Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented to release stiction between suspended structures and the underlying surface in freestanding MEMS structures. A nanosecond rise time stress wave is launched on the backside of the Si substrate by impinging a short-duration Nd:YAG laser pulse onto a small area. The compressive stress wave propagates through the Si substrate and arrives at the site of several stiction-failed cantilevers on the front Si surface. The compressive stress wave propagates through the cantilevered structures and is reflected into a tensile wave from their free surfaces. The returning tensile wave pries off the interface, releasing the cantilevers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for direct measurement of the tensile strength of joints with use of laser spallation. A laser pulse is directed at a surface in communication with a solder joint, generating a stress wave to separate the solder ball from its underlying structure. The solder joint may be measured either prior to joining of a PCB board or CSP package, or after they have been joined. The joints for testing may be prepared by polishing either the PC board or the CSP package to expose the desired solder joint for testing. The tensile strength of the embedded joints may also be measured in-situ.

Abstract: Exemplary compositions and methods for reducing hexavalent chromium in cementitious compositions involve the use of a liquid additive composition, comprising stannous chloride. Along with the stannous chloride may be used at least one co-additive comprising an antioxidant, oxygen scavenger, or mixture thereof, and/or at least one agent comprising a cement grinding aid, cement quality improver, or mixture thereof.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented to release stiction between suspended structures and the underlying surface in freestanding MEMS structures. A nanosecond rise time stress wave is launched on the backside of the Si substrate by impinging a 2.5 ns-duration Nd:YAG laser pulse onto a 3 mm-dia area. The compressive stress wave propagates through the Si substrate and arrives at the site of several stiction-failed cantilevers on the front Si surface. The compressive stress wave propagates through the cantilevered structures and is reflected into a tensile wave from their free surfaces. The returning tensile wave pries off the interface, releasing the cantilevers.

Abstract: A device for generating a tensile force between a substrate and a coating, wherein the substrate has a thickness defined by a first side and a second side in a first axis, and the coating is applied to the first side of the substrate such that the coating and substrate are axially spaced along the first axis in intimate facing contact with each other to form a coating/substrate interface. The apparatus has a glass element disposed on the second side of the substrate and axially spaced along the first axis. The glass element is configured to propagate a stress wave to the coating/substrate interface to generate a tensile force between the substrate and the coating.

Abstract: An association complex formed in a liquid environment from a metal-based chromium (VI) reducer and a non-lignosulfonate-based complexing agent is introduced into cement clinker or hydratable cement particles. In preferred embodiments, the formation of the association complex provides storage stability to the chromium reducer within the cement, such that the level of chromium (VI) after water is added to the cement remains less than 2 ppm for certain duration after mixing with water and without the necessity for further additions of chromium reducer during said duration (e.g., 26-84 or more days after addition). Compositions having the association complex are also described.

Abstract: A chromium VI reducing composition comprising particles of solid material selected from the group consisting of iron (II) sulfate and tin sulfate, the particles being substantially uniformly dispersed within a liquid carrier. Methods for modifying hydratable cementitious materials using the chromium reducing composition are also disclosed and provide advantages over dry powder or dissolved forms of sulfate compositions when used in cement manufacturing.

Abstract: Exemplary compositions and methods for reducing hexavalent chromium in cementitious compositions involve the use of a liquid additive composition, comprising stannous chloride. Along with the stannous chloride may be used at least one co-additive comprising an antioxidant, oxygen scavenger, or mixture thereof, and/or at least one agent comprising a cement grinding aid, cement quality improver, or mixture thereof.

Abstract: Exemplary compositions and methods for reducing hexavalent chromium in cementitious compositions involve the use of a liquid additive composition, comprising stannous chloride. Along with the stannous chloride may be used at least one co-additive comprising an antioxidant, oxygen scavenger, or mixture thereof, and/or at least one agent comprising a cement grinding aid, cement quality improver, or mixture thereof.

Abstract: Exemplary compositions and methods for reducing hexavalent chromium in cementitious compositions involve the use of a liquid additive composition, comprising stannous chloride. Along with the stannous chloride may be used at least one co-additive comprising an antioxidant, oxygen scavenger, or mixture thereof, and/or at least one agent comprising a cement grinding aid, cement quality improver, or mixture thereof.

Abstract: A chromium VI reducing composition comprising particles of solid material selected from the group consisting of iron (II) sulfate and tin sulfate, the particles being substantially uniformly dispersed within a liquid carrier. Methods for modifying hydratable cementitious materials using the chromium reducing composition are also disclosed and provide advantages over dry powder or dissolved forms of sulfate compositions when used in cement manufacturing.

Abstract: A system for measuring the tensile strength of a planar interface between a substrate and a coating which includes an energy source that generates an electromagnetic beam along a first axis, and a sample assembly disposed along the first axis having a first face, and a second face, where the first and second faces are oppositely opposed. The sample assembly includes a confining plate, an energy absorbing layer, a substrate and a coating having a free surface, all in intimate facing contact with each other, and where the sample and coating are in intimate facing contact forms a substrate/coating interface. The coating is positioned along the first axis so that the coating free surface forms the sample assembly second face and the confining plate forms the sample assembly first face. The sample assembly further includes a pulse element for generating a stress pulse responsive to the electromagnetic beam.