Abstract: A method for preparing a CeOx coating on a surface of a substrate includes depositing a CeOx coating on the surface by means of a reactive magnetron sputtering from a pure cerium target. The CeOx coating can be transparent for visible light. A method for reducing the adhesion of a tissue material such as from a human to a surface of a medical instrument, for reducing the water condensation and improving the heat transfer performance of a heat exchanger surface of a substrate, and for reducing corrosion of a surface of a substrate includes depositing a CeOx coating on the substrate by means of a reactive magnetron sputtering from a pure cerium target. This provides an environmentally friendly preparation of the CeOx coating with no need for organic solvents or volatile organic compounds. The CeOx coating has good hydrophobicity, enhanced hardness, exceptionally high wear resistance, and superior thermal stability.

Abstract: Homogeneous and transparent protective coatings for precious metals and copper alloys and techniques for forming the coatings on precious metals and copper alloys are provided. In an embodiment, ionic oxide film is deposited onto a surface of a substrate including a metal, such as a precious metal and/or a copper alloy, using pulsed chemical vapor deposition (PCVD). A homogenous and transparent solid film based on ionic oxide is formed on the surface of the substrate in response to the depositing.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for testing performance of an electrosurgical tool include a frame, a clamp module coupled to the frame and configured to retain a test material in a selected orientation, and a tool module coupled to the frame and configured to grip an electrosurgical tool. The apparatus is configured to: (a) allow a user to perform a controllable cut to evaluate a cutting performance of the electrosurgical tool based on a resistance force between the electrosurgical tool and the test material as the electrosurgical tool performs the controllable cut; and (b) evaluate a non-stickness of the electrosurgical tool after the electrosurgical tool performs the controllable cut.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein produce an isolated carbon particle embedded diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating having increased toughness, increased hardness, and enhanced wear resistance. In embodiments, a physical vapor deposition (PVD) chamber houses a pure graphite target at a distance from a substrate, and an in-situ synthesis of isolated carbon particles simultaneous with hydrogen-free DLC coating deposition is provided through unbalanced magnetron sputtering by localized injection of helium gas in a pulse mode with different durations. The resultant coating may include carbon while omitting other elements, and the carbon particles form covalent bonding with the host DLC matrix. Processes disclosed herein are easier to control and manipulate as compared to traditional metal doped DLC coatings.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein produce an isolated carbon particle embedded diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating having increased toughness, increased hardness, and enhanced wear resistance. In embodiments, a physical vapor deposition (PVD) chamber houses a pure graphite target at a distance from a substrate, and an in-situ synthesis of isolated carbon particles simultaneous with hydrogen-free DLC coating deposition is provided through unbalanced magnetron sputtering by localized injection of helium gas in a pulse mode with different durations. The resultant coating may include carbon while omitting other elements, and the carbon particles form covalent bonding with the host DLC matrix. Processes disclosed herein are easier to control and manipulate as compared to traditional metal doped DLC coatings.

Abstract: A method for preparing a CeOx coating on a surface of a substrate includes depositing a CeOx coating on the surface by means of a reactive magnetron sputtering from a pure cerium target. The CeOx coating can be transparent for visible light. A method for reducing the adhesion of a tissue material such as from a human to a surface of a medical instrument, for reducing the water condensation and improving the heat transfer performance of a heat exchanger surface of a substrate, and for reducing corrosion of a surface of a substrate includes depositing a CeOx coating on the substrate by means of a reactive magnetron sputtering from a pure cerium target. This provides an environmentally friendly preparation of the CeOx coating with no need for organic solvents or volatile organic compounds. The CeOx coating has good hydrophobicity, enhanced hardness, exceptionally high wear resistance, and superior thermal stability.

Abstract: A system and method of an apparatus for testing performance of an electrosurgical tool includes a frame, a clamp module coupled to the frame and configured to retain a test material in an selected orientation, a tool module coupled to the frame and configured to grip an electrosurgical tool, and wherein the apparatus is configured to allow a user to perform a controllable cut to evaluate the cutting performance of the electrosurgical tool, wherein performance is based on determining a resistance force between the electrosurgical tool and the test material as the electrosurgical tool performs the controllable cut and a determination of non-stickness of the electrosurgical tool.

Abstract: Homogeneous and transparent protective coatings for precious metals and copper alloys and techniques for forming the coatings on precious metals and copper alloys are provided. In an embodiment, ionic oxide film is deposited onto a surface of a substrate including a metal, such as a precious metal and/or a copper alloy, using pulsed chemical vapor deposition (PCVD). A homogenous and transparent solid film based on ionic oxide is formed on the surface of the substrate in response to the depositing.

Abstract: Superhard nanocomposite coatings which are applicable to coating contact surfaces on substrates in a variety of industrial processes are disclosed. In a typical embodiment, the superhard nanocomposite coating includes a refractory metal silicon nitride coating layer having silicon in a concentration of from about 6 atomic percent to about 12 atomic percent.