Abstract: An automotive exhaust gas sensor includes a gas chamber, an ultraviolet light source configured to emit ultraviolet light into the gas chamber and to photolyze an exhaust gas sample in the gas chamber, and an electrochemical detector disposed in the gas chamber and configured to detect a specified chemical in the photolyzed exhaust gas sample.

Abstract: A method to make metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) in which a first aqueous solution of a transition metal salt is mixed with a second aqueous solution of an imidazole or alkyl-substituted imidazole to yield a product solution containing MOF crystals. The MOF crystals are used to fabricate electrodes for electrochemical detection of nitro-aromatic compounds.

Abstract: Explosives detection polymers are provided that include a polyamine polymer, such as polyethylenimine, functionalized with a small molecule fluorophore. Methods for detecting an explosive material using polyamine polymers functionalized with a small molecule fluorophore are also provided. Sensors for explosive detection are provided that include a polyamine polymer functionalized with a small molecule fluorophore and a complementary analytical device.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a package substrate, includes forming a cavity in at least one region of an upper surface of a wafer, the cavity including a chip mounting region, forming a through-hole penetrating through the wafer and a via filling the through-hole, forming a first wiring layer and a second wiring layer spaced apart from the first wiring layer, which are extended into the cavity, and mounting a chip in the cavity to be connected to the first wiring layer and the second wiring layer.

Abstract: A compound represented by the general formula (I) [R1 and R2 are amino groups that substitute at adjacent positions on the benzene ring; R3 and R4 are halogen atoms; R5 and R6 represent hydrogen atom, an acyl group or an acyloxy(C1-6 alkyl) group; R7 and R8 represent —(CH2)p—N(R9)(R10) (p is 1 to 4, and R9 and R10 represent —(CH2)n—COOH (n is 1 to 4))], which is useful for measuring a reactive nitrogen species existing in cells such as nitrogen monoxide or peroxynitrite at high sensitivity over a long period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a kit and method for the colorimetric detection of precursors used in the assembly of homemade explosives (HMEs). More specifically, the present invention relates to a bulk HME precursor detection kit and methods of using a kit that is capable of bulk detection of HME precursors, such as urea nitrate, ammonium nitrate and potassium chlorate.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for isolating a target molecule from a sample. In an embodiment, the method involves contacting a sample with a capture agent, the agent comprising a siderophore and a transition metal cation, under conditions wherein the agent is capable of binding a target molecule to form a target molecule-capture agent complex, wherein the target molecule is selected from the group consisting of a phosphorylated molecule, a nitrotyrosine-containing molecule and a sulfated molecule, and separating the target molecule-capture agent complex from the sample, thereby isolating the target molecule from the sample. Also provided are methods for determining the presence of a target molecule in a sample, that involve contacting a sample with a capture agent, the agent comprising a siderophore and a transition metal cation.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting explosive compounds in an air sample in which the air sample is filtered with activated carbon treated with a weakly basic solution, after which the air sample is divided into two parts, with one part being heated at lower temperatures to decompose non-explosive nitrogenous compounds and the second part being heated at higher temperatures to decompose explosive nitrogenous compounds. Nitrogen dioxide is measured in both portions of the air sample with a spectrographic detector, and the presence or absence of explosive nitrogenous compounds in the air sample is determined.

Abstract: Methods of selectively detecting the presence of at least one compound in a gaseous medium. A silicon substrate can be exposed to the gaseous medium under conditions to adsorb the at least one compound to the silicon substrate to form a modified silicon substrate. The modified silicon substrate can be analyzed to determine if the at least one compound was present in the gaseous medium. The step of analyzing can include using X-ray spectroscopy.

Abstract: A method for the detection of explosives using a single sample. The explosives include nitro aliphatic and nitro aromatic-based explosives. The method includes steps which require different pHs to discriminate between these types of explosives and at least in the detection step of the nitro aliphatic explosive requires the presence of a nitro aromatic compound. A kit for detecting explosives which includes a medium for collecting a sample, a base optionally impregnated on the medium; and a nitro aromatic solution for detecting a nitro aliphatic explosive by contacting the solution with the sample on the medium. A reagent including a nitro aromatic compound, having one or more additional electron withdrawing groups, in the presence of a basic compound usable for detecting nitro aliphatic explosives.

Abstract: The objects of embodiments in the present disclosure are to provide a method capable of recovering two or more amine compounds at the same time from a gas or solution, and also to provide a method capable of analyzing the recovered amines. The amine-recovering method comprises the steps (A) and (B). In the step (A), the gas or solution is brought into contact with a solid adsorbent so that the adsorbent may retain the amines. In the step (B), the amines retained by the adsorbent in the step (A) are eluted out by use of a basic compound-containing organic solvent. The solid adsorbent has a substituent group represented by —SO3M (M is H or an alkali metal).

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor for detecting nitrogen containing high explosives. The sensor includes a substrate and a blue-photoluminescent metallofluorene copolymer to be carried on said substrate during testing for nitrogen containing high explosives. The copolymer is preferably a blue-photoluminescent metallofluorene copolymer, and preferably is a vinyl bridged silafluorene copolymer. A method for detecting nitrogen containing high explosives involves exposing a copolymer to an analyte, preferably by spraying the copolymer or otherwise coating the substrate after it has been exposed to analyte and then exciting the copolymer to luminesce. The copolymer is observed for fluorescence quenching, which can be through human or electronic observation. The invention also provides for synthesis of a vinyl bridged silafluorene polymer by providing diethynylmetallofluorene and dihydrosilafluorene as precursors and conducting catalytic hydrosilation of the precursors.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor for detecting nitrogen containing high explosives. The sensor includes a substrate and a blue-photoluminescent metallofluorene copolymer to be carried on said substrate during testing for nitrogen containing high explosives. The copolymer is preferably a blue-photoluminescent metallofluorene copolymer, and preferably is a vinyl bridged silafluorene copolymer. A method for detecting nitrogen containing high explosives involves exposing a copolymer to an analyte, preferably by spraying the copolymer or otherwise coating the substrate after it has been exposed to analyte and then exciting the copolymer to luminesce. The copolymer is observed for fluorescence quenching, which can be through human or electronic observation. The invention also provides for synthesis of a vinyl bridged silafluorene polymer by providing diethynylmetallofluorene and dihydrosilafluorene as precursors and conducting catalytic hydrosilation of the precursors.

Abstract: Provided herein are improved fluorogenic compounds and probes that can be used as reagents for measuring, detecting and/or screening peroxynitrite. The fluorogenic compounds of the invention can produce fluorescence colors, such as green, yellow, red, or far-red. Also provided herein are fluorogenic compounds for selectively staining peroxynitrite in the mitochondria of living cells. Provided also herein are methods that can be used to measure, directly or indirectly, the presence and/or amount of peroxynitrite in chemical samples and biological samples such as cells and tissues in living organisms. Also provided are high-throughput screening methods for detecting or screening peroxynitrite or compounds that can increase or decrease the level of peroxynitrite in chemical and biological samples.

Abstract: A senor uses a transduction mechanism of attenuating electroluminescence. Luminescence from a light emitting diode is attenuated as a consequence of direct interaction of an analyte and a electroluminescent material, An electroluminescent diode sensor (EDS) is fabricated in a way that allows the electroluminescent material in the diode to be exposed to gaseous, liquid or solid sample(s) which may affect the luminescence intensity of the diode.

Abstract: This invention provides polymeric coordination compounds capable of forming three-dimensional microporous metal organic frameworks (MMOFs) that are useful for detection of explosive compounds. The polymeric coordination compounds comprise a repeating unit comprising a transition metal coordinated to at least one binding member of a bidentate binding site on each of two polyfunctional ligands and one binding site of a bis-pyridine exodentate bridging ligand, for example, the repeating unit comprising formula [Zn2(bpdc)2(bpee)] (bpdc=4,4?-biphenyldicarboxylate; bpee=1,2-bipyridylethene). Methods of preparing such polymeric coordination compounds, methods of using them for detection of explosive compounds, and sensors or sensor arrays comprising such polymeric coordination compounds for detection of explosive compounds, especially those comprising one or more nitro (—NO2) groups, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to automatically detect the presence of a substance on a test swipe by capturing a background image of the test swipe; applying one or more test chemicals to a test swipe; adjusting the temperature of the test swipe to a predetermined temperature range; capturing an in-situ image of the test swipe after the application of chemical at the predetermined temperature range; subtracting the background image from the in-situ image; generating a difference value from the two images; and searching a known database to identify the substance.

Abstract: Improved preconcentrators, particularly MEMs scale preconcentrators which possess a coating comprising polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs). There is further provided devices comprising the preconcentrator, and methods of preparation and use. There is particular benefit directed to the use of a MEMs scale heater coated with the PIMs for use in hand-held or field portable chemical detection devices. The polymer of intrinsic microporosity comprises a polymer, with a monomer repeat unit of Formula I wherein A is one or more optionally substituted aryl, heterocyclic, cycloalkyl or bicycloalkyl rings, ? is greater than 5, preferably 5 to 10000, and X may be selected from CH, CH2, O, S, N or NH.

Abstract: The invention concerns a reagent system for the so-called on-board control of analytical elements, in particular test strips, containing an organic N-oxide or a nitroso compound. The invention also concerns analytical elements containing a reagent system for a detection reaction and a reagent system for an on-board control. Furthermore, the invention concerns a method for checking analytical elements in which a reagent system for an on-board control is examined optically or electrochemically with the aid of a measuring instrument for changes which could indicate a stress of the analytical element.

Abstract: The present invention, in some aspects, relates to systems and methods for determining oxidized proteins, including nitrosylated proteins such as S-nitrosylated proteins. The systems and methods of the invention can be used in vitro (e.g., in cell or tissue culture) or in vivo. For instance, in some cases, the invention can be used to spatially determine the location and/or concentration of oxidized proteins within cells and/or tissues (e.g., through visual detection). In one set of embodiments, a nitrosylated or otherwise oxidized moiety on a protein may be reacted with a detection entity, which may be, for example, fluorescent, radioactive, electron-dense, able to bind to a signaling entity or a binding partner in order to produce a signal, etc. In some embodiments, other moieties on the protein may be altered or blocked before reaction of the protein with the detection entity.

Abstract: A chemical sensor including a substrate having at least two faces, at least one of the faces being covered by a thin film that includes a sensitive material, and a means for measuring a change in a physical property of the sensitive material; and, methods of detecting the presence of a nitro compound with the chemical sensor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a reagent system for the so-called on-board control of analytical elements, in particular test strips, containing an organic N-oxide or a nitroso compound. The invention also concerns analytical elements containing a reagent system for a detection reaction and a reagent system for an on-board control. Furthermore, the invention concerns a method for checking analytical elements in which a reagent system for an on-board control is examined optically or electrochemically with the aid of a measuring instrument for changes which could indicate a stress of the analytical element.

Abstract: A fluorescent molecular wire is provided, having a fluorescent polymer main chain to which an optically active substituent is linked so as to be conjugatable form, the optically active substituent being represented by formula (I) below: where R1 represents a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms; R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, and R9 represent independently a hydrogen atom, a linear alkyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms that may have a substituent, a branched alkyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms that may have a substituent, a cyclic alkyl group having 3 to 30 carbon atoms that may have a substituent, an aryl group having 6 to 30 carbon atoms that may have a substituent, or an aralkyl group having 7 to 30 carbon atoms that may have a substituent, and R3 and R7 may be bonded respectively to R4 and R8 to form an alkylene group having 2 to 60 carbon atoms that may have a substituent; and R10 and R11 represent independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms t

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting an S-nitrosothiol in a sample which includes treating the sample with a transition metal such as copper (I) and cysteine in the presence of a substance capable of blocking interactions between iron-containing compounds and NO and detecting the generated NO.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of at least one polymer comprising a repeating unit of formula (I): in which: X and Y=single bond or linear C1-C50 hydrocarbon group; R1 and R2=H, CN, C(Z)3, CH(Z)2, CH2Z with Z=halogen; NH2, NHR3, NR3R4 with R3, R4=halogen, CH3 or linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated C2-C20 hydrocarbon chain, optionally comprising one or more heteroatoms and/or chemical functions comprising at least one heteroatom; at least one from among R1 and R2 being ?H; or of a composite comprising this polymer and one or more conductive charges, as sensitive material in a sensor for detecting nitro compounds. Applications: Detection of explosives, control/monitoring of atmospheric pollution and of ambient air quality, monitoring of industrial sites.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting tobacco-specific nitrosamines. The method includes exposing at least one microcantilever beam to a medium, which may contain tobacco-specific nitrosamines, and measuring a deflection of the microcantilever beam, wherein the deflection indicates a presence of tobacco-specific nitrosamines in the medium. The at least one microcantilever beam can include a silicon base layer and a gold-coated receptor layer with a plurality of thiol molecules having a sulfur head and carboxyl-terminated group. The at least one microcantilever beam can include a silicon base layer and a metal or metal oxide coated receptor layer. Alternatively, the microcantilever beam can be formed by co-absorbing tobacco-specific nitrosamines and silane molecules on a silicon microcantilever surface, wherein the template molecules of tobacco-specific nitrosamines physically co-adsorb between the silane molecules.

Abstract: A method of detecting organic vapors is described. More particularly, the method involves the use of an analyte sensor that contains a polymeric material having a relatively large intrinsic porosity and that is capable of fluorescence in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The method further includes exposing the analyte sensor to an environment that may contain an organic vapor and monitoring the analyte sensor for a change in a fluorescence signal. Although the organic vapor itself typically does not fluoresce in the visible wavelength range, presence of an organic vapor can alter the fluorescence signal of the analyte sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying explosive or other target materials includes the steps of irradiating a first location and a second location spaced apart from the first location from a sample suspected of including explosives with ultraviolet, visible or infrared light, measuring reflected light emanated from the first sample location (R1) and reflected light emanated from the second sample location (R2), and calculating a normalized difference in reflectivity (?R/ R), wherein R=(R1+R2)/2 is an average reflectivity. A differential reflection spectrum (DRS) is then generated for the sample where ?R=R2?R1 is the difference of the reflectivities of the first and the second sample location. One or more explosives if present are identified in the sample based on comparing the DRS for said sample to at least one reference DRS.

Abstract: A chemical sensing apparatus and method for the detection of sub parts-per-trillion concentrations of molecules in a sample by optimizing electron utilization in the formation of negative ions is provided. A variety of media may be sampled including air, seawater, dry sediment, or undersea sediment. An electrostatic mirror is used to reduce the kinetic energy of an electron beam to zero or near-zero kinetic energy.

Abstract: A compound linked to a solid support (R) through a divalent linker moiety (X) and which is represented by the following formula: is disclosed. In particular, the 1-hydroxybenzotriazole-6-carboxylic acid is directly linked to the support under mild conditions (i.e., in aqueous or organic solvents at neutral pH and at room temperature). The polymer bound 1-hydroxybenzotriazole-6-carboxylic acid can be used for the derivatization of amines as well as for single step amino group modification of proteins, peptides, and amines via acylation or sulfonylation reactions. A flow through device and method for the single step amino group modifications of proteins, peptides, and amines is disclosed. Also disclosed is a flow through device for the detection of amines in a sample. Additionally, a device and method for the detection of amines in a sample using 1-hydroxybenzotriazole-6-carboxylic acid is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the device is used to detect the presence of amines in a spoiled meat product.

Abstract: Screening of items for the presence of contaminants, such as explosives residue, is accomplished by subjecting an item loaded into a pressure chamber to a pressure substantially in excess of atmospheric pressure conditions and rapidly decompressing the item to the ambient atmospheric pressure. The rapid decompression serves to scavenge vapors and particles from the exterior and interior of the item and any objects it contains. A sample of the vapors and particles removed from the item by the rapid decompression is sampled and is tested to determine whether a predetermined contaminant is present in the sample. Depending on the types of contaminants for which the sample is tested, it is possible to detect whether explosives, biological or chemical agents, and/or narcotics residues are present on or in the item being screened.

Abstract: A method of addressing and driving an electrode array includes the step of addressing one or more electrodes within the array using a plurality of row and column lines. In one aspect of the method, a value corresponding to a voltage is stored in a local memory associated with each electrode. The addressed electrodes are then driven at the voltages corresponding to the stored values. In another aspect of the method, a driving element associated with each addressed electrode is selectively coupled with a voltage line so as to charge the electrode with the voltage on the voltage line. The device and methods may be used in the synthesis of biopolymers such as oligonucleotides and peptides.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for selective molecular recognition, the device comprising a sensing portion, wherein said sensing portion includes a substrate having coated thereon a layer comprising a non-volatile, small molecule compound having at least two pendant and terminal unsaturated groups, each being functionalized with at least one halogen substituted alcohol or phenol functional group. The compound of the invention preferably has one of the following general formulae: wherein A is a core moiety; B is a pendant and terminal unsaturated group; q is at least 1; r is at least 2; X is a linking group; and n is an integer designating the number of repeating units from 1 to 3, with the proviso that, if n is greater than 1, then the B groups differ from each other in at least two of the repeating units. The device is used to detect the molecules of a hydrogen bond accepting vapor such as an organophosphonate or nitroaromatic vapor.

Abstract: An addressable biologic electrode array includes an array of electrodes disposed on a support, the array of electrodes being selectively addressed and driven using a memory associated with each electrode of the array, the driven electrodes being driven at one of a plurality of stimulus levels by a source of electrical current or voltage external to the array.

Abstract: A biologic electrode array is formed on a semiconductor substrate. A matrix of electrode sites is disposed on the semiconductor substrate. A matrix of optical detectors is disposed beneath the electrode sites in the semiconductor substrate, wherein each electrode site is associated with a corresponding optical detector. The optical detectors are coupled to detection circuitry formed on the semiconductor substrate. The electrode sites may include slitted electrodes, punctuated electrodes, or optically transparent electrodes.

Abstract: A compact scanning apparatus has an infrared laser adapted to emit light. The light is delivered as a beam by an optical system to illuminate an interrogation area on the surface of an object being scanned. Such illumination has sufficient intensity and duration to cause selective desorption of molecules of the contraband substance, which are present on the surface, without substantially damaging the surface. A collection system collects at least a portion of the desorbed molecules. At least a portion of the collected molecules is thermally decomposed to form NO2 and transferred to a reaction cell containing an aqueous, alkaline, luminol-containing solution. The NO2 reacts with the luminol to produce light by chemiluminescence. A light detector registers the presence of this light as indicative of the detection of the contraband substance, and activates a signaling device to provide an audible or visible alarm.

Abstract: An explosive detector that utilizes an array of molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) coated, bifurcated fiber optic cables to form an image of a target molecule source. Individual sensor fiber assemblies, each with a calibrated airflow, are used to expose the fibers to the target molecule. The detector energizes a dedicated excitation light source for each fiber, while simultaneously reading and processing the intensity of the resulting fluorescence that is indicative of the concentration of the target molecule. Processing electronics precisely controls the excitation current, and measures the detected signal from each narrow band pass filter and photodiode. A computer with display processes the data to form an image of the target molecule source that can be used to identify the source even when low level contamination of the same molecule is present. The detector can be used to detect multiple and/or non-explosive targets by varying the MIP coating.

Abstract: Screening of items for the presence of contaminants, such as explosives residue, is accomplished by subjecting an item loaded into a pressure chamber to a pressure substantially in excess of atmospheric pressure conditions and rapidly decompressing the item to the ambient atmospheric pressure. The rapid decompression serves to scavenge vapors and particles from the exterior and interior of the item and any objects it contains. A sample of the vapors and particles removed from the item by the rapid decompression is sampled and is tested to determine whether a predetermined contaminant is present in the sample. Depending on the types of contaminants for which the sample is tested, it is possible to detect whether explosives, biological or chemical agents, and/or narcotics residues are present on or in the item being screened.

Abstract: A method of addressing and driving an electrode array includes the step of addressing one or more electrodes within the array using a plurality of row and column lines. In one aspect of the method, a value corresponding to a voltage is stored in a local memory associated with each electrode. The addressed electrodes are then driven at the voltages corresponding to the stored values. In another aspect of the method, a driving element associated with each addressed electrode is selectively coupled with a voltage line so as to charge the electrode with the voltage on the voltage line. The device and methods may be used in the synthesis of biopolymers such as oligonucleotides and peptides.

Abstract: Many of the effects of nitric oxide are mediated by the direct modification of cysteine residues resulting in an adduct called a nitrosothiol. A method to detect proteins which contain nitrosothiols involves several steps. Nitrosylated cysteines are converted to tagged cysteines. Tagged proteins can then be detected, for example, by immunoblotting and/or can be purified by affinity chromatography. The method is applicable to the detection of S-nitrosylated proteins in cell lysates following in vitro S-nitrosylation, as well as to the detection of endogenous S-nitrosothiols in selected protein substrates.

Abstract: A resist pattern in accordance with a predetermined pattern is formed on a substrate. Next, a bump resist mixed with a micro metallic powder is made thicker than the resist pattern and formed on the substrate formed with the resist pattern. Continuously, the bump resist on the resist pattern is removed in the bump resist. Next, the resist pattern is removed. As a result, a bump resist pattern corresponding to the predetermined pattern remains on the substrate. Furthermore, the resist component in this bump resist pattern is removed, thereby forming a micro bump (micro projecting electrode) 8 consisting of the micro metallic powder on the substrate.

Abstract: A method for the quantitative measurement of S-nitrosothiols, e.g. S-nitrosoglutathione (RN=57564-91-7), in a biological sample comprises converting the S-nitrosothiols to nitric acid in alkaline solution (pH>10.5), reacting the nitric oxide with a spin trap, e.g. 3,5-dibromo-4-nitrosobenzene sulphonate (DBNBS), or an iron (II) complex of N-methyl-D-glucamine dithiocarbamate (MGD) else diethylcarbamate (DETC), to produce a paramagnetic adduct, and quantifying the paramagnetic adduct using EPR spectrometry. In a second method, a spin trap capable of reacting with the thiyl radical, e.g. 5-(diethoxyphosphoryl)-5-methyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide 5,5-dimethyl-1-pyrroline-N-oxide, is used. Diagnostic methods based on the quantitative measurement of S-nitrosothiols are also described.

Abstract: A biologic electrode array assembly is formed on an integrated circuit chip that includes an array of electrodes. At least one metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) switch is coupled to at least one of the electrodes within the array. A voltage line is provided that is selectively connected to the at least one electrode via the MOS switch. A voltage source is coupled to the voltage line. In one preferred aspect of the invention, the MOS switch is a CMOS switch. In another aspect of the invention, an addressable memory is associated with the at least one electrode located within the array.

Abstract: Techniques and devices for detecting and analyzing controlled substances and the like are discussed including highly reactive sensor molecules which are coated on a spectroscopic sample surface (4) and which may chemically react with a given analyte to form a covalently bonded adduct with spectral characteristics unique to the new adduct. The techniques provide the basis of a detection system with high sensitivity and high specificity in which the surface can even be washed to remove interfering or nonreactive compounds. The sensor molecules which comprise the coating (8) may have three major components: a central molecular scaffold (“CMS”), a “tether” terminated by a surface attachment group “SAG,” and a reactive functional group “RFG” which may be highly reactive towards certain classes of molecules.

Abstract: An apparatus provides for the detection, the determination of the location or the spatial distribution, and/or the quantification of an amount of a chemical species by allowing the chemical species to come into contact with a fluid medium contained in a permeable capillary, transferring the content of the capillary after the contact to a detector, and detecting the chemical species as the content of the capillary is transferred to a detector. The fluid medium can contain a selected reagent that selectively interacts with the chemical species to produce an optically detectable interaction product. The location and amount of the chemical species are determined from a characteristic of the chemical species or its interaction product measured on the content of the capillary and the time at which the characteristic is detected.

Abstract: An improved biologic electrode array and methods for manufacturing and using the same. In one aspect, a matrix of electrodes each coupled to a respective sample-and-hold circuit is provided. The electrodes and sample-and-hold circuits are integral and form an array within a single semiconductor chip, such that each sample-and-hold circuit may be loaded with a predefined voltage provided by a single, time-shared digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Further, all of the sample-and-hold circuits may be accessed through a multiplexer which may be scanned through some or all of the electrode locations. Each sample-and-hold circuit may comprise a capacitor and one or more transistor switches, the switch(es), when closed, providing electrical communication between the capacitor and a source line formed in the matrix.

Abstract: An optimum condition detection method for flip-chip bonding that facilitates simple detection of optimum pressure and heating temperature for flip-chip bonding implemented by use of bonding material is provided.

Abstract: A method for detecting nitro-containing compositions (e.g. nitrate/nitrite materials) in water samples and on solid substrates. In a water sample, ultraviolet light is applied to the sample so that dissolved nitro compositions therein will photolytically dissociate into gaseous nitrogen oxides (NO.sub.2(g) and/or NO.sub.(g)). A carrier gas is then introduced into the sample to generate a gaseous stream which includes the carrier gas combined with any gaseous nitrogen oxides. The carrier gas is thereafter directed into a detector. To detect nitro-compositions on solid substrates, ultraviolet light is applied thereto. A detector is then used to detect any gaseous nitrogen oxides which are photolytically generated during ultraviolet illumination. An optional carrier gas may be applied to the substrate during illumination to produce a gaseous stream which includes the carrier gas and any gaseous nitrogen oxides. The gaseous stream is then supplied to the detector.

Abstract: An improved biologic electrode array and methods for manufacturing and using the same. In one aspect, a matrix of electrodes each coupled to a respective sample-and-hold circuit is provided. The electrodes and sample-and-hold circuits are integral and form an array within a single semiconductor chip, such that each sample-and-hold circuit may be loaded with a predefined voltage provided by a single, timeshared digital-to-analog converter (DAC). Further, all of the sample-and-hold circuits may be accessed through a multiplexer which may be scanned through some or all of the electrode locations. Each sample-and-hold circuit may comprise a capacitor and one or more transistor switches, the switch(es), when closed, providing electrical communication between the capacitor and a source line formed in the matrix.

Abstract: The excitation of the target nitrocompound with ultraviolet radiation ress in photodissociation yielding vibrationally excited NO with significant population of the v"=1 and v"=2 levels of the ground electronic state. As the population distribution of ambient NO favors the v"=0 level, discrimination between vibrationally excited NO and ambient NO is possible by probing the NO A-X (0,0),(1,1), and (2,2) bands near 226, 224, and 222 nm, respectively, employing (1+1) resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI). Many complex nitrocompounds cannot be photolyzed near 452 nm since their absorption cross sections are relatively small. Thus, the visible laser radiation is used to facilitate the detection of ambient NO and NO from NO.sub.2 by (2+2) REMPI and to discriminate these species from more complex nitrocompound analytes. The analytical utility of the present invention has been demonstrated at several photolysis/ionization wavelengths for NO/CH.sub.3 NO.sub.2 and NO.sub.2 /CH.sub.3 NO.sub.2 mixtures.