Abstract: A method of preparation of a map of areas on a sample that collects charge, and a method for using the map to selectively scan and modulate the intensity of the electron beam of a SEM so as to discriminate between the charging and non-charging areas of the sample. To generate the charging map, an image is first checked for saturation. The frame for the image is acquired by using digital scan control coupled with digital acquisition of the secondary electron detector signal. The next step is to perform a “fast scan” where the first frame is taken at the maximum frame rate that the system is capable of. A fast scan does not allow time for significant charge to collect on surfaces, and this provides a base level to subtract from a slower scan that allows charge to accumulate. Areas where the difference between the two is larger indicate areas of charge collection. A “slow scan” is then performed.

Abstract: A method for producing electroceramic materials of high sintered density from hydroxide and/or oxalate precursors is disclosed. In this method the precursor(s) are compacted to form a preform, thermally treated, recompacted and then sintered to form finished products.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method for dispersing a metathesis catalyst in an olefin to produce a catalyst-monomer mixture having a desired catalyst:monomer ratio comprising dispersing the catalyst within a solvent and mixing the dispersed catalyst with an olefin monomer. In preferred embodiments, the catalyst is of the formula wherein M is ruthenium or osmium; X and X1 are either the same or different and are any anionic ligand; L and L1 are either the same or different and are neutral electron donor; R and R1 are either the same or different and are each independently hydrogen or a substituent selected from the group consisting of C1-C20 alkyl, C2-C20 alkenyl, C2-C20 alkynyl, aryl, C1-C20 carboxylate, C1-C20 alkoxy, C2-C20 alkenyloxy, C2-C20 alkynyloxy, aryloxy, C2-C20 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-C20 alkylthio, C1-C20 alkylsulfonyl and C1-C20 alkylsulfinyl, wherein each of the substituents is substituted or unsubstituted.

Abstract: An improved method of performing optical beam induced current imaging of semiconductor junctions. According to the method, a single wired contact to an integrated circuit (for example through use of a conventional conductive probe) is made at a point that makes electrical contact to a first side of a junction to be analyzed. A first line connects the wired contact to an amplifier, and a second line carries return current from the amplifier to a ground connection. A capacitive return connection is then used to couple return current from a second side of the junction to ground. The actual value of capacitance in the return connection is not of fundamental importance in the practice of the invention, but generally larger capacitance values are preferred and allow increased induced current flow. An increase in the optical beam power also results in more induced current being generated. This causes a faster decay and results in a better signal-to-noise ratio at a higher scanning beam rate.

Abstract: A method of detecting a leak in a pressurized pipeline system, in which a measurement is performed to determine the difference in the rate of change of pressure due to a leak between one pressure level and at least one other pressure level, after compensation has been made for thermally induced changes in the pressure.

Abstract: An adjustable coupling connector apparatus for accommodating a range of mating excavator couplers. The connector apparatus includes two parallel bars upon which an excavator coupler clamps. One of the bars is fixed in position to risers extending from a connector base. Each end of the other bar is attached to a point off center of a circular plate so that as the plate is rotated, the bar moves laterally relative to the bar axis. The plates are rotatably positioned in holes in the risers, and captivating side plates are welded to the risers for covering a portion of each plate, securing the plates from movement parallel to its axis but allowing the plate to rotate. Holes in the circular plates and side plates are provided, and a bolt is placed through each of the side plates and circular plates for securing each circular plate in a fixed position.

Abstract: The invention discloses a composition comprising one or more density modulators dispersed in a polymer matrix wherein the matrix is prepared by the metathesis of an olefin monomer using a ruthenium or osmium metal carbene catalyst. The composition may use a catalyst of the formula wherein: M is ruthenium or osmium; X and X1 are either the same or different and are any anionic ligand; L and L1 are either the same or different and are any neutral electron donor; R and R1 are either the same or different and are each independently hydrogen or a substitutent selected from the group consisting of C1-C20 alkyl, C2-C20 alkenyl, C2-C20 alkynyl, aryl, C1-C20 carboxylate, C1-C20 alkoxy, C2-C20 alkenyloxy, C2-C20 alkynyloxy, aryloxy, C2-C20 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-C20 alkylthio, C1-C20 alkylsulfonyl and C1-C20 alkylsulfinyl, wherein each of the substituents is substituted or unsubstituted.

Abstract: A secure storage device with the external dimensions of a PCMCIA card, for securing digital camera data at the acquisition stage. Original digital camera data is saved in the memory of the secure storage device which has the capability of performing one or more security functions, including encryption, creation of an authentication file, adding data to the image data such as fingerprinting, and adding secure annotations such as separate data included in an image header. The device prepares original authentication data from original digital camera data, and encrypts and stores both the original authentication data and the original image data. The use of the device includes downloading the original image data to a first computer, and encrypted original authentication data to a second computer. The second computer can be programmed with software whereby the encrypted original authentication data can be decrypted by a user having a key.

Abstract: A method for high rate silicon nitride deposition at low pressures, including a method of operating a CVD reactor providing a novel combination of wafer temperature, gas flow and chamber pressure resulting in both rapid deposition and a uniform, smooth film surface. According to the method, a wafer is placed in a vacuum chamber wherein a reactant gas flow of silane and ammonia is directed in parallel with the wafer surface via a plurality of temperature controlled gas injectors, the gas being confined to a narrow region above the wafer. The gas is injected at a high velocity, causing the deposition rate to be limited only by the rate of delivery of unreacted gas to the wafer surface and the rate of removal of reaction byproducts. The high velocity gas stream passing across the wafer has the effect of thinning the layer adjacent the wafer surface containing reaction by-products, known as the “boundary layer,” resulting in faster delivery of the desired reactant gas to the wafer surface.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the pressure or other physical quantities of a gas or a liquid in a sealed container without penetrating the container. Two permanent magnets, one located on a sensing unit inside the container and one located on a readout unit located outside the container are used to communicate the magnitude of the pressure sensed inside the container to the readout unit. No power supply is required to implement this system.

Abstract: This invention relates to the synthesis of Al/SiC based functionally gradient materials using a new technique termed here as gradient slurry disintegration and deposition. Gradients of SiC were successfully established using this technique for the starting weight percentages up to 20%. The results were confirmed using microstructural characterization techniques and microhardness measurements. Functionally gradient materials synthesized using this method holds the promise where differential tribological characteristics and the strength/toughness combinations may be required from the opposite surfaces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivery of genes, enzymes and biological agents to tissue cells, including a method and apparatus wherein treatment fluids, including genes, enzymes and biological agents, are injected into a target area of a body providing selective attachment to the specific target cells without affecting normal tissue cells. The method is used to treat prostate cancer, breast cancer, uterine cancer, bladder cancer, stomach, lung, colon, and brain cancer, etc. A hollow core needle is inserted into a body, the needle being visually guided by a selected imaging technique. A first embodiment utilizes an endoscopic instrument, wherein a probe is inserted into the body, guided by the endoscope to the vicinity of the target area. The hollow core needle is guided to the vicinity by a channel through the probe. A needle adjustment apparatus is used to extend or retract the needle and adjust needle tip orientation toward a target area.

Abstract: A mixture of hydroxylamine partially neutralized with a weak carboxylic acid and an organic solvent such as an alkyl sulfoxide, a pyrrolidinone or a sulfone removes hardened photoresist and polymeric photoresist residues from a substrate with reduced metal corrosion.