Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods for increasing the degree of mixing of fluids, including under conditions of laminar flow and turbulent flow. In one embodiment, mixing of fluids using the invention's devices and methods is increased by splitting the flow of at least one of the fluids into two or more inlet channels. This is optionally followed by further splitting and merging (e.g., using one or more split and merge (SAM) mixer) the fluids.

Abstract: A method for forming a film on a conductive substrate, comprising immersing a substrate having a conductive portion in a solution comprising a metal ion ceramic precursor for the film and a peroxide; applying a voltage potential to the conductive portion with respect to a counter electrode in the solution, sufficient to protect the conductive portion from corrosion by the solution, and drive formation of a film on the substrate, controlling a pH of the solution while limiting a production of hydrogen by electrolysis of the solution proximate to the conductive portion; and maintaining the voltage potential for a sufficient duration to produce a film on the conductive portion. An electrode may be formed over the film to produce an electrical device. The film may be, for example, insulating, dielectric, resistive, semiconductive, magnetic, or ferromagnetic.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thermal interface material, comprising providing a sheet comprising nano-scale fibers, the sheet having at least one exposed surface; and stabilizing the fibers with a stabilizing material disposed in at least a portion of a void space between the fibers in the sheet. The fibers may be CNT's or metallic nano-wires. Stabilizing may include infiltrating the fibers with a polymerizable material. The polymerizable material may be mixed with nano- or micro-particles. The composite system may include two films, with the fibers in between, to create a sandwich. Each capping film may include two sub films: a palladium film closer to the stabilizing material to improve adhesion; and a nano-particle film for contact with a device to be cooled or a heat sink.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a thermal interface material, comprising providing a sheet comprising nano-scale fibers, the sheet having at least one exposed surface; and stabilizing the fibers with a stabilizing material disposed in at least a portion of a void space between the fibers in the sheet. The fibers may be CNT's or metallic nano-wires. Stabilizing may include infiltrating the fibers with a polymerizable material. The polymerizable material may be mixed with nano- or micro-particles. The composite system may include two films, with the fibers in between, to create a sandwich. Each capping film may include two sub films: a palladium film closer to the stabilizing material to improve adhesion; and a nano-particle film for contact with a device to be cooled or a heat sink.

Abstract: A bi- or multi-layer coating is deposited upon a substrate using a low temperature process. The bi-layer is a lower layer of a SAM coating, which is overlaid with a hard coating. The hard coating can be made of materials such as: polymer, Si3N4, BN, TiN, SiO2, Al2O3, ZrO2, YSZ, and other ceramic materials, and the underlying, compliant, SAM coating can comprise substances containing long chain molecules that chemically bond to the substrate. This bi-layer provides both environmental and hermetical protection to electronic hardware and MEMS systems, without employing expensive packaging materials and processes. Multiple bi-layers may be combined to form multi-layer coatings. A protective polymer or other material may optionally be formed as an outside layer.