Abstract: A system is provided for positioning separate portions of a sample in elongate, parallel channels of a sample chamber and for irradiating a sample in the chamber to create a diffraction pattern where the sample and chamber differ in refractive index. The system also can measure absorption of electromagnetic radiation by a sample in the chamber, and can measure the absorption simultaneously with measurement of diffraction by the sample.

Abstract: A system is provided for positioning separate portions of a sample in elongate, parallel channels of a sample chamber and for irradiating a sample in the chamber to create a diffraction pattern where the sample and chamber differ in refractive index. The system also can measure absorption of electromagnetic radiation by a sample in the chamber, and can measure the absorption simultaneously with measurement of diffraction by the sample.

Abstract: An automated process for microcontact printing is provided, comprising the steps of providing a substrate and a stamp; automatically aligning the substrate and stamp so that the stamp is aligned relative to the substrate to impart a pattern to the substrate at a desired location and with a desired orientation on the substrate; applying an ink to the stamp, the ink including a molecular species adapted to form a self-assembling monolayer (SAM) on the substrate; contacting the stamp and the substrate; and separating the stamp from the substrate.

Abstract: A contact-mode photolithography phase mask includes a diffracting surface having a plurality of indentations and protrusions. The protrusions are brought into contact with a surface of positive photoresist, and the surface exposed to electromagnetic radiation through the phase mask. The phase shift due to radiation passing through the indentations as opposed to the protrusions is essentially complete. Minima in intensity of electromagnetic radiation are thereby produced at boundaries between the indentations and protrusions. The elastomeric mask conforms well to the surface of photoresist and, following development, features smaller than 100 nm can be obtained. Patterns including curved portions are obtained, as well as curved and/or linear patterns on non-planar surfaces. An elastomeric transparent diffraction grating serves also as a spatial light modulator photothermal detector, strain gauge, and display device. A technique for simplified photolithography is also described.

Abstract: A system is provided for positioning separate portions of a sample in elongate, parallel channels of a sample chamber and for irradiating a sample in the chamber to create a diffraction pattern where the sample and chamber differ in refractive index. The system also can measure absorption of electromagnetic radiation by a sample in the chamber, and can measure the absorption simultaneously with measurement of diffraction by the sample.

Abstract: A system is provided for positioning separate portions of a sample in elongate, parallel channels of a sample chamber and to irradiate a sample in the chamber to create a diffraction pattern where the sample and chamber differ in refractive index. The system also can measure absorption of electromagnetic radiation by a sample in the chamber, and can measure the absorption simultaneously with measurement of diffraction by the sample.

Abstract: An automated process for microcontact printing is provided, comprising the steps of providing a substrate and a stamp; automatically aligning the substrate and stamp so that the stamp is aligned relative to the substrate to impart a pattern to the substrate at a desired location and with a desired orientation on the substrate; applying an ink to the stamp, the ink including a molecular species adapted to form a self-assembling monolayer (SAM) on the substrate; contacting the stamp and the substrate; and separating the stamp from the substrate.

Abstract: A system is provided for positioning separate portions of a sample in elongate, parallel channels of a sample chamber and for irradiating a sample in the chamber to create a diffraction pattern where the sample and chamber differ in refractive index. The system also can measure absorption of electromagnetic radiation by a sample in the chamber, and can measure the absorption simultaneously with measurement of diffraction by the sample.

Abstract: A technique for forming high-carbon structural articles, such as glassy carbon articles, is provided that involves molding fluid precursors of the article into a predetermined shape, followed by carbonization of the articles. An elastomeric mold can be used to mold the precursors, and the resultant, free-standing articles have features on the micron or nanometer scale. A variety of useful articles including sensors, actuators, microelectromechanical systems, transmission electron microscopy grids, and the like are provided.