Abstract: A method of producing an article is described. The method includes (a) providing a substrate comprising an etchable surface layer; (b) coating the etchable surface layer with a composition comprising a non-volatile, etch-resistant component in a volatile liquid carrier; and (c) drying the composition to remove the liquid carrier, whereupon the non-volatile, etch-resistant component self-assembles to form etch-resistant traces on the etchable surface layer. The liquid carrier is in the form of an emulsion comprising a continuous phase and a second phase in the form of domains dispersed in the continuous phase.

Abstract: Among other things, two networks, one on top of the other, are formed on a substrate based on coating materials containing emulsions or foams. The two networks can be formed of the same material, e.g., a conductive material such as silver, or can be formed of different materials. The coating materials forming the different networks can have different concentration of network materials.

Abstract: A method of patterning an unpatterned transparent conductive film, the unpatterned transparent conductive film comprising: a transparent substrate, a first conductive layer disposed on a first surface of the transparent substrate, and a second conductive layer disposed on a second surface of the transparent substrate, the first and second surfaces being disposed on two opposing sides of the unpatterned transparent conductive film, the first conductive layer comprising a first set of metal nanostructures, and the second conductive layer comprising a second set of metal nanostructures, the method comprising irradiating the first conductive layer with at least one first laser to form a patterned transparent conductive film, where the irradiation of the first conductive layer patterns the first conductive layer with a first pattern without also patterning the second conductive layer with the first pattern, and also where the unpatterned transparent conductive film and the patterned transparent conductive film bot

Abstract: Methods of patterning films that enable visual identification of patterned films and the patterned regions on them, while still achieving minimally discernible optical differences between the patterned and unpatterned regions in devices incorporating the patterned films. Such methods can exhibit wide successful manufacturing operating windows and the patterned films are useful in electronic applications.

Abstract: A method of producing an article is described. The method includes (a) providing a substrate comprising an etchable surface layer; (b) coating the etchable surface layer with a composition comprising a non-volatile, etch-resistant component in a volatile liquid carrier; and (c) drying the composition to remove the liquid carrier, whereupon the non-volatile, etch-resistant component self-assembles to form etch-resistant traces on the etchable surface layer. The liquid carrier is in the form of an emulsion comprising a continuous phase and a second phase in the form of domains dispersed in the continuous phase.

Abstract: Claimed methods reduce leakage currents in transparent conductive films comprising conductive nanostructures without substantially impairing the films' optical properties or physical integrity. Imposition of electrical stimuli to separate conductive regions leads to reduced conductivity of the intervening lesser conductive regions.

Abstract: An article is disclosed comprising a network-like pattern of conductive traces formed of at least partially joined nanoparticles that define randomly-shaped cells that are generally transparent to light and contain a transparent filler material. In a preferred embodiment, the filler material is conductive such as a metal oxide or a conductive polymer. In another preferred embodiment, the filler material is an adhesive that is can be used to transfer the network from one substrate to another. A preferred method of forming the article is also disclosed wherein an emulsion containing the nanoparticles in the solvent phase and the filler material in the water phase is coated onto a substrate. The emulsion is dried and the nanoparticles self-assemble to form the traces and the filler material is deposited in the cells. An electroluminescent device is also disclosed wherein the article of the invention forms a transparent electrode in the device.

Abstract: Among other things, two networks, one on top of the other, are formed on a substrate based on coating materials containing emulsions or foams. The two networks can be formed of the same material, e.g., a conductive material such as silver, or can be formed of different materials. The coating materials forming the different networks can have different concentration of network materials.

Abstract: Methods of producing patterned articles using a composition that includes a non-volatile component in a volatile liquid carrier, where the liquid carrier is in the form of an emulsion comprising a continuous phase and a second phase in the form of domains dispersed in the continuous phase.

Abstract: Among other things, self-assembled conductive networks are formed on a surface of substrate containing through holes. The conductive network having a pattern is formed such that at least some of the conductive material in the conductive network reaches into the holes and, sometimes, even the opposite surface of the substrate through the holes. The network on the surface of the substrate electrically connects to the conductive material in the holes with good conductance.

Abstract: An article is disclosed comprising a network-like pattern of conductive traces formed of at least partially-joined nanoparticles that define randomly-shaped cells that are generally transparent to light and contain a transparent filler material. In a preferred embodiment, the filler material is conductive such as a metal oxide or a conductive polymer. In another preferred embodiment, the filler material is an adhesive that is can be used to transfer the network from one substrate to another. A preferred method of forming the article is also disclosed wherein an emulsion containing the nanoparticles in the solvent phase and the filler material in the water phase is coated onto a substrate. The emulsion is dried and the nanoparticles self-assemble to form the traces and the filler material is deposited in the cells. An electroluminescent device is also disclosed wherein the article of the invention forms a transparent electrode in the device.

Abstract: Methods of patterning films that enable visual identification of patterned films and the patterned regions on them, while still achieving minimally discernible optical differences between the patterned and unpatterned regions in devices incorporating the patterned films. Such methods can exhibit wide successful manufacturing operating windows and the patterned films are useful in electronic applications.

Abstract: A method of producing a powder of crystalline germanium.

Abstract: An article is disclosed comprising a network-like pattern of conductive traces formed of at least partially-joined nanoparticles that define randomly-shaped cells that are generally transparent to light and contain a transparent filler material. In a preferred embodiment, the filler material is conductive such as a metal oxide or a conductive polymer. In another preferred embodiment, the filler material is an adhesive that is can be used to transfer the network from one substrate to another. A preferred method of forming the article is also disclosed wherein an emulsion containing the nanoparticles in the solvent phase and the filler material in the water phase is coated onto a substrate. The emulsion is dried and the nanoparticles self-assemble to form the traces and the filler material is deposited in the cells. An electroluminescent device is also disclosed wherein the article of the invention forms a transparent electrode in the device.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor includes a sensor stack having a first magnetic portion, a second magnetic portion, and a barrier layer between the first magnetic portion and the second magnetic portion. At least one of the first magnetic portion and the second magnetic portion includes a multilayer structure having a first magnetic layer having a positive magnetostriction adjacent to the barrier layer, a second magnetic layer, and an intermediate layer between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The magnetic sensor has an MR ratio of at least about 80% when the magnetic sensor has a resistance-area (RA) product of about 1.0 ?·?m2.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor includes a sensor stack having a first magnetic portion, a second magnetic portion, and a barrier layer between the first magnetic portion and the second magnetic portion. At least one of the first magnetic portion and the second magnetic portion includes a multilayer structure having a first magnetic layer having a positive magnetostriction adjacent to the barrier layer, a second magnetic layer, and an intermediate layer between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The magnetic sensor has an MR ratio of at least about 80% when the magnetic sensor has a resistance-area (RA) product of about 1.0 ?·?m2.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor includes a sensor stack having a first magnetic portion, a second magnetic portion, and a barrier layer between the first magnetic portion and the second magnetic portion. At least one of the first magnetic portion and the second magnetic portion includes a multilayer structure having a first magnetic layer having a positive magnetostriction adjacent to the barrier layer, a second magnetic layer, and an intermediate layer between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The magnetic sensor has an MR ratio of at least about 80% when the magnetic sensor has a resistance-area (RA) product of about 1.0 ?·?m2.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor having adjustable electrical dimensions, such as electrical read width and electrical stripe height, is disclosed. The magnetic sensor includes a sensor stack with one or more bias electrodes positioned with respect to the sensor stack. The electrical width or electrical stripe height of the sensor stack is a function of a voltage applied to the bias electrodes. The electric field produced by the bias electrodes alters the electrical profile of the magnetoresistive device.

Abstract: A transducing head includes a substrate, a writer positioned upon the substrate, and a reader positioned adjacent the writer. The writer is in electrical contact with the substrate.

Abstract: A transducing head includes a substrate, a writer positioned upon the substrate, and a reader positioned adjacent the writer. The writer is in electrical contact with the substrate.