Methods and Apparatuses for Cross-Ontologial Analytics
This invention disclosure presents a method and system that exploits the impact that Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) exert on gene products through receptor binding to refine the predictive power of Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSAR) modeling in identifying EDCs and to discover biomarkers associated with identified EDCs. The approach focuses on two main tasks: . Develop a framework to assess the toxicity of chemicals in terms of their impact at the gene/protein level . Use the impact of chemicals at the gene/protein level to identify biomarkers.
Two Dimensional Meta-Material Windows
We have developed a novel 2D meta-material film that is designed to gather light from any direction perpendicular to the active direction and direct it along a path set by the design of the meta-material. We expect that these simple films may be used in a crossed geometry to provide light direction from any angle. These meta-materials are designed to work in the visible wavelengths and may be used as passive light gathering films for solar power devices or daylighting applications. These films would supplant bulky and expensive mirrored shelves or active solar tracking devices.
TOROIDAL MULTIPASS ABSORPTION DEVICE
U.S. Patent No. 7,876,443 and references therein discloses a method of creating a multipass cell having a toroidal configuration in which light is injected into the cavity via a hole or penetration into the wall of the reflective toroidal surface. Subsequent to this, a similar cavity is described in the scientific literature that provides additional design guidance for constructing a typical cell.[i],[ii] Both of the referenced papers also describe an absorbing mask that is placed against the cell wall to suppress unwanted reflections which the authors state contribute to coherent noise, often referred to as 'fringing" as the main laser beam interferes with stray reflections that can occur if the launch angle into the cell does not adhere to the value determined by the design equations. These interference patterns contribute noise to the desired signal and degrade the instrument's sensitivity. We disclose an alternate method of injecting light into a toroidal multipass cell using a small mirror (either plane or with optical power) affixed to the wall of the cell in place of a hole or penetration. This approach simplifies construction and offers a path to reduced construction costs and potential replication methods such as casting, injection molding, 3D printing, electroforming or metal spinning. [i] B. Tuzson, M. Mangold, H. Looser, A. Manninen, and L. Emmenegger, 'Compact multipass optical cell for laser spectroscopy", Opt. Lett., Vol 38 (3), 257-259 (2013) [ii] M. Mangold, B. Tuzson, M. Hundt, J. Jagerska, H. Looser, and L. Emmenegger, 'Circular paraboloid reflection cell for laser spectroscopic gas analysis", JOSA A, Vol. 33 (5), 913-919 (2016). U.S. Patent No. 7,876,443 and references therein discloses a method of creating a multipass cell having a toroidal configuration in which light is injected into the cavity via a hole or penetration into the wall of the reflective toroidal surface. Subsequent to this, a similar cavity is described in the scientific literature that provides additional design guidance for constructing a typical cell.[i],[ii] Both of the referenced papers also describe an absorbing mask that is placed against the cell wall to suppress unwanted reflections which the authors state contribute to coherent noise, often referred to as 'fringing" as the main laser beam interferes with stray reflections that can occur if the launch angle into the cell does not adhere to the value determined by the design equations. These interference patterns contribute noise to the desired signal and degrade the instrument's sensitivity. We disclose an alternate method of injecting light into a toroidal multipass cell using a small mirror (either plane or with optical power) affixed to the wall of the cell in place of a hole or penetration. This approach simplifies construction and offers a path to reduced construction costs and potential replication methods such as casting, injection molding, 3D printing, electroforming or metal spinning. [i] B. Tuzson, M. Mangold, H. Looser, A. Manninen, and L. Emmenegger, 'Compact multipass optical cell for laser spectroscopy", Opt. Lett., Vol 38 (3), 257-259 (2013) [ii] M. Mangold, B. Tuzson, M. Hundt, J. Jagerska, H. Looser, and L. Emmenegger, 'Circular paraboloid reflection cell for laser spectroscopic gas analysis", JOSA A, Vol. 33 (5), 913-919 (2016).
High-Performance Computing Helps Grid Operators Manage Increasing Complexity
Making sure there’s enough electricity at the lowest price is a critical endeavor undertaken daily by electricity market operators. Now, there’s an approach that provides more timely and accurate information to make day-ahead decisions.
PDX and PNNL Explore Hydrogen Fueling for Hazard Resilience
PDX, PNNL, and Sandia National Laboratories are exploring the feasibility of hydrogen fuel for the PDX bus fleet—an idea that could have novel benefits for hazard resilience.
Ken Ross
Cut U.S. Commercial Building Energy Use 29% with Widespread Controls
The U.S. could slash its energy use by the equivalent of what is currently used by 12 to 15 million Americans if commercial buildings fully used energy-efficiency controls nationwide.
Marine Energy for Aquaculture
Research efforts at PNNL to co-locate marine energy with aquaculture developments for more sustainable operations.