Abstract: A low loss silicon nitride film is formed by depositing a silicon nitride film on a substrate and annealing the silicon nitride film for at least ten hours at a temperature of at least 400° C. to cause the silicon nitride film to become a low loss silicon nitride film. The low loss silicon nitride film has an optical loss of less than 1 dB per cm at a wavelength of 488 nm.

Abstract: A refuse collecting device which is designed particularly for dog or other animal waste or excrement embodies an open-ended, tubular, scoop-like body and has a flat bottom wall which constitutes a scoop proper and the forward edge of which is provided with comb-like teeth which enhances the pick-up action of the device when the latter is used on a lawn. A manipulating handle overlies the top wall of the tubular body and a combined closure plate and paddle member is hinged to the top wall of said body top wall and is spring-biased to a position wherein it extends across and fully closes the open front end of the body. A thumb piece which is secured to the combined closure plate and paddle member arches rearwardly over the handle and is accessible to the user's thumb whereby depression thereof causes said combined closure plate and paddle member to be swung forwardly and upwardly thus exposing the interior of the tubular body for excrement-scooping purposes.