Abstract: A system and method for forming conductive lines on a substrate comprising depositing a precursor onto at least a portion of the substrate, depositing a thin layer of conductive material over the precursor, forming a negative-patterned mask over a portion of the thin layer of conductive material to form an exposed pattern, forming conductive lines in the exposed pattern, removing the patterned mask thereby uncovering an exposed portion of the conductive layer that substantially corresponds to the negative pattern portion, and removing the exposed portion of the conductive layer so as to uncover substrate that substantially corresponds to the exposed portion.

Abstract: A coated metal surface is disclosed, with a chemically-bonded film of long-chain organic groups. Such coating may be hydrophobic, and therefore repel the presence of water. This allows the surface to resist corrosion and surface oxidation, without diminishing the desired metallic characteristics of the surface. Further disclosed are methods for applying and coating on various substrates. Such coating may be advantageously applied to protect metals from corrosive environments such as air, water, chemicals, and bodily fluids.

Abstract: A method for reducing porosity of metal layers on a substrate may comprise depositing a precursor onto at least a portion of the substrate, and adding metal layers over the precursor comprising at least one cycle, wherein each cycle comprises: depositing a metal layer over the precursor, and exposing the metal layer to a breath-out solution.

Abstract: Described herein are several solutions that increase transducer lifetime by reducing or preventing tear propagation in a compliant electroactive polymer. One solution couples a compliant tear resistant treatment to a transducer proximate to an edge portion of the electroactive polymer. Another solution uses a tear resistant layer that couples to and covers a large surface area of the transducer. Another suitable tear resistant solution provides added material outside an active area; the added material reduces stress or strain variations in polymer material outside the active area when the electroactive polymer transducer is deflected or pre-strained.

Abstract: Described herein are several solutions that increase transducer lifetime by reducing or preventing tear propagation in a compliant electroactive polymer. One solution couples a compliant tear resistant treatment to a transducer proximate to an edge portion of the electroactive polymer. Another solution uses a tear resistant layer that couples to and covers a large surface area of the transducer.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method to produce a patterned superconducting solid preferably as a thin film. Unsaturated organic acid metal salts of suitable metals are dissolved in an organic solvent, mixed thoroughly and cast as a film on a substrate. The concentration of these organic carboxylate metal salts is adjusted such that a superconducting metal oxide ratio is obtained upon pyrolysis at temperatures up to 1000.degree. C. with subsequent slow cooling. A pattern (mask) is placed over the film and the film is irradiated to polymerize and crosslink the exposed portions. The unpolymerized and uncrosslinked portions are removed usually by using selective solvents or solvent mixtures. The solid remaining is heated in oxygen or air to about 1000.degree. C., which removes the organic portions and leaves metal oxide residue. The metal oxides are then cooled slowly and annealed to produce the patterned metal oxide superconducting materials.