Abstract: A process is provided for forming spacers useful in large area displays. The process comprises steps of: forming bundles comprising fiber strands which are held together with a binder; slicing the bundles into slices; adhering the slices on an electrode plate of the display; and removing the binder.

Abstract: A method of depositing thin films of silicon based compounds, particularly silicon dioxide, by cathode reactive sputtering utilizes a rotating cylindrical magnetron driven by a d.c. potential. The result is a technique of forming a uniform film on large substrates with high deposition rates. Arcing normally associated with sputtering troublesome dielectric coatings such as silicon oxides is substantially eliminated.

Abstract: A vaporizing apparatus delivers precisely controlled, substantially continuous and monitored vapor flows for uses such as in plasma enhanced vapor deposition. The vaporizing apparatus includes a fluid passageway along which are a pumping device, a vaporizing device, and a flowing device, all in fluid communication with the passageway. The vaporizing device vaporizes liquid pumped from the pumping device and includes a heat sink layer, a heated layer, and a portion of the passageway sandwiched therebetween. The vaporizing apparatus can sustain a flow of organosilicon vapor at a flow rate of about 1 to about 100 SCCM for as long as desired.

Abstract: A method for depositing a protective coating by cathode sputtering of an alloy of aluminum and silicon in a reactive gas is disclosed. The sputtering target contains sufficient silicon to produce an amorphous coating; 6 to 18 percent silicon is preferred. Targets of approximately 88% aluminum and 12% silicon are especially preferred. Oxygen, nitrogen, compounds of oxygen and compounds of nitrogen are preferred reactive gases. A range of combinations of oxygen and nitrogen are particularly preferred. The method provides durable transparent coatings which may be used as an overcoating for a metal or dielectric coating to provide increased resistance to abrasion and corrosion. In particular, the protected coating may be a metal, dielectric or dielectric-metal-dielectric coating as used in double-glazed window units for buildings or vehicles.