Abstract: A corona polarization (also denoted “poling”) process and associated apparatus polarizes a ferroelectric polymer thin film while monitoring and evaluating a substrate current whose magnitude, slope and noise profile (Barkhausen noise) varies in accordance with phase transformation processes of crystallites within the film and, thereby, provides an indication of the polarization status. The electric current flowing through the microstructures of the thin film can be modeled by an equivalent circuit, within which electrical charges stored in the respective microstructures are denoted by a plurality of discrete components (e.g., capacitors). Alternatively, the process can be modeled in terms of a hysteresis loop of polarization vs. electric field, corresponding to the availability of recombination sites on the thin-film surface.

Abstract: A corona polarization (also denoted “poling”) process and associated apparatus polarizes a ferroelectric polymer thin film while monitoring and evaluating a substrate current whose magnitude, slope and noise profile (Barkhausen noise) varies in accordance with phase transformation processes of crystallites within the film and, thereby, provides an indication of the polarization status. The electric current flowing through the microstructures of the thin film can be modeled by an equivalent circuit, within which electrical charges stored in the respective microstructures are denoted by a plurality of discrete components (e.g., capacitors). Alternatively, the process can be modeled in terms of a hysteresis loop of polarization vs. electric field, corresponding to the availability of recombination sites on the thin-film surface.

Abstract: A deposition system includes a magnetron sputter deposition source that includes a backing frame that includes a window and a closed loop around the window. The backing frame includes inside surfaces towards the window, one or more sputtering targets mounted on inside surfaces of the backing frame, and one or more magnets mounted on outside surfaces of the backing frame. The one or more sputtering targets include sputtering surfaces that define internal walls of the window. The one or more magnets can produce a magnetic field near the one or more sputtering surfaces. A substrate includes a deposition surface oriented towards the window in the backing frame. The deposition surface receives sputtering material(s) from the one or more sputtering targets.

Abstract: An automated toxicity assessment apparatus includes multiple sample plates each configured to hold test wells for holding a test solution comprising a test compound and a test organism. A dispense head holds dispense tips for dispensing test solutions into the test wells in one sample plate at each time. An electronic detector can capture an image of a test solution in one of test wells on a sample plate to establish a dose-response curve for the test organism. A carousal system rotates a first sample plate to a first position under the dispense head to allow the plurality of dispense tips to dispense solutions into the test wells on the first sample plate. The carousal system rotates the first sample plate to a second position to allow the electronic detector to capture an image of a test solution in the one of test wells on the first sample plate.

Abstract: A processing system includes a first processing module that includes a first chamber; and a first processing source that can deposit a first material on a web substrate. An isolation module includes an isolation chamber, and one or more segregation walls that define a sequence of compartments in the isolation chamber. The first chamber is connected to a first compartment in the sequence of compartments. Each of the segregation walls includes an opening to allow the web substrate to pass through. A second processing module includes a second chamber in connection with a last compartment in the sequence of compartments in the isolation module, and a second processing source configured to deposit a second material on the web substrate. A transport mechanism moves the web substrate continuously through the first processing module, the isolation module, and the second processing module.

Abstract: A deposition system includes a magnetron sputter deposition source that includes a backing frame that includes a window and a closed loop around the window. The backing frame includes inside surfaces towards the window, one or more sputtering targets mounted on inside surfaces of the backing frame, and one or more magnets mounted on outside surfaces of the backing frame. The one or more sputtering targets include sputtering surfaces that define internal walls of the window. The one or more magnets can produce a magnetic field near the one or more sputtering surfaces. A substrate includes a deposition surface oriented towards the window in the backing frame. The deposition surface receives sputtering material(s) from the one or more sputtering targets.