Abstract: A first surface of a porous medium is in contact with a first space. A second surface of the porous medium is in contact with a second space. The first space is in communication with the second space via the pores of the porous medium. Light in a wavelength range where the material of the porous medium exhibits light absorption properties is applied to the first surface of the porous medium from a light source, so that energy of the applied light can be efficiently absorbed into the porous medium from its first surface, and the first surface of the porous medium can be efficiently heated. As a result, a thermal transpiration flow can be efficiently generated in the porous medium, and a pressure difference can be efficiently produced between the first space and the second space.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and sensor for easily detecting the thermal history (or the change in state by heat) of a specimen. The sensor is made up of a pair of electrodes 1, 1, a diffusion layer 2 of insulating material disposed between the electrodes, and an electrically conductive metal 3. The electrodes are electrically isolated from each other in the beginning. As the sensor experiences heat history, the electrically conductive metal diffuses into the diffusion layer 2, thereby changing the resistance of the diffusion layer. When in use, the sensor is placed in or near the atmosphere to which the specimen is exposed. In response to the change of the specimen by heat, the electrically conductive metal 3 diffuses into the diffusion layer 2 to such an extent that the electrical resistance across the electrodes extremely decreases after a certain period of time. Thus it is possible to detect the deterioration or life of the specimen by monitoring the change in electrical resistance of the sensor.

Abstract: A metal target and a substrate are disposed in confronting relationship in a vacuum chamber whose interior is kept at high vacuum, and laser light is irradiated to the surface of the target to emit a high-speed evaporated material from the target. The high-speed evaporated material is then deposited on the substrate. By applying a predetermined voltage between the target and the substrate, the impact energy of the charged particles in the evaporated material on the substrate are controlled to form an amorphous metal film preferably a pure iron film.

Abstract: For forming a metal film of a desired property on a substrate, a target and the substrate are placed in a pressure-reducing chamber, and then pulse laser is irradiated to the target. This causes the component materials, such as ions, electrons, neutral atoms, cluster, fine grains and liquid drops, of the target to be emitted from the target, and then laser induced plasma is produced. These emissions of substances have spatial and timewise distribution determined by physical and chemical states. Then, a shielding plate having an opening is placed between the target and the substrate, and from the materials, only the material emitted in a predetermined direction is selected to control the property of the film deposited on the substrate. By locating a filter between the target and the substrate to open for a predetermined period of time, only the material emitted at a predetermined velocity can be selected. Further, by applying a predetermined d.c.

Abstract: The process and apparatus for reducing soot in soot-containing gases, such as exhaust gases from a Diesel engine, by applying thereto an alternating or pulsating voltage to promote oxidation of soot and to change the character of soot. The resultant gas may be contacted with active medium, such as a heated net of metal or an oxidation catalyst, to oxidize the remaining soot.