Abstract: Structures for a through-silicon via and methods of forming a structure for a through-silicon via. The structure includes a substrate having a trench and surfaces that border the trench. The structure further includes a through-silicon via having a layer inside the trench. The layer is in direct contact with the surfaces of the substrate.

Abstract: Ultrabright fluorescent silica particles that can take stable temperature measurements, and methods of their manufacture. The particles have encapsulated fluorescent substances, some of which can exhibit altering fluorescent characteristics depending on temperature. The particles function as a thermometer allowing one to measure the temperature of the environment. A ratio of the fluorescent peaks in the fluorescent spectrum of each particle depends on temperature, but is dependent on neither the amount of exciting light nor the size of the particles. Further, the particle size can be confined to the range of 8 nm to 100 ?m.

Abstract: Ultrabright fluorescent silica particles that can take stable temperature measurements, and methods of their manufacture. The particles have encapsulated fluorescent substances, some of which can exhibit altering fluorescent characteristics depending on temperature. The particles function as a thermometer allowing one to measure the temperature of the environment. A ratio of the fluorescent peaks in the fluorescent spectrum of each particle depends on temperature, but is dependent on neither the amount of exciting light nor the size of the particles. Further, the particle size can be confined to the range of 8 nm to 100 ?m.