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: 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 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 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: 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: 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 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: The object of the present invention is a process of preparing a crystal, which comprises: loading a crucible with a mixture of the appropriate starting material which contains at least one oxide as impurity, and an effective and non-excess amount of at least one fluorinating agent which is solid at ambient temperature, melting said mixture within said crucible, growing the crystal, by controlled cooling of the molten mixture, controlled cooling of said crystal to ambient temperature, recovering said crystal; and which is characterized in that the oxide(s) resulting from the reaction between said fluorinating agent(s) and said oxide(s), the impurity or impurities, can be discharged from said crucible, in view of the dimensions of said crucible and of the intrinsic permeability of the material constituting it. Said process is particularly adapted for preparing (mono)crystals of CaF2 in graphite crucibles.

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: Crystal growth can be initiated and controlled by dynamically controlled vapor diffusion or temperature change. In one aspect, the present invention uses a precisely controlled vapor diffusion approach to monitor and control protein crystal growth. The system utilizes a humidity sensor and various interfaces under computer control to effect virtually any evaporation rate from a number of different growth solutions simultaneously by means of an evaporative gas flow. A static laser light scattering sensor can be used to detect aggregation events and trigger a change in the evaporation rate for a growth solution. A control/follower configuration can be used to actively monitor one chamber and accurately control replicate chambers relative to the control chamber. In a second aspect, the invention exploits the varying solubility of proteins versus temperature to control the growth of protein crystals.

Abstract: To obtain large, high-quality crystals of a metal orthophosphate, in particular GaPO4 or AlPO4, from a nutrient solution with the use of seeds, a seed crystal is used having at least two rod- or wafer-shaped legs which form an angle with each other and define a main growth region, and which are positioned eccentrically in the single crystal grown. Contagious faces of two seed legs, which have been chosen for crystal growing, enclose an angle <180°. In this way the yield of the high-quality crystal region will be increased.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for the purification of an organic product by fractionated crystallization, characterized in that the organic product is purified by circulation in filled tubes by varying the circulation rate at each purification and concentration stage. The invention also pertains to an apparatus for the purification of an organic product by fractionated crystallization designed for the implementation of said process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making surfactant capped nanocrystals of transition metal oxides. The process comprises reacting a metal cupferron complex of the formula M Cup, wherein M is a transition metal, and Cup is a cupferron, with a coordinating surfactant, the reaction being conducted at a temperature ranging from about 250 to about 300 C., for a period of time sufficient to complete the reaction.

Abstract: A method for preparation of single crystal films of organic second order optical materials, the films having controlled orientation and thickness. This method produces films of excellent optical quality and with large nonlinearities suitable for device applications. The material of interest is introduced into the interface of two optically flat solid substrates. The substrate surfaces are pretreated so that they are hydrophilic. The material is formed as a liquid phase (highly concentrated solution) in the interface. An external pressure is applied that brings the substrates close together and a shear is applied by moving one substrate with respect to the other while the substrates are held under a constant pressure. As a consequence of these interactions, oriented molecular clusters or nuclei are formed with the molecules organized in a specific direction with respect to the substrate-surface.

Abstract: Crystal growth can be initiated and controlled by dynamically controlled vapor diffusion or temperature change. In one aspect, the present invention uses a precisely controlled vapor diffusion approach to monitor and control protein crystal growth. The system utilizes a humidity sensor and various interfaces under computer control to effect virtually any evaporation rate from a number of different growth solutions simultaneously by means of an evaporative gas flow. A static laser light scattering sensor can be used to detect aggregation events and trigger a change in the evaporation rate for a growth solution. A control/follower configuration can be used to actively monitor one chamber and accurately control replicate chambers relative to the control chamber. In a second aspect, the invention exploits the varying solubility of proteins versus temperature to control the growth of protein crystals.

Abstract: A method of making a nanocomposite self-assembly is provided where at least one hydrophilic compound, at least one hydrophobic compound, and at least one amphiphilic surfactant are mixed in an aqueous solvent with the solvent subsequently evaporated to form a self-assembled liquid crystalline mesophase material. Upon polymerization of the hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds, a robust nanocomposite self-assembled material is formed. Importantly, in the reaction mixture, the amphiphilic surfactant has an initial concentration below the critical micelle concentration to allow formation of the liquid-phase micellar mesophase material. A variety of nanocomposite structures can be formed, depending upon the solvent evaporazation process, including layered mesophases, tubular mesophases, and a hierarchical composite coating composed of an isotropic worm-like micellar overlayer bonded to an oriented, nanolaminated underlayer.

Abstract: A process for forming an epitaxial perovskite-phase thin film on a substrate. This thin film can act as a buffer layer between a Ni substrate and a YBa2Cu3O7−x superconductor layer. The process utilizes alkali or alkaline metal acetates dissolved in halogenated organic acid along with titanium isopropoxide to dip or spin-coat the substrate which is then heated to about 700° C. in an inert gas atmosphere to form the epitaxial film on the substrate. The YBCO superconductor can then be deposited on the layer formed by this invention.

Abstract: A process for forming a dense, epitaxial metal oxide film on a single crystal substrate, including cleaning the surface of the single crystal substrate, contacting the cleaned surface with a polar organic compound such as a small molecular weight alcohol, so that the cleaned surface adsorbs the polar organic compound, then applying a hydrocarbon solvent solution containing at least one organic group-containing metal compound on the polar organic compound-adsorbed surface, and then heating the substrate to decompose the organic group-containing metal compound and to form a dense epitaxial metal oxide film on the substrate.

Abstract: Provided is a system and continuous flow process for producing monodisperse semiconductor nanocrystals comprising reservoirs for the starting materials, a mixing path in which the starting materials are mixed, a first reactor in which the mixture of starting materials is mixed with a coordinating solvent and in which nucleation of particles occurs, a second reactor in which controlled growth of the nanocrystals occurs, and a growth termination path in which the growth of the nanocrystals is halted.

Abstract: A method for patterning materials according to a predetermined, three-dimensional pattern, as well as patterned materials produced by said methods, are provided. A template is prepared comprising a template material, the template having a plurality of pores therein, the plurality of pores comprising a negative of the predetermined, three-dimensional pattern. Colloidal nanocrystals sufficient to fill the pores in the template are also prepared. The pores in the template are filled with the colloidal nanocrystals. A quantum-dot solid is formed from the colloidal nanocrystals within the pores in the template, such that the colloidal nanocrystals are concentrated as close-packed nanocrystals within the pores in the template in the predetermined, three-dimensional pattern. If desired, a conventional solid may be obtained by sintering the close-packed nanocrystals within the pores of the template.

Abstract: A method which can control crystallization of a biopolymer such as protein is provided. A silicon crystal (15) whose valence electrons are controlled to be capable of controlling the concentration of holes or electrons of the surface part in response to the environment of a mother liquor (14) containing the biopolymer such as protein is brought into contact with a buffer solution (12), for getting a crystal of the biopolymer deposited on the surface of the silicon crystal (15). Crystallization is controlled by an electrical state which is generated by the controlled valence electrons on the surface of the silicon crystal (15).

Abstract: A method of optical enantiomer resolution by preferential crystallization involves entering, each time crystallization starts, the two-phase domain containing excess enantiomer and the saturated solution, and cooling according to a well-defined kinetic schedule. A racemic mixture of fine particle size is added to the mother liquors obtained after harvesting the crystals, the mother liquors then being heated to a temperature lower than that of homogenization of the solution so that excess enantiomer is present only in a solid state in equilibrium with the solution. Further cooling produces the other enantiomer and completes the cycle of operations which may then be carried out repetitively.

Abstract: A device for specific formation of nuclei or crystals on the surface of a dielectric in contact with a solution, especially on the functional groups of a polymer, in which there is a device for generating an electric field in the dielectric.

Abstract: For growing crystals, either in ground testing or in space, a capillary tube is used, which contains the solution of the substance to be crystallized, a layer of absorbent and a layer of air or other gas separating the solution from the absorbent. Two absorbent layers may be used on opposite sides of the solution, each separated from the solution by a gaseous layer. To delay the onset of crystallization, the absorbent on each side may be separated from the solution by two gaseous layers, with a charge of absorbable liquid between them. An absorbent may be removed or modified by removing or perforating an end cap used to seal the absorbent within the capillary tube.

Abstract: Cerium oxide ultrafine particles consist essentially of cerium oxide single crystal grains having a grain size ranging from 10 to 80 nm and the cerium oxide ultrafine particles can be prepared by a method which comprises the steps of mixing, with stirring, an aqueous solution of cerous nitrate with a base in such a mixing ratio that the pH value of the mixture ranges from 5 to 10, then rapidly heating the resulting mixture up to a temperature of 70 to 100.degree. C. and maturing the mixture at that temperature. The cerium oxide ultrafine particles not only have an average particle size ranging from 10 to 80 nm, but also are uniform in the particle size and in the shape.

Abstract: A convenient two-step dipping technique for preparing high-quality thin films of a variety of perovskites is provided by the invention. Thin films of Mi.sub.2 (M=Pb, Sn) were first prepared by vacuum-depositing MI.sub.2 onto ash glass or quart substrates, which were subsequently dipped into a solution containing the desired organic ammonium cation for a short period of time. Using this technique, thin films of different layered organic-inorganic perovskites (RNH.sub.3).sub.2 (CH.sub.3 NH.sub.3).sub.n-1 M.sub.n I.sub.3n+1 (R=butyl, phenethyl; M=Pb, Sn; and n=1, 2) and three-dimensional perovskites CH.sub.3 NH.sub.3 MI.sub.3 (M=Pb, Sn; i.e. n=.infin.) were successfully prepared at room temperature. The lattice constants of these dip-processed perovskites are very similar to those of the corresponding compounds prepared by solution-growth or by solid state reactions. The layered perovskite thin films possess strong photoluminescence, distributed uniformly across the film areas.

Abstract: A single crystal silicon sheet is formed from a polycrystalline sheet by melting a relatively small portion of the sheet at an initial location and defining a single crystallographic orientation for the silicon by placing a small silicon seed crystal in contact with the melted silicon at the initial location. The melted portion is then moved from the initial location throughout the sheet to move impurities in the sheet to the edges of the sheet and to extend the crystallographic orientation of the silicon established at the initial location to the whole sheet, inwardly of the edges. The edges containing impurities and any remaining polycrystalline structure are removed to produce a sheet of single crystal silicon. A polycrystalline sheet may be formed by spreading a slurry of a silicon powder, a binder, and solvent on a surface and allowing the solvent to evaporate to form a sheet. The sheet is moistened to cause it to expand and sheer clear of the surface.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting optimum protein crystallization conditions and for growing protein crystals in either 1g or microgravity environments comprising a housing defining at least one pair of chambers for containing crystallization solutions. The housing further defines an orifice therein for providing fluid communication between the chambers. The orifice is adapted to receive a tube which contains a gelling substance for limiting the rate of diffusive mixing of the crystallization solutions. The solutions are diffusively mixed over a period of time defined by the quantity of gelling substance sufficient to achieve equilibration and to substantially reduce density driven convection disturbances therein.The device further includes endcaps to seal the first and second chambers. One of the endcaps includes a dialysis chamber which contains protein solution in which protein crystals are grown.

Abstract: A xylene exchange is performed on a stock solution of BST of greater then 99.999% purity dissolved in methoxyethanol, and a carboxylate of a dopant metal, such as magnesium 2-ethylhexanoate is added to form a precursor. The precursor is spun on a first electrode, dried at 400.degree. C. for 2 minutes, then annealed at 750.degree. C. to 800.degree. C. for about an hour to form a layer of accurately doped BST. A second electrode is deposited, patterned, and annealed at between 750.degree. C. to 800.degree. C. for about 30 minutes. Excellent leakage current results if the dopant is magnesium of about 5% molarity. For other dopants, such as Mg, Nb, Y, Bi, and Sn the preferred dopant range is 0.2% to 0.3% molarity. The magnesium-doped material is used as a buffer layer between the electrodes and BST dielectric of an undoped BST capacitor.

Abstract: A method for producing crystals of a diester phosphate monopotassium salt, comprising(a) reacting the diester phosphate of the formula (I) ##STR1## with potassium hydroxide in a solvent selected from the group consisting of isopropyl alcohol, methylene chloride and chloroform and(b) allowing crystals of the diester phosphate monopotassium salt to precipitate out. The EPC-K crystals produced by the production method of the present invention have extremely fine purity and crystal appearance. Accordingly, the present invention is advantageous in that provision of pharmaceutical preparation superior in efficacy, safety and stability has been made possible.

Abstract: A method for producing an organic crystal is disclosed. One embodiment comprises maintaining a capillary tube containing a fused liquid of an organic crystal material and having a fused liquid reservoir at one end thereof at a temperature not less than the fusion point of the organic crystal material together with the fused liquid reservoir, reducing the temperature of the fused liquid in the fused liquid reservoir to precipitate seed crystals, and then slowly cooling the capillary tube successively from the end toward the other end to allow a single crystal to grow from the seed crystal in the capillary tube. Because of the large quantity of the fused liquid, a seed crystal can be formed and allowed to grow even from a fused liquid of an organic crystal material which hardly crystallizes in the form of a fused liquid.

Abstract: A process for forming a gold thin film comprises subjecting a gold complex to a decomposition treatment to transfer the gold in a solution to a supersaturated state, and forming a crystalline gold thin film composed of a group of monocrystals on the surface of a substrate.