Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively depositing a layer of material from a gas phase to produce a part comprising a plurality of deposited layers. The apparatus includes a computer controlling a directed energy beam, such as a laser, to direct the laser energy into a chamber substantially containing the gas phase to preferably produce photodecomposition or thermal decomposition of the gas phase and selectively deposit material within the boundaries of the desired cross-sectional regions of the part. For each cross section, the aim of the laser beam is scanned over a target area and the beam is switched on to deposit material within the boundaries of the cross-section. Each subsequent layer is joined to the immediately preceding layer to produce a part comprising a plurality of joined layers. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a gas phase is condensed on a surface and a laser beam is used to selectively evaporate, transform, activate or decompose material in each layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively sintering a layer of powder to produce a part comprising a plurality of sintered layers. The apparatus includes a computer controlling a laser to direct the laser energy onto the powder to produce a sintered mass. The computer either determines or is programmed with the boundaries of the desired cross-sectional regions of the part. For each cross-section, the aim of the laser beam is scanned over a layer of powder and the beam is switched onto sinter only the powder within the boundaries of the cross-section. Powder is applied and successive layers sintered until a completed part is formed. Preferably, the powder comprises a plurality of materials having different dissociation or bonding temperatures. The powder preferably comprises blended or coated materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively depositing a layer of material from a gas phase to produce a part comprising a plurality of deposited layers. The apparatus includes a computer controlling a directed energy beam, such as a laser, to direct the laser energy into a chamber substantially containing the gas phase to preferably produce photodecomposition or thermal decomposition of the gas phase and selectively deposit material within the boundaries of the desired cross-sectional regions of the part. For each cross section, the aim of the laser beam is scanned over a target area and the beam is switched on to deposit material within the boundaries of the cross-section. Each subsequent layer is joined to the immediately preceding layer to produce a part comprising a plurality of joined layers. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, a gas phase is condensed on a surface and a laser beam is used to selectively evaporate, transform, activate or decompose material in each layer.

Abstract: A ceramic semiconductor package wherein metal crack arrestor patterns are formed in the corners of the package thereby increasing the strength of the package and acting as a barrier to microcracks. The metal crack arrestor patterns may be electrically and physically isolated from metal interconnect lines in the package and also may be formed using the same processing steps that are used to form the metal interconnect lines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively sintering a layer of powder to produce a part comprising a plurality of sintered layers. The apparatus includes a computer controlling a laser to direct the laser energy onto the powder to produce a sintered mass. The computer either determines or is programmed with the boundaries of the desired cross-sectional regions of the part. For each cross-section, the aim of the laser beam is scanned over a layer of powder and the beam is switched on to sinter only the powder within the boundaries of the cross-section. Powder is applied and successive layers sintered until a completed part is formed. Preferably, the powder comprises a plurality of materials having different dissociation or bonding temperatures. The powder preferably comprises blended or coated materials.

Abstract: A ceramic semiconductor package wherein metal crack arrestor patterns are formed in the corners of the package thereby increasing the strength of the package and acting as a barrier to microcracks. The metal crack arrestor patterns may be electrically and physically isolated from metal interconnect lines in the package and also may be formed using the same processing steps that are used to form the metal interconnect lines.

Abstract: A drift compensated and intensity averaged extensometer for measuring the diameter or other properties of a substantially cylindrical sample based upon the shadow of the sample. A beam of laser light is shaped to provide a beam with a uniform intensity along an axis normal to the sample. After passing the sample, the portion of the beam not striking said sample is divided by a beam splitter into a reference signal and a measurement signal. Both of these beams are then chopped by a light chopper to fall upon two photodiode detectors. The resulting AC currents are rectified and then divided into one another, with the final output being proportional to the size of the sample shadow.

Abstract: A method of producing a magnetic material having a high magnetic anisotropy constant. A vapor phase of the components of the material is established and the vaporized components are passed into contact with a substrate maintained at a temperature such that the material will solidify and deposit thereon in the form of crystals with basal planes parallel to the plane of the substrate. The vapor deposited material is separated from the substrate and subjected to a magnetic field thereby to orient the crystals whereby a permanent magnet material is produced. Apparatus for producing the material includes means for vaporizing the components of the material. A substrate in the form of an endless belt is positioned relative to the vaporizing means so as to be exposed to the vapors and moves around rollers. Means are provided for controlling the temperature of the substrate within a preselected temperature range in a first zone so that the material solidifies as a deposit on the substrate.