Abstract: A method for preparing a CeOx coating on a surface of a substrate includes depositing a CeOx coating on the surface by means of a reactive magnetron sputtering from a pure cerium target. The CeOx coating can be transparent for visible light. A method for reducing the adhesion of a tissue material such as from a human to a surface of a medical instrument, for reducing the water condensation and improving the heat transfer performance of a heat exchanger surface of a substrate, and for reducing corrosion of a surface of a substrate includes depositing a CeOx coating on the substrate by means of a reactive magnetron sputtering from a pure cerium target. This provides an environmentally friendly preparation of the CeOx coating with no need for organic solvents or volatile organic compounds. The CeOx coating has good hydrophobicity, enhanced hardness, exceptionally high wear resistance, and superior thermal stability.

Abstract: Homogeneous and transparent protective coatings for precious metals and copper alloys and techniques for forming the coatings on precious metals and copper alloys are provided. In an embodiment, ionic oxide film is deposited onto a surface of a substrate including a metal, such as a precious metal and/or a copper alloy, using pulsed chemical vapor deposition (PCVD). A homogenous and transparent solid film based on ionic oxide is formed on the surface of the substrate in response to the depositing.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for testing performance of an electrosurgical tool include a frame, a clamp module coupled to the frame and configured to retain a test material in a selected orientation, and a tool module coupled to the frame and configured to grip an electrosurgical tool. The apparatus is configured to: (a) allow a user to perform a controllable cut to evaluate a cutting performance of the electrosurgical tool based on a resistance force between the electrosurgical tool and the test material as the electrosurgical tool performs the controllable cut; and (b) evaluate a non-stickness of the electrosurgical tool after the electrosurgical tool performs the controllable cut.

Abstract: A method for preparing a CeOx coating on a surface of a substrate includes depositing a CeOx coating on the surface by means of a reactive magnetron sputtering from a pure cerium target. The CeOx coating can be transparent for visible light. A method for reducing the adhesion of a tissue material such as from a human to a surface of a medical instrument, for reducing the water condensation and improving the heat transfer performance of a heat exchanger surface of a substrate, and for reducing corrosion of a surface of a substrate includes depositing a CeOx coating on the substrate by means of a reactive magnetron sputtering from a pure cerium target. This provides an environmentally friendly preparation of the CeOx coating with no need for organic solvents or volatile organic compounds. The CeOx coating has good hydrophobicity, enhanced hardness, exceptionally high wear resistance, and superior thermal stability.

Abstract: A system and method of an apparatus for testing performance of an electrosurgical tool includes a frame, a clamp module coupled to the frame and configured to retain a test material in an selected orientation, a tool module coupled to the frame and configured to grip an electrosurgical tool, and wherein the apparatus is configured to allow a user to perform a controllable cut to evaluate the cutting performance of the electrosurgical tool, wherein performance is based on determining a resistance force between the electrosurgical tool and the test material as the electrosurgical tool performs the controllable cut and a determination of non-stickness of the electrosurgical tool.

Abstract: Homogeneous and transparent protective coatings for precious metals and copper alloys and techniques for forming the coatings on precious metals and copper alloys are provided. In an embodiment, ionic oxide film is deposited onto a surface of a substrate including a metal, such as a precious metal and/or a copper alloy, using pulsed chemical vapor deposition (PCVD). A homogenous and transparent solid film based on ionic oxide is formed on the surface of the substrate in response to the depositing.