Ion implantation system and process for ultrasensitive determination of target isotopes
A system and process are disclosed for ultrasensitive determination of target isotopes of analytical interest in a sample. Target isotopes may be implanted in an implant area on a high-purity substrate to pre-concentrate the target isotopes free of contaminants. A known quantity of a tracer isotope may also be implanted. Target isotopes and tracer isotopes may be determined in a mass spectrometer. The present invention provides ultrasensitive determination of target isotopes in the sample.
METHODS OF RESOLVING ARTIFACTS IN HADAMARD-TRANSFORMED DATA
A method of validating data produced from a multiplexing process on an analytical instrument is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes using a pseudorandom sequence to encode a multiplexed segment of data; applying Hadamard transform to generate a demultiplexed segment of the data; aligning the pseudorandom sequence to the multiplexed data; and calculating a score for at least one positive value in the demultiplexed segment to find a valid demultiplexed value..
COMPUTING SYSTEM OPERATIONAL METHODS AND APPARATUS (iEdison No. 0685901-17-0010)
Segmentation is a fundamental design principle enabling secure cyber system development. This invention enables a level of segmentation heretofore not possible. This invention leverages and integrates the techniques of host based containerization and network partitioning by creating features within host that attach network labels to communication leaving the host that provides context information including the application, user/role, and/or business process that generated the data. Network segmentation capabilities then utilize that labeling information to provide logical separation of traffic such that applications/business processes appear to be on independent networks. This invention is the technique and technology that integrates the host containers with the network segmentation by providing a mechanism to intercept and label traffic coming from containers to enable network segmentation tools work efficiently and effectively. This is done through software that runs on the host the is a shim between the container and the network interface (a driver in the hypervisor, another container with host based routing, software running in the hypervisor, etc). This software is configured with parameters of information about the container it is attached to so that it can properly generate the network labeling to enable a network segmentation topology to segment traffic between software running on hosts (Cisco ISE, Software defined networking/openflo, etc). Finally, this technology allows for dynamic actions to reduce security risk. If a risk is found, through any myriad of cyber or physical sensors, policies could be enabled that dynamically alter how the network segmentation behaves; i.e. blackhole some communication, send communication to a honeypot instead of real system, increase logging/sensoring on traffic, introduce latency/cost to traffic, etc.
Devise for Separating Non-Ions From Ions (iEdison No. 0685901-13-0009, NIH)
A device for separating non-ions from ions is disclosed. The device includes a plurality of electrodes positioned around a center axis of the device and having apertures therein through which the ions are transmitted. An inner diameter of the apertures varies in length. At least a portion of the center axis between the electrodes is non-linear.
Real-time 2D-sparse-array microwave or millimeter-wave imaging systems and techniques (iEdison No. 0685901-20-0040)
The microwave or millimeter-wave imaging systems and techniques described in this invention disclosure form the basis for highly effective, real-time, near-field, imaging systems that may be used for security screening of concealed objects and many other applications. The imaging array architecture uses a sparse array configuration that builds upon established multistatic boundary array methods to allow formation of high-resolution imaging arrays that require only a modest number of antenna elements and simplified signal distribution networks. Our approach differs from established methods by expanding the versatility of the approach to non-planar configurations, providing greater modularity, supporting very wide bandwidth operation, operating effectively in the near field of the arrays, while simultaneously providing more efficient image formation. This modular multistatic sparse array architecture coupled with the efficient image reconstruction algorithm has been demonstrated in a fully operational 2D array imaging configuration designed for personnel security screening. This real-time system produces high-resolution imagery at 23 frames per second.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ION MOBILITY SEPARATIONS UTILIZING ALTERNATING CURRENT WAVEFORMS (iEdison No. 0685901-15-0003)
We developed a new device that can be utilized to perform efficient and versatile control of ion motion in the gas phase. The new device can be used to perform high resolution gas-phase ion mobility separation. The device can be also utilized to perform variety of ion manipulations such as trapping, switching, dissociation, reactions, etc. The ion manipulations are performed between two surfaces where appropriate RF and DC fields are applied to control the ion motion. The new device utilizes arrays of electrodes on two or more surfaces where a transient DC waveform is applied to array of DC electrodes to propel and control ions through the device. In one embodiment the confinement of ions inside the device is achieved by applying a radio frequency (RF) waveform to array of electrodes that are inserted between the arrays of DC electrodes. The new device allows flexibility of laying different electrode arrangements to perform different ion manipulations. A proof-of-concept experiment demonstrated an extremely high mobility resolution in a platform of a small footprint. The new device also allows the construction of extended 3 dimensional structures as well as miniaturization with ease.
System and Method for High Precision Isotope Ratio Destructive Analysis
The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is developing an unattended safeguards instrument concept, combining continuous aerosol particulate collection with uranium isotope assay, to provide timely analysis of enrichment levels within low enriched uranium (LEU) facilities. This approach is based on laser vaporization of aerosol particulate samples, followed by wavelength tuned laser diode spectroscopy, to characterize the uranium isotopic ratio by subtle differences in atomic absorption wavelengths. Environmental sampling media from an integrated aerosol collector is automatically introduced into a small, reduced pressure chamber, where a focused pulsed laser vaporizes a 10 to 20-µm sample diameter. The ejected plasma forms a plume of atomic vapor. Tunable diode lasers are directed through the plume and each isotope is detected by monitoring absorbance signals on a shot-to-shot basis. The media is translated by a micron resolution scanning system to fully characterize the sample surface. Single-shot detection sensitivity approaching the femtogram range and relative isotope ratio uncertainty better than 10% has been demonstrated with surrogate materials. In this paper we present measurement results on samples containing background materials (e.g., dust, minerals, soils) laced with micron-sized target particles having isotopic ratios ranging from 1 to 50%.
CURVED ION MOBILITY ARCHITECTURE (iEdison No. 0685901-21-0089, NIH Grant No. GM130709)
Ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) has been increasingly utilized for the analysis of a variety of molecules and for a myriad of applications that range from the detection of explosives to disease biomarkers. The utility of IMS is largely determined by its resolving power, or in other words, its ability to distinguish molecular signatures from each other and noise. Since the resolving power is determined by the ion path length. Increasing the path length in IMS, however, comes with the challenge of the instrument footprint and the ability to construct such instruments for benchtop and field applications. In this disclosure, we describe a device and a method to substantially increase the path length of the IMS device with minimal change to its footprint or its operating conditions. In one embodiment, ions can be manipulated in the gap between 2 or more concentric surfaces where ions after traveling through an ion path defined by 2 concentric surfaces move to the next ion path defined by 2 other concentric surfaces. In this manner, while the circular surface provides the most compact form, the ion path length is extended. The helical path is advantageous in that it maximizes the available space for path length and also avoids the use of u-turns to move ions. In another embodiment, 2 parallel surfaces with a gap between them are coiled into a helical shape. The helical path length can be continuous throughout the entire device so ions movement from one gap to the next is seamless and avoids field discontinuity that causes ion losses and/or resolving power. In a third embodiment, a single surface with electrodes patterned on both sides of the surface is coiled into itself such that a gap is created where the appropriate potentials are applied to manipulate ions. The path length as defined by 2 concentric surfaces can be a serpentine, helical, or combination of both. Electric fields used in these embodiments are a combination of oscillatory and static nature that act to confine ions preventing their losses and propelling ions through the entire device. These embodiments allow for extending the path length and therefore the resolving power of IMS in a compact footprint.
BETAVOLTAICS WITH ABSORBER LAYER CONTAINING COATED SCINTILLATING PARTICLES
A beta-voltaic device made up of silica covered scintillating particles incorporated within an isotope absorbing layer to produce an improved power source. Lost beta particles are converted to UV light which is also converted to power in a beta-voltaic converter. The addition of the scintillating particles effectively increases the power efficiency of a BV device while maintaining the slim profile and smaller size of the power source. This arrangement makes possible implementation in space, defense, intelligence, medical implants, marine biology and other applications.
Method and Apparatus for selective Capture of Gas Phase Analytes Using Metal Beta-Diketonate Polymers
We have demonstrated for the first time the selective capture of explosives in the gas phase on metal beta-diketonate polymers (see attached in-press publication). We are now incorporating these polymers into analytical formats such as SPME, capillary column coatings, bundled capillary interfaces, and sorbent sampling cartridges. The proof-of-principle experiment below focuses on SPME sampling. Experiments to investigate a variety of other formats are in progress. Our eventual goal is to incorporate the most promising formats into field-portable analytical systems.