Abstract: The use of liquid metal contacts for devices based on thermotunneling has been investigated. Electric and thermal characteristics of low wetting contact Hg/Si, and high wetting contacts Hg/Cu were determined and compared. Tunneling I-V characteristics for Hg/Si were obtained, whilst for Hg/Cu, I-V characteristics were ohmic. The tunneling I-V characteristic is explained by the presence of a nanogap between the contact materials. Heat conductance of high wetting and low wetting contacts were compared, using calorimeter measurements. Heat conductance of high wetting contact was 3-4 times more than of low wetting contact. Both electric and thermal characteristics of liquid metal contact indicated that it could be used for thermotunneling devices. To reduce the work function and make liquid metal more suitable for room temperature cooling, Cs was dissolved in liquid Hg. Work function as low as 2.6 eV was obtained.

Abstract: A method of distributing documents includes the step of displaying the documents on a web site. Responses to the documents are accepted on the web site. After the responses have been accepted, they are processed into a report and the report is returned to an interested party. It is to be understood that the surveys or other forms to be completed by users could be filled out on paper manually and the results could then be entered into a computer and sent to the web site. The reports could be electronically transmitted, and/or hard copies sent via mail, overnight, or through other modes.

Abstract: This invention is a new class of materials having altered properties. In particular, materials having a surface structure causing electron De Broglie wave interference are described which result in a change in distribution of quantum states within the materials. The materials of the present invention have at least one surface having at least one indent or protrusion to cause electron De Broglie wave interference within the material.