Abstract: Systems and methods that use a single-crystal boule SiC sharpened into a cutting tool for ultra-precision machining of ferrous alloys are disclosed. Conventional ultra-precision machining uses single-crystal natural diamond. Despite the exceptional mechanical properties of diamond, its chemical properties have inhibited the extension of ultra-precision machining to iron-containing (ferrous) alloys. A single-crystal SiC cutting tool can be used to cut many materials for which diamond cutting tools are conventionally used. Additionally, a single-crystal SiC cutting tool can be used to cut materials for which diamond cutting tools are inappropriate, such as ferrous metals or nickel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making a printed circuit board by exposing in a circuit pattern the polymeric surface of a conductive substrate coated with a polymer selected from the group consisting of polyimides, polyamide-imides, polyester-amide-imides, polysulfones, polyphenylene sulfides, and polyphenylene oxides, to an ion beam at an energy of about 50 KeV to about 2 MeV and a fluence of about 10.sup.15 to 10.sup.18 ions/cm.sup.2. The surface is then wet blasted and the portions of the polymeric surface that have been exposed to the ion beam are electrolessly plated with a metal such as nickel or copper. Also disclosed is a coated substrate comprising a metal or conductive surface and an imide polymeric coating on the surface which can be electrophoretically deposited, a portion of which has been exposed to an ion beam.

Abstract: A high power laser mirror and method of making the same are disclosed. Essentially the mirror consists of a refractory composition substrate which is polished to an optical finish and overcoated with a high reflectivity metal and a dielectric film disposed to cover the high reflectivity metal.The method includes the hot pressing of the refractory composition, especially silicon carbide, to form a substrate following which an optical finish is polished on one surface thereof. Thereafter, a metal film with a high reflectivity is applied to cover the optical surface and then a dielectric film is deposited over the high reflectivity metal film. Both films are deposited employing process of vacuum evaporation for deposition on the substrate. As thus combined, the mirror exhibits low optical absorptivity, high thermal conductivity, low weight, and low coefficient of thermal expansion. Since the substrate is formed of a hard refractory composition, an excellent optical finish can be polished on the surface thereof.

Abstract: Method of making a high power laser mirror. Essentially the mirror consists of a refractory composition substrate which is polished to an optical finish and overcoated with a high reflectivity metal and a dielectric film disposed to cover the high reflectivity metal.The method includes the hot pressing of the refractory composition, especially silicon carbide, to form a substrate following which an optical finish is polished on one surface thereof. Thereafter, a metal film with a high reflectivity is applied to cover the optical surface and then a dielectric film is deposited over the high reflectivity metal film. Both films are deposited employing process of vacuum evaporation for deposition on the substrate. As thus combined, the mirror exhibits low optical absorptivity, high thermal conductivity, low weight, and low coefficient of thermal expansion. Since the substrate is formed of a hard refractory composition, an excellent optical finish can be polished on the surface thereof.

Abstract: A method of preparing incandescible tungsten filaments which are doped with a predetermined concentration of selected dopant in order to provide filaments with predetermined characteristics. A beam of high velocity ions of the selected dopant are impinged against a target. The target is made up of a thin layer of finely divided tungsten powder. Dopant ions are implanted into the target layer until a predetermined dopant concentration is attained. The ion-implanted tungsten powder is then processed to form tungsten filaments.