Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for controlling the quantity of fluid output (e.g., drop size) by individual nozzles of a print head to a very high precision at a frequency equal to the frequency at which fluid is normally dispensed. This is achieved by mapping fluid quantity control information into the data that represents the image to be printed. Data representative of an image is received and converted into pixel data. In at least one embodiment, the pixel data includes pixels represented by N bits, and the N bits may represent a drop size for the pixel and a union of the N bits may represent a nozzle status. A print head may be controlled based on the pixel data, and the print head may include nozzles that are each adapted to deposit at least one drop size quantity of a fluid on a substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sputter depositing a film on a substrate is disclosed. By providing a superimposed RF bias over a DC bias, plasma ionization is increased. In order to increase the resistive load across the substrate, an impedance circuit is provided between the substrate and the susceptor. The impedance circuit allows an insulating substrate to effectively function as an anode and connect to ground.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems are disclosed for printing color filters for flat panel displays and avoiding mura effects by depositing a plurality of ink drops on a substrate within a column of pixel wells and intentionally varying the size and/or the relative lateral position of the ink drops deposited in the pixel wells. Numerous other aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for inkjet inkjet drop positioning are provided. A first method includes determining an intended deposition location of an ink drop on a substrate, depositing the ink drop on the substrate using an inkjet printing system, detecting a deposited location of the deposited ink drop on the substrate, comparing the deposited location to the intended location, determining a difference between the deposited location and the intended location, and compensating for the difference between the deposited location and the intended location by adjusting a parameter of an inkjet printing system. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems, and drivers for controlling an inkjet printing system and manufacturing display objects. The system may include a print controller including one or more drivers, at least one print head coupled to the drivers, a stage controller coupled to the print controller, one or more motors coupled to the stage controller, encoders coupled to the motors and the stage controller, and a host coupled to the stage controller and the print controller. The host is adapted to transfer pattern parameter data to the print controller, and the print controller is adapted to use the pattern parameter data to trigger the at least one print head to deposit ink into pixel wells on a substrate as the substrate is moved in a print direction by the at least one motor under the direction of the stage controller in response to a command from the host.

Abstract: A continuity test system adapted for testing individual contact pins within a flat panel test system is disclosed. The method and apparatus is designed to test continuity of individual contact pins via connection of a contact test pad assembly to a plurality of pins within a user defined pin arrangement. The contact test pad assembly has a plurality of contact points mounted thereon adapted to be in communication with individual contact pins within the defined pin arrangement. The system uses a test circuit in communication with the contact test pad assembly that is in communication with a power source and a controller that receives continuity information from the circuit and provides results to a user.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems, and drivers for controlling an inkjet printing system. The driver may include logic including a processor, memory coupled to the logic, and a fire pulse generator circuit coupled to the logic. The fire pulse generator may include a connector to facilitate coupling the driver to a print head. The fire pulse generator circuit may also include a fixed current source circuit adapted to generate a fire pulse with a constant slew rate that facilitates easy adjustment of ink drop size. The logic is adapted to receive an image and to convert the image to an image data file. The image data file is adapted to be used by the driver to trigger the print head to deposit ink into pixel wells on a substrate as the substrate is moved in a print direction. Numerous other aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, systems, and drivers for controlling an inkjet printing system. The driver may include logic including a processor, memory coupled to the logic, and a fire pulse generator circuit coupled to the logic. The fire pulse generator includes a connector to facilitate coupling the driver to a print head. The logic is adapted to receive an image and to convert the image to an image data file. The image data file is adapted to be used by the driver to trigger the print head to deposit ink into pixel wells on a substrate as the substrate is moved in a print direction. Numerous other aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for controlling the quantity of fluid output (e.g., drop size) by individual nozzles of a print head to a very high precision at a frequency equal to the frequency at which fluid is normally dispensed. This is achieved by mapping fluid quantity control information into the data that represents the image to be printed. Data representative of an image is received and converted into pixel data. In at least one embodiment, the pixel data includes pixels represented by N bits, and the N bits may represent a drop size for the pixel and a union of the N bits may represent a nozzle status. A print head may be controlled based on the pixel data, and the print head may include nozzles that are each adapted to deposit at least one drop size quantity of a fluid on a substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods, apparatus and materials to reduce or minimize the heating of a substrate (and associated distortions of the photomask) caused by electron-beam energy deposited in the substrate during patterning. Heating of the substrate is exacerbated by radiative transfer of infrared energy from the substrate to other nearby components of the e-beam apparatus followed by reflection or re-radiation of a portion of the energy back to the substrate. The present invention provides useful materials and methods for reducing such reflection or re-radiation effects, leading to temperature stability of the substrate, reduced thermal distortion and the possibility of increased patterning accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods, apparatus and materials to reduce or minimize the heating of a substrate (and associated distortions of the photomask) caused by electron-beam energy deposited in the substrate during patterning. Heating of the substrate is exacerbated by radiative transfer of infrared energy from the substrate to other nearby components of the e-beam apparatus followed by reflection or re-radiation of a portion of the energy back to the substrate. The present invention provides useful materials and methods for reducing such reflection or re-radiation effects, leading to temperature stability of the substrate, reduced thermal distortion and the possibility of increased patterning accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods, apparatus and materials to reduce or minimize the heating of a substrate (and associated distortions of the photomask) caused by electron-beam energy deposited in the substrate during patterning. Heating of the substrate is exacerbated by radiative transfer of infrared energy from the substrate to other nearby components of the e-beam apparatus followed by reflection or re-radiation of a portion of the energy back to the substrate. The present invention provides useful materials and methods for reducing such reflection or re-radiation effects, leading to temperature stability of the substrate, reduced thermal distortion and the possibility of increased patterning accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods, apparatuses and materials to reduce or minimize the heating of a substrate (and associated distortions of the photomask) caused by electron-beam energy deposited in the substrate during patterning. The present invention provides useful materials and methods for reducing such reflection or re-radiation effects, leading to temperature stability of the substrate, reduced thermal distortion and the possibility of increased patterning accuracy. The infrared absorbing materials of the present invention also possess sufficient electrical conductivity to dissipate scattered electrons residing on the material, and sufficient thermal conductivity to dissipate heat rapidly and not result in local heating or significant temperature rise of the absorber.

Abstract: An electron beam writing system includes an electron beam patterning machine operable to emit an electron beam to form a pattern on a substrate. A computer control system, coupled to the electron beam patterning machine, has a plurality of pre-computed distortion maps. Each distortion map describes expected distortions of the substrate caused by bulk heating resulting from exposure to the electron beam. The computer control system controls the electron beam patterning machine using the distortion maps in order to adjust for the expected distortions.