Abstract: A thin film transistor and a fabrication method thereof, an array substrate and a display panel are provided. The thin film transistor includes: a gate electrode (2), a source electrode (5) and a drain electrode (6) disposed in a same layer on a base substrate (1); a gate insulating layer (3) disposed on the gate electrode (2), the source electrode (5) and the drain electrode (6); an active layer (4) disposed on the gate insulating layer (3); a passivation layer (7) disposed on the active layer (4) and the gate insulating layer (3).

Abstract: A method and system for integrated circuit fabrication is disclosed. In an example, the method includes determining a first process parameter of a wafer and a second process parameter of the wafer, the first process parameter and the second process parameter corresponding to different wafer characteristics; determining a variation of a device parameter of the wafer based on the first process parameter and the second process parameter; constructing a model for the device parameter as a function of the first process parameter and the second process parameter based on the determined variation of the device parameter of the wafer; and performing a fabrication process based on the model.

Abstract: Methods for making a magnesium biodegradable stent for medical implant applications, using magnesium foil or pure magnesium or magnesium alloys that are biodegradable and performing a lithographic technique to configure the features and dimensions of the magnesium foil, and rolling the magnesium foil to form a cylinder.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a roll-shaped mold includes: an immersing step of immersing a roll-shaped mold main body into a treatment agent; a first removing step of exposing a portion of the mold main body from a liquid level of the treatment agent in which a central axis of the mold main body is inclined with respect to a horizontal surface; a second removing step in which the mold main body is moved in relation to the liquid level of the treatment agent in which a meniscus is sustained between the exposed portion of the mold main body and the liquid level of the treatment agent and thereby further exposing the mold main body; and a third removing step of removing the entire mold main body from the treatment agent in which the central axis of the mold main body is inclined with respect to the horizontal surface.

Abstract: The method for structuring the surface of a steel embossing roller by means of short pulse laser, where the structuring is a macrostructuring with dimensions of over 20 ?m and depths up to 150 ?m and more, distinguishes itself by the following parameter combination: a) in single pulse operation a fluence in the range of 0.5 J/cm2 to 3.5 J/cm2 and in burst operation a mean burst fluence of 0.5 J/cm2 to 70 J/cm2 per pulse, b) wavelength of 532 nm to 1064 nm, c) repetition rate of 1 kHz to 10 MHz, d) pulse to pulse spacing on the workpiece of 10% to 50% of the beam diameter for the femtosecond laser and of 10-25% and 40-50% of the beam width for the picosecond laser, e) laser pulse position near the workpiece surface, and f) deflection velocities of up to 100 m/s and more. ***Such a method allow manufacturing a complete embossing roller with teeth and gaps for producing logos, the teeth having variable heights, shapes, and spacings, for embossing e.g. innerliners for cigarette packaging.

Abstract: An improved tire curing bladder mold core that reduces the curing time otherwise required for a curing bladder and an associated tire, while also improving the overall strength of the relatively thin gauged tire curing bladder. The improved tire curing bladder mold core is comprised of an exterior surface with CNC milled or chemically etched patterns of grooves that result in the formation of elevated support ribs in the internal surface of the tire curing bladder. A method of producing an improved tire curing bladder mold core is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a roll-shaped mold includes: an immersing step of immersing a roll-shaped mold main body into a treatment agent; a first removing step of exposing a portion of the mold main body from a liquid level of the treatment agent in which a central axis of the mold main body is inclined with respect to a horizontal surface; a second removing step in which the mold main body is moved in relation to the liquid level of the treatment agent in which a meniscus is sustained between the exposed portion of the mold main body and the liquid level of the treatment agent and thereby further exposing the mold main body; and a third removing step of removing the entire mold main body from the treatment agent in which the central axis of the mold main body is inclined with respect to the horizontal surface.

Abstract: An in-mold roller (IMR) manufacturing method is provided, including the following steps: providing a forming mold, which includes a female mold member and a male mold member mating the female mold member, the female mold member being provided with a pattern structure; providing an IMR film to an injection molding machine; providing an injectionable material; depositing the injectionable material and the IMR film in the forming mold; and performing injection molding operation to mold a casing carrying texture corresponding to the pattern structure. A casing manufactured with the IMR manufacturing method is also provided.

Abstract: Fabrication method. At least first and second hardmasks are deposited on a substrate, the thickness and materials of the first and second hardmask selected to provided etch selectivity with respect to the substrate. A nanoscale pattern of photoresist is created on the first hardmask and the hardmask is etched through to create the nanoscale pattern on a second hardmask. The second hardmask is etched through to create the desired taper nanocone structures in the substrate. Reactive ion etching is preferred. A glass manufacturing process using a roller imprint module is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method for reducing pattern distortions in imprinting layers by reducing gas pockets present in a layer of viscous liquid deposited on a substrate. To that end, the method includes varying a transport of the gases disposed proximate to the viscous liquid. Specifically, the atmosphere proximate to the substrate wherein a pattern is to be recorded is saturated with gases that are either highly soluble, highly diffusive, or both with respect to either the viscous liquid, the substrate, the template, or a combination thereof. Additionally, or in lieu of saturating the atmosphere, the pressure of the atmosphere may be reduced.

Abstract: An in-mold roller (IMR) manufacturing method is provided, including the following steps: providing a forming mold, which includes a female mold member and a male mold member mating the female mold member, the female mold member being provided with a pattern structure; providing an IMR film to an injection molding machine; providing an injectionable material; depositing the injectionable material and the IMR film in the forming mold; and performing injection molding operation to mold a casing carrying texture corresponding to the pattern structure. A casing manufactured with the IMR manufacturing method is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel gravure printing roll which has no toxicity, causes no deterioration of the environment, has a surface-reinforcing coating layer and is excellent in print durability and printing performance. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing of the gravure printing roll. The gravure printing roll includes a hollow roll, a copper plating layer which is formed on a surface of the hollow roll and has a large number of gravure cells, and a diamond-like carbon coating layer covering the surface of the copper plating layer, in which each of the gravure cells coated with the diamond-like carbon coating layer has a depth of 5 ?m or more and less than 10 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a novel gravure printing roll capable of improving plate fogging, being provided with a surface-reinforcing coating layer completely free from toxicity and the possibility of pollution, and of being excellent in printing durability; and a method of producing the roll. The gravure printing roll includes a metal hollow roll, a copper-plated layer provided on the surface of the hollow roll and formed with multiple gravure cells on the surface thereof, a metal layer provided on the surface of the copper-plated layer, a metal carbide gradient layer of the metal provided on the surface of the metal layer, and a diamond-like carbon film covering the surface of the metal carbide gradient layer, in which a pit being smaller than the minimum gravure cell in the highlighted portion of the copper-plated layer and having a size not permitting ink transfer is arranged so that at least one pit exists in the one-pitch area of a screen line in a non-image area.

Abstract: An embossing cylinder (10) comprising a central cylindrical body (11) and supports for bearings (12, 12?) projecting laterally from the circular ends of the central cylindrical body (11), wherein the central cylindrical body (11) comprises an internal cylindrical portion (13) and a coating (14), the coating (14) being provided molten on the internal cylindrical portion (13) and being made of softer material than the material that forms the internal cylindrical portion (13), easy to engrave and with high resistance against abrasion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method of controlling a turbulent flow of a fluid between a substrate and a template, and more specifically, controlling a turbulent flow of a fluid between droplets disposed on a substrate and a template. To that end, the method further comprises the ingression and egression of the fluid through a first and second aperture, and in a further embodiment, a plurality of apertures, to create such a turbulent flow of the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of displaying indicia on a golf club shaft having a substantially translucent grip. The indicia are permanently formed on an outer surface of the shaft by chemical etching, bead blasting, stamping, and the like. The grip is held on top of the gripping end of a shaft by a translucent glue or liquid adhesive. The grip is made from a rubber base or synthetic material. This method of displaying indicia is innovative because the indicia are protected from abrasion.

Abstract: The stamp (10) for a lithographic process, such as patterning a surface layer, of the invention has a stamp body (5) with at least a first recess (11) formed therein, which recess defines a first aperture (15) in the printing face (3) of the stamp (10). The first recess (11) narrows with increasing distance to the printing face, while any cross-section of the first recess, when perpendicularly projected on the printing face (3), will lie within the aperture (15). The printing face may comprise small (11, 12) and large apertures (13) as well as small surfaces (14) in between apertures, while it is nevertheless able to produce prints which are accurate replicas of the printing face. Even details on a submicron scale can be adequately printed. The stamp (10) can be manufactured by a method which comprises anisotropic etching of a first body to make a mold and replicating the mold in the printing face (3) of the stamp (10).

Abstract: A method for fabricating a tubular article having a wall structure defined by a selected pattern. The method includes the steps of providing a tube having an outer surface and an inner surface; coating the outer surface with first photosensitive resist; exposing the selected pattern portions of the coated outer surface; developing the first photosensitive resist coated on the outer surface; coating the inner surface with second photosensitive resist; and exposing the tube to an etchant to form a tubular article having the wall structure defined by the selected pattern. The second photosensitive resist is more brittle than the first photosensitive resist when the first and second photosensitive resist are dry. An apparatus for exposing a photosensitive resist-coated tube to laser. The device includes an elongated tubular member having an aperture extending through its wall.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wiring board by utilizing electro plating characterized in that: when a wiring pattern is formed on the board by utilizing electro plating, an unnecessary portion does not remain on the wiring pattern.

Abstract: A method for making a forming structure for use in an apparatus for making formed polymeric film. The method comprises a multiple step process of applying a photoresist polymer to a metal base sheet, curing the polymer, acid etching the portions of the metal base sheet not covered by cured polymer to form a protrusion having an upper surface and a side wall (or walls), washing the base sheet with caustic and repeating the process as necessary, each time covering the upper surface and side wall of the protrusion with cured polymer.

Abstract: According to the present invention, since the concavo-convex pattern of the embossing form is formed by electrical discharge machining, the peaks on the surface of the resultant embossing form are all of the same level or height, which enables the enhancement of the service life of the embossing form. Further, since the concavo-convex pattern of the embossing form is formed by electrical discharge machining, even a complicated and minute concavo-convex pattern can be formed. Accordingly, when applying the method of the present invention to, for example, the production of a substrate for a lithographic plate, an aluminum substrate for a lithographic plate which excels in plate wear, sensitivity and resistance to stains can be produced. And when applying the same to the production of an aluminum decorative laminate, an aluminum decorative laminate which excel in glossiness and paint adhesion can be produced.

Abstract: A method of fabricating microstructural components, microparts assemblies and microparts is disclosed. The method includes fabricating a unidirectional metal matrix composite made of materials selected to allow precise etching of different structural elements of the given composite without damage to each other. Cutting a composite to form slices or sections. Etching a matrix entirely out will produce wide assortment of microparts. Partial removal of matrix will form an array of microprotrusions protruding from a substrate. Etching out the microprotrusions cores will form hollow microprotrusions. The method of invention is suitable for fabricating of variety of microcomponents. For example: microneedles—a medical microdevice component having micron features, arrays of high strength micropins and micropunches, and precisely controlled unique microstructural surfaces.

Abstract: A method of performing thermal imprint lithography of a surface of a thermoplastic layer-coated workpiece for forming a pattern therein comprises pre-heating the workpiece to a pre-selected high temperature prior to inserting the workpiece in a stamping/imprinting tool maintained at a predetermined lower temperature, whereby the interval for thermal cycling of the stamping/imprinting tool between higher and lower temperatures is eliminated or at least reduced. Applications of the method include forming servo patterns in disk-shaped substrates for hard disk recording media.

Abstract: In order to simplify the sequence of creating a mask, in particular for producing a printing plate, and at the same time to improve the quality of the printing plate produced by means of a mask, the use of laser-induced thermal transfer is provided. The structure information is applied directly to the surface of a printing plate carrier during the creation of a mask, by means of a thermal transfer film and a laser image-setting unit, so that by means of the structure information applied, differentiation with regard to image points and non-image points can be carried out directly in order to produce a printing plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of a matrix and to a matrix (1) thus manufactured, at least one surface section (2) displaying a microstructure, which matrix (3) is suitable for inclusion as a mould insert in a mould cavity or in a cavity, in a unit producing plastic components, in order to assign said plastic components an opposing micostructure in a corresponding surface section. An original (3) with a surface section (4) displaying a microstructure less than 500 &mgr;m is used in order to apply on this original layer upon layer of a material (11, 12, 13, 14) and/or mixtures of material producing a matrix, and thereafter the matrix (1) is removed from said original (3) or the material in the original is removed.

Abstract: Disclosed herewithin is an apparatus for fabricating a stent which involves processing a tubular member whereby no connection points to join the edges of a flat pattern are necessary. The process includes the steps of: a) preparing the surface of a tubular member, b) coating the outside surface of the tubular member with a photo-sensitive resist material, c) placing the tubular member in an apparatus designed to simultaneously rotate the tubular member while passing a specially configured photographic frame negative between a light source and the tubular member, d) exposing the tubular member to a photoresist developer, e) rinsing the excess developer and uncured resist from the exposed tubular member, f) sealing the inner lumen of the tubular member, and g) treating the tubular member with a chemical or electro-chemical process to remove uncovered metal. By modifying the photographic negative, this process can be employed to fabricate a virtually unlimited number of stent designs and configurations.

Abstract: First, a lower film of AlNd Alloy and an upper film of MoW alloy are deposited in succession, and then patterned by an etchant including HNO3 of 0.1-10%, H3PO4 of 65-55%, CH3COOH of 5-20%, a stabilizer of 0.1-5% and the other ultra pure eater, to form a gate wire including a gate line, a gate electrode and a gate pad on a substrate. Next, a gate insulating film, a semiconductor layer and an ohmic contact layer are formed in succession, and then, MoW alloy is deposited and patterned by an etchant including HNO3 of 0.1-10%, H3PO4 of 65-55%, CH3COOH of 5-20%, a stabilizer of 0.1-5% and the other ultra pure water, to form a data wire including a data line intersecting the gate line, a source electrode, a drain electrode and a data pad. Next, a passivation layer is deposited and patterned to form contact holes for exposing the drain electrode, the gate pad and the data pad, respectively.

Abstract: This invention relates to a relatively thin cladded graphic arts impression graphic arts impression die plate (20) having a steel layer (22) which is integral throughout the extent thereof with a layer of copper (24) or bronze. A relieved design-defining surface may be formed in the copper or bronze layer by a chemical etching process or by chemical milling. In the case of chemical etching of the graphic arts impression die plate (20), a design-defining layer of photo-resist is applied to the outer surface of the copper layer (24) or the bronze layer and the relieved design is formed in the copper or bronze layer using a conventional ferric chloride etching solution. The etched graphic arts impression die plate may be mounted on an etchant-resistant backing or magnetic support member (28) to present an assembly which increases the thickness of the die assembly sufficiently to permit use thereof on standard stamping and embossing equipment without modification of the die-supporting chase.

Abstract: This invention relates to a relatively thin cladded graphic arts impression graphic arts impression die plate (20) having a steel layer (22) which is integral throughout the extent thereof with a layer of copper (24) or bronze. A relieved design-defining surface may be formed in the copper or bronze layer by a chemical etching process or by chemical milling. The graphic arts impression die plate may be mounted on a magnetic support member (28) to present an assembly which increases the thickness of the die assembly sufficiently to permit use thereof on standard stamping and embossing equipment without modification of the die-supporting chase. The magnetic support member (28) has a plurality of pairs of permanent magnets (33, 35) each pair of which is embedded within a respective cavity (32) and that are magnetically bridged by a steel plate 36.

Abstract: A micro-lithographic apparatus and method for selectively exposing/masking resist material on a non-planer workpiece or filamentary substrate includes a hollow, energy transparent tubular member with a hollow for containing the workpiece. The tubular member is selectively coated with a layer of energy-opaque material to form the desired pattern. The transparent tube and opaque coating selectively expose/mask the resist material on the workpiece. Alternatively, the apparatus and method include an energy opaque tubular member with apertures formed through the walls of the tubular member. The apertures form the desired pattern. The opaque tube with apertures selectively exposes/masks the resist material. The apparatus and method may also include an energy source and a rotating device for rotating the tubular member, with the workpiece disposed therein, to the energy source or rotating energy source around tubular member or have energy source surround tubular member.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis, for example a stent, is provided having one or more micropatterned microdepots formed in the stent. Depots are formed in the prosthesis via chemical etching and laser fabrication methods, including combinations thereof. They are formed at preselected locations on the body of the prosthesis and have a preselected depth, size, and shape. The depots can have various shapes including a cylindrical, a conical or an inverted-conical shape. Substances such as therapeutic substances, polymeric materials, polymeric materials containing therapeutic substances, radioactive isotopes, and radiopaque materials can be deposited into the depots.

Abstract: A tool for embossing high aspect ratio microstructures is provided, wherein the microstructures provide decreased surface reflection and increased transmission through an optical component. The tool is fabricated by a process that comprises etching columnar pits in a silicon substrate using inductively coupled plasma, followed by reactive ion etching of the columnar pits to create relatively pointed obelisks. The silicon substrate is then preferably rinsed prior to vapor depositing a conductive layer thereon. Finally, a metal is electroformed over the conductive layer to form the embossing tool. The embossing tool is then pressed against an optical coating, for example a polymer sheet, to create microstructures having aspect ratios greater than 5 to 1.

Abstract: A process for embossing high aspect ratio microstructures is provided, wherein the microstructures provide decreased surface reflection and increased transmission through an optical component. The process comprises etching columnar pits in a silicon substrate using inductively coupled plasma, followed by reactive ion etching of the columnar pits to create relatively pointed obelisks. The silicon substrate is then preferably rinsed prior to vapor depositing a conductive layer thereon. Further, a metal is electroformed over the conductive layer to form an embossing tool. The embossing tool is then used to form microstructures, for example in a polymer sheet, having aspect ratios greater than 5 to 1.

Abstract: A method of making a 3D pattern on a mold that etches the mold several times with different patterns so as to make the 3D pattern extremely complicated, therefore, the anti-slip and counterfeit-proof characteristics of products shaped in the mold are improved.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing hemi-cylindrical and hemi-spherical micro structures is provided. A pattern is formed onto a substrate, and a layer of material is subsequently grown onto the substrate. Due to growth characteristics, the layer will form radially symmetric features when grown to an appropriate thickness.

Abstract: The invention describes a capillary optical element with a complex structure of capillaries and a method for its manufacture. To achieve uniform transmission, for example, a lens can be used as a capillary optical element which has a complex structure with channels of different diameter. The channels with the smaller diameter operate effectively at higher energies, channels with intermediate diameters are intended for an intermediate energy range, whereas channels with a large diameter are used in a low energy range. A lens can consist, for example, of three zones: channels with small diameter are used in the central zone, channels with intermediate diameters are used in the intermediate annular zone, and the peripheral zone has channels of large diameters. The number of zones can arbitrary. In addition, a technical process for manufacturing the complex capillary structures is described.

Abstract: A die and a method for forming a die to produce optically varying effects in a light reflective surface. A design generally formed as a plurality of parallel grooves of varying widths and depths are engraved in a soft metal foil adhered to a substrate. A hard metal coating is formed on the engraved soft metal foil in a metal plating bath. The hard metal coating, removed from the soft metal foil provides a die formed as a mirror image of the grooves engraved in the soft metal foil. The die is used to deform a reflective surface such that the surface produces optically varying effects. A die formed in the same manner with further processing is used to both deform a reflective surface and hot stamp it to a substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a mold having a micro-textured surface, wherein the mold can be used to form an elastomeric seal having a micro-textured surface. The resulting seal will hold an amount of lubricant that is released with time, the release of the lubricant will result in decreased friction between the seal and a surface contacted by the seal.

Abstract: A die and a method for forming a die to produce optically varying effects in a light reflective surface. A design generally formed as a plurality of parallel grooves of varying widths and depths are engraved in a soft metal foil adhered to a substrate. A hard metal coating is formed on the engraved soft metal foil in a metal plating bath. The hard metal coating, removed from the soft metal foil provides a die formed as a mirror image of the grooves engraved in the soft metal foil. The die is used to deform a reflective surface such that the surface produces optically varying effects. A die formed in the same manner with further processing is used to both deform a reflective surface and hot stamp it to a substrate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for processing a metal surface. To form an embossing surface, the metal surface is first provided with a coarsely cratered structure. After that, the surface is provided in a first blasting stage by blasting with particles or by etching or the like with a finely cratered structure of a first depth of roughness. Then the surface provided with the finely cratered structure of the first depth of roughness is coated within the vicinity of the troughs of the coarsely cratered structure with a protective coating and thereafter the peaks of the coarsely cratered structure projecting above the protective coating are provided by blasting with particle or etching or the like with a finely cratered structure of a second depth of roughness and lastly the protective layer is removed. With an embossing surface processed by the method of the invention, various appearances can be achieved in an embossed foil.

Abstract: A method for forming rollers, particularly rollers for embossing paper webs, includes a first step of forming a series of protrusions and a second step of forming a pattern or design entailing the at least partial removal of a certain number of the protrusions.

Abstract: A generally tubular device (e.g., a stent or catheter) for placement in a lumen of a patient's body is made by forming a depressed pattern in an external surface of a mold. The depressed pattern corresponds to a desired shape of the generally tubular device. A material is deposited in the depressed pattern for the material to form the generally tubular device conforming to the depressed pattern. The generally tubular device is separated from the mold.

Abstract: Manufacturing processes for apparatus, including slotted hypotube, for use as a catheter, a guidewire, a catheter sheath for use with catheter introducers or a drug infusion catheter/guidewire are disclosed. The manufacturing process includes creating a pattern of slots or apertures in a flexible metallic tubular member, by processes including but not limited to, electrostatic discharge machining (EDM), chemical milling, ablation and laser cutting. These slots or apertures may be cut completely or partially through the wall of the flexible metallic tubular member. These manufacturing processes may include the additional step of encasing the flexible metallic member such that a fluid tight seal is formed around the periphery of the tubular member.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a mold includes the steps of machining at least a portion of a cavity surface at a controlled roughness, and embossing the machined portion of the cavity surface with a specified embossment having a specified depth, wherein the ratio of the roughness to the depth of the embossment is controlled to be at a particular value. The value is smaller than 0.6, and preferably is about 0.2.

Abstract: A method for producing durable embossing tools is disclosed. An anisotropic etching process, such as ion etching, is used to etch a relief pattern into a hard substrate. A transfer layer is formed overlaying a generally smooth, seamless surface region of a substrate. A desired relief pattern is formed in the transfer layer, by exposing a photoresist, embossing, or the like. The substrate having the photoresist thereon is subjected to an anisotropic etch. The anisotropic etch continues until the transfer layer is completely removed and the relief pattern is formed in the upper surface of the embossing tool. The relative etch rates between the transfer layer and the surface region of the embossing tool are selected to provide the desired depth modulation in the surface of the embossing tool. An embossing tool produced according to the invention has a relatively hard surface and may thus be used for the mass production of holographic images without significant degradation of the pattern.