Process for Preparing Group IB-IIIA-Via Semiconducting Films
Methods
are provided for the production of supported monophasic group I-III-VI
semiconductor films. In the subject methods, a substrate is coated with group I
and III elements and then contacted with a reactive group VI element containing
atmosphere under conditions sufficient to produce a substrate coated with a
composite of at least two different group I-III-IV alloys. The resultant
composite coated substrate is then annealed in an inert atmosphere under
conditions sufficient to convert the composite coating to a monophasic group
I-III-VI semiconductor film. The resultant supported semiconductor films find
use in photovoltaic applications, particularly as absorber layers in solar
cells.
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Method and Apparatus for Spread Spectrum Image Steganography (Jointly owned with the Army)
The Spread Spectrum Image Steganography (SSIS) of the
present invention is a data hiding/secret communication steganographic system
which uses digital imagery as a cover signal. SSIS provides the ability to hide
a significant quantity of information bits within digital images while avoiding
detection by an observer. The message is recovered with low error probability
due the use of error control coding. SSIS payload is, at a minimum, an order of
magnitude greater than of existing watermarking methods. Furthermore, the
original image is not needed to extract the hidden information. The proposed
recipient need only possess a key in order to reveal the secret message. The
very existence of the hidden information is virtually undetectable by human or
computer analysis. Finally, SSIS provides resiliency to transmission noise,
like that found in a wireless environment and low levels of compression.
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Method of Simultaneous Frequency-Sweeping Lifetime Measurements on Multiple Excitation Wavelengths
Concurrent Lifetime Measurements via Multi-Wavelength ExcitationNon-Confidential Summary Background: Real-time studying of signaling pathways in cells is limited by our inability to perform Föster resonant energy transfer (FRET) imaging among four or more fluorescent labels. Although two-label FRET imaging is routinely used in research, imaging FRET between more than two fluorophores remains highly challenging. Since some FRET complexes share common labels, separating signals solely by intensity analysis of their spectral properties is impossible. Lifetime analysis...
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Gas-Coupled Laser Acoustic Detection
The
investigation, development and application of a laser based ultrasonic
inspection system to the problems of evaluating polymer/graphite composite
materials has been realized. The use of lasers to generate and detect
ultrasonic waveforms in materials provides a means to detect material
properties remotely. The study consisted of three main aspects: 1) A confocal
Fabry-Perot (CFP) based system has been devolved which uses light reflected
from the CFP interferometer to derive the ultrasonic signal. This allows higher
frequency components of the detected waveforms to be discerned when compared to
a CFP-based system using light transmitted through the CFP interferometer. 2)
Thermoelastic and ablative laser generation of acoustic pulses in polymer/graphite
composite materials has been investigated. Thermoelastic generation of
ultrasound occurs when thermal energy deposited by a pulsed laser creates a
localized expansion
in the material. Ablative generation of ultrasound results from the creation of
a plasma above the surface when the laser pulse surpasses an intensity
threshold. 3) A novel technique, designated Gas-Coupled Laser Acoustic
Detection (GCLAD), has been realized, in which the ultrasonic wave is detected
optically after it has been transmitted from sample to air. This technique has
the advantage of being independent of surface reflectivity and optical
smoothness, and has comparable sensitivity to the CFP-based system.
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Real Time-Determination of Interconnnect Metrology Using Binary Computer Generated Programs
Holographic
test structures on a semiconductor wafer are used to provide real-time analysis
of upstream fabrication processing parameters. The test structures comprise
reflective segments within multiple cells on the test structure. The size
and placement of the reflective segments within the cells are determined by
diffraction theory in such a way that a desired image is projected from the
test structure. The intensity, sharpness, and shape of the image is used as a direct
measure of the upstream fabrication process parameters.
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Multilayered YSZ/GCO structure for intermediate temperature fuel cell applications
Background: Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) create
electric current by ionic conduction from a cathode through the electrolyte to
the anode. In order to achieve ionic conduction, the fuel cell temperature must
typically reach very high temperatures, generally from 800°C to
1000°C.
Problem: These operating temperatures necessitate
the use of very expensive ceramic materials for cell interconnects and cause
undue thermal degradation of the device. Safety may also be an issue due to the
high operating temperature of the SOFC.
Solution:
Scientists at the University of Te...
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Fatty Amino Acid Derivatives
Invention
Description:
University of
Texas at San Antonio scientists have developed lipid analogs derived from
asparagine, cysteine, and serine.
The selection of amino acid and fatty components used in the assembly of
these compounds enables the preparation of compositions with targeted properties
for specific applications.
Background:
Our UTSA
laboratories are investigating applications for this chemistry. One sample with
fatty chains of 11 and 17 carbons was employed by colleagues at the UTHSCSA in
liposome preparations. This analog was compatible with the formulation o...
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Lab-On-A-Robot (Autonomous Mobile Micro-chip Capillary Electrophoresis)
Invention
Description:
LOAR2 is a fully integrated mobile platform
that can perform remotely controlled chemical analysis using microchip capillary
electrophoresis. It includes the first portable potentiostat capable of
wirelessly performing both direct-current amperometry as well as pulsed
amperometric detection. The system described here is able to travel to a
specific location using GPS and compass data, perform an analysis autonomously
and send the data (electropherogram) to a remote station.
Background:
Historically, chemical agents have been
analyzed by gas chromatogr...
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Novel Method & Materials for Advanced Imaging
Tissue/tumor imaging for diagnostic purposes has been an
important focus of researchers across the country, who are continually searching
for better imaging methods as well as new imaging agents. Not only may such
agents allow for better surgical precision but may also provide future
opportunities for non-surgical therapeutics as well. Porphyrin-based compounds
are commonly used for imaging, detection and diagnosis of tissues, however, the
major drawback with them includes collateral photodamage to healthy tissue.
Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a
platform of no...
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Helper Plasmids For Rescuing Recombinant Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Application
Helper plasmids to genetically engineer or rescue RSV for vaccine development and research.
Key Benefits
Can be used in conjunction with bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) plasmid containing the anti-genomic sequence of RSV for directed mutations of the virus (see Emory Tech 11064).
Optimized to increase expression in mammalian cells.
Market Summary
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a ubiquitous respiratory pathogen worldwide. It is the most common cause of severe lower respiratory tract disease among infants and young children worldwide, with about 160, 000 deaths annuall...
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