Abstract: A method of processing a substrate comprising depositing a layer comprising amorphous carbon on the substrate and then exposing the substrate to electromagnetic radiation have one or more wavelengths between about 600 nm and about 1000 nm under conditions sufficient to heat the layer to a temperature of at least about 300° C. is provided. Optionally, the layer further comprises a dopant selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, boron, phosphorus, fluorine, and combinations thereof. In one aspect, the layer comprising amorphous carbon is an anti-reflective coating and an absorber layer that absorbs the electromagnetic radiation and anneals a top surface layer of the substrate. In one aspect, the substrate is exposed to the electromagnetic radiation in a laser annealing process.

Abstract: A method of processing a substrate comprising depositing a layer comprising amorphous carbon on the substrate and then laser annealing the substrate is provided. Optionally, the layer further comprises a dopant selected from the group consisting of nitrogen, boron, phosphorus, fluorine, and combinations thereof. In one aspect, the layer comprising amorphous carbon is an anti-reflective coating and an absorber layer that absorbs electromagnetic radiation emitted by the laser and anneals a top surface layer of the substrate.

Abstract: An optical viewing system includes first, second and third image modifying devices together with an adaptor assembly for connecting the image modifying devices together. The adaptor assembly has first and second clamping portions. The first clamping portion is connected to the first and second image modifying devices and the second clamping portion is connected to the first clamping portion and to the first and third image modifying device so that the first image modifying device is clamped between the second and third image modifying devices. At least one of the first and second clamping portions are removably connected to the first image modifying device so that the first image modifying device can be removed from the adaptor assembly and operate as a further independent optical viewing system. Different combinations of image modifying devices can be arranged with one or more of the clamping portions.

Abstract: An optical viewing assembly and system for transferring image information from one image modifying device to another image modifying device. The optical viewing assembly includes a first image modifying device connected to a second image modifying device through a quick-release clamping arrangement. The clamping arrangement includes first and second clamping portions integrally formed at opposite ends of a hollow sleeve. Each clamping portion has a split collar that is adapted to receive one of the image modifying devices. Each collar includes a pair of clamping legs that are separated from the sleeve by a slot that extends at least part way around a perimeter of the sleeve to thereby permit movement of the clamping legs toward and away from each other. Movement of the clamping legs toward each other reduces a cross dimension of the split collar to thereby clamp one of the image modifying devices therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for converting an optical device for night use, the apparatus including a housing, a clamping mechanism coupled to the housing and adapted to clampingly engage an end of the optical device, and a image intensifying instrument disposed in the housing and arranged so that when the housing is coupled to the optical device by the clamping mechanism, light is transmitted through the optical device into the image intensifying instrument.