Abstract: In order to produce a beam with a zero intensity axial ray or to produce a beam that when focused will produce an image of a doughnut shaped pattern with a zero intensity central point, a beam with a uniform or Gaussian profile is directed to a plurality of transparent plates, arranged in pairs on opposite sides of the beam axis, such that for at least one pair, the plates have a composition and thickness different from each other, and chosen so that the transmitted light has a has a phase difference of half a wavelength for at least three different wavelengths. An additional plate with a center on the perpendicular of the line connecting the first two plates has a composition and thickness such that the light transmitted through that additional plate has a phase difference of a quarter wavelength with respect to the light transmitted through one of the plates of said first pair of plates, at at least one wavelength.

Abstract: A combination solar absorber and atmospheric radiator in multiple embodiments, a method for constructing these embodiments, and a method for using the combination solar absorber and atmospheric radiator, the absorber/radiator has a thermally conductive sheet which serves as a back plate, tubular fluid conduit or conduits, generally rectangular thermally conductive caps, and a means for fastening the caps to the sheet, covering one or more conduits and pressing them against the sheet. The side of the sheet with the caps and conduits is exposed to the sun and atmosphere, providing two thermal pathways to and from the conduit.

Abstract: In scanned optical systems such as confocal laser microscopes wherein a beam of light is focused to a spot in a specimen to excite a fluorescent species or other excitable species in the spot, the effective size of the excitation is made smaller than the size of the spot by providing a beam of light of wavelength adapted to quench the excitation of the excitable species, shaping this second beam into a pattern with a central intensity minimum, and overlapping this central minimum with the central intensity maximum of the focused spot, so that within the spot the intensity of quenching light increases with distance from the center of the spot, thereby preferentially quenching excitation in the peripheral parts of the spot, and thereby reducing the effective size of the excitation and thus improving the resolution of the system.

Abstract: In scanned optical systems such as confocal laser microscopes wherein a beam of light is focused to a spot in a specimen to excite a fluorescent species or other excitable species in the spot, the effective size of the excitation is made smaller than the size of the spot by providing a beam of light of wavelength adapted to quench the excitation of the excitable species, shaping this second beam into a pattern with a central intensity minimum, and overlapping this central minimum with the central intensity maximum of the focused spot, so that within the spot the intensity of quenching light increases with distance from the center of the spot, thereby preferentially quenching excitation in the peripheral parts of the spot, and thereby reducing the effective size of the excitation and thus improving the resolution of the system.

Abstract: In scanned optical systems such as confocal laser microscopes wherein a beam of light is focused to a spot in a specimen to excite a fluorescent species or other excitable species in the spot, the effective size of the excitation is made smaller than the size of the spot by providing a beam of light of wavelength adapted to quench the excitation of the excitable species, shaping this second beam into a pattern with a central intensity minimum, and overlapping this central minimum with the central intensity maximum of the focused spot, so that within the spot the intensity of quenching light increases with distance from the center of the spot, thereby preferentially quenching excitation in the peripheral parts of the spot, and thereby reducing the effective size of the excitation and thus improving the resolution of the system.

Abstract: Apparatus for causing a solar energy collector to constantly follow the sun by using solar radiant energy to differentially heat fluid-containing reservoirs to cause differential vaporization and shifting of fluid to rotate the apparatus. Automatic morning orientation is included by providing the easterly reservoir with a faster rate of cooling than the westerly one thereby causing shift of fluid from westerly to easterly after sunset resulting in inclination toward the east by sunrise.

Abstract: A first thermometer is conventionally calibrated and a second is calibrated to read a predetermined temperature lower than actual temperature and provided with a heater resistor in good heat transfer relation to its bulb. Switch means connects a battery to the resistor to heat the second thermometer until it is observed to read the same as the first. Then the switch is repositioned such that appropriate circuitry causes reduced heating such that the elevated temperature condition of the second thermometer is merely "held" at that position and the bulb of the second thermometer is exposed to the wind and after a predetermined time (on the order of 30 seconds) the second thermometer is read, its reading representing the effective temperature as the result of wind chill.