Abstract: Forming a conductive film comprising depositing a non-conductive film on a surface of a substrate, wherein the film contains a plurality of copper nanoparticles and exposing at least a portion of the film to light to make the exposed portion conductive. Exposing of the film to light photosinters or fuses the copper nanoparticles.

Abstract: A solution of metal ink is mixed and then printed or dispensed onto the substrate using the dispenser. The film then is dried to eliminate water or solvents. In some cases, a thermal curing step can be introduced subsequent to dispensing the film and prior to the photo-curing step. The substrate and deposited film can be cured using an oven or by placing the substrate on the surface of a heater, such as a hot plate. Following the drying and/or thermal curing step, a laser beam or focused light from the light source is directed onto the surface of the film in a process known as direct writing. The light serves to photo-cure the film such that it has low resistivity.

Abstract: A composite material implements self-healing microcapsules in thermoplastic matrices, such as polyethylene. A microencapsulated dicyclopentadiene monomer and a solid phase Grubbs's catalyst is embedded in a polyethylene matrix to achieve self-healing properties. Nanofillers may be added to improve the properties of the polyethylene matrix incorporating a self-healing system.

Abstract: A glass fiber-reinforced polymer composite includes a polymer matrix, a plurality of glass fibers embedded within the polymer matrix, a first hollow glass fiber containing a resin embedded within the polymer matrix, a second hollow glass fiber containing a catalyst suitable for curing the resin embedded within the polymer matrix. When damage occurs to such a composite, the glass fibers containing the resin and the catalyst are ruptured, resulting in their mixing together so that the resin is cured for repairing the ruptured location.

Abstract: A neutron generator includes carbon nanotubes that function as the anode and provide deuterium storage. The ionization source includes a layer of carbon nanotubes that provides a pulse of deuterium ions through field-induced desorption and ionization of deuterium atoms on the surface or retained in the bore of the nanotubes. A high-yield (>1010 n/s) neutron generation is achieved by employing a field desorption ion source and applying an electric field of 10-40 V/nm. Such high fields may be achieved with carbon nanotubes having high aspect ratios with field enhancement factors on the order of 1000. By operating the ion source in a background pressure of deuterium or hydrogen, the gas adsorption on the nanotubes may be regenerated after each pulse.

Abstract: Tape lamination on a dry copper ink film, followed by a flash lamp procedure, produces conductive films. The tape lamination increases the curing parameter window and reduces crack formation in the metallic film Tape lamination facilitates curing of a continuous copper film on temperature sensitive substrates, such as PET, at power levels that would usually crack blow off the copper film This lamination process also improves adhesion and uniformity of the cured film.

Abstract: An electronic odor sensor is used in conjunction with a surgical tool, for example when wounds are cleansed to remove dead tissue and exudates, known clinically as debridement. The surgical tool will atomize substrate tissues and thereby mechanically generate vapors that can be sensed. Abrasion will likewise atomize substrate tissues liberating odors. Air near the surgical tool is collected and fed into the electronic odor sensor. The odor is analyzed by the sensor and a signal fed back based on the analysis.

Abstract: An ion trap instrument working at atmospheric pressure, which alleviates requirements of bulky, power consuming vacuum pumps. Traps can accumulate selected ion species, effectively concentrating the analyte of interest and allowing laser spectroscopy to be performed. This lowers the detection threshold of this instrument compared to others and increases the selectivity.

Abstract: Optical beam modulation is accomplished with the aid of a semiconductive nanomembrane, such as a silicon nanomembrane. A photocathode modulates a beam of charged particles that flow between the carbon nanotube emitter and the anode. A light source, or other source of electromagnetic radiation, supplies electromagnetic radiation that modulates the beam of charged particles. The beam of charged particles may be electrons, ions, or other charged particles. The electromagnetic radiation penetrates a silicon dioxide layer to reach the nanomembrane and varies the amount of available charge carriers within the nanomembrane, thereby changing the resistance of the nanomembrane. As the resistance of the nanomembrane changes, the amount of current flowing through the beam may also change.

Abstract: Use of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a charge injector to assist in atomizing fuel for engine applications. A CNT charging unit is positioned in front of a fuel injector. A voltage is applied on a CNT coated mesh to charge the fuel stream when it passes. Then the charged stream goes through a grounded metal cage. The fuel is thereby electrostatically charged causing repulsive forces on surfaces of liquid in the fuel resulting in the liquid splitting into droplets.

Abstract: An ion-based analyzer including a non-radioactive ion source, an ion generation chamber for generating ions, a sample ionization chamber and a controller for employing ion flow control, an ion-based filter, and a detector for analyzing a sample.

Abstract: An elliptical photo-acoustic spectrometer chamber design will result in a larger intensity signal at the pick-up microphone and allow high frequency light modulation. This makes the spectrometer have a lower limit of detection threshold, and will increase the signal to noise ratio in general for the instrument, resulting in a more sensitive instrument allowing more precise measurements.

Abstract: A gas ionizer includes a photocatalyst activated with an electric field to emit electrons. The photocatalyst is also illuminated with an ultraviolet light source. The ionized gas is passed through a chamber between the photocatalyst and the ultraviolet light source. The photocatalyst may be titanium oxide.

Abstract: Fabrication of thin-film transistor devices on polymer substrate films that is low-temperature and fully compatible with polymer substrate materials. The process produces micron-sized gate length structures that can be fabricated using inkjet and other standard printing techniques. The process is based on microcrack technology developed for surface conduction emitter configurations for field emission devices.

Abstract: Composition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are produced into inks that are dispensable via ink jet deposition processes or others. The CNT ink is dispensed into wells formed in a cathode structure. The inks include carbon nanotubes, binding materials, and possibly other nanoparticles. Such binding materials may include epoxies and silicate materials.

Abstract: Composition of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are produced into inks that are dispensable via ink jet or other deposition processes. The CNT ink is dispensed into wells and allowed to dry so as to formed a cathode structure. It is important to note that after the CNT ink is deposited to form a cathode structure, no further post-deposition processes are performed, such as the removal of sacrificial layers, which could damage the CNT ink.

Abstract: A smoke detector replaces the americium source of alpha particles with a field emission device using carbon nanotubes as the field emitters, or some other field emitter, in order to provide an ionization of the air potentially caring smoke particles through the smoke detector.

Abstract: Particles, which may include nanoparticles, are mixed with carbon nanotubes and deposited on a substrate to form a cold cathode. The particles enhance the field emission characteristics of the carbon nanotubes. An additional activation step may be performed on the deposited carbon nanotube mixture to further enhance the emission of electrons.

Abstract: An ion trap instrument working at atmospheric pressure, which alleviates requirements of bulky, power consuming vacuum pumps. Traps can accumulate selected ion species, effectively concentrating the analyte of interest and allowing laser spectroscopy to be performed. This lowers the detection threshold of this instrument compared to others and increases the selectivity.

Abstract: Optical beam modulation is accomplished with the aid of a semiconductive nanomembrane, such as a silicon nanomembrane. A photocathode modulates a beam of charged particles that flow between the carbon nanotube emitter and the anode. A light source, or other source of electromagnetic radiation, supplies electromagnetic radiation that modulates the beam of charged particles. The beam of charged particles may be electrons, ions, or other charged particles. The electromagnetic radiation penetrates a silicon dioxide layer to reach the nanomembrane and varies the amount of available charge carriers within the nanomembrane, thereby changing the resistance of the nanomembrane. As the resistance of the nanomembrane changes, the amount of current flowing through the beam may also change.