichiometries and corresponding crystal lattices. The nanoparticles preferably have average diameters less than about 150 nm. Cathodes produced using the vanadium oxide nanoparticles and a binder can be used to construct lithium batteries or lithium ion batteries. The nanoparticles may have energy densities greater than about 900 Wh/kg.

Abstract: Vanadium oxide nanoparticles were produced with vanadium in a variety of oxidation states and with different crystalline lattice structures. These particles preferably have an average diameter of 150 nm or less with a narrow distribution of diameters. The particles manifest unique properties that result from the small particle size and correspondingly large surface area. A variety of the vanadium oxide nanoparticles can be produced by a versatile laser pyrolysis arrangement. These nanoparticles can be further processed to change the properties of the particles without destroying the nanoscale size of the particles.

Abstract: Nanoscale UV absorbing particles are described that have high UV absorption cross sections while being effectively transparent to visible light. These particles can be used to shield individuals from harmful ultraviolet radiation. These particles can also be used in industrial processing especially to produce solid state electronic devices by creating edges of photoresist material with a high aspect ratio. The UV absorbing particles can also be used as photocatalysts that become strong oxidizing agents upon exposure to UV light. Laser pyrolysis provides an efficient method for the production of suitable particles.

Abstract: Electromagnetic shielding material is formed from a shielding composition made with magnetic particles and a binder, where the magnetic particles have an average diameter less than about 1000 nm and are substantially crystalline. The magnetic particles can be formed from Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3, Fe.sub.3 O.sub.4, Fe.sub.3 C, or Fe.sub.7 C.sub.3. The shielding composition can be formed into a layer or into composite particles. The binder can be a metal or an electrically conducting polymer. A conducting layer can be placed adjacent to the shielding composition. The shielding material can be used to protect sensitive electronic devices. Methods are described for forming iron oxide particles by laser pyrolysis.