Abstract: A chalcogenide film of the present invention is deposited, by sputtering, in a contact hole formed in an insulating layer on a substrate. The chalcogenide film comprises an underlayer film formed at least on a bottom portion of the contact hole and a crystal layer made of a chalcogen compound, and formed onto the underlayer film and in the contact hole.

Abstract: A chalcogenide film of the invention is formed by a sputtering within a contact hole formed in an insulating layer on a substrate, and is made of a chalcogen compound including a melting-point lowering material that lowers a melting point.

Abstract: A method for forming a chalcogenide film within a contact hole formed in an insulating layer on a substrate, includes: preparing a target having a composition the same as that of the chalcogenide film; setting a ratio L/T of a distance L with respect to a diameter T of the target to a value not less than 0.5 and not more than 1.5, where the diameter of the target is T (m) and the distance between the target and the substrate is L (m); and forming a chalcogenide film within the contact hole by a sputtering process in which a bias electric power is applied to the substrate and a sputtering electric power is applied to the target.

Abstract: Ablation devices and associated methods are provided for use in palliative treatment of a bone tumor on or in a compact bone region. The bone treatment devices include an elongate probe having a distal end. A proximal end of the probe supports placement in a location at or adjacent to the bone tumor. Electrodes are carried within the probe for deployment from the distal end into the bone tumor. The electrodes may be shapable to create, upon deployment, an array of electrodes that defines a geometric area within the bone tumor. Application of energy, for example energy from a radio frequency (RF) source, to the area of the bone tumor via the electrodes destroys at least a portion of the nerve receptors located in or adjacent to the tumor and produces a reduction in pain associated with the bone tumor.

Abstract: Ablation devices and associated methods are provided for use in palliative treatment of a bone tumor on or in a compact bone region. The bone treatment devices include an elongate probe having a distal end. A proximal end of the probe supports placement in a location at or adjacent to the bone tumor. Electrodes are carried within the probe for deployment from the distal end into the bone tumor. The electrodes may be shapable to create, upon deployment, an array of electrodes that defines a geometric area within the bone tumor. Application of energy, for example energy from a radio frequency (RF) source, to the area of the bone tumor via the electrodes destroys at least a portion of the nerve receptors located in or adjacent to the tumor and produces a reduction in pain associated with the bone tumor.

Abstract: Ablation devices and associated methods are provided for use in palliative treatment of a bone tumor on or in a compact bone region. The bone treatment devices include an elongate probe having a distal end. A proximal end of the probe supports placement in a location at or adjacent to the bone tumor. Electrodes are carried within the probe for deployment from the distal end into the bone tumor. The electrodes may be shapable to create, upon deployment, an array of electrodes that defines a geometric area within the bone tumor. Application of energy, for example energy from a radio frequency (RF) source, to the area of the bone tumor via the electrodes destroys at least a portion of the nerve receptors located in or adjacent to the tumor and produces a reduction in pain associated with the bone tumor.

Abstract: Ablation devices and associated methods are provided for use in palliative treatment of a bone tumor on or in a compact bone region. The bone treatment devices include an elongate probe having a distal end. A proximal end of the probe supports placement in a location at or adjacent to the bone tumor. Electrodes are carried within the probe for deployment from the distal end into the bone tumor. The electrodes may be shapable to create, upon deployment, an array of electrodes that defines a geometric area within the bone tumor. Application of energy, for example energy from a radio frequency (RF) source, to the area of the bone tumor via the electrodes destroys at least a portion of the nerve receptors located in or adjacent to the tumor and produces a reduction in pain associated with the bone tumor.