Abstract: Superconductive structures and a method of forming the same wherein an assembled mass (12) of superconductive particles, or of a mixture of superconductive particles and particles having other properties, are formed into a desired confined configuration and consolidated into a rigid useful unitized body through shock-wave treatment performed at relatively lower temperatures.

Abstract: A neural-model-architectural, layered, multidirectional-feed computational system wherein plural groups of computational (connection) nodes are organized by broadcast bus structures into plural, partially overlapping broadcast regions. This organization allows for selective, simultaneous, multidirectional broadcast communication between the groups of nodes in forward, rearward and lateral overlapping regions.

Abstract: A laser wax joinery method and apparatus are disclosed. Molded wax segments, such as those used to produce patterns for investment casting, are immobilized relative to one another, with their conforming marginal edges in abutted relationship, on a two axis rotatable tilt table. A laser beam of controllable energy density scans the edges of the wax segments, forming therealong a wax weld pool that, while molten, is maintained generally horizontal by rotation of the tilt table. The laser beam's energy density is modulated to correspond with the varying thickness of the edges to be joined. A laser beam delivery system includes a process robot and a lens and mirror system for directing the beam generally vertically toward the surface of the wax segments. Shrinkage by wax dripping or filler vaporization is avoided by precisely controlling the energy density adjacent the weld joint.

Abstract: A longitudinally coupled, coherent, surface emitting semiconductor laser array in a monolithic wafer is disclosed. Active regions of diode laser-striped semiconductor material are focused ion beam (FIB) micromachined to form transversely disposed channels of symmetric, opposed, generally parabolic mirrored surfaces. Diode laser pairs, emitting laser energy in a generally horizontal plane, are longitudinally injection-coupled (phase-locked) by semi-transmissive, opposed regions that are micromachined into the otherwise reflective parabolic surfaces of the channel. Coherent, laser energy is reflected thereby generally normally away from the surface of the monolithic structure.

Abstract: A coherent, two-dimensional, phase-locked, surface emitting semiconductor laser array in a monolithic wafer is disclosed. Active regions of diode laser-striped semiconductor material are focused ion beam (FIB) micromachined to form transversely disposed channels of symmetric, opposed, generally parabolic, mirrored surfaces. Multiple diode laser pairs, emitting laser energy in a generally horizontal plane, are longitudinally injection-coupled (phase-locked) by semitransmissive, opposed regions that are micromachined into the otherwise reflective parabolic surfaces of each channel. Inherently, the striped material permits evanescent coupling, in an axis generally perpendicular to the longitudinal, injection-coupled axis. Thus, coupling is achieved in two dimensions across the extent of the array. High-power, coherent, laser energy is reflected thereby generally normally away from the surface of the monolithic structure.

Abstract: A neural-model computational method and architecture structure based on connectionism featuring broadcast-hierarchical, locality-of-communication-dominant operation. According to the hierarchical nature of the invention, the system thereof is organized into plural communication levels, wherein what might be thought of as a lower level handles all communications that take place solely on that level, and what might be thought of as a higher level handles "long-distance" communications interlevel. Communication takes place in what is referred to herein as a braodcast manner in the sense that a communicating source broadcasts its communication simultaneously to the entirety of that part of the system wherein expected recipients are located.

Abstract: A liquid metal ion source and alloy, wherein the species to be emitted from the ion source is contained in a congruently vaporizing alloy. In one embodiment, the liquid metal ion source acts as a source of arsenic, and in a source alloy the arsenic is combined with palladium, preferably in a liquid alloy having a range of compositions from about 24 to about 33 atomic percent arsenic. Such an alloy may be readily prepared by a combustion synthesis technique. Liquid metal ion sources thus prepared produce arsenic ions for implantation, have long lifetimes, and are highly stable in operation.

Abstract: A corrosion-resistant, long-life, high-capacity, power-efficient source substructure for a source of liquid-metal ions useable in focused-ion-beam apparatus. The substructure takes the form of an elongate carbon needle, pointed at one end, structurally supported entirely within the turns of an electrical heating coil having end leads which are conductively connected to, and structurally supported by, a pair of larger cross section electrical feeder legs.

Abstract: A method of forming one or more optical surfaces of the designer's choice in a body of material. The method includes the steps of exposing in a work zone a selected face in a body of selected material, directing a focused ion beam in a predetermined manner into the work zone to impinge the selected face, and by such directing and impinging, removing material from the body to create the desired optical surface(s). Preferably, beam direction is accomplished under the control of a suitably programmed computer.

Abstract: A method for joining individual pieces of material together includes the steps of heating the pieces to be welded together, at least one of which consists of a metal matrix with a relatively low melting point and a reinforcement material distributed therein, the reinforcement having a relatively high melting point. The other piece may be a similar metal matrix composite, or may be a metal or alloy which is to be joined to the first piece. The pieces are heated to a temperature which is above the melting points of the metals and below the melting point of the reinforcement. The pieces so heated are brought into contact with one another and then cooled to a temperature below the melting points of the metals. One technique for practicing the method of the invention is that of capacitor discharge welding.

Abstract: A three element asymmetric lens system having a very low chromatic aberration coefficient is used in conjunction with a TFE electron source having an angular intensity of approximately 10.sup.-3 amperes per steradian to achieve precise focusing of the resulting electron beam despite the large energy spread thereof for beam, accelerating ratios in the range from 0.2 to 6.0. In one embodiment, an FI ion source is used in conjunction with the same type of lens system to initially visualize the surface of the integrated circuit. The ion beam then is rapidly focused on and scanned across a small area of passivation over an underlying metal conductor to sputter a hole through the passivation layer to the metal. A secondary electron collecting apparatus detects a large increase in the secondary electron emission when the ion beam reaches the metal. The electron beam then is scanned across the surface of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: The compound 6-acetyl-4a,5,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-1(4H)-naphthalenone, and preparation thereof beginning from 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)bicyclo[2.2.2] oct-5-ene.

Abstract: Preparation of 9-acetyl-6-hydroxy-4-methoxy-7,8,9,10-tetrahydronaphthacene-5,12-dione (the object intermediate), and precursor compounds to the object intermediate. Preparation of the object intermediate according to the invention begins from 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)-bicyclo[2.2.2]oct-5-ene, wherein the latter is converted to 6-acetyl-4a,5,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-1(4H) naphthalenone (one of the two precursor compounds) which is subsequently reacted with a phenylsulfonyl isobenzofuranone to furnish, regiospecifically, 9-acetyl-5,12-dihydroxy-4-methoxy-6(11H)-hexahydronaphthacenone (the other of the two precursor compounds). Heating the hexahydronaphthacenone in dimethylforamide under an oxygen atmosphere gives the object intermediate.

Abstract: A method for the implosive consolidation into a solid body of a mass of free particles, which mass consists, selectively, entirely of amorphous particles, or a mixture of amorphous and nonamorphous particles. During the consolidation act, pressure and temperature are controlled in a manner which assures that the consolidated amorphous particles in the solid body exhibit substantially the same amorphous characteristics as those displayed by the unconsolidated, free amorphous particles.

Abstract: A depthwise-oriented capacitor comprises a cluster of separate, parallel, narrow elongated oppositely-doped conductive regions extending depthwise into a semiconductor substrate, for example, in an integrated circuit. The conductive regions can be parallel plates, but are preferably column shaped. The conductive regions are formed by ion implanting or diffusing a dopant into the substrate in a direction aligned with a crystallographic channel thereof to facilitate maximum ion penetration. P-type regions form one pole of the capacitor and N-type regions interspersed among the p-type regions form the opposite pole. Doping concentrations within the regions are sufficient to establish metal-like electric field boundary conditions. The bulk of the substrate containing the conductive regions is either near-intrinsic or semi-insulative so that the semiconductor material between the conductive regions is substantially nonconductive.

Abstract: A liquid metal field ionization source is used in conjunction with a three element asymmetric lens system to provide an ion gun having greater magnitude beam currents focused on a smaller spot size than has been previously possible for intermediate energy beams. An ultra-clean emitter surface is achieved by means of an argon sputtering and/or plasma etching process applied to the emitter surface before liquid metal is applied to the emitter surface to ensure uniform and sufficient flow of liquid metal to the apex of the emitter. The three element asymmetric lens system has a very low chromatic aberration coefficient, enabling precise focusing of beams with large energy spreads. For beam accelerating ratios in the range from 0.2 to 6, the ion gun produces very high current densities in beams focused on very small spot areas, despite the relatively large energy spread of beams produced by liquid metal ionization sources.

Abstract: Apparatus using leakage current through a sample to determine resistivity. An optically active material of the type which changes the polarization of a light beam passing therethrough, responsive to an electric field, is placed between a first pair of conducting plates. The sample is placed between a second pair of conducting plates which are in parallel connection with the first pair of plates. A light source transmits light through the material and a light detector detects changes in polarization of the light which emerges from the material. Each pair of plates is charged and the rate of discharge of the plates is monitored by the light detector.

Abstract: Method for monitoring the weight of glue sprayed on a veneer surface, where the light reflectance from droplet-covered regions on the surface differs from that of uncovered surface regions. According to the method, a beam of light is directed onto the sprayed surface of a relatively moving veneer, and the light reflectance from a zone within the illuminated surface area is detected to produce a signal which varies according to instantaneously detected reflected light level. A signal-handling circuit transforms the signal to a binary data stream composed of one and other data states representing reflected light levels from droplet-covered and uncovered regions on the surface, respectively. The data stream is processed to compute the weight of glue sprayed on the surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring the weight of glue sprayed on a veneer surface, where the light reflectance from droplet-covered regions on the surface differs from that of uncovered surface regions. A beam of light is directed onto the sprayed surface of a relatively moving veneer, and the light reflectance from a zone within the illuminated surface area is detected to produce a signal which varies according to instantaneously detected reflected light level. A signal-handling circuit in the apparatus transforms the signal to a binary data stream composed of one and other data states representing reflected light levels from droplet-covered and uncovered regions on the surface, respectively. The data stream is processed to compute the weight of glue sprayed on the surface.

Abstract: A scanner profiling system for locating and "mapping" a selected "feature" in a three-dimensional object, which "feature" is nearest with respect to a defined datum plane. The system includes a laser-distancing-instrument (LDI), and a cooperating motor-driven mirror apparatus which is operated under digital computer control to shift the scan axis of the system, in preselected steps, throughout a defined scan field. Object "feature" location, and related scan orientation data which are obtained during a scanning operation, effect computer scan control, whereby scanning "attention", within the total scan field, is directed particularly to "track" the selected "feature".