Abstract: A Cu3Sn electrical interconnect and method of making same in an electrical device, such as for hybrid bond 3D-integration of the electrical device with one or more other electrical devices. The method of forming the Cu3Sn electrical interconnect includes: depositing a Sn layer in the via hole; depositing a Cu layer atop and in contact with the Sn layer; and heating the Sn layer and the Cu layer such that the Sn and Cu layers diffuse together to form a Cu3Sn interconnect in the via hole. During the heating, a diffusion front between the Sn and Cu layers moves in a direction toward the Cu layer as initially deposited, such that any remaining Cu layer or any voids formed during the diffusion are at an upper region of the formed Cu3Sn interconnect in the via hole, thereby allowing such voids or remaining material to be easily removed.

Abstract: A method of forming a pattern of metallic material on a substrate includes providing a plurality of void regions on a surface of the substrate. At a first temperature, a first layer of a first metallic material of a eutectic-forming pair of metallic materials is deposited on the substrate to form a conformal metallic film over the substrate and over the surfaces of the plurality of void regions. The substrate and conformal metallic film are warmed to a second temperature greater than a eutectic-liquid-formation temperature of the eutectic pair of metallic materials. At the second temperature, the second metallic material of the eutectic-forming pair of metallic materials is deposited on the conformal metallic film to initiate a eutectic-liquid-forming reaction, such that the plurality of void regions are filled with a mixture of the first and second metallic materials of the eutectic-forming pair of metallic materials.

Abstract: A through-wafer via substrate includes a substrate having an intermediate layer and a bonding layer formed on a surface of the intermediate layer. A via cavity extends through the bonding layer and into the intermediate layer, and a stress buffer liner is deposited directly on inner sidewalls and a base of the via cavity. An electrically conductive through-wafer via is disposed in the via cavity such that the stress buffer liner is interposed completely between the intermediate layer and the through-wafer via.

Abstract: Aqueous liquid which has been in contact with a subterranean geological formation, especially a hydrocarbon reservoir, is examined in order to detect or measure viscosifying polymer therein, by flowing a sample of the liquid through a constriction thereby causing extensional flow and alignment of any polymer molecules with the flow, and examining the solution for birefringence of aligned polymer molecules. The amount of birefringence is determined from intensity of light which has passed through the solution relative to intensity of the light source.

Abstract: Use of diverse biomass feedstock in a process for the recovery of target C5 and C6 alditols and target glycols via staged hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis processes is disclosed. Particular alditols of interest include, but are not limited to, xylitol and sorbitol. Various embodiments of the present invention synergistically improve overall recovery of target alditols and/or glycols from a mixed C5/C6 sugar stream without needlessly driving total recovery of the individual target alditols and/or glycols. The result is a highly efficient, low complexity process having enhanced production flexibility, reduced waste and greater overall yield than conventional processes directed to alditol or glycol production.

Abstract: Use of diverse biomass feedstock in a process for the recovery of target C5 and C6 alditols and target glycols via staged hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis processes is disclosed. Particular alditols of interest include, but are not limited to, xylitol and sorbitol. Various embodiments of the present invention synergistically improve overall recovery of target alditols and/or glycols from a mixed C5/C6 sugar stream without needlessly driving total recovery of the individual target alditols and/or glycols. The result is a highly efficient, low complexity process having enhanced production flexibility, reduced waste and greater overall yield than conventional processes directed to alditol or glycol production.

Abstract: A method of forming a pattern of metallic material on a substrate includes providing a plurality of void regions on a surface of the substrate. At a first temperature, a first layer of a first metallic material of a eutectic-forming pair of metallic materials is deposited on the substrate to form a conformal metallic film over the substrate and over the surfaces of the plurality of void regions. The substrate and conformal metallic film are warmed to a second temperature greater than a eutectic-liquid-formation temperature of the eutectic pair of metallic materials. At the second temperature, the second metallic material of the eutectic-forming pair of metallic materials is deposited on the conformal metallic film to initiate a eutectic-liquid-forming reaction, such that the plurality of void regions are filled with a mixture of the first and second metallic materials of the eutectic-forming pair of metallic materials.

Abstract: A coreflood experiment may be modeled by generating a three dimensional computer simulation model of a core plug and modeling within the three dimensional computer simulation model one or both of a fluid introduction element or a fluid extraction element of a core holder used in the coreflood experiment. Once generated, the model may be loaded and used when running a simulation to model a heterogeneous distribution of fluid flow proximate one or more faces of the core plug.

Abstract: A method for scheduling cleaning of a photovoltaic (“PV”) system is implemented by a soiling monitoring computer system. The method includes determining a soiling level and a soiling rate for a photovoltaic (PV) system, calculating a cost associated with cleaning the PV system at each of a plurality of possible cleaning times, determining an expected energy output gain associated with cleaning the PV system at each of the plurality of possible times based on the soiling level and the soiling rate, calculating an expected benefit associated with cleaning the PV system at each of the plurality of possible cleaning times based on the expected energy output gain associated with each possible cleaning time, determining a first time of the plurality of possible times when the expected benefit exceeds the cost, and scheduling a cleaning time based on at least the determined first time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring interfacial or surface tension of a first fluid dispersed in a second fluid, the method involving providing at least one substantially spherical droplet or bubble of the first fluid in a flowing stream of the second fluid in a flow channel, followed by passing the flowing stream comprising the droplet or bubble through a constriction in the flow channel, the constriction being sufficiently constricting so as to cause the droplet or bubble to deform away from its substantially spherical shape and measuring and comparing a physical property of the flowing stream both before and after the constriction, wherein the physical property changes as a result of the deformation of the droplet or bubble, and thereby inferring the interfacial or surface tension from the measured physical property.

Abstract: In order to address the above noted problems, embodiments of the present invention use distributed acoustic sensing to monitor the fluid level in an ESP activated well so as to monitor the condition and performance of the ESP. Embodiments of the invention use the ESP as an acoustic source in order to monitor the annulus fluid level within the well and to monitor the frequency of the ESP. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention may use distributed acoustic sensing to monitor the flow rates of the production fluid above and below the ESP to determine the pump's efficiency. In particular, some embodiments utilize one or more optical fibers to measure the acoustic waves generated by the ESP, wherein the fiber cabling has already been deployed along the length of the well. As such, the present invention is a non-invasive, in-situ method for monitoring the condition and performance of an ESP.

Abstract: Analytical methods and systems applied to sequential event data are disclosed. An exemplary system and method analyzes datasets containing events in a plurality of journeys. The methods and systems described analyze and quantify the relative importance of events and sequences leading to outcomes where the data is complex and interconnected. In some embodiments, a graphical user interface illustrates the quantification of these datasets. In some embodiments, the graphical user interface maps the journey paths to show the relative importance of each journey path. In some embodiments, the maps of journey paths are interactive, allowing selection of paths of interest for detailed analysis. In some embodiments, the methods and systems calculate paths similar to a journey path of interest. An exemplary method and system also provides detailed recommendations for changing events within a sequence to either increase or decrease the likelihood of achieving a selected outcome.

Abstract: Analytical methods and systems applied to a plurality of input files to understand and explain crucial factors leading to customers jumping, or hopping, from one channel to another channel. The methods and systems described may include receiving a first file associated with a first channel dataset and receiving a second file associated with a second channel dataset. The methods and systems described may include merging the two datasets based on key fields found within the metadata of the two files. In some embodiments, additional statistical metrics and measures may be applied to the merged dataset to both rank the merged events and to display the characteristics of each event within the entire merged dataset.

Abstract: A method for monitoring health of a hydraulic fluid subsystem is presented. The method includes determining a plurality of forces acting on an actuator of the hydraulic fluid subsystem, determining a plurality of parameters based on at least one of an actuator inlet flow rate, an actuator outlet flow rate, and the plurality of forces acting on the actuator, receiving a valve inlet pressure of at least one of oil and gas flowing through a pipe while entering a valve operationally coupled to the actuator and a valve outlet pressure of the at least one of the oil and the gas flowing through the pipe while flowing out of the valve, and monitoring the health of the hydraulic fluid subsystem based on at least one of the plurality of parameters, the valve inlet pressure, and the valve outlet pressure.

Abstract: Systems, tools, and methods for enhancing a measurement of a fluid in a borehole, pipe, conduit and/or the like involve an electromagnetic measurement tool that includes a transmitting antenna configured to transmit electromagnetic energy, a receiving antenna configured to receive the electromagnetic energy, and a metamaterial element comprising a negative refractive index. The metamaterial element may focus the electromagnetic energy. The electromagnetic system may comprise one or more antennas that are disposed adjacent to or in contact with the fluid, electromagnetic energy may be transmitted via the transmitting antenna, and the electromagnetic energy may be received with the receiving antenna to measure a property of the fluid.

Abstract: Use of diverse biomass feedstock in a process for the recovery of target C5 and C6 alditols and target glycols via staged hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis processes is disclosed. Particular alditols of interest include, but are not limited to, xylitol and sorbitol. Various embodiments of the present invention synergistically improve overall recovery of target alditols and/or glycols from a mixed C5/C6 sugar stream without needlessly driving total recovery of the individual target alditols and/or glycols. The result is a highly efficient, low complexity process having enhanced production flexibility, reduced waste and greater overall yield than conventional processes directed to alditol or glycol production.

Abstract: Aqueous liquid which has been in contact with a subterranean geological formation, especially a hydrocarbon reservoir, is examined in order to detect or measure viscosifying polymer therein, by flowing a sample of the liquid through a constriction thereby causing extensional flow and alignment of any polymer molecules with the flow, and examining the solution for birefringence of aligned polymer molecules. The amount of birefringence is determined from intensity of light which has passed through the solution relative to intensity of the light source.

Abstract: Systems, tools, and methods for measurement of a property of a solid body or fluid involve an electromagnetic measurement tool that includes a transmitter configured to transmit electromagnetic energy, a receiver configured to receive the electromagnetic energy, and a metamaterial element comprising a negative refractive index. The metamaterial element may focus the electromagnetic energy. The electromagnetic tool may be placed adjacent the solid body or fluid, electromagnetic energy may be transmitted via the transmitter, and the electromagnetic energy may be received with the receiver to measure a property of the solid body or fluid.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and program product may generate and/or utilize a three-dimensional computer simulation model of a core plug suitable for use in a computer-implemented general purpose reservoir simulator. Simulation studies may be performed on the simulation model to establish a water base case for the simulation model, and to establish one or more Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) chemical properties and further validate the simulation model.

Abstract: A coreflood experiment may be modeled by generating a three dimensional computer simulation model of a core plug and modeling within the three dimensional computer simulation model one or both of a fluid introduction element or a fluid extraction element of a core holder used in the coreflood experiment. Once generated, the model may be loaded and used when running a simulation to model a heterogeneous distribution of fluid flow proximate one or more faces of the core plug.