A new fiber optic technology has the potential to dramatically boost bandwidth for Internet users and providers. Widely studied in molecular biology, atomic physics, and quantum optics, optical vortices (also known as orbital angular momentum, or OAM, beams) were thought to be unstable in fiber, until Siddharth Ramachandran, an engineering professor at Boston University, recently designed an optical fiber that can propagate them.
Nanovolcanoes for drug delivery
Researchers from North Carolina State University, Raleigh, developed a method for creating “nanovolcanoes” by shining various colors of light through a nanoscale “crystal ball” made of a synthetic polymer. These nanovolcanoes can store precise amounts of other materials and hold promise for new drug-delivery technologies. The nanovolcanoes are created by placing spherical, transparent polymer nanoparticles directly onto the flat surface of a thin film.
Lightweight and impact resistant high-performance composite fiber
Innegra Technologies, Greenville, S.C., will launch its new Innegra H product line-a series of hybrid yarns for use in composite applications-at the upcoming JEC Americas Composite Show and Conference Show in Boston.
Metallurgical High Vacuum displays Survivor pumps at ASM Heat Treating Show
Metallurgical High Vacuum, Fennville, Mich., displays its Survivor pumps in Booth #1639 at the ASM Heat Treating Expo. They incorporate multiple oil filters that extend the life of the pump by removing particles and acid that are harmful. This design extends pump life and increases the return on investment significantly. They use a proven oil-sealed rotary piston design for excellent reliability even in demanding operating conditions.
Innovnano invests in facility for nanostructured powders
Innovnano, Lisbon, Portugal, has invested in a high-tech, brand new facility for production of its nanostructured powders, including 3 and 4 mol % yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ). The new site is based in a dedicated technology park in Coimbra, Portugal, and has been designed to allow high capacity expansion and industrial-scale nanotechnology, enabling the production of up to 1000 metric tons per annum.