Abstract: A light-guide illumination device and system comprises a light source, a light redirecting slab and a light guide slab assembly. The light redirecting slab includes a generally planar face having optical redirecting elements, the optical redirecting elements having respective optical coupling surfaces situated distally from the planar face. The light guide slab assembly includes a planar face having an optically transmissive interface layer assembled onto a first planar face of the light guide slab and optically coupled to receive transmitted light directed from the light source. The light guide slab is pressed onto the redirecting slab such that the interface layer is deformed, creating optical bonds at the optical coupling surfaces of the optical redirecting elements, the formed optical bonds providing optical apertures for light transmission therethrough.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solid material with the following formula (A): (Cu+1a-u; Ag+1u; Zn+2b-v-(y/2); Cd+2v; Sn+4c-w-(y/2); 1X+4w; 2X+3y; S?2x)(A), in which the solid material: is in divided state in the form of particles having a mean equivalent diameter of 15 nm to 400 nm; has, according to X-ray diffraction analysis of the solid material, a unique crystalline structure; is suitable for forming a stable dispersion of at least one solid material with formula (A) in a liquid, referred to as dispersion liquid, made up of at least one compound with a value of ?p higher than 8 and a value of ?H higher than 5.

Abstract: A light-guide illumination device and system comprises a light source, a light redirecting slab and a light guide slab assembly. The light redirecting slab includes a generally planar face having optical redirecting elements, the optical redirecting elements having respective optical coupling surfaces situated distally from the planar face. The light guide slab assembly includes a planar face having an optically transmissive interface layer assembled onto a first planar face of the light guide slab and optically coupled to receive transmitted light directed from the light source. The light guide slab is pressed onto the redirecting slab such that the interface layer is deformed, creating optical bonds at the optical coupling surfaces of the optical redirecting elements, the formed optical bonds providing optical apertures for light transmission therethrough.

Abstract: A solar concentrator, comprising: a substantially planar light insertion layer being made of light-transmissive material and including: an optical entry surface, an array of optical redirecting elements, and an array of optical exits being, each of the optical redirecting elements receiving and redirecting light towards an optical exit; a substantially planar light guide layer being made of light-transmissive material and including: a first surface for receiving light exiting the light insertion layer, a second surface opposite the first surface, the first and second surfaces being structured and arranged with one respect to the other such that light entering the light guide layer is guided to at least one optical output surface via a series of reflections; and an array of optical apertures optically interconnecting the light insertion layer and the light guide layer formed by at least one deformed optical coupling element. A method of manufacture thereof is also disclosed.

Abstract: A light-guide illumination device and system comprises a light source, a light redirecting slab and a light guide slab assembly. The light redirecting slab includes a generally planar face having optical redirecting elements, the optical redirecting elements having respective optical coupling surfaces situated distally from the planar face. The light guide slab assembly includes a planar face having an optically transmissive interface layer assembled onto a first planar face of the light guide slab and optically coupled to receive transmitted light directed from the light source. The light guide slab is pressed onto the redirecting slab such that the interface layer is deformed, creating optical bonds at the optical coupling surfaces of the optical redirecting elements, the formed optical bonds providing optical apertures for light transmission therethrough.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solid material with the following formula (A) : (Cu+1a-u; Ag+1u; Zn+2b-v-(y/2); Cd+2v; Sn+4c-w-(y/2); 1X+4w; 2X+3y; S?2x)(A), in which the solid material: is in divided state in the form of particles having a mean equivalent diameter of 15 nm to 400 nm; has, according to X-ray diffraction analysis of the solid material, a unique crystalline structure; is suitable for forming a stable dispersion of at least one solid material with formula (A) in a liquid, referred to as dispersion liquid, made up of at least one compound with a value of ?p higher than 8 and a value of ?H higher than 5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of basic polyaluminium chlorosulphates. This process consists, after basification, in carrying out cooking at a temperature between 60.degree. C. and 95.degree. C. such that the cooking time is proportionately shorter than the higher cooking temperature. The polychlorosulphates obtained according to the process of the invention can be used for the treatment of drinking water, effluents and in the paper industry.

Abstract: Unique pink/salmon diatomite agglomerates, well suited as filtering agents/aids, have a cristobalite content of less than 1.5%, a permeability ranging from 20 to 500 millidarcys, a cake density of less than 0.400 g/cm.sup.3, and are prepared by homogeneously intimately admixing a diatomite with a binder solution of silicic acid or of an alkali metal silicate, drying and optionally gently grinding the agglomerates thus formed, and then calcining the agglomerates at a temperature no greater than 850.degree. C., preferably no greater than 600.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for the production of calcined diatomaceous filtration agents having a cristobalite content lower than 1% and a 50-.mu.m screen retention rate lower than 5% by rapid calcination of diatomites, comprising injecting the diatomite into a high-temperature gaseous stream and during its residence in the gaseous stream maintaining the diatomite between about 1250.degree. and 850.degree. C. for a period of time between several tens of milliseconds and several seconds, and calcined diatomaceous filtration agents having a permeability between 0.06 and 0.4 darcy and a cristobalite content lower than 1%.