Abstract: A method for fabrication of microparticles using a photo-polymerizable colloidal dispersant is provided. The method includes (a) preparing liquid droplets in a continuous phase from photo-polymerizable resin containing colloidal particles dispersed therein, then, allowing the colloidal particles to move toward an interface of the liquid droplets; and (b) UV exposing the liquid droplets to enable photo-polymerization thereof, so as to produce microparticles having a structure formed of colloidal particles on a surface of the microparticles. In addition, in order to improve the surface structure and characteristics, the foregoing method further includes (c) selective chemical reaction of the colloidal particles formed on the surface of the microparticles or, otherwise, removal of the colloidal particles.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-channel electrospray emitter. The emitter includes a plurality of separate or distinct capillaries, each capillary being one channel and terminating in a nozzle, from which the analyte is sprayed. The nozzles may be raised above a face of the electrospray emitter. The multi-channel electrospray emitter may comprise a microstructured fibre. In one embodiment, the microstructured fibre may be a photonic crystal fibre.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a porous semiconductor film and the film resulting from such production. It furthermore relates to an electronic device incorporating such film and to potential uses of such film.

Abstract: A method for producing a ceramic substrate material having a first layer and possibly a further layer is specified. The first layer comprises at least one first component made of a crystalline ceramic material and/or a glass material as a matrix and a second component made of a further crystalline ceramic material, which is provided in the matrix. An etching step is performed, mantle areas of the crystals and/or crystal agglomerates of the second component being etched selectively in the first layer to generate a cavity structure in the first layer. The present invention also relates to a corresponding ceramic substrate material, an antenna or an antenna array, and the use of the ceramic substrate material for an antenna or an antenna array.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high capacity hydrogen storage material in which a plural mesopore channels and fractal networks of nanopore channels communicating therewith and connecting to the micropores are formed in a microporous material, wherein a plural metal particles are formed on the surface of the mesopore and nanopore channels and of the micropores. In another embodiment, the present invention also provides a method for making the hydrogen storage material through oxidizing the microporous material so as to form a plural mesopore channels and fractal networks of nanopore channels, both of which are connected to the micropores to form a base for the deposition of metal particles capable of decomposing hydrogen molecules into hydrogen atoms. The high capacity hydrogen storage material is capable of increasing the capacity of hydrogen storage, and besides, the oxidizing process for making the hydrogen storage material is simple and has merits of saving cost.

Abstract: An internal filter includes a lower substrate and an upper substrate. Fluid passages are formed by etching grooves into the surface(s) of the upper and/or lower substrates, and/or in one or more intermediate layers. The filter pores extending between the fluid passages are formed by etching second grooves that fluidly connect the fluid passages. Two or more sets of the one or two intermediate layers can be implemented to provide additional filter passages and/or pores. Each set can be connected to a separate fluid source and/or a separate microfluidic device. In another internal filter, the inlet and outlet passages and the filter pores are formed on the same upper or lower substrate. The inlet and outlet passages are partially formed in a first step. In a second step, the inlet and outlet passages are completed at the same time that the filter pores are formed.

Abstract: The invention disclosed relates to porous carbon of spherical morphology having tuned porosity and to a method of making same, comprising: (a) providing a precursor solution, by combining in an aqueous solution a colloidal silica template material and a water-soluble pyrolyzable carbon source, wherein the particle size of the colloidal silica template and the colloidal silica/carbon source weight ratio are controlled, (b) atomizing the precursor solution into small droplets by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (c) directing the droplets into a high temperature furnace operating at a temperature of 700-1200° C., under an inert gas atmosphere, where the droplets are transformed into solid spherical composite carbon/silica particles, (d) collecting the resulting composite carbon/silica particles exiting from the furnace, and (e) removing the silica from the particles, to provide substantially pure porous carbon of spherical morphology having tuned porosity defined by surface area and pore size.

Abstract: A three-dimensionally ordered macroporous sensor apparatus and method of forming the same. A direct opal film associated with a number of pores can be formed by vertical deposition of one or more nanospheres on a glass substrate. The thickness of the direct opal film can be controlled by concentration of the nanospheres. A mixture of a precursor/monomer of a sensing material and a complexing agent can be filled into the pores associated with the direct opal film, such that the mixture permeates the interstitial spaces between the pores. The nanospheres may then be removed in order to form a three dimensionally-ordered macroporous electrode with an inverse opal structure. Optionally, the sensing material can be coated on an inverse opal backbone structure formed from an external inactive material and utilizing a coating operation.

Abstract: A light emitting device may include an n-clad layer formed on a crystalline wafer; a porous layer formed by processing the n-clad layer in a mixed gas atmosphere of HCl and NH3. The light emitting device may further include an active layer and a p-clad layer formed on the porous layer.

Abstract: A vasoocclusive microcoil for therapeutic treatment of a patient's vasculature includes a surface with a plurality of voids or pores therein that operates to accelerate a healing process in the patient's vasculature when the microcoil is introduced into the patient's vasculature.

Abstract: A gas sensor system and its method of fabrication is disclosed. The sensor system comprises an optrode, light source, and a light detector. In a sensor for hydrogen gas, the optrode is comprised of a porous substrate into which an intimate mixture of reagent and catalyst is incorporated. The mixture reacts with the hydrogen to produce a color/intensity change in relation to the concentration of gas. The optrode further includes a reversing agent, boron, to restore the benchmark conditions of the sensor system in real-time. The method of fabricating the optrode includes the steps of cleaning; etching to achieve the proper porosity; incorporating the reagent, catalyst, and reversing agent using capillary action; and removing excess reagent and catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention illustrates a bulk silicon etching technique that yields straight sidewalls, through wafer structures in very short times using standard silicon wet etching techniques. The method of the present invention employs selective porous silicon formation and dissolution to create high aspect ratio structures with straight sidewalls for through wafer MEMS processing.

Abstract: A method for forming micro-texture on ABS of a slider, includes steps of: positioning sliders arranged in arrays on a tray, each slider having a pole tip facing upward; loading the tray into a processing chamber, and evacuating the processing chamber to a preset pressure; introducing a mixture gas of inert gas and hydrocarbon gas into the processing chamber, and ionizing the mixture gas to produce ion beams; exposing the sliders to the ion beam for etching so as to form micro-texture with two-step structure on the ABS of the slider. The invention also discloses a method of manufacturing a slider having micro-texture.

Abstract: A motheye mold fabrication method of at least one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: (a) preparing an Al base in which an Al content is less than 99.99 mass %; (b) partially anodizing the Al base to form a porous alumina layer which has a plurality of very small recessed portions; (c) after step (b), allowing the porous alumina layer to be in contact with an etchant which contains an anodic inhibitor, thereby enlarging the plurality of very small recessed portions of the porous alumina layer; and (d) after step (c), further anodizing the Al base to grow the plurality of very small recessed portions.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a porous member formed by providing a member 1 formed of a fluororesin 3 containing carbon fiber 2 and having a predetermined shape and exposing the member 1 to an oxidizing gas to remove the carbon fiber 2 contained in the member 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved biomedical implantable material comprising a plurality of pores, of which one or more of the pores are interconnected below the surface of the material. The improved biomedical implantable material may be used in biomedical implant devices such as orthopedic implants, spinal implants, neurocranial implants, maxillofacial implants, and joint replacement implants. The present invention also relates to a method of preparing an improved biomedical implantable material, comprising subjecting an implantable material to a pore-forming treatment and optionally further subjecting the material to a surface-modifying treatment. The biomedical implantable material may be used in other applications, which as applications where two surfaces are contacted and bonding between the surfaces is required.

Abstract: A method for making a plurality of electromechanical devices including attaching a laminar electromechanical structure to a receiving substrate using a not appreciably cured adhesive in a liquid state, laser cutting the laminar electromechanical structure while the adhesive is not appreciably cured to form a plurality of electromechanical devices, and curing the adhesive.

Abstract: Textured surface having micro recesses such that the outer surface overhangs the micro recesses. Embodiments of the textured surface include sharp edges for promoting bone deposition and growth within the micro recesses, protrusions of varying depth from the surface that include overhangs, and micro recesses that are at least partially defined by complex ellipsoids.

Abstract: A process for fabricating a hydrogenated amorphous silicon carbide film having through-pores includes the formation on a substrate of a film consisting of an amorphous hydrogenated silicon carbide matrix in which silicon oxide nanowires are dispersed therethrough, and then the selective destruction by a chemical agent of the silicon oxide nanowires present in the film formed at step a). Applications include microelectronics and micro-technology, in all fabrication processes that involve the degradation of a sacrificial material by diffusion of a chemical agent through a film permeable to this agent for the production of air gaps, in particular the fabrication of air-gap interconnects for integrated circuits.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing filaments for personal hygiene articles is described. The filaments are provided with a surface structure with at least one surface recess such as dimples and/or pittings. The filament includes at least a portion made of a material soluble by a corrosive agent and is covered in part with a cover layer stable to the corrosive agent such that a surface portion of the filament body substantially corresponding to the at least one surface recess is uncovered. The filament body is contacted with the corrosive agent for a limited time to create the surface recess in the uncovered surface portion.

Abstract: The method of manufacturing an imprinting template according to the present invention utilizes a semiconductor manufacturing process and comprises a step of etching an oxide layer having a thickness of from 1000 to 8000 angstroms on a substrate by a microlithography and etching process, to form a pattern having a plurality of pillar-shaped holes, thereby forming an imprinting plate having a plurality of pillar-shaped holes. A material layer may be filled into the holes and a part of the oxide layer is removed to form an imprinting template having a plurality of pillar-shaped protrusions. Alternatively, a silicon substrate may be used instead of the substrate and the oxide layer. The imprinting template according to the present invention has advantages of mass production, fast production, and low cost, and is suitable to serve as the imprinting plate for making photonic crystals.

Abstract: Processes and apparatuses for producing a porous material, such as nano-porous silicon (npSi) media suitable for storage and retrieval of elemental hydrogen. Processes of this invention generally entail applying a magnetic field to a substrate that contains charge carriers and is in contact with an etchant, and then etching the substrate with the etchant while relative movement occurs between the substrate and the magnetic field. During etching, the charge carriers move relative to the substrate and the magnetic field, and porosity forms at surfaces of the substrate contacting the etchant.

Abstract: A micromechanical component is described which includes a substrate; a monocrystalline layer, which is provided above the substrate and which has a membrane area; a cavity that is provided underneath the membrane area; and one or more porous areas, which are provided inside the monocrystalline layer and which have a doping that is higher than that of the surrounding layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, which includes forming an insulating film above a semiconductor substrate having a recess and stopper film formed above the semiconductor substrate excluding the recess, thereby filling the recess with the insulating film, performing a first polishing by polishing the insulating film by means of a chemical mechanical polishing method using a first polishing liquid containing cerium oxide and first anionic surfactant, thereby obtaining a flattened surface, and performing a second polishing by polishing the flattened insulating film using a second polishing liquid containing cerium oxide and a second anionic surfactant having a smaller molecular weight than that of the first anionic surfactant under a polishing condition which differs from that of the first polishing, thereby exposing the stopper film.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an array of semiconductor devices comprising the steps of providing a non-metallic substrate, placing a layer of spheres on said substrate, reducing diameter of the spheres, encapsulating the spheres in a matrix of rigid material, finishing an upper surface of said matrix to expose a portion of said spheres, removing the spheres to form an array of cavities within said matrix, and forming features in said cavities in contact with said substrate so as to form the device.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a perforated porous resin substrate, the method including the following steps: Step 1 of forming at least one perforation penetrating in the thickness direction from a first surface to a second surface in a porous resin substrate made of a resin material containing a fluoropolymer; Step 2 of etching treatment conducted by putting an etchant containing an alkali metal in contact with the wall face of each perforation; and Step 3 of putting an oxidizable compound or a solution thereof in contact with a degenerative layer generated by the etching treatment, and thereby removing the degenerative layer. A method of manufacturing a porous resin substrate in which electrical conductivity is afforded to the wall face of the perforation.

Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte composite membrane and method of manufacturing the same. According to one embodiment, the composite membrane comprises a rigid, non-electrically-conducting support, the support preferably being a sheet of polyimide having a thickness of about 7.5 to 15 microns. The support has a plurality of cylindrical pores extending perpendicularly between opposing top and bottom surfaces of the support. The pores, which preferably have a diameter of about 0.1 to 5 microns, are made by plasma etching and preferably are arranged in a defined pattern, for example, with fewer pores located in areas of high membrane stress and more pores located in areas of low membrane stress. The pores are filled with a first solid polymer electrolyte, such as a perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) polymer. A second solid polymer electrolyte, which may be the same as or different than the first solid polymer electrolyte, may be deposited over the top and/or bottom of the first solid polymer electrolyte.

Abstract: Amorphous metal oxide thin film is produced by removing through oxygen plasma treatment the organic component from an organics/metal oxide composite thin film having thoroughly dispersed therein such organic component at molecular scale. This ensures production of amorphous metal oxide thin film with low density and excellent thickness precision.

Abstract: A method of orienting microphase-separated domains is disclosed, comprising applying a composition comprising an orientation control component, and a block copolymer assembly component comprising a block copolymer having at least two microphase-separated domains in which the orientation control component is substantially immiscible with the block copolymer assembly component upon forming a film; and forming a compositionally vertically segregated film on the surface of the substrate from the composition. The orientation control component and block copolymer segregate during film forming to form the compositionally vertically-segregated film on the surface of a substrate, where the orientation control component is enriched adjacent to the surface of the compositionally segregated film adjacent to the surface of the substrate, and the block copolymer assembly is enriched at an air-surface interface.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a microchannel plate includes forming a plurality of pores in a silicon substrate. The plurality of pores is oxidized, thereby consuming silicon at surfaces of the plurality of pores and forming a silicon dioxide layer over the plurality of pores. At least a portion of the silicon dioxide layer is stripped, which reduces a surface roughness of the plurality of pores. A semiconducting layer can be deposited onto the surface of the silicon dioxide layer. The semiconducting layer is then oxidized, thereby consuming at least some of the polysilicon or amorphous silicon layer and forming an insulating layer. Resistive and secondary electron emissive layers are then deposited on the insulating layer by atomic layer deposition.

Abstract: A foraminous microstructure or film that has photonic or plasmonic properties is made by forming a structure or film composed of at least two constituent materials so that the compositional ratio of the constituent materials varies in a depth direction of the structure, and then removing one of the materials from the structure.

Abstract: An imprint lithography template includes a porous material defining a multiplicity of pores with an average pore size of at least about 0.4 nm. The porous material includes silicon and oxygen, and a ratio of Young's modulus (E) to relative density of the porous material with respect to fused silica (pporous/pfused silica) is at least about 10:1. A refractive index of the porous material is between about 1.4 and 1.5. The porous material may form an intermediate layer or a cap layer of an imprint lithography template. The template may include a pore seal layer between a porous layer and a cap layer, or a pore seal layer on top of a cap layer.

Abstract: A composite material having exposed nanofibers is prepared by dividing a polymer nanofiber matrix into sections. A portion of a polymeric substrate material is removed to expose lengths of nanofibers that together can act as a nanoadhesive.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for a structured application of molecules on a strip conductor and to a molecular memory matrix. The inventive method makes it possible, for the first time, to economically and simply apply any number of molecular memory elements on the strip conductor in a structured and targeted way, thereby making available, also for the first time, a memory matrix at a molecular level.

Abstract: Systems and techniques involving optical coatings for semiconductor devices. An implementation includes a substantially isotropic, heterogeneous anti-reflective coating having a substantially equal thickness normal to any portion of a substrate independent of the orientation of the portion.

Abstract: A cooled liquid sample dispensing system comprises a pair of pins for holding a droplet of liquid therebetween and a cooling element. Each pin includes a tip spaced predetermined distance from the other pin to define a sample acquisition region. The pins acquire and hold a droplet of the liquid sample in the sample acquisition region formed in the space between the tips and apply the droplet to a selected sample handing system. The cooling element, when activated, cools the droplet of liquid to reduce evaporation.

Abstract: A branched nanostructure, includes at least one of (a) a stem and at least two levels of branches; or (b) a stem connected to three of more branches; or (c) a nanowire nanostructure comprising a stem and two or more branches; or (d) a stem connected to two or more branches, where the stem and the branches comprise a different material composition or structure.

Abstract: Featured are devices and systems embodying one or more electrically-addressable-solid-state nanopores useful for sensing and/or characterizing single macromolecules as well as sequencing DNA or RNA. In one aspect of the present invention, there is featured a linear or 2-D electrically-addressable array of nanopores, where the nanopores are located at points of intersections between V-shaped grooves formed in an upper surface of the insulating member and a V-shaped groove formed in a lower surface of the insulating member. In another aspect of the present invention the solid-state nanopore of the present invention the width and/or length of the nanopore is defined or established by sharp edges of cleaved crystals that are maintained in fixed relation during the formation of the insulating member including the nanopore.

Abstract: The present invention concerns multilayer films comprising a plurality of layers, at least some of the layers comprise (i) cross-linked chitosan, alginate, chondroitin sulfate, or hyaluronic acid and (ii) particles or void spaces; wherein the layers are 20-260 nm in thickness. Also disclosed are multilayer films comprising at least two of: a layer comprising a first polymer; a layer comprising a second polymer; a layer comprising particles, wherein said particles comprise ceramic material, metallic species, or both; and, a layer comprising a combination of said first polymer and said particles; wherein said multilayer film is capable of displaying structural color. Also provided are methods for making and using the inventive multilayer films and compositions comprising the multilayer films.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for preparing a porous material using nanostructures. The method comprises the steps of producing nanostructures using a porous template, dispersing the nanostructures in a source or precursor material for the porous material, aligning the nanostructures in a particular direction, and removing the nanostructures by etching. According to the method, the size, shape, orientation and regularity of pores of the porous material can be easily controlled, and the preparation of the porous material is simplified, leading to a reduction in preparation costs. Further disclosed is a porous material prepared by the method.

Abstract: Millimeter to nano-scale structures manufactured using a multi-component polymer fiber matrix are disclosed. The use of dissimilar polymers allows the selective dissolution of the polymers at various stages of the manufacturing process. In one application, biocompatible matrixes may be formed with long pore length and small pore size. The manufacturing process begins with a first polymer fiber arranged in a matrix formed by a second polymer fiber. End caps may be attached to provide structural support and the polymer fiber matrix selectively dissolved away leaving only the long polymer fibers. These may be exposed to another product, such as a biocompatible gel to form a biocompatible matrix. The polymer fibers may then be selectively dissolved leaving only a biocompatible gel scaffold with the pores formed by the dissolved polymer fibers.

Abstract: A hydrogen-purification membrane comprises a Pd alloy film joined to one surface of a porous support substrate. Each pore in the porous support substrate is such that between the thickness T of the porous support substrate, the opening diameter D1 of the pore on the side joined to the Pd alloy film and the opening diameter D2 of the pore on the opposite side, there are relations represented by 1.0?D1/T?5.0 and 1.0?D2/T?5.0, and between the opening diameter D1 of the pore on the side joined to the Pd alloy film, the opening diameter D2 of the pore on the opposite side and the opening diameter D3 of the narrowest portion of the pore there are relations represented by D3/D1<0.8, D3/D2<0.9 and D3<250 ?m. Furthermore, the total opening area of the pores on the side joined to the Pd alloy film accounts for 20 to 80% of the area of the porous support substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for preparing a porous material using nanostructures. The method comprises the steps of producing nanostructures using a porous template, dispersing the nanostructures in a source or precursor material for the porous material, aligning the nanostructures in a particular direction, and removing the nanostructures by etching. According to the method, the size, shape, orientation and regularity of pores of the porous material can be easily controlled, and the preparation of the porous material is simplified, leading to a reduction in preparation costs. Further disclosed is a porous material prepared by the method.

Abstract: A method for producing a filter element involving applying a membrane layer to a carrier substrate, etching a membrane chamber, producing pores in the membrane layer, subjecting the membrane layer to an additional treatment to increase the mechanical strength.

Abstract: The present application relates to a molecular exchange device (1) for use with an analysis and control apparatus and a method of manufacturing a molecular exchange device.

Abstract: A microstructured filter is presented having an inlet for unfiltered fluid; an outlet for filtered fluid; a plurality of projections, which form at least one row in a mutually juxtaposed relationship across the filter, that project out of a base plate and are an integral component of the base plate; a plurality of passages between the projections; and a cover plate which is securable to the base plate to cover the projections and the passages. The passages form a plurality of through paths from the inlet to the outlet. The inlet includes an elongate inlet slot for the unfiltered fluid that extends over approximately the entire filter width and is approximately as high as the projection on the outlet side of the filter.

Abstract: A plasmonic coupling device (1) comprising a first structure (2), and a second structure (3) comprising two or more conductive nanoparticles (7), wherein each nanoparticle is elongate and is attached to the first structure such that it is oriented with a major axis thereof substantially perpendicular to the first structure. In a plasmonic coupling device comprising such nanoparticles, radiation incident on the device can produce localised surface plasmons in the nanoparticles. The localised surface plasmons can become deiocalised along the device, due to the near-field electromagnetic interaction between the two or more nanoparticles or between the one or more nanoparticles of an assembly and a nearby assembly or assemblies. This interaction allows for electro-magnetic energy, and the radiation, to be efficiently coupled between the nanoparticles or between the assemblies of one or more nanoparticles.

Abstract: Methods and devices directed to surface treatment of implants are disclosed. In some instances, the surfaces are treated to have one or more characteristics that can impart low wear properties when the implant is utilized in a subject. As one example, a metallic surface of an implant can be treated to form pits in the surface, followed optionally by a smoothing step to reduce the roughness of the pitted surface. A plasma treatment can be used to form an oxide-containing layer (e.g., highly corrosion resistant and/or thick) on the surface. An acid treatment can also be used as part of a process for forming an oxide-containing layer. Other examples of method are also disclosed, along with characteristics of implant surfaces that can exhibit low wear properties.

Abstract: A housing for an electronic device as well as methods for forming the housing are disclosed. The housing can be formed from a substrate having perforations to assist in adhering components internal to the housing. The substrate is typically a multi-layer substrate having at least two layers. In one embodiment, an inner layer of the multi-layer substrate can be provided with perforations. The perforations can them be used to adhere internal features to the multi-layer substrate. The internal features can be used for attaching parts or components to the multi-layer substrate, thereby securing the parts or components to the multi-layer substrate and thus the housing.

Abstract: A method of making a porous SiOC membrane is provided. The method comprises disposing a SiOC layer on a porous substrate, and etching the SiOC layer to form through pores in the SiOC layer. A porous SiOC membrane having a network of pores extending through a thickness of the membrane is provided.