Abstract: A method is provided for aligning parts such as MEMS devices and photonics devices. One approach involves: providing between first and second parts a bonding material having fluid and solid states; applying a control field in the region of the bonding material, the bonding material changing its shape in direct response to changes in the control field while in the fluid state; adjusting the control field while the bonding material is in the fluid state so that the bonding material changes shape and causes relative movement of the first and second parts; and thereafter causing the bonding material to transition from the fluid state to the solid state while the first and second parts are in a selected position with respect to each other.

Abstract: A solder preform having multiple layers including a solder layer filled with additives interposed between two unfilled layers for improved wettability. A solder preform having a sphere which contains a solder material filled with additives, and an unfilled surface layer for improved wettability. A thermal interface material having a bonding component and an additive component which is a CTE modifying component and/or a thermal conductivity enhancement component. Active solders containing intrinsic oxygen getters.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a metal plating apparatus and method, particularly suitable for autocatalytic (i.e., electroless) plating, comprising a pressurized sealable vessel for disposing a substrate to be plated and for the circulation of plating solutions wherein temperatures and pressure are highly controllable.

Abstract: A method for applying particles in a pattern to a substrate, either directly or by use of an intermediate tool, by electrokinetic or electrostatic means. A method for applying metal particles such as solder metal in a pattern to an electronic device substrate, either directly or by use of an intermediate tool, by electrokinetic or electrostatic means.

Abstract: A method for preparing particles to retain a charge such that the particles are rendered electrostatically or electrokinetically mobile. The method involves coating the particles with a coating medium which facilitates attachment of a charge director material, and contacting the particles with the coating medium thereon with a charge director medium to impart a positive or negative charge thereto and thereby render the particles electrostatically or electrokinetically mobile. Electrostatically and electrokinetically mobile particles for use in an electrostatic or electrokinetic deposition process. The particles include a coating medium and a charge director on particle bodies.

Abstract: A mist of liquid coolant is introduced into the path of atomized, molten, solder droplets. The mist and other conditions within the chamber are engineered to enable the liquid coolant droplets in the mist to contract the surfaces of molten solder droplets and be flash vaporized upon contact, thereby rapidly extracting heat from the molten solder droplets and accelerating cooling and solidification to produce an enhanced solder ball as a product of this process.

Abstract: A thermal interface material for use in electronic packaging, the thermal interface material comprises a solder with relatively high heat flow characteristics and a CTE modifying component to reduce or prevent damage due to thermal cycling. The thermal interface material comprises an active solder that contains indium and an intrinsic oxygen getter selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline-earth metals, refractory metals, rare earth metals and zinc and mixtures and alloys thereof. Lastly, damage due to an electronic package due to thermal cycling stress is reduced by using an insert in a lid of an electronic device package wherein the insert has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is between about that of the lid and about that of a semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A thermal interface material for use in electronic packaging, the thermal interface material comprises a solder with relatively high heat flow characteristics and a CTE modifying component to reduce or prevent damage due to thermal cycling. The thermal interface material comprises an active solder that contains indium and an intrinsic oxygen getter selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline-earth metals, refractory metals, rare earth metals and zinc and mixtures and alloys thereof. Lastly, damage due to an electronic package due to thermal cycling stress is reduced by using an insert in a lid of an electronic device package wherein the insert has a coefficient of thermal expansion that is between about that of the lid and about that of a semiconductor substrate.