Abstract: A bicontinuous optical switching structure includes a predetermined number of tunnels coated with a reflective material or a very smooth. The tunnels provide pathways from one side of bicontinuous optical switching structure to another. Each tunnel represents an entry point having a multitude of entry angles. Since the angle of entry dictates the exit point, a single tunnel can represent multiple entry/exit point pairs. A three-dimensional circuit may include a hyperbolic bicontinuous structure forming a substrate; circuits formed on a first surface of the hyperbolic bicontinuous structure; and electrically conductive traces formed between the circuits. The electrically conductive traces are formed two-dimensionally on the first surface of the hyperbolic bicontinuous structure. The electrically conductive traces are effectively three-dimensional traces between the circuits.

Abstract: Methods for hydrocracking a heavy hydrocarbon feedstock (e.g., heavy oil and/or coal resid) employ a catalyst composed of well dispersed metal sulfide catalyst particles (e.g., colloidally or molecularly dispersed catalyst particles, such as molybdenum sulfide), which provide an increased concentration of metal sulfide catalyst particles within lower quality materials requiring additional hydrocracking. In addition to increased metal sulfide catalyst concentration, the systems and methods provide increased reactor throughput, increased reaction rate, and higher conversion of asphaltenes and lower quality materials. Increased conversion of asphaltenes and lower quality materials also reduces equipment fouling, enables processing of a wider range of lower quality feedstocks, and leads to more efficient use of a supported catalyst if used in combination with the well dispersed metal sulfide catalyst particles.