Abstract: Techniques are provided for optimizing the pattern density in the circuit layout design of a circuit layer. A layer in circuit design is analyzed to define fill regions that can be filled with fill polygons A pattern of fill polygons also is generated, to fill the fill regions. The layout design for the layer then is divided into separate areas or “windows,” and a target density for each window is determined. More particularly, each window is analyzed to determine a target density for the window that will satisfy specified density constraint values, such as a minimum density constraint, a maximum density constraint, or a maximum density gradient constraint. In some implementations, the target density will be the smallest density that will comply with each of the specified density value constraints. Once the target density for the window has been determined, the fill polygons required to most closely approach this target density are selected and added to the circuit layout design.

Abstract: A forms engine allows data sharing between customizable on-line forms, such as college admissions applications. Before applying, an applicant opens an account with a third party application servicer. After the applicant completes an application for one institution, the data is saved in a data base and automatically populates fields in subsequent application forms. The form for each institution is created from a form description file. Each form is branded for its institution and forms for different institutions differ in appearance and content so that the presence of the third party servicer is transparent to the applicant. The system is extensible without programming, allowing new applicant attributes to be readily incorporated into the system and allowing the content and appearance of the application to be readily changed by changing the description file.

Abstract: A reaction chamber (12, 49) is adapted to be coupled to a source of microwave radiation. A pair of opposed field enhancing electrodes (18, 21; 62, 63) concentrate microwave energy so as to form plasma in a localised region between the electrodes. Gas passages are arranged for passing a gaseous medium into and out of the chamber so that the gaseous medium passes through the said localised region of plasma. The electrodes comprise electrically conducting tubes (18, 21; 62, 63) held in electrode holders (17, 19; 53, 54) located in the chamber wall, the electrode tubes being removable and replaceable from outside of the apparatus.

Abstract: The space between parallel electrode plates (12, 13) of the reactor is dimensioned to make it possible to produce plasma at reasonable applied potential within the gas passages (15) of a monolithic substrate, such as a wallflow filter, in a slice (11) positioned between the electrode plates (12, 13).

Abstract: An apparatus for producing chemically active species by passing a precursor gaseous medium through a plasma at pressures of at least 50 millibars is described.