Abstract: A BGP route identification method and apparatus are provided. A network device obtains a BGP route. The BGP route includes an autonomous system path attribute AS_PATH attribute, the AS_PATH attribute includes a first autonomous system number AS number, an AS number corresponding to an autonomous system that the network device is located in or manages is a second AS number, and the first AS number is equal to the second AS number. The network device determines, based on the first AS number and the second AS number, whether the BGP route is abnormal.

Abstract: A catalyst material for carbon nanotube synthesis includes a uniform dispersion of host particles on a substrate. The host particles themselves include catalyst nanoparticles that are effective to catalyze nanotube syntheses reactions and provide nucleation sites. Methods for preparing catalyst materials include co-sputtering a catalytic species and a host species to form a precursor thin film on a substrate, followed by an oxidation reaction of the precursor thin film in air. The precursor thin film can be patterned on the substrate to limit the locations of the catalyst material to well-defined areas. Methods for nanotube synthesis employ CVD in conjunction with the catalyst materials of the invention. During the synthesis, the catalyst nanoparticles catalyze carbon nanotubes to grown from a carbon-containing gas.

Abstract: A catalyst material for carbon nanotube synthesis includes a uniform dispersion of host particles on a substrate. The host particles themselves include catalyst nanoparticles that are effective to catalyze nanotube syntheses reactions and provide nucleation sites. Methods for preparing catalyst materials include co-sputtering a catalytic species and a host species to form a precursor thin film on a substrate, followed by an oxidation reaction of the precursor thin film in air. The precursor thin film can be patterned on the substrate to limit the locations of the catalyst material to well-defined areas. Methods for nanotube synthesis employ CVD in conjunction with the catalyst materials of the invention. During the synthesis, the catalyst nanoparticles catalyze carbon nanotubes to grown from a carbon-containing gas.

Abstract: Thermal pads, including free-standing examples, are provided for dissipating heat from a heat source like a semiconductor die to a heat management aid such as a heat sink. The thermal pads include a sheet of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes and a surface layer. One such surface layer has a thickness of less than 500 microns. Another includes a metal layer having a thickness of less than 500 microns and an intermediate layer attaching the metal layer to the sheet of carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Methods for forming thermal pads including arrays of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes are provided. The thermal pads are formed on various substrates, including foils, thin self-supporting polished metals, semiconductor dies, heat management aids, and lead frames. The arrays are growth from a catalyst layer disposed on the substrate. Forming the array can include leaving the ends of the nanotubes unfinished, attaching a foil thereto, or coating the ends with a metal layer. The metal layer coating can then be polished to a desired smoothness. The array can be filled with a matrix material, only partially filled, or left unfilled. Where the substrate is a foil, the method can be a continuous process where foil is taken from a roll and fed through a series of formation steps. Where the substrate is a lead frame, heating can be generated by applying an current to a pad of the lead frame.

Abstract: Methods for producing carbon nanotube thermal pads comprise forming an array of carbon nanotubes on a catalyst layer on a substrate and releasing the array from the substrate. The carbon nanotubes are grown so that they are generally vertically aligned relative to the substrate. Releasing the array can include dissolving the substrate. Alternately, a release layer between the substrate and the catalyst layer can be employed. The release layer can be chemically removed, or can provide a low-strength interface that is easily pulled apart or sheared.

Abstract: Methods for joining two objects through the growth of carbon nanotubes from one or both of two opposing surfaces of the two objects, and interfaces formed between the two objects, are provided. Carbon nanotubes grown from both of the opposing surfaces can interdigitate to secure the two objects together. A metal layer can also be placed on one of the opposing surfaces such that carbon nanotubes growing from the other opposing surface bond with the metal layer. In addition to the mechanical bond, the carbon nanotubes can also provide thermal and electrical conductivity between the objects.

Abstract: A thermal interface includes an array of generally aligned carbon nanotubes joined to a surface with a metal layer. The array of carbon nanotubes includes a coating on the ends of the carbon nanotubes for improved wetting of the metal layer to the ends of the carbon nanotubes so that the thermal resistance at the interface between the carbon nanotubes ends and the metal is reduced. A semiconductor device that employs a thermal interface of the invention, and a method for fabricating the thermal interfaces are also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment a method for sensing specific molecules is provided. The method comprises forming a nanoelement structure and forming two spaced apart electrodes in contact with the nanoelement structure, wherein at least one of the electrodes is capable of functioning as a sensing element to sense the specific molecules.

Abstract: A catalyst material for carbon nanotube synthesis includes a uniform dispersion of host particles on a substrate. The host particles themselves include catalyst nanoparticles that are effective to catalyze nanotube syntheses reactions and provide nucleation sites. Methods for preparing a catalyst material includes co-sputtering a catalytic species and a host species to directly form the catalyst material. Methods for synthesizing generally aligned nanotubes are also provided. In these methods host particles comprise alumina and the catalyst nanoparticles comprise iron. Also in these methods nanotube synthesis is achieved in an atmosphere including a carbon-containing gas and water vapor.