Abstract: Invention is directed to a method of metallurgically bonding a layer of a first material, such as gold, to the surface of a second material, such as copper, by the use of the driving force of the energy from a pulsed laser. The method comprises the steps of selecting a thin polymeric film, where said polymer is characterized by a high optical coefficient of absorption at the wavelength of said laser, and applying to said polymeric film a thin layer of said first material for bonding to the second material. The second material is placed in close proximity to the thin layer of the first material. Intermediate the laser and the target a rotating optical scanner is provided to intercept the beam of the laser prior to directing the focused beam thereof toward the polymeric film. The repetition rate of the laser is synchronized with the rotating optical scanner to cause the focused beam of the laser to move across said polymeric film at a velocity less than the velocity of sound through the material.

Abstract: A faucet with control mechanism for passing water through the faucet or for shutting the water off, which comprises ceramic discs having mating long-wearing highly polished faces that provide a water seal when the discs are in closed position, and have openings therein which provide a water passageway when the discs are in open position for axial flow, wherein the ceramic discs themselves form the passageway or pressure vessel which contains the flow and permits the use of a side-operated handle which attaches to a controller inside the faucet which is open to the atmosphere. A lower body portion has a threaded stem with a pair of opposed flat portions for admitting a split mounting washer without having to thread the washer on the threaded stem all the way from the bottom of the stem.

Abstract: A portable water filtration apparatus for filtering and purifying water comprises a container for holding water, a pump block mounted inside the container, the pump block having a water inlet port, a water outlet port, and a passageway extending through the pump block between the inlet port and the outlet port, a water filter unit mounted on the water inlet port, a pump mounted in an opening in the pump block accessing the pump to the passageway in the pump block, first valve means positioned in the passageway of the pump block for blocking flow of water in the passageway from the pump to the inlet port of the pump block, a microfiltration canister mounted in the water outlet port of the pump block, the canister having a spout through which purified water is pumped, and second valve means positioned at the outlet port of the pump block for blocking flow of water from the microfiltration canister back into the pump block.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method for producing a smooth and continuous pressure bonded layer of a material such as gold or other precious metal, to a substrate, such as a metal substrate, through the driving force of a pulsed laser. The method comprises the steps of selecting a laser transparent substrate, applying thereto a thin polymeric film, where said polymer is characterized by a high optical coefficient of absorption to the wavelength of said laser. Preferably, such coefficient is at least 2.times.10.sup.4 cm.sup.-1. To the polymeric film, a thin layer or film of the material, such as gold is applied. Thereafter, the laser transparent substrate, containing the dual layers is placed in close proximity to the substrate or workpiece upon which such material is to be deposited.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a beam allocation and delivery system for an excimer laser in which substantially the full energy from such laser is delivered to a precise area or areas of a workpiece. This efficient system is achieved by the use of one or more elongated light-guides to direct the laser beam. Included therewith are means to shape and focus said beam to a reduced image on the workpiece. Preferably, the shaping and focussing is achieved by changing the cross-section of the light-guide from a first configuration to a second configuration, and by an imaging lens.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a metal surface by means of a laser to improve the surface characteristics, prior to plating thereover with a noble metal, such as gold. More particularly, the method hereof includes the steps of illuminating the desired areas of said metal surface with a laser beam; provided, however, the laser power density is controlled to vaporize surface contaminants and embedded foreign materials, without significantly altering the properties of the metal, in preparation for plating said cleaned areas with said noble metal.

Abstract: A method for the selective plating of a metal substrate on which a thin polymeric plating resist is first applied, followed by the selective removal of said resist to expose portions of said substrate to plating, and plating. More particularly, the method hereof includes the steps of selecting a laser wavelength which couples well to the metal substrate, choosing a polymer based plating resist having a low optical coefficient of absorption at said wavelength, curing said resist, subjecting selective areas of said resist to a single excimer laser shot, having a short wavelength, to cause ablative removal of the resist over the selective areas of said substrate, and subjecting said exposed portions of said substrate to metal plating.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the integrity of metal plated composites is disclosed. Plating improvements are achieved by first irradiating a nickel plated substrate, prior to application of a noble metal plating layer, to smooth any surface discontinuities or irregularities. Excimer laser pulses, having a duration of less than 100 nanoseconds, are employed to partially liquefy the upper surface of the nickel plating on the substrate. This invention is compatible with conventional plating processes, such as electroplating.

Abstract: A scanning monochromator is disclosed which is capable of operation over a wide bandwidth in an ultra-high vacuum. The monochromator includes a pair of carousel assemblies carrying the optical elements which may be independently positioned translationally along the optical axis of the instrument and also rotationally, which each positioning control operable from outside of the instrument. A carousel on each of the carousel assemblies carries several optical elements and is rotatable to change which optical element is used, also from outside of the instrument.