Abstract: A light collimating and diffusing film and a method for making the film are provided. The film includes a plastic layer having a first side and a second side opposite the first side and at least a first peripheral edge. The first side has a first textured surface, wherein between 7 to 20 percent of slope angles on the first textured surface proximate a first axis has a value between zero and five degrees. The first axis is substantially parallel to the first peripheral edge. The plastic layer collimates light propagating therethrough.

Abstract: A sensor, in accordance with aspects of the present technique, is provided. The sensor comprises a membrane formed of gallium nitride. The membrane is disposed on a substrate, which is wet-etched to form a closed cavity. The membrane exhibits both a capacitive response and a piezo-response to an external stimulus. The sensor further includes a circuit for measuring at least one of the capacitive response or the piezo-response. In certain aspects, the sensor may be operable to measure external stimuli, such as, pressure, force and mechanical vibration.

Abstract: A capsule for containing at least one reactant and a supercritical fluid in a substantially air-free environment under high pressure, high temperature processing conditions. The capsule includes a closed end, at least one wall adjoining the closed end and extending from the closed end; and a sealed end adjoining the at least one wall opposite the closed end. The at least one wall, closed end, and sealed end define a chamber therein for containing the reactant and a solvent that becomes a supercritical fluid at high temperatures and high pressures. The capsule is formed from a deformable material and is fluid impermeable and chemically inert with respect to the reactant and the supercritical fluid under processing conditions, which are generally above 5 kbar and 550° C. and, preferably, at pressures between 5 kbar and 80 kbar and temperatures between 550° C. and about 1500° C.

Abstract: Device, kit and method of using same to detect analytes such as nucleic acids are described. An excitation source, preferably a nitride-based LED, emits light capable of being absorbed by luminophores. Sensors are stably attached, preferably via covalent or ionic bonds, to a surface within the device, such as the surface of the excitation source that is exposed to the sample. When a complex is formed between the sensors and the analyte, the luminophores emit light or emit light of a different wavelength, thereby signaling the presence or quantity of the analyte.

Abstract: A light collimating and diffusing film and a method for making the film are provided. The film includes a plastic layer having a first side and a second side opposite the first side and at least a first peripheral edge. The first side has a first textured surface, wherein between 7 to 20 percent of slope angles on the first textured surface proximate a first axis has a value between zero and five degrees. The first axis is substantially parallel to the first peripheral edge. The plastic layer collimates light propagating therethrough.

Abstract: Device, kit and method of using same to detect analytes such as nucleic acids are described. An excitation source, preferably a nitride-based LED, emits light capable of being absorbed by luminophores. Sensors are stably attached, preferably via covalent or ionic bonds, to a surface within the device, such as the surface of the excitation source that is exposed to the sample. When a complex is formed between the sensors and the analyte, the luminophores emit light or emit light of a different wavelength, thereby signaling the presence or quantity of the analyte.

Abstract: A capsule for containing at least one reactant and a supercritical fluid in a substantially air-free environment under high pressure, high temperature processing conditions. The capsule includes a closed end, at least one wall adjoining the closed end and extending from the closed end; and a sealed end adjoining the at least one wall opposite the closed end. The at least one wall, closed end, and sealed end define a chamber therein for containing the reactant and a solvent that becomes a supercritical fluid at high temperatures and high pressures. The capsule is formed from a deformable material and is fluid impermeable and chemically inert with respect to the reactant and the supercritical fluid under processing conditions, which are generally above 5 kbar and 550° C. and, preferably, at pressures between 5 kbar and 80 kbar and temperatures between 550° C. and about 1500° C.

Abstract: A metal-infiltrated polycrystalline diamond composite tool comprising a plurality of diamond grains forming a continuous polycrystalline diamond matrix, a metallic phase being substantially palladium-free and contiguous to the continuous polycrystalline diamond matrix, wherein the metallic phase interpenetrates the continuous polycrystalline diamond matrix and substantially wets an outer surface of the continuous polycrystalline diamond matrix; and a working surface. The metallic phase is formed from an infiltrant and a wetting-enhancement layer disposed on the outer surfaces of the diamond particles, with both the infiltrant and wetting-enhancement layer being substantially palladium-free and comprising at least one metal from the group consisting of cobalt, iron, and nickel.

Abstract: A metal-infiltrated polycrystalline diamond composite tool comprising a plurality of diamond grains forming a continuous polycrystalline diamond matrix, a metallic phase being substantially palladium-free and contiguous to the continuous polycrystalline diamond matrix, wherein the metallic phase interpenetrates the continuous polycrystalline diamond matrix and substantially wets an outer surface of the continuous polycrystalline diamond matrix; and a working surface. The metallic phase is formed from an infiltrant and a wetting-enhancement layer disposed on the outer surfaces of the diamond particles, with both the infiltrant and wetting-enhancement layer being substantially palladium-free and comprising at least one metal from the group consisting of cobalt, iron, and nickel.

Abstract: A metal-infiltrated polycrystalline diamond composite tool comprising a plurality of diamond grains forming a continuous polycrystalline diamond matrix, a metallic phase being substantially palladium-free and contiguous to the continuous polycrystalline diamond matrix, wherein the metallic phase interpenetrates the continuous polycrystalline diamond matrix and substantially wets an outer surface of the continuous polycrystalline diamond matrix; and a working surface. The metallic phase is formed from an infiltrant and a wetting-enhancement layer disposed on the outer surfaces of the diamond particles, with both the infiltrant and wetting-enhancement layer being substantially palladium-free and comprising at least one metal from the group consisting of cobalt, iron, and nickel.