Abstract: The disclosure provides a system and method for a programmable medical wire that can be preprogrammed, and controlled and reshaped upon command. The system can include a power supply, a controller, and a multilayered wire assembly. The wire assembly includes a core conductor, actuator conductors coupled to the core conductor, selective conductors formed adjacent the core conductor and the actuator conductors, and a protective biocompatible shield around the layers. The selective conductors can be energized to activate the actuator conductors and cause the actuator conductors to bend or twist in a preprogrammed manner. By selectively controlling the direction of movement of the actuator conductors, the wire assembly can be remotely guided through body passageways to the target. Auxiliary equipment such as sensors, micro cameras, detectors, cutters, and other equipment can also be coupled to the wire assembly, and controlled and communicated with through one or more of the selective conductors.

Abstract: A method of producing a Mn-Al thin film with excellent magnetic properties for magnetic recording medium use. The method includes magnetron sputtering to form a selective composition of Mn-Al .epsilon.-phase thin film on a low temperature substrate, then applying a heat treatment under the controlled conditions for a desirable temperature and time period, thereby to transform the .epsilon.-phase film to a .tau.-phase film with high value of saturation magnetization and coercivity.