An imaging lens structure and method of imaging are presented. The imaging lens structure comprising a lens region defining an effective aperture of the lens structure. The lens region comprises an arrangement of lens zones distributed within the lens region and comprising zones of at least two different optical functions differently affecting light passing therethrough. The zones of at least two different optical functions are arranged in an interlaced fashion along said lens region corresponding to a surface relief of the lens region such that adjacent lens zones of different optical functions are spaced apart from one another along an optical axis of the lens structure a distance larger than a coherence length of light at least one spectral range for which said lens structure is designed.

An optical processor is presented for applying optical processing to a light field passing through a predetermined imaging lens unit. The optical processor comprises a pattern in the form of spaced apart regions of different optical properties. The pattern is configured to define a phase coder, and a dispersion profile coder. The phase coder affects profiles of Through Focus Modulation Transfer Function (TFMTF) for different wavelength components of the light field in accordance with a predetermined profile of an extended depth of focusing to be obtained by the imaging lens unit. The dispersion profile coder is configured in accordance with the imaging lens unit and the predetermined profile of the extended depth of focusing to provide a predetermined overlapping between said TFMTF profiles within said predetermined profile of the extended depth of focusing.

An imaging lens structure and method of imaging are presented. The imaging lens structure comprising a lens region defining an effective aperture of the lens structure. The lens region comprises an arrangement of lens zones distributed within the lens region and comprising zones of at least two different optical functions differently affecting light passing therethrough. The zones of at least two different optical functions are arranged in an interlaced fashion along said lens region corresponding to a surface relief of the lens region such that adjacent lens zones of different optical functions are spaced apart from one another along an optical axis of the lens structure a distance larger than a coherence length of light at least one spectral range for which said lens structure is designed.

A phase-adjusting element configured to provide substantially liquid-invariant extended depth of field for an associated optical lens. One example of a lens incorporating the phase-adjusting element includes the lens having surface with a modulated relief defining a plurality of regions including a first region and a second region, the first region having a depth relative to the second region, and a plurality of nanostructures formed in the first region. The depth of the first region and a spacing between adjacent nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures is selected to provide a selected average index of refraction of the first region, and the spacing between adjacent nanostructures of the plurality of nanostructures is sufficiently small that the first region does not substantially diffract visible light.

The present invention relates to a method for preparing a magnetic iron oxide-graphene composite, a magnetic iron oxide-graphene composite prepared thereby and a composition for electromagnetic wave shielding including the same, and since graphene is prepared from a stage 1-GIC using FeCl.sub.3, magnetic particles in the form of FeO.sub.x are naturally formed on the surface of graphene during the preparation process. In addition, a magnetic material is formed on the surface of graphene while the defects of graphene are minimized, and thus the magnetic iron oxide-graphene composite prepared according to the present invention can be useful as an electromagnetic wave absorber.

A system and method for providing fertilizer for crop production in an aqueous solution comprising nano-sized fertilizer particles, which are free of any chemical side chain and free any micelle to protect the nano-sized particle from re-agglomeration, suspended therein for improved uptake by the population of the crop.

A polarizer that includes a substrate, and a metal grating formed on the substrate that includes a metal nano-wire array arranged in a predetermined direction.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides amphiphilic nanosheets that comprise lamellar crystals with at least two regions: a first hydrophilic region and a second hydrophobic region. In some embodiments, the amphiphilic nanosheets of the present invention also comprise a plurality of functional groups that are appended to the lamellar crystals. In some embodiments the functional groups are hydrophobic functional groups that are appended to the second region of the lamellar crystals. In some embodiments, the lamellar crystals comprise -zirconium phosphates. Additional embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods of making the aforementioned amphiphilic nanosheets. Such methods generally comprise appending one or more functional groups to a stack of lamellar crystals; and exfoliating the stack of lamellar crystals for form the amphiphilic nanosheets.

A method of preparing a metal nanorod. The method includes seeding a metal nanoparticle within the lumen of a nanotube, and growing a metal nanorod from the seeded metal nanoparticle to form a metal nanorod-nanotube composite. In some cases, the nanotube includes metal binding ligands attached to the inner surface. Growing of the metal nanorod includes incubating the seeded nanotube in a solution that includes: a metal source for the metal in the metal nanorod, the metal source including an ion of the metal; a coordinating ligand that forms a stable complex with the metal ion; a reducing agent for reducing the metal ion, and a capping agent that stabilizes atomic monomers of the metal. Compositions derived from the method are also provided.

Methods of ex situ synthesis of graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide, other graphene derivative structures and nanoparticles useful as polishing agents are disclosed. Compositions and methods for polishing, hardening, protecting, adding longevity to, and lubricating moving and stationary parts in devices and systems, including, but not limited to, engines, turbos, turbines, tracks, races, wheels, bearings, gear systems, armor, heat shields, and other physical and mechanical systems employing machined interacting hard surfaces through the use of nano-polishing agents formed in situ from lubricating compositions and, in some cases, ex situ and their various uses are also disclosed.