Abstract: A method of synthesizing colloidal nanocrystals is disclosed using metal oxides or metal salts as a precursor. The metal oxides or metal salts are combined with a ligand and then heated in combination with a coordinating solvent. Upon heating, the metal oxides or salts are converted to stable soluble metal complexes. The metal complexes are formed by cationic species combining with the ligands and/or with the coordinating solvent. Finally, an elemental chalcogenic precursor, for example, Se, Te, or S, is introduced into the soluble metal complex to complete the formation of the nanocrystals at a controllable rate. High-quality CdSe, CdTe, and CdS nanocrystals are produced when CdO is used as the cadmium precursor. With the present method, the size, size distribution, and shape (dots or rods) of the resulting nanocrystals can be controlled during growth. For example, the resulting nanocrystals are nearly monodisperse without any size separation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for fabrication of integrated optical structures and micro-lenses on different substrates based on new process of laser-assisted deposition of optical materials on various crystalline or amorphous solid-state materials. The deposition of target material takes place as a result of interaction of the laser beam with the substrate surface being in direct contact with a liquid containing precursor of appropriate target material. In one preferred embodiment, the micro-lens is fabricated directly on optical fibers or light emitting devices providing improved light collimation as required for efficient laser-to-fiber pig tailing. In another preferred embodiment, the micro-lenses are fabricated on each active element of a laser diode array.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for the recovery and purification of higher diamondoids from a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock. Specifically disclosed is a multi-step recovery process for obtaining diamondoid compositions enhanced in tetramantane components and other higher diamondoid components. Also disclosed are compositions comprising at least about 10 weight percent of non-ionized tetramantane components and other higher diamondoid components and at least about 0.5 weight percent of non-ionized pentamantane components and other higher diamondoid components based on the total weight of diamondoid components present.

Abstract: An automated macromolecular crystallization screening system wherein a multiplicity of reagent mixes are produced. A multiplicity of analysis plates is produced utilizing the reagent mixes combined with a sample. The analysis plates are incubated to promote growth of crystals. Images of the crystals are made. The images are analyzed with regard to suitability of the crystals for analysis by x-ray crystallography. A design of reagent mixes is produced based upon the expected suitability of the crystals for analysis by x-ray crystallography. A second multiplicity of mixes of the reagent components is produced utilizing the design and a second multiplicity of reagent mixes is used for a second round of automated macromolecular crystallization screening. In one embodiment the multiplicity of reagent mixes are produced by a random selection of reagent components.

Abstract: It is an object to provide a product having a good crystal particle size distribution of a high-purity potassium fluorotantalate crystal or a high-purity potassium fluoroniobate crystal without using a physical method for particle classification. To that end, a method for manufacturing a high-purity potassium fluorotantalate crystal or a high-purity potassium fluoroniobate crystal is used, wherein the recrystallizing step comprising a first cooling process of cooling a saturated solution with a temperature of 60° C. to 90° C. obtained in the dissolving step at a cooling speed of T° C./hour until the solution temperature of the saturated solution becomes a temperature of the range of 35 to 50° C., and a second cooling process of cooling the solution at a cooling speed of [T?18]° C./hour to [T?1]° C./hour from the end of the first cooling process to the solution temperature becoming a temperature of 10 to 20° C.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing diamond in a deposition chamber including a heat-sinking holder for holding a diamond and for making thermal contact with a side surface of the diamond adjacent to an edge of a growth surface of the diamond, a noncontact temperature measurement device positioned to measure temperature of the diamond across the growth surface of the diamond and a main process controller for receiving a temperature measurement from the noncontact temperature measurement device and controlling temperature of the growth surface such that all temperature gradients across the growth surface are less than 20° C.

Abstract: Shaped nanocrystal particles and methods for making shaped nanocrystal particles are disclosed. One embodiment includes a method for forming a branched, nanocrystal particle. It includes (a) forming a core having a first crystal structure in a solution, (b) forming a first arm extending from the core having a second crystal structure in the solution, and (c) forming a second arm extending from the core having the second crystal structure in the solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved process for preparing modafinil, whereby it may be isolated in high purity by a single crystallization. The process produces modafinil free of sulphone products of over-oxidation and other byproducts. The invention further provides new crystalline Forms II-VI of modafinil and processes for preparing them. Each of the new forms is differentiated by a unique powder X-ray diffraction pattern. The invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions containing novel modafinil Forms II-IV and VI.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for the recovery and purification of higher diamondoids from a hydrocarbonaceous feedstock. Specifically disclosed is a multi-step recovery process for obtaining diamondoid compositions enhanced in tetramantane components and higher diamondoid components. Also disclosed are compositions comprising at least about 10 weight percent of non-ionized tetramantane components and higher diamondoid components and at least about 0.5 weight percent of non-ionized pentamantane components and higher diamondoid components based on the total weight of diamondoid components present.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising one or more pentamantanes. Specifically disclosed are compositions comprising 10 to 100 weight percent of one or more pentamantanes. Also disclosed are novel processes for the separation and isolation of pentamantane components into recoverable fractions from a feedstock containing at least a higher diamondoid component which contains one or more pentamantane components.

Abstract: Aqueous mineralizer solutions having retrograde solubility for ZnO contain a mineral acid in which ZnO is soluble and at least one compound of a coordinating ligand for Zn2+ ions wherein the coordinating ligand compound is present in an amount that is effective to inhibit Zn(OH)+ ion formation as ZnO is dissolved in the solution. Reduced temperature methods using the mineralizer solutions to grow pure or doped ZnO crystals, pure or doped ZnO thick or thin films, and pure or doped ZnO crystalline powders are also disclosed. Cation doped ZnOs prepared by the inventive methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided that comprises: a substrate; and a plurality of microvolumes at least partially defined by the substrate, each microvolume comprising a first submicrovolume and a second submicrovolume that is in fluid communication with the first submicrovolume when the device is rotated, the plurality of microvolumes being arranged in the device such that fluid in the first submicrovolumes of multiple of the microvolumes are transported to second submicrovolumes of the associated microvolumes when the device is rotated.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided that comprises: a card shaped substrate having first and second opposing faces; one or more microvolumes at least partially defined by a first face of the card shaped substrate; and one or more grooves at least partially defined by a second face of the card shaped substrate; wherein a lateral footprint of at least a portion of the one or more grooves overlaps with a lateral footprint of at least one of the one or more microvolumes.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising one or more octamantanes. Specifically disclosed are compositions comprising 25 to 100 weight percent of one or more octamantanes. Also disclosed are novel processes for the separation and isolation of octamantane components into recoverable fractions from a feedstock containing at least a higher diamondoid component which contains one or more octamantane components.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising one or more heptamantanes. Specifically disclosed are compositions comprising 25 to 100 weight percent of one or more heptamantanes. Also disclosed are novel processes for the separation and isolation of heptamantane components into recoverable fractions from a feedstock containing at least a higher diamondoid component which contains one or more heptamantane components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the crystallization of substances having a narrow metastable supersaturation zone. In the process the saturation of a solution is gradually increased and the solution is seeded for the crystallization. The seeding is performed at a seeding point which is selected in response to a signal received from said process indicating imminent or initial spontaneous nucleation. The process provides a good crystal yield and a crystalline product having a uniform crystal structure and a narrow crystal size distribution.

Abstract: A matrix mixing robot includes a plurality of precision pumps (such as precision syringe pumps), a distributor and a processor system. Each pump, under the control of the processor system, draws an associated stock solution from a stock solution source, and pumps the drawn stock solution out through an outlet. The distributor, also under the control of the processor system, directs a stock solution from a particular pump outlet to a selected solution receptacle. A multi-port distribution valve may be associated with each precision pump. Each valve, under control of the processor system, can connect its associated pump to one the pump's inlets or outlets.

Abstract: A single crystal diamond prepared by CVD and having one or more electronic characteristics; making the diamond suitable for electronic applications. Also provided is a method of making the single crystal CVD diamond.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising one or more tetramantanes. Specifically disclosed are compositions comprising 10 to 100 weight percent of one or more tetramantanes. Also disclosed are novel processes for the separation and isolation of tetramantane components into recoverable fractions from a feedstock containing at least a higher diamondoid component which contains one or more tetramantane components.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising one or more tetramantanes. Specifically disclosed are compositions comprising 10 to 100 weight percent of one or more tetramantanes. Also disclosed are novel processes for the separation and isolation of tetramantane components into recoverable fractions from a feedstock containing at least a higher diamondoid component which contains one or more tetramantane components.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and a method for depositing crystallization observations into a relational database. The system includes a computer, microscope, and a headset having a microphone and headphones. Crystallization observations are deposited into the database by verbal commands. Verbal commands also drive the crystallization apparatus plates to position the apparatus wells within the microscope field of vision. The system is integrated with a software application which enables the user to build the trials, matrices, solutions, and macromolecules to be used in the crystallization trials. The user is guided through the crystallization trial setup by a multitude of managers and builders of the software application. The software application also provides numerous tools to query the database and display results in a multitude of formats.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided that comprises: a substrate; one or more microvolumes at least partially defined by the substrate, each microvolume comprising a first submicrovolume, a second submicrovolume where fluid in the first submicrovolume is transported to the second submicrovolume when the device is rotated about a first rotational axis, and a third submicrovolume where fluid in the first submicrovolume is transported to the third submicrovolume when the device is rotated about a second, different rotational axis.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising one or more hexamantanes. Specifically disclosed are compositions comprising 25 to 100 weight percent of one or more hexamantanes. Also disclosed are novel processes for the separation and isolation of hexamantane components into recoverable fractions from a feedstock containing at least a higher diamondoid component which contains one or more hexamantane components.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising one or more nonamantanes. Specifically disclosed are compositions comprising 25 to 100 weight percent of one or more nonamantanes. Also disclosed are novel processes for the separation and isolation of nonamantane components into recoverable fractions from a feedstock containing at least a higher diamondoid component which contains one or more nonamantane components.

Abstract: A diamond layer of single crystal CVD diamond which is coloured, preferably which has a fancy colour, and which has a thickness of greater than 1 mm.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a potassium niobate (KNbO3) single crystal thin film, includes the steps of maintaining the substrate under a predetermined oxygen partial pressure; maintaining the substrate within a temperature region which is equal to or higher than an eutectic temperature of KNbO3 and 3K2O.Nb2O5 and is equal to or lower than complete melting temperature of KNbO3 and 3K2O.Nb2O5 so that a solid phase of KNbO3 and a liquid phase can coexist on the substrate; depositing a vapor phase material on the substrate in a state in which a solid phase and a liquid phase coexist; and precipitating KNbO3 on the substrate from the liquid phase as a solid phase to grow a KNbO3 single crystal thin film. The composition of a starting material to be vaporized to generate the vapor phase material is from K2O.Nb2O5=50:50 to K2O.Nb2O5=65:35.

Abstract: A method of growing robust large area colloidal photonic crystals and devices produced thereby. A suspension of monosized colloidal spheres (1) is subjected to a composite shear (6) by applying a sequential set of shearing forces. The crystalline layers within the colloid experience shearing forces with components in both x and y directions, forcing the colloid into a singe face-centered-cubic structure in preference to a twinned face-centered-cubic structure. The method may also comprise the use of a dispersion medium which is capable of undergoing a controllable phase change from a liquid phase to a solid phase. The crystal may be fixed into a single face-centered cubic structure.

Abstract: A microfluidic method is provided that comprises: delivering first and second fluids to a lumen of a microfluidic device such that the first and second fluids flow adjacent to each other within the lumen without mixing except for diffusion at an interface between the first and second fluids, wherein the first fluid is different than the second fluid.

Abstract: This invention relates to diamond and more particularly to diamond produced by chemical vapour deposition (hereinafter referred to as CVD). According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a layer of single crystal CVD diamond of high quality having a thickness of at least 2 mm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for growing crystals in a gel matrix by reacting tartrate anions with cations, the cations selected from the group consisting of K+, Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+ and Li+. A method particularly adapted for crowing cross-shaped crystals includes forming a gel matrix through cooling of a mixture of potassium bitartrate, boiling water and gelatin to less than 65° F. until the matrix solidifies, adding calcium chloride to the gel matrix to react the calcium chloride with the potassium bitartrate at a temperature of preferably less than 65° F. until crystals form, and separating cross-shaped crystals that have reached a desired size from the gel matrix by warming the gel to a liquid state and removing the crystals.

Abstract: A method of producing a large area plate of single crystal diamond from CVD diamond grown on a substrate substantially free of surface defects by chemical vapour deposition (CVD). The homoepitaxial CVD grown diamond and the substrate are severed transverse to the surface of the substrate on which diamond growth took place to produce the large area plate of single crystal CVD diamond.

Abstract: Nanostructures and methods of fabricating nanostructures are disclosed. A representative nanostructure includes a substrate having at least one semiconductor oxide. In addition, the nanostructure has a substantially rectangular cross-section. A method of preparing a plurality of semiconductor oxide nanostructures that have a substantially rectangular cross-section from an oxide powder is disclosed. A representative method includes: heating the oxide powder to an evaporation temperature of the oxide powder for about 1 hour to about 3 hours at about 200 torr to about 400 torr in an atmosphere comprising argon; evaporating the oxide powder; and forming the plurality of semiconductor oxide nanostructures.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing high-quality Mn-doped nanocrystals is provided. The method generally comprises the steps of: (a) combining an organometallic manganese precursor with an organometallic Group II precursor and an organometallic Group VI precursor to provide a precursor mixture; (b) diluting the precursor mixture with a dilution solvent to provide an injection mixture; (c) heating a coordinating solvent; (d) stirring the heated coordinating solvent; and (e) injecting the injection mixture into the heated coordinating solvent while the heated coordinating solvent is being stirred. The invention is particularly useful for manufacturing high-quality, Mn-doped zinc selenide (ZnSe) nanocrystals, high-quality, Mn-doped zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanocrystals, and high-quality, Mn-doped zinc telluride (ZnTe) nanocrystals.

Abstract: A microfluidic method is provided that comprises: taking a microfluidic device comprising a plurality of microvolumes; and causing movement of material in a same manner within the plurality of microvolumes by applying centrifugal forces to the material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed in one aspect to methods of making free-standing, internally-supported, three-dimensional objects having an outer surface comprising a plurality of intersecting facets wherein a sub-set of the intersecting facets have a diamond layer of substantially uniform thickness. The diamond layer may be formed by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) over the surface of a substrate that has been fabricated to form a mold defining the sub-set of intersecting facets. A backing layer may be formed over at least a portion of the exposed diamond layer to enhance the rigidity of the layer when the substrate is removed.

Abstract: A homogeneous crystal having excellent stability which is suitable for the industrial-scale production of 5-[(2,4-dioxothiazolidin-5-yl)methyl]-2-methoxy-N-[[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methyl]benzamide (KRP-297). The novel crystal of KRP-297 is produced through recrystallization from an alcohol solvent. It is characterized by having diffraction angles (2&thgr;) at at least 9.7°, 15.0°, and 22.5° in X-ray powder diffractometry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a production method including adding water to a solution of (2R,3S)-3-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-1,2-epoxy-4-phenylbutane ((2R,3S)-epoxide compound) or (2S,3R)-3-tert-butoxycarbonylamino-1,2-epoxy-4-phenylbutane ((2S,3R)-epoxide compound) in a polar solvent to allow crystallization, whereby to produce crystals of the (2R,3S)-epoxide compound or the (2S,3R)-epoxide compound conveniently in a high yield by an industrial production method without requiring an extremely low temperature.

Abstract: A method of controlling the physical properties of cement by adding a predetermined amount of a second phase to a first phase cementitious precursor. The second phase is added in the form of seed crystals having controlled sizes, shapes, and compositions. The seed crystals provide growth sites upon curing the cement for a second phase in the cement body. The curing is accelerated by the presence of the seed crystals. Control of the microstructure of the resulting cement body through controlled distribution and growth of the seed crystals enables the formation of a cement body having precisely controlled physical properties.

Abstract: An N-9-position alkylated form is selectively precipitated by subjecting a mixture containing the N-9-position alkylated form and an N-7-position alkylated form of 2-amino-6-halopurine to a crystallization step using a mixed solvent of an organic solvent and water. Then, this N-9-position alkylated form is reduced to give famciclovir. By this method of the present invention, famciclovir known as an antiviral agent, and an intermediate compound therefor can be efficiently produced.

Abstract: A microfluidic method comprising: taking a microfluidic device comprising a substrate, and a plurality of microvolumes at least partially defined by the substrate, each microvolume comprising a first submicrovolume and a second submicrovolume in fluid communication with the first submicrovolume; adding fluids to the first submicrovolumes; and applying a centrifugal force to the device to cause a same volume of fluid to be transported to the second microvolumes from the first submicrovolumes.

Abstract: MEMS structure and a method of fabricating them from ultrananocrystalline diamond films having average grain sizes of less than about 10 nm and feature resolution of less than about one micron. The MEMS structures are made by contacting carbon dimer species with an oxide substrate forming a carbide layer on the surface onto which ultrananocrystalline diamond having average grain sizes of less than about 10 nm is deposited. Thereafter, microfabrication process are used to form a structure of predetermined shape having a feature resolution of less than about one micron.

Abstract: A three dimensional photonic crystal and layer-by-layer processes of fabricating the photonic crystal. A templated substrate is exposed to a plurality of first microspheres made of a first material, the first material being of a type that will bond to the templated substrate and form a self-passivated layer of first microspheres to produce a first layer. The first layer is exposed to a plurality of second microspheres made of a second material, the second material being of a type that will bond to the first layer and form a self-passivated layer of second microspheres. This layering of alternating first and second microspheres can be repeated as desired to build a three dimensional photonic crystal of desired geometry.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions comprising one or more undecamantanes. Specifically disclosed are compositions comprising 25 to 100 weight percent of one or more undecamantanes. Also disclosed are novel processes for the separation and isolation of undecamantane components into recoverable fractions from a feedstock containing at least a higher diamondoid component which contains one or more undecamantane components.

Abstract: A method for the high-throughput non-photochemical laser induced nucleation of crystals from aged supersaturated solutions in which short high-intensity laser pulses are used to induce nucleation in an array or sequence aged supersaturated solutions. The laser reduces nucleation time and induces nucleation only in the area where the beam is focused or passes through, resulting in fewer nuclei than would be achieved by spontaneous nucleation. The high-throughput methodologies allow more crystals to grow in a given amount of time.

Abstract: A protein crystallization apparatus is comprised of a vessel supporting section and a rotating unit. A vessel is detachably fixed to the vessel supporting section. The rotating unit rotates the vessel supporting section around first and second rotation axes. The vessel is comprised of a vessel section having an opening; a sealing section which seals said opening of said vessel section; an absorption member which is provided in the vessel section and in which precipitant solution is absorbed; and a button provided apart from the absorption member to hold protein solution. Precipitant evaporates and diffuses in an inside of the vessel section while the vessel supporting section is rotated. The precipitant is absorbed by the protein solution and a protein crystal is precipitated.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining crystallization conditions for a material, the method comprising: taking a plurality of different crystallization samples in an enclosed microvolume, the plurality of crystallization samples comprising a material to be crystallized and crystallization conditions which vary among the plurality of crystallization samples; allowing crystals of the material to form in plurality of crystallization samples; and identifying which of the plurality of crystallization samples form crystals.

Abstract: A slurry includes a plurality of particles and at least one selective adsorption additive. The particles are preferably composite particles including a core surrounded by a shell provided by the selective adsorption additive. The slurry can be used to polish a structure including silicon dioxide or a low K dielectric film and a silicon nitride containing film, such as to form a shallow trench isolation (STI) structure or a metal-dielectric structure. The silicon nitride containing film surface substantially adsorbs the selective adsorption additive, whereas the silicon dioxide or low K dielectric film shows non-substantial adsorption characteristics to the adsorption additive.

Abstract: A method detects binding of molecules, advantageously without tagging molecules in the sample. A sensor is used in which is included a single stranded nucleic acid sequence and a photoluminescent material in respective layers. After the sensor is exposed to a biological sample for sufficient time for its single stranded nucleic acid sequence to bind to a material of interest, photoluminescence from the sensor can be measured. An apparatus for tagging-free detection of binding of molecules also is provided. Methods of making tagging-free sensors are provided. Also, tagging-free methods to detect binding of antigens and related devices are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides diamond tools, and methods for the formation thereof, using CVD techniques. In one aspect, a mold is provided which has an interface surface configured to inversely match a configuration intended for the working surface of a diamond layer in a tool. An adynamic diamond mass or layer is then deposited upon the diamond interface surface of the mold, and a support layer is joined to the growth surface of the adynamic diamond layer. At least a portion of the mold is then removed to expose the working surface of the diamond which has received a shape which inversely corresponds to the configuration of the mold's diamond interface surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the containment of supplies, experiments or other physical or chemical processes or reactions to be carried out in microgravity environments is provided which features a hollow canister having at least one closure means at either the bottom end or top end of the canister and an endcap with two o-rings to provide a second level of containment. The canister further contains at least one assembly for performing microgravity experiments and is advantageous in that it allows secure stowage of assemblies for conducting microgravity experiments yet also allows easy access to the assemblies in order to activate them when a microgravity environment is achieved. The apparatus also allows for safely and simple visualizing the experiments being conducted in the microgravity environment, and the dual levels of containment protect against hazardous leakage.