Abstract: Carbonaceous fibers having sharp ends and which are useful as an electron-emitting material, for example, in cold-cathode display devices. Carbonaceous fibers having a structure such that planes formed of carbon atoms in a condensed ring structure are concentrically grown around a fiber axis then subjected to heating at a temperature of 400-1200° C. in the presence of oxygen.

Abstract: Disclosed are carbon fibers consisting of a plurality of single filaments, wherein the carbon fibers as a resin impregnated strand are characterized by satisfying the following relations: &sgr;≧11.1−0.75 d where &sgr; is the tensile strength of said carbon fibers as a resin impregnated strand in GPa, and d is the average diameter of said single filaments in &mgr;m, and RD≦0.05 where RD is the difference in crystallinity between the inner and outer layers of each of the single filaments evaluated with RAMAN, and an acrylic fibers for producing the carbon fibers and a process for producing the acrylic fibers.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a multi-filament article comprising filaments having a substantially hexagonal cross-section and a method for making the same. The filaments are formed by spinning a melt or solution of a polymer through a capillary spinneret having an orifice with a centrally disposed, generally circular, center cavity portion with six side cavity portions projecting radially away from the center cavity portion.

Abstract: Aggregated absorbent particles having a shape similar to an ellipsoid, which has a first axis (A—A) of length (a), a second axis (B—B) of length (b) and a third axis (C—C) of length (c), the first, second and third axes being orthogonal. The lengths of the first, second and third axes are such that: a>b≧c, and the ratio (a/b) of the length (a) of the first axis (A—A) to the length (b) of the second axis (B—B) is such that: 1.05<a/b<2.50. These aggregated absorbent particles are used in a gas production unit, in particular a PSA unit with radial geometry, for implementing a process of separating a gas flow, such as air or a syngas, with a view to producing, in particular, oxygen with a purity of at least 90%, hydrogen or purified air which can subsequently be separated by cryogenic distillation.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is now provided a body of cemented carbide or cermets coated with at least one diamond layer. The diamond layer is smooth on all sides of the body with an Ra<1 &mgr;m. According to the present invention there is also provided a method for reactive ion etching of a diamond layer on a complex shape body where the etching is efficient at all sides of the body exposed to the plasma. The etching is made using a C— or oxygen-containing plasma with the possibility of etching of a diamond layer covered by an outer layer of preferably a Si containing material.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a two-pack solvent-based ambient curable coating composition comprising a binder of a hydroxyl and crosslinking components. The hydroxyl component includes a linear or branched cycloaliphatic moiety-containing reactive oligomer or blend of oligomers with a weight average molecular weight not exceeding 3,000, a polydispersity not exceeding about 1.7 with at least 2 hydroxyl groups, at least 1, on average, being a primary hydroxyl group. The reactive oligomer is formed by the reaction of an oligomeric acid with monofunctional epoxy. The crosslinking component includes one or more of an oligomeric crosslinker containing at least 2 isocyanate groups. The coating composition of the invention is particularly suited in automotive refinish coatings.

Abstract: A process for preparing thin Cd2SnO4 films. The process comprises the steps of RF sputter coating a Cd2SnO4 layer onto a first substrate; coating a second substrate with a CdS layer; contacting the Cd2SnO4 layer with the CdS layer in a water- and oxygen-free environment and heating the first and second substrates and the Cd2SnO4 and CdS layers to a temperature sufficient to induce crystallization of the Cd2SnO4 layer into a uniform single-phase spinel-type structure, for a time sufficient to allow full crystallization of the Cd2SnO4 layer at that temperature; cooling the first and second substrates to room temperature; and separating the first and second substrates and layers from each other. The process can be conducted at temperatures less than 600° C., allowing the use of inexpensive soda lime glass substrates.

Abstract: To provide a retroreflective sheet which is suitable for co-molding by injection molding or the like, wherein the retroreflective sheet can be laid within a mold and molded with a resin to form a molded product, and, after molding, the sheet retains a significant portion of its reflection luminance and appearance as compared with the reflection luminance value before molding. A retroreflective sheet used for a co-molding, comprising a metallic reflective layer, a microspherical lens layer disposed as a single layer, and a transparent focal resin layer disposed between the reflective layer and the microspherical lens layer, in which the focal resin layer comprises a mixture of cellulose ester and polyvinyl butyral resin.

Abstract: A coated substrate and method of forming the substrate are provided. The substrate can have high gloss and good slip properties. Such a substrate can be formed with a paper base having a coating thereon. The coating can include an active silicone-based slip agent and other suitable ingredients.

Abstract: An antifouling silicone emulsion coating-composition comprising following components (A), (B), (C) and (D), an amount of the component (C) incorporated being in the range of 5 to 80% by weight relative to the total solid contents in the composition: (A) partially hydrolyzed organosiloxane with a weight-average molecular weight of 600 to 5,000 (determined using a polystyrene calibration curve), represented by the average formula (I): R2aSiOb(OR1)c(OH)d wherein R1 and R2 represent a monovalent hydrocarbon group; a, b, c and d are numerals satisfying the following relationships: a+2b+c+d=4, 0≦a<3, 0<b<2, 0<c<4, and 0<d<4; (B) nonionic or anionic surface active agent; (C) photo-semiconductor; and (D) water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of joining at least two parts of silicon carbide based material by refractory brazing in which these parts are brought into contact with an intermetallic braze alloy and said parts and braze alloy are heated to a braze temperature equivalent to the melting temperature of the braze alloy in order to form a refractory joint characterized in that the intermetallic braze alloy comprises 1 to 18% by weight of cobalt and from 82 to 99% by weight of silicon, and in that the joint obtained is a thick joint, that is to say with a thickness of generally from 0.1 to 0.5 mm. The invention also relates to a thick, refractory joint obtained by this method. Bonds of silicon carbide parts with thick joints prepared using the method of the invention allow the production with great precision of structures, apparatus and components with complex shapes having high temperatures of use reaching as high as 1000° C. and even higher.

Abstract: Insulation compounds are described that have been formulated for use in a refrigeration environment. The materials consist of crosslinkable compounds made from ionomer (EAS), polyether block amide (PEBA), polybutyleneterephthalate (PBT) homo- or copolymers, and/or polyvinylidenefluoride (PVDF). The insulation compounds are intended for use as wire insulation and in the fabrication of gaskets and liners. The compounds show superior resistance to refrigerants such as HCFC-22, HCFC-123, and HFC-134a. Crosslinking provides resistance to creeping under heat and pressure.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of forming an electrically insulating layer on a steel article such as a stack of electrical steel laminations or an individual, unstacked electrical steel lamination, comprising exposing the article to an oxidation atmosphere, and to a temperature (such as at least about 800° F.) for a time sufficient to form on the article an electrically insulating layer comprising hematite. The hematite layer is effective to provide the article with a surface resistivity characterized by an F-amp value of not greater than about 0.85 at a test pressure of 50 psi and a transfer surface roughness of about 10 micro inches (Ra). Also featured is a steel article having the electrically insulating layer formed thereon.

Abstract: Disclosed are an easy-cleavage shrink laminate film which is harmless to the environment, easy to tear and moderately shrinkable, and a bag made of the laminate film. The easy-cleavage shrink laminate film 22 has a basic, two-layered structure composed of an easy-cleavage shrink film 19 and a sealant film 21, and may optionally comprise an additional sealant film 21 and/or a substrate film 25 to have a multi-layered structure. The easy-cleavage shrink film 19 comprises from 40 to 85 parts by weight of Ny 6 and from 15 to 60 parts by weight of MXD 6, and this is drawn at an orientation ratio of not smaller than 2.8 times both in the MD direction and in the TD direction and thermally fixed at a heat-treating temperature falling between 120 and 195° C. to thereby have a degree of shrinkage of from 15 to 40% when it is put in hot water at 120° C. under pressure of about 2.0 kg/cm2 for 20 minutes.

Abstract: A paste is described for capping electrodes with an oxide free metal layer incorporating a solvent, an unzippable polymer and particles. The electrode could be an interconnect such as a C4 bump. A method for forming a coating and for testing integrated circuit chips is also described. The invention overcomes the problem of interconnecting Pb containing electrodes that are covered with an insulating oxide on integrated circuit chips by coating the Pb containing electrode with Au to provide an oxide free surface for testing and interconnection.

Abstract: A tribological coating made of a copper-free highly hypereutectic aluminum/silicon alloy and/or of a copper-free aluminum/silicon composite material composed such that fine silicon primary crystals and/or silicon particles, intermetallic phases, and oxides form as hard particles during the production of the layers in the atmospheric thermal spraying method and/or are anchored in the structure. The surface of the coating can be machined economically by short-chipping using conventional tools, so that additional alloy elements such as copper for forming additional intermetallic phases such as Al2Cu can be eliminated. This is significant because conventional AlSi cylinder liners in reciprocating engines pose problems in conjunction with certain fuels because of their copper content.

Abstract: A first member and a second member have end portions overlapped and welded by irradiating a laser beam on an outer surface of a lap portion. A front end surface of a fused portion slants at an obtuse angle larger than 90° with respect to a naked outer surface of the second member. A dilution rate S=B/(A+B) is equal to or less than 45%, where “A” represents a cross-sectional area of the fused portion merging into the first member and “B” represents a cross-sectional area of the fused portion merging into the second member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a bushing baseplate, and to a bushing baseplate. The bushing baseplate is characterized in that it comprises tips (18) constituted by hollow tubular elements of outside diameter slightly smaller than the inside diameter of holes (16) in the plate (12) forming the bushing baseplate, which tips are subjected to a step of being expanded radially relative to their axes. The method is simpler and less expensive.

Abstract: A laminated structural panel is formed of top, bottom, and one or more intermediate layers of material having low strength at high temperature and with perforated high temperature, high strength materials interleaved between the top, bottom and intermediate layers. Brazing material is clad on the top and bottom layers and the intermediate layer or layers may be entirely of brazing material or clad on both sizes with brazing material, such that when the assembled stack is subjected to high temperature in a high vacuum environment brazing material is caused to melt and fill the perforations in the high strength material. A particular application is for structural panels, used as shelves in manufacturing electronic chips or displays where aluminum is advantageous because it does not outgas or release particles under the high temperature, high vacuum environment used to make the product. Aluminum, however, does not maintain its strength and stiffness at the high temperatures involved.

Abstract: In a magnetic storage apparatus having a magnetic recording medium, a drive unit for driving this medium in a prespecified recording direction, a magnetic head assembly including a recorder section and reproduction section, means for causing the magnetic head to move relatively with respect to the magnetic record medium, and a record/playback signal processor means for performing signal inputting to the magnetic head and for effecting reproduction of an output signal from the magnetic head, the reproduction section of said magnetic head is composed of a magnetic head of the magneto-resistance effect type, while said magnetic record medium is structured including a substrate and a magnetic layer formed thereover with one or several underlayers being sandwiched therebetween, wherein at least one of the underlayers is a specific layer that is made of amorphous or microcrystalline materials containing therein Ni as the principal or main component thereof and further containing at least one kind of element as sele

Abstract: In semiconductor encapsulating epoxy resin compositions comprising an epoxy resin, a curing agent and an inorganic filler, 1-90% by weight of the inorganic filler is spherical cristobalite. The compositions are able to achieve higher loadings of inorganic filler, allow easy control of the coefficient of thermal expansion, and provide high-quality cured products having improved thermal conductivity and low moisture absorption.

Abstract: An epoxy resin composition for encapsulating a photosemi-conductor element excellent in releasing property from a mold in forming and in adhesion to the photosemi conductor element is provided. The epoxy resin composition comprises element comprising the following components (A) to (D): (A) an epoxy resin; (B) a hardener; (C) a silane coupling agent having an epoxy group, a mercapto group or an amino group; and (D) a releasing agent in which a molecule thereof has structure moieties represented by the following general formulas (1) and (2) and in which the weight ratio of the structure moiety represented by general formula (2) is 25% to 95% by weight based on the whole molecule, &Parenopenst;CH2CH2&Parenclosest;m  (1)  wherein m is a positive integer of 8 to 100 and &Parenopenst;CH2CH2O&Parenclosest;n  (2)  wherein n is a positive integer.

Abstract: In the present invention, a metal-ceramic composite substitute is produced by joining a metal plate to a ceramic substrate by using a brazing material in a paste form prepared by adding 10-14 parts by weight of a vehicle to 100 parts by weight of a powder of which the solid centent comprises 90.0˜99.5% of an Ag powder, 0˜9.5% of a Cu powder and 0.5˜4.0% of an active metal powder, and 0.0˜0.9% of a titanium oxide powder if necessary.

Abstract: A metallic article (30) comprises a bond coating (34) on the metallic article (30) and a ceramic thermal barrier coating (38) on the bond coating (34). The ceramic thermal barrier coating (38) comprises a plurality of columnar grains (40) extending substantially perpendicular to the surface of the metallic article (30). The ceramic thermal barrier coating (38) has an inner portion (44), a transition portion (46) and an outer portion (48). Each columnar grain (40) has a substantially constant cross-sectional area throughout its length in the outer portion (48), has smooth surfaces and there are distinct uniform gaps (42) between columnar grains to minimize the stress/strain in the columnar grains (40) and/or to minimize the stress/strain between adjacent columnar grains (40) and thereby increases the resistance to spallation of the ceramic thermal barrier coating. The columnar grains (40) are produced by controlling the evaporation rate of the ceramic, the temperature and speed of rotation of the article (30).

Abstract: Methods for hermetically sealing an interface surface of ceramic materials, such as zirconia, to an interface surface of metallic materials, such as titanium alloys, using a titanium-nickel alloy filler material are disclosed. Preferred ceramic materials include stabilized zirconia materials; preferred metallic materials include titanium-niobium alloys; and a preferred titanium-nickel filler material is a 50-50 titanium-nickel alloy. At least one of the interfaces is contacted by the titanium-nickel alloy filler material and sealing is accomplished under vacuum conditions at temperatures of from 900 to 1200° C. during application of pressure to the joint. The methods are especially suitable for use in hermetically sealing ceramic and metallic components for applications such as implantable medical devices, electrical connectors, electronic packages, sporting goods, structural components, and the like.

Abstract: A method by which a conventional circuit trace (14) is modified with a layer (16) of high-conductivity solder alloy to yield a high-current circuit trace (12) for high-current routing on a substrate (10). The method generally entails the use of a solder composition that contains a dispersion of metal particles (18) in a solder alloy (20). The metal particles (18) are selected on the basis of having a higher electrical conductivity than the solder alloy (20), and are present in sufficient amounts so that the electrical conductivity of the solder composition is significantly higher than that of the solder alloy (20). The solder composition is deposited on a conductor (14), and then reflowed to form a conductive layer (16) on the conductor (14). The metal particles (18) remain as a discrete dispersion within the conductive layer (16) in order to suitably promote the conductivity of the layer (16).

Abstract: A bimetallic strip for a sliding bearing having a sliding strip of an aluminum alloy which is adhered to a steel supporting strip and method of manufacture. The composition of the sliding strip is from 3 to 30% of tin; from 1 to 6% of silicon and the remainder being of aluminum and impurities, and the sliding strip has at least 95% of the silicon hard particles smaller than 3.5 microns and an aluminum grain average size of about 6 microns. The sliding strip is produced by roll casting the alloy and attaching the sliding strip to the steel supporting strip to form the bimetallic strip which is heat treated between 200° and 380° C. to obtain a metallurgical bonding between the strips; subjecting the bimetallic strip to a solubilizing process of the intermetallic compounds of the aluminum alloy by heating at 380-500° C., followed by cooling; and subjecting the bimetallic strip to a precipitation treatment at a temperature from 150° to 250° C.

Abstract: A radiation image storage panel has a phosphor layer which comprises a stimulable phosphor, and a protective film. The protective film is a coated layer containing at least 30% by weight of a fluorine-containing resin which is soluble in an organic solvent, such as a copolymer derived from a fluoroolefin and other copolymerizable monomer, polytetrafluoroethylene or a modified polytetrafluoroethylene.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluorescence-reddening membrane which is made up of a light-transmittable medium and, dispersed therein, (a) a rhodamine base fluorescence pigment and (b) a fluorescence pigment which has absorptions in the blue region and induces energy transfer to and reabsorptions from the rhodamine base fluorescence lamp at high conversion effieciencies.

Abstract: In a spin valve type magnetoresistance effect film comprising a multilayered film including a non-magnetic metal layer, a ferromagnetic layer formed on one surface of the non-magnetic metal layer, a soft magnetic layer formed on the other surface of the non-magnetic metal layer, and an antiferromagnetic layer which is formed on a surface of the ferromagnetic layer remote from the other surface thereof abutting the non-magnetic metal layer so as to pin a direction of magnetization of the ferromagnetic layer, the antiferromagnetic layer is made of a compound containing Mn and having a CuAu-I type regular crystal structure and is crystallized by laser irradiation to show antiferromagnetism. Thus, an excellent effect is achieved that mutual diffusion in the laminate film is very small and the MR ratio is very large. Further, when a spin valve head is formed, an excellent effect is achieved that the sensitivity is high and the output is large.

Abstract: A magnetic recording medium comprising: a plastic substrate; a nickel oxide underlayer formed on said substrate; and a cobalt-containing maghemite thin film formed on said nickel oxide underlayer, containing cobalt at a molar ratio of cobalt to iron of 0.01:1 to 0.1:1, and having either a spacing of a plane (311) of not more than 2.510 Å, a spacing of a plane (222) of not more than 2.415 Å or a spacing of a plane (220) of not more than 2.950 Å, a ratio value of an X-ray diffraction pattern peak intensity of either of the planes (311), (222) and (220) of said cobalt-containing maghemite thin film to an X-ray diffraction pattern peak intensity of the plane (400) thereof being more than 0.5. Such magnetic recording medium suitably applicable to existent magnetic recording systems using a ring-type magnetic head and capable of using a plastic substrate for providing a magnetic recording medium for high-density recording.

Abstract: A transparent conductive film having a transparent oxide layer and a metal layer containing Ag, laminated in this order from a substrate side in a total of (2n+l) layers), wherein n is an integer of at least 1, wherein the transparent oxide layer contains ZnO and further contains In within a range of from 9 to 98 atomic % based on the sum of Zn and In, and a process for forming a transparent electrode.

Abstract: A non-combustible gypsum/fiber board comprises two surface layers and at least one core layer, wherein the surface layers comprise a gypsum composition that is reinforced with organic fibers, and the core layer comprises a gypsum composition containing no more than about 3% by weight of organic materials.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell (40) having a closed end (44) and an open end (42) operates in a fuel cell generator (10) where the fuel cell open end (42) of each fuel cell contains a sleeve (60, 64) fitted over the open end (42), where the sleeve (60, 64) extends beyond the open end (42) of the fuel cell (40) to prevent degradation of the interior air electrode of the fuel cell by fuel gas during operation of the generator (10).

Abstract: An improved direct liquid-feed fuel cell having a solid membrane electrolyte for electrochemical reactions of an organic fuel. Catalyst utilization and catalyst/membrane interface improvements are disclosed. Specifically, the catalyst layer is applied directly onto the membrane electrolyte.

Abstract: A thin metal film battery cell is formed by one or more plates wound in a spiral thereby forming a roll with two ends at which spiralled edges of the plates are exposed. Each end of the roll is covered by an end strap which includes a body of electrically conductive material from which a tab extends. The body contacts each convolution of the roll while leaving a portion of each convolution exposed so that an electrolyte is able to flow into the roll. The tab attached to and projecting outward from the body for making electical connection to the thin metal film battery cell.

Abstract: An electrochemical cell comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, an electrolyte, and a dopant associated with the electrolyte, wherein the dopant comprises a reservoir for controllably releasing salt into the electrolyte. The dopant further comprises means for controllably regulating internal pressure of the electrochemical cell as well as means for substantially precluding dendrite formation within the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: An auxiliary power source device for a portable electronic instrument is formed of a main body, an attaching terminal disposed, at one side of the main body, which is detachably fitted into an external connection terminal of the portable electronic instrument to provide electricity to the same, a battery disposed in the main body and connected to the attaching terminal, and an elastic engaging member disposed at a side portion of the attaching terminal. When the attaching terminal is fitted into the external connection terminal, the engaging member is engaged with an inner wall of the external connection terminal by an elastic force of the engaging member. In case a battery of the portable electronic instrument is dead, the auxiliary power source device can be securely connected to the portable electronic instrument by an easy operation, so that the battery of the portable electronic instrument can be charged, or the portable electronic instrument can be used immediately.

Abstract: An electrode is disclosed that includes at least one ribbon of electrochemically active material. By forming a negative electrode of zinc ribbons, the high-rate discharge capacity of the negative electrode is significantly increased. Consequently, the high-rate service of an electrochemical cell having the inventive electrode structure is improved.

Abstract: A hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode for an alkaline secondary battery. The electrode is made from a hydrogen-absorbing alloy containing nickel which has been treated with an acidic solution containing a chelating agent for nickel. The hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode has good activity and a nickel-hydrogen battery having the hydrogen-absorbing alloy electrode as a negative electrode has a large high rate discharge capacity soon after being assembled, and inhibits an increase of internal pressure during discharge.

Abstract: A positive electrode for a lithium battery wherein nickel oxyhydroxide is held in an electro-conductive three-dimensional porous material or a sintered nickel substrate and a lithium battery using it. When the three-dimensional porous material is used, the electric contact of the active material and the current collector is good, also the contact state of nickel oxyhydroxide particles, which are active materials, each other is good, further, the contact resistance among the particles is low, and also the diffusion of the lithium ion, which is the rate-determining step of the reaction, becomes easy among the particles.

Abstract: An anode for use in an electrochemical cell comprises a plate of non-particulate, mercury-free zinc metal and a coating of indium metal on at least a portion of the zinc plate surface. The anode is particularly useful in a rechargeable metal-air cell. The elimination of mercury enhances the safety of the cell and the indium coating reduces gassing at the anode and corrosion of the anode. Desirably, the electrolyte in the metal air cell also includes indium hydroxide. Also, a method for making the anode using a hot-plate joining process.

Abstract: A spinel-type structure with the general formula Li[Ti1.67Li0.33−yMy]O4, for 0<y≦0.33, where M=Mg and/or Al. The structure is usefid as a negative electrode for a non-aqueous electrochemical cell and in a non-aqueous battery comprising an plurality of cells, electrically connected, each cell comprising a negative electrode, an electrolyte and a positive electrode, the negative electrode consisting of the spinel-type structure disclosed.

Abstract: Paper for use as a separator in an electrochemical cell completely absorbs a 50 &mgr;l drop of water placed thereon in a time of not less than four minutes and not greater than fifteen minutes at 20° C. and provides an improve cell having less leakage and corrosive, especially in a mercury-free cell.

Abstract: A nonaqueous electrolyte lithium primary or secondary battery having improved storage property is disclosed. The battery includes a positive electrode; a negative electrode in which the active material is lithium, a lithium alloy or a compound capable of occluding and discharging lithium; and a nonaqueous electrolyte including a solvent containing at least 10 wt % of dioxolane or derivative of dioxolane and an electrolytic solute represented by LiN(CmF2m+1SO2)(CnF2n+1SO2) (where m is a natural number of 1 or greater, and n is a natural number of 2 or greater).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an unexpected benefit in a lithium cell derived from using a combination of silver vanadium oxide prepared in a temperature range of about 450° C. to about 500° C. activated with a nonaqueous electrolyte having a passivation inhibitor additive selected from a nitrite, a nitrate, a carbonate, a dicarbonate, a phosphonate, a phosphate, a sulfate and hydrogen fluoride, and mixtures thereof. The benefits include additional battery life resulting from a reduction in voltage delay and RDC build-up. A preferred electrolyte is 1M LiAsF6 in a 50:50 mixture, by volume, of PC and DME having dibenzyl carbonate added therein.

Abstract: A photorefractive composite comprises a charge transport matrix and an electrooptic dye having an aliphatic group of four or more carbon atoms.

Abstract: The invention relates to use of a material containing a polymerizable monomer or oligomer, the material exhibiting desirable shrinkage compensation upon polymerization. The material contains an expansion agent having a cleaving moiety with the capacity to be cleaved or fragmented by a catalytic reaction, e.g., acid catalysis. The cleavage, by increasing the number of molecules in the material, causes expansion that compensates, at least in part, for shrinkage induced by polymerization of the monomer or oligomer. The expansion agent is capable of providing compensation such that no more than 0.4%, advantageously no more than 0.2%, volume shrinkage per molar concentration of polymerized monomer functional groups occurs, where such compensation is performed at relatively low temperatures of less than 40° C.

Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device by obtaining a substrate, with a first surface and a second surface, where the substrate has a first material and a second material separated by an etch stop. A membrane film is deposited on the first surface of the substrate and the substrate is patterned to form an opening through the second surface and through the second material to the etch stop layer. The etch stop layer and the first material in the opening are then patterned to form the semiconductor device. This method may be used to form a lithographic mask and further embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: A computer system (10) and method for automating manufacture of a photomask. The computer system (10) has a product database (21) that stores information used to manufacture the photomask. In addition, a semiconductor device is manufactured using the information stored in the product database (21). The information is transmitted to the product database (21) from semiconductor satellite systems such as a fabrication facility (14), a first mask shop (12), and a second mask shop (13). The computer system (10) chooses a mask shop for producing the photomask by using the information transmitted form the first mask shop (12) and the second mask shop (13).