Abstract: The present invention provides a process for forming a bulk monocrystalline aluminum nitride by using a supercritical ammonia. The process comprises the steps of forming a supercritical solvent containing ions of an alkali metal in an autoclave; and dissolving a feedstock in this supercritical solvent to form a supercritical solution, and simultaneously or separately crystallizing aluminum nitride on the face of a crystallization seed. This process is carried out in the autoclave (1) which is provided with a convection-controller (2) arranged therein and which is to produce a supercritical solvent. The autoclave is set in a furnace unit (4) equipped with a heater (5) and/or a cooler (6).

Abstract: The present invention discloses a widely wavelength tunable polychrome colloidal photonic crystal device whose optical Bragg diffraction stop bands and higher energy bands wavelength, width and intensity can be tuned in a continuous and fine, rapid and reversible, reproducible and predictable fashion and over a broad spectral range by a controlled expansion or contraction of the colloidal photonic lattice dimension, effected by a predetermined change in the electronic configuration of the composite material. In its preferred embodiment, the material is a composite in the form of a film or a patterned film or shape of any dimension or array of shapes of any dimension comprised of an organized array of microspheres in a matrix of a cross-linked metallopolymer network with a continuously variable redox state of charge and fluid content.

Abstract: In certain aspects, the invention features methods for forming crystalline membranes (e.g., a membrane of a framework material, such as a zeolite) by inducing secondary growth in a layer of oriented seed crystals. The rate of growth of the seed crystals in the plane of the substrate is controlled to be comparable to the rate of growth out of the plane. As a result, a crystalline membrane can form a substantially continuous layer including grains of uniform crystallographic orientation that extend through the depth of the layer.

Abstract: A crystalline thin structure (104, 204, 404) is grown on a surface (108, 228) of a substrate (112, 208, 400) by depositing molecules (136, 220) from a molecular precursor to a lateral growth front (144, 224) of the structure using a crystal grower (116, 200). In one embodiment, the crystal grower comprises a solution (124) containing the molecular precursor in a solvent (140). Molecules are added to the lateral growth front by moving one or both of the free surface (120, 120?) of the solution and deposition surface relative to the other at a predetermined rate. In another embodiment, the crystal grower comprises a mask (212) that includes at least one opening (216). Precursor molecules are vacuum deposited via a molecular beam (236) at the growth front (228) of the crystalline thin structure (204) as one or both of the opening and surface are moved relative to the other at a predetermined rate.

Abstract: A method for producing crystals and for screening crystallization conditions of chemical materials on distinct metallic islands with specific functional groups, for preparing and screening the conditions necessary to promote a specific polymorph of a crystal, and a means for testing and screening the more precise conditions suitable for achieving a desired size or form of a crystal.

Abstract: A method for producing crystals and for screening crystallization conditions of chemical materials on distinct metallic islands with specific functional groups by using multi-functional substrates comprising a plurality of self-assembled monolayers having at least two different functionalities, for preparing and screening conditions necessary to promote specific polymorphs of a crystal, and a means for testing and screening the more precise conditions suitable for achieving desired sizes or forms of a crystal.

Abstract: Small crystals are made by mixing a solution of a desired substance with an anti-solvent in a fluidic vortex mixer in which the residence time is less than 1s, for example 10 ms. The liquid within the fluidic vortex mixer (12) is subjected to high intensity ultrasound from a transducer (20, 22). The solution very rapidly becomes supersaturated, and the ultrasound can induce a very large number of nuclei for crystal growth. Small crystals, for example less than 5 ?m, are formed. The resulting suspension is treated so as to add or remove ingredients, and then spray dried using an atomizer tuned to create small droplets in such a way that each droplet should contain not more than one crystal. Crystal agglomeration is hence prevented.

Abstract: The invention provides an oxo-titanylphthalocyanine crystal which is stable, is superior in dispersibility in a photoreceptive layer and efficiently contributes to improvements in sensitivity and charge retention rate of an electrophotographic photoreceptor when it is used as a charge generating agent, a method for producing the oxo-titanylphthalocyanine crystal, and an electrophotographic photoreceptor.

Abstract: A device and process for crystallizing a compound using hydrodynamic cavitation comprising the steps of mixing at least one stream of a feed solution of such compound to be crystallized with at least one stream of an anti-solvent in a nucleating section via collision of the feed solution and the anti-solvent, passing the mixed streams at an elevated pressure through at least one local constriction of flow to create hydrodynamic cavitation thereby causing nucleation and the production of seed crystals, passing the fluid stream containing the seed crystals through an intermediate section to a crystal growth section, passing the fluid stream containing the seed crystals through the crystal growth section at an elevated pressure through at least one local constriction of flow to create hydrodynamic cavitation thereby causing further crystallization of the compound contained in the solution.

Abstract: The invention provides a biopolymer crystal mounting device with which a biopolymer crystal having been grown in a solution containing a biopolymer can be taken out of the solution. The device can be manufactured efficiently without requiring labors and can be mass-produced with high yield. A biopolymer crystal mounting device comprises: a film member 12, which is made of a material possessing permeability to an electromagnetic wave, and which is integrally formed of a loop portion 16 holding a drop of solution containing a biopolymer crystal, a neck portion 18 and a body portion 20; and a tubular member 14 including a bearing hole 22 in which the body portion of the film member is inserted and supported. Further, the film member is inserted into and secured to the tubular member.

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: A static fluid and a second fluid are placed into contact along a microfluidic free interface and allowed to mix by diffusion without convective flow across the interface. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the fluids are static and initially positioned on either side of a closed valve structure in a microfluidic channel having a width that is tightly constrained in at least one dimension. The valve is then opened, and no-slip layers at the sides of the microfluidic channel suppress convective mixing between the two fluids along the resulting interface. Applications for microfluidic free interfaces in accordance with embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, protein crystallization studies, protein solubility studies, determination of properties of fluidics systems, and a variety of biological assays such as diffusive immunoassays, substrate turnover assays, and competitive binding assays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to layered organic structures in which anisotropic crystalline seed layers control crystalline structure of the subsequent epitaxial organic layers. The structure comprises in sequence a substrate, a globally ordered crystalline seed layer with intermolecular spacing of 3.4±0.3 ?, and at least one epitaxial layer of an organic compound. The seed layer is comprised of disc-shaped molecules of at least one polycyclic organic compound with conjugated ?-system. At least one layer of an organic compound is epitaxially deposited onto the seed layer. The present invention also provides a method for obtaining a layered organic structure. The method comprises forming of a globally ordered anisotropic crystalline seed layer on a substrate by means of the Cascade Crystallization Process. The seed layer has an intermolecular spacing of 3.4±0.3 ? and it is formed by rodlike supramolecules comprised of disc-shaped molecules of at least one polycyclic organic compound with conjugated ?-system.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of making large diameter metal fluoride sungle crystals that can be used in optical lithograpby systems, for example, excimer laser that operate below 200 nm. In addition, the invention is directed to metal fluoride single crystals suitable for use in such lithographic ststems, such fluoride crystals having a internal transmission of ?99.9% at 193 nm and ?99.0% at 157 nm.

Abstract: A method is provided for the isolation of high purity crystalline citalopram (1-[3-dimethylamino)propyl}-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-1, 3-dihydro-5-isobenzofurancarbonitrile) base directly from the alkylation reaction mixture of 5-cyanophthalane with N,N-dimethylaminoprpylchloride in a polar aprotic solvent using a strong base. The method comprises: (a) diluting the reaction mixture with ice cold water and extracting the resulting mixture with a water-immiscible organic solvent; (b) re-extracting the water-immiscible organic solvent extract with an aqueous acid; (c) diluting the aqueous acid extract with a substantially equal volume of a water miscible organic solvent, based on the volume of water in the aqueous acid extract; (d) adjusting the pH to basic with an inorganic base to precipitate free crystalline base and (e) further isolating the precipitated free crystalline base by filration.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an ammonobasic method for preparing a gallium-containing nitride crystal, in which gallium-containing feedstock is crystallized on at least one crystallization seed in the presence of an alkali metal-containing component in a supercritical nitrogen-containing solvent. The method can provide monocrystalline gallium-containing nitride crystals having a very high quality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing high-quality crystals of protein or organic substances easily and efficiently. A solution of protein or an organic substance is prepared and then is cooled slowly to be supersaturated to a low degree. This supersaturated solution is irradiated with a femtosecond laser 10. A local explosion phenomenon occurs at the focal point of the laser and thereby a crystalline nucleus is generated. A high-quality crystal is obtained when a crystal is grown on the crystalline nucleus over a long period of time. The femtosecond laser to be used herein can be a titanium:sapphire laser having a wavelength of 800 nm, a duration of 120 fs, a frequency of 1 kHz, and an output of 400 mW.

Abstract: A crystalline material sufficiently pure for use in pharmaceuticals may be made by forming a saturated solution of the material changing the temperature of the solution so it becomes supersaturated, and briefly subjecting the solution to irradiation by high intensity ultrasound, before allowing the solution to cool gradually without further irradiation. The ultrasound may be applied using a vessel with an array of ultrasonic transducers attached to a wall, so each transducer radiates no more than 3 W/cm2 yet the power dissipation within the vessel is between 25 and 150 W/litre. This method can reduce the metastable zone width to less than 10 K. There is no erosion of the wall and consequently no formation of small particles of metal. It is applicable for example to aspartame, and to amino acids.

Abstract: Provided is a method for crystallization and purification of a macrolide such as tacrolimus, sirolimus, pimecrolimus, or everolimus that includes the step of providing a combination of a macrolide, and a polar solvent, dopolar aprotic solvent, or hydrocarbon solvent at pH of 7 or above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining crystallization in a very small amount of a material of interest (eg a chemical or biological material of interest).

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: The present invention relates to microfluidic devices and methods facilitating the growth and analysis of crystallized materials such as proteins. In accordance with one embodiment, a crystal growth architecture is separated by a permeable membrane from an adjacent well having a much larger volume. The well may be configured to contain a fluid having an identity and concentration similar to the solvent and crystallizing agent employed in crystal growth, with diffusion across the membrane stabilizing that process. Alternatively, the well may be configured to contain a fluid having an identity calculated to affect the crystallization process. In accordance with the still other embodiment, the well may be configured to contain a material such as a cryo-protectant, which is useful in protecting the crystalline material once formed.

Abstract: High throughput screening of crystallization of a target material is accomplished by simultaneously introducing a solution of the target material into a plurality of chambers of a microfabricated fluidic device. The microfabricated fluidic device is then manipulated to vary the solution condition in the chambers, thereby simultaneously providing a large number of crystallization environments. Control over changed solution conditions may result from a variety of techniques, including but not limited to metering volumes of crystallizing agent into the chamber by volume exclusion, by entrapment of volumes of crystallizing agent determined by the dimensions of the microfabricated structure, or by cross-channel injection of sample and crystallizing agent into an array of junctions defined by intersecting orthogonal flow channels.

Abstract: A process for producing semiconductor nanocrystal cores, core-shell, core-buffer-shell, and multiple layer systems is disclosed. The process involves a non-coordinating solvent and in situ surfactant generation.

Abstract: A temperature- and evaporation-controlled device for the crystallization of proteins from a protein-containing solution. The device comprises a compartment, such as a microcapillary tube, for holding the solution from which crystals are formed. The compartment is in communication with a cold generating unit, such as a cold finger, that maintains a temperature lower than the temperature of the compartment thereby causing de-watering of the solution. A vacuum pump can be attached to the device to reduce vapor pressure to further promote de-watering of the solution. The device can be used terrestrially or in a microgravity environment, such as in outer space, for formation of high quality protein crystals.

Abstract: A method for removing defects at high pressure and high temperature (HP/HT) or for relieving strain in a non-diamond crystal commences by providing a crystal, which contains defects, and a pressure medium. The crystal and the pressure medium are disposed in a high pressure cell and placed in a high pressure apparatus, for processing under reaction conditions of sufficiently high pressure and high temperature for a time adequate for one or more of removing defects or relieving strain in the single crystal.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an ammonobasic method for preparing a gallium-containing nitride crystal, in which gallium-containing feedstock is crystallized on at least one crystallization seed in the presence of an alkali metal-containing component in a supercritical nitrogen-containing solvent. The method can provide monocrystalline gallium-containing nitride crystals having a very high quality.

Abstract: A diL-lysine monosulfate trihydrate crystal which has a large tabular form and is more easily separable from the mother liquor. The crystal is obtained by a novel process of conducting crystallization at a lower temperature.

Abstract: The invention is a crystallization cassette and associated method for growing and analyzing macromolecular crystals in situ by X-ray crystallography. The cassette allows proteins (as well as other macromolecules) to be crystallized by the counter-diffusion method in a restricted geometry. Using this procedure, crystals can be adequately prepared for direct X-ray data analysis such that the protein's three-dimesional structure can be solved without crystal manipulation.

Abstract: The present invention includes a microplate for performing crystallography studies. In particular, the microplate has a frame that includes a plurality of wells formed therein. Each well includes a first well and a second well. The first well includes a relatively large reservoir capable of receiving a reagent solution. The second well includes a relatively small reservoir having a substantially concaved form capable of receiving a protein solution and a reagent solution. The second well is suspended above the first well such that space on the plate is conserved and to enable protein crystal growth utilizing a hanging drop vapor diffusion crystallization process.

Abstract: An ordered array of magnetized nanorods includes a plurality of metallic nanorods generally cylindrical in shape and including a nickel portion coated with a positively charged polyelectrolyte and a gold portion coated with an alkanethiolate; and a layer of a hardened polymer wherein each individual nanorod of the plurality is held by having said gold portion embedded therein so that the nickel portion extends approximately perpendicularly away from the layer of hardened polymer, and wherein said plurality of metallic nanorods is ordered in the array by having substantially all individual nanorods of the plurality of nanorods oriented generally parallel to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing tagatose crystals from an aqueous system using no organic solvent. In this method, seed crystals of tagatose are added to a tagatose solution in which a tagatose purity of solid contents in the solution is at least 70% and a solid contents concentration in the solution is 60 to 98 mass %, and crystallization of tagatose is carried out by stirring and cooling the solution while keeping a degree of super saturation of tagatose at 1.25 or lower. It is preferred that the solution containing tagatose is a solution containing no organic solvent. It is further preferred that a part of massecuite for which the crystallization is completed is added to a mother liquor so as to produce the tagatose crystals semi-continuously or continuously. It is furthermore preferred that the tagatose crystals formed from the massecuite are separated by centrifugation or filtration and dried to obtain tagatose crystals.

Abstract: High throughput screening of crystallization of a target material is accomplished by simultaneously introducing a solution of the target material into a plurality of chambers of a microfabricated fluidic device. The microfabricated fluidic device is then manipulated to vary the solution condition in the chambers, thereby simultaneously providing a large number of crystallization environments. Control over changed solution conditions may result from a variety of techniques, including but not limited to metering volumes of crystallizing agent into the chamber by volume exclusion, by entrapment of volumes of crystallizing agent determined by the dimensions of the microfabricated structure, or by cross-channel injection of sample and crystallizing agent into an array of junctions defined by intersecting orthogonal flow channels.

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

Abstract: A method of determining the optimal yield of a target compound includes the steps of: (a) determining the initial composition of a mixture of compounds containing the target compound; (b) dissolving the mixture in a solvent; (c) placing a quantity of the solution in a plurality of vessels; (d) optionally, placing a portion of a different derivatising agent in each vessel; (e) causing crystallisation to occur; (f) analysing the contents of the vessels after the crystallisation has approached equilibrium to determine the compositions of the liquors and the compositions of the solids; and (g) comparing the compositions determined in step (f) to profile the performance of each system in terms of the projected maximum yield of target compound is an optimised crystallisation process.

Abstract: A microfluidic method is provided that comprises: delivering a first fluid to a first lumen of a microfluidic device and a second, different fluid to a second lumen of the microfluidic device, the first and second lumens sharing a common wall which allows for diffusion between the lumens over at least a portion of the length of the lumens; and having the first and second fluids diffuse between the first and second lumens.

Abstract: A non-linear optical crystal of a compound having the general formula DxM1?xTOZO4, including isomorphs thereof, where: D is a dopant which comprises one or both of Rb and Cs; M is selected from one or both of K and Ag; T comprises one or more of Ti, Sn and Ge, optionally together with one or both of Nb and Ta; Z is selected from one or both of P and As, optionally together with one or both of Ge and Si; and 0<x?0.1.

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 in fluid communication with the first submicrovolume when the device is rotated about a first rotational axis; wherein rotation of the device about the first rotational axis causes a fixed volume to be transported to each of the second submicrovolumes.

Abstract: A crystallization process comprising introducing a solution or a slurry formed by incomplete crystallization of a solute into a crystallization tank, crystallizing the solute in the crystallization tank, forming a slurry comprising crystals and a solvent and discharging the formed slurry to an outside, the crystallization being conducted, wherein a portion or an entire amount of the formed slurry is taken out of the crystallization tank and introduced into a crystal recycling apparatus, the crystals in the slurry are separated or the slurry is concentrated in the crystal recycling apparatus and the separated crystals or the concentrated slurry is recycled to the crystallization tank.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tetragonal single crystal (1, 11) of composition: Z(H,D)2MO4 where Z is an element or a group of elements, or a mixture of elements and/or of groups of elements chosen from the group K, N(H,D)4, Rb, Ce where M is an element chosen from the group P, As and where (H,D) is hydrogen and/or deuterium comprising an approximately parallelepipedal region of large dimensions, especially one in which the length of each of the edges of the faces, AC1, AC2, AC3, is greater than or equal to 200 mm, in particular greater than or equal to 500 mm, which crystal is obtained by crystal growth from solution, from an approximately parallelepipedal single-crystal seed (2, 22) whose edges of the faces have lengths of AG1, AG2, AG3.

Abstract: In a gallium phosphate crystal, a crystallographic Y-axis and a Z-axis that have been rotated about an X-axis counterclockwise through an angle ? is referred to as a Y?-axis and a Z?-axis, respectively, where the angle ? is in a range from 10° to 20°. A piezoelectric crystal material made of gallium phosphate is provided as a plate-shaped member which is elongate in an X-axis direction and cut from the gallium phosphate crystal parallel to an X-Z? crystal plane of the gallium phosphate, and the plate-shaped member has sides parallel to an axis that is obtained by rotating the Y?-axis counterclockwise about the X-axis in an angular range from 1° to 3°.

Abstract: High quality epitaxial layers of monocrystalline perovskite materials (18) can be grown overlying monocrystalline substrates (12) such as gallium arsenide wafers by forming a metal template layer (16) on the monocrystalline substrate. The structure includes a metal-containing layer (16) to mitigate unwanted oxidation of underlying layers and a low-temperature seed layer (19) that prevents degradation of an epitaxial layer (14) during growth of the perovskite layer (18).

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: A method for determining crystallization conditions for a material, the method comprising: taking a microfluidic device comprising one or more lumens having microvolume dimensions and a plurality of different crystallization samples within the one or more lumens, the plurality of crystallization samples comprising a material to be crystallized and crystallization conditions that vary among the plurality of crystallization samples; transporting the plurality of different crystallization samples within the lumens; and identifying a precipitate or crystal formed in the one or more lumens.

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: The present invention is directed to a process or method for preparing a metal fluoride pre-melt material of a quality suitable for the preparation and growth of metal fluoride optical monocrystals. The pre-melt material of the invention is prepared using permeable graphite crucibles having a permeability (porosity) greater than 4 cm2/s. Exemplary monocrystals prepared from pre-melts of the invention exhibited improved transmissivity and laser durability relative to monocrystals prepared from convention pre-melt materials. Impurities in the pre-melt arising from the use of scavenger/fluorinating agent in the pre-melt have been shown to be generally less than 10 ppb and be less than 1 ppb.

Abstract: Self-assembled photonic crystals, including large sphere planar opals, infiltrated planar opals and inverted planar opals, as well as methods for manufacturing same are provided. Large sphere planar opals are manufactured according to a method comprising the steps of: synthesizing monodisperse silica spheres, wherein each of the silica spheres has a diameter greater than or equal to about 400 nanometers; purifying the silica spheres; and self-assembling the silica spheres into a plurality of ordered, planar layers on a substrate. Infiltrated planar opals may also be manufactured by further processing the large sphere planar opal by sintering the planar opal and infiltrating the planar opal with a predetermined material. Inverted planar opals may further be manufactured by removing the silica spheres from the infiltrated planar opal. Various modifications to the substrate and planar opal are also provided to enhance the properties of these photonic crystals.

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: 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 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.