# Key Points from IRC Log (Nov 4, 2012)

* Discussion about sourcing zeolite molecular sieves (3A, 4A, X13) for water collection from air, with suggestions to contact Chinese manufacturers for free samples or purchase from specialty suppliers at prices ranging from $14-25/kg compared to wholesale prices of $1.4/kg.

* A user shared a potential low-cost source for zeolite at $1/kg: "Sweet PDZ Stall Freshener" (typically used for horse stalls), suggesting creative sourcing for DIY projects.

* Detailed technical conversation about using Focused Ion Beam (FIB) technology to create lithography masters for microfluidics, with discussion about reducing edge "jaggies" through chemical etching or process modifications.

* Proposal to create variable pitch diffraction gratings using FIB technology, following a chirp function where wavelength changes while maintaining 50% duty cycle, for potential optical trinkets or art pieces.

* Brief mention of a service creating microscopic text (entire Bible in ~1 sq inch) using FIB technology, with replication possible via hot plate and polystyrene, suggesting potential commercial applications.

* Link shared to NanoString Technologies (nanostring.com), a company developing molecular analysis tools, though without further context or discussion.