Abstract: A method of operating a chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) tool includes attaching a polishing pad to a first surface of a platen of the CMP tool using a glue; removing the polishing pad from the platen, wherein after removing the polishing pad, residue portions of the glue remain on the first surface of the platen; identifying locations of the residue portions of the glue on the first surface of the platen using a fluorescent material; and removing the residue portions of the glue from the first surface of the platen.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a multilayer structure containing: a substrate; a coupling layer deposited on the substrate; and a dielectric layer deposited on the coupling layer, wherein shear strength is increased by a factor of at least about 2 in the presence of the coupling layer compared to a multilayer in the absence of the coupling layer.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to optical filters that provide regulation and/or enhancement of chromatic and luminous aspects of the color appearance of light to human vision, generally to applications of such optical filters, to therapeutic applications of such optical filters, to industrial and safety applications of such optical filters when incorporated, for example, in radiation-protective eyewear, to methods of designing such optical filters, to methods of manufacturing such optical filters, and to designs and methods of incorporating such optical filters into apparatus including, for example, eyewear and illuminants.

Abstract: A method of in situ monitoring a thin film deposition process on a substrate, the method including a) defining a desired spectrum, the desired spectrum being a transmission or a reflection spectrum; b1) illuminating the substrate by means of a light source emitting light within the desired spectrum, b2) receiving light reflected from the substrate or transmitted through the substrate, b3) determining a transmission or a reflection spectrum out of the received light; c) defining a spectrum or a combination of spectra in dependency of the spectrum determined in step b3) to be a current spectrum; d) determining a weight spectrum as a function of the current spectrum; e) calculating a real number as a function of the current spectrum, of the desired spectrum and of the weight spectrum; f) exploiting the real number as indication for a deviation of the current spectrum from the desired spectrum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for coating a metal strip with the aid of a coating device. Within the coating device, the strip first runs through a coating container with a liquid coating agent and then a stripping nozzle device for stripping off excess coating agent from the surface of the strip. After the stripping nozzle device, the strip typically runs through a strip stabilizing device with a plurality of magnets on both broad sides of the strip. A form control deviation is determined as the difference between a determined actual form of the strip and a specified desired form of the strip and this form control deviation is used for activating the magnets of the strip stabilizing device in order to transform the actual form of the strip into the desired form.

Abstract: When a portion for measuring the plating adhesion amount reaches an upstream side position, plating adhesion amount estimation values are calculated by using a plating adhesion amount estimation expression at positions away from a position that faces the distance sensors, that is, the upstream side position, by strip-width direction distances, of the surfaces of the steel strip. When the portion for measuring the plating adhesion amount reaches a downstream side position, the strip-width direction distances of the plating adhesion amount meters are matched to the strip-width direction distances, and the plating adhesion amount actual measurement values are obtained. The plating adhesion amount estimation expression is corrected on the basis of the differences between the plating adhesion amount estimation values and the plating adhesion amount actual measurement values. Accordingly, the control accuracy of the plating adhesion amount is improved.

Abstract: A method of initiating and controlling electroless nickel plating on copper substrates carried into a plating bath on a continuous stainless steel web where the copper is electrically bussed or in physical contact with the steel is described. A bias current is applied to the plating bath and a feedback loop is established to determine initiation of plating as well as to ramp down the biasing current to prevent electro- or electroless plating of the web.

Abstract: A method for maintaining a supply of available aircraft equipped with non-engine drive means for autonomous ground movement is provided that enables an air carrier, particularly a low cost carrier, to operate reliably, efficiently, and economically to provide substantially uninterrupted air transport service. The present method is designed to enable airlines with fleets of older aircraft retrofitted with non-engine drive means for autonomous ground movement to operate economically and efficiently through a cooperative arrangement with a maintenance, repair, and overhaul provider that maintains and ensures an available supply network of spare and backup aircraft. The supply network may be global in geographic scope and may provide spare or backup aircraft equipped with non-engine drive means to one or more airlines.

Abstract: An adhesive inspection device inspects an application state of an adhesive that is linearly applied in a triangular cross-sectional shape onto a surface of fixed window glass for an automobile. The adhesive inspection device includes a laser irradiation unit configured to irradiate an adhesive with line laser light from above the adhesive so that a projection line extends over a surface of the adhesive to portions of the glass on both sides of the adhesive, an imaging unit configured to image, from above the adhesive, an imaging region that includes the projection line and is located on the periphery of the adhesive, and output imaging information, and a determination unit configured to determine, based on the imaging information, a shape surrounded by the projection line formed on the surface of the adhesive and a surface of the glass.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for control of the quality of films deposited via physical vapor deposition are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of depositing a film using linear scan physical vapor deposition includes: determining a deposition rate of a material to be deposited on a substrate in a linear scan physical vapor deposition process; calculating a scan rate of the substrate to achieve deposition of the material to a desired thickness in a single pass when deposited at the deposition rate; and performing the linear scan physical vapor deposition process while moving the substrate at the calculated scan rate.

Abstract: An optical emission spectroscopy (OES) calibration system includes a chamber, an adapter, an OES device, a calibration device, and a spectrometer. The chamber includes a viewport. The adapter is fastened to the viewport, and includes a first beam splitter and a second beam splitter. The OES device detects plasma light generated in the chamber and transmitted through the adapter and generates OES data based on the detected plasma light. The calibration device includes a light source, and generates correction data for compensating for deviations in the OES data. The spectrometer detects light emitted from the light source and split by the first beam splitter or the second beam splitter. Each of the OES device, the calibration device, and the spectrometer is fastened to the adapter through an optical cable, and the calibration device generates the correction data using an intensity of light detected by the spectrometer.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an optical element including selecting a lamp spectrum and bandpass filter spectrum, obtaining a spectral characteristics vector to quantify the concentration of a component in a sample and obtaining a target spectrum from the lamp spectrum, the bandpass filter spectrum, and the spectral characteristics vector, is provided. Further including selecting a number of layers less than a maximum value, and performing an optimization routine using the index of refraction and thickness of each of the number of layers until an error between a model spectrum and the target spectrum is less than a tolerance value, or a number of iterations is exceeded. And reducing the number of layers if the error is less than a tolerance and stopping the procedure if the number of iterations is exceeded. A device using an optical element for optically-based chemometrics applications fabricated using the method above is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reproducing a portion of handwriting displayed on a screen in a same temporal manner in which the handwriting was handwritten.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an optical computing device using a photonic crystal-based integrated computational element is provided. The method includes selecting a photonic crystal structure with a design suite stored in a non-transitory, computer-readable medium and obtaining a transmission spectrum for the selected photonic crystal. Further, the method includes determining a predictive power of a photonic crystal-based integrated computational element for a characteristic of a sample using the transmission spectrum and a spectral database. And adjusting the transmission spectrum to improve a predictive power of the photonic crystal-based integrated computational element for measuring a characteristic of a sample being analyzed. Also, fabricating the photonic crystal structure for the photonic crystal-based integrated computational element when the predictive power surpasses a pre-selected threshold.

Abstract: A laminate includes a plurality of buildup layers disposed on a core and a plurality of unit cells defined in the buildup layers. Each unit cell includes: at least one test via that passes through at least two of the buildup layers and that is electrically connected to testing locations on a probe accessible location of the laminate; and two or more dummy vias disposed in the unit cell. The dummy vias are arranged in the unit cell at one of a plurality of distances from the test via.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a system and method for manufacturing an integrated computational element (ICE) core. In one embodiment, the method comprises thermally evaporating a material to deposit the material on a substrate, wherein the material is deposited to establish a shape of the ICE core. The shape of the ICE core defines transmission, reflection, and absorptive electromagnetic intensity as a function of wavelength of the ICE core. In one embodiment, the method includes varying e-beam or ion-beam intensities and strengths to control the shape of the ICE core.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a system and method for manufacturing an integrated computational element (ICE) core. The method comprises varying a distance between a thermal component relative to a substrate holder that holds at least one substrate during a thin film deposition process to improve uniformity of the ICE core. In one embodiment, varying the distance between the thermal component relative to the substrate holder that holds at least one substrate includes moving at least a portion of the substrate holder in at least one direction relative to the thermal component and also moving the thermal component in at least one direction relative to the substrate holder during the thin film deposition process.

Abstract: A control system for positioning a marker over a pre-existing roadway surface mark. The control system has an electromagnetic radiation source attached to the marker for producing a mark pattern on the roadway surface. An imager permits the control system to image both the pre-existing roadway surface mark and the mark pattern produced by the electromagnetic radiation source. A computer is responsive to the imager for producing an error signal based upon the location difference between (a) the image of the pre-existing roadway surface mark and (b) the image of the mark pattern produced by the electromagnetic radiation source. An actuator is responsive to the error signal for positioning the marker over the pre-existing roadway mark.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for pulsed RF power delivery to a plasma load for plasma processing of a substrate. In order to maximize power delivery, a calibration phase using a dummy substrate or no substrate in the chamber, is used to ascertain a preferred fixed initial RF frequency for each pulse. This fixed initial RF frequency is then used at the start of each pulse during a processing phase, where a real substrate is used and processed in the chamber.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for pulsed RF power delivery to a plasma load for plasma processing of a substrate. In order to maximize power delivery, a calibration phase using a dummy substrate or no substrate in the chamber, is used to ascertain a preferred fixed initial RF frequency for each pulse. This fixed initial RF frequency is then used at the start of each pulse during a processing phase, where a real substrate is used and processed in the chamber.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a temperature change of a power distribution circuit having a power line and return line includes measuring an output current and output voltage of the power distribution circuit at an input to a load electrically connected to the power distribution circuit, and determining a change in temperature of at least one of the power line and return line based on a change in at least one of the output current and output voltage.

Abstract: A metallic microcapsule containing a polymeric microcapsule having one or more polymeric precursors encapsulated therein; and a metallic shell enclosing a volume containing the polymeric microcapsule is disclosed. Also disclosed is a self-healing coating composition comprising (a) a film-forming binder; and (b) metallic microcapsules, the metallic microcapsules being the same or different and containing a polymeric microcapsule containing one or more polymeric precursors encapsulated therein; and a metallic shell enclosing a volume containing the polymeric microcapsule.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for pulsed RF power delivery to a plasma load for plasma processing of a substrate. In order to maximize power delivery, a calibration phase using a dummy substrate or no substrate in the chamber, is used to ascertain a preferred fixed initial RF frequency for each pulse. This fixed initial RF frequency is then used at the start of each pulse during a processing phase, where a real substrate is used and processed in the chamber.

Abstract: A solution for manufacturing semiconductors is provided. An embodiment provides a chemical vapor deposition reactor, which includes a chemical vapor deposition chamber. A substrate holder located in the chemical vapor deposition chamber can be rotated about its own axis at a first angular speed, and a gas injection component located in the chemical vapor deposition chamber can be rotated about an axis of the gas injection component at a second angular speed. The angular speeds are independently selectable and can be configured to cause each point on a surface of a substrate wafer to travel in an epicyclical trajectory within a gas flow injected by the gas injection component. An angle between the substrate holder axis and the gas injection component axis and/or a distance between the substrate holder axis and the gas injection component axis can be controlled variables.

Abstract: An electrode material drying method and apparatus for drying electrode material are provided for achieving quality improvement of batteries. Electrode material portions containing a solvent are spaced apart from each other on the metal foil. An inductive coil that inductively heats the metal foil faces the metal foil. An amount of heat applied to an uncoated portion of the metal foil between the electrode material portions is reduced below that of a coated portion of the metal foil on which the electrode material portions are arranged. The heat evaporates the solvent in the electrode material portions by causing the metal foil to generate heat with inductive heating while moving the metal foil and the inductive coil relative to each other in an arrangement direction, that is, a direction in which the electrode material portions are arranged.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and detecting material deposited onto a substrate during a deposition process in a processing chamber includes a storage structure having a primary axis extending between respective first and second ends and an exterior lateral surface between the first and second ends extending about the primary axis. A plurality of monitor crystals are supported by the storage structure at spaced positions along said exterior lateral surface and in which a drive mechanism advances the storage structure rotatably and axially relative to the primary axis such that at least one monitor crystal is advanced or retracted relative to at least one measuring position. A retained crystal that is advanced to the measuring position can be electrically connected, using a brush contact or other mechanism, in order to excite the crystal using a resonance circuit.

Abstract: To provide an identification document, particularly a passport, in which at least one contactless RFID chip (10) and an antenna (12) connected thereto are integrated on a page of the identification document, an additional layer (22) mechanically reinforcing the RFID chip is situated at the area of the RFID chip (10) on the page, thus providing an arrangement with which the RFID chip can withstand mechanical stress for years on end.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a solar cell comprises a housing defining a chamber including a substrate support. A sputtering source is configured to deposit particles of a first type over at least a portion of a surface of a substrate on the substrate support. An evaporation source is configured to deposit a plurality of particles of a second type over the portion of the surface of the substrate. A cooling unit is provided between the sputtering source and the evaporation source. A control system is provided for controlling the evaporation source based on a rate of mass flux emitted by the evaporation source.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and techniques for providing favorable fabrication characteristics for optical elements. One method includes providing a desired integrated computational element (ICE) design comprising a plurality of layers, each layer having a design thickness, randomizing the design thickness of each layer of the desired ICE design to simulate a fabrication error in each layer, thereby generating a plurality of randomized ICE designs, calculating a standard error of calibration between each randomized ICE design and the desired ICE design, correlating the standard error of calibration between a given layer of the desired ICE design and the fabrication error of each corresponding layer of each randomized ICE design, and ranking the plurality of layers of the desired ICE design based on the sensitivity to changes in the standard error of calibration.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a plurality of biosensors includes the steps of: providing a base with a surface; forming a carbon nanotube array including a plurality of carbon nanotubes substantially parallels to each other on the surface; forming a plurality of lead pairs on the surface, the plurality of lead pairs divides the plurality of carbon nanotubes into a plurality of first carbon nanotubes and a plurality of second carbon nanotubes; eliminating the plurality of second carbon nanotubes; cutting the plurality of first carbon nanotubes to form a plurality of third carbon nanotubes and a plurality of fourth carbon nanotubes; and fabricating a plurality of receptors to electrically connect the plurality of third carbon nanotubes to the plurality of fourth carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: An evaporation apparatus comprises a chamber configured to contain at least one dispensing nozzle and at least one substrate to be coated. The chamber has at least one adjustable shielding member defining an adjustable aperture. The member is positioned between the at least one dispensing nozzle and the at least one substrate. The aperture is adjustable in at least one of the group consisting of area and shape. The at least one adjustable shielding member has a heater.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for process for predicting gloss of a coating resulting from a wet layer of a low gloss coating composition, such as automotive OEM or refinish paint. The device includes measuring reflectance of the layer of the coating composition applied over a test substrate and then allowing the layer to dry and/or cure into a coating. Thereafter, its gloss is measured with a gloss meter. The device is repeated with varying amounts of one or flatting agents added to the composition and the reflectance vs. gloss is plotted on a graph and by using a curve fitting equation a gloss prediction curve is obtained. By measuring the reflectance of a wet layer of a target low gloss coating composition the gloss of a coating that would result from such a layer is then predicted by using the gloss prediction curve. The device is most useful during the manufacture of coating compositions, such as automotive OEM and refinishes paints.

Abstract: A method for non-destructive evaluation of an article of manufacture (30) by coating the article with a temperature-sensitive coating (34), stimulating the article with energy (18) to induce temperature changes in the article responsive to features of the article, then evaluating (24) a resulting topography of energy-induced changes (50, 52, 53) in the coating (34). The energy imparted to the article may be, for example, electromagnetic, magnetic, or sonic energy that produces localized changes in temperature in the article (30) in response to features (32) of the article such as flaws or other discontinuities. The coating (34) may be a suspension of liquid crystals in a liquid, and the energy may be an application of sonic energy. The coating may be a material that hardens (42, 54) or softens (44, 56) upon a slight increase in temperature. Layers (34, 35) of different energy-sensitive coatings (38, 40) may be applied to indicate different aspects of features of the article.

Abstract: Processes for real time process control of the Polymer Dispersion Index (PDI) during polymerization processes. By tuning this chain length distribution in real time, a resulting polymer can have predetermined physical properties such as thickness, physical yield strength, decomposition time, thermal stability, etc. Techniques herein can dynamically control chain length distribution through use of a mass density measurement device located within a processing chamber and providing real time feedback of polymer growth. Chamber parameters can be controlled or modified before and during polymerization based on mass density feedback. Such chamber parameters can include pressure, temperature, chemistry, and process gas flow rates and flow periods.

Abstract: Provided herein are processes for depositing a plasma coating on a substrate and coated substrates obtained thereby. More particularly, processes for characterizing a plasma coating on a substrate are provided. The process for depositing a plasma coating includes the step of exposing the substrate to a plasma. The plasma includes at least one coating precursor and one fluorophore other than the coating precursor.

Abstract: Provided is a substrate processing apparatus in which after a module is disabled, a substrate is provided to a carry-in module capable of placing the wafers most rapidly in the plurality of unit blocks and the substrates are sequentially transported to the module group by the transportation means to be delivered to the carry-out module according to a providing sequence of the substrate to the carry-in module in each of the plurality of unit blocks. In particular, the substrates are extracted from the carry-out module according to a providing sequence of the substrate to the carry-in module and transported to a rear module or a substrate placing part. Thereafter, the substrates are transported to the rear module from the carry-out module or the substrate placing part according to a predetermined sequence in which the substrate is provided to the carry-in module in a normal state.

Abstract: A cold spray coating process is disclosed. The cold spray coating process includes positioning a cold spray nozzle relative to a bearing assembly, rotating the bearing assembly, and directing a powdered babbitt material through the cold spray nozzle, to a surface of the rotating bearing assembly. The powdered babbitt material adheres to the surface of the rotating bearing assembly, forming a coating on the surface. Another cold spray coating process includes positioning the cold spray nozzle relative to a bearing assembly, rotating the cold spray nozzle, and directing a powdered babbitt material through the cold spray nozzle, to a surface of the bearing assembly. The powdered babbitt material adheres to the surface, the rotating of the cold spray nozzle forming a coating on the surface. Another cold spray coating process includes monitoring properties of the coating on the surface of the bearing assembly with a coating monitor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a detectable and stable composition comprising an organofunctional silane and/or hydrolyzate and/or partial or complete condensate thereof, a colloidal metal oxide, a water soluble organic dye having a positive charge and a counterion derived from a carboxylic acid of from 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and water. The invention is also directed to a method for determining the uniformity and film thickness of a detectable composition applied to a substrate comprising applying to the surface of the substrate the detectable composition and measuring an optical property of the applied coating, the resulting measurement being related to the uniformity of the applied composition.

Abstract: A deposition amount measuring apparatus includes a plate-shaped body having a rotating shaft, a plurality of deposition amount sensors along side surfaces of the body, the deposition amount sensors being configured to measure an amount of deposition material, and a housing surrounding the body, the housing including an inflow port that exposes one of the deposition amount sensors.

Abstract: A refurbishment process for a volumetric screw compressor of the ‘oil-free’ type, which comprises a male rotor and a female rotor, is described. The process comprises visually checking the wear condition of the rotors, treating their surface for removing the previous coating, and applying a new coating on the surface.

Abstract: A method for applying a uniform coating to a non-uniform substrate, the method including: a) optically characterizing the non-uniform substrate; b) adjusting a thickness and a color of a primer layer to achieve a first target color while depositing the primer layer on the non-uniform substrate; c) optically characterizing the non-uniform substrate comprising the primer layer deposited thereon; and, d) adjusting a thickness and a color of a first paint layer to achieve a second target color while depositing the first paint layer on the non-uniform substrate comprising the primer layer deposited thereon.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a clearance between a nozzle and a work to a desired value in a liquid application apparatus wherein a liquid discharged from the nozzle is applied to the work, comprises (a) a distance measurement step of measuring, by using a non-contact distance sensor positioned in parallel with the nozzle, a distance from the non-contact distance sensor to a reference surface of a contact detection sensor detecting a contact of the nozzle front end with the reference surface opposite to the nozzle front end, (b) a nozzle contacting step of making contacts with the nozzle front end and the reference surface of the contact detection sensor to obtain a positional information of the nozzle, (c) a distance measurement step of measuring, by the non-contact distance sensor, a distance from the non-contact distance sensor to the work before applying the liquid to the work, and (d) a step of adjusting a nozzle clearance to a desired value based on the relative positional information between the nozzle and th

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and techniques for providing favorable fabrication characteristics for optical elements. One method includes providing a desired integrated computational element (ICE) design comprising a plurality of layers, each layer having a design thickness, randomizing the design thickness of each layer of the desired ICE design to simulate a fabrication error in each layer, thereby generating a plurality of randomized ICE designs, calculating a standard error of calibration between each randomized ICE design and the desired ICE design, correlating the standard error of calibration between a given layer of the desired ICE design and the fabrication error of each corresponding layer of each randomized ICE design, and ranking the plurality of layers of the desired ICE design based on the sensitivity to changes in the standard error of calibration.

Abstract: A method for processing a substrate in a reactor by pulsing RF power, includes: applying RF power in pulses in the reactor to process the substrate; monitoring data from the reactor indicative of anomalous pulses of RF power, including data from a photo sensor equipped in the reactor; counting the number of anomalous pulses of RF power in the monitored data; determining whether or not the number of anomalous pulses of RF power is acceptable; and initiating a pre-designated sequence if the number of anomalous pulses of RF power is determined to be unacceptable.

Abstract: Flow cells configured for piezoelectric millimeter-sized cantilever sensors provide direct, sensitive detection of analytes in fluid media. The flow cells comprise a flow inlet and a flow outlet positioned to cause sample flow past a sensing surface of the cantilever sensor. The flow cell is configured for millimeter-sized cantilever sensors. The geometry of the flow cell influences the sample flow and thus the interaction of the flow with the cantilever sensor.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus and method are disclosed which improve the repeatability of various plasma processes. The actual implanted dose is a function of implant conditions, as well as various other parameters. This method used knowledge of current implant conditions, as well as information about historical data to improve repeatability. In one embodiment, a plasma is created, a first sensing system is used to monitor a composition of the plasma and a second sensing system is used to monitor a total number of ions implanted. Information about plasma composition and dose per pulse is used to control one or more operating parameters in the plasma chamber. In another embodiment, this information is combined with historical data to control one or more operating parameters in the plasma chamber. In another embodiment, the thickness of material on the walls is measured, and used to modify one or more operating parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to: 1) a process for the mass production of hollow glass articles which, when positioned beside one another with the same orientation in one and the same plane, are liable to come into mutual contact along a surface of revolution, characterized in that after they have left the annealing lehr, they are rotated through one turn at least along the axis of said surface of revolution, this surface then being coated, by a process without any solid contact, with an additional layer which reduces the coefficient of friction; 2) a hollow glass article as obtained by this process; and 3) a packaging assembly of such articles.

Abstract: Fanfold and/or perforated media comprising a substrate including one or more friable coatings and an overcoat covering at least a portion of the one or more friable coatings proximate to one or more associated fanfolds and/or perforations is provided, wherein the overcoat mitigates spallation of the one or more friable coatings. Methods and apparatus for making the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a coating applied to a surface comprises the step of applying the coating to the surface. The coating including a conversion gel to chemically bind the surface and an indicator substantially uniformly distributed throughout the coating wherein the indicator modifies an appearance of the coating. The method further comprising the step of determining whether the indicator is present on the surface at a substantially uniform concentration.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and controlling the thickness of coating on a creping cylinder is disclosed. The methodologies involve a coordinated scheme of apparatuses that function to monitor various aspects of a creping cylinder coating so that the thickness of the coating can be determined.