Abstract: Systems are provided that include one or more retractable deposition source assemblies that eliminate the need for a bellows, but do not require breaking the ultra-high vacuum of a growth module for source replacement or recharging with deposition material. Systems of the present invention may include source heads that allow for a differential pumping option that provides marked improvement in base pressure around the source head (and material) that provides longer lifetimes for sources in corrosive, reactive or oxidizing environments. In addition, systems of the invention do not require an entire growth module to be vented to refill or repair an effusion source. Instead, for maintenance events that are tied to a specific source, a retractable source assembly of the present invention allows the sources to be withdrawn from the system, isolated from the growth environment, and removed without venting the entire chamber of the growth module.

Abstract: A method for providing coil shaved metal fibers according to the present invention comprises the steps of -providing a metal composite foil, the metal composite foil comprising oat least two metal layers (Lx) for being converted into metal fibers, each pair of adjacent metal layers are mutually separated by a sacrificial layer (Sy) provided from a sacrificial metal, each sacrificial layer (Sy) having a first and second surface, whereby for each sacrificial layer, the first surface contacts one of the pair of adjacent metal layers, the second surface is contacting the other of the pair of adjacent metal layers; -coiling said metal composite foil on a shaft thereby providing a metal coil having one free end surface; -rotating the metal coil and cutting the free end surface of the metal coil by means of a cutting tool, thereby providing a bundle of composite fibers; -removing the sacrificial metal of the sacrificial layers from the composite fibers thereby providing a bundle of metal fibers, each metal fiber bei

Abstract: The present invention relates to short metal fibers. A set of short metal fibers, with an equivalent diameter ranging from 1 to 150 $(m)m, comprises entangled and curved fibers. At least 10% of the short metal fibers are entangled, whereas the length of the curved fibers is distributed according to a gamma-distribution, having an average length preferably between 10 and 2000 $(m)m.

Abstract: A nonwoven, metal fabric is formed by providing a mass of loose fibers with sufficient lubricating oil for them to be carded without disintegration of the fiber web. The fiber web is then lapped and needled to form a metal fabric of superior strength, density, and thermal insulation properties.

Abstract: A nonwoven, metal fabric is formed by providing a mass of loose fibers with sufficient lubricating oil for them to be carded without disintegration of the fiber web. The fiber web is then lapped and needled to form a metal fabric of superior strength, density, and thermal insulation properties.