Abstract: A flexible, self-contained active multi-phase heat spreader apparatus for cooling electronic components, the heat spreader having fluid sealed between two plates and a pumping mechanism to actuate multi-phase flow of the fluid. Thermal energy from an electronic component in contact with the heat spreader is dissipated from a core region via the working fluid to the entire heat spreader, and then to a heat sink. Surface enhancement features located between the two plates aid transfer of thermal energy from a first metal plate into the fluid.

Abstract: An interface is formed by pressing a patterned first surface and a second surface together, with a particle-loaded interface material in between. The first surface is fabricated with a pattern of channels designed to redistribute the velocity gradients that occur in the interface material during interface formation in order to control the arrangement, orientation and concentration of particles at the end of the interface formation. The concept finds application in thermal interfaces and controlled placement of nano and micro particles and biological molecules.