Abstract: An improved high pressure apparatus can include a plurality of complementary die segments. The die segments can have inner surfaces which are shaped to form a die chamber upon assembly of the die segments. A pair of anvils can be oriented such that an anvil is at each end of the die chamber. To prevent the die segments from being forced apart during movement of the anvils, force members can be connected to the die segments. The force members can apply discrete forces to the die segments sufficient to retain the die segments in substantially fixed positions relative to each other during application of force by the pair of anvils. Using such a high pressure apparatus can achieve pressures as high as 10 GPa with improved useful die life and larger reaction volumes.

Abstract: A system for in-situ monitoring at least one aspect of a chemical mechanical planarization process can include a CMP pad, CMP pad dresser with at least a translucent portion, and an optical sensor. The optical sensor can be configured to optically engage the CMP pad through the translucent portion of the CMP pad dresser. Methods of monitoring chemical mechanical planarization processes can include using such CMP pad dresser to view a performance characteristic through the CMP pad dresser.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of making and using semiconductive single crystal diamond bodies, including semiconductive diamond bodies made by such methods. In one aspect, a method of making a semiconductive single crystal diamond layer may include placing a plurality of diamond segments in close proximity under high pressure in association with a molten catalyst and a carbon source, where the diamond segments are arranged in a single crystal orientation. The plurality of diamond segments are then maintained under high pressure in the molten catalyst until the plurality of diamond segments have joined together with diamond to diamond bonds to form a substantially single crystal diamond body. Following creation of the single crystal diamond body, a homoepitaxial single crystal diamond layer may be deposited on the single crystal diamond body. A dopant may be introduced into the homoepitaxial single crystal diamond layer to form a semiconductive single crystal diamond layer.

Abstract: A method of forming one or more features on a working surface of a superhard carbonaceous material comprises: positioning an electrode plate adjacent the superhard carbonaceous material, the electrode plate having an electrode surface oriented toward the working surface of the superhard carbonaceous material, the electrode surface including at least one protrusion or indentation formed therein or thereon; moving the electrode plate and the working surface toward one another while removing material from the working surface via electro-discharge machining; and moving the electrode plate and the working surface laterally relative to one another while removing material from the working surface via electro-discharge machining.

Abstract: A method for forming polycrystalline grits can include forming an abrasive dough, including a plurality of abrasive particles, into a sheet. The sheet can be divided into a plurality of abrasive precursors. By placing the sheet on a stretchable surface, separations among the plurality of abrasive precursors can be revealed by stretching the stretchable surface. The stretchable surface can include a particulate separating agent, and additional particulate separating agent can be distributed in the separations. The abrasive precursors can be sintered to form polycrystalline grits.

Abstract: An abrasive tool includes an assembly of tool precursors. At least one of the tool precursors has a continuous polycrystalline diamond, polycrystalline cubic boron nitride, or ceramic material cutting element formed into a blade shape. The abrasive tool can additionally include a setting material, which is configured to attach the tool precursors and form a single mass. The selection, arrangement, and setting of the tool precursors can result in an abrasive tool having a predetermined cutting configuration. Methods for forming such an abrasive tool are also disclosed.

Abstract: Polishing tools and their methods of manufacture and use are disclosed. In one aspect, a polishing device is provided, including a plurality of polymeric fibers longitudinally arranged and embedded in a polymeric binder, the polymeric binder having a stiffness that is less than a stiffness of the polymeric fibers, and a working end of the plurality of polymeric fibers configured such that tips of the polymeric fibers are oriented to contact a work piece.

Abstract: A CMP pad conditioner comprises a plurality of abrasive segments. Each abrasive segment includes a segment blank and an abrasive layer attached to the segment blank, the abrasive layer including a superhard abrasive material. A pad conditioner substrate is also provided. Each of the plurality of abrasive segments is permanently affixed to the pad conditioner substrate in an orientation that enables removal of material from a CMP pad by the abrasive layer as the pad conditioner and the CMP pad are moved relative to one another.

Abstract: A CMP pad conditioner comprises a plurality of abrasive segments. Each abrasive segment includes a segment blank and an abrasive layer attached to the segment blank, the abrasive layer including a superhard abrasive material. A pad conditioner substrate is also provided. Each of the plurality of abrasive segments is permanently affixed to the pad conditioner substrate in an orientation that enables removal of material from a CMP pad by the abrasive layer as the pad conditioner and the CMP pad are moved relative to one another.

Abstract: Solar cells and related methods using thin layers of amorphous diamond. A thin layer of amorphous diamond is in electrical communication with a conductor. The use of a thin layer of amorphous diamond helps to reduce back conversion of excited electrons to heat. Reduced back conversion in turn can provide an increase in the efficiency of solar cells using the presently disclosed techniques.

Abstract: Semiconductor-on-diamond (SOD) substrates and methods for making such substrates are provided. In one aspect, a method of making an SOD substrate may include depositing a base layer onto a lattice-orienting silicon (Si) substrate such that the base layer lattice is substantially oriented by the Si substrate, depositing a semiconductor layer onto the base layer such that the semiconductor layer lattice is substantially oriented with respect to the base layer lattice, and disposing a layer of diamond onto the semiconductor layer. The base layer may include numerous materials, including, without limitation, aluminum phosphide (AlP), boron arsenide (BAs), gallium nitride (GaN), indium nitride (InN), and combinations thereof. Additionally, the method may further include removing the lattice-orienting Si substrate and the base layer from the semiconductor layer. In one aspect, the Si substrate may be of a single crystal orientation.

Abstract: Polishing tools and associated methods are disclosed. In one aspect, a tool for polishing a work piece is provided. Such a tool may include a solid substrate with a greater than 10 wt % graphite having a high degree of graphitization. The solid substrate may have a working surface which has asperities having a tip-to-tip RA value of less than or equal to about 10 ?m, and the working surface may have a surface roughness RA value of less than or equal to about 50 ?m. A method for making such a tool and a method for polishing a work piece are also presented.

Abstract: CMP pad dressers with superabrasive particles oriented into an attitude that controls CMP pad performance, and methods associated therewith are disclosed and described. The controlled CMP pad performance may be selected to optimize CMP pad dressing rate and dresser wear.

Abstract: Materials, devices, and methods for enhancing performance of electronic devices such as solar cells, thermoelectric conversion devices and other electronic devices are disclosed and described. In one aspect, a diamond-like carbon electronic device may include a conductive diamond-like carbon anode, an amorphous charge carrier separation layer adjacent the diamond-like carbon anode, and a cathode adjacent the charge carrier separation layer opposite the diamond-like carbon anode. Additionally, in another aspect the conductive diamond-like carbon material may have an sp3 bonded carbon content from about 30 atom % to about 90 atom %, a hydrogen content from 0 atom % to about 30 atom %, and an sp2 bonded carbon content from about 10 atom % to about 70 atom %. In yet another aspect, the sp2 bonded carbon content may be sufficient to provide the conductive diamond-like carbon material with a visible light transmissivity of greater than about 0.70.

Abstract: Methods for extending the service life of a CMP pad dresser having a substrate and a plurality of superabrasive particles disposed thereon which is used to dress a CMP pad are disclosed and described. Generally, the method may include dressing the chemical mechanical polishing pad with the dresser and varying pressure between the pad and the dresser in relation to superabrasive particle wear, such that the dresser life is extended.

Abstract: LED devices and methods for making such devices are provided. One such method may include forming epitaxially a substantially single crystal SiC layer on a substantially single crystal Si wafer, forming epitaxially a substantially single crystal diamond layer on the SiC layer, doping the diamond layer to form a conductive diamond layer, removing the Si wafer to expose the SiC layer opposite to the conductive diamond layer, forming epitaxially a plurality of semiconductor layers on the SiC layer such that at least one of the semiconductive layers contacts the SiC layer, and coupling an n-type electrode to at least one of the semiconductor layers such that the plurality of semiconductor layers is functionally located between the conductive diamond layer and the n-type electrode.

Abstract: Diamond-like carbon based energy conversion devices and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. Such devices may include a surface for detection of infrared photons. Such a surface may include at least one metal cone and a diamond-like carbon layer disposed on the at least one metal cone. The at least one diamond-like carbon-coated metal cone is thus configured to receive infrared photons and generate electrons therefrom. In another aspect, the at least one metal cone may be an array of electronically coupled metal cones.

Abstract: Growth precursors to form discrete superabrasive particles including associated methods are disclosed. Such growth precursor may include a crystalline seed, an initiation material, and a feed material. The initiation material may substantially encompass the crystalline seed, and may include a catalyst and a raw material source. The raw material source makes up less than 50 wt % of the initiation material. The feed material may contact the initiation material and may also include raw material source and catalyst. The catalyst may be present in less than 50 wt % in the feed material. In one aspect, the growth precursor may be configured to form diamond particles.

Abstract: A golf club head and associated method for minimizing flex of a golf club striking face upon impact with a golf ball. The golf club head comprises a shell having front and rear portions. The front portion includes an impact segment with a striking face for impacting a golf ball. The golf club head advantageously includes a laterally positioned, light weight, hollow support member within the shell for reinforcing the striking face. The method for minimizing flex and thereby maximizing force transferred from a golf club head to a golf ball includes supporting the striking face with a shell and a laterally positioned, hollow support member within the shell.

Abstract: Superabrasive tools and their methods of manufacture are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of improving retention of superabrasive particles held in a solidified organic material layer of an abrading tool, a portion of each of said superabrasive particles protruding out of the solidified organic material layer is provided. Such a method may include securing the plurality of superabrasive particles in the solidified organic material layer such that the organic material layer wicks up the protruding portions of the superabrasive particles. In addition to the wicking of the organic material layer around the superabrasive particles, various additional parameters may be utilized to improve retention. For example, in another aspect the plurality of superabrasive particles may be secured in an arrangement that minimizes mechanical stress impinging on protruding portions of any individual superabrasive particle when used to abrade a work piece.