Elvis sighting on 'porous' silicon shows promise for material's imaging uses

Article Abstract:

Chemists at the University of California at San Diego have reported making a luminescent image of Elvis Presley on a new 'porous' form of silicon that can emit light. Presley was the second image the scientists created; the first was George Washington. The material is made by using acid to etch countless tiny pores in thin films of silicon; U.K. researchers sparked excitement about the material when they first reported that shining a laser light of one color on a piece of the new silicon results in emission of light of a different color. The spongy silicon is easy to make and inexpensive. Possible applications include coupling conventional electronics with optical devices. Images are made by shining a light through conventional film negatives onto small silicon squares while etching pores; the light induces reactions that enhance the etching process, forming patterns of pores that replicate light and dark areas of the negatives. Problems include the fact that the silicon tends to oxidize in air, lessening its luminescence.

Usage, Portrayals, Product introduction, Image processing, Silicon, Optics, University of California (San Diego), Presley, Elvis, Scientific Research, New Technique, California, University of (San Diego)

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Superconductor signs improve for buckyballs

Article Abstract:

Researchers say buckyballs, or spherical molecules of carbon, may have commercial applications in superconductivity. Buckyballs, formally called buckminsterfullerene, are named after the architect Buckminster Fuller for their resemblance to the architect's geodesic domes. Researchers have found that buckyballs have superconductivity properties when mixed with potassium. Scientists are able to achieve superconductivity with buckyballs at minus 382 degrees Fahrenheit, which is higher than expected for such a compound. The recent effort is to get other elements into buckyballs so the temperature of superconductivity could rise to commercially practicable levels.

Commercial physical research, Industrial research, Physics, Superconductivity, Buckminsterfullerene, Research and Development

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Superconductor patent claim is turned down

Article Abstract:

The US Patent and Trademark Office disallows a patent claim covering high-temperature superconductivity. The decision is a disappointment for Paul C.W. Chu and his fellow researchers at the University of Houston, who want control over the '1-2-3 superconductor' and its commercial applications. Du Pont Co, which paid $4.5 million to the university for rights to the discovery, may lose money because of the decision. Attorneys representing Chu and the University of Houston plan to take the case to a federal appeals court. They also intend to pursue a patent for 'broad' claims to the technology, which are not disallowed by the patent office's decision.

Petroleum refining, Regulation misc. commercial sectors, Cases, Licensing agreements, Intellectual property, Chemical industry, E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Co., United States. Patent and Trademark Office, Superconductors, DD, High temperature superconductivity, Patent, Houston, University of, Chu, Paul C.W., University of Houston

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