Abstract: A system, apparatus and method employing carbon nanotubes on substrates such as silicon, titanium, copper, stainless steel and other substrates, where the carbon nanotubes are blacker than existing paints and coatings, thereby providing an exponential increase in stray light suppression depending on the number of bounces of such treated surfaces. Additionally, the present invention is directed to techniques to better absorb and radiate unwanted energies. Further, the alternate substrates offer strength of material for numerous components and in numerous physical applications. The present invention is also directed to techniques for improving the adhesion of the nanotubes to the alternate substrate materials and also extending the wavelength of operation from the near ultraviolet to the far infrared portion of the spectrum (0.2 microns to 120 microns wavelength).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for an apodization mask composed of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for absorbing unwanted stray light. An apodization mask is a precise pattern or shape that is mathematically derived using light scattering measurement techniques to achieve optimal light absorption. Also disclosed herein is an apparatus for a duplex telescope with stray light suppressing capabilities comprising: a primary mirror for transmitting and receiving light; a secondary mirror for defocusing transmitted light onto the primary mirror and for focusing received light; a photodetector which receives light; a laser transmitter which transmits light; and an apodization mask for absorbing stray transmitted light.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for an apodization mask composed of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) for absorbing unwanted stray light. An apodization mask is a precise pattern or shape that is mathematically derived using light scattering measurement techniques to achieve optimal light absorption. Also disclosed herein is an apparatus for a duplex telescope with stray light suppressing capabilities comprising: a primary mirror for transmitting and receiving light; a secondary mirror for defocusing transmitted light onto the primary mirror and for focusing received light; a photodetector which receives light; a laser transmitter which transmits light; and an apodization mask for absorbing stray transmitted light.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method employing carbon nanotubes on substrates such as silicon, titanium, copper, stainless steel and other substrates, where the carbon nanotubes are blacker than existing paints and coatings, thereby providing an exponential increase in stray light suppression depending on the number of bounces of such treated surfaces. Additionally, the present invention is directed to techniques to better absorb and radiate unwanted energies. Further, the alternate substrates offer strength of material for numerous components and in numerous physical applications. The present invention is also directed to techniques for improving the adhesion of the nanotubes to the alternate substrate materials and also extending the wavelength of operation from the near ultraviolet to the far infrared portion of the spectrum (0.2 microns to 120 microns wavelength).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of growth of enhanced adhesion MWCNTs on a substrate, referred to as the HGTiE process, the method comprising: chemical vapor deposition of an adhesive underlayer composed of alumina on a substrate composed of titanium or similar; chemical vapor deposition of a catalyst such as a thin film of iron on top of the adhesive underlayer; pretreatment of the substrate to hydrogen at high temperature; and exposure of the substrate to a feedstock gas such as ethylene at high temperature. The substrate surface may be roughened before placement of an adhesive layer through mechanical grinding or chemical etching. Finally, plasma etching of the MWCNT film may be performed with oxygen plasma. This method of growth allows for high strength adhesion of MWCNTs to the substrate the MWCNTs are grown upon.

Abstract: An electrospray ionization laboratory on a chip for in situ detection of organic molecules includes a substrate, an input for accepting organic molecule samples, an enrichment column for concentrating organic molecule samples and delivering a concentrated sample to a micro fluidic channel, an analytical column connected in serial to the enrichment column for accepting the concentrated sample, a detector for accepting a pressurized fluid output from the analytical column, and an output nozzle assembly for generating an electrospray output for mass spectrometry analysis. The nozzle assembly may include 1, 2 or 4 (arranged in a rectangular fashion) nozzles.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube magnetometer including a system and method of making the same that includes a single-walled carbon nanotube network formed on a substrate. Electrodes are deposited on opposite ends of the network and a magnetic needle is deposited on the network between the electrodes. A trench is formed under the network in the substrate to facilitate movement of the needle.

Abstract: A method of making nanowires includes providing a silicon substrate having a silicon dioxide insulation on the surface thereof. The silicon dioxide is etched to form one or more pillars, each having a plurality of sidewalls. A thin film of gold is deposited on a sidewall and is subjected to an annealing process. The annealing process causes the gold film to form a globular catalyst particle. The structure is placed in an LPCVD furnace into which is introduced silane gas. Silicon from the gas migrates through the catalyst particle and grows a nanowire from the sidewall of the pillar to a desired length. Electrical contacts are provided at each end of the nanowire to create an active component useable in an electronic circuit.