Abstract:
Disclosed is a class of light modulating materials comprising microdomains of ferroelectric smectic liquid crystal dispersed in a light-transmissive polymer medium. The microdomains are formed by phase separation of the liquid crystal from solution with the polymer as the polymer is solidified. The switching of the liquid crystal may be either monostable or multistable (e.g., bistable), depending on the liquid crystal and polymer. The material modulates light in either a scattering-transmissive mode or a birefringence mode. Materials operating in the scattering-transmissive mode do not require polarizers. Advantages of the materials include switching times down to the order of microseconds or less, multistable optical states, wide viewing angles and high contrast.
Abstract:
A framework for managing a lifecycle of a program in an organization is provided. The framework includes a process module, a guiding module, a program lifecycle mapping module, and a matrix module. The process module provides a plurality of process guidelines for the one or more stages of the project management lifecycle. Further, the process module includes a strategic planning module, a financial management module, a risk management module, an organization change management module, a stake holder management module, a knowledge management module, a contractual compliance module, a governance module and a program setup module. The guiding module integrates a plurality of organizational attributes with the process guidelines of the process module. The program lifecycle mapping module maps the plurality of process guidelines with the one or more stages of the life cycle. The matrix module provides assignment of program management roles to one or more participants.
Abstract:
In one illustrative embodiment, a computer-implemented method for application-aware recording and replay of changes is provided. The computer implemented method executes an application in a source system to form a first domain context, and generates recorded information objects from the application in the first domain context. The computer-implemented method selects a target system having a second domain context, and replays the recorded information objects on the target system to form new information objects in the second domain context. The new information objects are returned to a requester.
Abstract:
An electro-optical device including a biaxial liquid crystal having a primary and secondary director is provided. A change in orientation of at least one of the directors due to an applied electric field produces a change in the optical state of the device. Response times are increased dramatically over uniaxial nematic based liquid crystal devices, offering improved performance and efficiency.
Abstract:
Plasma-assisted methods and apparatus that use multiple radiation sources are provided. In one embodiment, a plasma is ignited by subjecting a gas in a radiation cavity to electromagnetic radiation having a frequency less than about 333 GHz in the presence of a plasma catalyst, which may be passive or active. A controller can be used to delay activation of one radiation source with respect to another radiation source.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for plasma-assisted gas production. In one embodiment, a gas, which includes at least one atomic or molecular species, can flow into a cavity (305). The gas can be subjected to electromagnetic radiation having a frequency less than about 333 GHz (optionally in the presence of a plasma catalyst) such that a plasma (310) forms in the cavity (305). A filter (315) capable of passing the atomic or molecular species, but preventing others from passing, can be in fluid communication with the cavity (305). In this way, the selected species can be extracted and collected, for storage or immediate use.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for igniting, modulating, and sustaining a plasma for synthesizing carbon structures. In one embodiment, a method is provided for synthesizing a carbon structure including forming a plasma by subjecting a gas to electromagnetic radiation in the presence of a plasma catalyst and adding at least one carbonaceous material to the plasma to grow the carbon structures on a substrate. Various types of plasma catalysts are also provided.
Abstract:
An electro-optical device including a biaxial liquid crystal having a primary and secondary director is provided. A change in orientation of at least one of the directors due to an applied electric field produces a change in the optical state of the device. Response times are increased dramatically over uniaxial nematic based liquid crystal devices, offering improved performance and efficiency.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for igniting, modulating, and sustaining a plasma for at least partially decrystallizing a surface of an object. In one embodiment, a method is provided for decrystallizing a surface of an object by forming a plasma (such as by subjecting a gas to an amount of electromagnetic radiation, optionally in the presence of a plasma catalyst) and exposing the surface of the object to the plasma.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for plasma-assisted melting are provided. In one embodiment, a plasma-assisted melting method can include: (1) adding a solid to a melting region, (2) forming a plasma in a cavity by subjecting a gas to electromagnetic radiation having a frequency less than about 333 GHz in the presence of a plasma catalyst, wherein the cavity has a wall, (3) sustaining the plasma in the cavity such that energy from the plasma passes through the wall into the melting region and melts the solid into a liquid, and (4) collecting the liquid. Solids that can be melted consistent with this invention can include metals, such as metal ore and scrap metal. Various plasma catalysts are also provided.