Abstract: Systems for fabricating nanofiber yarn at rates of at least 30 m/min (1.8 kilometers (km)/hour (hr)) using a “false twist” nanofiber yarn spinner and a false twist spinning technique are disclosed. In a false twist spinning technique, a twist is introduced to nanofibers in a strand by twisting the nanofibers at points between ends of the strand. This is in contrast to the “true twist” technique where one end of a strand is fixed and the opposing end of the strand is rotated to introduce the twist to intervening portions of yarn.

Abstract: Systems for fabricating nanofiber yarn at rates of at least 30 m/min (1.8 kilometers (km)/hour (hr)) using a “false twist” nanofiber yarn spinner and a false twist spinning technique are disclosed. In a false twist spinning technique, a twist is introduced to nanofibers in a strand by twisting the nanofibers at points between ends of the strand. This is in contrast to the “true twist” technique where one end of a strand is fixed and the opposing end of the strand is rotated to introduce the twist to intervening portions of yarn.

Abstract: Nanofiber membranes are described that include multiple layers of nanofiber structures, where each structure is a composite composition of multiwall carbon nanotubes and one or both of single wall and/or few walled carbon nanotubes. By selecting the relative proportions of multiwall and one or more of single/few wall carbon nanotubes in a nanofiber film, the membrane can be fabricated to withstand the heating that occurs during operation in an EUV lithography machine, while also having enough mechanical integrity to withstand pressure changes of between 1 atmosphere (atm) and 2 atm between operating cycles of an EUV lithography machine.

Abstract: A filtration formed nanostructure pellicle film is disclosed. The filtration formed nanostructure pellicle film includes a plurality of carbon nanofibers that are intersected randomly to form an interconnected network structure in a planar orientation. The interconnected structure allows for a high minimum EUV transmission rate of at least 92%, with a thickness ranging from a lower limit of 3 nm to an upper limit of 100 nm, to allow for effective EUV lithography processing.

Abstract: Nanofiber membranes are described that include multiple layers of nanofiber structures, where each structure is a composite composition of multiwall carbon nanotubes and one or both of single wall and/or few walled carbon nanotubes. By selecting the relative proportions of multiwall and one or more of single/few wall carbon nanotubes in a nanofiber film, the membrane can be fabricated to withstand the heating that occurs during operation in an EUV lithography machine, while also having enough mechanical integrity to withstand pressure changes of between 1 atmosphere (atm) and 2 atm between operating cycles of an EUV lithography machine.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described herein for providing tension to carbon nanotube films. An apparatus and method are described herein for transferring carbon nanotube films from a first frame to a second frame. An example method includes deforming a frame by one of a thermal method or a physical method, allowing the frame to return to an original shape, and providing tension to the carbon nanotube film.

Abstract: A hydraulic muscle comprises a hollow carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn tube comprising: a plurality of CNT sheets twisted and wrapped in form of a hollow tube; and a binding agent infiltrated in the plurality of CNT sheets that binds the plurality of the CNT sheets together. A method of manufacturing a hydraulic muscle comprises: twisting and wrapping a plurality of carbon nanotube (CNT) sheets around a core fiber; infiltrating a binding agent in between the plurality of CNT sheets, wherein the binding agent binds the plurality of the CNT sheets together; and removing the core fiber from the plurality of CNT sheets.

Abstract: An artificial muscle tentacle and method for manufacturing an artificial muscle tentacle, and a computer readable medium for controlling an artificial muscle tentacle are disclosed. The artificial muscle tentacle includes two spacers and a central core that connects the two spacers. The artificial muscle tentacle also includes at least two Z-Twist actuators and at least two S-Twist actuators. The Z-Twist actuators and the S-Twist actuators are disposed around the central core and in between the two spacers connecting the two spacers. The actuation of one or more of the Z-Twist actuators and the S-Twist actuators actuates the artificial muscle tentacle.

Abstract: A filtration formed nanostructure pellicle film is disclosed. The filtration formed nanostructure pellicle film includes a plurality of carbon nanofibers that are intersected randomly to form an interconnected network structure in a planar orientation. The interconnected structure allows for a high minimum EUV transmission rate of at least 92%, with a thickness ranging from a lower limit of 3 nm to an upper limit of 100 nm, to allow for effective EUV lithography processing.

Abstract: A linear displacement device includes at least one artificial muscle actuator, an arm attached to the at least one artificial muscle, a body that is restricted to move along a line, and a stationary channel that restricts the motion of the body to linear motion. The at least one artificial muscle actuator causes the body to move along the line. The body is further restricted to move along a surface of the arm and the at least one artificial muscle actuator is a rotational muscle actuator. Additionally, the arm rotates in concert with the at least one artificial muscle actuator.

Abstract: Techniques are described for transferring nanofiber forests using transfer films that either lack a conventional adhesive at the substrate - nanofiber forest interface or that include a diffusion barrier that prevents diffusion of adhesive molecules (or other polymer molecules mobile at ambient temperatures) into the nanofiber forest. These techniques can be applied to single layer nanofiber forests or stacks of multiple nanofiber forest. By selecting the bond strength between the nanofiber forest and the transfer films, the nanofibers can be aligned in a common direction that includes, but is not limited to, perpendicular to a substrate or transfer film.

Abstract: A sheet includes a pseudo-sheet structure including a plurality of linear-bodies with a volume resistivity R of from 1.0×10?7 ?cm to 1.0×10?1 extending in one direction, aligned parallel to one another, and spaced apart from one another, satisfies the relation: L/D?3, wherein D represents the diameter of the linear-bodies, and L represents the spacing between adjacent ones of the linear-bodies, and also satisfies the relation: (D2/R)×(1/L)?0.003, wherein D represents the diameter of the linear-bodies, L represents the spacing between adjacent ones of the linear-bodies, R represents the volume resistivity of the linear-bodies, and D and L are in units of cm. A heating element and a heating device each include the sheet.

Abstract: A filtration formed nanostructure pellicle film is disclosed. The filtration formed nanostructure pellicle film includes a plurality of carbon nanofibers that are intersected randomly to form an interconnected network structure in a planar orientation. The interconnected structure allows for a high minimum EUV transmission rate of at least 92%, with a thickness ranging from a lower limit of 3 nm to an upper limit of 100 nm, to allow for effective EUV lithography processing.

Abstract: Techniques are described for transferring nanofiber forests using transfer films that either lack a conventional adhesive at the substrate-nanofiber forest interface or that include a diffusion barrier that prevents diffusion of adhesive molecules (or other polymer molecules mobile at ambient temperatures) into the nanofiber forest. These techniques can be applied to single layer nanofiber forests or stacks of multiple nanofiber forest. By selecting the bond strength between the nanofiber forest and the transfer films, the nanofibers can be aligned in a common direction that includes, but is not limited to, perpendicular to a substrate or transfer film.

Abstract: A nanofiber yarn placement system includes a yarn dispenser assembly, and a placement assembly. The placement assembly includes a compliant flange, and a guide connected to the compliant flange. The guide defining a channel. The channel includes at least one internal surface and at least one corner defined by the at least one internal surface.

Abstract: A fabric of nanofibers that includes an adhesive is described. The nanofibers can be twisted or both twisted and coiled prior to formation into a fabric. The adhesive can be selectively applied to or infiltrated within portions of the nanofibers comprising the nanofiber fabric. The adhesive enables connection of the nanofiber fabric to an underlying substrate, even in cases in which the underlying substrate has a three-dimensional topography, while the selective location of the adhesive on the fabric limits the contact area between the adhesive and the nanofibers of the nanofiber fabric. This limited contact area can help preserve the beneficial properties of the nanofibers (e.g., thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, infra-red (IR) radiation transparency) that otherwise might be degraded by the presence of adhesive.

Abstract: A linear displacement device includes at least one artificial muscle actuator, an arm attached to the at least one artificial muscle, a body that is restricted to move along a line, and a stationary channel that restricts the motion of the body to linear motion. The at least one artificial muscle actuator causes the body to move along the line. The body is further restricted to move along a surface of the arm and the at least one artificial muscle actuator is a rotational muscle actuator. Additionally, the arm rotates in concert with the at least one artificial muscle actuator.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electrically conductive sheet for use in three-dimensional molding including: a pseudo-sheet structure in which plural electrically conductive linear bodies extending unidirectionally are arranged spaced apart from each other; and a resin protective layer provided on a surface of the pseudo-sheet structure. In the above mentioned electrically conductive sheet, each of the electrically conductive linear bodies in the pseudo-sheet structure includes: a first portion formed in a wave pattern having a wavelength ?1 and an amplitude A1; and a second portion formed in a wave pattern having a wavelength ?2 and an amplitude A2, at least one of which is different from the wavelength ?1 or the amplitude A1 of the first portion.

Abstract: A dispenser is described for dispensing nanofiber yarns that includes a housing that defines an inlet, an outlet, and a chamber. A spool, around which is wound a length of nanofiber yarn, is disposed within the chamber defined by the housing. The nanofiber yarn is threaded from the chamber through the outlet and can be dispensed in a controlled way that reduces the likelihood of developing knots within the nanofiber yarn, and which facilitates convenient application of the yarn onto an underlying surface. In some cases, the dispenser can be used to concurrently dispense an adhesive or other polymer along with the nanofiber yarn.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for transferring nanofiber structures (e.g., nanofiber films, nanofiber sheets, stacks of nanofiber grids, nanofiber films, nanofiber sheets, and combinations thereof) between various substrates are described. The techniques described use a soluble layer on a substrate that is subsequently dissolved, thus freeing the nanofiber structure from the substrate. This liquid phase techniques preserves the mechanical integrity and the purity of the nanofiber structures.