Abstract: A semiconductor wafer processing method, having: ablating a back side of a semiconductor wafer with a laser ablation process; and etching the back side of the semiconductor wafer with an etching process; wherein the laser ablation process forms a pattern in the back side of the semiconductor wafer; wherein the etching process preserves the pattern in the back side of the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: An optical medium including an underlayer and a reflective layer, where at least one of the underlayer and the surface layer has surface features thereon representing data, the surface features having been formed by directing pulses of a beam of ions from an ion source onto at least one of the underlayer and the reflective layer in a controlled pattern for creating the surface features

Abstract: An optical medium including an underlayer and a reflective layer, where at least one of the underlayer and the surface layer has surface features thereon representing data, the surface features having been formed by directing pulses of a beam of ions from an ion source onto at least one of the underlayer and the reflective layer in a controlled pattern for creating the surface features

Abstract: A new optical multiplexer and filter (demultiplexer), and use thereof for writing data to and reading data from optical media. An optical filter according to a first embodiment includes a receiving port for receiving incoming light, and a plurality of substantially transparent spacers coupled together to form an assembly, the assembly having a light input surface positioned towards the receiving port. A plurality of specular devices are coupled to the spacers, each specular device being designed to reflect a single wavelength channel in a new direction and allow light of other wavelengths to pass therethrough. The process for multiplexing functions in a similar way, but the optical signals flow in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A system and corresponding method for reading an optical medium by reading different wavelengths of light as it reflects off of the medium. The system includes a light source for emitting light at an optical medium having features representing data, the features on the optical medium causing variations in the way the light is reflected. An optical filter separates the light reflected from the optical medium into multiple wavelengths. One or more sensors detect changes in the light in the different wavelengths, the changes representing data.

Abstract: An optical medium having a substrate having a data track thereon being readable with an optical reader. The substrate is constructed of a corrosion-resistant material that does not substantially deteriorate over a period of one hundred years. No material covers the data track. An optical medium according to another embodiment includes a substrate having a data area and a periphery. A supplemental layer is coupled to the substrate in at least the data area, the supplemental layer having a data track thereon being readable with an optical reader. The substrate and supplemental layer are constructed of a corrosion-resistant material that does not substantially deteriorate over a period of one hundred years.

Abstract: A system and method for writing data to an optical medium includes positioning a mask over a medium, and directing electrons or ions from an electron or ion source at the mask, the electrons or ions passing through apertures in the mask and onto the optical medium for creating surface features on the optical medium, the surface features representing data

Abstract: A method for writing data to an optical medium includes directing intermittent pulses of a beam of ions from an ion source onto an optical medium in a controlled pattern for creating surface features on the optical medium, the surface features representing data. A system for performing this method, according to one embodiment, includes a medium receiving portion for holding an optical medium, an ion source for emitting a beam of ions at the optical medium on the medium receiving portion, and a steering mechanism for directing the ion beam onto the optical medium in a controlled manner. The beam of ions strikes the optical medium in intermittent pulses for creating surface features on the optical medium, the surface features representing data.

Abstract: An optical medium including an underlayer and a reflective layer, where at least one of the underlayer and the surface layer has surface features thereon representing data, the surface features having been formed by directing pulses of a beam of electrons from an electron source onto at least one of the underlayer and the reflective layer in a controlled pattern for creating the surface features

Abstract: A method for writing data to an optical medium includes directing intermittent pulses of a beam of electrons from an electron source onto an optical medium in a controlled pattern for creating surface features on the optical medium, the surface features representing data. A system for performing this method, according to one embodiment, includes a medium receiving portion for holding an optical medium, an electron source for emitting a beam of electrons at the optical medium on the medium receiving portion, and a steering mechanism for directing the electron beam onto the optical medium in a controlled manner. The beam of electrons strikes the optical medium in intermittent pulses for creating surface features on the optical medium, the surface features representing data.

Abstract: A wave power generator is substantially continuously driven by a pair of floats connected to a common drive shaft and positioned side by side along a line perpendicular to the direction of wave motion, one float being specifically designed to efficiently drive the shaft during the rising portion of a wave, the other to efficiently drive the shaft during the falling portion of a wave. The generator's flywheel is maintained at a constant speed by an automatic load control throughout a range of wave patterns sufficient to encompass over 70% of the statistically expected wave patterns at the generator location. An inclined-bottom float is used for the rising wave drive, and a bottom-weighted float is disclosed for the falling wave drive. The floats may be disposed one above the other and may have mating conical surfaces for cushioning occasional contact between the floats.

Abstract: A float having depending fins and a curved surface on which waves impinge. The float provides an additional lift over and beyond its buoyancy. The float is coupled through a swivel to allow it to turn into the direction of waves. The float is additionally provided with an arrangement to compensate for variations in the mean water level due to tide action.

Abstract: A wave motion motor is disclosed with an impeller moved by a float. The float is coupled to a swivel arrangement to turn in the direction of wave current and has an inclined underside. Also disclosed are means to adjust to tide level and triangular coupling means between the float and a flywheel.