Abstract: A method for preparing an alignment layer surface provides a surface on the alignment layer. The surface is bombarded with ions, and reactive gas is introduced to the ion beam to saturate dangling bonds on the surface. Another method for preparing an alignment layer surface provides a surface on the alignment layer. The surface is bombarded with ions and quenched with a reactive component to saturate dangling bonds on the surface.

Abstract: A method to selectively metallize polyimide with an all-electroless process.

Abstract: A method for preparing an alignment layer surface provides a surface on the alignment layer. The surface is bombarded with ions, and reactive gas is introduced to the ion beam to saturate dangling bonds on the surface. Another method for preparing an alignment layer surface provides a surface on the alignment layer. The surface is bombarded with ions and quenched with a reactive component to saturate dangling bonds on the surface.

Abstract: A method for preparing an alignment layer surface provides a surface on the alignment layer. The surface is bombarded with ions, and reactive gas is introduced to the ion beam to saturate dangling bonds on the surface. Another method for preparing an alignment layer surface provides a surface on the alignment layer. The surface is bombarded with ions and quenched with a reactive component to saturate dangling bonds on the surface.

Abstract: A light guide system has a light guide having a first end portion opposite a second end portion. The light guide provides a first surface and a second surface between the first and second end portions, and the second surface is inclined relative to the first surface. A light source is disposed along the first end portion on a first axis. A light redistribution device is disposed on an entrance of the light guide for receiving light from the light source and redistributing a portion of the light perpendicular to the first axis to provide a uniform light distribution from the first surface.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display system comprises a lamp providing illumination, a beam splitter for redirecting the illumination, and a light valve comprising an ion beam treated diamond like carbon inorganic film deposited over the substrate, wherein the inorganic film is patterned asymmetrically, having surface carbon atoms forming ridges for aligning liquid crystal, wherein the light valve reflects an illumination through the redirecting beam splitter. The system further comprises a violet-blocking long-pass filter positioned between the lamp and the beam splitter, and a short-pass trim filter positioned between the lamp and the beam splitter.

Abstract: A method for preparing an alignment layer surface provides a surface on the alignment layer. The surface is bombarded with ions, and reactive gas is introduced to the ion beam to saturate dangling bonds on the surface. Another method for preparing an alignment layer surface provides a surface on the alignment layer. The surface is bombarded with ions and quenched with a reactive component to saturate dangling bonds on the surface.

Abstract: An X-ray mask pellicle is capable of protecting the X-ray mask from contaminants and the wafer from contact with the X-ray absorber material of the mask. The X-ray mask pellicle is sufficiently thin to allow X-ray exposure at the required mask to wafer gaps yet is sufficiently durable, replaceable, tough and X-ray resistant to be used in X-ray lithography. A thin (organic or inorganic) X-ray mask pellicle to be placed covering the X-ray mask pattern area is fabricated as a thin film and attached to a support ring. A selected area of the pellicle film, tailored to cover the absorber pattern in the X-ray mask, is etched to decrease its thickness to below 2 .mu.m. If the thin film of the pellicle is not itself conductive, a thin conductive film may be coated on both sides. In an alternative embodiment, the separation between the pellicle and the X-ray mask can be achieved by forming the mask with a stepped profile.

Abstract: A projection display which includes reflective light valves such as liquid crystal spatial light modulators, and a 1.times. optical relay lens system. The 1.times. optical relay lens system eliminates the requirement for a projection lens having a large retrofocus distance. Projection displays based upon reflective liquid crystal light valves (spatial light modulators) require dichroic beam splitters necessary for color separation and a polarizing beam splitter necessary for light valve operation positioned between the light valves and the projection lens. The 1.times. optical relay lens produces a relayed intermediate image of the light valves, and incorporates therein the dichroic beam splitters and the polarizing beam splitter. The 1.times. optical relay lens produces an intermediate image which is projected by the projection lens at a given magnification with minimal working distance, which results in relatively less residual lateral color and an inexpensive projection lens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of depositing a diamond-like carbon film onto a substrate by low temperature plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) from a hydrocarbon/helium plasma. More specifically, the diamond-like carbon films of the present invention are deposited onto the substrate by employing acetylene which is heavily diluted with helium as the plasma gas. The films formed using the process of the present invention are characterized as being amorphous and having dielectric strengths comparable to those normally observed for diamond films. More importantly, however is that the films produced herein are thermally stable, optically transparent, absorbent in the ultraviolet range and hard thus making them extremely desirable for a wide variety of applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for releasing a workpiece from a substrate including providing a substrate which is transparent to a predetermined wavelength of electromagnetic radiation; forming, on the substrate, a separation layer which degrades in response to the predetermined radiation; providing the workpiece on the separation layer; and directing the predetermined radiation at the separation layer through the transparent substrate so as to degrade the separation layer and to separate the workpiece from the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a structure for packaging electronic devices, such as semiconductor chips, in a three dimensional structure which permits electrical signals to propagate both horizontally and vertically. The structure is formed from a plurality of assemblies. Each assembly is formed from a substrate having disposed on at least one surface a plurality of electronic devices. Each assembly is disposed in a stack of adjacent assemblies. Between adjacent assemblies there is an electrical interconnection means electrically interconnecting each assembly. The electrical interconnection means is formed from an elastomeric interposer. The elastomeric interposer is formed from an elastomeric material having a plurality of electrical conductors extending therethrough, either in a clustered or un-clustered arrangement. The electrical interconnection means is fabricated having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for producing single width barcodes in a continuous, serpentine pattern. This pattern provides continuity of operation for laser marking instruments and thereby results in the formation of more uniform and higher quality barcode indicia. The use of a continuous serpentine pattern also increases the speed at which the code may be written onto a substrate. This marking method is particularly appropriate for use in marking a wide variety of materials including semiconductors, metals, plastics and ceramics.

Abstract: A simplified two-light valve configuration for high performance projection displays which eliminates much complexity and the costs associated with three-light valve projection displays, such as a crossed dichroic beam splitter cube, a long retrofocus projections lens, and the additional cost and complexity of a third light valve. Two reflective liquid crystal light valves are positioned and aligned relative to each other on two adjacent surfaces of a polarizing beam splitter cube. Illumination is introduced through a third face of the cube, and a projection lens images the two light valves through a fourth surface of the polarizing beam splitter cube. Color-sequential and alternating polarization states are provided by a color filter wheel or cage containing individual facets of dichroic or color glass filters, such that as the wheel or cage rotates, the filters change and produce sequential red, green and blue outputs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of depositing a diamond-like carbon film onto a substrate by low temperature plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) from a hydrocarbon/helium plasma. More specifically, the diamond like carbon films of the present invention are deposited onto the substrate by employing acetylene which is heavily diluted with helium as the plasma gas. The films formed using the process of the present invention are characterized as being amorphous and having dielectric strengths comparable to those normally observed for diamond films. More importantly, however is that the films produced herein are thermally stable, optically transparent, absorbent in the ultraviolet range and hard thus making them extremely desirable for a wide variety of applications.

Abstract: A flex circuit card with an elastomeric cable connector assembly is provided for transmitting high speed signals between two or more printed circuit boards in a high performance computer system. The flex circuit card connects a cable assembly to a printed circuit board. A conductor trace in the flex circuit card extends into an elastomeric end and terminates with a ball shaped contact which is angled to wipe against mating pads on the printed circuit card for making electrical contact. The cable assembly uses multiple wires attached to a plurality of elastomeric connectors. At least one elastomeric connector is attached to each end of the cable assembly and each elastomeric connector has a plurality of contacts which are used to mate with a plurality of pads on the surface of the printed circuit board. The elastomeric connector described in the present invention provides a high density, cable-to-board interconnection that is perpendicular to the surface of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A mask and a fabrication method therefor that incorporates a patterned radiation blocking layer such as a second patterned high-reflectivity dielectric coating on the back surface of the mask which also includes a first patterned reflective coating on the front. This second high-reflective dielectric coating referred to as a premask, eliminates most of the laser energy directed onto the mask that leads only to substrate heating without effecting the laser energy transmitted through the open area of the mask. The open areas of the premask are sufficiently larger than those in the mask so not to interfere with the illumination geometry (i.e. forms a greater angle than the illumination numerical aperture).

Abstract: A flex circuit card with an elastomeric cable connector assembly is provided for transmitting high speed signals between two or more printed circuit boards in a high performance computer system. The flex circuit card connects a cable assembly to a printed circuit board. A conductor trace in the flex circuit card extends into an elastomeric end and terminates with a ball shaped contact which is angled to wipe against mating pads on the printed circuit card for making electrical contact. The cable assembly uses multiple wires attached to a plurality of elastomeric connectors. At least one elastomeric connector is attached to each end of the cable assembly and each elastomeric connector has a plurality of contacts which are used to mate with a plurality of pads on the surface of the printed circuit board. The elastomeric connector described in the present invention provides a high density, cable-to-board interconnection that is perpendicular to the surface of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a structure for packaging electronic devices, such as semiconductor chips, in a three dimensional structure which permits electrical signals to propagate both horizontally and vertically. The structure is formed from a plurality of assemblies. Each assembly is formed from a substrate having disposed on at least one surface a plurality of electronic devices. Each assembly is disposed in a stack of adjacent assemblies. Between adjacent assemblies there is an electrical interconnection electrically interconnecting each assembly. The electrical interconnection formed from an elastomeric interposer having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough. The array of apertures corresponds to the array of electronic devices on the substrates. The aperture and electrical interconnection is disposed over the array of electronic devices so that the electrical interconnection between adjacent electronic devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry process for forming patterns on a substrate. More particularly, the process contemplates coating an unzippable polymer film with a small amount of desirable UV if required on a substrate; laser ablating said film into a desired pattern or mask; screening a conductive or resistive paste onto the substrate through the ablated features of said mask; heating said substrate and mask to the unzipping temperature of said mask; and, vaporizing said mask and UV absorbing dye if present leaving behind the solid of said conductive or resistive past adhered to the substrate in the desired pattern.