Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for regulating the density and kinetic energy of ions in a sputtering deposition chamber. A pulsed DC waveform with a modulated RF signal is generated and applied to the sputtering chamber. Upon termination of a cycle of the pulsed DC waveform, a reverse voltage spike is generated. This reverse voltage spike reverses the polarity of the cathode and anode of the sputtering chamber for some period of time. A reverse voltage limiting circuit is provided so as to limit the reverse voltage spike to a selected reverse voltage threshold. A controller may be employed to control the timing and duration of the application of the DC waveform, the timing and duration of the RF waveform, and the engagement of the reverse limiting circuit.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a module web coating system and components thereof including a more uniform atmospheric control pumping mechanism and gas curtain separation system. A modular web coating system may include an unwind module, any number of process modules, and a rewind module. The process modules are interchangeable and independently operable. In addition, this disclosure describes a more uniform pumping system in which process gas is removed from multiple locations or slits spaced around a process chamber and, in an example, around a process device such as a deposition source. The gas curtain system utilizes a zone between process chambers into which separation gas is injected. Gas from the chambers is continuously removed thereby operating the chambers under negative pressure and preventing process gas from one chamber bleeding into an adjacent chamber.

Abstract: An electrochromic insert adapted to be fitted into an existing window frame allowing an existing window to be retrofit to have the benefits of electrochromics. The insert may have a scaffold that fits into a window frame. Securing the insert to the frame may occur through a variety of ways including a bracket, a flexible tab, a brace, a screw, a bolt, a projection, a detent, and an adhesive. The technology allows for the electrochromic insert to include an electrochromic device, energy collection device, an energy storage device, and an electrochromic device controller. Such a configuration may be considered autonoumous such that it need not draw power from another source.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating an infrared-control coated thin film device with certain visible light transmittance and infrared reflectance properties are disclosed. The device may be made using various techniques including physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, thermal evaporation, pulsed laser deposition, sputter deposition, and sol-gel processes. In particular, a pulsed energy microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition process may be used. Production of the device may occur at speeds greater than 50 Angstroms/second and temperatures lower than 200° C.

Abstract: An electrochromic insert adapted to be fitted into an existing window frame allowing an existing window to be retrofit to have the benefits of electrochromics. The insert may have a scaffold that fits into a window frame. Securing the insert to the frame may occur through a variety of ways including a bracket, a flexible tab, a brace, a screw, a bolt, a projection, a detent, and an adhesive. The technology allows for the electrochromic insert to include an electrochromic device, energy collection device, an energy storage device, and an electrochromic device controller. Such a configuration may be considered autonoumous such that it need not draw power from another source.

Abstract: This disclosure describes metal-air battery devices that are rechargeable, thin film, and all solid-state. The disclosure further describes methods of manufacturing rechargeable, thin film, all solid-state, metal-air batteries. The devices disclosed include a porous cathode structure with an electrolyte incorporated therein. The porous cathode structure may be designed to contain pores of at least two distinct sizes (i.e., having bimodal pore size distribution), a smaller one to increase the active surface area of the cathode and a larger to facilitate the transport of gas-phase oxygen through the cathode. The methods disclosed include using pulsed microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (p-?PECVD) to dynamically grow an electrolyte layer on the surface of the carbon within, or a desired portion of, the cathode structure.

Abstract: This disclosure describes system and methods for creating an autonomous electrochromic assembly, and systems and methods for use of the autonomous electrochromic assembly in combination with a window. Embodiments described herein include an electrochromic assembly that has an electrochromic device, an energy storage device, an energy collection device, and an electrochromic controller device. These devices may be combined into a unitary electrochromic insert assembly. The electrochromic assembly may have the capability of generating power sufficient to operate and control an electrochromic device. This control may occur through the application of a voltage to an electrochromic device to change its opacity state. The electrochromic assembly may be used in combination with a window.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a module web coating system and components thereof including a more uniform atmospheric control pumping mechanism and gas curtain separation system. A modular web coating system may include an unwind module, any number of process modules, and a rewind module. The process modules are interchangeable and independently operable. In addition, this disclosure describes a more uniform pumping system in which process gas is removed from multiple locations or slits spaced around a process chamber and, in an example, around a process device such as a deposition source. The gas curtain system utilizes a zone between process chambers into which separation gas is injected. Gas from the chambers is continuously removed thereby operating the chambers under negative pressure and preventing process gas from one chamber bleeding into an adjacent chamber.